Asian Military Review - December 2009/January 2010 by Asian Military Review

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Contents DECEMBER 2009 / JANUARY 2010 VOLUME 17 / ISSUE 8

18 The Malaysian Armed Forces Gordon Arthur Malaysia has been impacted by the financial tsunami. General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin, Chief of Defence Forces has said, “The current global economic crisis does have an impact on the Malaysian economy and for sure it has an impact on the Malaysian Armed Forces whether we like it or not.” The MAF is nonetheless continuing to transform into a balanced, conventional war-fighting force, and is now implementing its Fourth Dimension Malaysian Armed Forces capability plan

Front Cover Photo: High Frequency radios such as the Harris RF Communications AN/PRC-150(C) are in increased demand, providing as they do, readily available, simple to use, beyond line of sight communications down to the level of dismounted patrols. The AN/PRC-150(C), along with the almost identical RF-5800M-MP Falcon II, is in widespread service across the world, with regional operators including Pakistan and the Philippines © DoD

Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft in the Asia Pacific

John Mulberry The changing nature of maritime defence is fuelling sizable growth in the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and Fast Attack Craft (FAC) markets within the region, a result of huge investments in the face of shifting regional security threats. With many of the countries in the region without blue water navies, acquisition priorities are shifting away from larger warships and towards renewing their OPV and FAC fleets to provide cost-effective patrol, enforcement, response and surveillance capabilities

Combat Engineer Developments in Asia

Christopher F Foss Although much smaller in size than other arms, combat engineers make up a significant element in many armies in the area. Combat engineers are equipped with a wide range of equipment designed to keep routes open, building or rebuilding airfields and bridges and restoring power and water supplies on the battlefield. Consequently, in addition to their wartime time, combat engineers in Asia are at the forefront of providing assistance to the civilian community when natural disasters occur

Fire from Below: Manpads Today

10 Ian Kemp Manportable air defence systems were originally conceived as a point defence weapon. The latest fourth generation weapons however, have evolved to meet the needs of the contemporary operational environment adding in new capabilities such as ultra-short reaction times and head-on capabilities. Systems now have to have the ability to engage high speed crossing, pop-up and other demanding targets, extend their range of targets to include UAVs and cruise missiles and deal with sophisticated counter measures

High Frequency Comms Grow in Stature

30 Adam Baddeley High Frequency (HF) communications should have been displaced by the relentless spread of military and commercial satcom. It self evidently has not and has instead stubbornly remained in military inventories, filling niche roles which have been evolving and expanding so that HF has now become mainstream. This is due to a number of factors not least of which is that its coverage is achieved without the capital investment of space based infrastructure or the need to ensure that a commercial or military satellite is in orbit over the theatre, offering huge cost savings

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

Stopping the Nuclear Traffic

36 Andy Oppenheimer Nuclear trafficking proceeds apace in many regions of the world. The routes by which nations of concern, and possibly terrorist groups, acquire the means to build weapons of mass destruction are seldom exposed unless a specific smuggling or interdiction incident, is revealed. Regimes with unstable leaderships and a history of terrorist infiltration provide the greatest risk, although smuggling rings may also directly benefit groups and criminal gangs aligned to terrorist groups

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aritime awareness, or the ability to indentify potential enemies at sea is perhaps the biggest issue for many countries in the Asia Pacific region, brought into focus by the terrorist attacks on Mumbai.

If anything, the importance of maritime security can only grow by the seizure in November of the MV Francop by Israel, found to be carrying 500 tons of arms for Hezbollah in Lebanon, via Syria. The cargo vessel flew the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and was rented by a Cypriot freight delivery company, illustrating both the complexities of identifying each ship’s true intentions and the sheer volume of terrorist and insurgent supplies that can be carried by sea versus foot, road or air. Countries are beginning to steer increased resources to fund and research additional capabilities and not before time, terrorist are becoming ever more adept at using the sea.

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Editorial

Non state actors have a proven track record of being able to outwit even the most advanced sensor grids. The US Coast Guard for example acknowledges that it interdicts only small proportion of ‘drug subs’ sent from Colombia; semisubmersible, low profile, fibre glass craft, containing tonnes of cocaine and which defy easy detection by radar, sonar, and infrared systems. These platforms, relatively easy to build have also been found in the hands of the LTTE in Sri Lanka as recently as this year. A proven platform for drugs, these designs could easily be used to smuggle terrorists, explosives or even weapons of mass destruction. Even pre 9/11, Al-Qaeda was using the sea as a means to undertake attacks, with the deadly suicide attack against the US Cole in October 2000. Piracy in several locations across the globe also shows how dangerous and disruptive, small groups of individuals can be, even when their only objective is monetary gain. Each country could have millions of square kilometres of sea to patrol with an enormous number of vessels from around the world, ranging from supertankers to small skiffs and pleasure craft, entering their maritime borders and environs. For an archipelagic state or those on key sea lanes, the challenges expand exponentially. After terrorist atrocities, countries are prompted to shore up weaknesses in their defences. By prioritising maritime security now, perhaps at the expense of big-ticket, conventional defence platforms, future attacks would be better prevented.

Adam Baddeley, Editor

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

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NAVAL PLATFORMS

Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft in the Asia Pacific The changing nature of maritime defence is fuelling sizable growth in the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and Fast Attack Craft ( FAC) markets within the Asia-Pacific region. Despite the economic downturn, the market for these vessels within the region is expected to remain buoyant, as a result of huge investment by regional governments in the face of shifting regional security threats. by John Mulberry

BVT continues to look at OPVs despite the majority of work being in larger vessels such as HMS Daring ÂŠ BAE systems

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

NAVAL PLATFORMS

he increasing instance of piracy and offshore terrorism since the turn of the century is causing many countries in the region to reassess their ability to meet and deter maritime threats. With many of the countries in the region not currently operating blue water navies, acquisition priorities are shifting away from larger warships and towards renewing their OPV and FAC fleets to provide cost-effective patrol, enforcement, response and surveillance capabilities. One of the main programmes conducted within the Asia-Pacific region over the last decade has been New Zealand’s Project Protector programme. The review of current patrol and response capabilities between 2002 and 2004 determined a requirement for two OPVs as part of the programme, with Australian firm Tenix Defence (later BAE Systems) selected as the prime contractor. The two vessels constructed were commissioned into service as Protector class OPVs HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Wellington in November 2006 and October 2007 respectively. Each vessel is armed with one 25mm Bushmaster naval gun and two .50 calibre machine guns, and can carry a Kaman SH-2G (NZ) Seasprite helicopter, armed with torpedoes, depth charges and Maverick anti-ship missiles. The vessels perform primarily a range of national security tasks, as well as non-military surveillance and maritime patrols in support of civilian agencies, and government agencies such as NZ Customs, and the Ministry of Fisheries. They will patrol throughout New Zealand’s 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in conjunction with the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft; as well as conducting search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, support of peacekeeping operations and sea training for the NZ navy. The vulnerability of maritime trade is a major concern for many Asia-Pacific countries that rely on secure shipping channels for economic prosperity. The recent proliferation of pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean has brought this to the fore of maritime security requirements for many nations in the region, including New Zealand’s closest neighbour, Australia. Throughout the past decade Australia has re-examined its offshore patrol requirements. Since the early 1980s the Royal

Australian Navy (RAN) had relied on its ageing fleet of Fremantle class patrol boats, which were originally due for retirement in 1998. Instead, they underwent life-extension refits which kept them in service until they were finally decommissioned throughout the 2000s, with the final two being retired from service in 2007. In 2003 a contract was awarded to Defence Maritime Services for the construction of 12 offshore patrol boats as part of the $553 million Project SEA 1444 to replace the Fremantle fleet. A further two boats were purchased in 2004, and the resulting Armidale class vessels were commissioned into the RAN between 2005 and 2008. With a displacement of 270 tonnes, the Armidale class vessels have greatly enhanced the RAN’s maritime patrol capabilities beyond that offered by the Fremantle class; providing the ability to operate in seas conditions up to sea state 5, up to 1,000 nautical miles offshore, and able to be deployed for up to 42 days. Equipped with two large seaboats for patrol, surveillance and boarding operations, they are fitted with the Rafael 25mm Typhoon stabilised deck gun, two 12.7 mm machine guns, and advanced modular, flexible CEA supplied communications suite.

In 2003 a contract was awarded to Defence Maritime Services for the construction of 12 offshore patrol boats as part of $553 million Project SEA 1444 to replace the Fremantle fleet DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

HMAS Armidale: the Armidale class has greatly enhanced the RAN’s patrol capabilities © Wikimedia

For the navies and coast guards in the Pacific such as New Zealand and Australia who both have substantial coastlines to patrol and a variety of active threats to protect against such as illegal fishing, people smuggling and offshore terrorism, investment is more likely to be focussed on larger, multi-role OPVs, as opposed to smaller FACs. FACs are better suited to the relative calm and smaller coastal areas of South East Asian countries, resulting in the majority of acquisition and construction of FACs occurring in the navies of that region. The Indonesian Navy has traditionally relied strongly on foreign acquisitions to fill its naval fleet requirements. Over the last decade, it has used the opportunity provided by the smaller size of OPVs and FACs to invest in indigenous shipbuilding production. In response to a requirement recognised in 2002 for a new class of patrol craft to replace its ageing Kujang class and Golok class vessels, the Navy entered contract with domestic shipyards Fasharkan and PT Pelindo for a fleet of PC-36 patrol craft. The vessels will provide protection for the EEZ, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations within Indonesian waters. Despite more countries moving towards indigenous production, the market for foreign technology remains strong, with many smaller navies still focusing on acquisition rather than development. In the 1990s the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) began their New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) programme, which sought to replace their ageing patrol fleet with a newer, more capable

NAVAL PLATFORMS

design. The German Naval Group consortium was contracted to construct the new fleet, with the original requirement being for 27 vessels to be procured under the plan. Construction of the first batch of six vessels commenced in 2003 by Malaysian shipyard company PSC-Naval Dockyard, but technical problems and delays have resulted in only the initial batch (RMNS Kedah, Pahang, Perak, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Selangor), having been launched to date. Whether the Malaysian government will proceed with the remaining batches following the setbacks in producing the first batch remains to be seen. Various sources claim that the final number of vessels has now been reduced to 18, rather than 27. The single most significant event to spur investment in OPVs and FACs in the region over the past decade was the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. By entering the country via hijacked fishing vessels, the terrorists forced many countries to reassess their ability to protect their coast lines against such attacks, and develop capabilities against threats to maritime security. While China, Japan and South Korean are expected to dominate naval spending in the short term, India’s multi-billion dollar military overhaul is likely to see the country pushed into the top three regional naval procurement nations within the decade, with spending on OPV and FACs figuring as a significant portion of this, both directly and indirectly as a result of the Mumbai attacks. The response of the Indian Government to the Mumbai terror attacks has been to

During 2009, the Indian Navy has commissioned four new Car Nicobar class water jet propelled FACs to its fleet, charged with the role of enhancing offshore defence and coastal security enhance maritime security through a range of measures; significantly, government investment has provided opportunities for India’s shipbuilding companies to overcome shortcomings in infrastructure and increase indigenous ship production. In July 2008 the first of three ‘new series OPVs’ was launched by Indian company Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). GSL has designed and constructed the ship, named Vishwast, as per the specific requirements of the Indian Coast Guard. The Vishwast class will be fitted with one 30mm CRN-91 main gun controlled by an electric fire control system (FCS), and will be capable of carrying one HAL Dhruv helicopter for long range all-time search and rescue, and maritime surveillance. The vessels’ remit will include patrolling and policing maritime zones, pollution control, external firefighting, and search and rescue. The remaining two Vishwast class vessels are due for launch within the next 12 months. The Indian Coast Guard also employs the Vikram class OPV. These vessels, with a displacement of 1220 tons, were commissioned throughout the 1980s and early 90s,

The Indian Coast Guard’s AOPV, Sankalp class © Goa Shipyards Ltd

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

for patrol duties in unrestricted waters, fitted with a 30mm automatic 2A4Z cannon and two 7.62mm machine guns. The shortcoming of the Vikram class is that they were considered too small for their intended purpose, which led to India’s acquisition of the Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), the Sankalp class and Samar class. In the Sankalp and Samar class vessels, the Indian Coast Guard operates the only AOPV fleet in the Asia-Pacific region. Of the two classes, the Samar class is the more heavily armed; commissioned between 1996 and 2003, the four vessels are equipped with one OTO Melara 76 mm gun, a pair of 7.62mm machine guns. They are able to carry a 6.5 ton helicopter capable of transporting a marine contingent (HAL Chetak, HAL Dhruv or Sea King Mk.42B). The Samar class provided greatly enhanced capabilities for the Indian Coast Guard, used for all-weather, round-the-clock coastal patrolling, policing, anti-smuggling, and anti-terrorist defence. The Sankalp class, commissioned in 2008 and 2009, are the newest and largest indigenous patrol vessels in the fleet, designed for patrolling and policing maritime zones. Also produced by GSL is the Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NPOV), with the first of the class, named Saryu, launched in March 2009. The 105 metre vessel is due for commission in 2010, and will undertake surveillance and surface warfare operations in defence of maritime sovereignty; mainly fleet support, coastal and offshore patrolling, monitoring of sea lanes of communication, and offshore oil installation defence. Other OPVs deployed by the Indian Navy are the Sukanya class OPVs, and the more advanced Bangaram class fast patrol vessels, commissioned in the mid 2000s for interdiction tasks against fast moving surface vessels and search and rescue. During 2009, the Indian Navy has commissioned four new Car Nicobar class water jet propelled FACs to its fleet, charged with the role of enhancing offshore defence and coastal security. Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, the vessels, named INS Car Nicobar, INS Chetlat, INS Cora Dih and INS Cheriyam, are equipped with enhanced firepower, including one 30 mm CRN-91 gun (the naval version of the 2A42 30 mm Medak gun), as well as two 12.7 mm

NAVAL PLATFORMS

Heavy Machine Guns; they are also believed to feature anti-submarine warfare capability, and carry surface-to-air missiles. One of the most significant developments to emerge from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) upgrade has been the Type 022 (NATO codename Houbei class) new generation guided missile FAC. Although lower profile than some of the more highly publicised upgrade programmes undertaken by the PLAN, the Type 022 fleet has greatly enhanced the PLAN’s day-to-day maritime defence capabilities. The first vessel was launched in 2004, in response to a requirement for an advanced fleet to replace the ageing Type 021 (NATO codename Huangfeng class). Featuring a catamaran hull design, the Type 022 is 40 metres in length with a displacement of 220 tonnes, and is the world’s first combat cata-

The ROK’s new Gumdoksuri class patrol vessels, also known as Patrol Killer eXperimental class © Wikimedia

maran. Weapons systems on board include eight YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, and a Russian AK-630 30 mm close-in weapons system. The threat of regional hostility posed by China’s (and to a lesser known extent, North

Korea’s) defence force overhaul has been a major motivator for its regional neighbours to enhance their own maritime defence capabilities. Over the past decade the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has been upgrading its OPV fleet, slowly replacing the ageing fleet of Chamsuri Class (or PKM class) with the Gumdoksuri class OPV. The Chamsuri class entered service with the navy in the 1970s, and served as coast patrol vessels until their phasing out began in the 1990s. Of the original ROKN fleet, two are now in service with the Bangladesh Navy (transferred in 2000), and several were transferred to the Philippine Navy, and are now known as the Toman Batillo class. The first of the Gumdoksuri class patrol vessels (also known as PKX – Patrol Killer eXperimental class), named Yoon Young-ha, was launched in 2007. The advanced, high-

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NAVAL PLATFORMS

Earlier this year it was announced that a deal had been brokered between British BVT Surface Fleet and Bangkok Dock to construct an advanced OPV for the RTN speed patrol boat is equipped with four Haesung ship to ship guided missiles, 76mm and 40-mm guns, and advanced radar systems. The vessel is much larger than the 150 ton Chamsuri, the Gumoksuri weighs in at 440 tons, with a maximum speed of 137 kph; an indigenous search and chase radar, stealth capability, and state of the art command system for electronic warfare. It was developed in response to a naval requirement for improved maritime combat systems following the sinking of a Chamsuri patrol boat in 2002 during a clash with North Korea in the Yellow Sea. The fleet will be deployed by the Navy as a key defence of the Northern Limit Line sea boundary which separates South from North Korea; the vessels are far superior to the current patrol boat deployed by North Korea – the Osa-1 missile equipped patrol boat. The success of the PKX programme has elevated the ROK to an advanced level in areas of naval defence science and technology. It has played a large part in transforming the ROKN from one heavily reliant on foreign technology to one capable of improving its fighting power with domestic ingenuity. In 2006 the Singapore government embarked on one of the most substantial OPV projects in the region at the time, signing an $85.3 million contract with Damen Shipyards Singapore for 10 new patrol vessels. The specially designed Damen StanPatrol 3507 vessels were procured for

the Police Coast Guard (PCG) to provide an enduring and robust maritime security patrol platform to replace its ageing patrol craft fleet. The first of the ten vessels was commissioned into service in February 2009, under the name PH51 Mako Shark. With a displacement of 140 tons and length of 35 metres, the Mako Shark is the largest patrol vessel to enter service with the PCG, and will undertake patrol duties of the country’s territorial waters. The vessel is capable of speeds of up to 35 knots, and is armed with a 25 mm Rafael Typhoon and 2 CIS 50 12.7 mm machine guns. Thailand has also expanded its OPV capabilities in recent years with the acquisition of two Pattani class OPVs. Designed by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and built by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) China State Shipbuilding Corp’s (CSSC) Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard as part of a countertrade agreement between the two countries. The first vessel, HTMS Pattani was delivered to Thailand in 2005, with the second, HTMS Naratiwat, delivered the following year. The vessels, each with a displacement of 1,440 tonnes, are armed with one Otobreda 76/62 main gun and twin 40 mm secondary guns, and are capable of carrying one helicopter. Navies in the region are looking to augment their frigate fleets with smaller OPVs © US Navy

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Onlookers watch as INS Cankarso is floated © Bharat-rakshak.com

Thailand is an excellent example of the shifting requirements of navies in the region in response to the changing nature of maritime defence in the 21st century. In addition to the resurgence of piracy and the evolving threat of offshore terrorism, many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are seeing a move away from deep sea warship acquisition towards expanding OPV fleets due to the risk of natural disasters. The 2004 Tsunami was a particular motivator for Thailand to enhance its search and rescue and disaster relief capabilities. The RTN’s OPVs are also a major combatant against the illegal narcotics trade. Earlier this year it was announced that a deal had been brokered between British BVT Surface Fleet and Bangkok Dock to construct an advanced OPV for the RTN. The OPV, based on BVT’s UK Royal Navy River class ships, will be 90 metres long and capable of carrying an AgustaWestland AW-139 medium helicopter. They will be armed with one 30 mm cannon and machine guns, and will carry a high-speed RIB for interception and boarding operations. The potential importance of maritime defence is still in many ways an unknown quantity. As shown by the Mumbai terror attacks to devastating effect, perceived naval threats are constantly shifting, and developing versatile and enhanced maritime security capabilities has become a priority for navies within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As a result, investment in OPV and FAC acquisition and development is expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace in the coming decades, as governments realise the advantages of operating advanced fleets at a AMR relatively low cost.

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AIR DEFENCE W

Fire

from Below:

Manpads Today

Manportable air defence systems (MANPADS) were conceived as a point defence weapon. The latest fourth generation weapons have evolved to meet the needs of the contemporary operational environment by Ian Kemp

Air defenders from the Australian Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16th Air Defence Regiment launch an RBS-70 missile at the live firing range in Woomera, South Australia ÂŠ ADF

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

AIR DEFENCE W

ustralia is renewing is low level air defence network. Since March 2006, both missile batteries of the Australian Army’s 16th Air Defence Regiment have been reequipped under the Land 19 Phase 6 Enhanced Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) project. The Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70 Mark 2 missiles in service with the regiment’s 111 Air Defence Battery were replaced with the latest production standard Bolide missiles while 110 Battery also received the Swedish manportable air defence system (MANPADS) to replace its BAE Systems Rapier low level air defence missile system after 23 years of service. The RBS 70 is in service with at least 23 users and Saab Bofors Dynamics has sold more than 16,000 missiles. Production of the RBS-70 will continue into 2010 to complete a SEK 600 million follow on contract

The latest Bolide missile is the fourth generation of the RBS-70… Bolide also features a multi-role proximity fuse which can be set for three different modes awarded in 2007 to equip the Finnish Army. The RBS-70 is launched from a tripod; a complete firing unit is divided into three loads – stand, sight and missile – so that it can be carried by three soldiers. Target acquisition includes an IFF phase, but once fired, the missile locks on and vents its propulsion exhaust through the mid-section. Laser-beam guidance provides short reaction times and head-on

capability, and according to the manufacturer is impossible to jam. The latest Bolide missile is the fourth generation of the RBS-70. It has an intercept range of about eight kilometres and a ceiling of about 4.5 kilometres (15,000 feet) compared to the previous seven kilometres and three kilometres (10,000 feet) of the previous Mark 2 missile. Although the maximum velocity is still about Mach 2.2 (750 metres per second) increased acceleration and other advances have improved the missile’s performance against high speed crossing, pop-up and other demanding targets. Bolide also features a multi-role proximity fuse which can be set for three different modes: ‘Normal’ for use against aircraft and helicopters; ‘Small target’ for use against unmanned air vehicles and cruise

Members of the Australian Army’s 16 Air Defence Regiment track a US Marine Corps KC-130 with their Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS-70 launcher during Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2008’ in Northern Australian © ADF

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

AIR DEFENCE W

missiles’; and, ‘Off’ which inactivates the proximity fuse. The missile’s ‘combined’ warhead features a shaped charge and more than 3,000 tungsten pellets. The Bolide requires no maintenance for ‘more than 15 years’ after which a mid-life overhaul can extend the missile’s life by ‘at least an additional 15 years’. Under Land 19 Phase 6, Australia acquired the latest improvements to the RBS 70’s weapon sight. One was fitting new generation laser diodes, which produce more laser energy with less heat. Another was replacing the Clip on Night Device (COND) with the BORC thermal imaging night sight which weighs about 11 kilograms (half the weight of COND) and incorporates a starring array sensor instead of a scanned array sensor, providing greater resolution and consuming less battery power. The modernisation programme also included the acquisition of five Lockheed Martin Portable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar-Extended Range (PSTAR-ER) and the upgrade of the five in service PSTAR to the improved standard and the fielding of the Saab Tactical Command and Control System (TaCCS). The PSTAR-ER has a range of 37 kilometres compared to 20 kilometres for the PSTAR. The TaCCS enables the three radars linked to the battery command post to be networked to produce a single correlated local air picture with immediate transmission of threat data to a handheld terminal used by

The Avenger consists of a gyro stabilised turret, armed with eight Stinger missiles in two pods, mounted on an AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle the 15 weapon detachment commanders. An air defence battery would typically deploy with a task force and assign a troop of five launchers to a battle group. Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) liaison teams, equipped with a TaCCS terminal, would deploy to the supported task force or battle group headquarters, Royal Australian Air Force air traffic control unit or the Joint Force Air Operations Centre. Since the start of the Global War on Terrorism, the Regiment has routinely deployed RBS 70 detachments aboard Royal Australian Navy ships operating in the Persian Gulf. Australia’s 2009 Defence White Paper states the ‘Government will replace or upgrade the Army's ground-based air defence system (currently based on the RBS70 missile) with more advanced systems that will also include a new counter rocket and mortar capability’. The June 2006 Defence Capability Plan 2006-16 indicated that A$750 million to A$1 billion would be spent on Land 19 Phase 7 to replace or upgrade the RBS 70 from 2018. In August 2008 the Department of Defence commis-

US marines from the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion launch a Raytheon Stinger missile during training in July 2009 © USMC

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

sioned Aerospace Concepts Pty Ltd to study the responses from firms that indicated an interest in participating in the project. Like the RBS 70 other MANPADS are also evolving to meet new threats such as unmanned air vehicles. One of the most widely deployed MANPADS is the Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger shoulderlaunched fire-and-forget system which first entered US Army service in 1982. Since then, according to Raytheon, “Stinger has been combat proven in four major conflicts and has more than 269 fixed-wing and rotary-wing kills”. A passive twocolour infrared/ultraviolet heat seeking detector guides the missile to the target at speeds of up to Mach 2. The current production standard FIM-92C missile can engage targets beyond 4,500 metres in range and at altitudes between ground level and 3,800 metres. Raytheon has produced more than 50,000 missiles for the US Army, US Marine Corps and customers in more than 19 countries. As is typical of most MANPADS, Stinger launchers have been developed for vehicle, ship and helicopter applications. The most recent sale occurred in June 2009 when the US Army Aviation & Missile Command, acting on behalf of Taiwan, awarded Raytheon a $45.393 million firm-fixed-price contract for 171 Stinger missiles, 68 Air to Air Launchers and associated support equipment. The Stinger buy is part of a $2.5 billion package

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to supply Taiwan with 30 Boeing AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow attack helicopters early in the next decade. The first GBAD layer for US Army manoeuvre units is the Boeing M1097 Avenger which was developed in the 1980s to provide a low cost, highly mobile shortrange air defence (SHORAD) system. The Avenger consists of a gyro stabilised turret, armed with eight Stinger missiles in two pods, mounted on an AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). An FN Herstal MP3 .50 calibre heavy machine gun, with 300 rounds of ready use ammunition, is mounted on the Florida Army National Guardsmen carry a Stinger missile launcher to the firing lane at McGregor Range, New Mexico during their predeployment training to Washington DC as part of Operation ‘Noble Eagle’ © US DoD

Since 2004 the British Army has cut the number of SP HVM launchers in service from 156 to 84 Avenger to cover the Stinger’s dead zone out to 200 metres and provide local defence. A further eight missiles are carried in the vehicle as well as a grip stock to allow the missiles to be used in the MANPADS role when required. Targets are acquired by using the optical sight or a forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) system. Some Avengers in US service are fitted with a Slew-to-Cue subsystem which enables the commander or gunner to select a target reported by the Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence on the

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onboard display and initiate an automatic slew in azimuth. Boeing has built more than 1,100 Avengers since 1998 for US Army, US Marine Corps and US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. US Army National Guard units equipped with Stingers and Avengers continue to be deployed as part of the multilayered air defence system around the Capital Region as part of Operation ‘Noble Eagle’ which was initiated by the North American Aerospace Defense Command in the days following the 11 September 2001 terrorists attacks on the USA. As the Army has concentrated its resources on countering the ballistic missile threat it has cut the more than 700 Avengers previously in service by half and assigned remaining batteries to new Air and Missile Defence (AMD) battalions.

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Each AMD battalion consists of one Avenger battery and four batteries equipped with Raytheon Patriot high to medium air defence systems; six AMD battalions will be formed by 2010. The US Army will retain Avenger in service until 2018 when it will be replaced by Raytheon’s Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-To-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) described by the service as ‘a critical component of the Army's future Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) system’. SLAMRAAM uses Raytheon’s AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. The Department of Defense’s Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10) budget includes funding for 13 launchers for delivery by mid-2011 for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. When the Avenger with its Stinger missiles is withdrawn from the service the US Army will no longer have a MANPADS capability. The USMC has already replaced its Avengers through the incremental GBAD Transformation project to modernise its Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalions. Increment 1 covers the fielding of the Advanced MANPADS (A-MANPADS) which includes: new M1152 Up Armoured HMMWVs to carry the missile teams; a Remote Terminal Unit that provided situational awareness, and command and control; PRC-150/117 radios to provide voice and data links; and, the integration of the existing Stinger shoulder launchers. The USMC has requested funding for 47 fire units in FY10. The Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions have submitted a Universal Needs Statement to

The three laser-beam riding 'hittiles' carried by Thales Starstreak 2 missiles are indepently guided to increase hit probability against small targets such as UAVs and cruise missiles © Thales

replace their ageing stocks of Stinger missiles. One possible solution is the acquisition of new Stinger missiles. The A-MANPADS provides the USMC with its only organic air defence system. Since 1997 the British Army has been

The effectiveness of New Zealand’s Mistrals has been improved since 2004 with the fielding of the Very Low Level Air Defence System Alerting and Cueing System equipped with the Thales Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM). To replace both the Rapier and the Javelin MANPADS, three variants were acquired by the Army: a single round shoulder launcher, a three

round Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) and the Self-Propelled HVM which mounts an eight round launcher on the roof of a BAE Systems Stormer tracked armoured personnel carrier with internal stowage for a further 12 missiles and an LML. For export customers the LML can be mounted on a various wheeled and tracked vehicles. A two-stage rocket motor which launches the Starstreak burns out before the missile leaves its canister. When the missile is a safe distance from the operator a second stage motor fires which rapidly accelerates the missile to a velocity of more than Mach 4+ at which point the three dart sub-munitions, ‘hittiles’, are released. The laserguidance system individually guides the projectiles toward the target; on impact with the target a delayed action fuze detonates the warhead. Thales has demonstrat-

The solid rocket engine of a Stinger missile ignites and propels the missile from an Avenger launcher at McGregor Range, New Mexico. This Florida Army National Guard air defence unit later deployed to protect Washington DC as part of Operation ‘Noble Eagle’ © US DoD

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ed the ability of the HVM to penetrate the front armour of an armoured personnel carrier or infantry fighting vehicle to show the weapon’s multirole potential. Since 2004 the British Army has cut the number of SP HVM launchers in service from 156 to 84. In January 2009, the Ministry of Defence awarded Thales a contract worth more than £200 million for the Air Defence Availability Project (ADAPT) to ensure the Starstreak HVM system remains effective until 2020. Enhancements include automatic target tracking, new control consoles and the introduction of the new standard Starstreak II missile which extends the weapon’s range beyond 7 kilometres. MBDA’s fire-and-forget Mistral entered series production in 1989 and is now used by the armed forces of 27 countries with more than 16,000 missiles sold. New Zealand’s 43 (Air Defence) Battery, 16 Field Regiment has been equipped with the Mistral since 1997. In the MANPADS role one soldier carries the launcher and another carries a missile. The system can be assembled for use in less than five min-

The latest application of the Mistral is the MultiPurpose Combat System developed by MBDA in collaboration with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics utes and then takes less than 45 seconds to acquire and engage a target. The effectiveness of New Zealand’s Mistrals has been improved since 2004 with the fielding of the Very Low Level Air Defence System Alerting and Cueing System (VACS) – comprising two radars, one command post and five weapon terminals - supplied by Indra of Spain. Under a separate contract Thales supplied IFF Interrogators which are mounted on each Mistral launcher. Together the Mistral/VACS system enables in-coming threats to be identified out to 20 kilometres, tracked and then engaged. The Mistral is another MANPADS which has been successfully mounted on a variety of platforms. The simplest of these installations mounts the Atlas lightweight twin-round launcher on a flatbed a 4 x 4 cross country truck; the Hungarian Army acquired this configuration in 2000. Both the Atlas and the Albi twin-launcher turret, developed for installation on light armoured vehicles, are equipped with a fourth generaMBDA's Atlas lightweight twin-launcher for the Mistral 2 missile can be mounted on a range of light vehicles © MBDA

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tion infrared thermal sight which enables targets to be identified by ten kilometres and an autonomous identification friend-or-foe device. Up to 11 launchers can be co-ordinated with the Mistral Co-ordination Post (MCP). The Mistral 2 achieves a speed greater than Mach 2.7 and can engage targets up to 6.5 kilometres range and 3,000 metres in altitude. The missile is fitted with a three kilogramme high explosive warhead packed with tungsten ball projectiles. The Mistral has achieved a success rate of 93 percent in more than 3,000 live firings. Besides aerial targets fixed-wing aircraft, low flying helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles – the Mistral has been successfully demonstrated against moving land vehicles and fast inshore attack craft at sea. Not surprisingly MBDA has also developed the ATAM helicopter launcher for the Mistral 2 which became the first helicopter-borne air-to-air missile system to enter service following its selection by the French Army to arm its new Tiger attack helicopters. The latest application of the Mistral is the Multi-Purpose Combat System (MPCS) developed by MBDA in collaboration with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics. The MPCS is a lightweight one-person turret that can be integrated into a wide range of tracked and wheeled chassis for used in both the air defence and anti-tank roles. Configured for the air defence a pod to two Mistral 2 missiles are mounted either side of the turret while four 3,000 metre range MBDA MILAN-ER (Extended Response) anti-tank guided missiles would be mounted for anti-armour missions. In the centre of the MPCS is a Rheinmetall Stabilised Electro-Optical Sighting System (SEOSS) capable of engaging air and ground targets by day and night. The turret is also armed with a .50 calibre HMG to provide local defence. The first firing trials of the MPCS were AMR conducted in 2009.

ROSOBORONEXPORT AT THE JUBILEE LIMA 2009 Showing Russia’s best aerospace and maritime technologies to South East Asian customers ussia is by tradition the largest foreign participant in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), Malaysia. This year the federal state unitary enterprise (FSUE) “Rosoboronexport” brings Russia’s best military-purpose products to the jubilee show held there in the period of 1-5 December. First Russian-Malaysian contacts in the sphere of military-technical cooperation were established in 1993. At the present time Malaysia is one of the most reliable and prospective partners of the FSUE “Rosoboronexport” in South East Asia. The contract for the procurement of 18 MiG-29 fighters signed in 1993 marked a significant stage in the cooperation between the two countries. Deliveries of all the aircraft were concluded in 1995, and soon afterwards a joint Russian-Malaysian venture ATSC (Aerospace Technology System Corporation) was incorporated to provide for maintenance and upgrading of the above aircraft. A contract for the supply of antitank missile systems to Malaysia was signed in June 2001, followed by another contract for the supply of a batch of man-portable air defence systems in 2002. Two Mi-171Sh helicopters were delivered to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department in 2005. Earlier,

Mr. Victor Komardin, Head of the Rosoboronexport’s delegation at LIMA 2009 exhibition in 1999, the Royal Malaysian Police took delivery of two Mi-17-1V helicopters made by the Kazan helicopter plant. The year of 2003 became momentous in the history of the Russian-Malaysian relations when a contract for the supply of the Su30MKM multirole fighters to the Royal Malaysian Air Force was signed during the visit to Kuala Lumpur of the then President of

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the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Its offset part initiated the realisation of a truly exciting programme. On 10 October 2007, for the first time in the history of the Kingdom of Malaysia, its cosmonaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie, orthopaedist surgeon and professor of medicine at the University of Kebangsaan, went into space with the Expedition 16 crew launched to the International Space Station. The Su-30MKM delivery programme has been finished by now. Currently Russia keeps strong positions amongst world’s leading military aircraft exporters. Systems that Russian enterprises bring to the LIMA 2009 exhibition convincingly illustrate a steady progress of the military-technical cooperation with the countries in the region. Among others it presents export modifications of the 4th+ generation combat aircraft, including the Su-35 supermanoeuvrable multirole fighter, single-seat MiG-35 and twin-seat MiG-35D multifunctional front-line fighters. A unique flight made by the President of India, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces Pratibha Patil in the Indian Air Force’s Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter from Lohegaon airbase in Pune, India was a new manifestation of technological perfection and high prestige enjoyed by Russian combat aircraft in the world. It was on 25 November this year when Mrs Patil performed this historic flight, thus becoming not only the first elected woman President of India but also the first president who ever flew in the Su-30MKI fighter. This event was welcomed in Russia as a sign of the highest confidence in both this country and its combat systems. Visitors to the LIMA 2009 exhibition will be able to get promotional materials about the Yak-130 advanced combat trainer as well. The aircraft is scheduled to conclude its test programme by the end of his year, and will then enter service with the Russian Air Force to provide for training of fighter pilots for its Su and MiG families, including the latest Su-35 and MiG-35, as well as a prospective 5th generation fighter. Thanks to its perfect flight characteristics, fly-by-wire control system and modern-type glass cabin the Yak-130 aircraft can be employed as an efficient, safe and low-cost training facility to form air cadets as well as to maintain and

master flight proficiency of active unit pilots. Besides, this aircraft can be deployed to accomplish strike missions in conditions of lowintensity conflicts. Mil family helicopters are represented at the Rosoboronexport’s stand by the Mi35M combat transport helicopter, Mi-17Sh military transport helicopter, and Mi-26T heavy-lift helicopter. Each of these rotary-wing aircraft is unique in its own way. The Mi-35M has its combat capabilities and flight performance substantially increased owing to the retrofit with a day/night surveillance and targeting system, an advanced avionics suite, a new rotor system, and the VK-2500 engines. Besides combat missions, this helicopter is capable of carrying out troops landing and transportation tasks. The Mi-17Sh is one of the latest modifications of the Mi-8/Mi-17 family helicopters which have earned the worldwide reputation for their high effectiveness. The helicopter is capable of defeating enemy ground installations and manpower, transport up to 20 troops or up to 4,000-kg cargoes, land troops and provide fire support for them, evacuate casualties (up to 12 persons in stretchers escorted by a medical specialist), as well as participate in search-and-rescue operations over land and sea areas. The Mi-26T is the most capable heavylift helicopter in the world. It can carry up to 20-tonnes cargoes inside its cargo cabin or on the external sling, up to 82 fully equipped troops – in the assault version, and up to 60 casualties in stretchers – in the medical evacuation version. Kamov family helicopters are represented by the Ka-31 radar picket helicopter which is designed to provide detection of air targets, including low-altitude ones, and surface ships, as well as their tracking, and automatic data transmission to command posts. Experts from South East Asian countries will be able to familiarise themselves with Russian surface-to-air weapons, including the “Tor-M2E” short-range air defence missile system. The “Buk-M2E medium-range air defence missile system also has good export prospects in the South East Asian markets. It is the world’s only air defence missile system of this class that is capable of destroying not only strategic and tactical aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles, but also tactical ballistic and air-launched misAMR Marketing Promotion

siles, including anti-radiation missiles and strike elements of high precision weapons, as well as surface and ground targets, in conditions of enemy electronic countermeasures and counter-fire. The “Pantsir-S1” air defence gun/missile system provides effective protection of pin-point military, industrial, and administrative installations from air strikes. One combat vehicle can engage four targets simultaneously at ranges of up to 20 km. The maritime segment of the Russian exposition attracts visitors’ attention to smalland medium-displacement surface ships, with a special regard to the geographical features and growing requirements for littoral security in the Asian Pacific region. Project 12418 “Molniya” missile boat as well as Project 12150 “Mangust”, Project 12200 “Sobol” and Project 14310 “Mirazh” patrol boats, displacing from 10 to 550 tonnes, are listed with good reason among the world’s best. These boats can be very effective in fighting sea piracy, drug trafficking and terrorism, and are therefore arousing a vivid interest in South East Asian countries. The Russian maritime exposition at the LIMA 2009 exhibition also presents combatants that could strengthen naval forces in the region, such as the "Gepard-3.9” frigate. Great export prospects are open for Project 12061E “Murena-E” air cushion landing craft capable of transporting to long distances, at a speed of up to 45 knots, and

landing on unequipped shores assault troops with combat vehicles, including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and infantry combat vehicles. Submersibles are represented by Project 636 submarine armed with the “Club-S” integrated guided missile weapon system, and “Amur-1650” next-generation submarine. A special place in the Russian exposition is allocated to small littoral submarines. Besides military ships of various types, foreign customers are offered different Russian-built weapon suites, combat and support systems for installation on ships being constructed at local shipyards. Both exhibitors and guests at the maritime exposition will be interested in learning more about such Russian weapons as the “Club-S” integrated missile system, antiship cruise missiles, air defence missile systems, artillery mounts and antisubmarine weapons that have earned the high appraisal in the world. Foreign customers currently take great interest in Russian coastal missile systems armed with antiship cruise missiles. “Rosoboronexport develops military-technical cooperation with foreign countries giving due consideration to each request of our partners, - said Victor Komardin, head of the Rosoboronexport’s delegation at the LIMA 2009 exhibition. - We are open to constructive discussions, and are offering to our foreign customers the best products made by the Russian defence industry. And LIMA 2009 proves it again with all evidence.”

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“Truly Asian!”

The Malaysian Armed Forces “Malaysia. Truly Asia!” is the slogan of Tourism Malaysia. “A bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony,” cites their preface. However, such a glowing preamble belies the fact that racial and political tensions have bubbled to the surface in this Southeast Asian country in the past couple of years. The long-serving National Front coalition was shocked when its majority was cut by a third in national elections in March 2008. by Gordon Arthur

Members of the elite 9th Royal Malay Regiment storm a beach during the annual CARAT exercise conducted with the USA © Gordon Arthur

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he latest tribulation for this tourist haven is economic recession. Malaysia has been impacted by the financial tsunami, and General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin, appointed Chief of Defence Forces on 1 September 2009, stated, “The current global economic crisis does have an impact on the Malaysian economy and for sure it has an impact on the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) whether we like it or not. As such we need to prioritise our development plan accordingly and we will proceed back as usual when the situation permits.” The MAF is transforming into a balanced, conventional war-fighting force, and is now implementing its Fourth Dimension Malaysian Armed Forces (4D MAF) capability plan. The strategic 4D MAF plan has three key foci – joint force, information superiority and multi-dimensionality in subsurface, surface, air and information realms. This article examines the state of the MAF, and outlines current and future acquisition programmes. Malaysia is presently implementing its 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) covering the 2006-10 period, but further progress is entirely dependent on whatever budget the government makes available. General Ariffin hoped most of the 4D MAF plan could be funded under 10MP in 2011-15, while observers also hope tri-service interoperability and integration will be better addressed. Malaysia faces new asymmetric threats

in the post-9/11 era, particularly in the form of international terrorism, kidnappings in Sabah, smuggling and regional piracy. To enhance its counterterrorism capability, the MAF is investigating the creation of a Special Forces Command directly subordinated to the MAF headquarters. This would oversee all current Special Forces units, and possibly the 10th Parachute Brigade too. Malaysian defence revolves around three pillars of self-reliance, regional cooperation and external assistance. Malaysia does not have the industrial capacity to produce all its military hardware, but it does wish to act independently without need of foreign assistance in low/mediumlevel security threats. Malaysia places great emphasis on regional cooperation, and

The Army is reportedly impressed with the 155mm Caesar from France, and it is considered a leading contender encourages bilateral defence cooperation within the ASEAN framework. The Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore is an important alliance, though its significance has been lessened somewhat with Malaysia’s growing independence.

Army needs new wheels The Malaysian Army’s (Tentera Darat Malaysia, TD) transformation into a conventional-warfare force is almost complete in structural terms. The 3rd Division continues to develop into a fully fledged combined-arms division, including the 11th Royal Armoured Regiment equipped with 48 Polish PT-91M Pendekar Main Battle Tanks (MBT). Malaysia’s final PT-91M rolled off the Bumar-Labedy production line in January 2009. The army desires up to 100 more MBTs to equip two further tank regiments in its armoured brigade. It remains to be seen whether the PT-91M or another MBT type will be selected, as even Poland has spurned further PT-91s for its own army. In the field of artillery, there is a need for 155mm self-propelled howitzers. “We have decided it will be a mix of wheeled

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and tracked vehicles,” said the Chief of Army, General Tan Sri Muhammad Ismail. Because of Malaysia’s geographic peculiarities, air-transportable artillery systems are essential. Owing to mountainous interiors and river networks, Malaysia relies on its road networks rather than railways, so wheeled vehicles offer better mobility than tracked howitzers. The Army is reportedly impressed with the 155mm Caesar from France, and it is considered a leading contender. Meanwhile, the South Korean tracked K9 is prime candidate for the armoured brigade. Any procurement would likely include a regiment each of wheeled and tracked howitzers in 10MP. Eight 120mm mortars mounted in FNSS ACV-S stretched hulls will be delivered before the year’s end to provide organic firepower to mechanised battalions. Furthermore, approximately 40 additional ACV-300 Adnan tracked vehicles were ordered to supplement 211 existing Adnans. Malaysia received an additional 18 Brazilian-made AVIBRAS ASTROS II Multiple Rocket Launchers (MRL) in September to equip the 52nd Royal Artillery Regiment. These will be operational in 2010 to augment 18 MRLs already in service. Asymmetric warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan has amply demonstrated the need for armoured tactical vehicles, and Malaysia has opted for 85 Spanish-built URO VAMTAC vehicles to meet its requirement. These Humvee-lookalike vehicles can mount 0.50-cal machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers or Metis-M Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). A key programme that has not gained traction, despite its urgency, is new armoured vehicles to replace 450+ geriatric Condor 4x4 and 184 SIBMAS 6x6 vehicles. A total of 521 8x8 vehicles to equip a battalion in each of the army’s four divisions are required. Six variants on a common platform are specified – ATGM, 25mm cannon, surveillance, command, ambulance and fitter/recovery. A global tender was floated in June 2008 for airtransportable vehicles weighing less than 25 tonnes. However, this programme has foundered, deferred yet again, in Malaysia’s current budgetary morass. While the MAF has been buying shiny new equipment, often smaller but more essential items are forgotten. For example,

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troops serving in UN deployments are the only ones equipped with body armour, while those in the new Border Security Regiment on the troublesome Thai border go without. To help repel new threats like Singapore’s recently acquired Leopard 2A4 MBTs, the Army has expressed a desire for 18 vehicle-mounted ATGMs. Three finalists are the Denel Ingwe, Metis-M and Kornet-E. The army has ordered 16 FN-6 ManPortable Air-Defence Missile Systems (MANPADS) from China, and, “For the next couple of years the army will focus its attention on getting its point-defence and short-range organisation set up properly,” revealed the Chief of Army. He is also focusing on establishing appropriate command networks to manage his air defences. The Army Air Corps already has 11 AgustaWestland A109 LOH helicopters, but the formation will be enlarged once an air cavalry unit is formed with utility and attack helicopters some time beyond 9MP. Six attack helicopters will eventually be acquired, and the Army seems inclined towards the Eurocopter Tiger platform. However, the Tiger faces competition from the AH-64 Apache, A129 Mangusta and AH-1Z Super Cobra. Elderly designs like the Condor (left) and SIBMAS (right) need replacement by a new 8x8 armoured vehicle © Gordon Arthur/Yves Debay

A global tender was floated in June 2008 for air-transportable vehicles weighing less than 25 tonnes. However, this programme has foundered, deferred yet again, in Malaysia’s current budgetary morass Navy treads water Malaysia’s area of strategic interest ranges from the Andaman Islands to the South China Sea, embracing the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Securing sea and air lanes between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia is of utmost importance, and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), or Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM), has an enormous EEZ to administer. Certainly, the RMN’s biggest news as it fulfils its vision of the RMN Future Fleet was the September 2009 delivery of the first Scorpene CM-2000 submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. Meanwhile, a second submarine awaits delivery from France. The submarines, based at Sepanggar Bay in Sabah, will give the

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RMN a new offensive capability and make Malaysia the third ASEAN country to have an underwater combat capability. The most advanced vessels in the RMN, these Scorpene submarines will shift the naval balance in Southeast Asia, though in a time of budgetary constraints, the RMN now finds itself having to fund a new Submarine Command. The 1,450-tonne SSKs are equipped with Black Shark torpedoes and up to 16 MBDA SM39 Exocet antiship missiles. The TLDM aspires to enlarge its submarine fleet in the future, but submarines cannot serve in isolation as they need force protection from ship-borne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters. Hence, the acquisition of six Super Lynx 300 ASW helicopters is planned. As for the surface fleet, the RMN has four Italian-manufactured Laksamanaclass corvettes, and two 2,300-ton Lekiuclass frigates based on the F2000 design armed with Exocet MM40 Block 2 missiles. There are two German-built Kasturi-class frigates delivered in the early 1980s. These are to undergo a Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) and will receive updated radar and fire control systems to enable ten more years of service. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was delivered to

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BAE Systems for two 2,400-ton F2000 Batch II Jebat-class frigates. The 112m-long vessels will be fitted with Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), eight Exocet MM40 Block 3 missiles, Thales SMART-S Mk2 radar, and Saab Ceros 200 fire control system. In line with plans to build them in East Malaysia, BAE Systems added a risk clause that escalated the price of each frigate to more than $875 million. Because of the hefty price tag, this frigate project was one of the first items cut in the recession. Procurement will not take place until 10MP assuming the government eventually gives a green light. Another major programme illustrating the problems many Asian countries face is the Kedah-class Next-Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV), the programme kicking off in 1996 with an ambitious plan for 27 vessels based on the Meko A-100 design. A contract for the first six NGPVs was signed in 2003, with the third NGPV onwards to be constructed locally. Unfortunately, mismanagement by Malaysia’s main contractor produced delays and a full-blown crisis. The government subsequently appointed Boustead Naval Shipyard as the new contractor to get the project back on track. Although the third and fourth NGPVs were delivered in 2009, they failed to meet operational-readiness requirements. They are not fully armed nor are embarked helicopters available. The final

The TLDM is investigating the possibility of acquiring Brunei’s three unwanted Nakhoda Ragam-class corvettes two NGPVs should be delivered in 2010. “The continuation of the second batch of NGPVs will depend very much on the performance of the ongoing first-batch project,” revealed General Ariffin. A second batch of six could be ordered in 10MP and these will be better armed with ASW and anti-ship weapon systems. Contenders include the BrahMos, Kongsberg NSM and Chinese C-802. In the interim, the TLDM is investigating the possibility of acquiring Brunei’s three unwanted Nakhoda Ragam-class corvettes (the same family as Malaysia’s Lekiu class) docked in the United Kingdom. “The offer is probably one of the best options to be considered in efforts to mitigate a lack of platforms and serious capability gap issues in the RMN,” said General Ariffin. Malaysia also requires three 12,00015,000-ton Multipurpose Support Ships (MPSS) for peacekeeping and humanitarian-assistance scenarios, with potential contractors including Chinese, Dutch, French, Italian, South Korean and Spanish

KD Lekir is a Kasturi-class light frigate built by Blohm + Voss in Germany and commissioned into the RMN in 1984 © Gordon Arthur

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shipbuilders. However, as part of the government’s 20% cut in the MAF’s 2010 budget, this $1 billion plan is deferred indefinitely. The Navy is lobbying hard to have the MPSS reinstated in 10MP, so just one vessel may be procured. This kind of ship could be used for anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden, where three ships are currently deployed. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) was established in 2005 with the transfer of RMN assets like Kerisclass patrol boats. The MMEA has now taken up most of the RMN’s coastal-patrol functions within the EEZ, thus allowing the RMN to focus on blue-water activities with its ship and submarine platforms. Since the MMEA would be absorbed by the RMN during wartime, equipment standardisation is necessary between these two-tiered maritime forces. The MMEA needs twelve medium-lift helicopters, and has recently taken delivery of two Bombardier CL-415 amphibious aircraft. Maritime surveillance is essential for Malaysia, so the TLDM wants organic Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). Up to four are required, with the CASA C-295, Saab 2000 MPA and ATR-72-600 the main challengers. At the same time, the RMAF is competing for the same role of maritime patrol and has its own list of MPA candidates. Additionally, a new surveillance/warning system network of nine radar stations is incrementally being established on the Sabah coast. Able to track boats up to 70km offshore, the radar

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is believed to be of American origin.

Air Force flaps its wings The most potent weapon in the arsenal of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), or Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM), is the Russian-built Su-30MKM multirole fighter. A $934.9 million agreement was signed in 2003 for 18 fighters, with the last batch of six delivered on 17th August 2009. This batch had been delayed because of contractual disputes over avionic integration problems on the twelve aircraft already handed over. Despite receiving new Russian fighters, the RMAF needs at least 18 further multirole fighters, with the Gripen, Rafale and Super Hornet all considered contenders. The RMAF is allegedly keen on the F/A18F Super Hornet to equip its second multirole squadron, which could augment eight F/A-18D Hornets already in service. Other commentators advise more Su30MKMs to establish a standardised fighter fleet. Following a review of whether an upgrade was feasible, the RMAF has decidKD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil, one of four missile corvettes originally slated for the Iraq Navy, is seen manoeuvring in the South China Sea ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

Despite receiving new Russian fighters, the RMAF needs at least 18 further multirole fighters, with the Gripen, Rafale and Super Hornet all considered contenders ed to progressively withdraw all 14 MiG29N fighters by the end of 2010. The RMAF, like the MAF as a whole, faces particular problems relating to government policy. The government mandates foreign defence procurements must be done via registered Bumiputera companies owned by Malays. This means new equipment and spare-part acquisitions must be done through local middlemen, their commission duly adding to the cost. The end result is a lack of spares and support equipment due to artificially inflated prices and a lack of funds. Furthermore, these brokers do nothing to advance offsets that would help the local defence industry. A problem peculiar to the TUDM is a mix of Western and

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Russian aircraft that does little to simplify the logistics chain. Malaysia has a 4,800km coastline requiring regular surveillance, one method of which is by aerial reconnaissance. Serial production of the ALUDRA Mk.I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is to proceed in 2010, despite the need for design improvements. Developed by Unmanned Systems Technology (UST), the 150kg ALUDRA has a 150km range and six-hour endurance. Its surveillance payload will no doubt require overseas cooperation, even as development of the Mk.II ALUDRA is gathering pace. The RMAF received the last of its eight Alenia Aermacchi MB-339CM advanced/lead-in trainers from Italy in late 2009. The first two aircraft arrived in March 2009, and these will eventually replace MB-339AM trainers. The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II will replace 34 existing PC-7 basic trainers. Tragically, two pilots were killed in a PC-7 crash at Langkawi on 11th September 2009. Malaysia ordered four Airbus A400M transport aircraft in 2005 for delivery in 2013. However, considering the A400M programmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubles, Malaysia may well be rethinking its options. Replacement of the 40-year-old S-61A-4 Nuri helicopter fleet has been a long-running saga, reignited by a fatal crash in July

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systems are the Buk-M1-2, Aster 30 SAMP/T and Hawk-AMRAAM. Up to eight low-cost Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft are eminently desirable to improve situational awareness for the fighter fleet, but these remain out of reach due to budgetary constraints. They remain on the table for 10MP and 11MP, however. The RMAF lists contenders like the Embraer EMB-145 SA, Boeing E-2C Hawkeye 2000, Israeli G550 Phalcon and Saab 2000 Erieye. In December 2008, the RMAF Chief, General Ariffin, said the AEW&C procurement would be the next big-ticket item after more multirole fighters had been bought. An RMAF S-61A-4 Nuri helicopter makes its final approach, with this type desperately needing replacement © Gordon Arthur

2007. Thus far, 89 people have been killed in 15 Nuri accidents. A tender was issued in December 2007 and the Eurocopter EC725 Cougar was duly selected for airmobility and search-and-rescue roles. An LOI was issued for an initial batch of twelve Cougars, with an additional 15 or so slated for 10MP. In a sudden reversal, the government announced it was aborting the Cougar deal on in October 2008. The reason given was financial difficulties, although

the selection process had drawn criticism for being overpriced, probably due to mark-ups by local Bumiputera agents. To rectify its weak air-defence umbrella, the MAF needs a comprehensive radar network plus medium/long-range Surface-toAir Missiles (SAM). At one stage the Chinese KS-1A was mooted as a candidate, but it apparently did not live up to modern expectations. The KS-1A option subsequently faded into oblivion. Alternative

Up to eight low-cost Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft are eminently desirable to improve situational awareness for the fighter fleet, but these remain out of reach due to budgetary constraints Conclusion

The Alliance Unmanned Developmental Research Aircraft (ALUDRA) Mk.I tactical UAV was designed and built indigenously © Gordon Arthur

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

To transform into a conventional force, the MAF has purchased new equipment to counter asymmetric threats and sustain traditional rivalries with neighbours like Singapore. However, Malaysia’s defenceprocurement policies are often chaotic, and the MAF has ended up with an international hodgepodge of equipment. Some recent acquisitions reveal serious deficiencies relating to integration of Western and Russian systems, most obviously in the fighter fleet. While indigenous production is commendable in a quest for self-reliance, the country at times overextends itself. Perhaps the current recession will give the Malaysian government time to pause and assess what its priorities are, as some recent acquisitions seem to have been motivated more by politics than by defence needs. The MAF faces truly Asian challenges, and will no doubt come up with MR truly Asian solutions. A

MILITARY E N G I N E E R I N G

Combat Engineering Developments in Asia Although much smaller in size than armour, infantry and artillery arms, combat engineers make up a significant element in most armies in the region. by Christopher F Foss

The Chinese Type 84A bridge was mounted on a new 8x8 truck chassis during Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent 60th anniversary parade ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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n addition to their wartime role, combat engineers in Asia have always been at the forefront of providing rapid and valuable assistance to the civilian community when natural disasters occur. In order to carry out their varied mission set, combat engineers are typically equipped with a wide range of specialised equipment designed to clear battlefield obstacles in order to keep lines of communications open. They are also backed up by other engineer elements who are specialists in building or rebuilding airfields and bridges, building and repairing roads, restoring power and water supplies and other engineer work. While China has developed and placed in production a wide range of tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (AFV), specialised combat engineer vehicles (CEV) have yet to be produced in any significant numbers. One of the more recent Chinese engineer vehicles is the WZ763 mine clearing vehicle which is based on a modified Type 69/Type 79 Main Battle Tank (MBT) chassis with its turret removed. For its new role the chassis has been fitted with a plough type mine clearing system at the front and electronic devices to help neutralise anti-tank mines fitted with a magnetic fuze system. In a typical mine clearing operation the

A K1 AVLB laying its scissors bridge in position during a demonstration ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

Type WZ763 would halt a short distance from the minefield and the rocket propelled mine clearing system would be fired over the minefield. Attached to the rockets is an explosive line charge that falls to the ground and is then detonated by remote control. The resultant over pressure activates the antitank mines. The WZ763 would then enter the minefield and the ploughs would push aside any remaining anti-tank mines.

The M9 ACE is in service with several militaries in Asia. This example belongs to the U.S. Army in South Korea ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

China has recently developed a new the Type 654 armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) which could easily be modified for a more specialised CEV role and this would be able to operate with some of the recently introduced vehicles which are much heavier than earlier generations. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) also deploys the NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) Type 84 armoured vehicle launched bridge (AVLB) which us based on a Type 59 MBT chassis. For its new role the turret has been removed and fitted with a two part bridge that is launched over the front of the vehicle in three or four minutes. Fully extended the bridge is 18m long and can span a gap of up to 16m. According to NORINCO this bridge can take a maximum load of 40 tonnes. The PLA has recently introduced much heavier MBTs so it is considered probable that a new and more capable AVLB is already under development and could well be in production. The PLA also fields the heavy truck mounted Type 84A bridge system which can be used to span wet and dry gaps.

One of the more recent Chinese engineer vehicles is the WZ763 mine clearing vehicle which is based on a modified Type 69/Type 79 Main Battle Tank DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

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The INDIAN Army operates 15, now BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems (originally Royal Ordnance Factories) FV180 Combat Engineer Tractors (CET). It has also developed specialised versions of the Russian BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) which is known locally as the Sarath. These include an engineer reconnaissance vehicle and an armoured dozer. The latter is essentially the Sarath with its two person 30mm turret removed and mounted at the rear is a hydraulically operated bucket for preparing firing positions and clearing battlefield obstacles. Mounted at the front of the vehicle are mine clearing ploughs and mounted on the roof is a rocket propelled anchor for self recovery operations that is very similar to that originally fitted to the British supplied CET. In addition to deploying foreign AVLB such as the BLG-60, India also developed an AVLB called the Kartik based on a lengthened Vijayanta (Vickers Mk 1 MBT) chassis which is fitted with a scissors type bridge that is launched over the front of the vehicle. India has also developed a Bridge Layer Tank T-72 (BLT T-72) which is essentially the Russian T-72M1 MBT chassis fitted with a scissors bridge that is launched over the front of the vehicle and when opened out is 22m long and spans a gap of 20m. The chassis can also be fitted with plough type mine clearing devices. An initial batch of 12 BLT T-72 have been delivered to the Indian Army. India has also developed a complete new bridge system comprising the tank mounted Multi-Hop Assault Bridge (MHAB), Extended Span Assault Bridge (ESAB) and the Sarvata truck mounted bridge system. The latter is transported and launched from a locally manufactured Tatra (8 x 8) cross country truck chassis and is concept is very similar to the Russian TMM and Slovakian AM-50/AM-50B bridging systems. Sarvata launches a scissors type bridge with

Japan fields the Type 75 armour dozer, and its successor the Armoured Engineer Vehicle that entered service in 1999 26

Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Type 91 AVLB is based on the chassis of the Type 74 MBT ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

adjustable trestle at the far end over the rear of the chassis which is 25m long when opened up and up to five sections can be laid to provide a total bridge length of 75m. Indonesia does not currently deploy any heavy AFVs but operates a wide range of light tracked and wheeled AFVs. To support these are small numbers of AMX-13 and Stormer AVLB and Leguan (8 x 8) bridgelayers. The Stormer were acquired as part of a complete package of light AFVs supplied by the then Alvis Vehicles (now BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems) which included Scorpion 90 mm light tanks/reconnaissance vehicles, Stormer APC, Stormer command post vehicles, Stormer flatbed load carriers and two Stormer AVLBs. The latter were developed specially to meet the requirements of Indonesia and are fitted with a US scissors type bridge that is rapidly launched over the rear of the vehicle. When opened out this Military Load Class 30 (MLC-30) bridge is 15.24m long and can be used to span a gap of up to 14m. Japan fields the Type 75 armour dozer, and its successor the Armoured Engineer Vehicle that entered service in 1999. Japan also employs the Type 91 AVLB, which is based on the chassis of the Type 74 MBT. This is fitted with a scissors type bridge which when opened out is 20m long and can be used to span a gap of up to 18m and is MLC-50. Japan also deploys the Type 81 truck mounted bridge system which consists of a 6 x 6 cross-country truck chassis fitted with a bridge that is launched over the rear of the chassis with one end fitted with a trestle with two vehicles making up a complete unit.

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For many years the South Korean Army used mainly US supplied AFVs and equipment but today the country is almost selfsufficient in virtually all items of land equipment, including AFVs. To support its fleet of Rotem 105 mm armed K1 and 120 mm armed K1A1 MBTs Rotem has developed and placed in production at least two specialised versions, an ARV and an AVLB. The latter is a modified K1 chassis fitted with a bridge launching

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Malaysia operates the Polish-built MID-M AEV and WZT-4 ARV. The latter is similar to the Indian Army WZT-3 pictured here ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

system and bridge supplied by the now BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems (at that time Vickers Defence Systems). This is fitted with a scissors type bridge that is rapidly launched over the front of the vehicle and when opened out this is 22 m long and can span a gap of up to 20.5m. Under development is an AEV based on a

modified K1 MBT chassis that can be fitted with a various attachments such as a plough type mine clearing system as well as lane marking equipment. The K1 ARV and AVLB have been offered on the export market but there are no sales so far. The South Korean Army also deploys over 200 of the now BAE Systems, US

Introduced in 1999, this is the versatile 28.6-ton Armoured Engineer Vehicle from Japan ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

Combat Systems M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE) that was originally developed to meet the requirements of the US Army and these were made under licence in South Korea by Samsung Techwin. The M9 ACE can be used for a variety of counter mobility, mobility and survivability missions such as preparing firing positions and clearing battlefield obstacles. It has a limited amphibious capability and protection only against small arms fire. Until recently Malaysia only deployed light AFV such as the 90 mm armed Scorpion reconnaissance vehicle, Stormer tracked APC, Korean IFV and the FNSS Armoured Combat Vehicle as well as wheeled vehicles such as the SIBMAS 90 mm fire support vehicle and Condor APC. Malaysia has recently taken delivery of an initial batch of 48 BUMAR PT-91M MBTs plus a complete family of specialist support vehicles including six WZT-4 ARV, three MID-M AEV and five PMC AVLB. The MID-M CEV is similar to the latest generation WZT-4 ARV and is fitted with a complete suite to equipment to carry out its engineer role. This includes a front mounted V-blade dozer blade and a hydraulic arm that can be fitted with various attachments such as a gripper for removing trees and other obstacles. The PMC AVLB been specifically developed to meet the requirements of Malaysia and is a modified PT-91M chassis fitted with a new power pack and the original scissors type bridge removed. This has been replaced by the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leguan two part bridge which is launched over the front of the vehicle and is 26m when opened out and can be used to span gaps of up to 24m. This first batch of Polish PT-91M MBT is sufficient to equip one regiment and it is

Malaysia has recently taken delivery of an initial batch of 48 BUMAR PT91M MBTs plus a complete family of specialist support vehicles including six WZT-4 ARV, three MID-M AEV and five PMC AVLB DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

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Taiwan operates a fleet of US supplied M9 ACE as well as US supplied M48 AVLB fitted with a scissors bridge expected that additional vehicles as well as their associated support vehicles will be acquired in the future to further expand the capabilities of the Malaysian Army. Malaysia has also taken delivery from BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems (at that time Vickers Bridging) of five sets of Axially Tensioned Long Span Bridges (ATLSB). This is a further development of the British Army BR90 combat bridge system but optimised to meet the requirements of Malaysia and is transported and launched from MAN (8 x 8) cross-country truck chassis. Each ATLSB set consists of one launcher and five trucks which enables gaps of 9 m to 50 m to be rapidly crossed. This system has already proved to be very useful in disaster relief operations in Malaysia. The high technology launch rail for these Malaysian ATLSB systems was manufactured in Malaysia by Aero-Composite Technologies Sdn BhD and then sent to the UK to be integrated with the MAN launcher vehicle. When compared to India, Pakistan has As well as the Trailblazer, the Singapore Armed Forces also operate the Danish-built Hydrema 910 MCV-2 seen here ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

The latest version of the Bionix to enter service with the SAF is the Trailblazer flail type mine clearing system that made its first public appearance in September 2009 ÂŠ STK

a limited number of CEV but some surplus MBT chassis have been fitted with mine clearing systems of the roller or plough types. Others, for example M47/M48 MBT chassis have been fitted with a scissors type bridge that can be rapidly launched over the front of the vehicle. Although a very small island, Singapore has made considerable investment in pro-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

viding its combat engineers with a wide range of excellent equipment. At the heavy end are eight M728 Combat Engineer Vehicles (CEV) fitted with an A frame, dozer blade and a 165 mm demolition gun. The M728 was originally developed to meet the requirements of the US Army and is based on a modified M60A1 MBT chassis. It should be noted that the M728 was phased out of US Army service without a direct replacement. Singapore also deploys a total of 54 CET supplied by the then Royal Ordnance Factories which can be used for a variety of roles such as preparing fire positions as well as clearing battlefield obstacles and preparing vehicle entry and exit points during amphibious operations. The UK has phased is CET out of service with the replacement BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems Terrier combat engineer vehicle due to enter service in a few years time. Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) developed the Bionix IFV to meet the specific operational requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and entered service in 1999. Two specialised engineer vehicles have been

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deployed by the SAF to support these vehicles. First is an AVLB that is fitted with a Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leguan two part bridge that is launched over the front of the vehicle and when extended this is 22m long and can a span of up to 20m. It is a MLC 30 bridge but two can be laid side by side for to provide a MLC 60 bridge. This is required as Singapore has now deployed the heavier German Leopard 2 MBT. The latest version of the Bionix to enter service with the SAF is the Trailblazer flail type mine clearing system that made its first public appearance in September 2009.This is a much modified Bionix chassis with a very well protected crew compartment at the front. Mounted at the rear of the chassis is a flail

Taiwan operates a fleet of US supplied M9 ACE as well as US supplied M48 AVLB fitted with a scissors bridge type mine clearing system that clears a path about 3 m wide. When carrying out mine clearing operations the vehicle is driven in reverse and as it moves forwards pennants are automatically dispensed in the ground to show follow up vehicles a clear path through the minefield. The SAF also deploys 12 M60 AVLBs that are fitted with a scissors bridge that is launched over the front of the vehicle and when fully opened out this is 19.20m and can be used to span gaps of up to 18.3m. Also operated by the SAF are a large fleet of old AMX-13 light tanks armed with a 75 mm gun which have been upgraded to the AMX-13 SM1 standard by Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK). A small batch

1– 5 February 2010 ExCel Centre, London, UK Based at London’s ExCel centre, this is the only international exhibition & conference dedicated exclusively to the armoured vehicle community. International Armoured Vehicles brings together senior military and industry experts, providing opportunities to gain expert insights on armoured vehicle trends, global procurement activity and lessons learnt from the battlefield, as well as to conduct business with the world’s leading vehicle, system and component manufacturers and smaller specialist suppliers.

of AMX-13 AVLBs are used to provide a gap crossing capability for these vehicles. Taiwan operates a fleet of US supplied M9 ACE as well as US supplied M48 AVLB fitted with a scissors bridge. In 1992 the US FMS Corporation supplied 12 kits to Taiwan to enable some surplus M48A5 MBTs to be upgraded to the M48 AVLB standard. More recently Taiwan has taken delivery of 22 General Dynamics Santa Barbara Sistemas Germany (part of Geberal Dynamics European Land Systems) M3 amphibious bridging systems which has been deployed by Germany and the US for several years. The M3 is a more capable version of the M2 amphibious bridging system. These new M3 systems have a number of modifications to meet the requirements of Taiwan including an armoured cab, air conditioning system and a NBC system. The Royal Thai Army operates equipment from a various of sources which must make logistics and maintenance a major problem. As far as it is known its only AVLB are some Chinese supAMR plied Type 84 series platforms.

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High Frequency Communications Grow in Stature

Elbit’s new HF8000 radio offers a range of NATO and non NATO standards, the former provided via the Germnay based Telefunken Racoms for Alliance customers © Elbit Systems

High Frequency (HF) communications should have been displaced from the military scene a long time ago by the relentless spread of military and commercial satcom. It self evidently hasn’t and has instead stubbornly remained in military inventories, filling niche roles in the tactical arena as well as providing invaluable airborne and naval links. That niche role has been evolving and expanding so that HF has now become mainstream. by Adam Baddeley

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hat ‘promotion’ is due to a number of factors, not least the advent some years ago of Automatic Link Establishment (ALE), removing the need for the operator to have detailed knowledge and experience to maintain HF communications, allowing it to be put in the hands of soldier in the same way a VHF combat net radio (CNR) would be. In parallel, HF networks have increased their data transmission capabilities, allowing messaging and situational awareness feeds to be integrated into hitherto VHF/UHF-only command and control networks. But the greatest value of HF is not in its admittedly meagre data capabilities, but in its ability to operate Beyond Line of Sight Communications (BLOS). This is achieved without the capital investment of space based infrastructure, the need to ensure that a satellite commercial or military is in orbit over the theatre where troops are deployed and as HF operates by bouncing signals off the ionosphere, the cost of operation versus leasing transponders or other commercial arrangement with a satcom provider is extremely low. The biggest users of HF technology are ground tactical users. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have seen a major increase in the use of HF by ground forces, not least because the US has re-evaluated its use of this frequency and has made major investments to increase the density of HF provision throughout its deployed forces as a readily available communication solution to supplement finite satcom resources. Hitherto wedded to satcom as a means of achieving BLOS, HF had remained a niche player for many years, being largely concentrated amongst US Special Forces and the military medical community who always valued its long range, always on voice and to a lesser extent data capabilities. Outside the US, countries have maintained their commitment to tactical HF, the UK’s Bowman programme for example acquired over 10,000 HF radios to meet its requirements, with France updating its holistic HF network under the Carthage and now Melchior programmes, both of

which predate current operations. While some countries’ upgrade paths coincided with the need to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan others did not and their governments’ subsequent decisions to deploy, particular to the latter theatre, has increased their demand for BLOS communications exponentially, either via HF or satcom. A further requirement has been to ensure interoperability amongst largely NATO forces. To support this, countries have either expanded their existing inventories or added new radios that

provide secure interoperability with US forces. The major recipient of the orders to meet this demand has been Harris RF Communications’ AN/PRC-150(C) HF manpack, which the US has made more freely available for purchase by NATO members. Weighing 4.5Kg without batteries, the radio is noteworthy for being US Type 1 voice and data encryption compatible and is compliant with all current HF STANAGS NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme has seen large number of the Falcon II family being operated by participating nations © DoD

A major user of the Falcon II family in HF is Pakistan with contracts valued at $76 million and $68 million awarded in 2005 and 2007 DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

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and US standards such as MIL-STD-188-141. This radio is also the basis of the UK’s Bowman HF fleet and the UK’s Royal Marines have also reportedly used Harris RF-6705 Tactical Chat software over their Bowman network including its HF element. Not everyone has access to US Type 1 protected radios. The export variant of the radio the RF-5800H-MP, almost identical except for the substitution of its encryption with Harris’s own Citadel encryption, has also been widely exported in the region. A major user of the Falcon II family in HF is Pakistan with contracts valued at $76 million and $68 million awarded in 2005 and 2007, also included in which were provision for ancillaries and through life logistics support. The contract was funded by the US government as part of its aid to Pakistan’s counter –insurgency operations. In a similar vein, Harris is also supplying Falcon II HF radios to the Philippines as part of a $80 million award made in 2008 that also includes hand held VHF radios. The same radio HF family is also used by New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force and other militaries in the region. Both the AN/PRC-150(C) and RF-5800HMP cover the 1.6 - 60MHz band frequency band with the 30-60Mhz portion also offering interoperability with VHF CNRs. In addition to the 20W manpacks, the company has Barrett’s PRC-2090 Tactical HF Radio Systems has resulted in a very low weight HF manpack at an affordable price © AJB

Afghan National Army troops use Datron radios to meet their HF requirements © DoD

developed a range of ancillaries with the RF5832H-PA50 providing a medium range 100W PA capable of operating entirely across the 1.6-30MHz range, which has the added feature of automatically matching itself to the specified antenna without requiring special operator expertise. Harris is not an exclusive provider of HF radios for this theatre. Thales’ TRC 3700 Skyf@st radio in service with the French military is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) offering coverage from 1.5-30Mhz and offers digital encrypted voice using STANAG 4591 MELP vocoders. As an SDR, it also offers long term evolution via software, reducing its through life evolution costs. Each radio has up to 30 present frequency channels in frequency hopping mode, rising to 100 for fixed Frequency

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

operations. The radio support data throughput of up to 9.6Kbps at STANAG 4539 and can support digital voice at data rates of as low as 800bps. Not every radio acquired for use in Afghanistan is so advanced. Codan continues to win contracts outside NATO, often funded by partner countries seeking to provide a technology suitable of the developmental level of that military. A case in point is the US continuing support of the Afghan forces. It has in several instances since 2001, been used to meet the HF requirements of the Afghan National Police with the predominant radios used being their NGT SRx Base stations and Codan 2110M frequency-hopping manpack. The company’s radios allow both encrypted voice and link establishment via Codan CALM (Codan Automatic Link Management Protocols), MIL-STD-188-141B and FED-STD1045. For the Afghan National Army howev-

To support the use of data networks over HF, Datron have developed the DatronLink software which manages voice and data networks, enabling messaging and file transfer

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er, another supplier has been used, namely Datron with the US providing an interoperability bridge between the two networks. Outside of NATO, countries have sought similar capabilities but at a fraction of the price, the reduction largely attributed to the high end encryption and frequency hopping capabilities. A major presence in the Afghan and other tactical radio market has been Datron. Its key offering in HF is the PRC1099A, a 20W manpack design with continuous coverage across 1.630MHz. The PRC1099A weighs 5.3Kg with batteries and offers 2.84 million available channels in 10Hz steps. Datron have taken the core of this radio and scaled it up for mixed and vehicular applications in 100W and 400W implementations. Irrespective of the implementation, the PRC1099A can be almost immediately decoupled from this appliqué apparatus and used again as a stand alone manpack. The system supports FED-STD-1045A ALE and supports a programmable memory for up to 100 channels. In the dedicated fixed market, Datron has developed the RT7000, a rugged 125W transceiver. Poor training or battlefield stress can lead to radio operator mistakes. On other HF radios, using the wrong antenna for a specific power output can damage equipment. Datron however, have protected the RT7000 against this eventuality. The radio is also protected against power fluctuations for input power. Other physical protection includes waterproofing an meeting US standards for Rohde and Schwarz’s M3TR SDR family provide HF communications as part of their multi-mode, multi-band offering © Rohde and Schwarz

Within Germany’s SVFuA SDR programme, Rohde and Schwarz have been tasked with building the chassis into which specific frequency modules covering 1.5Mhz-3Ghz can be integrated MIL-STD-810D,E and F. In addition to FEDSTD-1045A ALE, the RT7000 adds MIL-STD188-141B ALE which can support data throughput of up to 3Kbps. To support the use of data networks over HF, Datron have developed the DatronLink software which manages voice and data networks, enabling messaging and file transfer capabilities as well as automatic relaying, seen in NATO STANAG 5066. DatronLink is Windows based for ease of user training and supports Microsoft API-compliant encryption and operates three password accessible user levels, POP3/SMTP mail servers and supports Novell MHS and Lotus Notes. Australian based Barrett is a well established HF provider and acquired fellow antipodean HF house Q-Mac in 2009 which has seen a merger of the two firms products lines as well as supporting legacy solutions from both parties. The company’s main offering is the 2000 series radio family of systems with the Barrett 2090 manpack being the definitive military manpack weighing in a just 5.2Kg with battery. The radio supports ALE to MILSTD 188-141B and other standards. The radio can be operated via

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

remote panel positioning on webbing from which the operator can enable a range of functions including telephone calls and accessing network addresses. HF technology, along with other radios are evolving towards adopting a Software Defined Radio platform. Within Germany’s SVFuA SDR programme, Rohde and Schwarz have been tasked with building the chassis into which specific frequency modules covering 1.5Mhz-3Ghz can be integrated. The HF module and supporting ancillaries such as coupler and antennas is being developed by a subsidiary of Atlas Elektronik, Hagenuk Marinekommunikation. Rohde and Schwarz’s existing SDR family covers the 1.5 -512Mhz with the MR300xH variants covering the HF band and a portion of the VHF band. It operates an exportable frequency hopping SECOM-H waveforms offering digital voice and data service at up to 2.4Kbps. Italy is funding a Selex led SDR solution offering a JTRS-GMR like platform covering 2-2GHz although currently its main focus is on 30-470MHz VHF/UHF. An already fielded tactical SDR is the Thales Extended Band Manpack. The core of this is the 30-512MHz AN/PRC-148 JTRS Enhanced Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (JEM) a 5W hand held radio, offering VHF/UHF frequency coverage. This radio slots into a new chassis which adds an additional power amplifier allowing communication at manpack like 20W levels and other features extend the frequency range down to 1.6MHz using modules developed from the HF product line developed in France. Its HF features includes typical STANAGS including 4285, 4539 and 4538 with 5066 enabling integration into C2 data networks. The radio weighs 7Kg all in, not unusual for a manpack but significantly lighter than two separate HF and V/UHF radios which until now would have been the only option. The radio has been sold largely to the US with Australia also recently becoming a customer. Elbit’s latest SDR based HF solution it’s the HF-8000 a 20W manpack which weighs 3.9 Kg, operating in the 1.5-30 MHz frequency range. User can communicate at data rates of 19.2Kbps. The system supports MIL-Std-188-141B ALE and the newer STANAG 4538. Through its Telefunken RACOMS business unit NATO-only capabilities can be offered. The HF8000 compliments the earlier HF6000 HDR self-synchronizing, full band

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frequency hopping system together with selective calling HF modems for data communications with up to 9.6Kbps throughput. To exploit this capability, the radio also uses STANAG 5066, allowing data interoperability with ubiquitous office functions such as Microsoft Outlook or other email systems. The radio offer two routes to ALE; the company’s own proprietary solution know as AUTOCALL or MIL-STD-188-141B. In addition to tactical usage, HF can be used as strategic backup. To meet this demand, Elbit’s PowerHF has been developed. The basis for the system is a central Command Center provides automatic back up to all long-range HF operations undertaking remote control operation managing links from manpacks up to higher power amplifiers such as 10Kw. Selex have provided a similar capability for Sweden linking its deployed forces to home as well as ensuring national HF network coverage. The military have never been the exclusive users of HF. The Police and other paramilitary services across the world have always been operators of this frequency, particularly in countries where local infrastructure is poor or where dense vegetation or difficult terrain or very large distances preclude the ready use of cellular or other line of sight solutions or for whom satcom based handsets are simply unaffordable. Codan have a major role in this market, with products such as the NGT ASR. Elbit’s MICOM product line are also players with the Micom-3 famiThe UK’s Daring class destroyers operate Thales’ MSN8100-H software-defined radio as part of its Fully Integrated Communications System © BAE Systems

The HF-6000 radio developed by the former Tadiran Communications is the mainstay of HF communications in many countries, with the latest HDR version seeing a significant boost to its data throughput © Elbit

ly of products enabling MIL-STD-188-141B ALE and data transmission at up to 19.2Kbps and protected by AES encryption. Users have options from a 5-50W manpack up to 4Kw solution for fixed sites. While land based tactical users have gained the most attention, HF is also indispensible to air and naval forces with a range of contracts being recently let to modernise on board communication systems.

While land based tactical users have gained the most attention, HF is also indispensible to air and naval forces Telefunken RACOMS have developed the HF-Data Link Systems designed to provide a BLOS link for both UAVs and stand off munitions to support simple messaging commands such as abort or new target coordinates and mission information back to the control stations such as target lock on reached and battle damage. The systems comprises the transceiver, antenna and control system with antenna being integrated both on the foxed landing gear on rotary wing UAVs, wings and control surfaces on fixed wing UAV and missiles. Saudi Arabia recently selected the Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-230 HF secure voice/data systems as part of a wider

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

upgrade to their E-3A fleet. Italy’s new fleet of ATR 72 maritime patrol aircraft are equipped with a two of Selex Communications HF SRT-270 DR (200W) Link 11 compatible radios. Thales’ 1.5-30Mhz Series 8000 MSN8100-H software-defined radio, part of a family that includes VHF/UHF siblings has the distinction of being the first fielded naval SDR in Europe being selected by the Royal Navy in 2001 as a key component in the Fully Integrated Communications System on board the Type 45 fleet, where it supports a number of STANAGS including STANAGs 4481, 4203, 4529, 4285, 4539 and 5066. The radio was subsequently adopted for use on the new US Littoral Combat Ships being built by General Dynamics. Thales’ Naval Force Intranet-Light (NFILight) provides as its name suggests an onboard intranet for smaller less sophisticated platforms injecting an internal IP Ethernet backbone to the vessels with a range of external interfaces including HF high-speed modem and Automatic Link Establishment controller. Link 11 has long been a user of HF frequencies, now Link 22 or NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) with Italy becoming the first user of such a terminal on board the IT Cavour aircraft carrier. Neutral Finland has also been given access to Link 22 for use on Fast Attack craft. At sea, Harris also offers the AN/URC131(V) HF Radio group which supports Link 11 and is installed on a range of platforms from nuclear aircraft carriers downwards and can operate with up to three narrowband transmitters. Another Harris solution which supports naval applications is the RF590A receiver which supports a range of HF modes AMR including Link 11.

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Enhancing the Lethality, Sustainability, Mobility, Survivability and C4I Capability of the Combat Soldier military keynote speakers: Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Levesque* Project Manager Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP) CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

Lieutenant General Jasbir Singh* Director General – Infantry INDIAN ARMED FORCES

Brigadier General Dato’ Jeyabalan General Inspectorate MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES

Colonel Mike Thornton* Assistant Director, Capability BRITISH ARMED FORCES

showcasing key soldier system projects from around the world: Land 125, Australia Looking at one of the first and advanced soldier systems in the region, the Land 125 is currently in its integration Phase 4 status and offers a number of lessons for militaries around the region, especially those looking to move from piecemeal to integrated solutions.

ISSP (Integrated Soldier Systems Project), Canada Following the successful implementation of the survivability and sustainability aspects as part of the ‘Clothe the Soldier’ (CTS) project, the ISSP is currently looking at a holistic approach to incorporate the elements of enhancing the lethality, mobility and C4I capability of the dismounted soldier.

F-INSAS (Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System), India Understanding the strategic requirements of one of the fastest growing militaries in the Asia Pacific region, the case study will look at the Indian F-INSAS and evaluate the industry opportunities for this ongoing project, in which two out of five units have been contracted.

FIST (Future Infantry Soldier Technology), UK Learning from one the advanced performers, the incremental FIST started in 2003 with the five main areas of C4I, lethality, mobility, survivability and sustainability. With the UK’s involvement in Afghanistan, the Surveillance System and the Range Finder have been implemented as part of the soldier project, which is currently in Increment 1 Phase.

ACMS (Advanced Combat Man System), Singapore Highlighting the first modern soldier system in Southeast Asia, developed by the DSTA for the Singapore Armed Forces, the ACMS system is envisaged to start immediately and be completed by 2012.

Land Warrior, USA Perhaps the world’s most advanced soldier system; the Land Warrior was launched in 1994 as an integrated fighting force. With the changing realities of the battle space, the Land Warrior from the United States looks at adapting the soldier system to close combat and urban battle space requirements. The case will also study changing capability requirements with the move towards the Ground Warrior.

Finnish Warrior, Finland Looking at a European soldier system, the Finnish Soldier System, introduced in 2005, has made rapid advancements, incorporating the elements of enhanced combat clothing, ballistic protection, improved assault rifles and carrying equipment. With the final system being expected to be completed in 2020, the Finnish Warrior is currently in Phase 2 of the program.

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CBRN T H R E A T

Stopping the Nuclear Traffic

In late October, more than 2,000 security personnel from 19 countries, including the United States and Japan, took part in a four-day exercise, code-named Exercise Deep Sabre 2, to demonstrate a joint capability to prevent weapons of mass destruction and related materials from falling into the hands of terrorist groups and so-called rogue nations. The exercise involved 18 vessels and eight aircraft at Changi Naval Base on the eastern coast of Singapore and the South China Sea. The number of participating countries was increased to 19 from 13, the last time the annual exercise was held in Singapore. Japan sent about 240 personnel, a destroyer and two naval planes for search operations. by Andy Oppenheimer

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Members of a combined boarding team participate in the October 2009 Deep Sabre II training exercise aboard a Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler ÂŠ US Navy

CBRN T H R E A T

mid the continuing furore over the nuclear ambitions and obfuscations by Iran and North Korea – the latter having already conducted two nuclear weapons tests – nuclear trafficking proceeds apace in many regions of the world. The routes and pathways by which nations of concern, and possibly terrorist groups, acquire the means to build weapons of mass destruction are seldom exposed unless a specific smuggling or interdiction incident, or series of illicit transactions and shipments, is reported or revealed. Regimes with unstable leaderships and a history of terrorist infiltration provide the greatest risk, although the smuggling rings may directly benefit groups and criminal gangs aligned to terrorist groups. In recent years, Southeast Asia became an increasing focus for nuclear weapons and materials proliferation. This trend came to the world’s attention in January 2004, when the extent of the nuclear proliferation network run by the Pakistani metallurgist A Q Khan was revealed in his televised confession and in sub-

The interdiction of the North Korean vessel So San was a driving force behind the establishment of the Proliferation Security Initiative in 2003. U.S. Intelligence sources had been tracking the vessel since it departed a North Korean port in mid-November 2002 © Spanish Defense Ministry

sequent investigations. One of the firms involved in this transcontinental ‘nuclear Walmart’ was a Malaysian company, Scuomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE), which supplied 25,000 aluminium centrifuge components via front companies in Dubai to Libya for use in Muammar Gadaffi’s covert nuclear weapons

programme. The parts, in boxes marked with SCOPE's name, were seized in the Mediterranean en route from Dubai to Libya. Iran and Pakistan have already used North Korean materials to develop domestic ballistic missiles. There was a two-way traffic: nuclear transfers to North Korea from the Khan network – comprising old, discarded centrifuge and enrichment machines together with sets of sketches, technical data, and depleted uranium hexafluoride - are believed to have continued through 2003. North Korea’s nuclear and missile efforts pose a threat to its neighbours and the potential for an arms race in Asia that could spread beyond the region. The Far East’s pariah state remains the main state of concern proliferating shipments of missiles and other WMD-related equipment. This had been going on long before, and since, the Khan network was identified. The maritime interception, of ballistic missiles on board a North Korean merchant ship, the So San, by Spanish maritime patrols in the Mediterranean in December 2002 began to unravel the extent of trafficking from the

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pariah state. Smuggling networks in the Middle East and Asia brought North Korean missile components to several countries of concern, including Syria, Yemen, Libya, Egypt, and the military regime in Myanmar. Most trafficking is done through third party transshipments and interdictions betray evidence of false manifests: Following the seizure in 1999 of a North Korean ship, the Ku Wol San, by Indian authorities in Kandla, Gujarat state, which was carrying missile components and metal casings to Karachi, the ship’s manifest was found to have listed water purification equipment as its cargo. Illicit trafficking and other unauthorised activities and events involving nuclear and radioactive materials are recorded in the Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB) published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The figures are gleaned from voluntary reports by law enforcement and border security officials in 107 contributing states. Reported incidents include illegal trade and movement of materials across borders, unauthorised acquisition (e.g. by theft), and supply, possession, use, transfer or disposal of nuclear and other radioactive materials, whether intentionally or unintentionally, with or without crossing international borders. The scope also covers unsuccessful or interdicted acts, loss of materials and the discovery of uncontrolled materials. The latest ITDB figures reveal a persistent problem with illicit trafficking. By end 2008, the ITDB contained 1,562 confirmed incidents, reported by participating states and some nonparticipating states. From 1993 to 2008, there were 15 confirmed incidents involving unauthorised possession of weapons-grade materials – highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium (Pu). Some of these were attempts to sell these materials and their smuggling across national borders. A few involved seizures of kilogram quantities of weapons-usable nuclear material, but most involved very small quantities. In some of these cases, however, there are indications that the seized material was only a sample of larger quantities available for illegal purchase or at risk of theft. As these larger quantities have not been recovered they pose a substantial potential security risk. The IAEA reports a perceived demand for

In 2001, equipment stolen from a public works facility in Bangkok contained Caesium-137 38

Containers found to have parts of 15 disassembled Scud missiles in the cargo hold aboard the North Korean vessel, So San, concealed by bags of cement, bound for Yemen. The cargo was discovered after being boarded by Spanish Special Forces in December 2002 © Spanish Defense Ministry

such materials on the illegal market, with most incidents being supply-driven with no buyers, with financial gain the principal motive. However, in some cases buyers and repeat offenders have been identified. Many trafficking cases are amateurish and poorly organised, thereby making the perpetrators easier to spot, track and apprehend. Some incidents are misreported, as with a June 2002 report identifying the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) as having acquired two complete nuclear warheads in Jammu and Kashmir. How do the materials get out of, or into, the Far East and on to their intended destinations, including transit points en route? Nuclear proliferation is flourishing in South and Southeast Asian regions as the clandestine nuclear weapon states, India, Pakistan and North Korea, do not participate in the global nonproliferation accords. Local authorities often cannot control crime and piracy, which are rampant around the Malacca Straits and the Bay of Bengal. Criminal networks in these two areas have already taken up varying levels of nuclear trafficking. The smuggling of contraband tends to follow drugs and gun-running routes and other conventional weapons. There is a thin line between criminal gang activity and terrorist organisations in South and Southeast Asia, and also, most notably, Russia and the FSU. Al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiah (JI), and the LET all benefit from contacts with criminal chains carrying out illicit trafficking. Perpetrators include pirates in the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea, Afghan warlords, tribal smug-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

gling rings in Pakistan’s northern border areas, and drug and arms dealers in both South and Southeast Asia. The Pakistan-Iran land route is a prime trafficking area, with transfers passing through Pakistan’s south western Baluchistan Province – an opiates-trafficking corridor with known drug smuggling routes along several PakistanIran border crossings. Proliferation to Pakistan through China to North Korea is believed to have followed another prime land route which runs from Pakistan to North Korea over the Karakoram highway linking Pakistan to China, and then through Chinese territory. This particular highway is, since the 1990s, is believed to have been used to transport Chinese missiles and missile components to Pakistan, and since 2001, the route was used to transport North Korean missiles to Pakistan. Sources include existing or planned nuclear research reactors and power plants in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2001, equipment stolen from a public works facility in Bangkok contained Caesium-137. This is ideal material for making a radiological dispersal device (RDD) – that is, if the bomb-maker is able to survive long enough to make and deploy his device after removing the shielding from the radiation source (which would likely give him a dose of lethal gamma radiation). The interdiction of the So San propelled a series of US-led initiatives, of varying effectiveness, to stop the traffic crossing the seas and crossing borders. In cooperation with securityconscious Far Eastern allies such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, the North Korean shipments are not immune from piracy: personnel from guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams board North Korean cargo vessel Dai Hong Dan following its hijack by pirates in October 2007. The boat’s crew was able to regain control of their vessel before contacting the Williams for medical assistance © US Navy

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CBRN T H R E A T

US is the prime mover and shaker in these countermeasures efforts. The first of these initiatives, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), allows the interception of ships at sea suspected of carrying CBRN weapons or CBRN-related materials. In the air, it involves forced landing and seizure of prohibited cargo and denial of the right of transit if a foreign aircraft is suspected of having prohibited cargo on board. Intelligence is the primary source of information and states are obliged to protect confidential information. In identifying proliferators, PSI states may refer to the UN resolutions listing individuals and non-state entities which, with the exception of the ones related to Iran and North Korea, usually refer to terrorists and terrorist entities. In involving all states that have a stake in non-proliferation, PSI also seeks cooperation from any state whose vessels, flags, ports, territorial waters, airspace, or land might be used for proliferation purposes by states and nonstate actors of proliferation concern. Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia and Brunei are the region’s only PSI participants at the time of the late October Deep Sabre 2 exercise. South Korea's full entry into PSI, following North Korea’s second nuclear test in May 2009, is a significant gain in to preventing the North from selling weapons and related technology to other countries or terror groups. The DPRK responded with an announcement it would no longer honour the 1953 armistice truce with the South, but its subsequent threat of "stern" countermeasures has not been borne out. The main US-led global non-proliferation effort, focusing on maritime smuggling through major ports of entry, is the Megaports Initiative (MI). Begun in 2003, at the height of several WMD crises, the MI was set up to prevent the nightmare scenario of terrorists smuggling a nuclear device or radioactive material for a RDD into the US. Like many of the IAEA schemes, the MI is voluntary - in that it invites chokepoint ports around the world to install portal monitors to scan arriving and departing ships and containers for illicit cargo, using radiation portal monitors

The main US-led global nonproliferation effort, focusing on maritime smuggling through major ports of entry, is the Megaports Initiative 40

A border patrolman checks a vehicle's trunk for radiation during a joint IAEA, WCO and Interpol training course for customs and police investigators from Eastern Europe © IAEA

(RPMs). The MI began by focusing on the first 20 seaports in the Department of Homeland Security’s Container Security Initiative (CSI) that export the largest volumes of containerised cargo to the US. Some 75 ports of interest – around 10 percent of all container ports shipping directly to the US – were identified by US intelligence for MI deployment. The scheme is now operational at 27 ports out of that original target total - with work underway at additional ports in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. There are several Asian participants where installations are complete: Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The US aims to equip 100 ports with radiation detection equipment by 2015, with a prior milestone of 75 priority ports by 2013. This will account for the scanning of half of global shipping traffic. In October 2009, The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the body in charge of MI, completed installation and testing of radiation detection systems at four new ports: Ashdod, Israel; Lisbon, Portugal; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Port Klang, Malaysia. The strategic location of the new ports is significant, in that they link the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. Another NNSA programme, the Secure Freight Initiative (SFI), builds upon existing US port security measures by utilising optical character recognition (OCR) technology, integrated software and communications systems as well as new-generation radiation detection equipment and training and maintenance support by US government officials at SFI-designated ports shipping out US-bound cargo. The main advances intended for this programme include the near-real time transmis-

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

The Deep Sabre II -national maritime interdiction exercise held on 29 October 2009 involved units from Brunei Darussalam, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Singapore as well as the U.S. and Australia. Here members of an Australian boarding team disembark a rigidhull inflatable boat and climb aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl © US DoD

sion of large amounts of data for review and analysis by the US Border Control body and the host nation. Multiple sets of data have to be successfully integrated by electronically linking container ID numbers to scanning data through the OCR technology. The major challenge, under review (see below), is speedy and reliable detection of shielded HEU through coupling of radiation scans with imaging, which must spot anomalies indicating HEU shielding in the contents of the shipping container. Once found, these suspect objects war-

CBRN T H R E A T

rant further inspection. The two technologies must also be integrated effectively without negatively impacting the flow of commerce, albeit at relatively small ports. A SFI pilot project in Southampton, UK was set up to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new-generation radiation monitor, the advanced spectroscopic portal (ASP), as a secondary inspection tool in dramatically improving the reliability, process time, and manpower requirements of the secondary inspection process. Other pilot installations are

being trialled in Honduras (where a coup took place in mid-2009) and Pakistan. Lessons learned from this pilot scheme will lead to ASPs being deployed to additional megaports around the world for secondary inspection use. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims the ASPs can distinguish between naturally occurring radiation and more diabolical radiological substances, unlike the present monitors. The programmes have their critics, however. Apart from technological effectiveness of the RPMs and quality of training at portal installations, both of which have been under critical review by successive US General Accountability Office (GAO) reports, interdicting and examining cargo also depends on collaboration on a global scale and maintaining vigilance without holding up export and import traffic. A December 2008 report by the US commission on the prevention of WMD, proliferation and terrorism stated that a nuclear or biological device would hit US shores within the next five years. The GAO, in a September 2008 report, found that the DHS "used biased test methods that enhanced the apparent performance of the ASPs and did not test the limitations of its detection capabilities" in order to certify the machines worked. The DHS has staked its reputation on the ASPs, which could cost between $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion. There Below: 6th Civil Support Team under decontamination after inspecting a vessel for hazardous materials during an interdiction exercise ÂŠ US DoD

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

A December 2008 report by the US commission on the prevention of WMD, proliferation and terrorism stated that a nuclear or biological device would hit US shores within the next five years is also the prevailing criticism that the machines cannot detect rad sources through shielding, so that terrorists could evade the ASP monitors, and the currently deployed RPMs they are planned to replace, by shielding the material (most stolen radiation sources come shielded anyway). According to a senior nuclear scientist at the Natural Resources Defence Council, Thomas Cochran, testifying before the US Congress: "The United States is spending billions of dollars on 'scarecrows', hoping the deployment of these ineffective systems will convince the birds to fly to a different field." In response, Congress required DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff to certify that ASPs had significantly improved before buying the monitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but the GAO claimed that the DHS had agreed to measurement criteria that, "set a low bar for improvement". The NNSA admits that trans-shipped cargo continues to present a significant challenge implementation of both SFI and Megaports. Capturing trans-shipments without seriously impacting port operations is difficult because of shorter dwell times for containers, constraints of space, availability of shipping data, and the difficulty of identifying chokepoints within the container terminals. Much also depends on cost-sharing with host governments and with private industry. Under the Megaports programme, the US provides the equipment and training and the host government, the design, construction, installation and training costs. And if the monitoring systems are deemed not to work effectively, countries will be unwilling to fork out funding for the systems, thereby delaying procurement. In the end, whatever technologies are used, it is prior intelligence and tip-offs on unusual or suspect shipments and deals, and good training of port and airport security operatives to spot illicit smuggling activities that will provide the best countermeasures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as are measures, on a global scale of cooperation, to secure nuclear and radiological technologies and materials in AMR all the countries that produce them.

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Asia Pacific Procurement Update

AUSTRALIA

Canberra signs submarine design study contract The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has signed a contract with the RAND Corporation to complete a Domestic Design Study for the Future Submarine Project, SEA 1000. Earlier in the year the DoD announced its intention to acquire twelve new submarines to replace the existing Collins class when it comes to the end of its service life. The boats will be assembled in South Australia and according to officials, will be the largest and most complex defence procurement undertaken in Australia's history. The Domestic Design Study will examine Australia's submarine design capability and capacity. Investigations by the project to date have aimed at developing an understanding of the capability of the international submarine industry. 'The RAND Corporation brings internationally recognised expertise to the Domestic Design Study having completed similar studies for both the United States and United Kingdom governments,' said acting minister of defence, Greg Combet. The results of the Domestic Design Study will inform project strategy options for consideration by the DoD during 2010. The

report is to be completed by February 2010.

Australian firepower to undergo $493 million upgrade Canberra announced the second phase approval of the government's Land 17 project that will provide the next generation artillery system for the army. The Land 17 project will enhance the Australian army indirect fire support system through the replacement or upgrading of the current 105mm Hamel Howitzer and 155mm M198 Howitzer fleets at the end of their service life. First Pass approval for the project was achieved in February 2006, and the tender process began in September 2007, to acquire new protected self-propelled guns, lightweight towed guns and a digitised, network Battle Management System. A total of 35 M777A2 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzers equipping four batteries, will be acquired to fulfil the lightweight towed gun element of the project. Officials said that the Lightweight Towed Howitzer is the most advanced towed artillery system available in the world. It is air-portable under CH-47 Chinook helicopters and can provide a weight of fire not previously available to rapidly deployed forces.

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Under the second phase a self propelled artillery system, which will be capable of providing fire support to highly mobile mechanised forces, will be acquired, as well as a digital terminal control system, ‘or the tactical control of artillery, naval and close air support fires by forward observers and joint terminal attack controllers’. This second part will be considered in the second half of 2010.

RAAF consolidates Middle East operations By the beginning of 2010 Australia's four bases in the Middle East will have become one under a rationalisation programme designed to cut costs and improve efficiencies for fighting the conflict in Afghanistan. The new facility will host both the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) AP-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft as well as support troops serving in Afghanistan. The base will house around 500 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel with capacity to accommodate another 500 as troops transit to and from Afghanistan. Australia is spending $87 million on new accommodation, hangars and maintenance facilities at the undisclosed base.

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INDIA

India looks at C-17 option New Delhi is believed to be negotiating the purchase of up to ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift transports from the US through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) scheme. India is negotiating the purchase of the aircraft after ruling out the Russian IL-76 transport, even though the US aircraft are three times as expensive, The potential $1.7 billion deal could be finalised in early 2010 and would be Boeing's second-largest deal with the country after New Delhi signed a US$2.1 billion agreement in January to purchase eight P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. Studies suggest that India needs to triple its lift capacity in the coming decade. The country has already contracted for six C-130J aircraft from the US under FMS and the delivery of these aircraft is expected to begin by 2011.The Indian Air Force's current fixedwing transport fleet comprises 40 Russianmade IL-76 and more than 100 AN-32s, which are being upgraded by Ukraine.

Fifth US-Indian 'Cope India; exercise conducted The fifth annual Exercise 'Cope India 09' was conducted at Air Force Station Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India, between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF). The exercise aims to train 270 IAF airmen in a range of missions in joint operations in a simulated hostile scenario, and built on and strengthened existing Indo-US defence cooperation. The operation gave both forces greater insight into the other's operational systems. The Exercise includes the validation of procedures for operations in internal security, airborne assault operations, and night vision goggle aided tactical operations. The IAF Exercise Director, Group Captain Mammen, said of the event, 'One of the major exercises also includes exposure to modern air delivery techniques and management of mass casualties at base and medical evaluation of critical

patients by air,' as well as 'rapid insertion of troops and combat search and rescue'. Additional to 180 personnel flown in for the exercise, the USAF provided three C-130H Hercules, one C-17 Globemaster, and one C130J Super Hercules. IAF aircraft in use during the operation included five AN-32s, two Mi-17 IVs and one Chetak helicopter.

Indian Army trains with US Stryker brigade The Indian Army took part in a two-week combat training exercise with the US Army and seventeen of the US Army's Stryker combat vehicles in October in Babina, 275 miles southeast of New Delhi. The two week exercise saw the largest foreign deployment of US Strykers outside Iraq and Afghanistan, and was the most important training exercise carried out between the two nations' armies to date. Army Lieutenant General Benjamin R. Mixon, the commander of US Army forces in the US Pacific Command area, said, 'We're very excited about it. We think it's going to be a good experience for our soldiers, as well as a very important part of our relationship with India. We view it as a broad effort in our engagement strategy with the Indians that Indo-US defence co-operation is growing ÂŠ DoD

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we want to continue to expand'. Starting on 12 October, around 200 troops from the US 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment based in Hawaii joined an Indian army unit of similar size for Stryker combat manoeuvres and training with its integrated computer network system. Ending with a live-fire demonstration of the Stryker, and also including training on fighting improvised explosive devices, the exercise helped build on the military relationship between the US and India, and gave the Indian army vital contact time with the Stryker.

IAF to station upgraded MiG29s near Pakistan border According to local news sources, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be deploying the first batch of their 62 upgraded MiG-29 aircraft close to the Pakistan border, at the Adampur air base in the border state of Punjab. A defence official said the first six Russian-built aircraft are expected to be delivered during 2010 following upgrades in Russia that will see the fleet upgraded from aerial interceptor and air dominance aircraft to fighter-bombers. Once complete, the aircraft will be capable of striking mobile and stationary targets on ground and at sea with enhanced high-precision weapons. Enhancements to the fleet will include the Zhuk-ME Radar, the advanced variant of the N010 Zhuk radar, providing mapping, terrain following, improved signal processing and a detection range of up to 120 km. The MiG-29s advanced capabilities will also include beyond-visual-range combat, new-generation air-toair and air-to-ground missiles and smart aerial bombs. Under the contract between the IAF and Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, the first six aircraft will be upgraded by the original manufacturer in Russia, with the remaining aircraft upgraded at the IAF's 11 Base Repair Depot in Nashik under a transfer of technology agreement. The upgrade is expected to extend the fleet's service life to 40 years from the existing 25 years.

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JAPAN

JMSDF intercepts Aegis Ballistic Missile

THAILAND

In late October an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) intercept flight was successfully completed off the Hawaiian Kauai coast by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) in cooperation with US Navy (USN) as part of Japan Flight Test Mission 3 (JFTM-3). The test mission verified the engagement capability of the Japan Aegis BMD configuration of the recently upgraded Japanese destroyer, JS Myoko (DDG-175), and was the third time the JMSDF ship has successfully engaged a ballistic missile target, and the second time a JMSDF ship has successfully intercepted a ballistic missile. When JS Myoko returns to Japan, it will be a significant enhancement in the ballistic missile defence capabilities of the nation; which has become a priority for the Japanese Self Defence Force in recent years as North Korea's nuclear capabilities have been revealed.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has entered a contract with Embraer to procure the Embraer Regional Jet (ERJ) 135. It will bring the number of ERJ 135 Jets ordered by the RTN to two, and the total number ordered by The Royal Thai Armed Forces to four. The RTN originally acquired their first ERJ 135 in November 2007; with the Royal Thai Army also acquiring their first in 2007, and their second in early 2009. The contract with Embraer will include a logistical package and provisions for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) installation kit. The Royal Thai Armed Forces are the first country in the Southeast Asia region to acquire the jet for military official transportation and MEDEVAC missions. The ERJ 135 is a 3,148km range, 37 passenger airliner that is part of the Embraer Regional Jet series. The jet received certification in 1999, and since then has been ordered by both civil and military customers worldwide.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia A400M buy delayed According to local press reports Kuala Lumpur remains committed to its order for four Airbus A400M transport aircraft, but delivery will be delayed by at least three years to 2016. The commitment came shortly after South Africa announced that it was cancelling its order for the troubled aircraft. The two countries were the only nonEuropean orders for the A400M. Malaysia placed its order in 2005 for four aircraft originally due to be delivered in 2013. The Malaysia delivery delay is due to delivery issue rather than the country looking to postpone its buy. The A400M programme has been beset by cost overruns and delivery delays over its massive turbo-prop engines. The first aircraft were to have been delivered at the end of this year, but the programme is running at least three years late.

Malaysia to phase out MiG29N fighters The government of Malaysia has announced it will phase out its MiG-29N fighter jets beginning 31 December 2010. In

RTN orders second ERJ 135

A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) is launched from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Myoko ÂŠ DoD

doing so they are expected to save RM260 million annually, allowing them to free up funding for maintenance costs for other existing aircraft in service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Speaking on the decision, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the MiG-29N jets were becoming too costly to maintain as the fleet, purchased in 1993, aged. 'The weaponry for the fighter jets has reached the end of its lifespan and extending the lifespan would be costly and would not be viable', he said. The workload of the MiG-29N fighter jets will be picked up by the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). 'After the MiG-29N fighter jets have been phased out, their role would be carried out by the Sukhoi SU-30MKM which are among the most sophisticated longrange fighter jets', he added. Malaysia signed a deal to procure the Russian built Su-30MKM in 2003, as part of an upgrade to the nation's air defence system. The first two aircraft were delivered May 2007, with four following in late-2007 and four more in March 2008. The aircraft is capable of a wide variety of combat missions, including counter-air

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tasks, ground, air-to-air, and maritime attack. It is armed with precision anti-surface missiles and has a stand-off launch range of 120km.

Navantia delivers second RMN Scorpene sub In October Navantia held a delivery ceremony at its Cartagena shipyard for the second Scorpene-class submarine it is building for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). RMNS Tun Razak is the second of two boats that a consortium formed by the French company DCNS and Navantia have under a contract signed in June 2002. The ceremony was presided by the chief of of the RMN, Tan Sri Dato 'Sri Admiral Haji Abdul Aziz Jaafar. RMNS Tun Razak was launched and christened in a ceremony held at the Cartagena shipyard on 8 October 2008. The first boat, christened RMNS Tunku Abdul Rahman was delivered to the RMN on 26 January 2009 in Toulon. According to the programme, the stern sections are built by Navantia and the bow sections by DCNS. The first submarine was assembled and delivered by the French shipyard in Cherbourg, and the second at the Cartagena shipyard.

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PAKISTAN

fighter available in the world today'.

Pakistan's new F-16s unveiled

PN inducts new frigate

The first of Pakistan's new F-16 fighters have been unveiled in a ceremony by Lockheed Martin at its Fort Worth facility in Texas. The first two aircraft will be delivered in December under a Foreign Military Sale between Pakistan and the US. Both the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, and Air Chief Marshal Rao Quamar Suleman, the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, were present at the ceremony along with Pakistan's Ambassador to the US and other officials. The programme, known as 'Peace Drive I' brings Pakistan's total order of F-16s to 54. The order will include 12 F-16Cs and 6 F-16Ds, all fitted with the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW299 engine. Pakistan originally acquired its first batch of F-16s in 1982 in the F-16A/B configuration. John Larson, vice president of F16 programmes for Lockheed Martin, said, 'Peace Drive is the flagship of modernisation for Pakistan's Air Force. It is the latest configuration of the best fourth generation multirole

The Pakistan Navy (PN) has taken delivery of the first of four Chinese built Sword class frigates that the service is procuring. The ship, PNS Zulfiquar, was inducted in to the PN in mid-September. Pakistan ordered the four frigates and six Zhi-9EC helicopters in April 2005. The first three ships are being built by Hudong-Zhongua shipbuilding in Shanghai while the final vessel is being built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW). The second and third Sword class ships are expected to be delivered next year. The vessel being built by KSEW is scheduled to be delivered in April 2013. The Sword class is believed to be a lengthened version of the People's Liberation Army Navy Jiangwei II frigate. Armaments include two quad launchers for the C802 anti-ship missile and a 76mm gun. Two of the six Zhi-9EC helicopters were also delivered. The aircraft were inducted into Pakistan's Naval Air Arm in a separate ceremony at PNS Mehran near Karachi.

SOUTH KOREA

Seoul to buy surveillance satellites South Korea has revealed plans to acquire four intelligence gathering satellites by 2020, after an internal document showed satellites currently in use and those set for launch are insufficient for military use, due to their multi-purpose nature, and that they spend insufficient time over the Korean peninsula each day. By forging technical relationships with countries that already operate spy satellites, the project is believed to have been allocated the relatively small budget of $514-$600 million. The document named German technology at the top of the list, with plans to co-run five spy satellites developed and deployed by Germany; as well as constructing two exclusively Korean operated satellites. According to local news sources, the document said that establishing a national spy satellite should be a priority for Korea, as 'the orbits and frequency of multipurpose satellites could be leaked to the private-sector driven decision-making system, which allows for image data recorded by multi-purpose satellites to be released'. The multi-purpose Arirang-2, launched in 2006, developed for private sector requirements, and the Arirang-5 and Arirang-3A, scheduled for launch in 2010 and 2012 respectively, have been deemed unsuitable by the Ministry for this reason. Prior to the launch of Arirang-2, which among other purposes, allows South Korean intelligence services to observe North Korean military activities, South Korea relies heavily on surveillance information provided by the US military.

NEW ZEALAND

SINGAPORE

Thales has tendered its bid for New Zealand's Project Alexander contract, proposing that they have the 'expertise and experience necessary to supply improved logistics support services' to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking through the contract. The aim of Project Alexander is to prepare, plan and deliver a partnership that achieves Agile Logistics Support for the NZDF. The successful bid will be announced in November. Should they be successful in their bid, Thales will ensure the availability and serviceability of mission critical materiel for the NZDF; as well as providing training and simulation capabilities, and support to forces deployed on operations. Thales has also committed to working with local partners including the infrastructure asset management and services company, Transfield Services.

ST Engineering announced in October that its marine arm, ST Marine, has been awarded a S$108m contract by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) for the logistics management of the RSN's warehouses at its Changi and Tuas Naval Bases. The six-year contract commenced on 1 October 2009 with an option for another six years. With this contract, ST Marine has grown its scope of support services to include supporting the RSN with a host of logistics management services, purchasing, materials inspection/quality con-

Thales bids for NZDF Project Alexander

ST Marine awarded Logistics Management Contract by RSN

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trol, as well as warehouse and fuel farms management. In the area of warehouse and fuel farms management, ST Marine is supported by ST Synthesis, the integrated services arm of ST Engineering. Since its inception, ST Marine has been a strategic partner to the RSN for its new building, repair, refit and maintenance requirements. Progressively, over the years, ST Marine has also worked alongside the RSN's combat technicians in the naval bases under an integrated maintenance work team concept. This allows ST Marine to proactively develop solutions for the RSN's evolving needs. Earlier this year, ST Marine started to provide submarine support and rescue services to the RSN.