Asian Military Review - November 2008

VOLUME 16/ISSUE 11

ASIA PACIFIC’S

NOVEMBER 2008 US$10

LARGEST

CIRCULATED

DEFENCE

MAGAZINE

CHINESE FIGHTERS

CELLULAR COMMS

LIGHT OBSERVATION AIRCRAFT

CYBER WARFARE FRIGATES AND DESTROYERS

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Contents NOVEMBER 2008 VOLUME 16 / ISSUE 11

18 Asian Frigates and Destroyers Thomas Withington Navies around Asia are involved in the acquisition of new frigates and destroyers, upgrades of existing vessels and the construction of forthcoming surface combatants. This is being driven in some cases by regional maritime security concerns and strategic weapons developments and in others, merely replacing ageing vessels and their subsystems.

Front Cover Photo: Republic of Singapore Navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast (FFS 70), commissioned along with RSS Intrepid & Tenacious in February, participating in the RIMPAC naval exercise, July 2008. The above surface weapons fit comprises the MBDA Aster air defence missile system, Boeing Harpoon and Oto Melara 76 mm gun, co-ordinated by the Thales Herakles E/F-band multi-function air & surface radar. Below surface engagement is via the Eurotorp A244/S Mod 3 lightweight torpedoes, supported by an organic Sikorsky S-70B helicopter. (Photo: US Navy)

04

Light Observation, Light Attack Aircraft

John Mulberry Matching sufficient and appropriate ISR capabilities and kinetic effects to the target is a cornerstone of effective military operations. However, often large and expensive airborne hammers are often being tasked with cracking the insurgent nut, at considerable financial and operational logistic cost. Instead, light turboprops and jets are being adapted for the Counter Insurgency role and finding a ready market for their capabilities.

12

Chinese Fighter and Striker Aircraft

Ilya Kramnik Chinese combat aircraft have operated in combat zones across the world, throughout the Cold War and subsequently. The PLAAF is now seeking to climb to the top of the global capability curve.

Aided by international partners, providing increasingly complex levels of technology in combination with often flawed domestic design expertise, questions remain over whether China has the momentum to reach the heights to which it aspires.

Cellular Reliability

The Battle of the Byte

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Adam Baddeley Civil technology has long been an eagerly grasped solution to the military communications conundrum. The underlying assumption however has been that cost effectiveness and rapid implementation are only achieved at the price of limitations in ruggedisation and security standards. These shortcomings are being rapidly overcome, cellular technology in particular finding a place on the front line of every warfighter.

John Mulberry Domination of the fifth space – cyber warfare - is no longer a peripheral concern of military planners. Securing national and military information networks from attack is a priority in peace as well as war. Asian cyber warriors are on the cutting edge of electronic activities designed to decisively undermine even the strongest battlefield power.

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Editorial

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ailed states are nothing new. They litter the geopolitical landscape, generating conflict and exporting instability to their neighbours via a combination of insipient criminality, terror and pervasive chaos.

One of the catalysts for state failure is economic collapse. Pakistan is limping toward that point; foreign exchange reserves have tumbled and other financial indicators are dire. A fragile new government has to deal with this, rebellion in its border areas, urban terror in the heart of Islamabad and a military not unduly concerned with civilian direction. Can it cope?

Military intervention in Pakistani politics would not necessarily align itself against Islamist terror, with a rogue military-intelligence complex, already long supportive of the Taliban likely to be the power behind the throne.

It may be tempting to adopt a laissez faire approach on the underlying assumption that Pakistan should reap as it has sown. This is self-indulgent and ultimately self-defeating. For reasons why, just look to the Horn of Africa.

The utter failure of state governance in Somalia should give pause for thought; foreign jihadists are ubiquitous, a domestic Islamist takeover necessitating military intervention by its neighbour Ethiopia, with several thousand troops remaining and insurgency growing stronger each day, piracy is endemic and the resulting refugee diaspora clogs neighbours’ border regions.

Israel/Turkey Liat Heiblum, Oreet - International Media Tel: (97 2) 3 570 6527 E-Mail: liat@oreet-marcom.com Japan Mikio Tsuchiya, MHAS Media Tel: (81) 3 5456 8230 E-Mail: wms-mikio.tsuchiya@peace.ocn.ne.jp Philippines Clang Garcia, AdReflex International Tel: (63 2) 638 8374 E-Mail: chang-garcia@adreflexintl.com Russia Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Tel/Fax : (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :alla@mediatransasia.com, allbbo@online.sinor.ru

There are no UN Blue Helmets in Somalia, only limited international naval forces attempting to contain piracy. There is neither regional appetite for nor international interest in intervention. Any conflict resolution will have to come from within the country itself and has so far been a very long time coming.

Scandinavia/Benelux/South Africa Karen Norris, T K Associates Tel: (44) 1435 884 027 E-Mail: tony.kingham@worldsecurity-index.com

But the impact of Pakistan’s failure would be orders of magnitude greater, not least because of its access to nuclear weapons.

Singapore/Malaysia Dr. Rosalind Lui, TSEA International Tel: (65) 6458 7885 Mobile : (65) 9886 3762 E-Mail: drrosalind@tsea.com South Korea Young Seoh Chinn, Jes Media Inc. Tel: (82-2) 481 3411/13 E-Mail: jesmedia@unitel.co.kr USA (East/South East)/Canada Margie Brown, Margie Brown & Associates.

Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email :margiespub@rcn.com USA (West/South West)/Brazil Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc. Tel: +1 (858) 759 3557 Email: blackrockmedia@cox.net

When a patient is in the emergency room the priority is to keep them alive, not to establish how they got there and whose fault it was. There are many way to help, but Pakistan’s economy must be supported. Unemployment must be kept to manageable levels, lights must stay on and food must be put on the table, if only out of the self interest of its neighbours, the Coalition in Afghanistan and other concerned parties. At a time of economic fear it is easy to lose track of the big picture, still easier to derogate responsibility and hope the cost passes to someone else, particularly when the financial implications are unpalatable to a domestic electorate. However, avoiding political discomfort now, may lead to a security nightmare later.

Adam Baddeley, Editor Editor: Adam Baddeley E-mail: adam@baddeley.net

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03

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

Thunder from the Sky:

Light Observation, Light Attack There was a time, in the not too distant past, when the role of small, turboprop driven aircraft appeared to be limited to training pilots who would go on to fly fighter jets, transport aircraft, or large surveillance aircraft.

However, a small number of such aircraft clung on to a niche, light observation role particularly for air forces unable or unwilling to purchase more expensive surveillance platforms or fighter aircraft.

by John Mulberry

The Cessna O-2 Skymaster entered US service in 1966 for use in the Vietnam War. It is still in service with some air forces today Source: USAF

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ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

The Beechcraft AT-6B is a dedicated attack variant of the US-built T-6 Texan II, which itself is based on the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 design Source: Beechcraft

role as they do in combating guerrillas.

Riding high The original EMB-312 Tucano revolutionised the concept of trainer and light attack aircraft some twenty years ago. The evolution of that aircraft, the EMB-314 Super Tucano, continues that tradition (Source: Embraer)

ecent developments have given the manufacturers of Light Observation Aircraft (LOA) a new lease of life, both in supplying the LOA market and in the evolving niche for Counter Insurgency (COIN) platforms. Air forces have begun to recognise that in theatres like Afghanistan and Iraq, air support need not always be carried out by large and expensive fighters and surveillance aircraft. Facing a relatively benign air environment, there is an identified need for relatively slow moving aircraft that can stay on station for extended periods and be both able to deliver effective ordnance and also provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities affordably. It is notable that the Afghan National Army’s US-led plans for an initial fixed-wing light ground attack capability are coalescing around aircraft of this type, scheduled for fielding toward the middle

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of next decade. The Iraqi Air Force for example is adding a small number of Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft, equipped with pair of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to its fleet.

For armed forces looking for such aircraft to fulfil the LOA and COIN mission there are now a number of aircraft from which to select, with manufacturers regularly adding to the range. Neither are there any geographical boundaries to the market with countries around the world looking to procure the right technology.

For Asian air forces the need is also apparent, especially for those conducting domestic counter-insurgency campaigns. For those countries for whom a ‘kinetic’ solution is rarely called upon, LOAs also provide as cost effective solution in the border protection The first Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft to enter service with the Iraqi Air Force Source: USAF

NOVEMBER 2008

One of the most established players in the market is Embraer with its EMB-314 Super Tucano trainer and light attack aircraft. The Brazilian manufacturer introduced the original EMB-312 Tucano airframe some twenty years ago when, according to the company, it completely revolutionised the concept of trainer and light attack aircraft. The evolution of that aircraft, the Super Tucano, continues that tradition. The aircraft is a single-engine, multipurpose military aircraft that combines turboprop efficiency with fourth-generation avionics and armament systems.

As a result the Super Tucano is able to perform both training and operational effectiveness at a low acquisition and operating costs.

The aircraft can be used for basic/advanced training, light attack and weapons familiarisation.

In the LOA/COIN role the aircraft offers both flexibility

05

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

Air support need not always be carried out by large and expensive fighters and surveillance aircraft and capability.

The Super Tucano is powered by a 1,600 SHP, FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney PWC PT6A-68C turboprop engine. The airframe itself is highly manoeuvrable and able to withstand 7G/-3.5G loads. According to company materials the aircraft’s structure is corrosion-protected, and the side-hinged canopy has a windshield capable of withstanding a bird strike at 270 kts.

Two versions of the Super Tucano are offered; a two-seater with an endurance of over four hours with a standard weapon load and a single-seater version with an additional 80-gallon fuel tank behind the pilot’s seat, extending the maximum endurance by more than two hours. In the COIN role this gives the aircraft a loiter-time of close to seven hours.

Korea Aerospace Industries has developed the KO-1 Forward Airborne Controller aircraft, which was developed in cooperation with the country’s Agency for Defence Development (Source: KAI)

Both versions of the aircraft are fitted with five underside hard points to accommodate a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

The aircraft is also fitted with two .50 calibre machineguns.

Inside the aircraft, the Super Tucano has an all-glass cockpit designed to minimise pilot workload by optimising tasks such as tracking, interception, and support. The aircraft’s avionics suite includes: full hands-on throttle and stick technology; laser INS with GPS navigation; computerised attack modes; Head-Up Display (HUD); two liquid crystal colour

multi-function displays; integrated radio communication and navigation; tactical V/UHF with provisions for data links; video camera/recorder; Forward-Looking Infrared; and provisions for night-vision goggles.

Currently the main operators of the Super Tucano are in Embraer’s home continent of South America. The aircraft is in use with the air forces of Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, in many cases replacing the elderly A-37 Dragonfly. Further orders from Chile and Ecuador are also on the company’s books. Colombia has made consider-

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

tial for similar firms to operate this class of aircraft in the COIN role.

Made in the US of A

The PC-9M has a modern cockpit environment with the company making great strides in the aircraft’s avionics (Source: Pilatus)

The Texan II is one of the leading trainer aircraft and is in operation with a wide variety of air forces ably use of its EMB-314 fleet in its operations against FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). The successful air attack against Raul Reyes, FARC’s number two in February 2007 in which he and over 20 other guerrillas were killed, was undertaken by two Super

Tucanos equipped with Cluster bombs.

Regionally, Venezuela has ploughed its own distinct furrow in this area, with plans to acquire 24 HAIG K-8 jet trainers from China.

In recent years, Embraer has become far more ambitious in its plans for the aircraft and sees a greater potential market for the Super Tucano in the COIN role. The company plans to sell the aircraft in Asia and the Middle East, both regions it sees as having healthy markets for this type. Earlier in the year, the company made a sale to the private security contractor Blackwater Worldwide, heralding the poten-

Another former trainer aircraft that has been adapted to serve in the LOA/COIN role, is the Beechcraft AT-6B; a dedicated attack variant of the US-built T-6 Texan II, which itself is based on the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 design. In the COIN configuration, the aircraft offers fully integrated sensors, data-link, cockpit protection and multiple weapon configurations. According to Beechcraft, the AT-6B provides unrivalled capacity for real-world contingencies at a fraction of the cost of some other platforms.

The aircraft offers the capability to conduct multiple missions with a single platform.

These include initial trainer, weapons delivery and proficiency trainer, and net centric ISR and light precision attack for COIN. Beechcraft also says that the AT-6B offers persistence through extended time on station The AT-6B has a maximum speed at low level of 270 KTAS and a maximum speed of 316 KIAS. The aircraft has maximum range

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

at altitude of around 850nm (without external fuel) and at sea level has a maximum range of 1,491nm (with external fuel). The AT-6B is certified to fly at a maximum altitude of 25,000ft with stores, but its ceiling extends to 31,000 ft without stores. Without stores, the fully acrobatic aircraft has a glimit of +7 to -3.5.

The company states that the AT-6B is built for the Homeland Defence and Homeland Security needs of the Twenty First century.

These include net centric ISR, urban close air support, forward air control, convoy escort, critical infrastructure protection, border security, port security, and counter-narcoterrorism operations.

The AT-6B is equipped with a sensor suite that can include a variety of electro-optical, infrared, laser and hyper-spectral sensors, for example the Wescam MX-15Di. The Boeing Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System can also be fitted to enhance targeting abilities and pilot situational awareness.

Beechcraft has installed six wing-mounted hardpoints for stores and the aircraft uses a standard, MIL-STD 1760 smart weapons interface. The AT-6B can be armed with a variety of weapons including 12.7mm calibre machine gun pods; air-to-ground missiles; AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; and a variety of air dropped munitions as well as 2.75in rocket pods.

The Texan II is one of the leading trainer aircraft and is in operation with a wide variety of air forces. As a result, for those wanting to also develop COIN capabilities the AT-6B provides an ideal platform because of the shared logistics and maintenance with its unarmed cousin.

Swiss clockwork Also knocking on the door in terms of potential COIN aircraft is the latest version of the Pilatus turboprop and cousin of the AT-6B, the PC-9M. The aircraft has established itself as a leader among turboprop trainers around the world and its manufacturers are also keen to get a slice of the COIN pie before it is swallowed by the Americans, offering superior training value for air forces around the world.

Pilatus has also continually upgraded the PC-9M to improve its operation 08

The PC-9M has a modern cockpit environment with the company making great strides in the aircraft’s avionics. Pilatus has also continually upgraded the PC-9M to improve its operation, while maintaining low life-cycle and acquisition costs.

The aircraft has a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-62 turboprop engine with 1150 SHP that gives it a maximum cruise speed of 298KTAS at 10,000ft. The aircraft has a maximum positive

Display (HUD), and Multi-Function Display (MFD) for enhanced mission performance.

The aircraft also includes a night vision imaging system. The KO-1 was the first domestically developed aircraft to utilise night-vision imaging system (NVIS) technology. As such the KO-1 NVIS was developed with the goal of defin-

g-load of +7g and a maximum negative g-load of 3.5g. It is capable of carrying 1,040kg of external stores on its six external hardpoints. Although not traditionally seen as a potential COIN candidate Pilatus has begun to make quiet inquiries with some potential customers.

Asian aviation Locally, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has developed the KO-1 F o r w a r d Airborne Controller (FAC) aircraft, which was developed in cooperation with the country’s Agency for Defence Development. The aircraft is based on the indigenously developed KT-1 basic trainer, which was designed in the late 1980s and went into series production with the Republic of Korea Air Force in the 1990s.

The KO-1 (the O stands for observation) was originally rolled out in December 2006 after a successful development effort spanning several years.

Carrying external fuel tanks and conventional weapons on its five external hard points, it is also equipped with advanced avionics including a mission computer, INS/GPS, Head-Up

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Brazil actively patrols the Amazon basin with its Super Tucano fleet. Raul Reyes, FARC’s number two was killed in February 2007 by two Colombian Super Tucanos equipped with cluster bombs (Source: Embraer)

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

ing the components of NVIS and establishing test and evaluation procedures for both the subsystems and main system. The aircraft, which is equipped with interior and exterior lighting systems and a lighting control panel modified from those of the KT-1, provides improved safety, operational effectiveness, and situational awareness during operations at night when used with night-vision goggles.

Soviet hangovers In the light attack role, Russia can offer the Yak-130 combat trainer. The aircraft is a swept mid-wing mono-

plane with a twoseat tandem cockpit and two Klimov RD-35 turbofan engines that can output 2500 kg thrust

each. The YAK130 cockpit is equipped with multifunctional coloured 6x8 inch LCD displays without electromechanical instruments, as well as a collimator aviation indicator and helmet-mounted target designation system for the pilot.

The jet comes with nine hardpoints capable of interfacing with all main Russian air to air and air to ground weapons. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 6500kg. It has a maximum speed of 1037kph and a cruise speed of 887kph. As such the aircraft is less suited to surveillance and long-endurance roles.

However, with its large weapons stores and greater speed the aircraft can perform for-

The Yak-130 comes with nine hardpoints capable of interfacing with all main Russian air to air and air to ground weapons midably in the close air support mission.

In Eastern Europe the former communist country Romania, with a history of defence industrial

self-sufficiency, continues to offer the IAR 99 _oim (Hawk) light attack role. The aircraft has a relatively old design with work on the aircraft beginning in the 1970s. Initial production models were delivered to the Romanian Air Force in the 1980s.

Given the Soviet heritage and age of the platform a number of attempts have been made to update the aircraft to keep interest for the export market. The most recent upgrade activity, headed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, began in 1996. According to Elbit the updated IAR-99 shifts easily from training to light-attack roles. Driven by its stateof-the-art avionics, the aircraft is effective in a broad range of tactical scenarios including, close air support.

The upgrade allows the aircraft to carry a wide array of Eastern and Western ordnance and also comes with an electronic warfare suite including chaff and flare dispensers. The IAR-99 has four underwing hardpoints capable of holding 250kg each and one central hard-point capable of holding 400kg.

Elbit’s advanced avionics suite is installed on a MIL-STD-1553B data bus. The suite, including communications, navigation, identification systems and the cockpit configuration, is

NOVEMBER 2008

similar to those of either a MiG-21 Lancer or F16. The communications system includes VHF and UHF communication, voice activated intercom and an identification friend or foe transponder. The flight systems include a VOR/ILS and VHF omni-directional antenna radio ranger, linked to the instrument landing system. Other navigation tools include distance measuring equipment (DME), an automatic direction finder, a Northrop Grumman inertial navigation system and a Trimble GPS system.

The IAR-99 has a maximum speed at sea level of 467 Kts and a climb rate of 115 ft/s. The endurance of the aircraft is around three hours with a maximum take off weight of 5,560 kg. The operating ceiling is said to be 42,322 ft and it can take a G load in the range of +7 to - 3.6. Although the aircraft does not have the persistence of some of the turboprop aircraft on offer it does give customers the option of also using the aircraft as a basic jet trainer. However, as yet neither IAR nor Elbit have been able to drum up any export business for the IAR-99.

Future options There are now a variety of options on the market for those customers seeking an inexpensive aircraft capable of undertaking both the LOA and COIN role. As the market for such aircraft has picked up so companies have rushed to address it, seeing a gap between expensive jet fighters and light trainer aircraft.

In fact, the majority of the systems on offer are beefed-up trainer aircraft. Some aircraft, such at the AT-6B and the PC-9 have long pedigrees and are already in service with a number of countries. That offers potential customers further savings from the reduced logistical and maintenance footprint. Others such as the Super Tucano are being pushed hard to answer a perceived capability gap.

There is no doubt that such aircraft have a space in the market that more expensive fighter aircraft find difficult to effectively and affordably occupy. For many Asian countries facing various insurgencies such aircraft are a boon, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution.

It will be up to governments and military leaders in the region to weigh up the advantages of AMR such aircraft over other capabilities.

09

ROSOBORONEXPO ITS MILITARY-TECH T

he Federal state unitary enterprise “Rosoboronexport” is the sole Russian state agency authorized to export/import the whole gamut of arms and military equipment as well as to organise joint research and development projects with enterprises and scientific institutions of the Russian defence industrial complex and foreign partners.

At present Rosoboronexport accounts for nearly 90% of Russia’s arms exports.

The Enterprise continues increasing Russian military sales year after year, having more than doubled arms exports in the last eight years.

It cooperates with more than 60 countries all over the world.

Rosoboronexport has its representation offices in 45 countries and in almost 30 major industrial regions of Russia. More than 700 defence enterprises and institutions from 56 regions of the Russian Federation are involved in implementation of Rosoboronexport’s foreign trade contracts.

The Rosoboronexport’s strategy is focused on expanding militarytechnical cooperation with foreign countries and increasing exports of Russian arms and military equipment to the world market. Hence come tactics of searching for new partnerships, and strengthening and expanding the established relations.

For this purpose the Enterprise improves its marketing policy when promoting Russian arms to the world markets. Rosoboronexport, as the state exporter, is now conducting more proactive and aggressive operations based on the analysis of interests and requirements of potential customers during the whole life cycle of arms and military equipment to be supplied. It leads, in particular, to higher after-sale servicing and personnel training quality, improved spares deliveries, setting up of technical facilities, training and refresher centres in buyer countries. With due account of financial and economic potentials of importers, flexible pricing policies are invented, various payment schemes applied, offset programmes and barter operations performed, and credits granted.

In recent times the Enterprise has been increasingly searching for new alternative and flexible settlements in military-technical sphere.

They include, among others, countertrade with traditional national export products, acquiring and realising quotas for fishery and minerals exploration, setting up joint fishing, mining and oil ventures.

As a result of the tremendous amount of work performed Russia has risen to the second place in arms sales among the world’s leading arms exporters, as has been stated by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). In 2007 Russia was inferior in arms exports only to the USA. Below are figures cited in a US Congress commission report confirm-

Grad MLRS

T-90 ing this summary. Last year the US received 36% of the world’s arms sales revenues and Russia – 28%, considerably surpassing Germany and France (11% and 6% respectively).

Russia will remain the leader in the international military-technical cooperation. This is corroborated by the Rosoboronexport’s order logbook for the near future, amassing $20 bn.

Rosoboronexport has always attributed high priority to the Pacific Rim arms markets. The Enterprise promotes to them the best militarypurpose products for Air Force, Air Defence, Navy and Army use.

Rosoboronexport at Indodefence 2008 The priority in the military-technical cooperation with Indonesia is given to deliveries of ready-made Russian arms and military equipment to that country. Russian enterprises support this marketing policy by regularly taking part in the international defence exhibition of arms and military equipment for all armed services held in Jakarta.

At the previous Indodefence 2006 exhibition Minister of defence of Indonesia Juwono Sudarsono said: “Our country maintains good relations with its neighbours, and for that reason it does not seek to build up too strong armed forces. We adhere to the concept of minimal requirements, wishing to obtain maximally balanced arms supplies to our country on the best favorable terms”.

The Rosoboronexport’s exposition at Indodefence 2008 has been built along exactly these guidelines.

Potential customers usually show interest in new information on ground forces equipment. First of all, it concerns the T-90S main battle tank, BMP-3F infantry combat vehicle, BMD-2 and BMD-3 airborne combat vehicles, BTR-80, BTR-80A and BTR-90 armoured personnel carriers, 152-mm 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzer, Grad and Smerch multiple launch rocket systems.

Export versions of Sukhoi and MiG type aircraft are widely marketed, including the Su-27SKM and MiG-29 type 4+ generation multifunction fighters as well as Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-35 super-agile multifunction fighters. Guests and exhibitors will be able to familiarize themselves with the performance data of the Yak-130 combat trainer.

Attack and combat transport helicopters of the world-renowned brands “Mil” and “Kamov” occupy a prominent place in the exposition.

Sea systems and weapons are also widely represented, taking into account Indonesia’s geographical position. The centrepiece exhibits are Project 20382 corvette and Gepard-5.9 multipurpose frigate.

Project 12322 Zubr and Project 12061E Murena air cushion ships, Molniya missile boat, and Mangust, Svetlyak and Mirage patrol boats

ORT EXPANDS HNICAL COOPERATION

Mi-35M retain great export potential for this region. They are justly considered the world’s best for their high-speed performance. Advanced Project 636 submarines are actively promoted as well.

Foreign specialists show great interest in the unique integrated missile systems - Club-S for submarines and Club-N for surface ships, Club-M mobile multifunction coastal missile system, and Uran-E shipborne missile system. The Yakhont anti-ship missile system and 100mm A-190E Universal artillery mount are promoted to the Indonesian Navy. The Laguna type versatile simulator is offered for training ship’s commanding officers, control and steering operators.

Rosoboronexport’s exposition showcases a wide range of air defence systems and equipment.

“This exhibition has become an important factor for defence industries worldwide, - says special projects director Nikolai Dimidyuk, the head of the Rosoboronexport's delegation. – The Russian exposition presents combat equipment for all armed services. It signifies that our country can export to Asia the whole range of armaments and effectively help countries of the region to develop their own defence industries.

At the same time we are ready to upgrade the equipment procured earlier by the states of the region, including NATO-standard systems, and engage in joint development and production”, - he stressed.

Russian-Chinese cooperation Traditionally relations of Russia and China have a friendly and longterm nature, including those in the military-technical sphere. Moscow views the official Beijin as its strategic partner maintaining stability and security in the Asian region, both independently and within the Shanghai group. In 2007 China was second rated among leading importers of Russian arms.

Rosoboronexport continues good traditions of the cooperation by participating for the fifth time in Airshow China held in Zhuhai.

This year more than 40 Russian defence enterprises present at the show their export products: aircraft, helicopters, armaments, air defence assets, civil and dual-use products and services. Special emphasis is made on samples of arms and military equipment that are in great demand in the regional and world markets and are planned for procurement by Rosoboronexport’s foreign partners.

The Russian exposition at the air show in Zhuhai is one of the most representative and spacious. There one can get information on the Su35 4++ generation super-agile multi-role fighter designed to win air superiority and engage ground-based and surface targets by day and night in fair and adverse weather conditions. Specialists’ interest will be

aroused by the Su-33 ship-borne fighter, MiG-35 multifunction front-line fighter equipped with modern avionics, wider arsenal of munitions and thrust-vectoring engine as well as Su-30MK2 multi-role fighter armed with the Kh-59MK extended-range anti-ship missile.

Attention of visitors will be attracted by the Yak-130 trainer/combat trainer aircraft, Mi-35M combat transport helicopter (the only combat helicopter in the world capable of performing troops-carrying, transport and medevac missions), Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter, Mi-26 heavy-lift transport helicopter with excellent operational records in most complex situations, including the recent rescue operation in the Chinese province of Sichuan ravaged by the earthquake.

At Russian stands one will also be able to find information on various air force and air defence systems, such as Kh-59MK extended-range air-to-surface active radar-guided missile, S-300VM Antey-2500 mobile air defence missile system capable of defeating “stealth” attack weapons, Buk-M2E multi-channel medium-range air defence missile system providing simultaneous engagement of 24 air targets approaching from various directions at a range of 50 km. The latest air defence missile system “Tor-M2E” is capable of defeating both carriers of precision-guided munitions and munitions proper. Large export prospects are connected with the Tunguska-M1 air defence gun-missile system, Igla-S man-portable air defence system (MANPADS), Strelets launch modules and equipment set for the MANPADS, PPRU-M1 mobile air target reconnaissance and control post, Nebo-SVU mobile metrewavelength radar (there are no world’s analogues), Protivnik-GE, Gamma-DE and Credo-1E radars, as well as with many other samples of Russian-made arms and military equipment.

Russian specialists bring to the show packages of new interesting proposals on establishing servicing centres, combat materiel repair stations and enterprises for joint development of military equipment and weapons. Such cooperation would strengthen relations with foreign partners and facilitate promotion of joint products to third countries’ markets.

“I am quite positive that our participation in Airshow China 2008 will give a new impetus to military-technical cooperation of Russia with the People’s Republic of China and other Pacific Rim countries, - affirms deputy director general Alexander Mikheyev, the head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation.

We have plenty of very promising, mutually advantageous projects and interesting ideas, in other words – we do have plenty in stock of what to propose to our partners for many years, and even decades, to come”.

AMR Marketing Promotion

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AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

Chinese Fighter and Strike Aircraft:

Implications for the Asia Pacific region

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is the largest in the world, operating over 2,500 combat and support aircraft. In developing its inventory, China has operated a dual policy and strategy of purchasing foreign-made, modern flight equipment - primarily from Russia – while at the same time purposefully developing a domestic aircraft industry, combined with a well-funded research and development infrastructure.

by Ilya Kramnik

The J-11, is a licensed copy of the Russian Su-27 Flanker (Source: warchina.com)

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AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

The unsuccessful JH-7 Flounder is based on the Yugoslavian-Romanian project IAR-93/J-22, adding twin engines (Source: Russian military forums)

hina has made tangible progress in the sophistication of its indigenous aerospace technology over the past few years, initiating production of advanced four-plus generation jet fighters.

The PLAAF might look superficially impressive, but a somewhat inflated perception of its capabilities can be obtained from credulous media coverage and uncritical analysis. Many military experts however, describe the capabilities of China’s air force as parlous and being in dire need of advanced modern aircraft.

Despite a half century history of aerospace construction – setting to one side the country’s first experimentation in aircraft design in the 1920s and 1930s – China has hitherto never succeeded in designing and mass producing its own fighter. Thus far it has either built copies of foreign models, generally under license, or its own aircraft, built almost entirely on foreign technology and components. This must be something of an inconvenient truth for the country’s government.

China’s aircraft-manufacturing sector has historically developed erratically.

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Between 1950 and 2006, the industry went through two boom periods, divided by a long gap of inertia and stagnation.

The first boom began with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, with the country being given access to advanced aircraft-building technologies and production facilities as part of the Soviet Union’s aid programme.

Until the mid-1960s, and its schism with its former ally, the Soviet Union provided China with enough technologies and equipment to launch the production of a series of fighter jets; J-2 (based on the Russian MiG15), J-5 (MiG-17), J-6 (MiG-19), J-7 (MiG-21), and bombers H-4 (TU-4), H-5 (IL-28), H-6 (Tu-16), military transport aircraft Y-8 ( AN12) and helicopters.

As a result, by the mid-1960s China had advanced fighter equipment as well as competent engineers and designers, trained in the Soviet Union and capable of maintaining the air force at the required technological level. However, as China broke with the Soviet Union and concentrated on its

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Cultural Revolution, the country’s aircraftbuilding industry lapsed into stagnation.

By the 1980s China had virtually the same first and second generation fighter aircraft both on combat duty and in production as 20 years earlier, while the Soviet Union and United States were completing production of third generation aircraft and finalizing the design and preparing to launch industrial production of next generation aircraft.

Largely isolated, China’s engineers had added only minor modifications to Sovietera designs, mostly prompted by experience from the Vietnam War. The Chinese aircraft industry’s greatest achievements of the time were the Q-5 fighter-bomber and J-8 fighter. However, even those projects cannot be considered entirely independent, since the two aircraft were essentially adapted MiG-19 and MiG-21 aircraft, respectively.

It was in the 1970s and 1980s, that China found a suitable export niche for itself on the global aircraft market. Fighter jets, branded “made in China” were purchased by the world’s poorest countries including Bangladesh, North Korea, Uganda, Albania and others. Pakistan too, accounted for a large share of China’s airThe PLAAF has obtained considerable design experience from operating and studying the Su-27 (Source: US DoD)

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craft exports, but the partnership was very much political: the two countries were brought together by their shared hostility toward India, rather than the former’s desire for the latest combat aircraft.

By the end of the 1980s, the technological gap between the PLAAF and global standards, mostly set by Soviet and American industries had increased alarmingly. China still relied heavily on a slightly modified MiG-21 as its main fighter jet, while the Soviet Union and the United States were flying fourth-generation aircraft; the F-15, F-16, MiG-29, Su-27 and other advanced aircraft.

Faced with such a technology gap, China’s government discarded the option of relying solely on its domestic industry, operating in glorious isolation as impractical. As a consequence it eagerly sought access to existing Western and Soviet technologies.

The second boom in Chinese aircraft building began in 1988, when Israel supplied a technological aid package including documentation for its Lavi fighter. The largely replicated Israeli jet was then used as the basis for China’s new light fighter, the J10. Its characteristics and performance were roughly similar to those of the F-16 and MiG-29 of the late 1980s. However, the fact that mass production of J-10s did not begin until 15 years later, in 2004, certainly took away part of the benefit.

The JF-17 Thunder was jointly designed by China and Pakistan to replace the J-7s currently used by both countries’ air forces (Source: pakdef.info)

By the end of the 1980s, the technological gap between the PLAAF and global standards, mostly set by Soviet and American industries had increased alarmingly Contacts with Israel were followed by reconciliation with the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s. The Soviet Union and China signed a series of military technical cooperation agreements in 1989, which marked the onset of another period during which many of the achievements made by China’s

Known as the F-7 outside China, this MiG-21-based stalwart is still in service with several Asian countries (Source: pakdef.info)

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aircraft-building industry were based on replicating Russian technologies and designs.

The process culminated in Russia providing China with a production license for its Su27 Flanker and providing technical assistance in operating the aircraft. That, along with a batch of Su30MKK jets an advanced model based on the Su-27- imported from Russia, was China’s ticket to the realm of modern aviation.

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

At present, China is making intensive efforts to catch up, modernizing the aircraft it has purchased and designing new models These aircraft have arguably given China a substantial advantage over neighboring countries’ air forces, primarily Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, and made a substantial leap toward parity with the U.S. air force and naval air service units deployed in the region.

At present, China is making intensive efforts to catch up, modernizing the aircraft it has purchased and designing new models. Yet, the major drawbacks of the country’s aircraft industry and its aircraft design base have not been eliminated.

China has to this day, failed to design its own competitive aircraft engine. It has also failed to replicate and launch production of the Russian AL-31 engines for the Su-27. Engines for the Sukhoi family of aircraft produced in China, are delivered from Russia for local assembly. Russian engines are also imported for J-10 fighters.

China’s shortcoming in defence electronics is another problem yet to be overcome. The country has been compelled to use espionage to gain information, seeking to obtain details of the latest fire-control system installed onboard Russian Air Force Su-27 fighters, which also incorporates a radar sighting system and an electro-optical sighting system, which is more advanced than those exported to China.

Sanctions recently imposed by the European Union and United States also hamper China’s access to new technologies. Despite its attempts to change the situation, its co-operation with Russia effectively remains the only source of equipment and technologies it needs to maintain its aircraft design capability at an acceptable level.

China has been making every effort to change the situation and break its technological dependency on Russia, although its efforts have been largely unsuccessful in the past decades. Time will show if it succeeds in the future.

Aircraft Solutions Chinese fighter aircraft have a firm market niche: they are the aircraft of choice for countries who can neither afford nor access Russian, U.S.-made or European jets.

The oldest Chinese jet currently used is the J-6; the Russian MiG-19 produced under license. They have been removed from combat duty by the PLAAF and many Asian operators. As many as 100 however, are still in service with North Korea of which several dozen can still fly. They are also used in several African countries, such as Tanzania and Zimbabwe, who bought written-off aircraft from Asian countries.

The J-6 was followed by the J-7, a copy of the popular MiG-21 model manufactured in several variants. Around 500 are reportedly still used by China. They are also used by several Asian countries, where it is dubbed the F-7, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Iran, Yemen, Cambodia, Pakistan, North Korea and Sri-Lanka. Egypt also operates has some 90 J-7s.

Their combat capabilities, as with the original MiG-21, vary with each model, but are still a force to be reckoned with in conflicts between developing countries and could potentially be modernized with Russian or Israeli technology.

Once it felt comfortable with reproducing Soviet fighter models from the MiG-17 to MiG-21, China proceeded to design its own jets. The first, largely unsuccessful experiJ-6 can still be found in Asia’s skies, but only over North Korea (Source: sinodefence.com)

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ence was the J-8 Finback. Here, the designers relied heavily on the technological solutions used in the MiG-21, combined with MiG-23 designs obtained through other countries.

The J-8 in various models was not a success and was never used by any country except China, with the PLAAF preferring J-10s and Su-27-based jets.

The J-10, based on Israel’s Lavi project, is only now commencing its career in China and on the global market. The Chinese air force currently has around 100 such jets, including the basic J-10 and

ers are meant to fill in the currently empty niche for a light jet to replace F-5s and MiG-

Based on Israel’s F-16 derived Lavi, the J-10 is still reliant on Russia for its AL-31FN engine (Source: sinodefence.com)

the J-10S option and powered by the Russian AL-31FN engine and fitted out with Russian systems and avionics. Next year, China will begin delivering 26 aircraft to Pakistan. Venezuela is also showing interest, along with several other countries in these modern but affordable designs.

The light multi-role FC-1 Fierce Dragon, also known by its export designation of the JF-17 Thunder is relatively new to the market. The 13-ton fighter was jointly designed by Chinese and Pakistani engineers to replace the J-7s currently used by both countries’ air forces. China’s air force has ordered 300 such aircraft and Pakistan around 250.

These simple and relatively cheap fight-

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21s in developing countries’ air forces.

A large part of the JF-17s built for export will be powered by Russian engines and equipped with Russian radar systems.

Although making these aircraft more competitive, the decision also limits its potential export destinations. Russia, which has strategic partnerships with both China and India, prohibits exports of fighter jets carrying Russian-made equipment to Pakistan, which is China’s traditional ally but

The most competitive aircraft now made by China is the J-11, an exact copy of the Russian Su-27 Flanker ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

India’s adversary.

The most competitive aircraft now made

by China is the J-11, an exact copy of the Russian Su-27 Flanker. The PLAAF currently has 100 such aircraft and the number of Sukhoi-designed fighters operated, including the J-11 and the Su30MKK, Su-27SK and Su-37UBK imported from Russia, total 270.

Replicating the Su-27 Flanker was an important step toward modern aircraft construction, but China’s ability to produce a modern radar system and engines for a generation four-plus-plus fighter is still questionable. If China fails to produce the required equipment soon, its military aircraft building industry will cease to viewed as either advanced or independent.

If however, the country successfully launches production of the J-11 complete with engines and avionics, the jet will offer real competition for Russia’s Su-27-based fighters. Although probably superior in performance and characteristics, the original Russian

model will certainly be more expensive. The Chinese option will thus be more attractive for less wealthy countries wishing to buy heavy fighter jets but currently unable to afford them.

China is known to be working on a fifthgeneration fighter, with little information available. This advanced F- 22-class twinengine stealth fighter, referred to as the J-12

AEROSPACE T E C H N O L O G Y

China is now one of the leading aircraft exporting countries and has one of the world’s strongest air forces

PLAAF Su-27 Flanker on exercise in 2007 (Source: US DoD)

will have internal weapons bays with plans in place to have Russian designers from MiG participate in the project. The new jet will be taken up for a test flight some time during the next decade.

In addition to fighters, China currently has the Q-5 and JH-7 attack aircraft.

The Q-5, also known as the A-5 for export is a profoundly modernized MiG-19, with fuselage side mounted air intakes, improved radio electronic weapons and a bomb door for nuclear strikes. Known to NATO under the name Fantan, the attack aircraft is manufactured in several options, and is still used in China as well as in other countries in Asia and Africa including Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan and Sudan but is unlikely to remain in service after 2015-2020.

The JH-7 Flounder, dates back to the early 1970s, when the Chinese government decided to design its own state-of-the-art attack aircraft. The idea was to take the YugoslavianRomanian project IAR-93/J-22, and make it significantly larger, with twin engines.

The project was not a big success with the PLAAF only operating about 100 and they have not been exported.

On the other hand, China has made major breakthroughs in the past 20 years, partially bridging the gap between itself and Russia, a country which has been a model for the Chinese industry as well as a source of imported technological solutions for 50 years.

However, the gap is still large and could widen. Russia is now restoring full-scale government financing to aerospace research and design and is less reliant on Chinese funding.

China will from now on, have a harder time accessing Russian technology to reduce the lag further, if at all.

Rapprochement between China and the United States is also possible. If the restrictions on trade in military-purpose products with China are lifted, the U.S. could easily provide them with the technologies they need in exchange for cash. This would also fit into the recent U.S. policy of ousting Russia from key weapons markets.

Although Chinese-European cooperation in military aircraft building seems improbable today, China maintains stable bilateral Still in service with Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan and Sudan the MiG-19 based Q-5 is unlikely to remain in service after 2015-2020 (Source: xairforces.com)

relations with many European countries and Israel, and will certainly continue doing so in the future to secure access to modern technologies independently of the U.S. Chinese military aircraft occupy a niche on the global market. Their low cost could become a huge competitive advantage amid the escalating global financial crisis, which might force the majority of potential customers to revise their requirements of combat aircraft.

On the other hand, this will only be a temporary factor. Once the United States puts its fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 on the market, with similar Russian models in close pursuit, the Chinese industry will face the need for another modernization, as neither the J-10, FC-1, nor even a modernized Su-27 would remain competitive on world markets.

In that case, China will have to focus on an early development of the J-12, but that, again, will largely depend on its foreign partners, especially Russia, which is China’s key partner in aircraft building.

China’s foothold on African markets is still strong. Few African countries can afford Russian or Western aircraft, which means they are reduced to either buying them second-hand, or opting for Chinese models.

In Asia, Chinese aircraft constitute a rather impressive force, and will probably remain so for the next two decades, especially flown by China’s and Pakistan’s air forces although the smaller countries operating Chinese-sourced aircraft are virtually incapable of fighting off a well-equipped adversary. AMR

Summary and prospects China is now one of the leading aircraft exporting countries and has one of the world’s strongest air forces. Yet, most of its past, present and future projects involve foreign technology. Any abrupt termination of foreign assistance would seriously undermine the potential of Chinese aircraft, which would otherwise have to be equipped with mediocre engines and imperfect avionics.

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A sian FFrigates rigates Asian a nd D estroyers: and Destroyers:

Situation and Future Opportunities Navies around Asia are involved in the acquisition of new frigates and destroyers, upgrades of existing vessels and the construction of forthcoming surface combatants. This is being driven in some cases by regional maritime security concerns and strategic weapons developments and in others, merely replacing ageing vessels and their subsystems.

by Thomas Withington

The Republic of Korea Navy’s Yang Manchun destroyer is part of the Gwanggaeto the Great-class and was the precursor to the Navy’s present KDX-III programme Source: US Navy

NOVEMBER 2008

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hile there is much activity in the region regarding Asia’s combined frigate and destroyer fleets, it is important to stress that this is not being driven by a regional arms race.

While security concerns cannot altogether be discounted as a motivation for this activity, the current situation seems due primarily to the need to ensure that modern and capable surface combatants are equipping the region’s navies.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is experiencing challenges with a major frigate upgrade programme, is completing an additional frigate upgrade programme and is also planning the acquisition of a new class of destroyer. The Bharatiya Nau Sena (Indian Navy) is, meanwhile, suffering problems regarding cost escalation on a major frigate programme, while the Kaijo Jieitai (JMSDF/Japan Maritime Self Defence Force) has demonstrated new capabilities for its destroyers. Looking towards the Republic of Korea, the country’s navy is planning to build extra destroyers while the Tentera Laut DiRaja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Navy) is set to obtain two new frigates. Like their Australian counterparts, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) is upgrading its frigates while the Pak Behria (Pakistan Navy) is acquiring new ships.

Finally, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has completed the introduction of a new class of frigates while the Zhonghuá Mínguó Haijun (ROC/Republic of China Navy) is completing the installation of a new missile system onboard its frigates.

The RAN is currently upgrading its Adelaide-class frigates with the Rafael C-Pearl Electronic Support Measure (ESM). The CPearl system, which performs threat identification, is part of an initiative called Project Sea 1390 which intends to roll out a series of capability improvements across the vessels to ensure that they can remain in operation until their scheduled decommissioning date of circa 2021. The first vessel of the four-ship class is scheduled to complete the upgrade and enter service in 2009 which is five years later than the original projected return-to-service date.

Two vessels, HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne have resumed service and are involved in sea trials along with HMAS Darwin. The last vessel to receive the upgrade is the HMAS Newcastle which is expected to rejoin the fleet in 2009. The cost of the upgrade has been around US$2 billion.

The RAN is also pursuing an upgrade of its ANZAC-class frigates which are undergoing

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the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) modernisation initiative across all eight vessels in the class. The principle aspect of the ASMD is to outfit the ships with the CEA Technologies’ CEAFAR active phased array three-dimensional (3-D) search radar and a Northrop Grumman CEAMOUNT continuous wave target illuminator. The vessels will also receive a Sagem Défense Sécurité Vampir NG Infrared search and track system.

The air defence capabilities of the force will also receive an enhancement via the Hobartclass Air Warfare Destroyer program. In August 2007, Canberra tapped Spanish shipbuilders Navantia to initially build three ships with an option for a fourth. The entire programme is expected to cost around US$6.7 billion, including the additional option. One of the key components of the ship will be Lockheed Martin’s AN/SPY-1 Aegis air defence radar system, and the Australian Government has already approached the US Government to secure the sale of this highly capable system. The design for the Hobartclass vessels is based closely on the F-100 Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates which have entered service with the Armada Española (Spanish Navy). Construction of the Australian vessels should begin by late 2009, with the first vessel entering service in 2014 and the third vessel joining the fleet three years later.

Australia is not the only country in the Indian Ocean/Pacific Ocean area which is experiencing problems with frigate programmes. The Indian Navy is procuring six Project 11356/Talwar-class guided missile frigates from the Yantar shipyard in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. The Indian Government had originally expected to pay around US$1.41 billion for these ships, although the price has report-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is experiencing challenges with a major frigate upgrade programme edly risen by US$100 million following a price increase by the shipyard blamed on the sliding value of the US dollar. So far, the Navy has acquired three Talwar class ships which were commissioned between 2003 and 2004. The remainder of these ships could now have their entry into service delayed while these pricing issues are ironed out.

However, there is good news for the Talwar vessels. BrahMos Aerospace is working on the eponymous supersonic cruise missile which is to equip these frigates. To this end, the first launch of the naval version of this missile (it is also being produced in air- and land-launched versions for the air force and the army respectively) was completed in March 2008. This joint Indo-Russian designed and developed missile was fired from the INS Rajput, a Rajput-class destroyer, hitting a target on the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Looking towards Japan, the country is also involved in improving the attack capabilities of its surface combatants. In December 2007, the JMSDF JDS Kongou, a Kongou-class destroyer, launched a Raytheon SM-3 Block1A Standard Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) hitting a ballistic missile target during a test. The The Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Phuttaloetla Naphalai frigate, an ex-US Navy Knox-class frigate is equipped with launchers capable of deploying the Boeing RGM-84 Harpoon missile.

Source: US Navy

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The Republic of Korea Navy will also soon become a member of the Aegis club as the system will equip its KDX-III destroyers missile was guided by the vessel’s Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1 Aegis air defence radar, marking the first time that a Japanese vessel has engaged and destroyed a ballistic missile target, the SAM smashing into the target around 161 km (87 nautical miles/nm) above the Kauai Pacific Missile Range Facility belonging to the US Navy in Hawaii. The incident marked the twelfth occasion that an Aegis-equipped ship has intercepted a ballistic missile target using an SM-3 SAM. The success also came four years after the JMSDF decided to outfit its Kongou-class ships with the BlockIV standard of the Aegis radar designed for ballistic missile defence. All four vessels in the class are expected to be upgraded with the new radar by 2010.

Along with equipping the Kongou vessels the SM-3 Block 1A Standard will also outfit the JMSDF’s Atago-class destroyers.

Two vessels have already been commissioned into the fleet and fire control for these missiles will also be provided the SPY-1D(V) Aegis Block IV air defence radar. With these ships having entered service, the JMSDF now has six surface combatants fitted with a ballistic missile defence capability.

This is arguably a clear recognition of the threat that the country believes it faces from the BM-25, Taepodong-1, Taepodong-2 and

Taepodong-X ballistic missiles of North Korea.

However, the ship also has robust anti-ship and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities via its towed array passive- and bowmounted sonar systems.

The Republic of Korea Navy will also soon become a member of the Aegis club as the system will equip its KDX-III destroyers. The Navy will acquire three of these new destroyers equipped with the radar system under the KDX-III destroyer programme. Like Japan, the Republic of Korea is thought to be concerned by the on-again, off-again nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions of its northern neighbour.

What is more, Seoul is also locked into two maritime disputes with Japan and North Korea over the Liancourt Rocks and the Northern Limiting Line respectively. The final ship in the KDX-III class is expected to be launched in 2012. The first in the class, the Sejong the Great, is expected to be commissioned in 2009.

Once the navy has a total of three Aegis-equipped vessels in service it will be in a position to establish a radar picket in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, east and west of the Korean

The Republic of Korea Navy’s Sejong the Great KDX-III class destroyer which is due to be supplemented by another two similar vessels.

Source: US Navy

NOVEMBER 2008

peninsula, to watch the skies for ballistic missile launches and air attack from China and North Korea. Seoul also has options on an additional three vessels in the class should it require extra ships.

The Royal Malaysian Navy has formalised a contract with BAE Systems to acquire two Jebat-class frigates which will be constructed under licence at the Realmild shipyard at Labuan. The navy already has a pair of the Lekiu-class vessels in service which were commissioned in 1999. The latest order should see the new vessels being commissioned by 2012, strengthening the fleet’s current inventory of four Laksamana-, two Lekiu- and two Kasturiclass frigates.

The RNZN is following its larger neighbour’s example and is also moving ahead with an upgrade of its ANZAC-class frigates. The force operates two of the vessels which it commissioned between 1997 and 1999. However, while the RAN upgrade is stressing improvements to the ship’s air defence capabilities, the Kiwis are performing an overarching upgrade to ensure that the vessels can adequately support New Zealand forces deployed on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions abroad.

Among the modifications to the ship will be the installation of new MTU diesel powerplants and also the installation of Raytheon RIM-66 Evolved Sea Sparrow SAMs. In terms of the ships’ electronics, the vessels’ Saab 9LV Mk.453 combat management system will be modernised while a Saab Sea Giraffe 3-D air search radar will be added.

The Pakistan Navy was celebrating the arrival of its first Sword-class frigate from China in April 2008. The service will acquire four ships, with the final example expected to enter service in 2013 Apart from one vessel, all three examples will be built in China with the final example being built at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works in Pakistan’s finan-

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cial capital. Pakistan’s new ships are closely based on the Type 053H3/Jiangwei-II class frigates, ten of which equip the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Pakistan is planning a significant modernisation of its Navy which may be in part be driven by India’s enhancement of its navy’s blue water capabilities with its accompanying acquisition of a new aircraft carrier, naval strike aircraft, submarines and surface combatants, but may also be required to strengthen a surface combatant fleet which has an average age in excess of 30 years. Pakistan’s navy is known to be looking for around eight extra frigates to supplement its Sword-class vessels and also the six Type-21 Amazon-class frigates which the force purchased from the Royal Navy in 1993. To this end, Islamabad may decide to buy an additional four Sword-class ships from China to address in part its need for new frigates. The navy is also said to have had an interest in acquiring up to six Oliver Hazard Perry-class destroyers from the US Navy, Type 054 frigates from China or MEKOclass warships from Germany.

Singapore, on the other hand, has completed the service entry of its final Formidable-class frigates, purchased from DCNS in France, on 22nd August. The ship will join the other five Formidable-class vessels which are already in service, with the lead vessel RSS Formidable, having been commissioned in May 2007. In the development of these ships DCNS borrowed much of the design from the Marine Nationale (French Navy) La Fayette-class frigates of which France operates five. The Formidableclass are equipped with Boeing RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles (AShM) and have the provision to deploy the Aster-15 missile via their Sylver Vertical Missile Launch System which also equips the vessels. The 100-mm (3.9-inch) gun which equips the French frigates has also been replaced by an Oto Melara 76mm (3-inch) weapon.

The weapons system upgrades being followed by Australia, Japan and New Zealand vis-à-vis their frigates and destroyers is also The JMSDF’s JDS Yugiri is an Asagiri-class destroyer. The JMSDF is an avid user of destroyers, having over 40 such vessels in service.

Source: US Navy

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The Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC-class frigates are undergoing the Anti-Ship Missile Defence programme to re-enforce their ability to protect the fleet against such weapons.

Source: US Navy

There are still ageing frigates and destroyers which will need to be replaced over the next decade being pursued by Taiwan. The ROC is outfitting its Cheng Kug-class frigates, of which it has eight in the class, with the Hsuing Feng-3 (HF-3) missile which has been developed by the island’s Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology. The HF-3 is a supersonic AShM which has a range of around 180 km (97 nm) and a Mach Two top speed. Officially, the weapon has been installed on the ROCS Cheng Kung, the lead vessel in the class, as part of a year-long trial. The weapon, as well as being capable of AShM strike, can also reportedly undertake anti-radar and also shipto-shore attack. However, the navy is widely expected to roll out the missile across all eight vessels in the class by the end of 2008. The new missile will certainly give the ships and the navy in general, a serious increase in its firepower, including the wherewithal to hit Chinese shore facilities across the 180-km (97nm) wide Taiwan Strait.

The installation of the HF-3 weapons is largely seen as a riposte to China’s fielding of 3M-80E Moskit (NATO reporting name SS-N22 ‘Sunburn’) AShMs which the country has deployed on two of its destroyers. The Taiwanese Navy’s adoption of the HF-3 could tip the naval balance in the island’s favour. The PLAN has the SS-N-22 deployed with four 956-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

RM/modified Sovremenniy-class destroyers as opposed to the eight Cheng Kung-class ships fielded with Taiwanese Navy.

Despite the acquisition and upgrade programmes being rolled out across the Australian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, New Zealand, Pakistani, Singaporean and Taiwanese navies there are still ageing frigates and destroyers which will need to be replaced over the next decade.

These include the Type-61 Salisbury class ships operated by the Bangladesh Navy, the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (Indonesian Navy) Ahmad Yani-class, the Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas (Philippine Navy) solitary BRP Rajah Hurnabon; the Phutthayotfa Chulalok-, Tapi- and Pin Klaoclass frigates of the Royal Thai Navy, and the Chi Yang-class (ex US Navy Knox-class) frigates of the ROC Navy for example.

However, whether these countries will have the available funds to make such replacements with new-build vessels will depend on the health of their respective economies over the next five years. At the time of writing the global economic situation was characterised by uncertainty, and an economic slump in Asia could seriously hamper efforts to recapitalise the frigate fleets of these navies.

The situation is a little better as far as destroyer inventories are concerned with the JMSDF, RoK Navy, PLAN, the Indian Navy and the ROC Navy being the major operators of these vessels in the region, many of which are recent additions and for this reason, the market for new-build destroyers in the Asian area can be expected to remain fairly static over the next five-to-ten years.

That said, several of the destroyers that are in service in the region are undergoing important upgrades to ensure that they can stay abreast of today’s and tomorrow’s air AMR defence and maritime challenges.

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Cellular Reliance EADS has supplied a WiMAX solution to French Army logistics units (Source AJB)

Embracing and adapting existing technology for military ends is paying considerable dividends.

Low cost and low power solutions are finding a growing niche in delivering military communications, ranging from covert, bespoke systems used for short periods to high capacity communication solutions that are being integrated within the hardened warfighting communications of the most advanced militaries, including those of the US.

by Adam Baddeley

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ellular mobile communication systems are characterized by the use of large numbers of lowpower wireless transmitters to create network cells, with users moving between cells seamlessly, being automatically handed off between base stations. Each cell’s geographic coverage is variable, being a function of their power and the needs generated by user density within a cell’s coverage.

Because their range is finite, channels used by one cell can be reused by another cell in close proximity without interference, greatly simplifying operation within an already crowded spectrum.

Cellular systems combine a range of options. Points to point solutions extend networks with long-range, high capacity links. In contrast, point to multipoint links provide an umbrella of nodes within a specified geographic coverage area, with an individually smaller throughput and range relative to point to point links but can be

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The Harris RF-7800W is now offered with an improvement to power output (Source: AJB)

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more flexibly deployed.

A key feature of wireless and cellular technologies is that many Wireless and WiFi (Wireless Fidelity IEEE 802.11b wireless networking standard) operate in unlicensed, unregulated frequencies.

Consequently, these bands are free to be used by anyone, anywhere around the world within certain broadcast power constraints.

When deploying to a theatre, frequency access does not have to be negotiated and obtained ahead of time. Furthermore, the existing and already densely packed military-allocated frequency bands won’t be affected by additional demand.

‘Mobile phones’ Mobile phone technology offers low cost, rapid deployment. A number of militaries are already attempting to reduce costs, by piggybacking some of their communications requirements on existing civilian infrastructure for covert use or long-stay roles such as in Iraq. Another option being adopted is the operation of rapidly set-up solutions for deployment in narrow areas for a specific mission, creating bespoke coverage cells such as for Special Operations. In areas where GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) coverage is not possible or unsuitable, their own local network can be established, using SATCOM as a means of backhaul to a mainstream military network.

UK firm Private Mobile Networks has developed rapidly deployable GSM solutions being assessed and trailed by undisclosed elements within the UK and US armed forces seeking both to create their own bespoke networks as well as a means to control the communications of other GSM

Using an 802.11b card, Sekai’s Model TMC-100 wireless camera can connect to a variety of military networks

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users in the same area. Users can opt between bespoke SIMS (Subscriber Information Module) to operate over a single secure network while also having a dual SIM option allowing users to switch between military and public networks.

Elbit’s Mobilenet system, an encrypted Mobile Cellular System is designed as a turnkey solution, based around mobile base stations which supports commercial GSM, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).

Plextek and picoChip have also recently teamed to offer solutions that will support a range of standards including Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), HSxPA (High Speed Uplink/Downlink Packet Access) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) 802.16d, upgradeable to 802.16e.

Operating securely in a civilian network is vital, with military solutions in this domain, focusing on security. The Kongsberg Sectra, NSK 2000 Secure Phone solution is qualified up to NATO secret and uses GSM 900Mhz and 1800Ghz with normal functionality and can also use

Operating securely in a civilian network is vital, with military solutions in this domain, focusing on security DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunications) stations for connection to an ordinary telephone network. Elbit’s Snapshield also allows secure GSM-type communications. Conventional, secure GSM solutions show up as encrypted voice on networks, indicating to network managers the potential for the user to conduct covert operations. Snapshield is distinguished by presenting voice communication as data on the network. With data rather than voice becoming increasingly prevalent on commercial networks, Snapshield significantly reduces susceptibility to detection by merging into background traffic.

Military programmes are adopting the underlying technology and adapting them to the stringent requirements of the military.

This can be seen by the US Lockheed Martin–led Mobile User Objective System, (MUOS) a UHF Milsatcom programme which uses a 3G cellular waveform to replace the conventionally configured UHF Follow On (UFO) constellation. The new system offers satellite capacity and channel data rates of 4000 Kbps and 64 Kbps, up from the UFO legacy system’s 400Kbps and 19.4Kbps.

In simpler terms, UFO supports 106 simultaneous users for voice at 2.4Kbps while MUOS supports 7,100 users at the same data rate. The waveform is sourced from General Dynamics C4 Systems and uses UMTS cellular technology standards using Ericsson’s WCDMA 3G technology.

Highest capacity WiMAX is the best known of a

range of next generation broadband wireless technologies becoming available to civil users. Militaries are also seeking to embrace the standard’s high capacity throughput for tactical communications in both point to point and multi-point networks that can be operated in both a disaster relief and battlefield roles.

Israel’s Digital Army Programme (DAP) has two such technologies; WiFi and WiMAX as cornerstones of its headquarters communications. The then Tadiran Communications won the contract to provide a solution based on the 802.16d WiMAX standard in 2006 linking fixed and ‘nomadic’ deployed headquarter at divisional and brigade, eliminating the need for fibre and traditional microwave LOS point to point communications for high bandwidth communications.

Although the core of Broadnet is WiMAX, key changes have been needed, notably shifting the frequency to NATO Band IV and increased power output to 5W. The upper limit is a sector data rate of 37Mbps which is very high, compared to the current radio systems and good enough to transmit live video. Broadnet is shelter based with links being established just a few minutes after the mast is deployed. All applications are linked to Broadnet via a LAN. During Broadnet’s operational assessment test in April, ranges of 43km were achieved.

Already fielded as part of DAP is Elbit’s MaXess based on the earlier 802.11b standard. MaXess continues to operate at 2.4GHz and meets the Israel Defence Force’s requirement to provide links between command vehicles in a 5km by 5km box covering company and sometimes battalion sized forces.

Again, adaptation of commercial standards has been necessary, including increased power. On top of the 802.11b standard, which defines the access to the link, we added a network layer which enables an ad hoc networking solution.

MaXess offers up to 11Mbps and this is dynamically adjustable by the radio itself, depending on link conditions.

Harris RF Communications RF-7800W has already been sold widely. This includes deployment with both the USMC and 2-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). Only weighting 2.5Kg this NATO Band IV solu-

Rohde and Schwarz’s new Combat Net Radio Interface shown at Eurosatory 2008 (Source: AJB)

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Sagem’s RIF solution for FELIN uses DECT cordless phone technology (Source: AJB)

tion has a throughput of up to 80MBps and a range of up to 50Km although as with all systems, higher range has to be traded for lower throughput and vice versa.

For multipoint ranges, throughput of 40Mbps is possible to multiple vehicle mounted users with latency of less than 10ms. The use of NATO Band IV also allows the radio to work at the US 4.9MHZ public safety band. Connection to the radio is limited to a single rugged Ethernet cable providing both communication and power.

Further changes on the RF-7800W are being pursued. The standard 802.16d protocol supports up to 200 subscribers. For the RF-7800W, this has been reduced to just 20, better reflecting military realities. This reduces the overall management overhead which serves to increase throughput and reduce latency. A recent improvement to the RF-7800W is the option of a new 5W PA which effectively doubles throughput in communications up to 15Km, up to a maximum of 80Mbps.

Ultra Tactical Communications are currently working on adding a WiMAX solution to its GRC-245 product line. In this solution, the RF head on the Band IV is integrated on the antenna Mast Mount Unit, allowing the standard, existing Software Communications Architecture compliant AN/GRC-245(V) units to support a future WiMAX solution. With a software upgrade,

any previous AN/GRC-245(V) could be upgraded to be capable of supporting WiMAX, with the addition of a WiMAX capable antenna.

The Thales Di@ne/IP System is based around the IP Service Software suite and developed in order to improve IP networking. The system can also include a new WiMAX solution, adapted from 802.16b which includes access while on the move, via the combination of both military and commercial technology on a single communications mast. Conventional military communications are provided by the updated TRC 4000E Band 4 4.4Ghz to 5GHz radio relay, differentiated from its predecessors by the addition of an Ethernet link, optional COTS Ethernet Switch Optional Bulk encryptor, routers and VoIP routers and network interface that can be located up to 2Km away from an existing military relay.

On the same mast as the TRC 4000E is the new TWS 5000 Tactical WiMAX terminal Solution offered as both a stand alone and an integrated solution that is on the same mount as the TRC4000/4000E. The system is a smaller version of the Zagil WiMAX solution developed by Thales for the UAE. The TWS 5000’s omni directional antenna weighs just 2.5Kg and supports communications from 2.2-2.4GHz with throughput of up to 5Mbps. The system is lightweight and is fully complaint with MIL-STD-461E for EMC and safety.

Northrop Grumman is playing its role in the paramilitary area using its

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NextWave Wireless also known as IP Wireless. This is a TD-CDMA solution, developed from the UMTS 3G family. The systems is already in service with the New York Police Department and the company has recently completed a trials with the UK police, designed to show the systems could work with a support the UK’s Airwave national (TErrestrial Trunked Radio) TETRA network. The system was tested in a mock police pursuit operating at 872921MHz and provided five 250Kbps live video streams from the vehicles involved to wireless tablet PCs.

Wireless The classic 802.11b standard has been a key step in delivering soldier communications, but not without modification. The ubiquitous Selex Communications Personal Role Radio (PRR) offers modified 802.11b operation. For military users, the main weakness in this civil technology is contention and co-channel interference in close proximity.

It is possible to have a single 1Mbps channel but multiple ones are effectively impossible. Consequently the primary difference in the PRR version is to increase cost robustness to allow multiple networks in a small network. In the case of the PRR each radio can operate over 16 different channels with sixteen users in each channel allowing a total of 256 radios to operate in close proximity – roughly equivalent to one large or two small infantry companies.

Wireless has a number of adherents.

Civilian communications technology is now easily incorporated into military systems (Source: AJB)

For multipoint ranges, throughput of 40Mbps is possible to multiple vehicle mounted users NOVEMBER 2008

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Sekai’s Model TMC-100 camera is a small ultra compact video camera recorder which weighs 160g. Its network uses a standard 802.11b/g wireless LAN SD card to send streaming video in real time.

Sagem’s FELIN soldier modernization solution uses the RIF communications solution which is based on DECT cordless telephone technology.

Interoperability A range of interoperability links with commercial, particularly cellular technology are now being offered. This includes the Raytheon JPS Communications ACU-1000 which brings together and cross connects up to 24 devices including UHF, VHF, HF and P25 radios as well as cellular and conventional land line radios using voice and Radio over IP protocols. The company’s ACU-2000 IP rack mounted solution enables communications interoperability among radios, telephones, cellular, satellite and IP phones.

The rack mounted ACU-1000 is also used in Rohde and Schwarz’s new Combat Net Radio Interface shown at Eurosatory Thales’s lightweight TWS 5000 Tactical WiMAX terminal can be added to existing military relays (Source: AJB)

While COTS VoIP phones are being used by the military, military specific solutions are also being adopted 2008. Selex’s Wireless Network Node concept converges TETRA GPRS, WiFi, WIMAX and other bearers and provides IP routing for generic operation and linkages with legacy traffic.

An important aspect of communications interoperability is to bridge existing military communications infrastructure and their unique protocols with established civil communications. To this end, ITT has developed the Wideband Network Radio (WNR) – used in the UK’s Bowman programme as the High Capacity Data Radio - to support VoIP. This takes standard commercial IP phones, but communicates over a secure WNR network to create a point to point solution through which the user dials or connects to a person or group, treating all voice communications as data using VoIP. While COTS VoIP phones are being used by the military, military specific solutions are also being adopted.

Selex Communication’s Sentinel is a ruggedised solution, either as a stand alone telephone, soft phone running off Windows or Linux or as a soft phone using an automatic discovery function to plug and play. As a military system it continues to support key commercial offerings such as displaying affiliated subscribers, network availability status, address books and intercom. A Desk Access Unit is provided, which supports up to 300 Sentinels on a network which via a router can access military networks via radio relay.

TETRA The TETRA standard is the most widespread and popular public safety solution on the market today. A Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) solution, government and commercial users operate from separate frequency bands. Normally reliant on base stations, when these are not available the handset has a Direct Mode Operation back-up, allowing limited handset to handset communication.

Earlier this year the Pakistan Police Force began a multi-phase migration from current analogue to digital communication

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with the adoption of TETRA. The first phase will see the system rolled out to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. The contract with the Ministry of Interior is being provided

by Vision Engineering Group who selected the Sepura SRH3800H GPS enabled hand set, SRM3500 vehicle sets and SRG3500 gateway repeaters. A total of 70,000 terminals are ultimately required.

Other recent adopters include the Philippines, and TETRA has also been selected for Germany’s BOSnet public safety network. Selex is also providing the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence with a nationwide TETRA network for government and the military users.

TETRA’s importance to the military can be seen by its adoption in military Software Defined Radio as part of a joint US-Swedish development to port the TETRA radio waveform in a representative Joint Tactical Radio System radio and communicate with a ‘vanilla’ TETRA base station in Sweden.

The thrust is to enable the next generation of military radios to communicate directly with civilian emergency services. It must also be noted that the US standard is the APCO P25 public safety waveform not TETRA, reflecting the latter’s widespread adoption.

A major TETRA enhancement is the TEDS or TETRA Enhanced Data Service, part of the standard’s second tranche of enhancements. EADS recently demonstrated a system capable of 100-160Kbps over a 50kHZ channel to and from a fast moving vehicle.

TEDS is part of Norway’s recent Nodnett public safety network being provides by Nokia Siemens Networks using Motorola equipment. The TEDS capability will become operational in 2009.

Tetrapol is a proprietary standard. EADS Secure Networks is the only current provider of Tetrapol and also offers both TETRA and P25 within its portfolio. EADS is providing a national Tetrapol network for Brazil’s Federal Police. In the 2007 Pan American Games however, held in Rio de Janeiro, it worked side-by-side with separate TETRA systems used by the city authorities provided by Teltronic. The State Police in nearby Sao Palo use the US APCO P25 standard, reflecting the patchwork of standards that have to be circumnavigated to achieve interAMR operability, even within the same country.

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‘byte’ battle Hours before Russian forces moved to counterattack Georgia’s efforts to take control of its rebel region of South Ossetia in August, Georgia experienced a concerted denial of service attack on its Information Technology (IT) networks that brought down government websites and restricted information flow in the vital first hours of Russia’s operation to remove Georgian forces from the region.

by John Mulberry

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t appears that military operations are no longer presaged by the rumble of an artillery barrage or the scream of fighter jets. Instead cyber warfare and cyber attacks on both military and civilian information technology systems have become part of standard military operations for the likes of Russia – once viewed as being one of the more technologically challenged armed forces.

Yet the ‘cyber domain’ remains a mystery to most military minds. In a profession dominated by the need to produce kinetic effects, the idea of a cyber domain that needs to be both protected and exploited seems ephemeral.

After all, how can the flow or restriction of civil networks be crucial to a military campaign?

But the actions of Russia are only the tip on an iceberg and one that has it crucible not in the West, which has for so long dominated military developments, but in Asia.

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The rise of the cyber warrior

The US military’s senior leadership is taking cyber defence increasingly seriously (Source: DoD)

There is no doubt that cyber warfare and its components will increasingly become an integral part of military operations. Modern armed forces, particularly those that adhere to the tenets of network centric warfare (NCW), are increasingly vulnerable to such attacks as are official government and civilian structures as evidenced in 2007 when Russia sought to apply pressure on its former vassal state Estonia.

Speaking to Asian Military Review in August the head of US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), which has operational responsibility for coordinating the US armed forces cyber warfare efforts, General Kevin Chilton said that much could be learned from both the Estonian and Georgian experiences. Recognising the vulnerabilities that NCW opens at the same time as the advantages it gives, the US is moving quickly to plug its defences.

However, for Gen Chilton, a strong defence is also about a strong offence and the US is rapidly training a cadre of cyber warfare specialists, both to protect its own networks and also to attack those of their enemies. It is not only about denial of service, but also about ensuring the integrity of information. Gen Chilton worries about the potential for an opponent to infiltrate networks and plant false information or give false orders. If that were to happen and commanders could no longer trust the information they receive from the network, then much of the advantage gained from NCW would be wiped out.

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For forces in Asia the vulnerability of maturing military and civilian networks is plain to see. The differences in maturity are striking if one juxtaposes countries such as Japan or Singapore with Bangladesh or Indonesia. However, all countries in the region have vulnerabilities and many are starting to look not only at how to defend those vulnerabilities but to exploit those of their potential adversaries.

Cyber tactics The range of weapons available to cyber warriors continues to grow. Among the most sophisticated are BotNets, used both for espionage and denial of service attacks. BotNet is a jargon term for a collection of software robots or ‘bots’ that run autonomously and automatically. The bots are installed via worms, Trojan horses, or backdoors on a network of compromised computers that can then be operated under a common command and control infrastructure.

The originator of a BotNet can then control the group remotely to perform a range of activities including denial of service attacks where multiple systems autonomously access a single internet system or service in a way that appears legitimate, but with a frequency that causes the system to become busy or crash. BotNets can

Recognising the vulnerabilities that NCW opens at the same time as the advantages it gives, the US is moving quickly to plug its defences also be used to install spyware that sends information to its creators about a user's activities or for more sophisticated data mining and network mapping activities.

As well as denial of service and espionage, cyber attacks can potentially be also used for a number of additional military purposes. One of these is data modification. A successful attack would mean that legitimate users of the network would be making decisions based on maliciously altered information. Such attacks could also be used to alter databases to corrupt weapons or command and control systems.

Cyber warriors could also attack critical national infrastructures that are increasingly linked to the internet. One example would be the management of electricity or other utilities

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that could be used by attackers to cause chaos and slow the responses of the military.

Russian roulette As already mentioned, much can be learnt from the two countries that have chosen to stand up to Russia in recent years. The concerted attacks on Estonia’s networks in the wake of official attempts to remove a Soviet war memorial from Tallinn city centre are illustrative of both the vulnerability of government networks and the type of actions that can be undertaken either officially or unofficially.

In terms of official internet and network use the Estonian government was in 2007 one of the most technologically advanced users of such systems within the European Union.

Estonia depends largely on the internet because of the country's ‘paperless government’ strategies and web-based banking system. After officials announced that they wanted to move remove the war memorial, the websites of the Baltic state's government, political parties, media and business community were hit by denial-of-service attacks forcing them to shut down the sites. In addition, some sites were altered to redirect users to images of Soviet soldiers or quotations from Martin Luther King. The hackers who attacked Estonia’s ruling Reform Party website also posted a spurious message saying that the

Scanning the computer network for intrusions during a cyber war training course (Source: US DoD)

Estonian prime minister and his government were asking forgiveness of Russians and had promised to return the statue to its original site.

In response to the attacks Estonia was forced to shut down many sites to external server traffic while also attempting to keep them open to Estonian users. But with the level of attacks it was a mammoth task and one that the country was ill prepared to cope with.

Estonian officials estimated that shutting down the sites and their services, had a significant economic impact. The disinformation campaign also made it difficult to get the government’s message out.

There is considerable potential for an opponent to infiltrate networks and plant false information or give false orders (Source : US DoD)

At no point did Estonia officially blame the Russian government for the attacks. However, officials did publish a list of IP addresses from which attacks originated and these included Russian government and presidential addresses. However, the list also includes a large number of addresses from around the world (although there is a definite Russian concentration) illustrating how BotNets can be widely disseminated. Russian officials have continued to deny that they are behind the attacks.

The Estonian case illustrates the official or unofficial use of cyber warfare to back diplomatic pressure on a state. Although not a classic use of force as understood in military terms the denial of service attacks fit the Clausewitzian model of war being a ‘continuation of policy by other means’. Whether officially directed by Moscow or not, the attacks had a detrimental effect on Estonia’s governance and economy while the nature of the attacks made it difficult to condemn Russia.

Once the attacks began, internet chatrooms ensured that there was a bandwagon effect with Russian nationalists of every hue adding their weight to the denial of service attacks.

The more recent example of Georgia is a more direct example of the use of cyber warfare as part of a larger military campaign.

Although details remain unclear, what is known is that in the hours before Russian forces rolled into South Ossetia, Georgian networks and websites were hit by a sustained denial-of-service attack. The attacks, which were unlikely not to have been officially coordinated, threw Georgia’s networks into disar-

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China is continuing to conduct a significant amount of cyber reconnaissance

Every computer node must be secured, even those used for welfare by deployed forces (Source: DoD)

ray and made effective coordination and dissemination of information impossible. In an age when much of the information individuals rely on in their daily lives is disseminated via the internet, this made it difficult for Georgia to get its side of the story across and win the diplomatic and public opinion debates.

Trojan Dragons Russia is a concern for its neighbours, but in the wider global context and in the specifically Asian context one country stands out as having the greatest capability in this area. According to US officials, the vast majority of ‘attacks’ on US military networks originate from one source: China. However, speaking to an AFCEA conference in August, Gen. Chilton was keen to characterise such events not as attacks, with the military connotations, but as cyber espionage.

That said, whatever one chooses to call it, what is clear is that Beijing is attempting to build advanced cyber warfare capabilities.

The US is not the only country to suffer from such cyber espionage by China. In recent years India, one of Beijing’s regional rivals, has also begun to complain about the frequency and direction of such attacks. Indian officials state that there has been a systematic series of attacks on sensitive information systems and networks of Indian agencies originating from China. However, pinpointing such attacks is difficult and it is even harder to establish whether they have official sanction.

That difficulty arises from the close association between ‘official’ cyber warfare capabilities and ‘cyber criminals’. Network security providers, such as McAffee, acknowledge that countries with high instances of cyber espionage, like China and Russia, are also centres for cyber crime, ranging from simple fraud

schemes to much more sophisticated attacks on financial and institutional networks.

However, the scale and direction of attacks originating from China make it clear that at certain levels within the government there is an orchestrated campaign to develop cyber warfare capabilities. The activities of cyber crime and cyber warfare are also self reinforcing.

There is a lot of profit in cyber crime, with money to be made through compromising banking and personal information that in turn can be used to fund further capabilities.

In May, the US Congress’ US-China Economic and Security Review Commission heard evidence on ‘China’s Proliferation Practices, and the Development of its Cyber and Space Warfare Capabilities’. According to testimony in that hearing from Colonel Gary McAlum, Chief of Staff of US STRATCOM’s Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations, China is continuing to conduct a significant amount of cyber reconnaissance of many networks including the US Department of Defense. The purCivilian expertise is being leveraged for cyber defence (Source: DoD)

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pose of which is primarily data mining, as well as mapping of networks and identifying potential weak points in a network.

The level of activity by Chinese hackers is astounding, but shows the level of interest in China in this area. Whether or not the majority of the attacks are officially sanctioned is to some extent immaterial. What this illustrates is a latent capability that could be marshalled relatively quickly for cyber warfare purposes.

However, there is no doubt that many of the probing attacks on US networks are for the purposes of mapping the new terrain of the cyber environment. Neither is the US alone in being the focus of attention of Chinese attacks.

Close allies such as the UK and Australia have also been the focus of Chinese attention, especially as hackers look for ever more circuitous routes to into their targets.

Building capacity With several regional actors, including China, Russia and the US, already building sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities other countries in the region cannot afford to be left behind as the Georgian experience shows. However, even for countries like the US, how to recruit and train cadres of ‘cyber warriors’ remains a largely unanswered question. The kinds of skills such individuals have are greatly in demand by others, including the telecommunications industry, and there is always the potential draw of nefarious activities.

For countries where military service is even less attractive there may be real issues in

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India has been one of the most recent countries to be the focus of such attacks, again originating in China recruiting the right people. However, some countries are awakening to the challenge.

India has been one of the most recent countries to be the focus of such attacks, again originating in China. According to Indian officials, the attacks are not isolated incidents and are much more sophisticated than simple hacking.

Among the public and private sites that have been attacked is the National Infomatics Centre, which is linked to India’s National Security Council. Following the increase in attacks, efforts are now under way to set up defence mechanisms. But cyber warfare is yet to become a big component of the country’s security doctrine. India has set up dedicated Cyber warriors could also attack critical national infrastructures that are increasingly linked to the internet (Source : US DoD)

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Recognizing the vulnerabilities that NCW opens at the same time as the advantages it gives, the US is moving quickly to plug its defences (Source: US DoD)

teams of officials in daily deflection of the attacks. Indian officials are also discussing the need for a retaliatory offensive capability.

Other countries in the region that rely heavily on the internet and secure networks both for commercial and military purposes are also quietly gathering forces. Japan, Singapore and Taiwan have all recognised their huge vulnerabilities in this area, both as financial centres and because of regional rivalries that could see opponents using cyber warfare as a way to try and even the military playing field. Further south, Australia is mak-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

ing serious consideration about how to defend its own sophisticated networks.

Cyber warfare, which continues to be viewed by many as being peripheral, is rapidly becoming the ‘fifth space’ of modern warfare. Forward thinking military leaders can see that the ‘cyber domain’ is a new area to both be exploited and defended. Net centric warfare has opened up huge possibilities for modern armed forces, but it has also opened up huge vulnerabilities. It will be up to the new breed of cyber warriors to defend AMR and exploit this area.

REGIONAL NEWS A N D

AUSTRALIA Australian government receives procurement review Australia has received an independent report called the Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review (the Mortimer Review) from David Mortimer, the current head of the Defence Procurement Advisory Board. The review was launched in May by the new Labor Government to fulfil an election commitment to undertake an independent review of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the effectiveness of Australia's defence procurement system.

Mortimer's review of Defence Acquisition and Sustainment, which is titled 'Going to the Next Level', is, according to officials, a far-reaching and in-depth examination of the complex processes, practices and acronyms that comprise Australia's defence procurement system.

A key focus of the Mortimer Review was examining the implementation and effectiveness of the ongoing reforms to the DMO following the 2003 Kinnaird Review of Defence Procurement. The new review has made a total of 46 recommendations, covering five principal areas of concern: The Strategy and Needs Analysis of Capability Planning;

Defining the Requirements of Capability;

The Capability Acquisition Process;

Sustaining and Disposing of Capability; and

Driving Cultural Change in the Defence Materiel Organisation.

One of the more contentious recommendations is that the DMO should become an Executive Agency. This was a recommendation of the Kinnaird Review that the previous Liberal government chose not to implement.

The Labor government is committed to putting in place a programme of reforms prior to the release of a new White Paper in order to ensure Australia has the right procurement systems to deliver the capability for future Australian Defence Force needs. Labor is also committed to ensuring greater transparency and accountability throughout the defence procurement process.

Australia axes troubled JP 129 project The Australian government announced in September that the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Boeing Australia have agreed to terminate the contract for the delivery of a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) system, otherwise known as Joint Project 129 Under a contract awarded to Boeing Australia in December 2006 JP 129 sought to deliver the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) IView 250 TUAV system for use by the Australian Army in airborne surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition. The government said that since contract award, Boeing Australia and its subcontractors had experienced a range of technical issues making it increasingly difficult to deliver the full scope of the contract within a timeframe acceptable to the DMO. With a defence imperative to field a TUAV capability as soon as possible, and the potential for a number of lower risk alternative systems, the DMO and Boeing Australia agreed to terminate the contract on mutually acceptable terms. The defence ministry said that rigorous management of the programme by the DMO determined that proceeding as planned would have led to unacceptable delays in the delivery of the capability.

Defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon acknowledged Boeing Australia's cooperation with the DMO in cancelling the contract. As part of the agreement to terminate, Boeing agreed to refund $6 million they had been paid to date under the contract.

In the short term, the Australian Army will continue to use the Scan Eagle UAV that is currently in service in the Middle East under a separate Boeing contract.

Longer term the DMO is looking to relaunch the competition for provision of TUAV that would likely see companies such as BAE Systems, AAI, Thales and others take an interest.

RAAF grounds Hercules fleet The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was forced to place restriction on the flying operations of its C-130 Hercules transport fleet after an incident with a C-130H Hercules aircraft during a training flight on15 September. According to officials, the

NOVEMBER 2008

D E V E L O P M E N T S

aircraft encountered a fault with its nose landing gear, but was able to returne safely to RAAF Base Richmond.

Following the incident the defence ministry grounded the fleet for everything but essential flights and immediately launched an investigation into the fault. However, an RAAF investigation, conducted in consultation with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin, concluded that the nose landing gear failure was an isolated instance caused by a manufacturing defect that posed low risk to other aircraft in the fleet.

As a result the C-130 Hercules fleet was able to return to normal flying operations on 26 September. The RAAF has a fleet of 24 C-130 Hercules, operated from RAAF Base Richmond. The aircraft alongside the RAAF’s C-17s are the backbone of the country’s strategic transport fleet.

Saab supplies EW system for F-18s Saab Avionics has started serial production of its BOL countermeasures dispenser system for the Royal Australian Air Force’s F18 Hornet. The order is worth believed to be worth some A$13.4 million.

Saab originally received an order for the test, trial and integration of the BOL countermeasures dispenser system on the RAAF’s F-18s in 2004. After successful trials the original work has now led on to a production contract.

The latest contract also includes ground support equipment, documentation and integrated logistics support. Hardware deliveries will start during the third quarter of next year.

‘Establishing BOL on yet another platform proves that it is a cost effective and competitive countermeasures dispenser system for combat aircraft,’ stated Björn Erman, business unit manager for Saab Avitronics.

Saab’s BOL is an electronic warfare, self protection system for the dispensing of decoys with the purpose of misleading missiles. The BOL is currently in operational service on US Air Force/Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, UK Royal Navy Harrier GR7s, UK Royal Air Force Tornados and Eurofighter Typhoons, and the Swedish Gripen JAS-39.

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D E V E L O P M E N T S

INDIA

Nasik by Hindu Aeronautics Limited. In India they are also being fitted with French and Israeli avionics.

India looks at further MiG29K buy Reports in India suggest that New Delhi may be close to purchasing a further 30 Mikoyan MiG-29K fighters to equip the Indian Navy (IN). A purchase would bring the total strength of the fleet up to 42 aircraft.

Speculation of the potential sale was raised in the run up to a visit to India by Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov in September. The purchase of the fighters is expected to be one of the main issues on the table alongside other outstanding issues such as the delayed acquisition of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.

The 2004 deal to acquire the aircraft carrier involved the acquisition of 12 singleseater MiG-29Ks as an air wing for the vessel. The contract also included the option to buy a further 30 two-seater MiG-29KUBs before a 2015 deadline. These are the aircraft that will be discussed next week.

Harpoon sale to India

Fourth Indian Sukhoi squadron next year

Harpoon Block II Missiles (Source: US DoD)

According to local reports, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to raise a fourth squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters in February next year. The new squadron will further strengthen the IAF's fronline forces.

Indian officials told the media that the Su30 MKIs are likely to be stationed at Lohegaon airbase near Pune in the state of Maharashtra in western India. The IAF already has three squadrons of 60 Su-30

MKIs based at Lohegaon and Bareilly airbase in Uttar Pradesh.

Analysts say that if the fourth squadron is raised at Lehagon then one of the two existing squadrons at the airbase would move to Tezpur airbase in Assam. The 20 aircraft needed for the new squadron are from the 40 Su-30MKIs ordered from Moscow last year.

These aircraft are being assembled in India at

The US has confirmed a potential $170 million sale of the Boeing AGM-84 Harpoon missiles to New Delhi.

In its announcement to Congress the US' Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India of Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment and services valued at up to $170 million.

India intends to use the missiles to modernise its air to surface capabilities and improve the operational flexibility of its naval forces. According to the DCSA Harpoon 'will assist the Indian Navy to develop and enhance standardization and operational ability with the US'.

The proposed sale is believed to have been made at New Delhi's request and the DCSA argues that it will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner and to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.

India's neighbour Pakistan has already received Harpoon and the sale to India evens out the balance between the two.

The prime contractor for Harpoon, Boeing, is also looking to sell its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters to India.

Russian SU-30MKMs and MiG-29Ns, as well as US F/A-18D Hornets, and some obsolete F-5 E/F Tiger IIs. However, the cost of such a system is prohibitive and it still needs to be seen whether Kuala Lumpur will be able to find the cash given the severe cuts in the country’s budget.

Among the possible contenders for any AEW&C buy are refurbished US E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. Also a potential possibility is a larger capability based around the Saab Erieye system. Late last year Saab scored a regional success when it sold S1000 Erieye airborne early warning aircraft

to Thailand. Potentially a Saab offering could be based around the EADS-CASA C295 as Malaysia already operates the CN235 and this would allow for some commonality. Speaking at Africa Aerospace and Defence 08 Saab said they were looking closely at the potential in the country.

Not to be left off the list is Israel which has also had success in the region. Israel has supplied systems to both Singapore and India. Singapore opted for a Gulfstream G550 based Phalcon AEW&C aircraft while New Delhi has purchased a more capable IL-76 based Phalcon system.

MALAYSIA RMAF eyes AEW&C capability According to local reports, Malaysia has begun the search for an airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) capability as others in the region start to bring their own capabilities on line.

Speaking to local reporters the head of the armed forces General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal said that the air force was seeking to add up to eight AEW&C aircraft to its fleet.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) already operates one of the region's more advanced fighter fleets that includes both

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ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

REGIONAL NEWS A N D

D E V E L O P M E N T S

THAILAND Saab wins Thai C2 contract According to officials Saab has received an order worth an estimated $4.45 million from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for the development of its air defence command and control (C2) system. The contract further strengthens the company's position in the country.

The new system will be developed in close collaboration with the RTAF and adapted for the specific requirements of the service according to Saab. The system will involve the latest technology including advanced data fusion capabilities, and is developed to be intuitive and user-friendly.

'The order is important for the continued development of Saab's expertise in

command and control systems for air defence', stated Peter Wimmerström, President of Saab Systems. Dan-Åke Enstedt, Saab's executive vice-president and group business manager, told Asian Military Review recently that the Thai market is very important to the company.

The contract was awarded in competition with other major C2 companies.

However, Saab was in pole position for the contract after its recent activity in the country including the RTAF?s acquisition of 12 Gripen JAS 39 multi-role fighters and two Saab 340s with S-1000 airborne early warning system including the company's Erieye radar.

According to local reports, in September Thailand’s prime minister and defence

NEW ZEALAND

JAPAN GETS FIRST NEW MPA

New Zealand Navy, Air Force Successfully test fire Maverick on Seasprite In early September the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) successfully conducted live firings of the AGM-65 Maverick air to surface missile during a joint exercise by the two services. The test firing of the missiles was part of the validation process of the missiles, which were originally brought in to service in 2001, on a new platform.

In a joint operation utilising the HMNZS Te Kaha, RNZN SH-2G Seasprite helicopters from 6 Squadron and an RNZAF P-3 Orion, two AGM-65 Mavericks were test fired. Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Tony Parr said that in a first, the missiles were fired from the Seasprites against two targets at sea east of Great Barrier Island.

Officials said that it was an important demonstration of the Seasprite's capability and the missiles integration. The activity involved a 'start to finish' validation of current RNZN and RNZAF standing operating procedures, orders and instructions, and verified the Seasprite as a firing platform for the missile.

The test-firing ushers in an important new capability for New Zealand's armed forces. The validation of the Seasprite as a launch platform for the AGM65 gives the services an important new air support capability. The AGM-65 Maverick is designed for close air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armour, air defences, ships, ground transportation, and fuel storage facilities.

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minister, Samak Sundaravej approved a package of defence equipment purchases totalling an estimated $191.3 million.

The package is aimed at upgrading the Royal Thai Armed Forces capabilities and include $52.8 million that is being paid to Singapore Technologies for the supply of a new amphibious frigate. The Royal Thai Armed Forces will also receive new small arms and a number of Russian manportable air defence systems (MANPADS).

The small arms deal is for 15,037 Tavor TAR-21 assault rifles and 531 Negev light machine guns from Israel. The contract is worth an estimated $34.5 million.

Separately, Thailand is believed to be paying Russia $4 million for supply of 36 IglaS MANPADS.

According to recent reports, in late August Japan’s defence ministry took delivery of the prototype XP-1 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from Kawasaki Heavy Industries' (KHI) for a long-term programme of test and evaluation activities.

The aircraft was first flown in September last year and has completed an initial 11-month phase of testing with KHI before entering user trials. The plan is for the company to build up to

BANGLADESH Dhaka eyes further missile buys Bangladesh is in the process of seeking expressions of interest to supply its armed forces with new anti-ship missiles and surface-toair missile systems. Officials are understood to have approached a number of Western and Eastern companies for technical and pricing information.

Among the potential suppliers are European missile consortium MBDA, which is believed to be

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

70 production P-1s to replace Japan's existing KHI/Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions MPAs. The aircraft was officially handed over to government officials in a ceremony on 29 August at the company's Gifu site. The Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries XF-7 turbofan-powered XP-1 will now enter flight test and evaluation by the defence ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute and naval aviators at Atsugi air base. Flight testing is expected to continue until the end of 2015.

offering its Otomat Mk II anti-ship missile and five launch systems and Turkey’s Aselsan, which is offering its Short-Range Air Defence systems and 3D air defence radars.

Asian Military Review recently reported that Bangladesh had already acquired Chinese ASMs and begun test-firings aboard the frigate BNS Osman. China is believed to be looking at further increasing its share of the market in the country and Russia has also expressed some interest in supplying systems

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PAKISTAN

PAF to get night-flying training

Pakistan refurbishes AH-1F Cobra helicopter

According to US press reports, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots are set to begin training with their US counterparts as part of the US aid to the county. PAF pilots are to train with US pilots in how to utilise their F-16 fighters in night-time attacks against potential terrorist ground targets.

The information came after a rash of reports criticising Washington for allowing Pakistan to use its foreign military aid to purchase new F-16 aircraft rather than for other equipment that analysts suggest would have more impact in the Global War on Terrorism. Vice Admiral Jeffrey Wieringa, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, revealed the information in testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, DC. Adm Wieringa told Congressman critical of the decision to sell the F-16s to Pakistan that training, scheduled to start in February 2009, would give the PAF the day and night capability to fly missions against Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgents in the northwest border area of the country.

US officials believe the training will increase the PAF's value in counterinsurgency operations. Islamabad is set to receive 18 new F-16 fighters from

In late September, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for the refurbishment and maintenance of its AH-1F Cobra helicopters. The total value for the refurbishment of eight AH-1Fs is expected to be $115 million.

Under the FMS, Islamabad has requested the refurbishment and maintenance of eight of the eight aircraft as well as warranties, system integration, spare and repairs parts, including transportation for the parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data.

The DSCA said that the the Cobra helicopters have been an important part of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Northwest Frontier Province.

The Pakistan Army uses the Cobras to conduct and support counterinsurgency and counter terrorism operations. The prime contractor for the work is US Helicopter in Ozark, Alabama.

Lockheed Martin as part of a $5.1 billion Foreign Military Sales package that also includes electronics and weapons upgrades for the PAF's 46 existing F-16s.

Pakistan Navy completes submarine acceptance trials The Pakistan Navy (PN) completed customer acceptance testing of its latest Agosta 90B diesel-electric submarine, PNS Hamza, in September. This latest vessel was built entirely by Pakistan Naval Dockyard in Karachi under a technology transfer programme with French naval shipbuilder DCNS and is the first to feature DCNS’ Mesma air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.

Following intensive sea trials the PN formally declared that PNS Hamza met its acceptance criteria. According to DCNS the success of the Mesma programme is a direct result of exemplary cooperation between the PN, PN Dockyard, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited and DCNS. A further two Mesma AIP units are undergoing manufacture to be integrated with PNS Hamza’s two sister boats, PNS Khalid and PNS Saad. The two submarines are still at the yards will be integrated with Mesma when they come up for major refit.

AFGHANISTAN

SOUTH KOREA

Kabul to get refurbished G-222s

Seoul takes delivery of PAC-2s

Alenia Aeronautica has won a $287 million contract to supply 18 G-222 transport planes to the Afghan armed forces through the US Air Force, parent company Finmeccanica revealed in late September.

The G-222s, which were in service with the Italian army until 2005, will be refitted and bought by the USAF before being supplied to its Afghan counterpart. The G-222 was originally developed in the 1960s. It has high-mounted wings, twin turboprop engines, and a rear loading ramp. The cargo deck is sized to accommodate standard 463L pallets and has an airdrop capability.

The G-222 has a maximum speed of 540kph and a range of 4,685km. The transporter has an empty weight of 11,940kg and a maximum take-off weight of 31,800kg. The aircraft are set to be supplied between 2009 and 2011.

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In September Seoul took delivery of the first of a number of PAC-2 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, which the country is acquiring to protect against attack by its northern neighbour. Officials say that the new systems will be operational within two years.

South Korea has set a target of 2010 for the deployment of a fully operational Patriot missile network. The country has purchased the PAC-2 to give it a shield against potential missile attack from North Korea.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Earlier in the year Seoul announced the purchase of 48 second-hand PAC-2 Patriot SAM systems from Germany.

Those that have now been delivered are in the process of acceptance testing before they are deployed.

The US, which bases 28,500 troops in South Korea, has upgraded its Patriot batteries to the more advanced PAC-3 system. However, the US is in the process of drawing down its presence in the country with South Korean troops taking on an increasing amount of responsibility for the defence of the country.

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