Asian Military Review - February 2011

VOLUME 19/ISSUE 1

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URBAN ISTAR AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE REGIONAL AIR FORCES DIRECTORY 2011 PROTECTED MOBILITY INDIAN AIR FORCE TOWED ARTILLERY ASIA-PACIFIC HELICOPTER PROGRAMMES

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Contents FEBRUARY 2011 VOLUME 19 / ISSUE 1

Front Cover Photo:

Asian Military Helicopter Modernisation: Future Plans & Requirements

A US soldier operating in Afghanistan. Despite the country’s relative lack of urban development in comparison to operations in Iraq, US and coalition forces there continue to deploy systems that address requirements for urban ISTAR in locations such as Kabul and Kandahar © DoD

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David Oliver Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that armies cannot fight without the ubiquitous helicopter. Many Asia-Pacific military helicopter fleets are approaching obsolescence, and despite cutbacks in defence budgets, their replacements are back on the agenda

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The Indian Air Force: Heading for 80 Richard Gardner Few air forces in the world can be said to be so well positioned for significant future growth as the 78-year-old Indian Air Force. The transformation of the Indian Air Force is now underway on a scale that must turn many other nations’ military commanders green with envy

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The AMR Regional Air Force Directory Adam Baddeley The Asia-Pacific Region has found itself recovering quickly from recent economic troubles.

New and upgraded aircraft continued to be acquired and developed, enhancing tactical mobility, improving air superiority capabilities and enabling advanced EW and ISR missions

Urban ISTAR: Unravelling the Cities Adam Baddeley Militaries have been well prepared and equipped to fight battles in the open and have focused training and procurement accordingly. Modern asymmetric warfare, seeks to circumvent this by operating in environments that deny conventional forces those advantages

Amphibious and Littoral Operations Tom Withington Several navies around the Asia-Pacific region are pouring investment into their amphibious forces, replacing ageing vessels and enhancing military and humanitarian capabilities

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Protected Mobility in the Asia-Pacific Adam Baddeley Protected Mobility vehicles must conduct operations in all terrain types and environments and essentially replace unarmoured vehicles such as the HMMWVs or Land Rovers that, as little as a decade ago would have been deemed more than adequate for this role

Asia enhances towed artillery capability

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Christopher F Foss While many countries have now phased out their towed artillery systems in favour of self-propelled solution and rocket systems, many militaries in Asia continue to deploy and acquire large fleets of towed artillery systems

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uch media attention has settled on the internet unveiling of China’s new J-20 ‘stealth’ aircraft in December, capturing much of the public’s imagination and prompting not a little consideration by analysts. Chengdu’s ‘Black Silk’ or ‘Black Eagle’ aircraft which is also China’s first major indigenously designed aircraft, got its second wind of publicity with the announcement by the Xinhua news agency that it had completed its first flight on January 11th, with US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates prompted to ask Chinese President Hu Jintao if the event had been timed to coincide with his visit to China that ended the next day.

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In contrast, the joint announcement by India and Russia on December 16th that the cost of the design contract between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation for the development of the ‘FifthGeneration Fighter Aircraft’, based on the Sukhoi PAK-FA/T-50 had been set at $295 million went almost unnoticed. A clear win for China, albeit only in media terms.

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Editorial

In programmatic terms however, India’s approach has far more substance.

In establishing a clear agreement and partnership with Russia and Sukhoi, India has secured the involvement of a proven developer of an advanced aircraft to support the design of future front line air platforms. India has had a difficult experience in developing simpler aerospace platforms such as the Tejas and has modified its aerospace strategy accordingly. In selecting a fifth generation stealth platform for its first go-it-alone effort, it looks like China is leaping before looking. Informed sources have suggested that China may be using a Russian engine for the J-20, which apparently has not been officially transferred to China, hardly a stable arrangement on which to move forward. India’s approach reflects a mature realisation, also adopted by the four Eurofighter partners and even by the US with the Joint Strike Fighter, that aerospace development is too costly and complex to be borne by one defence budget and one national technological base alone.

Two proverbs come to mind when looking at India and China’s respective approaches; ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ and ‘Pride comes before a fall’. India may have lost the initial media battle but has secured a clear, effective and better path to air superiority.

Adam Baddeley, Editor

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MILITARY

HELICOPTERS

Asian Military Helicopter Modernisation:

Future

Plans Requirements &

The 21st century conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that armies cannot fight without air support, and most of that is now provided by the ubiquitous helicopter. To counter the frequently voiced cry from ground troops and their commanders, “we don’t have enough helicopters”, the major players in the coalition forces have been investing heavily in the acquisition of new rotary-wing assets.

by David Oliver

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AgustaWestland have broken into the Indian market with their AW101 VIP transports for the Indian Air Force © AgustaWestland

OR THOSE countries not committed to ISAF, the build up of their helicopter forces has been of less urgency. However, many Asia Pacific military helicopter fleets are approaching obsolescence, and despite cutbacks in defence budgets, their replacements are back on the agenda.

Australia is committed to supporting ISAF and has recently ordered seven CH-47F Chinooks to replace the Army’s war weary CH-47Ds while it struggles to integrate its new fleets of Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) and NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH).

The Royal Australian Navy has an urgent requirement for 24 naval helicopters

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to replace the cancelled Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprites, and its elderly Sea Kings.

Australia has short-listed the Sikorsky MH-60R and the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) for the contract that will be issued in early 2011.

Neighbouring New Zealand has been reducing its armed forces over the past few

Australia is committed to supporting ISAF and has recently ordered seven CH-47F Chinooks to replace the Army’s war weary CH-47Ds l

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years although its Air Force is taking delivery of five AW109 Light Utility Helicopters and nine NH90 TTHs while the Navy is seeking to replace or upgrade its fleet of Kaman SH2G Seasprite shipboard ASW helicopters.

Australia’s northern neighbour, Indonesia has recently earmarked $65 million for an initial purchase of six new medium utility helicopters with options for an additional eight aircraft to replace the Army’s Bell 205 fleet.

Contenders include the AW139, NH90 TTH and Nurtanio-Bell 412EP. The Army is taking delivery of 16 Mi-17-V5s that join a recently formed unit of Mi-35 combat helicopters.

In contrast, the cash-strapped Philippines has been attempting to acquire combat helicopters for its Air Force which is heavily

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HELICOPTERS involved in counterinsurgency operations.

There are also plans to receive another 10 refurbished Bell UH-1H helicopters to add to its existing fleet of 35, and a $73 million contract was awarded to PZL-Swidnik this year for seven W-3 Sokol attack helicopters plus two multi-mission variants for the Navy, although this has now been suspended following allegations of corruption.

Another “on – off” contract in the region is that for 12 Eurocopter EC 725s to replace the Malaysian Air Force’s ageing Sikorsky S-61A Sea Kings. The French helicopter was selected in 2008 but the contract put on hold due to funding issues, but then reinstated in April 2010. Malaysia has also had an ongoing requirement for a combat helicopter but this has been put on hold since it abandoned a possible purchase of the South African Denel Rooivalk, In the meantime, the Air Force is taking delivery of ten Mi-17Sh transport helicopters. Thailand’s Army is also acquiring the ubiquitous Mi-17, six of which are being delivered along with 15 surplus US Army AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters and 16 new

Enstrom 480B training helicopters.

Japan is another country that has selected the Enstrom 480B by ordering 30 of the trainers for its Ground Self-Defence Force.

(GSDF). The GSDF has a requirement to replace its large fleet of Bell UH-1Js produced under licence by Fuji Heavy Industries.

Competitors for a New Multi-Purpose Helicopter programme include Fuji with an

The latest helicopters to be delivered to the People’s Liberation Army are 32 multi-role Mi-171Es

updated derivative of the UH-1J while Mitsubishi is offering an updated version of the UH-60J Black Hawk that is produces under license. An outsider is Kawasaki which will pitch a variant of the AW101 that it builds under licence for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force. The AW101 is also in contention for the Japan Air Self Defence Force’s UH-X programme to replace its 40 UH-60J

The latest type to enter service with the New Zealand armed forces is the AW109 Light Utility Helicopter © David Oliver

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One of 8 Mil Mi-35 combat helicopters acquired by the Indonesian Army. (TNIAD)

search and resccue helicopters. Other contenders include the Eurocopter EC 725 or Mitsubishi’s upgraded UH-60J. The pariah states of the region, Myanmar and North Korea, are equipped almost entirely by Cold War vintage Russian helicopters that include Mi-2s, Mi-8/17s and Mi24s. In contrast, South Korea is forging ahead with development of an indigenous helicopter gunship, the Korea Attack Helicopter (KAH). This is a projected attack version of the Surion Korea Utility Helicopter (KUH) being co-developed by Eurocopter and KAI, to replace the Korean Army’s 300 plus Bell AH-1S Cobra and MD 500MD TOW antitank helicopters. The KAH may well lose out to the Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III if it proves to be a cheaper option.

Another Apache Longbow aspirant is Taiwan which requested an FMS for 30 AH64Ds in 2008 to replace its Army’s 60 AH-1W SuperCobras, but this sale has yet to be approved. What has been approved is the sale of nine CH-47SD Chinook heavy lift helicopters and a $3.1 billion FMS of 60 UH-60M

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HELICOPTERS

A Republic of Korea Navy Sikorsky UH-60P Black Hawk © US Navy

Black Hawk helicopters. In addition, three Eurocopter EC 225 SAR helicopters are on order for the Republic of China Air Force.

Overshadowing Taiwan is the People’s Republic of China which is frantically attempting to rejuvenate its military aviation fleets. Although its forces have a large inventory of some 700 helicopters, many are obsolete Russian Mil or French Aerospatiale designs plus a few US Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawks that it received in the late 1980s The latest helicopters to be delivered to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are 32 multi-role Mi-171Es manufactured by UlanUde, and three Mi-26T heavy lift helicopters used for firefighting and emergency relief

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missions. China is also investing heavily in rotary-wing production through its Aviation Industry Corporation of China Helicopters (AVICOPTER) company which has had a long term relationship with Eurocopter. The European company is currently co-developing the EC175/Z-15 twin-engined medium lift helicopter with AVICOPTER. The Z-15 will be manufactured in China by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, and be powered by Turbomeca Ardiden turboshafts built by the Harbin Engine Factory. The military version of the Z-15 is being seen as a potential battlefield support transport and shipboard maritime helicopter for the PL Army and Navy.

Another indigenous programme is the

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Change Z-10 attack helicopter which has had a protracted development and not expected to be operational until at least 2015.

China is currently developing a number of military aircraft with Pakistan including the JF-17 fighter and K-8 jet trainer, but the only Chinese helicopters used by its close regional ally are a handful of Z-9C naval helicopters, a licence-built Aerospatiale Dauphin. As part of the US Government’s support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism along its border with Afghanistan, it is funding the build up of its military helicopter force. This includes the delivery of new Bell 412EPs and 407s, plus refurbished Bell AH1S Cobras and Boeing CH-47D Chinooks.

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India also has one of the world’s largest requirement for new military helicopters, nearly 600 in total

Eurocopter AS 550 was selected in 2007 after an objection from the only other bidder, Bell Helicopter. The competition for 197 helicopters for the Indian Army was then re-run in 2009 without the losing Bell 407, but with the AW119Ke and the Russian Kamov Ka-226T running against the AS 550. Hot and High trials have been conducted throughout 2010 but no clear winner is yet in sight.

The winner of the RSH competition will be in a strong position to win the Indian

Navy contract for 56 naval light utility helicopters (LUH) worth $1.5 billion, and an Indian Coast Guard contract for 30 LUHs. AgustaWestland and the US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky responded to an Indian Coast Guard tender in 2009 for the lease of eight multi-role helicopters but the Request for Information (RfI) was cancelled following a disagreement with the Defence Ministry and Coast Guard over costs.

Sikorsky is also actively pursuing a possible $1 billion Indian Navy contract for 16 multi-role helicopters to replace its 24 ageing Westland Sea Kings, a contract worth a reported $1 billion. The Indian auditor general’s office recently criticised the Indian Navy’s $39 million acquisition of six surplus US C

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The US is also funding the overhaul of the Pakistan Army’s Mi-17 fleet, more than 50 of which are in service.

Sandwiched between China and Pakistan is arguably the region’s most powerfully armed nation, India. Its armed forces operate more than 750 helicopters comprising no less than 21 different types. Most of the Air Force’s inventory is made up of Russian Mil helicopters ranging from the Mi-8 to the Mi35. Ninety percent of the Indian Army’s inventory are HAL-built derivatives of the Aerospatiale Alouette, namely the Cheetah and Chetak while less than twenty five percent of it is made up with the indigenous, but flawed, HAL Dhruv twin-engined multi-role helicopter. India also has one of the world’s largest requirement for new military helicopters, nearly 600 in total.

In September 2010, the Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that it would order 59 Mi-17-V5 medium lift helicopters in addition to the 80 Mi-17s ordered from Russia under a $1.2 billion contract in 2008 to replace the older Mi-8s in the Indian Air Force fleet which will be progressively phased out of service.

Earlier in the year AgustaWestland broke the Russian/French connection when it announced that a contract had been signed by the Government of India for the acquisition of twelve AW101 helicopters that will perform government and VIP transport duties with the Indian Air Force. The contract, valued at $450 million, includes an extensive five-year logistic support service and initial aircrew and technician training.

The sale followed the signing of an agreement between AgustaWestland and the Indian company Tata & Sons in 2009 for the formation of an Indian joint venture company that will establish a final assembly line in India for the AW119 singleengined light helicopter. This will strengthen AgustaWestland’s bid for the world’s largest military helicopter contract for which the AW119 is a contender, the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH) programme potential worth $4-5 billion for over 600 military helicopters in India in the next ten years.

The Indian Armed Forces have a requirement for 384 light utility helicopters to replace its aging fleet of HAL Cheetahs and Chetaks. Earlier, Ministry of Defence had scrapped a deal for which the

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Variants of the Russian Mi-17 are being acquired by India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand © Russian Helicopters

Navy Sikorsky UH-3 Sea King helicopters to boost its fleet of Westland aircraft. Although the option of refurbishing the extant Sea King fleet is an option, it is more likely that new aircraft will be purchased and Sikorsky is offering the S-70B through the direct commercial sale route, or the MH-60R Seahawk via a US Foreign Military Sale (FMS).

Another on-off competition is the Indian Air Force’s requirement for 22 attack helicopters to replace its Mi-24/35 Hinds worth some $600 million, the initial Request for Proposals (RfP) was issued in May 2008 but later cancelled. The RfP was re-issued in May 2009 and the contenders include the Bell AH-1Z Viper, Boeing AH-64D Apache,

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the Russian Mi-28N, and the Eurocopter Tiger although the latter is reported to have pulled out of the field trials in India that began in June 2010.

The Indian Air Force has circulated the RfI for yet another Air Force contract The replacement for the IAF Cheetah helicopters will be the for a total of 15 heavy lift subject of one of the world’s biggest helicopter contracts © HAL helicopters worth approximately $700 million. The bidders for this contract are expected to transport aircraft and P-8A maritime surveilinclude Boeing with its CH-47F Chinook, lance aircraft, may help the Chinook’s Sikorsky CH-53K Future Stallion, and prospects. The CH-53K, which is still on the Russian Helicopters Mi-26TS. Mil should drawing board, is the outsider.

The major helicopter manufactures are have an advantage as the Air Force has operated a fleet early variant Mi-26s since the battling to grab a share of the billions of dolmid-1980s, although the fact that Boeing has lars that will be spent in the volatile Asian broken into the Indian market with its C-17 Pacific region over the next decade.

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The Indian Air Force:

Heading for

80 The Boeing C-17 takes off from a hot and high airstrip demonstrating its suitability for tactical heavy lift as well as strategic transport.

The Indian Air Force is to acquire 10 C-17s © Boeing

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Few air forces in the world can be said to be so well positioned for significant future growth as the 78-year-old Indian Air Force. As major air forces around the world struggle with ageing equipment that needs to be upgraded or replaced, yet cannot be afforded in the quantities needed, India is managing to retain air power as a national priority, with appropriate levels of new investment earmarked to sustain its growth. This is being applied in a truly strategic approach that retains front-line strength, increases and modernises capabilities and also benefits its own defence industrial sector from the inward transfer of new technologies. With the government determined to see this happen, and the allocation of sufficient resources, the transformation of the Indian Air Force is now underway on a scale that must turn many other nations’ military commanders green with envy.

by Richard Gardner

NDIA, AS the world’s largest democracy and with a population of over a billion people, has good reason to maintain capable and highly motivated armed forces. With the West and Russia both friendly and willing suppliers of military equipment to India, China is the main regional rival and its active involvement in the support of Pakistan in the disputed borderlands of Kashmir, coupled with intensive investment in new transport links into this region, guarantees a high level of military anxiety within the Indian government.

Pakistan, India’s age-old adversary, is now being courted by the US as an ally against extremist elements threatening the country and operating across its borders into Afghanistan, but China remains a long-term friend of Islamabad and has close military links, including joint air programmes. The potential for future threats emerging from the north western and continuing uncertainty in Burma to the East,

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The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the standard air superiority fighter in the IAF © Tim Robinson

Along with [a] wide-ranging spread of operational roles, the IAF requires a huge training and logistical support infrastructure underline India’s concern to match the growing regional power of China’s forces, including a more capable air force.

Air power is a key element in the equation as the country maintains powerful military and naval services but must maintain command of the air over vast distances not just within tactical range of troubled areas. This requires not only effective air superiority but also a balance of close air support, airborne command and control, surveillance, transport and air tanking and maritime air capability.

Along with this wide-ranging spread

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of operational roles, the IAF requires a huge training and logistical support infrastructure and a growing self-capability in industrial terms, extending into joint development and manufacturing, and indigenous programmes.

This is a tall order, but the strategic reality dictates that to ensure India’s future security, it must give air power a high priority. The economic growth rate of the country looks set to continue for decades ahead, generating the revenues that will allow an expanded air force to acquire the best aircraft for the job in hand.

According to the Times of India, the work force may expand by 136 million over the next ten years, much of it involving skilled activity and it is the government’s intention to maximise its manufacturing capabilities in the aerospace sector so that in due course it can become an exporter of high value aircraft and systems rather than an importer. In the meantime, it has drawn up an ambitious future procurement programme for its air force.

The big competition

The subject that has grabbed most attention has been the international competition for

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The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is India's major air superiority fighter and serves in large numbers. Built in India by HAL, it is due to be joined by the end of the decade by a new joint Indian/Russian air dominance fighter based on the Sukhoi T50 shown here © IAF

126 new Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA). There are few opportunities for a new fighter sale on this scale and every bidder knows that the winning design, to be built under licence in India, may well eventually run to 150-200 aircraft. This is a huge prize, but because India is looking for a medium-performance aircraft, below the capability of its existing Su-30MKIs, the bids are going to have to be seen as affordable in

Indian eyes. The Request For Proposals was issued by the IAF in August 2007 and involved six competing bidders offering the Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen NG, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-16 Super Viper/IN and Mig-35.

Evaluations have now taken place of all contenders and a report was presented in July 2010. This has been a very complex and thorough process and bidding types have been put through their paces in Field Evaluations.

The Jaguar picture remains a stalwart on the IAF’s front line © IAF

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Several have visited India enabling Indian pilots to try them out for themselves. In October, Typhoon fighters from the Royal Air Force’s 11 Squadron deployed from the UK for Exercise Indradhanush and took part in mock combat with Su-30MKIs and Mirage 2000 fighters.

The original M-MRCA requirement was aimed at replacing the remaining Mig-21s but in reality these had already gone from front line service, their place taken by India’s 50 Mirage 2000H aircraft, some of which reportedly also have a nuclear strike role. The Indian government has agreed to the combat strength of the air force rising towards 50 squadrons but is determined to retain a balance of platforms that will deliver air dominance, medium multi-role and light multi-role capabilities. Today’s front line fast jet strength already includes squadrons of Su-30s, Mig-29s, Mig-27s, Mirage 2000s and Jaguars and the next generation of combat aircraft are expected to offer affordability with flexibility and be capable of remaining viable in service for the next thirty years. It is hoped to be able to announce a winner in March 2011, with initial deliveries in 2014. All the competitors in the M-MRCA contest are offering performance which exceeds India’s minimum requirements. Eurofighter’s Typhoon is second to none in its category, the only concern being that it may offer a performance too close to that of the Su-30MKI, and thus might be seen as an expensive choice.

The same argument applies to the Dassault Rafale, Europe’s alternative fourth generation combat aircraft. Both these bidders would argue that India would be getting

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Tejas LCA © HAL

maximum through-life value by selecting their offerings, effectively future-proofing the choice. The SAAB Gripen New Generation/IN is perhaps the nearest contender to an optimum size replacement and in this upgraded version the Swedish aircraft has the advantage of being powered by the same GE 414 engine that has been chosen to power the indigenous Indian Tejas LCA Mk2. Clearly there could be savings from this choice, but this engine is also to be found on the rival Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The F/A-18 undoubtedly offers a well proven platform with newly developed extras such as AESA radar and conformal weapons and fuel capacity. The US Navy has just committed to another five years production of Super Hornets and the EW version, the EA-18G Growler. The other US bidder for M-MRCA is the Lockheed Martin F-16 Super Viper/IN, which has had a considerable avionics and sensor makeover and is now on offer to India with an AESA radar and such new features as a conformal tank aerial refuelling system, for

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The subject that has grabbed most attention has been the international competition for 126 new Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft

probe-and-drogue flight refuelling as used by the IAF. The Russian contender, the MiG-35, offers a thoroughly modernised medium size, rugged, combat fighter based on the MiG-29 which has been in Indian service for many years.

Air power in depth

The IAF’s combat force level is to extend to 42 fighter squadrons by 2020 comprising, in addition to the chosen M-MRCAs, some 270 Su-30MKIs, around 120 Tejas LCAs and at least 150 FGFAs, the new fifth generation heavyweight air domination fighters to be co-developed with Russia, based on the Sukhoi T-50/PAK-FA. Intended as a

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stealthy advanced combat air platform in the F-22 Raptor category, but much less costly, this new machine took to the air for the first time in January 2010 and flight testing will continue for the next two-three years. The cooperation agreement between Russia and India should see Indian development and industrial participation of around 30 percent of the programme and will include advanced composites manufacture and avionics and mission system work.

India is believed to be taking a lead in the development of a two-seat version for its own needs. This programme is very important for both Russia and India as it will provide a performance edge beyond the Su30/35 over any likely emerging indigenous Chinese designs for decades to come. The development and production timescale is challenging as it is intended to introduce initial IAF aircraft into service in 2017.

The large and growing Su-30MKI fleet provides today’s IAF front line air defences with a powerful and highly agile missile and gun platform that can comfortably out-perform

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HAL Druv light helicopters of the IAF Sarang aerobatic display team Š IAF

rivals, but most importantly it is seen as an air superiority asset that can effectively protect strategic areas and the skies above wherever Indian forces may need to operate. The IAF policy of layered air defence, brings with it the added flexibility of multi-role capability. This can be seen in the continued modernisation of the Mirage and Jaguar fleets. Both are receiv-

Il-76 is the standard current medium range heavy lift transport in the IAF Š Tim Robinson

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ing major radar, avionics and weapons capability upgrades, and in the case of the Jaguars, an international competition is underway to select a replacement engine (either RollsRoyce or Honeywell). This is needed because of the extra weight gained in implementing the DARIN II and III system upgrades.

Another Jaguar upgrade involves equipping the aircraft used in the maritime air strike role with Harpoon antiship missiles.

The Indian designed and built Light Combat

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Aircraft (LCA), or Tejas, has had a less than happy development history that dates back to the 1980s. Way behind all its target dates, the aircraft is now emerging from extensive testing, evaluation and modification and initial production deliveries to the first squadron are expected in 2011. An initial batch of 20 LCAs are on firm order, but although originally intended to replace the MiG-21s, the weight growth of the LCA has moved it up into a similar category to the MMRCA, so it is unlikely that hundreds will be built as originally planned.

REGIONAL A I R

New generation air assets

Although it is the front-line combat capability of the IAF that tends to capture the limelight, the expansion and modernisation of the service is proceeding apace right across the organisation, from the modernisation of airfields to the replacement of specialist aircraft fleets, trainers and rotary wing aircraft. The selection of the BAE Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer has led to an initial batch of BAE-supplied jets being followed by the setting up of a HAL production line in India and this type is likely to remain in production and IAF service for many years ahead.

A new com-

F O R C E

Seen on its first flight in the USA is India's first Lockheed Martin C-130J in IAF colours. Six will be delivered shortly and more are expected to be ordered © Lockheed Martin

petition will see the selection of a primary trainer. One of the most important recent IAF decisions relates to the replacement of the heavy lift transport fleet. Traditionally this has been provided by Russian-designed aircraft, but in a move towards Western suppliers, the IAF is to take delivery of 10 Boeing C17s. The IAF has also selected the Lockheed Hercules C-130J as its new tactical airlifter, and the first aircraft from an initial order for six have now flown. Deliveries are due shortly and these new types will start to replace the IAF’s Il-76 fleet. Replacing some of the 105 An-32 transports will be another new aircraft, the Multi Role Transport, MRT, a twin jet high-wing aircraft based on the Russian IL-214. India intends to buy up to 45, and Russia up to 100, with a first flight due in 2017 and entry into service in 2020.

Agreement on setting up a joint venture com-

The IAF is investing in a new fleet of Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to partially replace the Il-38 MR fleet l

FEBRUARY 2011

l

pany between HAL and UAC was signed last September in New Delhi.

With India’s navy expanding to take on a more strategic role over the Indian Ocean, and increasing Chinese and Pakistani naval modernisation, the growth of potentially hostile submarine operations, and piracy spreading, the IAF is investing in a new fleet of Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to partially replace the Il-38 MR fleet.

India is the first confirmed export customer for the new aircraft which is not yet in US Navy service. The IAF has extensive airborne tanking, command and control and AEW assets The IL-76 and 78 serve in the platform role, some presently being delivered with Israeli-supplied rotodomes.

Embraer has also shared in the Indian C4I investment, supplying EMB-145 aircraft for transport and as surveillance and EW platforms. The IAF has hundreds of utility helicopters, with a mix of types from manufacturers in Russia, with the Hip Mil- 8 and 17, Europe, the USA and its own HAL with the current production Druv light helicopter.

These squadrons combine to give India a massive military air capability, and one which it fully intends to sustain.

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THE AMR REGIONAL AIR FORCE DIRECTORY

2011

Prepared by Adam Baddeley FEBRUARY 2011

25

REGIONAL A I R

F O R C E

MR’s Regional Air Force Directory of the various air forces, naval air arms and army aviation assets across the Asia-Pacific Region returns in our first issue of 2011, which coincidently is also our eleventh issue of the Directory. The Asia-Pacific Region has found itself recovering quickly from the economic damage of the past few years. New – notably China’s J-20 and upgraded aircraft have continued to be acquired and developed across the services, enhancing tactical mobility, improving air superiority capabilities and enabling advanced Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.

As before, the Directory has been compiled from a range of open sources from around the world, AMR’s correspondents and discussions with industry and military personnel throughout the year. AMR would like to thank those who have scratched their heads and provided answers to our questions. To claim absolute accuracy in this endeavour when for example trying to gauge serviceability levels on North Korea’s aircraft would invite hubris on our part. We would therefore like to encourage readers over the next twelve months who can add information to either contact us in person at the year’s shows and exhibitions or by e-mail.

A

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan National Army Air Corps 1 An-26

A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3c Orion special mission aircraft taking part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010. exercise © DoD

5

An-32B, US NAVAIR Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft Program Office funded phased out as C-27 arrive 8+12 Ordered G222/C-27A, 2 more AC ordered in Sept 2010.

Delivery scheduled for completion in 2011.

25+21 Ordered Mi-8 MTV-1/Mi17DV/V5, $370m recent order, delivery by 2013.

9 Mi-35, 377th Rotary Wing Squ. began operations in August 2010 2 L-39C

NO TE S: Changed its name to Afghan National Army Air Force (ANAAF) from Afghanistan National Army Air Corps in June. Legacy Mi-17s scheduled to begin $1billion upgrade in FY2014-16. US funded “Afghanistan Basic Trainer/Light Lift Family of Systems” requirement for a combined total of 71 turboprop trainers and 10-seat light mobility aircraft from 2012. UH-1Hs previously linked to ANAAF reported to be US State Dept aircraft.

33 64 8

AUSTRALIA

Royal Australian Air Force 55/16 F/A-18A/B, nearing end of service life 15+9 Ordered F/A-18F, test firing of AGM-15C in October 14 Ordered F-35A, requirement for a

4+2 Ordered

18

1 2 3 9

12+2

4 2+3 Ordered

Royal Australian Navy 16 S-70B-2 Seahawk, withdrawal in 2018, no interim upgrade 6 Sea King Mk50A

Renamed in June to become the Afghan National Army Air Force, the most numerous type in service is the Mi-17 © DoD

22

l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

further 86 AC est. at $17bil. IOC in 2018 Hawk 127 PC-9/9A King Air 350, last Air Interim Light Transport programme AC delivered in July 2010 737 Wedgetail AEW&C, delivery complete in 2011 AP-3C, Air 5276 ESM upgrade Project of Concern, due to retire in 2018-19 P-3C EW 737-700BBJ Challenger CL 604 VIP C-130H, retiring in favour of the ‘J’ C-130J-30, to be upgraded to Block 7.0 standard, two further AC to be delivered in 2013-15 C-17 KC-30A, 3 to be modified

by Qantas

l

REGIONAL A I R

WE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHOSE MISSION IS TO PROTECT THE WORLD.

F O R C E

REGIONAL A I R

5 13 3

F O R C E

MRH90, based at HMAS Albatross with new 808 Squadron AS350BA, Lead In Helicopter Training AW109E

Australian Army Aviation Corps 14 OH-58 6 CH-47D 7 Ordered CH-47F, $560 million order due 2014-17 16+6 Ordered Tiger ARH, with 1st Aviation Regiment 34 S-70A-9 Blackhawk 1 AS350BA 8+30 Ordered MRH90, Engine failure due to compressor blade in April

NO TE S: F-111C/RF-111C retired in December. The MRH-90 delivery is due to complete in 2014. Potential delays to F-35 could result in 12-24 further F/A-18Fs. BAE Systems Australia preferred tenderer for the six-year Interim Basic Flying Training Services contract in July. Fourth squadron of JSF planned in Defence Capability Plan released on 17 December.

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh Air Force 8 A-5C 23 F-7M/BG 8 MiG-29SE/UB 8 L-39ZA 3 An-32 4 C-130B

19 6 16 4 6 11

Mi-17/171 Mi-171, attack role UH-1N/Bell 212 Bell 206L FT-6 T-37B

CAMBODIA

Royal Cambodian Air Force 6 Mi-8/17, doubts over Mi-17s operational status 2 Mi-26T 1 AS355 5 L-39C 2 Y-12-II, operated by Air Cambodia 3 An-24RV, operated by Air Cambodia

Bangladesh Army 2 Bell 206L4 4 Cessna 152 1 Grand Caravan

Bangladesh Navy 2 Ordered AW109, due for delivery in 2011

Notes: Priority given to land force procurement for defence of Khmer-Thai border.

NOTES: Competition for two MPAs ongoing but plans for new fighter squadron still in flux but reported to be finalizing acquisition of JF-17 and J-10. New defence collaboration deals with China and South Korea signed in 2010

BRUNEI

Royal Brunei Air Force 1 CN-235-110M transport & maritime surveillance roles 2 Bell 206B Training role 10/1 Bell 212/214ST 4 BO105CB 4 S-70A/L 4 PC-7Mk II

NO TES: Renewed defence technology co-operation between Brunei and Indonesia, seen as paving way to further CN-235 sales. Increased Russian industrial push during 2010.

l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

People’s Liberation Army Air Force 120 H-6, inc. 10 H-6U Tankers 290 J-7 60 JH-7 180 J-8II 190 J-10 120+90 Ordered J-11A/B 76 Su 30MKK/MK2 76 Su-27SK/UBK 4 JF-17 230 Q-5A 8 Ordered IL-78 5 A-50I, KJ-2000 radar/mission system 2 Y-8 AEW, prototypes with different radar configurations 2 737 80/4 Y-7/MA60 45 Y-8 20+30 Ordered IL-76MD 4 Tu-154 ELINT 3 Mi-6 260 Mi8/17/171 35 Z-8 100 Z-9 40 Z-11 26+130 Ordered HC-120 2 L-15 130 JJ6 40 JJ7 190 JL-8/K-8 20 Z-11 People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force 50 H-5, phasing out quickly 26 H-6D 6 Y-8 MPA 2 Y-8 ELINT 30 J-7D/E

Despite the internet frenzy over the J-20 pictures in mid-December it is the Su-27/30 and local variants that dominate China’s combat air power inventory © DoD

24

CHINA

l

REGIONAL A I R

54 124 60 16 23 50 Ordered 3 11 8 3 7 25

JH-7A J-8 Q-5 JJ-6 Su-30MKK2 JF-15, Su-33 clone with first flight in June SA565N Ka-28 Mi-8 SH-5 Z-8 Z-9C

NOTES: AVIC developed new L-15 Lift variant in 2010. Still considering options on JF-17. Shaanxi Y9 transport due for first flight in 2011.

INDIA

Indian Air Force 69 MiG-29S/UB, SMT upgrade due 2011-2014 57 Mirage-2000H/TH

130+60 Ordered Su-30MK/MKI, options for a further 40 by 2016 and as many as 280 157 MiG-21Bison/bis/M, 120 MiG-21 Bison will continue on to 2017, others retired from 2011-12 149 Jaguar IM/IS/T, likely recipient of Textron CBU105 Sensor Fuzed Weapon 14 MiG-23UM 122 MiG-27UPG 3 Ordered EMB-145 AEW, DRDO led project. 1st flight by mid 2011 2+4 Ordered IL-76TD AEW, 3rd AC with improved systems scheduled for 2011 7 IL-78 MKI ‘MARS’ 104 An-32, $400m upgrade for 100 AC awarded 2009 6 Ordered C-130J, 1st AC delivered in December, balance in 2011

28+12 55

F O R C E

Do-228-201 HS 748, some in ELINT role 17 Il-76, in early stages of upgrade 37+40 Ordered Dhruv 120+80 Ordered Mi-8/17 3 Mi-26 20 Mi-35 12 SA315 48 SA316 Cheetak 66 + 57 Hawk 132 - $1bil.

BAE/HAL deal for the 57 inked in July with Cobham weapons carriage equipment 162 HJT-16, fatal air show crash in March 2010 16 Ordered HJT-36 Sitara, Certification expected in late 2012 40 Ordered Tejas Mk1, IOC Dec 2010. Test firing of R-73 AAM in Dec.

REGIONAL A I R

F O R C E

Indian Army 40+ 105 Ordered Dhruv ALH 20 +10 Ordered SA315 80 SA316

Indian Naval Air Arm 4+41 Ordered MiG-29K/KUB, 29 more Ks ordered in March 2010 8/3 Sea Harrier FRS51/Harrier T4/60 to be replaced by Tejas 6 Tejas, two seat naval variant rolled out in July 8 Tu-142M 8 Ordered P-8I MPA, first P-8I due

by Jan 2013 20 Do-228 MPA 4 IL-38 MPA 12 BN-2 6 Dhruv ALH no further Navy Dhruv’s planned 15 Ka-25 16 Ka-28 9 Ka-31 36 SA316B/319 24 Sea King 42 16 HJT-16

NOTE S: The $406m ERJ-145 based AEW solution should bear fruit in 2011 with a number of key tests planned followed by flight testing with IAF in 2012. Shortlist for MMRCA due after Aero India in April-May with contract award for 126 AC now due in 2012 with numbers potentially rising to 400.

Plans to buy 10 C-17. India and Russia working toward $600m deal on new 15-20T Multirole Transport Aircraft with India requiring

45. PAK FA demonstrated to Indian officials in August near Moscow with a requirement for 200-250 AC by India, preliminary design contract signed in December. Requirement got 75-strong new basic trainer to replace MHT-32 potentially rising to 181. A $2.3billion upgrade including AESA of all Su-30s to MKI standard planned from 2012. Air Force has expressed interest in acquired amphibian aircraft for Andaman and Nicobar islands. Indian Navy has a requirement for 50+ utility aircraft to replace HAL Cheetaks/SA316B.

INDONESIA

Indonesian Air Force 7/3 F-16A/B expected to decide on 10 year $150m MLU from 2011 29 Hawk 209 10 Hawk 53/109, 12+ replacement due for announcement in 2011 5 Su-27SK/SKM, deal to acquire missiles signed in Nov. 2010 5 Su-30MK/MK2 last deliveries in September 2010 8 Ordered EMB-314 Super Tucano plans on a further 8, delivery from 2012 2 OV-10 3 737 MPA 1+2 Ordered CN-235 MPA 2 KC-130B 1 737 15 C-130B/H/ H-30/L-100 12 C-212 Japan Air Self-Defense Force ShinMaywa US-1A Kai amphibian aircraft © DoD

5+2 4 5 2 11 12 Ordered

2 Ordered 11 11 18 16 28

CN-235 110/220M F27-400M F-28 1000/3000 PC-6 NAS330J AW101, 2010 €560m deal for government transport EC725 EC120B KT-1B SF-260M/W T-34C AS/SA-202

Indonesian Army 1 BN-2A 3 C-212 2 DHC-5 1 Turbo Commander 11 Bell 205A-1 18 Ordered Bell 210 28 Bell 412 17 NBO-105 16 Mi-17-V5 8 Mi-35M, last AC delivered in September

Indonesian Navy 2+3 NC-212-200 MPA 9+1 NC-212-200 2Ordered NCN-235-220 3 Nomad 22 MPA 17 Nomad 22/24 Transport 8+1 Ordered NB 412SP 4 NAS.332 4 NBO-105 3 EC-120B 2 Mi-2

NOTES: Indo Defence Expo reports suggests a $65m acquisition of 14 medium utility helicopter in two tranches and a continuing required for 24 utility aircraft. In July, Indonesia signed an agreement at Farnborough with Korea to contribute up to 20 percent of the KF-X’s development costs and acquire up to 50 AC. Options to acquire 6 new F-16 Block 50/52 or ex US ANG AC. Approval to acquire a further Su-30s given in late 2010. In Sept. Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has said Indonesia planned to acquire 180 Sukhoi aircraft over the next 20 years.

JAPAN

Japan Air Self Defence Force 87+7 Ordered F-2A/B, production

26

REGIONAL A I R

102 154/45 4

1 13 13 4

27 26 15 5 15 37 13 206 49

F O R C E

complete by late 2011 F-4EJ/EF-4EJ/RF-4EJ, 91A/C will continue in service after F-X delays F-15J/DJ E-767, $119m Boeing RSIP upgrade requested in Dec EC-1 E-2C YS-11P/FC/NT/EA/EB KC-767, final AC delivered in Feb. 2010 U-125/A C-1A/FTB C-130H Gulfstream IV CH-47J UH-60J Beechcraft T-400 T/XT-4 T-7

Japanese Ground Self Defence Force 5 King Air 350/LR-2 9 MU-2 74 AH-1S, suggestions of AH-1Z type upgrade instead of more Apaches 9+4 Ordered AH-64DJP, original requirement for 55 A/C dropped 54 CH-47J/JA 20 OH-1 111 OH-6D/J 146 UH-1H/J 29 UH-60JA

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force 94 EP-3C/UP-3D 10 Ordered P-1 MPA 94 P-3C, small portion stored 7 US-1/-2 10 YS-11T-A/M/M-A 4 Learjet 36 4 UP-3C 4+10 Ordered MCH/CH101, replacing MH-53E 10 MH-53E 143+6 SH/UH-60J/K 31 King Air 90 9 OH-6D/J 35 T-5 2 EC135T2i, 15 Required by Naval Pilot Training School

NOTES: FX requirement for 40-50 AC to

28

A SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter on board the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana © DoD

replaced F-4s. ATD-X still in R&D phase and looking overseas for engines. New SAR helicopter requirement begins in 2011 and JGSDF UH-1H/J replacement programme also expected soon.

LAOS

Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force 5 MiG-21PFM/U 1 An-26 10 An-2 6 Ka-32 1 An-74K-100 7 Mi-8 9 Mi-17 4 Z-9

MALAYSIA

Royal Malaysian Air Force 12 F/RF-5E/F-5F 8 F/A-18D 14/6 Hawk 208/108, Selex Seer wins RWR upgrade 10+2 Ordered MiG-29N/UB, will continue until service until 2015 18 Su-30MKM ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

14

6 1 1 10 1 4

4 12 Ordered

NOTES: Declining serviceability across the board.

l

4 Ordered

l

20

2 16 8 8 31

17

1 1

A400M, to be received from 2016 C-130H/H-30/T, upgrade may be revisited with A400M delays CN-235-220M Falcon 900B F28-1000 Cessna 402 Global Express BD700 King Air 200 MPA, entered service in 1994 Mi-171Sh EC-725, to be delivered 2012-13 in $499m deal S-61A-4, Sikorsky proposed upgrade package for 15 AC AS61N-1, VIP Transport SA316 MB229AM MB339CM, purchase of a further 4 AC deferred PC-7, some likely to be transferred to Philippines PC-7Mk II, up to 12 more ordered from Spring 2011 B737 A319

REGIONAL A I R

25 4 10 + 20

F-7M G4 MiG-29B/UB, to be upgraded to SMT standard 6 F27 2 C-212 6 Cessna 180 2 BN2 MPA 5 PC-6A/B 6 Bell 205 15 Mi-2 8 + 42 Ordered Mi-24, first units based at Myitkyina 1 Ordered Dhruv 11 Mi-17V 9 SA316B 6 W-3/UT 6 FT-7 12 + 48 Ordered K-8, sale undisclosed by either country 16 PC-7 10 PC-9

NOTES: Low levels of serviceability and funding undermine fleet capabilities.

4 Ordered 2

A400M, delivery expected 2015-16 S-70 VIP

Malaysia Army Air Corps 11 AW109H 3 SA316

Royal Malaysian Navy 6 AS.555SN 7 Super Lynx 300

NOTES: Reversal of decision on MiG-29 retirement. Malaysia has requested info on Typhoon, F/A-18E/F and Saab Gripen but no MiG-35 for a requirement for up to 40 new fighters. Addition Su-30MKMs may be bought Maritime Enforcement Agency wants to double air fleet under 2011-15 national plan. Malaysia AEW requirement is still percolating under the 10th Malaysia Plan of 2011-15. Also requirement for four new MPAs likely ATR42MP or CN-235 MPA and a new attack helicopter.

MYANMAR

Myanmar Air Force 20 A-5C 1 F-6

NEW ZEALAND

Royal New Zealand Air Force 6 P-3K MPA, 2 P-3K2 upgrades delivered to 5 Squ. Complete in 2012 2 757-200 5 C-130H, 1st L-3 Life Extension Programme (LEP) Ac accepted in October 5 King Air 200 8 Ordered NH-90, programme cost NZ$771m 13 UH-1H, replaced by the NH90 by the end of 2013.

5 Ordered AW109, to replace B47Gs, 1st Flight took place in Feb 2010 5 B47G-3B-2 Royal New Zealand Navy 5 SH-2G(NZ)

NOTES: Requirement for a small number of light transport platforms with MP role. Also plans to expand AW109 order to eight announced in December

NORTH KOREA

Korean People's Air Force

l

FEBRUARY 2011

l

100 98 180 80 30 50 40 30 34 70 70 30 15 30 135

F O R C E

F-5 F-6 F-7 H-5 MiG-21, fatal crash by defecting pilot reported in 2010 MiG-23 MiG-29/UB Su-7/22 Su-25 MD500D Mi-2 Mi-8/17 Mi-24 FT-2 FT-5

NOTES: Dire levels of serviceability due to a variety of reasons, suggest serviceability rates of less than 50 percent for most types.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan Air Force 39 A-5 144 F-7P/PG, due to be replaced by JF-17 from 2015 42 F/16AB 12+6 Ordered F-16C/D Block 52+, twelfth AC arrived Nov 2010 36 Ordered FC-20/J-10B, to deliver in 2012 total requirement for up to 150 17+33 Ordered JF-17, speculation numbers could rise to 200-250 inc. 150 stealth variants in 2015-2025 99 Mirage IIIEL/ EP/ OF/RP/BE/BL/D/DP 87 Mirage 5EF/F/PA/DPA 2+2 Ordered Saab 2000 AEW, data link with F-16 fleet only 1+3 Ordered ZDK-03 1st modified Y-8 arrives in January, delivery scheduled to complete in 2011 1 Saab 2000, VIP and AEW training 4 Il-78MK, first used in PAF's 'High Mark 2010' Exercise in March 16 C-130B/E/L-100 3 707 Transport/VIP 3 CN-235-220 Transport/VIP

29

REGIONAL A I R

F O R C E

1 3 2

1 5 4 4 10 25 9 7 38 11 18

F27 Embraer Phenom Falcon 20/DA-20, ELINT/ ECM role King Air 200 AB205 IAR316 Mi-171 Mi-35 FT-5 FT-6 FT-7 K-8 SA316/319 T-37B/C

30 10 2 2 2

AH-1F/S AW139 Bell 206B Bell 412 UH-1/AB-205 Mi-17/172 SA316, Switzerland announced donation of ten AC in Sept.

SA330 AS550 Fennec Citation Bravo/V Turbo Commander 840 Y-12

4 2

ATL-1 Atlantique P-3C Orion, delivery due to complete 2012 F27 MPA F27

Pakistan Army 32 3 Ordered 10 24+12 Ordered 15 93 15

Pakistan Navy 6 8+2 Ordered

30

A PAF Mirage III flying over Wadi Rum in Jordan as part of the 2010 Falcon Air Meet which took place in October © DoD

20 5 6 3+9 Ordered

SA316 SA319B Sea King Mk.45 Z-9EC began entering service in 2009

NOTES: 3 PAF JF-17 visited Zhuhai in November. Pakistan denied access to Thales RC 400 fire control radar and other French weaponry in Spring 2010. To receive AH-1Z from 2015.

PHILIPPINES

Philippines Air Force 2 OV-10A/C 1 F27 MPA 3 F27-200 1 F28-3000 1 Turbo Commander 1+1 Ordered C-130H 12 Nomad 22B/C 8 Bell 205A-1 2 Bell 212/214 25 MD-520MG 10 S-76 40 UH-1H/V, low serviceability 6 AS.211 25+18 Ordered SF260TP/MP/WP 10 S-76 7 Ordered W3 Swidnik, review of order announced in October 2 S-70A-5 VIP 29 T.41

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

NOTES: US Army Security Command dispatched a further 5 UH-1s in November.

China sees potential for JF-17 sales. Budget increase in FY2011 focused on COIN.

SINGAPORE

Republic of Singapore Air Force 18+6 Ordered F-15SG, delivery complete in 2012 60 F-16C/D Block 52 26/9 F-5S/T, to be retired from 2015 5 F50ME2 MPA, potential replacement by P-3T 4 F50 UTL 2+2 Ordered G550 AEW 4 E-2C, to be replaced by G550s 10 KC-130B/H, announcement of first upgraded AC delivered Sept.

4 KC-135R 5 C-130H 19 AH-64D 31 AS332M/532 16 CH-47D/SD 10 AS.550A2/C2 4/7 A-4SUTA-4SU, RSAF's training in

Philippines Army 1 UH-60A

l

Philippine Navy 6 BN-2 MPA 2 BO105, fatal crash in August 2 Ordered W3 Swidnik, review of order announced in October

l

REGIONAL A I R

Cazaux, France replace in 2011/12

by M346 12 Ordered M346 19 PC-21 5 EC-120 Republic of Singapore Navy 6 S-60B

NOTE S: The RSAF further added to their regional AEW dominance with deliveries of the G550 AEW. The Navy’s new S-70B gives an advanced ASW capability for their growing Navy.

SOUTH KOREA

Republic of Korea Air Force 86 F-4D/E/RF-4C 195 F-5E/F 46+15 Ordered F-15K 118/51 K/F-16C/D 2+4 Ordered 737 AEW, all four AC delivered by 2012 4 BAE125 1 737 12 C-130H/H-30 4 Ordered C-130J-30, deliveries begin 2014 18 CN-235-100/-220 2 AS332 6 CH-47D 12 BO105 6 HH-47D 8 Ka-32T 43 S-70A/V/HH-60P 3 UH-1H/Bell 412 17 Hawk 67 106 KT/KO-1

15 T-38A 22/50+10 Ordered T-50/F/A-50, as many as 150 F/A-50 will be acquired 3 S-92 VIP Republic of Korea Army 77 AH-1JF/J 39 CH-47D/DLR 281 MD500E/MD 98 UH-1H/N 93 UH-60P Republic of Korea Navy 8 P-3C 1+7 P-3CK, ninth airframe used for spares 5 F406 29 Lynx Mk.99/A 7 SA319B 4 UH-1H 6+8 Ordered UH-60P/MH-60S

NOTES: RFI for T-50 received from Israel in late 2010 and first 40 KT-1Ts to Turkey delivered. Still no formal word on the $8 billion, third phase F-X programme although an RFI expected in early 2011. KAI and Boeing expected to offer F-15 Silent Eagle versus JSF and Typhoon. KF-X replacement for F-5 scheduled for first AC completed in 2021.

First flight of KAI/Eurocopter KUH/Surion took place in early 2010. KAH programme due to deliver in 2018. RFP for VC-X presidential aircraft received in August.

SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan Air Force 9 F-7/GS/BS 11 Kfir C2/7/(T)C2

6 7 1 7 2 1 1 4 9 9 9+4 Ordered 14 5+2 Ordered 1

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MiG-23UB MiG-27D King Air 1300 An-32 C-130K C.1 Ce421 King Air 200T MPA Bell 206A/B Y-12 Bell 212/412EP Mi-17/171/V-5 Mi-24V/P/N/-35P K-8 FT-7

NOTES: Interest reported in JF-17.

TAIWAN

Republic of China Air Force 63 F-5E/F, due for retirement in 2014-15 116/28 F-16A/B Block 20, requirement for 66 F-16C/Ds still outstanding 101/23 F-CK-1A/B 70 to be upgraded to IDF-II standard 47/10 Mirage 2000-5EI/5DI, serviceability issues reported 11 Beech 1900C 6 E-2T/C Hawkeye 2000 20 C-130H, one A/C tasked with Elint with HE nomenclature 3 F.50 VIP 13 +45 Ordered S-70C-1/1A/S-70C-6 3 Ordered EC225, delivery in 2011 with options on further 17 A Singaporean Air Force delivering a diver team © DoD

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89 3 10 40 1+1 Ordered 1 2 2

The first Saab 340 Erieye AEW for the Royal Thai Air Force and a Saab 340B were delivred in December. The first six Gripen ordered by RTAF will be delivered soon. Thailand also recently doubled its order for both types of aircraft © Saab

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S-92 AT-3A/B T-34C, known locally as US-1A

Republic of China Army 61 AH-1W 30 Ordered AH-64D Block III, deliveries 2012-13 8 CH-47SD 38 OH-58D 32 UH-1B/H 60 Pending UH-60M

Republic of China Navy 21 S-2T ASW 8 MD500MD/ASW 18 S-70CM1/CM2 12 Ordered P-3T delivery from 2012

NO TE S: Ongoing push to acquire 66 F-16C/D.

THAILAND

Royal Thai Air Force 28 F-5A/E/B/F, serviceability dropping 53 F-16A/B, $700m for 18 fighter upgrades inc.

APG-68(V)9 10/2 Ordered Gripen C/D, follow on order signed doubling fleet signed Dec. 2010. 1st batch of 4 C and 2 D AC due in 2011 2 Ordered Saab 340, AEW, second

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1 Ordered

2 8 12 6 Ordered 5 2 1 1 4 1 1 1 15 6 12 25 3 Ordered 19 32 22 17

aircraft ordered in November Saab 340, non-AEW equipped flight trainer Arava 201 BT-67/C-47TP C-130H/H-30 CN-235 HS748-208 737 A310 A319 ATR72-500 King Air 90 Learjet 35A EW Merlin IV Nomad 22B DA42 Bell 212ST/412HP/SP/EP ÙH-1H S-92 VIP Alpha Jet L-39ZA/ART PC-9M AU-23A, armed PC-6 on COIN duty

Royal Thai Army 3 AH-1F, operational status unclear 2 Bell 206/B-3 54 Bell 212 16 Ordered Mi-17 7 + 6 Ordered S-70A/UH-60L 16 Ordered EN480 16 Ordered Mi17

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UH-1H/V CH-47D U-17B TH-300C ERJ135R C-212 VIP Beechcraft 1900C King Air 200

Royal Thai Navy 1 F27-200ME MPA 2 F27-200/400M 2 CL-215 1 ERJ135LR 2 P-3T/VP-3T 4 Nomad 24 7 Do 228-212 MPA 7 Bell 212/214ST 8+4 Ordered S-70B-7/MH-60S 6 S-76B 2+2 Super Lynx 110/300

NOTE S: The November announcement of a further 6 Gripen Cs, a second Saab 340 AEW and RB15F missiles is worth $317m and will add significant capability to the 2008 order.

VIETNAM

Vietnamese People’s Air Force 144 MiG-21L/N/UM 38 Su-22J/K 7 +12 Ordered Su-30MK2V, announcement of further Ac made in February and due in 2011-12, 11 Su-27SK/UBK 4 Be-12 37 An-26 1+6 Ordered PZL M-28, Polish version of STOL An-28 3 C-212 1-400 MPA, MSS 6000 system under Police control 5 Ka-25 7 Ka-28 2 Ka-32S 8 W-3S/RM 32 Mi-8/17Sh/172 30 Mi-24A/D 26 L-39C

NOTES: Considering options of lightweight multi-role fighter to replace the MiG-21s and complement the ‘heavy’ Sukhois, with a further 12 may be acquired beyond the 2010 order.

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Littoral Operations The Royal Australian’s Balikpapan class Heavy Landing Craft entered service during the early 1970s. Six of the vessels equip the force, with two also equipping the Papua New Guinea Self Defence Force © Australian Department of Defence

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Amphibious warfare is an often-neglected part of a navy’s capabilities, competing for budgets with prestigious aircraft carrier, submarine and surface combatant programmes and aspirations. Nevertheless, several navies around the Asia-Pacific region are pouring investment into their amphibious forces. New vessel acquisitions are ongoing in Australia, Bangladesh, China, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand; and other similar purchases may follow over the next decade. Two major factors seem to be driving this trend, the first being the need to replace ageing vessels; some of which are second-hand and date back to the Second World War. Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 underscored the vital humanitarian role that amphibious support vessels can play in providing an at-sea logistics base, along with medical and command and control installations; particularly when port and shore facilities have been destroyed.

by Tom Withington USTRALIA’S navy played a major part in these relief efforts was Australia’s. As it stands at present, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) maintains one of the largest amphibious fleets in the Asian and Australasian regions, totalling nine vessels.

This consists of two Kanimbla class Landing Platform Amphibious vessels and the HMAS Tobruk Heavy Landing Ship (LSH) entering service in 1989, plus six Balikpapan class Heavy Landing Craft (LCH), which all commissioned between 1971 and 1974.

New acquisitions are on the horizon: In the short term, the fleet will receive an

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enhancement with the entry into service of two Canberra class Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), which are scheduled to commission by 2013. These will replace the two Kanimbla ships and HMAS Tobruk, while the six Balikpapan class ships will be replaced under the auspices of the Navy’s Project JP 2048 Phase Three initiative. Similarly, the RAN is expected to receive a single Strategic Sealift Vessel displacing around 15,000 tons which is reportedly closely based on the Galicia class LPDs which Spanish shipbuilder Navantia provides for the Armada Española (Spanish Navy). In addition to these vessels, Navantia has designed and is building the

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Canberra class LPDs for the RAN. Like Australia, Bangladesh has a similarly sizeable amphibious fleet, totalling eleven vessels which includes three Medium Landing Ships (LSMs); plus five Mechanised Landing Craft (LCM) and three Personnel Landing Craft (LCP). A significant portion of the Bangladeshi fleet is second hand, and with this in mind, the navy is currently overhauling its amphibious service with the planned acquisition of two Utility Landing Craft (LCUs) over the next decade.

Nevertheless, the Navy will need to make additional purchases in the future if it is to ensure that it maintains a capability to per-

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form the amphibious mission.

In comparison to Bangladesh and Australia, Brunei has a notably smaller amphibious fleet, consisting of four LCM vessels; two of which were purchased in the early 1990s, although the Serasa and Teraban LCMs operated by the country’s navy are older, having been purchased in the mid1970s. These two latter vessels may yet be replaced in the future although it seems that no hard and fast plans exist to this end at present. Cambodia has a similarly small navy, comprised of 15 ships, however amphibious vessels comprise well over half the order of battle, with the force operating nine landing craft. The age of these vessels is unknown, but it is known that the Navy wants to enhance its strength and raise a force of around 2,000 marines. Although unconfirmed, this could lead to a corresponding enlargement of the amphibious fleet, or a replacement of the older vessels.

While Brunei’s amphibious capabilities may have arguably languished somewhat, the same cannot be said of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The force has commissioned a single Type 081

Helicopter Landing Ship, and is planning a further two vessels. This is in addition to the two Type 071 Yuzhao class 20,000-tonne amphibious transport dock ships, one of which, the Kunlun Shan, commissioned in 2007, which preceded a second example, launched on 16th November this year. These ships will join the nine Tianshu-Shan landing ships launched earlier this century, plus circa 72 other similar vessels spread across seven

Amphibious capabilities are a key segment of the PLAN's order of battle and represent a potent threat to Taiwan

other classes. These are in turn supplemented by around 37 landing craft. Unsurprisingly, amphibious capabilities are a key segment of the PLAN’s order of battle and represent a potent threat to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a rogue province. They can be expected to be employed en masse during any future war with the country.

The Asia-Pacific region has represented a lucrative market for ex-US Navy vessels. One of the latest nations to by such materiel is India which has inducted the USS Trenron LPD as the INS Jalashwa © US Navy

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Taiwan, meanwhile, has kept pace with China’s build-up of amphibious forces.

Presently, the Navy’s fleet includes a single LPD, the Shui Hai (the ex USS Pensacola) plus a single LSD named Chung Cheng, formally the USS Comstock. In fact, much of the Navy’s amphibious fleet consists of ex-US landing ships, including the Chung Ho and Chung Ping LSTs (ex-USS Manitowoc and USS Sumter), plus the Kao Hsiung (ex-USS Dukes City) LST, plus up to twelve LCUs taken from ex-US Navy stocks. This is supplemented by 170 additional LCMs. That said these vessels are ageing. The LPD was commissioned in 1970, while some of the LSTs date back to the end of the Second World War. Technically, this could mean that the Navy will embark upon a significant modernisation of its amphibious capabilities in the near future. However, as always with the sensitive situation involving Taiwan and China, any large scale modernisation of the amphibious fleet would almost certainly provoke an angry response from Beijing.

Arguably the biggest rival of China for naval supremacy in the Asia-Pacific region is India. It will come as no surprise to learn that

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this nation is making a similarly significant investment into its amphibious capabilities.

As it stands, the Indian Navy operates 17 such vessels including the solitary INS Jalashwa LPD, the ex-USS Trenton; four Kesari and two Gharial class Tank Landing Ships (LSTs); and four LSMs and six Utility Landing Craft (LCUs). However, the Indian Navy’s amphibious capabilities are ageing.

The two Gharial ships, plus the LSMs and

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Entering service in 1989, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Tobruk comprises an important part of the country’s amphibious fleet. This ships will be reinforced with the entry into service of the new Canberra class Landing Platform Docks © US Navy

LCUs, were commissioned in the mid-to-late 1980s, with the exception of the Gharial itself which entered service in 1997. The INS Jalanshva also dates back to the late 1960s.

The Kesari class ships are, on the other hand, a much newer acquisition, although India

will need to eventually replace the balance of its 13 amphibious vessels beyond this class over the next two decades, if it is to ensure its amphibious capabilities remain sharp. That said, unlike China, India does not have the same strategic imperative underlining its

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Entering service in 1989, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Tobruk comprises an important part of the country’s amphibious fleet. This ships will be reinforced with the entry into service of the new Canberra class Landing Platform Docks © US Navy

decision making vis-à-vis its amphibious capabilities as China regarding Taiwan.

While India has a long coastline of around 7,000 kilometres, it possesses a fraction of the number of islands which comprise the Indonesian Archipelago; which is thought to comprise over 17,500. It is no surprise then, that the Indonesian Navy has developed a robust amphibious fleet. Today, the Navy operates around 74 vessels which includes two Surabaya class LPDs; six Teluk Baten and seven Teluk Bone class LSTs, twelve Teluk Gilimanuk class LSMs, and 44 LCMs. This fleet has witnessed a moderate recent expansion with the acquisition of two 1,000-tonne displacement LSTs which were ordered in 2009. These will be required to replace the Teluk Bone LSTs which are some of the oldest naval ships still operational in the AsiaPacific region, having been commissioned in the US Navy towards the end of the Second World War. Additional purchases of up to 18 new vessels may follow. The Teluk Baten LSTs were procured in the early 1980s, while the Teluk Gilimanuk class are older having entered service in the mid-to-late 1970s.

Along with Indonesia, Japan is another of Asia’s archipelagic nations. That said, the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) amphibious fleet is notably smaller than its Indonesian counterpart.

Nevertheless, the fleet is much younger, with only a single series, the Noto class LSTs,

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being around 30 years old. The rest of the amphibious fleet, which includes three Kunisaki class LHDs, two utility landing craft and 19 LCMs is notably younger. The expansion of the JMSDF’s capabilities is always a controversial subject not only around Asia, but in Japan itself, given the country’s wartime past. However, the recent introduction of the Kunisaki ships does represent an important enhancement in this regard and will no doubt prove to be useful should the country be called upon to assist in future humanitarian or peacekeeping operations around the world.

What Japan lacks in terms of amphibious capability is more than made up for in the Korean peninsula, with both the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and its Republic of Korea (ROK) neighbour maintaining sizeable amphibious forces. The DPRK possesses around 126 landing vessels which include 22 Hantae and Hungnam class landing ships, and 104 Songjong, Nampo and Hanchon class landing craft. The ROK boasts far fewer dedicated landing vessels including one Dokdo class Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) vessel, five Kojoon Bong class and two Buk Han class landing ships, plus 13 landing craft. By and large, the Republic’s amphibious fleet is very modern, having been mostly commissioned in the 1990s and earlier this century. Therefore it is almost certain to have a qualitative advan-

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tage vis-à-vis the DPRK. Moreover, two additional Dokdo class ships; Marado and Baengnyeong, will commission by 2011. At a stoke, these two vessels will add an additional 18,800 tonnes full displacement apiece to the navy’s amphibious capabilities and represent an important enhancement for the country’s Marine Corps.

Away from the Korean peninsula, the Royal Malaysian Navy has an altogether more modest amphibious force, which includes five landing ships and landing craft. This fleet is ageing, with some of the vessels having entered service in the early 1970s. However, the force is now undergoing a modernisation via the two landing docks that are currently under construction

by Hanjin Heavy Industries. A similarly modest force is maintained by the Burmese Navy, which consists of four LCUs. The age of these vessels is unknown and any plans by the force to improve its amphibious capabilities will be difficult given the international isolation, sanctions and embargoes facing the Burmese junta. Towards the eastern side of the Indian Ocean, Pakistan maintains a similarly small amphibious force, which is noticeably diminished in size compared to that operated by its regional rival India. In fact, the force does not seem to consist of more than two landing craft, and seems unlikely to be significantly enlarged in the future. The same can also be said of the two landing craft, the Buna and Salamaua operated by the Papua New Guinea Self Defence Force. These two Balikpapan class LCHs were obtained from obtained from Australia, and have been in service since the mid-1970s. Perhaps a replacement of these two vessels may be forthcoming over the next decade?

Like Indonesia, the Philippines has equipped itself with a significant fleet of landing vessels. Included in the Navy’s complement of 35 such craft are the two landing ships, the Dagupan City and Bacolod City, plus five Laguna class landing ships and 23 landing craft which have been obtained from the United States. These include eleven LCMs, eight LCUs and four Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP). The Bacolod City class vessels are the most modern amphibious ships in the Philippine fleet, having commissioned in the early 1990s. The arrival of these roll-on/roll-off ships represents an important enhancement for the navy as they can each carry over 2,200 tonnes. However, an array of other amphibious vessels are in

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The Indonesian Navy has a significant amphibious force which has experienced some modest recent enhancements. However, future augmentation of the fleet will be necessary if it to remain sharp © US DoD

use with the force, and may yet be replaced, given that some of them date back to the immediate post-war period.

Although potentially up to 20 new examples could be acquired to this end, whether such a purchase occurs will largely depend on the health of Manilla’s defence budget.

Unlike The Philippines, Singapore has been able to lavish money on its navy’s amphibious fleet. While this might not have yielded a large compliment of ships to this end, it has nevertheless ensured that the Navy has modern equipment earmarked for this role. In total, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) includes 38 dedicated landing ships, including four Endurance class LSTs, The People’s Liberation Army Navy maintains a large amphibious force of troops and landing vessels. Such capabilities would no doubt be used during ay future conflict with Taiwan © Sino Defence Forum

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the same number of LCUs and up to 30 Assault Landing Craft. These latter vessels were delivered in the mid-to-late 1990s, with the Endurance class commissioning earlier this century. As a consequence, it seems unlikely that the RSN will perform any further enhancements of its amphibious fleet in

The Republic of Singapore Navy includes 38 dedicated landing Ships

the foreseeable future.

While Singapore’s amphibious warfare requirements are now set, Thailand is investing in its capabilities in this regard with the planned acquisition of two LPDs. This is in addition to the three LCUs which were laid down in March 2008. The LPDs are being developed by Singapore’s ST Marine and are expected to be close-

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ly based on that country’s Endurance class ships. Other recent additions include three landing craft; the Man Nok, Mang Klang and Man Nai. Nevertheless, the remainder of the amphibious fleet is ageing. For example, a significant proportion of the landing ships operated by the force commissioned in the late 1940s, and the same is also the case for some of the landing craft. This should at least be partially alleviated by the entry into service of the new LPDs and LCUs. Vietnam, meanwhile, operates a notably more modest amphibious fleet in comparison to Thailand, which includes six landing ships and twelve landing craft. Several of these craft were delivered in the mid-1970s and early-1980s which may result in the government deciding to enhance these capabilities via new purchases in the near future.

Vietnam is one of several nations around the Asia-Pacific area which may perform an enhancement of its amphibious capabilities over the next decade. The country joins Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Taiwan in this regard.

Although formal acquisition programmes regarding these anticipated purchases have yet to be confirmed, modernisation of amphibious assets in these countries will undoubtedly need to occur if these forces are to stay capable of assisting future peacekeeping, peace-enforcement, war-fighting and humanitarian operations.

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Urban Militaries have been well prepared and equipped to fight their battles in the open, whether that was on the North German Plain, the deserts of the Middle East or the Korean Peninsula.

Excellence in conventional warfare has been seen as residing in the ability to operate in these environments.

Modern asymmetric warfare, as its name suggests, seeks to circumvent these strengths by operating in environments that deny conventional forces those advantages, typically by opposing your enemy in towns and cities.

by Adam Baddeley

HE SUCCESS of this approach has seen protracted asymmetric operations in numerous urban population centres. The small patrols that conduct the vast majority of operations against insurgents and militias here have found it difficult to engage targets that are bedded into an area of operations where they are actively or passively shielded by civilians. Rules of engagement require that before a kinetic response is sought, troops need to confirm the identities or intent of small groups or even individuals rather than formations of tanks and associated infantry before engagement and to avoid collateral damage at all costs.

In addition to the immediate needs of time-sensitive tactical engagements, the

T In an urban environment, the ability to switch between night vision technologies is increasingly important Š ITT

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ISTAR: Unravelling the Cities wall, and provides the distance from and direction to that person. The Xaver 400 LITE, in operational service with US forces and developed by Camero, weighs just 2.95Kg and uses Ultra Wide Band signals for imaging at 4m, 8m and 20m range increments in an 80 degree field of view and allows for intuitive image interpretation and wireless video broadcast to remote displays at up to 100m away. Retia’s ReTWis Through-Wall Vision also operates out to 20m, has built in data recording and is also UGV mountable.

Night vision

requirements for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and recognition (ISTAR) systems in an urban environment are becoming increasingly diverse, emphasising dayto-day intelligence gathering.

See through walls

The iconic example of urban ISTAR, has to be through-wall radar, designed to provide the ability to detect, locate, and “sense” a room’s occupants by using reflected radar signals, behind walls and doors. When these signals return, these are subjected to advanced digital signal processing to identify and differentiate between static objects and those that are moving – even down to someone drawing breaths — although the technology does not differentiate between a

Troops can’t be on every street corner and room all the time. This has led militaries to make more use of Unattended Ground Sensors, which operate via multi-element sensor arrays which provide the ability to triangulate and precisely track targets to provide target location © DoD

terrorist or hostage for example.

Cambridge Consultant’s 5.7kg Prism 200 can operate out to 20m with a resolution of 30cm and is designed to operate continuously for extended periods. L3 Cytera’s AN/PPS-26 STTW also has a 20m reach, meaning an operator can “sense” 15m into a building if he is standing 5m away, or 20m into the building if the detector is placed against the wall. A red dot is used to identify to the operator the individual behind the

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As well as seeing through walls, soldiers also have to see in low light conditions. Moving through buildings, sewers and warehouses even when it is daylight outside may require the ability to see in low light or even no light.

The USMC in Iraq quickly found one way around this via their Squad Digital Camera Kit and other commercial-camera systems which are used for intelligence gathering and issued in relatively large numbers. Cameras were used covertly with the flash and picture sounds both switched off so they could walk into a darkened room without the occupant or those nearby knowing it had been done and then and then brightening up the picture for exploitation later.

While excellent in many ways, thermal imaging (TI) captures the infrared energy that is reflected by all objects’ heat and thus can’t see through windows — looking at one simply with a TI device shows it as an opaque barrier. Few windows might survive in a high intensity urban conflict such as Fallujah in 2004 but in peacekeeping and beyond the initial phases of combat when the population is rebuilding and transition-

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ing to peace-like conditions, this puts TI at a disadvantage. Furthermore, TI systems don’t allow the user to have sufficient detail for facial recognition. In both cases Image Intensification (I2) systems do both.

However they have their disadvantages too, I2 systems can’t detect individuals behind smoke for example while TI systems could easily pick out their signature.

With neither solution having the edge, the only conclusion is to combine the qualities of the two in a single device to allow users to

switch between the two formats on the same device. The first combat tested solution to adopt this approach is ITT Night Vision’s PSQ-20 AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG) which has been in US service since 2008. Other solutions in this category include ITL’s Tarmir which will be trialed later this year. DEP launched its new Griffin image fusion module over the summer feeding the operator imagery at the rates of 30 fused frames per second with autogating and noise reduction.

In an urban environment small UAVs such as Elbit Systems Skylark have become invaluable © Elbit Systems

Leave behind sensors

Troops can’t be on every street corner and room all the time. This has led militaries to make more use of Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) which operate via multi-element sensor arrays which provide the ability to triangulate and precisely track targets to provide target location and velocities to a much greater degree of accuracy. A number of militaries buoyed by an increase in UGS reliability are developing and funding low-cost, lightweight sensors to secure buildings, caves, sewers, tunnels, alleys and other confined spaces.

Textron developed the Urban-UGS (UUGS) for Boeing for the Future Combat Systems programme and now the follow on Brigade Combat Team Modernization programme. U-UGS is small, with the facility for example to be nailed to a wall. It consists of three elements; a gateway node with reachback capability as well as wireless connectivity to nearby sensors in two categories, the U-

A number of militaries… are developing and funding low-cost, lightweight sensors to secure buildings, caves, sewers, tunnels, alleys and other confined spaces 44

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Honeywell’s RQ-16A VTUAV/T-Hawk uses a ducted fan solution to achieve VTOL operations © DoD

UGS Intrusion Sensor Node, providing a simple alert regarding human ingress or egress at location and the U-UGS Imaging Sensor Node designed to switch on when cued and send imagery of the target.

While Textron’s U-UGS has a specific role in urban environment other solutions have strong capabilities in the area. Northrop Grumman has fielded over 1500 of its Scorpion UGS systems to US and other forces since 2008 and detects/classifies vehicles from 100m and personnel from 30m.

Scorpion II has recently completed development which has reduced its size, weight and power requirements. Thales’ Miniature Intrusion Sensor system are designed to carried in troops pockets and quickly deployed when necessary. The system uses seismic, magnetic and infra-red sensors, linked by 500m wireless links. For the export market, Harris have developed the Falcon Watch

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Modern asymmetric warfare have sought to circumvent conventional strengths by operating in environments that deny conventional forces their traditional advantages, by engaging their enemies in towns and cities © DoD

solution closely tied in to its Combat Net Radio product line which is in service in more than 100 countries with the US version Silent Watch having been acquired by the US since 2005. Harris urban-type sensors include the Telonics Eagle Intrusion Detection System UGS and ultra small Miniature Sensor, designed for rapidly established, temporary locations. Elbit’s SANG low profile UGS line, designed for long duration coverage for fixed sites in towns and cities such as port perimeters or prisons and can last for up to ten years of continuous operation.

An orthorectifed view - UAVs

Hand launched UAVs, operating for less than an hour provide continuous or prolonged target observation, target, assessment, real-time imaging, for on patrol, allowing them to survey the ‘block’ in detail before

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moving in and during operations.

To date, militaries are largely using, hand launched, conventional winged platforms for this role, allowing them to use a circling UAV to feed information back to them.

AeroVironment’s Raven RQ-11B has been the most popular solution in this category with over 13,000 of the UAVs sold including to Australia and has a range of roughly 10km at speeds of up to nearly 100Kmph. EMT’s Aladin is widely used by German armed forces, allowing them to undertake reconnaissance of targets at ranges of 15km.

French armed forces have selected EADS’ DRAC hand launched UAV, which was deployed to Afghanistan in June. Elbit’s Skylark I has also been used by a number of militaries operating in Afghanistan.

Vertical lift has obvious applications for an urban environment, such as the ability to land land vertically on a roof and ‘perch’ there, providing reconnaissance for extended periods, operate inside urban canyons and for smaller platforms allowing them to actually enter warehouses or even rooms. At the moment however, such vertical lift UAVs have remained power hungry and ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

noisier than their winged brethren, although they are still valued in a number of roles.

EMT’s Fancopter has a maximum flight endurance of 25 minutes and is capable of observing activity for up to three hours.

Datron recently launched its Scout UAV weighing 1.3kg and uses four electric motors to reach an operational range of 3km and a height of 50m with a mission duration of 20 minutes and uses a simple touchscreen GPS control system to operate via waypoints. STK’s Fantail is fully autonomous and has a range of 8km, capable of hovering for 30 minutes and in high wind speeds. Honeywell’s RQ-16A uses a ducted fan solution to achieve VTOL operations with an endurance of 40 minutes and are in service with the US with further examples acquired by the UK in 2009 and demonstrations of the platforms capability were reported to have taken place to India’s counter-terrorist forces in April. Several hours of video feed can be recorded on the ground station.

UGVs

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) have proven their worth in a number of environments, keeping dismounted soldier out of

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harm's way by detecting IEDs and detecting and locating enemies and dangers ahead, not least in urban conditions.

For its immediate requirements, the US is continuing top pursue the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), developed by iRobot and Boeing, a development of the former’s Pacbot solution, and due to be fielded from next year. Designated the XM1216, it hosts a range of payloads up to a weight of 2.7Kg and itself weighs 13.6Kg. Weighing 11kg, Elbit Systems’ VIPeR uses a combination of wheels and tracks to overcome urban terrain and debris, including climbing stairs. Different payloads have been mounted in the system, including weapon grenades, explosive detection solution and robot arm.

Much smaller, lighter thrown solutions are now in widespread service. One example are Recon Scout’s Throwbots which appear as a ‘dumb-bell’ design with a short ‘tail’ at the rear for stability and can withstand drops over 9m onto concrete due to a titanium shell.

The Throwbot weighs just 550g and can be thrown over 30m. This UGV transmits its camera feed up to 30m through building and triple that outdoors.

Vehicle situational awareness

Dismounted patrols are not the only force tasked with entering urban centres. Almost since the advent of armoured warfare, tanks and AFVs have found such environments threatening as it allows anti-tank weapons to get to ultra close range ambush ranges and it reduces visual confirmation of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle To combat this and to reduce the crew’s commanders vulnerability to enemy fire while operating hatches open, militaries have deployed 360-degree situational awareness systems, providing visual confirmation of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle and which can be viewed in real time while under armour.

BAE System’s Check 6 for example, now being delivered for platforms such as the US Abram MBTs and Stryker and can be provided covertly as its infrared sensors and moulded into the housings of the vehicle's rear tail lamps. Elbit has developed further its See-Through-Armor solution to create

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Weighing 11kg, Elbit Systems’ VIPeR uses a combination of wheels and tracks to overcome urban terrain and debris, including climbing stairs © DoD

the ESP solution, principally designed to defeat incoming missiles, which can be integrated with on board battle management and fire control systems to both share information within the unit and rapidly engage threats.

FLIR Systems 360 degree SA capabilities have received a boost from it ThermoVision SA180, described by the company as the worlds’ first panoramic thermal imager with a 180º field of view. The company’s SA40, SA63, and SA90 sensors provide an individually reduced angle of coverage and would typically be deployed in overlapping clusters.

Sniper detection

The location of a sniper or similar attack is always difficult to locate. In complex urban terrain the challenge is even greater. To combat this, Gunfire Detection systems have been deployed which calculate the projectile’s precise point of origin, azimuth, elevation, distance, calibre and communicate the information to the unit or individual immediately.

Vehicle mounted solutions, using a mixture of electro-optic and acoustic

FLIR Systems’ SA40, SA63, and shown here the SA90 sensors provide vehicles with surveillance coverage of their immediate vicinity © FLIR Systems

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detection system have been deployed for a number of years. Now personal system, worn on the body or weapon mounted and designed for patrols in alleys and streets are also being sought.

The UK has recently selected Raytheon’s BBN Technologies' Boomerang Warrior-X for trials and sues the same technology in the Boomerang III vehicle mounted solution.

Microflown Technologies’ Dismounted Soldier Gunshot Localisation System, is a helmet mounted systems and responds in less than 5ms. MetraviB’s weapon mounted system was tested by US special-forces in early 2010. Qinetiq’s Ears/SWATS solutions, selected by the US military weighs less than 450g on the soldier and has a power consumption of less than 1w and alerts the soldier through a wrist worn device.

Elbit is currently finalising its design for a vehicle mounted counter sniper system.

Rafael’s Spotlite-P uses a staring electro-optic array to detect gunfire and would typically be linked to a team comprising a commander and two snipers. A vehicle mounted convoy variant with 360 degree coverage is currently in development with a prototype expected to be complete in 2013. IAI-Elta’s work on gunshot detection uses Short Wave Infrared Cameras to detect the ‘sparks’ from weapon fire. A systemised solution, the new ELO5230A is designed for small tactical forces. Development began in 2010 and it is currently in the test and demonstration phase.

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Indian-Russian Cooperation

URING THE visit of D.A. Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation, to India, FSUE “Rosoboroneхport”, the company included in State Corporation “Russian Technologies”, and HAL Corporation (India) signed a contract on the development of a fifth-generation jet fighter technical design. A.P. Isaikin, Director General of “Rosoboroneхport” FSUE, and M.A. Pogosyan, Director General of “Sukhoi Aviation Holding Company” JSC and “MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation” JSC put their signatures in the contract from the Russian side.

This advanced jet fighter will be a joint project of the Unified Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and the Indian State Aircraft Corporation. According to experts and specialists, 70 to 80% of innovative developments applied for the design of the fifthgeneration jet fighter belong to various companies within “Russian Technologies” State Corporation.These include propulsion units, advanced equipment, up-to-date fighter armament having no analogues in the world, as well as jet fighter hull made of state-of-the-art composites under Stealth technology.

Thus, the Russian-Indian cooperation in aircraft building industry will rise to a new level.

Before, A. K. Antony, Minister of Defence of India, during his meeting with A.E. Serdyukov, Minister of Defence of Russia, declared that

S.V. Chemezov Director General of “Russian Technologies” State Corporation.

According to experts and specialists, 70 to 80 % of innovative developments applied for the design of the fifth-generation jet fighter belong to various companies within Russian Technologies State Corporation.

India will purchase 250-300 Russian-Indian joint-produced fifth-generation jet fighters.The Government of India plans to allocate a huge amount of money – about USD30 billion - to implement this project.The government also expects to get first fighters ready in 2017-2018.

“The multirole transport aircraft and “fifthgeneration” jet fighter shall be excellent examples of Indian-Russian cooperation in the field of defence during the upcoming decade.

These two projects shall become the leading ones”, - said the Minister of Defence of India.

This was confirmed by a similar statement of Pradeep Naik, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and Air Chief Marshal, who underlined that Indian Air Force plans to purchase 200-250 fifth-generation jet fighters staring from 2017.Though FGFA Indian fighter will be based on T-50 Russian fighter, this new jet will be constructed with account of the requirements set by the Indian Air Force. At present, the list of requirements is being worked out by the latter.These 250 jet fighters will cost USD25 billion to the Indian Air Force, that is USD100 million per fighter.

“Signing a contract with India for the construction of the fifth-generation jet fighters shall not prevent Russia from participation in a tender for the supply of 126 jet fighters within the frameworks of the Indian Air Force modernization program.We will compete with the leading aircraft building companies of the world for this most major project over the last 15 years”, - said Sergey Chemezov, Director General of “Rostekhnologii” State Corporation which comprises “Rosoboroneksport”, chief Russian special exporter of armament and military equipment.

COMMERCIAL JET FIGHTER PROVED THE BEST Heavy class multirole jet fighter Sukhoi Su30MKI (upgraded commercial Indian) was the first fighter worked out in Russia specially for India.The contract for the construction of this jet fighter was signed in 1996. It was followed by a number of new contracts in 2000, 2004 and 2007 signed for the extension of this project.

Sukhoi Su30MKI was the first serial airsuperiority jet fighter and also first export combat aircraft equipped with phased antenna array radars in the world. In fact, Sukhoi Su30MKI was the highest point of the fourthclass heavy fighters development (among serial fighters).The appearance of Sukhoi Su30MKI was defined to a great extent by Indian specialists.

At present, these jet fighters produced at the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant as well as sets for Sukhoi Su30MKI assembly at the licensed companies within Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Indian SC are supplied to India. On completion of the current contracts there will be 230 Sukhoi Su30MKI jet fighters in the Indian Air Force.

Sukhoi Su30MKI jet fighters formed a basis for the Indian Air Force.They are deployed on the most important directions and make Indian Air Force superior to the air force of potential rivals.

As a rule, Indian Air Force pilots operating Sukhoi Su30MKI jet fighters defeat modern foreign jet fighters, including American fighters, during training air combats.

In November, 2009, the president of India Pratibha Patil took a flight aboard Sukhoi Su30MKI.The ex-president Abdul Kalam also took a flight aboard Sukhoi Su30MKI in 2006.

This Sukhoi Su30MKI program opened a new stage of the Russian-Indian cooperation in the aircraft building industry. Russia proceeded from direct supply of equipment to scientific and production cooperation and production of jet fighters at HAL corporation plant in India.

Special attention shall be paid to the equipment of these jet fighters with Russian –Indian BrahMos missiles.

According to foreign experts, this weapon complex Sukhoi Su30MKI + BrahMos is inferior to none in terms of efficiency.

“MiG” FOR INDIAN NAVY Another jet fighter specially designed for India is MiG-29K shipborne aircraft.The contract for the supply of these jet fighters was signed on January 20, 2004. It involves the supply of 12 single-seater MiG-29K fighters and 4 twinseater MiG-29K/KUB fighters, as well as training of the customer's pilots and maintenance personnel, supply of flight simulators, spare parts, arrangement of aftersale support of the supplied fighters at the customer’s premises.

On February 19, 2020, an official ceremony of acceptance of the first batch of MiG29K/KUB shipborne fighters took place at Hansa air base in India.The fighters entered into service of Black Panthers squadron.

Arakkaparambil Kurian Anthony, Minister of Defense of India, noted: "Introduction of Russian MiG-29K/KUB jet fighters to the service of India's Navy shall provide for strengthening of our country’s defense power and further improvement of strategic partnership between our countries".

The fighters received high appraisals from Indian pilots and in March 2010 a contract for supply of another 29 MiG-29/KUB jet fighters to the Indian Navy was signed. Currently MiG29K/KUB is one of the best airborne combat aircrafts in the world as for “efficiency/cost” ratio.The Russian Navy authorities resolved to purchase these jet fighters. MiG-29K/KUB became the basis for designing land-based

in the Aviation Industry Proceeds in All Areas

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry A. Medvedev, at the Joint Press Conference, in New Delhi on December 21, 2010 combat aircrafts of “4++” generation, among which MiG-35 multirole jet fighter hold a special place.

This aircraft combines excellent performance, advanced combat capacities and improved operation properties. MiG-35 fighter avionics were supplemented with new generation information-guidance systems.

These include side-looking airborne radar with active phased antenna array and multi-channel optoelectronic systems designed at “Rostekhnologii” State Corporation.

AIR CARRIERS FLEETTO BE UPGRADED Works within the framework of MTA (Multirole Transport Aircraft) project have intensified.This aircraft with 20 tons loadlifting capacity is necessary both for Russia and India's Air Forces to replace numerous medium military transport aircrafts, such as Antonov An-12, Antonov An32 etc. On September 09, 2010, HAL and UAC Corporations signed an agreement for designing MTA. According to the terms of the agreement, the parties shall invest USD300 million each into this joint venture. Manufacturing facilities shall be located both in Russia and in India. Pre-order

of the Ministry of Defense of India amounts to 45 MTAs. Russian Air Force is expected to purchase about 100 aircrafts.

According to Ashok Nayak, Head of HAL Corporation, 205 fighters are to be produced at the initial stage, about 30% of which shall be sold at the world market.The Head of HAL expects MTA to make the maiden flight in 20162018. In order to fulfill the agreement, a joint venture was registered in November in India that shall undertake the program implementation.

Joint venture participation shares shall be distributed as follows: HAL - 50% of shares, Russian Corporate Group “UAC-Transport Aircraft” - 25% of shares and “Rosoboroneksport” - 25% of shares.

DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS According to leading experts in military technical cooperation, at present the prospect of Russian-Indian cooperation in combat aviation production has been clearly defined. It includes the following aspects: production cooperation under Sukhoi Su30 MKI program that shall expand due to the

creation of a complex “Su30 MKI + BrahMos Russian-Indian missile”; delivery and production cooperation in respect of MiG-29K/KUB; upgrading of MiG-29 fighters of Indian Navy to be performed in cooperation between Russian and Indian enterprises; possible purchase and production cooperation under MMRCA program (MiG35/MiG-35D aircraft); Russian-Indian program for the development of a fifth-generation jet fighter.

The well-coordinated implementation of these programs shall provide for: maintenance and development of unified aviation fleet that shall enable the Indian Air Force and Navy to establish integrated combat systems; creation of a unified infrastructure of aftersale support for the most of aircraft within the aviation fleet of India’s Military Forces; steady development of Indian aviation and electronic industry.

It is obvious that Indian-Russian cooperation in the aircraft industry will progress in all directions.

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Protected

Mobility in the Asia-Pacific Protected Mobility is of self evident benefit for militaries, describing as it does a category of wheeled vehicles designed to operate in a range of missions up to, but not including the forward edge of battle, in a high intensity conflict. These vehicles must conduct operations in all terrain types and environments and essentially replace unarmoured vehicles such as the HMMWVs or Land Rovers that, as little as a decade ago would have been deemed more than adequate for this role.

by Adam Baddeley

Renaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sherpa Light Armoured Personnel Carrier and Sherpa Light High Intensity platforms provide the basis for a range of role specific solutions Š Renault

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HE KEY design challenge for these platforms has been to introduce levels of protection hitherto found on much larger, often tracked platforms. This category of vehicle has essentially been defined by the US mineresistant ambush-protected (MRAP) programme. Typical features include v-shaped hull design, increased armour and other survivability features to address often armour piercing small arms fire, mine blast and IEDs not to mention CBRN consideration for some users and variants.

Designers have selected between clean sheet solutions which have taken longer to reach the market and the second option of adapting existing designs. The latter option has experienced a number of problems associated with the increase in armour which has placed stresses on suspension systems and required the introduction of features such as door assist to cope with the weight. Now new designs are being seen which bring together the lesson learned from the first generation of systems.

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Market solution

Despite these challenges, there has been no lack of choice in this market with a range of solutions now being fielded.

Renault’s Sherpa Light Armoured

Personnnel Carrier (APC) is a three door design which has a new armoured body and can carry up to ten equipped troops with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 10.9 tonnes and payload of 2.2 tonnes. Another solution in the same family is the Sherpa Light High Intensity, offering similarly high levels of protection but instead of being a troop carrier, it is tasked with roles such as scouting or convoy protection and can carry five soldiers.

Renault are also offering a VAB Mk II in both

General Dynamics DURO has been used as the basis for a number of protected mobility platforms

4x4 and 6x6 configurations that are uparmoured to NATO STANAG Level 4.

General Dynamics DURO has been used as the basis for a number of protected mobility platforms with the 6x6 variant having a total combat weight of up to 13500kg, while the company’s Eagle light tactical vehicle has expanded from its original light scout role with the addition of greater armour and survivability introduced with features such as its unique De-Dion suspension systems and patented roll stabiliser. The Eagle IV has been selected for Germany's GFF 2 Armoured

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Command and Operations Vehicle. In Germany, it is getting competition from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles’ Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) for the next phase of the GFF 2 programme originally won by the Eagle IV, with production capable of beginning in 2011.

In November, KMW delivered the first ten Dingo 2 vehicles to Norway, half of an order for 20 of the heavily armoured vehicles. A total of six counties operate the Dingo with over 700 in service. Panhard General Defense's has recently delivered a new APC version of its Petit Vehicle Protégé (PVP - Small Protected Vehicle) to an overseas client, which features STANAG Level 2a protection. One of the latest competitions to conclude was the UK’s LPPV programme which selected Force Protection Europe’s Ocelot design, which has a GVW of as much as 10 tonnes over Supacat's SPV400 solution.

Otokar has a growing protected mobility offering beginning with the well established Cobra scout vehicle but is now also extending to include the Kaya troop carrier, based on the Unimog 5000 chassis and the Land Rover based Armoured Patrol Vehicle,

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The design challenge is to combine protection and mobility in the same platform © Navistar

which have already been widely sold and are easily maintainable on the global civilian market. Turkish firm BMC offer two solutions in the same category; the BMC350-16Z Hedgehog which can carry ten full equipped soldier plus a crew of three and the smaller BMC 250-10 4x4 which has a range of 800km.

In Saudi Arabia, the country’s Military Industries Corporation has develop the 4x4 Al Shibl 1, designed for internal security roles with all over protection against 7.62mm rounds and can achieve speed of 120kmph.

Israeli firm Hatehof has a full range of protected mobility solution including the XTREAM and Hurricane platforms. The XTREAM carries a total of several passengers and crew and with different protection kits which can reach protection levels against mines of NATO STANAG 4 while the smaller Hurricane is designed with mid level protection and with a GVW of 9.6 tonnes and a payload of 2.7 tonnes.

BAE’s Sentinel is an extension of BAE

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Systems commercial protected vehicles line and uses the Ford 450 chassis. The gross vehicle weight is 16-19000lbs with payloads of 25000lbs. The company found that some users wanted greater cross country performance, such as in paramilitary units tasked with border security but did not want the cost of a military vehicle. The US government has ordered a number of vehicles, due to be delivered in November. The cost of the vehicle is between $180,000 to $250,000. A similar approach has been adopted by Textron’s Tiger Light Protected Vehicle who working with MDT Armor has developed a solution based on the Dodge RAM 5500HD chassis, which seats up to ten and has a 7m turning circle and payload of three tons.

Over 2000 of Iveco’s LMVs is in service with number of countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, Slovak Republic, Spain and the UK. New variants have been brought out in the past few years including long wheel base versions. The company’s large MultiPurpose Vehicle is offered in 4x4 and 6x6 variants and is protected against armour piercing rounds to STANAG 4569 Level 3

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with the crew cell protected against mine and IED blast to the same level.

Local demand

The threat from IEDs is not limited to NATO countries in Afghanistan as the know-how to produce such weapons has been widely disseminated, not least through the Internet.

Singapore has deployed to Afghanistan since May 2007 and consequently required protected mobility solution, acquiring the Navistar Maxxpro MRAP, which is known locally as Mine Resistant Tactical Vehicle, although it first public outing was during the country’s National Day Parade earlier this year. STK’s heavily armoured Warthog tracked all terrain vehicle was deployed to Afghanistan in Autumn with the British Army.

India has seen an increase in IED usage. In October, three Indo-Tibetan Border Police officers were killed in their vehicles by a Communist Party of India-Maoist bomb. In response to this and other continuing threats, India has looked both abroad and domestically for the answers. Vectra Engineering has produced the 7.62mm proof Light Bulletproof Vehicle while through the A

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Mahindra and BAE Systems owned Defense Land Systems India company, the Marksman vehicle has been developed with similar level of protection while the company’s larger 6x6 Mine Protected Vehicle India can withstand the detonation of a 21kg of TNT under any wheel and 14kg under the crew compartment which can carry twenty personnel.

In Indonesia, Pindad have produced its RPP APC, a ten person vehicle with a combat weight of 4200kg. The Pindad P2 protected carrier is already in Indonesian military service.

Australia’s Land 121 Phase 4 'Overlander' programme, which will replace roughly 1300 unprotected Land Rovers has currently down selected to three platforms; Force Protection’s Ocelot, Thales Australia's Hawkei and General Dynamics Eagle Next Generation. Thailand has acquired 96 REVA 4x4 vehicles for security operations in the south of the country.

Evolution and what next?

Protected Mobility solutions are a part of military inventories today. Large numbers have been acquired, fielded and proven their worth,

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The first of Rheinmetall’s Multi A4 FSA protected military transport vehicle was formally transferred to the Bundeswehr in December © Rheinmetall

notably in Afghanistan and Iraq. In both cases, solutions were chosen that met the immediate and specific requirements of these theatres.

The question now is looking beyond immediate commitments, what should the future protected mobility fleet look like, what capabilities should new build solutions include and how should the existing fleet be sustained?

The UK is one of those countries looking at this issue. To man the UK’s protected mobility fleet, personnel from Challenger 2 MBT units were selected as they had the training to go into the close combat arena.

The previous Director Royal Armoured Corps has expressed a preference for tank

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units to have in the future, a permanent secondary role with small holding of protected mobility vehicles with which to train with, to maintain capability in the near term to better adapt if and when new vehicles come on line.

Industry for its part, at least in the US perceive the future MRAP fleet to be based on upgrades for its existing platforms, albeit with upgrades, notably improved suspension, to create new variants. These modified and potentially new designs will be inherently modular allowing them to be tailored for theatre specific requirements. Another lesson learned from MRAP deployment in Iraq was that cost efficient repair facilities also have to be deployed far forward.

The US is already far along in addressing how to balance the need for new vehicles, continuing with the MRAP and Oshkosh MATV MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) fleets and upgraded other tactical vehicles.

By the end of fiscal year 2010, the Army and Marine Corps will have spent over $35billion on MRAPs. By June 2010, the

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The current M-ATV requirement is to rapidly acquire 8,104 vehicles at a cost of $12.5 billion for use primarily in Afghanistan with fielding expected to be completed in December 2010 © Oshkosh

Army had more than 19,800 M-ATV and MRAP vehicles with the Marine Corps having about 3,300. The MRAP family of vehicles consists of four categories: Category I for urban combat; Category II for convoy escort, troop transport, explosive ordnance disposal and ambulance riles; Category III for clearing mines and improvised explosive devices; with the M-ATV tasked with small-unit combat and tactical operations in difficult rural, mountainous, and urban areas.

The current M-ATV requirement is to rapidly acquire 8,104 vehicles at a cost of $12.5 billion for use primarily in Afghanistan with fielding expected to be completed in December 2010. The average unit cost for an M-ATV is about $977,000 with over half that comprising mission equipment to go on the

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vehicle, with the cost of deploying to theatre roughly $400,000. The DoD estimate that a further $1.6 billion will be required for further upgrades from 2011 through 2018.

The US plan have three distinct options in their strategy for protected mobility none of which are mutually exclusive. These are continue producing new HMMWVs and/or recapitalize the existing HMMWV fleet and in fiscal year 2010 alone, the Army planned to spend $560 million on the HMMWV Recapitalization program, long-term MRAP

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and M-ATV sustainment or transition to a new fleet of more survivable and capable tactical vehicles known as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) programme. The DoD’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation group will assess the various options for the fleets of light tactical vehicles currently operated by the four services to inform a decision on how to move forward on JLTV. The objective of the JLTV program far exceed the HMMWV Expanded Capability Vehicle (ECV)/Up-armored HMMWV (UAH) fleet’s levels of protection, payload, and performance within a transportable platform. JLTV must provide comparable protection to the MRAP but exceed their payload and performance. The JLTVs requirement is for 60,383 vehicles in the first increment with an average unit cost of $800,000 JLTV is in its competitive technology development phase due to be completed in late Summer 2011,

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India is increasingly looking to protected mobility platforms to reduce casualties © AJB

contract including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics/AM General.

A part of the current phase of the JLTV programme, BAE’s contribution has seen a total of ten of the company’s design, known as the Valanx being tested for reliability, durability and performance at three sites; Yuma, Aberdeen and Australia the latter reflecting Australia’s participation in the programme related to the Land 121 requirements.

Looking at future protected mobility from a different angle, Oshkosh has developed the Light Combat Tactical Vehicle (LCTV) future capabilities demonstrator.

The vehicles uses the next generation TAK4 active suspension allowing the vehicles to travel 40 percent faster cross country than the M-ATV. The vehicles also use the ProPulse diesel electric power train, which has allowed a number of redesigns to aid protection such as increased head and leg space while improving its inherent stability in an IED event with weight being transferring to the corners of the vehicle. The LCTV’s protection is equivalent to the MATV but roughly 30 percent lighter with the armour being bolted to the vehicle’s hull, allowing it to be updated at a later date.

BAE Systems was also deploying a solution for upgrading the existing HMMWV, known as Smart V which maintains payloads and cross country performance. The approach takes a standard vehicle, retaining the drive train but replacing the centre chassis with a monocoque hull with the fuel tank hitherto placed under the cab to the rear and batteries previously placed under seats placed at the front. The design retains the same payload of 1800lbs.

Vectra Engineering has produced the 7.62mm proof Light Bulletproof Vehicle which can carry six personnel © AJB

Subject to approval this will the shift to EMD phase for three years with a production contract scheduled for 2015 ready for initial deployment in 2017.The EMD phase is scheduled to last almost three years and culminate with a Milestone C decision point in late 2014. A production contract is expected to be awarded shortly afterwards. The initial operating capability is expected in 2016.

The maximum weight of the JLTV must not exceed the lift capacity of the CH-47F, currently 15,600lb although this figure does not include add-on armour which can be removed to meet this goal. To meet this goal, the services are currently focusing on a four man rather than six man vehicles. A number of teams are currently involved with the JLTV

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Under the BAE Systems led Future Protected Vehicle Systems Study the Uk is looking at a range of platforms that support modular payloads © BAE systems

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TOWED INDIRECT FIRE

towed Asia artillery capability enhances

While many European countries have now phased out their towed artillery systems in favour of self-propelled (SP) artillery systems and artillery rocket systems (ARS), many countries in Asia still deploy large fleets of towed artillery systems.

Swedish 155 mm/52 calibre FH-77 B05 L52 artillery system deployed in the firing position Š BAE Systems

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OR MANY countries in Asia, SP artillery systems are often only deployed in small numbers as terrain conditions mean that towed artillery systems can be rapidly more easily deployed to where they are required.

This especially applies to lighter towed artillery systems such as the French Nexter Systems LG1 light gun and the BAE Systems 105 mm Light Gun. These, as well as their crews, ammunition and towing vehicle can be rapidly deployed by tactical helicopters to where they are required.

The gun is only part of a towed artillery weapon system with other elements including the prime mover (to carry the ammunition, crew and stores), the suite of ammunition (projectile, charges and fuzes) and the fire control system.

To this should be added the target acquisition system which can include ground based radars as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and an associated command and control systems.

On the ammunition front, most countries still fire the traditional natures of ammunition including high explosive, smoke and illumination.

Projectiles carrying sub-munitions are banned by the Ottawa Treaty but many countries still deploy this type of projectile, especially in 155 mm calibre.

These are area effect weapons but very often the sub-munitions do not have a selfdestruct mechanism which often means that after an artillery strike the area is covered in unexploded sub-munitions that are danger to not only friendly troops moving forwards, but also civilians.

There is also a move towards the fielding of more precision effect artillery projectiles.

For some years China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has been marketing the GP1 laser guided 155 mm artillery projectile.

Today the Australian Army deploys two towed artillery systems, the BAE Systems Global Combat Systems 105 mm Light Gun, known as the Hamel Gun. A total of 111 were supplied with the first six coming from the UK with the remainder being manufactured under licence in Australia.

The longest range weapon is the US supplied 155 mm/39 calibre M198 of which 35 are in service. Under the Artillery Replacement 155 mm Howitzer - Land 17 Phase 1A these will be replaced by a similar number of BAE Systems, Global combat

F

Many countries use the combat proven BAE Systems 105 mm Light Gun, including Thailand Š BAE Systems

Systems 155 mm/39 calibre M777A2 Lightweight Howitzer (LWH) which are being procured from the US production line.

Australia has adopted a systems approach and in addition to the 35 M777A2 also includes Battle Management System - Fires (BMS-F) Command and Control (C2) System and course correcting fuzes. This should have in service date of 2011 and a full operation capability of 2013.

In addition there is the Medium Artillery Replacement Ammunition Project (MARAP) which includes, projectiles, charges and fuzes to replace ammunition used by the currently deployed M198.

For many years Chinese towed artillery systems were the same calibre as the Russian Army, eg 122 and 152 mm while NATO calibres were 105 mm and 155 mm calibre.

China is retaining its 122 mm towed

NORINCO has revealed its AH4 155 mm/39 calibre lightweight gun howitzer which weighs only 4 tonnes l

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artillery systems (as well as its SP systems) but the 152 mm towed and SP systems are being replaced by 155 mm systems.

The first of these to enter service was the WAC 21 which is a 155 mm/45 calibre system which has been is service with the Peoples Liberation Army for some years.

Today NORINCO is marketing two 155 mm towed artillery systems. These are the AH1 155 mm/45 calibre system and the very similar AH2 155 mm/52 calibre system. Both of these are fitted with an auxiliary power unit (APU) to assist in bringing the weapon into action as well as allowing it to be deployed without its prime mover.

More recently NORINCO has revealed its AH4 155 mm/39 calibre lightweight gun howitzer which weighs only 4 tonnes and is similar in appearance to the BAE Systems 155 mm LWH deployed by Canada and the US Army and Marine Corps.

NORINCO also markets the AH-3 105 mm light howitzer which is almost identical to the widely deployed Italian Oto Melara 105 mm Pack Howitzer and their version of the Russian 122 mm D-30 which is called the

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gin. Some of the SP artillery systems deployed by North Korea are towed weapons mounted on a full tracked chassis.

South Korea is understood to field a similar number of towed artillery weapons with these being US supplied 105 mm M101 and the 155 mm M114 and some of these have been upgraded by the local Wia Corporation to enhance their range.

The 105 mm M101 has been upgraded to the KH178 standard which includes a longer 105 mm/34 calibre barrel which gives a maximum range of 14.7 km firing a conventional projectile and a maximum range of 18 km firing a base bleed projectile.

The 155 mm M114 has been upgraded to the KH179 standard and this has a number of modifications including the installation of a new 155 mm/39 calibre barrel which increases its range to 22 km firing a conventional projectile and 30 km firing a rocket assisted projectile.

Malaysia only deploys towed artillery systems and has taken delivery of 12 surplus 155 mm/39 calibre FH-70 from the UK and 28 South African Denel Land Systems 155 mm/45 calibre G5 Mk 3 systems. Malaysia is expected to field a SP system in the future and has deployed the Brazilian AVIBRAS ASTROS II ARS. In its early years the Singapore Artillery was equipped with foreign towed artillery weapons but in the last few years has been reequipped with towed artillery systems that

CH-47 helicopter of the Singapore Armed Forces lifts the locally developed Pegasus 155 mm/39 calibre Light Weight Howitzer Š STK

Type 96 by the PLA. It is estimated that India deploys some 11,000 towed artillery systems including Russian 130 mm M-46 field guns fitted with a 155 mm ordnance and the 410 Bofors FH-77B which were all delivered by 1990.

India has outstanding requirements for a wide range of artillery systems for over years and for the requirement for 145 155 mm/39 lightweight howitzers the front runner is the BAE Systems 155 mm LWH. There are a number of contenders for the 155 mm/52 calibre requirement including the BAE Systems, Global Combat Systems (previously Bofors) FH-77 B05 L52 and the STK FH-2000, both of which feature an auxiliary power unit (APU).

Indonesia deploys a wide range of older towed artillery systems from a variety of sources which must cause logistic problems.

More recent acquisitions include five 155 mm/39 calibre FH-77 from Singapore Technologies Kinetics which are their longest range systems.

The Indonesian Marines took delivery of 20 French Nexter Systems 105 mm LG1 Mk II Light Guns in 1996.

It is estimated that North Korea deploys about 3,500 towed artillery systems which are mostly of Chinese or Russia design or ori-

Singapore is offering their 155 mm/52 calibre FH-2000 artillery system to India Š STK

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have been designed and manufactured in Singapore by Singapore Technologies Kinetics.

Their first 155 mm towed artillery system was the 155 mm/39 calibre FH-88 which is fitted with an APU and a batch of these was sold to Indonesia.

This was followed by the 155 mm/52 calibre FH-2000 which is a further development of the FH-88 an is also fitted with an APU. Singapore was in fact the first country in the world to deploy a 155 mm/52 calibre towed artillery system which has a longer range than a 155 mm/39 calibre system.

Singapore did purchase 37 French Nexter Systems 105 mm LG Mk II Light Gun which were delivered in 1992/1993. These have now been replaced by the STK developed 155 mm/39 calibre Pegasus Light Weight Howitzer (LWH).

This weighs only 5.4 tonnes and is fitted with an APU which allows it to be deployed at a speed of 12 km/h. Firing the old 155 mm M107 projectile this has a maximum range of 19 km but can be extended to 30 km with an Extended Range Full Bore Projectile.

The Finnish Patria 120 mm MEMO has been ordered by Slovenia and Saudi Arabia and shown here integrated onto a Armoured Modular Vehicle chassis Š Patria

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French Nexter Systems 105 mm LG 1 Mk II light gun deployed in Thailand Š Nexter Systems

While Pakistan has carried out a major enhancement of its MBT fleet through a technology transfer with NORINCO, much of its fire support is still provided by towed artillery supplied by China and the US. The latter has supplied at least 128 155 mm/39 calibre M198 howitzer which has only just been phased out of US service having been replaced by the 155 mm M777 lightweight howitzer (LWH).

It is understood that Pakistan is now manufacturing a foreign 155 mm/52 calibre artillery system and this will fire the latest French family of Nexter

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Systems 155 mm ammunition which is being procured under a separate contract. This covers the supply of an initial batch of ammunition followed by technology transfer.

Apart from a batch of 20 now BAE Systems, US Combat Systems 155 mm/39 calibre M109A5 SP artillery systems supplied in 1994 together with a similar number of M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASV), all of the artillery used by Thailand is towed.

Thailand has a large fleet of US supplied 105 mm M101 towed artillery systems whose basic design is now over 70 years old. This has a maxi-

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The 155 mm/39 calibre M777A2 is already deployed by Canada and the US Army and Marines and will replace the currently deployed towed artillery used by the Australian Army Š BAE Systems

mum range of 11.27 km using the old 105 mm M1 HE projectile which is very short by todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standards.

Nexter Systems supplied a total of 285 kits to Thailand which have been used to enhance the capabilities of these weapons. This includes replacement of the original barrel by a new longer 105 mm/30 calibre barrel which has the same ballistics as the Nexter Systems 105 mm LG1 Mk II Light Gun. Thailand also took delivery of 24 Nexter Systems 105 mm LG1 Mk II Light Guns in 1996 which are used by the Army.

In addition to firing the old 105 mm M1 HE projectile, this can also fire the more recent Nexter Munitions HE projectile to a maximum range of 15 km or a Nexter Munitions Base Bleed projectile to a maximum range of 18.5 km.

The Royal Thai Marines were the first customer for the SRC International GC 45 155 mm gun-howitzer designed by the later Dr Bull of Super Gun fame.

Further development of this resulted in the NORICUM GH N-45 which is also a 155 mm/45 calibre system and has been marketed with an APU. According to the United Nations, Thailand took delivery of a total of 72 of these weapons from Austria between 1992 and 1997 and these are the longest range conventional tube artillery systems deployed by Thailand.

Other towed artillery systems used by Thailand include some Chinese supplied 130 mm Type 59-1 (a reverse engineered version of the widely deployed Russian 130 mm M46 field gun), plus some US 155 mm M114 and M198 weapons and Israeli Soltam

Thailand has a large fleet of US supplied 105 mm M101 towed artillery systems whose basic design is now over 70 years old l

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Systems 155 mm M-71.

While this article concentrates on towed artillery systems, many countries in Asia also deploy ARS as well as SP mortar systems. In most cases mortars still come under the infantry but there is a move in some countries to move these to the field artillery as they have access to a much wider range of target acquisition systems.

While many countries in Asia still using conventional mortars, there is also a trend towards more mobile SP systems with a number of companies developing turret mounted mortars.

Malaysia is also enhancing its mortar capability by the deployment of a batch of Turkish FNSS Armoured Combat Vehicle Stretched (ACV-S) armed with the French TDA 120 mm 120R 2M mortar system. The latter has also been adopted by a number of other countries and can be integrated into a wide range of platforms, tracked and wheeled.

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Leader Of Russian Optical Instrument Industry

Interview with Sergey Maksin, Director General of the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant, head of the Optical Systems and Technologies holding

Sergey Maksin, Director General of the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant, head of the Optical Systems and Technologies Holding UOMZ is one of Russia’s largest defense enterprises, the flagship of the Optical Systems and Technologies holding being created by the Russian Technologies State Corporation. Tell us about the Plant and its products.

UOMZ is a modern high-tech enterprise developing and producing optical and electro-optical (EO) systems for military and civilian applications, optical surveillance systems. In addition, we manufacture medical equipment, geodetic instruments, lighting equipment, undertake extensive research and development efforts.

The Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant is one of the oldest enterprises in the industry – it recently marked its 160th anniversary. UOMZ is known as a leading developer and manufacturer of optical sighting stations and EO systems for combat aircraft and helicopters. Our products are part of the onboard equipment installed on Sukhoi, MiG, Tupolev aircraft and Mil and Kamov helicopters. Recently, we have developed or heavily upgraded more than a dozen EO systems for such modern aircraft as the Sukhoi Su-27, Su27SM2, Su-30, Su-30MKI, Su-30MKK, Su30MKM, Su-34, MiG-29 and some others.

Among our latest projects I’d like to note the optical sighting system for the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter. In 2010, the system successfully completed its one more stage of testing. According to pilots and experts, this is one of the world’s best helicopters.

Similar work is under way with the Mil Company, for which we have developed and are manufacturing a variety of systems. Some of them are exported as part of helicopters.

By the way, UOMZ is one of the few Russian defense enterprises granted the right to engage in independent foreign economic activity. What advantages does the right give the Plant?

Since 2003 UOMZ has been authorized to engage in independent foreign economic activity regarding spare part supply, repair and maintenance of previously supplied military equipment. UOMZ products are delivered to a total of 75 countries. The right to independently operate in the external markets offers great opportunities for participation in establishing service centers in the countries that operate aircraft and helicopters equipped with our EO systems. The independent export activity involves a particular responsibility to the partners, accurate fulfillment of contractual obligations. UOMZ sees its main objective in ensuring speedy delivery of spare parts and service. We are guided by the principle of "3 +3". This means that spare parts should be supplied within a period not exceeding three months from the date of signing the contract, while repair should be done within three months from the date of delivery of equipment to the Plant’s service center. The benefit is obvious both for us and customers.

As is known, President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing a hard line on upgrading Russian industry and making it more innovative.

Nevertheless, the process is not going smoothly everywhere. What is the role of innovative developments and re-equipment at UOMZ? We are paying close attention to improving the

production of EO systems for all types of aircraft, ships and ground vehicles. We have set up special production sections for specific types of equipment - aircraft, helicopters, etc.

Our current research and development efforts are literally cutting edge science, the synthesis and development of the newest achievements of applied optics, laser, television, and thermal imaging technologies, precision electromechanics, control systems theory and methods, microelectronics and information technology.

We are also building the relationships with our partners with emphasis on specialization. For us, it is of critical importance that research centers should appear which would specialize in one area or another. It is simply economically impractical to develop all technologies at one enterprise at once.

We invite all who share this approach to cooperate. Dozens of delegations visit UOMZ every year, we share experience with them and offer diverse options for joint technology development.

Widespread implementation of information technologies and computer-aided design has speeded up the pace of development almost five times. Today, we are able to design a new system within an average year and a half! Since 2001 the Plant has been implementing a common corporate information system based on enterprise resource management and engineering data systems, the geography of the single network infrastructure is also expanding.

Currently, the information technologies encompass every aspect of our activities (development, manufacturing, finance, marketing, logistics, etc). More than 2000 people work in the corporate information system every day, the amount of stored electronic information is 8 Tb. Information technology implementation is a continuous process. Our IT service launches approximately 140 new software products into operation a year. This activity involves dozens of our units. Such a pace helps us not only improve the corporate information system, but also, which is the main thing, cut production costs. The

Director General S.V.Maksin demonstrates the UOMS products to the Prime-Minister of Russia V.V.Putin at the Forum “Engineering Technologies”, July 2010

payback period of our investment in IT technologies was about 7 months.

partners, primarily with the Republic of Poland.

Deliveries of the Mi-35 helicopters to Latin America took place. This helicopter was selected inter alia for its UOMZ-made EO systems. Foreign customers were presented a modern machine, competitive not only in flight performance, but in avionics as well.

It is worth saying few words about EO systems for civilian platforms of various types. Contracts were concluded to develop and deliver the SON 730, SON 820 and SON-M civilian optical surveillance systems. Their first production models have attracted the attention of specialists at international exhibitions, particularly at Le Bourget and MAKS. I’d like to specially emphasize that UOMZ is closely cooperating with the European partners in the civilian system area. This relates both to the SON-M modular system, whose design provides for the installation of any channels on customer request, and the SON 820 "ball" designed for light aircraft, including UAVs.

Quite recently India has overtaken China as the major customer of Russian defense and dual-use products. Is this market interesting for you?

Of course, it is of interest. And we are actively operating on it. In December 2010, during the visit

by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to India, an unprecedented contract was signed to perform the front-end engineering design for a fifth-generation fighter, which will be based on the Russian T-50 (PAK FA) aircraft. The aircraft will feature a high level of board intellectualization, will be able to take off and land on shortened runways, will be super maneuverable and able to perform combat missions in any weather and any time of day.

According to experts, the total estimated value of the joint project will be US$ 8 to 10 billion. As expected, the first prototype fighter will take off in five years. Indian Air Force Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik said that the Air Force would acquire 200 to 250 fifthgeneration fighters.

Our company won the tender to develop a multifunctional EO system for the T-50. This is a great honor and responsibility for us. With the recent Russian-Indian agreements, it is not impossible that we will work jointly with Indian colleagues on this project.

Helicopter equipment, too, occupies a prominent place in cooperation with India. UOMZ has prepared a very interesting proposal for Mi-171 helicopters to be supplied to India under a big contract signed by Rosoboronexport and the Indian Air Force in December 2008.

Industry and Trade Minister of Russia V.B. Khristenko inspects the Urals Optical and Mechanical Plant How was UOMZ successful on other world markets in recent years?

What markets are most interesting to you?

We have consciously put emphasis on the The last two years were successful for the Urals European continent, because this is a very large Optical and Mechanical Plant. More than 100 new market, which, on a par with the US, sets the main equipment models were launched into production trend of development for the entire industry. At the in 2010 alone. The share of independent militarysame time the cooperation with the Europeans technical cooperation grew significantly. The Plant involves extensive preparatory work in the legal fulfilled all its obligations to foreign partners framework area, harmonization of the Russian concerning spare parts supply, warranty and and Western standards. Entering the European service support accurately and timely. market is, above all, the indicator of the A lot of work has been done to promote new enterprise's capacity to meet the most up-to-date products, primarily related to helicopters, in the requirements. external market. The heliborne systems have As is known, today product diversification substantially diversified UOMZ product line and is key to sustainable economic development have grown today into an independent area of of any defense enterprise. What type of activities. The current situation on world markets your civilian products offers the greatest confirms that the development strategy chosen in export potential? the 1990s was right. This is the niche where we Our goal is to become a global supplier of highwent in at a proper time and where we have been tech civilian products. These include sophisticated developing in line with the global trend. medical equipment, energy-efficient lighting Gradual geographical diversification of special systems, modern geodetic instruments, security product deliveries is also taking place. China and systems and much more - everything that is in India are our major foreign partners as before. At demand on the market today. We have formed a the same time the implementation of ever-growing separate development program and a detailed MTC plans requires expanding our markets. Great marketing plan for each type of products. Up to 4 advances have been made in this area recently. business plans in the field of civilian instrumentFirst of all, our cooperation with Malaysia is making are reviewed monthly. reaching an unprecedented level. In late 2009, For example, we have formed and are UOMZ signed a major contract with the Ministry of successfully implementing the Medical Defense of this country. We attach great Instrumentation Program 2020, which provides for importance to developing relations our European

AMR Marketing Promotion

the development and batch production of more than forty high-tech medical devices.

UOMZ products are well known to consumers both in Russia and abroad. Our newest development product is the BONO incubatortransformer showcased at the Medica 2010 International Healthcare Exhibition has gained the most positive responses from health professionals. The device features a unique concept allowing an open intensive care system, a neonatal table and an incubator with a monitor support to be implemented on a single platform.

Recently, our developers have made much progress in the area of intensive care and anesthesia and respiratory equipment. A unique artificial lung ventilation system based on a turbine type flow generator is being launched into production. Such devices are now available from the world's leading manufacturers VersaMed, Hamilton Medical, ImtMedical.

The development and production of lighting equipment is another key area where we have gained considerable expertise. Since 2005 UOMZ has been mass producing lighting devices based on semiconductor sources. Approximately 100 items, including road and rail traffic lights, street and industrial lamps and other products, have been assimilated over this time. About seven different energy-saving lamps are launched into production every month.

UOMZ is one of the largest enterprises of the Optical Systems and Technologies holding being formed, which you will lead. What are the tasks set for the holding company? What will the enterprises, in particular UOMZ, get from participation in it?

The Research and Production Concern “Optical Systems and Technologies” is being formed in line with the government’s defense industry development and reform policy.

Its mission is to enhance the competitiveness of the Russian EO industry in the global market. It includes 20 high-tech organizations – the developers and manufacturers of military and civilian EO systems, optical technologies and materials, high-tech medical equipment and hightech civilian products. The holding will employ a total of more than 24,000 people.

The formation of the holding will promote both the integration of its affiliated enterprises and global development of cross-sectoral linkages. For example, there is already a cross-sectoral program for EO and laser technology development through 2020 signed by our holding, Rosatom and Roskosmos.

To win steady positions in the Russian and international markets, Optical Systems and Technologies is forming joint work programs with key Russian integrated entities like the United Aircraft Corporation, Aircraft Engineering Concern, VEGA Radio Engineering Concern, Armored Holding, Ammunition Holding and others.

The strategic goal of the entity being creation is a steady growth and innovative business development.

In conclusion I’d like to invite our Indian partners and all visitors to the air show in Bangalore to get acquainted with UOMZ display.

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Asia Pacific Procurement Update AUSTRALIA Thales, BAE Systems unveil vehicles for Land 121 - Phase 4

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract for the provision of T150F track link assemblies and sprockets for the Australian Army’s upgraded M113 vehicles.

The prototype for the next-generation Light Protected Vehicle (LPV) being built for the Australian Army has been unveiled by Thales Australia at the Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane, Australia. The vehicle, named Hawkei , has now completed over 20,000 km of on-and-off road testing as well as mine blast, sideblast and ballistic protection tests.

The Hawkei is a 4x4, 6-crew, 7-tonne vehicle developed to meet the requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the LAND 121 Phase 4 programme. The vehicle features technology able to provide the highest level of protection for crew, as well as featuring an open articheture enabling full integration with a wide range of sensors, weapons, additional armour and C4I and electronic systems.

Thales names the advantages of the Hawkei as including a large protected interior space for crew, equipment and stores; four doors for easy access, Bushmaster levels of blast and ballistic protection, advanced technology for rapid up-armouring in the field; straightforward reconfiguration between variants, and air-transportable combat configuration.

The Hawkei has been developed by Thales in country, with help of Plasan Sasa, Boeing Defence Australia and PAC Group.

BAE Systems also unveiled their solution for the programme at the same conference.

The Valanx is also being offered for the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) programme, and the Australian vehicle is

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A total of eight RAAF pilots have now completed Pilot Initial Qualification training on the C-17 in Australia © DoD

designed to be highly compatible with the US version, ensuring high interoperability between the two forces.

The Valanx features a v-shaped hull, designed to deflect mine blasts away from the vehicle to protect the crew, and the majority of the vehicle’s components are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, which is used to measure equipment maturity.

The Australian Army has been carrying out evaluation and trials on the Valanx since June 2010. The vehicle builds on the results of four successive generations of demonstrator and prototype vehicles developed by BAE Systems.

RAAF receives Super Hornet trainers

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken delivery of two Super Hornet Integrated Visual Environment Maintenance Trainers (IVEMT) from the Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205).

Designed specifically for the RAAF, the IVEMT is the first Super Hornet maintenance trainer to be delivered to a foreign customer.

The IVEMT will be used by the RAAF for training maintenance technician personnel on the 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft on order from the US Navy.

The 3-D visual trainer allows trainees to virtually navigate through multiple aircraft systems. As well as providing maintenance training and testing procedures, it gives troubleshooting training and procedures for the aircraft avionics, environmental control, electrical, flight control, fuel, engines, landing ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

gear, and hydraulic systems. Instructors can also integrate faults into the system for increased situational awareness training.

The UVEMT design builds on the earlier Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer (VEMT) used by the US Navy. It also includes cockpit and instructor operator stations, as well as student/aircraft interface trainer stations and a cockpit/trainer equipment station.

Based in Amberley Air Force Base, Ipswich, Australia, the trainers will begin operation by the end of 2010, ahead of completion of the F/A-18F Super Hornet delivery during 2011.

RAAF pilots complete first year of C-17 pilot training

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully completed the first year of incountry Pilot Initial Qualification (PIQ) training with Boeing for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. A total of eight pilots have been trained at RAAF Base Amberley, marking the first time RAAF pilots have been trained in Australia as opposed to the US. Training on the Boeing-developed C-17 Globemaster III Aircrew Training System (ATS) began in February following the commissioning of the system in November 2009 by the Defence Material Organisation (DMO). Between them, the eight pilots carried out more than 1,600 hours of Boeing-led programmed PIQ training, including 560 hours of computer-based training and 480 simulated flight hours.

The RAAF’s ATS is the first international sale of the system for Boeing, and provides the RAAF with improved flexibility, cost savings and capability improvements to C17 Globemaster III training practices by minimising the need for RAAF pilots to

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travel to the US. The ATS provides advanced training on every aspect of C-17 operation, including a Weapons Systems Trainer (WST) that utilises highly realistic, full-motion simulation for pilot training; and the newly developed Virtual Cargo Load Model, a new training

INDIA India moves closer to tactical battlefield communications

In a statement by the Minister of State for Defence, Shri MM Pallam Raju, has claimed that India’s armed forces are soon to have a tactical battlefield communication system in place, called the Tactical Communication System (TCS).

The speech, made at the opening of a two-day seminar on ‘Converged Infostructure for a Transformed Force’, also called on private industry to provide state of the art testing facilities for quality assurance.

The TCS is being developed by the Corps of Signals, and is part of the Indian Armed Forces attempt to establish itself as an internationally recognised producer of ‘globally competitive defence equipment’.

The Chief of Army Staff, General VK Singh, acknowledged the importance of a strong, robust and secure information grid in a battlespace that is moving from platform to network centric. He commented that the need for an information grid able to act as a force multiplier and an enabler for the soldiers and commanders on the battlefield is a vital component of this goal.

Cobham to supply equipment for Indian Hawk AJT

Cobham has been selected by BAE Systems to supply Weapons Carriage and Release equipment for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) programme as part of a deal worth £18 million.

Under the contract, Cobham will supply its Light Duty Ejector Release Units and Carrier Bomb Light Stores (CBLS) training aids to BAE Systems. The systems are already in use with the IAF’s Hawk AJT’s purchased in 2004.

In July the IAF purchased a further 57 BAE Hawk AJT’s, that are being built in country by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), 40 of which are to be operated by the IAF, and 17 of which are to be operated

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device that allows loadmaster students to practice configuring a variety of cargo loads on a laptop computer.

The C-17 ATS has been in use with the US Air Force (USAF) since 1992. The system provides guaranteed students, with Boeing providing remedial training is aircrews fail to by the Indian Navy (IN).

The Cobham equipment provides a comprehensive range of weapons carriage and release equipment, in what it calls a ‘wingtip to wingtip’ capability, including missile launchers, cryogenic cooling for missile seekers, pneumatic missile fin actuation and wing store carriers, bomb ejection, defensive aids, chaff and flare systems.

Telephonics radar for India’s P-8i aircraft

India’s P-8i aircraft are to be fitted with the APS-143C(V)3 Multi-Mode Radar (MMR) manufactured by the Radar Systems Division of Telephonics Corporation, under a contract issued by Boeing. The contract will also see Telephonics supply systems to support the eight Aft Radar installations integration and support services.

The APS-143C(V)3 will function as the aft radar on the P-8i. It is a maritime surveillance imaging and tracking radar system for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, proven small target detection, anti-mine warfare, combat search and rescue, long-range maritime surveillance and indentification, fisheries protection, coastal surveillance and border surveillance. Its advanced techniques enable automatic detection and tracking with built-in global land mass rejection capability, which greatly reduces operator workload in both blue water and littoral regions.

The system is also used in the USCG HC-144A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and HU-25D Falcon Jet; as well as being featured on most international S-70 Naval Hawk helicopters and certain NH-90, Super Lynx and other maritime helicopters.

India selected the Boeing P-8i in January 2009 as the long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy. A variant of the P-8A Poseidon used by the US Navy, the aircraft features an open-systems architecture that will allow the aircraft to evolve to meet

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pass their flight evaluations.

The RAAF operates four C-17 Globemaster III airlifters from Base Amberley, following a contract between the Australian Government and Boeing in 2006.

The squadron is expected to reach full operational capability by mid-2011.

India’s changing maritime surveillance requirements now and in the future.

India orders Saab coastal surveillance system

The Indian Maritime Authority, Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) has ordered a system for coastal surveillance from Saab. The order, worth an estimated 116 MSEK, will see the surveillance of the Indian coast line in its entirety by the system.

The Saab system is comprised of sensors that are to be installed along the Indian coast, and equipment for regional and coastal control centres, and it will be operated by the DGLL as well as the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and DG Shipping.

India’s maritime areas are of prime concern for national security, a fact highlighted by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that saw terrorists enter the country via a hijacked fishing vessel. Along with the threat of piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and offshore attacks on national territories and resources, such attacks reiterate the need for technology capable of providing surveillance and reconnaissance to keep maritime areas secure.

The Saab system is designed to monitor sea traffic, and work on the project is to start immediately and be complete by mid2012. Saab will also provide installation, commissioning, training and support together with their Indian partner, Elcome Marine Services.

CONTROP upgrades IAF Mi-17s

In December, CONTROP Precision Technologies Ltd commissioned a contract (won several years ago) with the Indian Air Force, to upgrade the Mi-17 using their DSP-1 EO/IR stabilized payload. CONTROP beat several international competitors replying to the tender and has supplied an initial small number of systems after lengthy trials throughout 2010

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REGIONAL NEWS A N D

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

INDONESIA

Indonesia’s remaining OV10 fleet will be replaced by Embraer ’s Super Tucano from 2012 © Embraer

Super Tucano light attack turboprops for Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has selected the Embraer Super Tucano light attack turboprops in a competition to replace the Indonesian Air Force’s (IAF’s) fleet of OV-10 Broncos.

Eight aircraft will be supplied by Embraer, as well as ground support stations and an integrated logistics package.

The aircraft will fulfil a broad range of missions for the IAF, including light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counter insurgence.

The sale to Indonesia is the first time the aircraft has been sold into the Asia-Pacific region. The IAF will take delivery of the aircraft throughout 2012.

The Super Tocano was developed for the Brazilian Air Force, and is in service with five air forces worldwide. It provides advanced mission efficiency and reliability, and has more than 100,000 flight hours to its name.

The aircraft is well suited to the needs of the IAF, and will significantly boost the aerial defence capabilities of the nation. It is designed to operate from unpaved runways, features advanced navigation and weapon aiming system with high precision and reliability, and is equipped with

Electro/Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors for day/night capability, laser designator, and secure radios with datalink capabilities.

The aircraft comes with advanced flexible weaponry options, including conventional and laser-guided bombs and air-to-air missiles, amongst other external options.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

JAPAN

Republic of Korea selects C-130J

US Congress has been notified of the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of installation and checkout of mission equipment for Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft to Japan under a deal worth an estimated US $119 million. If it goes ahead, the deal will also include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

Japan previously procured Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) Group A and B kits in 2006 in order to enhance the operational capability of its specially designed Boeing E-767 AWACS aircraft operated by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF). The RSIP kits are designed to increase radar sensitivity and overall capabilities, and to enhance command, control and communications (C3).

Now Japan is requesting the installation and checkout of the equipment. Also requested is the transportation of the C-767 aircraft to and from Japan, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, as well as publications and technical documentation. The US Government will also be required to provide government and contractor personnel support services and other related elements to ensure complete AWACS mission equipment support.

Japan requests mission equipment for AWACS aircraft

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has selected the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF’s) new transport aircraft fleet. The decision makes the ROK the The ROKAF has become the fourteenth customer fourteenth nation for the C-130J with its order for four aircraft © DoD worldwide to order the C-130J. drop, as well as air-to-air refuelling, A total of four C-130J Super ground refuelling, and humanitariHercules have been ordered by the an and disaster relief efforts.

ROK, in the stretched fuselage comThe ROKAF already operates the bat delivery variant. The aircraft C-130, meaning that full operational provides further range, faster capability of the new aircraft will be speeds and greater payload capabil- achieved much more quickly than ities than the older C-130 aircraft, would otherwise be possible. The and requires only three crew mem- delivery of the new aircraft is bers for missions. expected to be completed during The aircraft will be used by the 2014, and Lockheed Martin will also ROKAF in a heavy-lift capacity, be providing a two-year support including troop and equipment re- programme, and aircrew and mainsupply via ground delivery and air tenance training under the contract.

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ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

THE 11TH LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL MARITIME AND AEROSPACE EXHIBITION 6th - 10th December 2011 Langkawi, Malaysia

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REGIONAL NEWS A N D

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

SINGAPORE Indigenous mini-UAV for Singapore Army

Six units of the Singapore Army are to receive the indigenously designed and built Skyblade III mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), in a move that will see the Army’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities greatly enhanced, providing localised intelligence within larger operations.

Developed by the Army in collaboration with DSO National Laboratories, and manufactured by ST Aerospace, the Skyblade III is a lightweight and portable mini UAV with a one hour flight ability within an 8 km operating range.

The UAV will give scout teams greater knowledge of the battlefield while on the ground, increasing their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and situational awareness capabilities. The system consists of a Mini Operating Console (MOC), carried in a 20 kg backpack, and the UAV itself, also carried in a 20 kg backpack. Set up and hand or bungee-assisted launch take 20 minutes, and during flight the UAV transmits visual data gathered by its day and night camera payload back to the ground operator. The UAV lands with the aid of an airbag deployed from its belly to cushion impact.

This deployment of the Skyblade III builds on eight years of development by the DSO and the Army. The Singapore Army already operates the Birdeye 410 and Skylark UAVs, which also aided tactics and procedure development for the newest version of the Skyblade.

The UAV will be delivered to the 40th Battalion, Singapore Armoured

PAKISTAN Pakistan receives three F-16 aircraft from the US

The Pakistan government has taken delivery of three new F-16 aircraft from the United States at a ceremony at Shahbaz Air Base near Jacobabad, Pakistan. The delivery marks the second phase of a programme between the US and Pakistani governments that will see the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF’s) F-16 fleet expanded and upgraded, and the capabilities of the PAF significantly increased.

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Regiment (40 SAR), 41 SAR, 2 SIR, 3 SIR, 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, and the 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade, all of whom have been undergoing training since 2009. The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2010.

First upgraded C-130 delivered to Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has taken delivery of the first C130 Hercules aircraft to be upgraded with Rockwell Collins Communications, Navigation and Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) technology.

The aircraft is one of ten being given the Flight2TM cockpit upgrade under a contract between ST Aerospace and Rockwell Collins. The upgrade will give the aircraft state-of-the-art flight deck and provide enhanced situational awareness that will enable greater mission effectiveness and provide them access to global airspace.

The capabilities delivered by the upgrade include Flight Management System upgrade allowing access to precision GPS approaches, preferred air traffic control routings and search and rescue patterns; multi-function displays featuring active matrix liquid crystal display technology; central engine instrument display replacing analogue gauges; and improved voice communication capabilities. Also included as a digital autopilot and flight director upgrade and advanced digital weather radar upgrade.

The RSAF operates the ten Lockheed Martin C-130 aircraft from its Paya Lebar Air Base. The aircraft performs in a heavy lift capacity, including disaster and humanitarian relief effort missions.

The induction ceremony was attended

by Air Marshal Mohammad Hassan, PAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Army Brig. Gen. Michael Nagata, deputy commander of the Office of the Defence Representative to Pakistan, as well as approximately 50 other US and Pakistani officials.

The US delivered three new F-16s in June 2010, and a total of 18 are to be delivered by the end of January 2012. The F-16 Block 52 aircraft are the latest configuration of the 4th generation multi-role fighter,

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Thailand has ordered a further six Gripens, doubling its fleet © Saab

THAILAND More Gripens for Royal Thai Air Force

Thailand has signed a new deal with Sweden for the provision of an integrated air-defence system comprising six Gripen fighter aircraft, one Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) surveillance system, and the Swedish RB 15F missile system. The order total is worth an approximate 2.2 billion SEK. The order follows an initial order in 2008 that saw the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) provide the Thailand government with six Gripen aircraft.

The integrated air-defence system will include the latest single-seat C version of the Gripen aircraft, and, along with the initial 2008 phase of the agreement, will greatly enhance the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF’s) aerial surveillance and network-centric operational capabilities.

Saab will also provide logistics and training under the agreement, with delivery of the Gripen aircraft scheduled to take place during 2013.

The signing of the agreement took place in Stockholm, attended by the Director General of Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, Gunnar Holmgren and Itthaporn Subhawong, Air Chief Marshal, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force. manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The aircraft offer additional fuel and payload capacity, as well as enhanced avionics and sensors, colour cockpit displays featuring advanced pilot/ vehicle interfaces.

The US is also assisting the PAF with upgrading their existing F-16 fleet under a US Foreign Military Financing security assistance programme. The programme will give the older fleet advanced communications and a precision targeting system, in order to bring their capabilities in line with the new F-16 fleet.

T h e m u l t i - ro l e S u p e r H o r n e t f u l f i l l s i m m e d i a t e n e e d s f o r a n a d v a n c e d , n e t - e n a b l e d f i g h t e r w i t h interoperability, maritime awareness and battle-management capabilities. It’s a world-class solution that builds on a partnership with Boeing — and our longstanding commitment to Malaysia’s future that’s stronger than ever.