Asian military review 2013v21n3 by atao99

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VOLUME 21/ISSUE 3

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Contents MAY 2013 VOLUME 21 / ISSUE 3

Front Cover Photo: The fuel cell powered HDW Class 212A submarines have been in service with the German Navy since 2005. A second batch of two boats in currently under construction at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel, Germany © ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems

The Wide Blue Yonder Martin Streetly As a region dominated by the vastnesses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Asia-Pacific nations have always had a strong interest in the ability to police and monitor their national and economic regional interests

Singapore’s Defence Stance

Gordon Arthur Singapore may be the smallest country in SE Asia but it has region’s most able military. Perched on tip of Malay Peninsula where Malacca and Singapore Straits converge, Singapore achieves world’s 4th highest defence expenditure per capita

AMR Naval Directory 2013 Peter Donaldson Asia is home to a very active naval market that is absorbing some of the most capable vessels and systems that the global industry can offer. Many nations in the region are either advancing or initiating their own shipbuilding, engineering and systems integration capabilities

Dismounted ISTAR

54 Survivability: Stopping Enemy Fires On Sea And Land Gordon Arthur Survivability on the battlefield is important… obviously! Threats come from multiple directions and in many shapes, so the pertinent question is how to protect personnel and their platforms to the maximum extent possible

MAY 2013

Ted Hooton A century ago naval power was counted in battleships, but the modern arbiter of naval power consists of invisible battleships submarines which have played a major role in shaping modern Asia and are likely to continue to do so. A market survey calculated that by the end of the decade the region’s expenditure on submarines will total $46 billion

To Kill a Tank Tom Withington When they first graced the mud and horror of the battlefields of the First World War they made the horse cavalry obsolete almost overnight. At the same time, these armoured land ships struck fear into the hearts of infantry, able to pour down fire onto their positions, with near impunity from retaliation

Peter Donaldson While soldiers have always functioned as sensors, now they are among the greatest producers and consumers of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) information for immediate tactical use and for building the long-term understanding of the operational theatres and human cultures in which they find themselves

Submarine warfare and upgrades

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Adam Baddeley (1972 - 2013) On Tuesday, April 2, ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW's editor in chief, Adam Baddeley passed away suddenly. He was so much more than AMR’s editor. He was a treasured colleague and friend to those who had the privilege of working with him — or just knowing him! He brought unparalleled expertise to AMR when he assumed his position over four years ago, re-energizing this respected title with comprehensive content organization, a stable of highly recognized global contributors, and his unflagging good humor. His credentials as an electronics and communications specialist were already well established when he assumed his position. While with AMR, he worked tirelessly to hone his experience in the Asian defense marketplace. He never lost his enthusiasm to learn about the region by participating at industry events and brainstorming with the AMR team to come up with new ways to improve the magazine. AMR will carry on in its mission of providing valuable editorial to those who have come to rely on it over the years. Not only do we owe it to them, but now we owe it to Adam, an extraordinary editor and human being. He will be missed.

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The Wide Blue Yonder

As a region dominated by the vastnesses of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Asia-Pacific nations have always had a strong interest in the ability to police and monitor their national and economic regional interests.

by Martin Streetly

oday, regional maritime patrol remains to the fore as China and India vie as regional (if not global) super powers, disputes over natural resources continue to fester, United States (US) foreign policy refocuses on the Pacific and a number of regional players recapitalise their aviation patrol assets. Hand in hand with such developments, the region’s nations are also looking to ‘special mission’ platforms to provide intelligence on unpredictable neighbours such as North Korea.

T 06

In no particular order, regional maritime patrol recapitalisation currently focuses on national programmes such as China’s Y-8 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant and Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 platform, the impending introduction of the Boeing P-8I into Indian service, Australia’s longer term P-8A acquisition and future for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) as persistent surveillance tools. In more detail, the Shaanxi Y-8 ASW platform (variously referred to as the Y-8FQ, the Y-8GX-6 or the Y-8Q) was

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

first identified during November 2011 and is characterised by a large surveillance radar radome beneath its nose, a multiblade ventral antenna farm and a Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) boom attached to the aircraft’s tailcone. Other identified features include a weapons bay located ahead of the platform’s main undercarriage sponsons, rear fuselage observation windows, an Electro-Optical (EO) sensor turret beneath its forward fuselage and fore and aft radar warning and missile approach

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Over time, Australia, India and Japan have all expressed interest in the acquisition of an MQ-4C Triton-type UAS capability © Northrop Grumman

tified as the Y-8GX-2 or the Y-8JB. For its part, development of Japan’s indigenous Kawasaki P-1maritime patrol aircraft began circa 2003 and is intended to provide the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) with a replacement for its P3C ASW and patrol fleet from Japanese Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 onwards. As such, the P-1 is powered by four 59.8 kN IHI XF7-10 turbofans and is flown by a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, observer, tactical commander, navigation/communications operator and four mission system operators. Onboard equipment includes an X-band (8 to 12.5 GHz) Toshiba Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radar, a Fujitsu HAQ-2 EO sensor, a Mitsubishi HSQ-102 MAD application, an Electronic Support (ES) system, a sonobuoy launching and monitoring architecture, a glass cockpit and a Kawasaki HAS-108 datalink system. Again, the type has an internal weapons bay and eight underwing hardpoints that are each capable of carrying a 907 kg payload. In performance terms, the P-1 is understood to have a maximum range and cruising speed of 7,963 km and 833 km/h respectively. The prototype P-1 was rolled-out on 4 July 2007 and made its maiden flight on the 28th of the following September. A second prototype entered the platform’s flight test programme during June 2008 and, as of late 2012, four production examples were scheduled to have been delivered by the end of A total of four of the JMSDF’s next generation Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft are scheduled to have been delivered by the end of 2013 © Kawasaki

warning sensor heads. Again, the type appears to be based on the Y-8F-600 transport airframe and, at the time of writing, it was not clear as to whether or not the two Y-8FQ/GX-6/Q aircraft so far spotted represent a test programme or the precursor to a production run for China’s naval air arm. In the ‘special mission’ context, it is also worth noting that the Chinese Navy already operates a quartet of Y-8 ELectronic INTelligence (ELINT) collection platforms that European sources have variously iden-

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In the interim, the JMSDF intends to undertake a limited life extension and update programme to keep its P-3C maritime patrol aircraft viable until the P-1 platform comes into service circa 2016 © USN

March 2013. In all, the JMSDF has a requirement for 65 P-1s to replace its current force of approximately 80 P-3Cs. In this latter context, the Japanese Ministry of Defence is also known to have embarked on a limited P-3 life extension programme to maintain the type’s viability until the P-1’s introduction into service. Here (and as of late 2012), the intention was to refurbish one P-3C during Japanese FY2011, two aircraft during Japanese FY2013 and a “few” aircraft in each year thereafter up to 2016. In a parallel effort, AMR further understands that the JMSDF also wishes to upgrade the acoustics aboard “some” P-3s in order to facilitate active biand multi-static functionality as a counter to the latest “advanced” submarine threats. The gradual withdrawal of the JMSDF’s P-3C maritime patrol fleet may well also affect the retention of the service’s ‘special mission’ EP-3 SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT) and OP-3C multi-sensor surveillance aircraft. To-date, AMR has been unable to

discover any plans to replace such aircraft with appropriate P-1 derivatives. Turning to the seemingly unstoppable rise and rise of Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon, both Australia and India have signed up to acquire the type, which will also become a familiar sight in US colours as it begins to replace the US Navy’s (USN) legacy P-3s in the Pacific. In the order given, the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Project AIR 7000 envisages the replacement of its AP-3C

India’s P-8I programme is of greater interest specifically designed for the Indian Navy

multi-role surveillance aircraft with a mix of P-8A manned aircraft (AIR 7000 Phase 2B) and High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UASs (AIR 7000 Phase 1B). Of the two, a final Phase 1B acquisition decision is scheduled for the period mid-2015 to mid2018, with an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) to follow during Australian FYs 2019 to 2022. For its part, the formal Phase 2B procurement decision is understood to be

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scheduled for sometime between now and mid-2016, with IOC following at sometime between Australian FY2017 and FY2020. Here, the initial Poseidon purchase has been quoted as eight aircraft (to replace 18 AP3Cs), with the latest (at the time of writing) speculation leaning towards an increase of at least four. In terms of any UAS procurement, the RAAF has had a long association with the Global Hawk and has long been expected to procure the type. As AIR 7000 Phase 2B is looking for a UAS maritime patrol/surveillance capability, the USN’s forthcoming MQ-4C Triton maritime Global Hawk derivative would appear to be a natural shoe-in for the programme. This said, recent informed speculation has suggested that a platform such as the Guardian configuration of General Atomics’ Predator B UAS might be becoming a more attractive solution to a potential Australian requirement for up to seven such UASs. Staying with the MQ-4C for a moment (and assuming the type passes all its test and evaluation hurdles), a percentage of the USN’s 60 Triton Air Vehicle (AV) procurement are likely to become a common sight in the Asia-Pacific region. To this end, current USN planning envisages the establishment

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of two MQ-4C operating units (designated Unmanned Patrol Squadrons (VUP) -11 and -19) to service its Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Of the two, VUP-19 is expected to stand-up at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville in Florida on 1 October 2013, with VUP-11 to follow sometime later and to have its Main Operating Base (MOB) at NAS Whidbey Island in Washington. Again, VUP-11 will support the USN’s Third and Seventh Fleets (with VUP-19 serving the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Fleets, US Fleet Forces Atlantic Operations and Commander, Task Force 20) with a concept of operations that will see AVs being launched and recovered from Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and controlled from the MOB. As currently scheduled, the MQ-4C is set to achieve its IOC with the USN during 2016.

India’s P-8I programme is of perhaps greater interest in that the type has been specifically designed for the Indian Navy and incorporates a relatively high Indian off-set package. Intended to replace the service’s eight Tupolev Tu-142MK-E longrange maritime patrol and ASW aircraft (themselves upgraded with the Novella/Sea Dragon ‘complex’ (mission system) in a programme that started in 2003), the P-8I differs

South Korea has firmed-up its interest in acquiring Global Hawk UAS to boost its overall surveillance capabilities l

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from the USN’s P-8A in being equipped with an aft-facing radar (in addition to the P-8’s standard AN/APY-10 forward-looking equipment) and a MAD system. In terms of indigenous content, AMR identifies Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) as supplying its Data Link II datalink, an Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) interrogator and what is termed a “finger printing system” ; ECIL, a “speech secrecy” system; Tata Advanced Materials, the P-8I’s auxiliary power unit door fairing and radomes; Dynamatic Technologies Ltd, the type’s power and mission equipment cabinets; Avantel, the P-8I’s mobile SATellite COMmunications (SATCOM) system and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the type’s weapon bay doors, tailcone and IFF transponder. In addition (and as of 2011), four more offset contracts

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Boeing handed over its first P-8I (aircraft IN320 to the left of this picture) to the Indian Navy during December 2012 © Boeing

were being “definitized”. Looking at some of these elements in more detail, usually reliable sources suggest that the AN/APY-10 application used on the P-8I provides air-to-air and air-to-sea surface modes that are not available in the radar installed aboard the P-8A, while the type’s X-band Telephonics APS-143C(V)3 installation is designed to provide rear hemisphere coverage. Again, the P-8I’s MAD capability takes the form of Canadian contractor CAE’s AN/ASQ-508A equipment, while BEL’s Data Link II (the first of which was delivered to Boeing during 2010) provides connectivity with other aircraft, ships and shore-based facilities. Elsewhere, India’s P-8Is are compatible with depth charges, naval mines and Boeing’s AGM84L Harpoon Block II anti-shipping missile;

an armament package that India is understood to want to augment with Raytheon’s Mk 54 lightweight torpedo and Boeing’s AGM-84H SLAM-ER air-launched cruise missile. Again, identified P-8I growth options include Ultra High Frequency (UHF – 300 MHz to 3 GHz) SATCOM or mobile broadband provision, a COMmunications INTelligence (COMINT) capability, night vision goggles compatibility, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) application, additional tactical workstations (currently numbering five), additional APS-143C(V)3 modes, and the carriage of a radio frequency jamming pod. In terms of programmatics, India selected the P-8I as its Tu-142 replacement during 2009, with the country’s Ministry of Defence placing a then year USD2.1 billion order for

MAY 2013

eight aircraft (with options for four more) during the same year. The P-8I made its maiden flight on 28 September 2011, with the first aircraft being handed over to the Indian Navy during December 2012. As of February 2013, Boeing was understood to have all but completed the type’s company flight trials (with 175 sorties (more than 500 flight hours) having been completed by the 5th of the month) and was expected to deliver P-8I aircraft number two during the third quarter of 2013, with aircraft number three following in 2013’s fourth quarter. Alongside the recapitalisation of its manned maritime patrol aircraft inventory, India also appears keen to expand its use of UASs for sea surveillance. In this context, the Indian Navy is understood to have stood-up three UAS squadrons (all understood to be equipped with surveillance configured Searcher and Heron AVs) and is known to be interested in acquiring more capable unmanned platforms. Here, the service is understood to have investigated available High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UASs such as the MQ/RQ-4 and, most recently, Israeli contractor Elbit Systems has thrown its hat into the ring with a Hermes® 900 variant that is optimised for the maritime surveillance role. Publicised at the February 2013 Aero India tradeshow, Maritime Hermes® 900 is designed for naval surface warfare, economic exclusion zone monitoring and control, coastal protection, search and rescue, environmental monitoring, anti-piracy surveillance and asset protection. As such, it is equipped with line-of-sight and SATCOM datalinks and can be equipped with a mission suite that can include Selex ES’s X-band Gabianno T-200 surveillance radar, a DCoMPASS EO/Infra-Red (IR)/laser sensor, an AES 210V ES/electronic intelligence system, an AIS application and the Skyfix COMINT equipment. In addressing specific Indian requirements, Elbit have teamed with fellow Israeli contractor Windward Ltd to incorporate the latter’s satellite-based maritime analytical technology into the Hermes® architecture.

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Israeli contractor Elbit Systems used the February 2013 Aero India trade show to publicise its Maritime Hermes® 900 solution to India’s next generation maritime surveillance UAS requirement © Elbit Systems

Recent informed speculation has suggested possible Australian interest in the Guardian variant of General Atomics’ Predator B UAS as a solution to its AIR 7000 Phase 1B requirement © CBP

As a final thought concerning the current state of Asia-Pacific maritime patrol and ‘special mission’ AV provision, AMR readers should be aware that South Korea has firmed-up its interest in acquiring the Global Hawk UAS in order to boost its overall surveillance capabilities. According to the US Defense Security Agency (who notified the US Congress of a potential sale on 21 December 2012), South Korea wishes to acquire four RQ-4 Block 30 (I) AVs together with their associated Raytheon Enhanced

Integrated Sensor Suites (EISS – comprising and EO/IR imager and a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar); mission control and launch/recovery elements; a SIGINT package; an imagery intelligence exploitation system; test and training equipment; ground, operational flight test and logistical support services; communications equipment and relevant publications and technical data, with the whole costing an estimated then year USD1.2 billion. Again, the

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potential sale has been justified by South Korea’s need to assume primary responsibility for intelligence gathering on the Korean Peninsula from the US-led Combined Forces Command post 2015. While the need for the capability is selfexplanatory in terms of the region’s flash points, it will be interesting to see whether or not the US will be able to supply and/or support such AVs if national production of both the Block 30 and Block 40 RQ-4 configurations are cut back and/or axed.

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Singapore’s Defence Stance

Singapore may be the smallest country in Southeast Asia but it arguably has the region’s most able military. Perched on the tip of the Malay Peninsula where the important Malacca and Singapore Straits converge, Singapore achieves the world’s fourth-highest defence expenditure per capita. Its record FY2013 defence budget of SGD12.3 billion represents a 4.2 percent year-on-year increase for the Singapore Armed Force’s (SAF) 60,500 servicemen and 255,000 reservists.

by Gordon Arthur

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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he bedrock of the country’s military stance is the ‘Total Defence’ concept whose five pillars are military, civilian, economic, social and psychological defence. The SAF is cognisant of Singapore’s disadvantages in terms of size (710km² land area) and population (5.3 million). It has no manoeuvring space to fall back on so it cannot absorb an attack. Instead, forward defence is imperative and the SAF maintains high levels of readiness. The state has developed a surprising ability to project power well beyond its own shores, even as it seeks to leverage human and technological advantages via its much-vaunted ‘ThirdGeneration SAF’. The SAF’s strength is contingent upon National Service (NS) which requires every 18-year-old male to perform 24 months of military service and remain a reservist until the age of 40. NS may seem an anachronism for a country that does not face any credible security threat. As well as a ‘rite of passage’, it could be argued NS is a tool to promote national identity/compliance and unite a potentially divisive community. A low birth rate has tremendous implications for NS and

possible solutions are conscripting females or returning to a 30-month NS period. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong described the SAF mission as follows: “To deter any threat to our security, territorial integrity and sovereignty, and should that deterrence fail we are able to effect a swift and decisive victory.” Deterrence and diplomacy are fundamental to security as Singapore attempts to reassure neighbours such as Malaysia and Indonesia of non-aggressive intentions. As well as overcoming limited training opportunities at home, the dispersal of equipment overseas (Australia, Brunei, France, New Zealand, Taiwan, the USA and possibly India) represents Singapore as a smaller threat to neighbours. However, this policy has obvious disadvantages in terms of strategic and logistic complications if it must respond to a fast-moving crisis. Relations with powerful allies are crucial to Singapore’s wellbeing, and a significant decision was approval for the US Navy to rotationally base four Littoral Combat Ships there. USS Freedom set sail for Singapore on 1 March to initiate this new arrangement. Singapore’s location is of strategic impor-

The core of the naval combat fleet is six French La Fayette-class frigates, of which five were licence-built in Singapore © Gordon Arthur

MAY 2013

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tance to the USA as Chinese naval ships pass by to access the Indian Ocean. Singapore is a player on the international scene. The SAF has 39 troops deployed in Afghanistan to support reconstruction, while maritime task forces have been despatched on counter-piracy operations to the Gulf of Aden since April 2009. It has significant interoperability experience via the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and joint exercises with numerous other countries. Nevertheless, Singapore has minimal experience in combat operations.

Local industry

Singapore is surprisingly self-sufficient in terms of military-equipment production with the notable exception of aircraft. A vibrant industrial sector is central to Total Defence, with ST Engineering’s stable of companies dominating the scene. In FY2012, ST Engineering reported 6 percent growth in revenue. ST Kinetics (STK) is a major supplier to the army, including small arms,

artillery pieces and armoured vehicles. Exports are an important cornerstone of local industry and one of the most significant sales to date was 115 Warthog all-terrain vehicles delivered to the British Army for use in Afghanistan. Shipbuilding has been another success area. Last year ST Marine delivered a 141m-long landing plat-

ST Marine delivered a 141m-long LPD to Thailand, plus it has won a competition for four 75m OPV to Oman

form dock to Thailand, plus it has won a competition to supply four 75m offshore patrol vessels to Oman. In January, ST Aerospace received a contract from Oman’s air force to upgrade three C-130H Hercules. Unfortunately, STK was blacklisted by India in March 2012 over corruption allegations and it is debarred from participating in

defence competitions for ten years. The company has vowed to clear its name.

Sea

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) fields a proficient fleet but it recently got better after receiving two 1,500-ton Archerclass submarines. Acquired second-hand from Sweden, Kockums upgraded them for tropical service in Singapore by inserting a 12m hull plug containing a Stirling Mk III air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, as well as modernised combat data, weapon control, flank array and mine/obstacle avoidance sonar systems. The first-of-class RSS Archer was commissioned to 171 Squadron in December 2011, while RSS Swordsman should enter service mid-year. An ST Marine/Kockums joint venture known as Fortis Marine Solutions will service them plus four incumbent Challenger-class boats. The new submarines will give Singapore parity with regional neighbours, and it could well be a

RSS Dauntless is one of twelve Fearless-class patrol boats. This class will be replaced by eight new boats now under design © Gordon Arthur

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The highly capable Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle gives the air force much greater reach than was possible with F-16C/Ds © Gordon Arthur

stepping stone to even more modern boats such as Sweden’s future A26. Singapore takes very seriously its location astride one of the world’s busiest sea lanes as commercial ships ply to and from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Singapore has the world’s busiest port and it is extremely wary of terrorist and pirate attacks. With Malaysian and Indonesian support, the island state has been instrumental in clamping down on piracy via Malacca Strait Sea Patrols (MSSP) and Eyes in the Sky (EiS) maritime air patrols. Nevertheless there were 104 pirate attacks in Southeast Asia last year, this compared to 80 in 2011, with the majority occurring in Indonesian waters. At the heart of the RSN’s combat fleet are six Formidable-class frigates of 185

Squadron. The navy is extremely well equipped with missiles, including six Victory-class missile corvettes from 188 Squadron. In April 2010 a USD39.3 million Corvette Upgrade Programme was contracted and all vessels are to be upgraded by 2015. The navy also has amphibious capabilities via four locally built 6,000-ton Endurance-class amphibious transport docks. Four Bedok-class mine-countermeasures vessels are being modernised by Thales, including fitment of an integrated mine-countermeasure combat system, mine information system, hull-mounted sonar,

The navy is integrating the Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle onto Victory-class corvettes as part of their life extension programme l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

expendable mine disposal system and towed synthetic aperture sonar. The navy is pioneering the use of unmanned surface vehicles with its first operational deployment occurring back in 2005. Important news announced in January was ST Marine’s contract to design and build eight new vessels to replace Fearless-class patrol vessels. These will be built at the company’s Benoi Yard. Design work has begun and first delivery should occur in 2016.

Air

Doubtlessly the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is the most capable regional air force. It is able to strike targets across Southeast Asia and even East Asia, thanks to an intrinsic aerial-refuelling capability. The RSAF has been challenged in recent times by the global rise in unconventional threats, forcing it to balance its core homeland defence mission with new asymmetric threats. 111 Squadron’s four Gulfstream

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G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft fitted with Israeli EL/M2075 Phalcon active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar are all operational. The RSAF’s combat capability was boosted enormously when it inducted 24 F-15SG Strike Eagles featuring Raytheon’s APG63(V)3 AESA radar. These fighters have a more potent punch than existing F-16s and they will serve as the mainstay fighter until any decision is made on procuring the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Singapore has invested in the tempestuous programme as a Security Cooperation Participant. ST Aerospace is upgrading the RSAF’s ten C-130B/H Hercules transport aircraft by inserting new navigational equipment, modernised avionics and a digital ‘glass’ cockpit. The first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2010 and all should be refurbished by 2014. Singapore operates four ageing KC-135R Stratotanker tankers plus KC130s. It was the first overseas country to request information about Boeing’s KC-46 tanker as a potential replacement, but the

MAY 2013

Airbus A330 MRTT is also a strong candidate for a six-craft requirement. A peculiar fact relating to Singapore’s small size is that nearly one-third of its aircraft are based outside the territory. For example, 19 Pilatus PC-21 basic trainers reside in Western Australia. Singapore also purchased twelve Alenia Aermacchi M-346 aircraft under the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer requirement, with the first aircraft delivered last August. The M-346s will be based in Cazaux, France, and will replace incumbent Skyhawks. Singapore also contracts its F-16 pilot-training programme at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona to the USA. The air force flies all SAF helicopter assets, including six new Sikorsky S-70B Seahawks of 123 Squadron that were declared operational last May. These operate from the navy’s Formidable-class frigates. The SAF possesses 20 AH-64D The Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle is a new 8x8 platform that has been attracting attention from overseas buyers © Gordon Arthur

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This G550 CAEW aircraft with Elta’s EL/W-2085 sensor package participated in Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin last year © Gordon Arthur

Apache Longbow attack helicopters too. Meanwhile, the Israeli truck-mounted SPYDER-SR surface-to-air missile system is replacing the 30-year-old Rapier. It is rumoured Singapore is interested in Israel’s Iron Dome too. The RSAF has an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arm, possibly the most impressive in all of Asia. It operates exclusively Israeli craft – the Heron 1, Hermes 450 and Searcher II. In 2011 the Heron began replacing the Searcher. The air force’s UAV Command was established in May 2007 and it includes 116 Squadron (H-450), 128 Squadron (Heron) and 119 Squadron (Searcher). The RSAF uses the Bronco tracked vehicle as a mobile ground control station, enabling UAV operators to keep up with armoured units and to feed real-time data to relevant assets. Smaller in scale, the 8km-range Skyblade III mini-UAV is in army service, while the larger developmental Skyblade IV has a 100km range. The navy is integrating the Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle onto Victory-class corvettes as part of their life extension programme. The ScanEagle will give the navy enhanced seagoing surveillance capabilities.

Land

The army took delivery of the first of 18 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) in late 2009. The six-round system can fire 227mm rockets as far as 70km. Bravo Battery of the 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery became operational with HIMARS on 5 September 2011. Meanwhile, STK is conducting feasibility studies on a 155mm Advanced Mobile Gun System on an 8x8 chassis. The conceptual 28-tonne vehicle would offer improved strategic mobility compared to the in-service, tracked Primus self-propelled howitzer or towed Pegasus. One of the army’s most significant new vehicles is STK’s 24-tonne Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV). The Terrex was declared fully operational with the 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, in mid-2011. Production has been ramping up with a contract for 145 vehicles awarded so far. Further batches are certain, as are variants such as Command, Anti-Tank, Pioneer, Ambulance and Reconnaissance. The Terrex complements the 23-ton Bionix infantry fighting vehicle, of which 720 are estimated to be in service.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Another exciting addition for the army was 66 operational Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBT) purchased from Germany at a bargain price. Singapore initiated a major upgrade featuring IBD’s Evolution passive armour package. The MBTs now boast the German company’s fourth-generation Advanced Modular Armour Protection (AMAP) system claimed to offer twice the performance of traditional steel armour. It is believed the tanks also have an active defence system (ADS) though this has never been seen publicly. The upgraded 60-ton tank is known as the Leopard 2 SG, plus an armoured recovery vehicle (LARV) and armoured vehicle-launched bridge (L2AVLB) based on the same chassis were unveiled to the public last year. Indonesia has since selected a similarly configured Leopard 2A4 as its first ever MBT. As well as being widely used in the Singapore Army, the Bronco tracked carrier has been sold to the British Army and Thailand. It has been exhibited with Amsafe Industries’ Tarian rocket-propelled grenade net protection system as a lighter alternative to bar armour. Elite Guards units have been using STK’s manoeuvrable Spider Light

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This Singapore Army soldier displays all the major elements of the innovative Advanced Combat Man System © Gordon Arthur

Strike Vehicle (LSV) for a number of years. In late 2011 the company was awarded a SGD68 million contract to supply new-generation Spiders in 2013-14. Possessing modern weaponry and equipment does not necessarily contribute to effective armed forces. Singapore has thus invested heavily in training and equipping its infantrymen, and indeed its Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) puts it among Asia’s vanguard in terms of soldier equipment. The ACMS project was launched in 1998 and the first set of equipment weighed 25kg. However, the latest suite has been whittled down to 8kg. Under an ACMS contract awarded to ST Electronics, the 5th Singapore Infantry Regiment was the first battalion equipped in January 2010. A second battalion has subsequently been furnished though not every infantryman in a seven-man section is equipped with a full ensemble. The ACMS has five components: a Communication and Navigation Subsystem (Selex Soldier Personal Radio, GPS, deadreckoning module); Soldier Computer (1.5kg device with alphanumeric keyboard, Ad Hoc Network Communication); HeadMounted Display (four-colour organic lightemitting diode); Weapon Subsystem (shortbarrelled 5.56mm SAR 21 rifle with Modular Mounting System for an ITL MARS reflex

sight, camera, round-corner firing device and push-to-talk wireless radio); and Power Subsystem (a battery). Infantrymen also enjoy a range of other technologies like surveillance balls, remote-control surveillance vehicles, keyhole sensors and UAVs. Dismounted soldiers, digitally connected to commanders in Terrex or Bionix vehicles, have the capacity to call in air or artillery support. ACMS evaluations have demonstrated that command-and-control information reaches users twice as fast, and the time taken to locate a casualty has been reduced fourfold. The heaviest vehicle in the Singapore Army lineup is the 60-ton Leopard 2 SG upgraded with an AMAP armour package © Gordon Arthur

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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AMR NAVAL DIRECTORY 2013

Prepared by Peter Donaldson l

MAY 2013

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NAVAL DIRECTORY ncompassing many of the world’s most important trade routes, economies relatively untouched by the economic woes of the US and Europe, nascent superpowers and simmering disputes, Asia is home to a very active naval market that is absorbing some of the most capable vessels and systems that the global industry can offer. At the same time, many nations in the region are either advancing or initiating their own shipbuilding, engineering and systems integration capabilities. This edition includes basic details on Russia’s pacific fleet, which dwindled severely in the post Cold War environment but is now more active than it has been for years and is set to receive new surface combatants and submarines. Like all AMR directories, this has been compiled from open sources and the publisher would like to encourage readers to contact us with any information they may have that may make the directory more informative and accurate.

AUSTRALIA

Royal Australian Navy

Destroyers

3 Ordered

Frigates

Submarines

Hobart Air Warfare Destroyers; based on modified Navantia F-100 with Aegis. Est.

cost A$8bil. and due to enter service in 201619, in re-baselined programme two years later than original schedule [confirmed]

Minewarfare

MOTS option dropped.

Huon class (Gaeta); commissioned from 1999-2003 Replenishment and Support 1 Success AOR (Durance class); being replaced under Project 1654 Phase 3 1 Sirius tanker 1 Cantabria on lease from Spanish Navy with crew from February to November 2013 while Success refits Amphibious 3 Balikpapan LCH; may be replaced by result of Australian-Spanish collaboration 1 Tobruk LSH; set to take part In Pacific Partnership 2013 2 Building Canberra class LHD; Canberra hull arrived in Australia in October 2012, Commissioning planned for January 2014, Adelaide to follow in June 2015. Will be equipped with 12

ANZAC class (Meko); ASMD Upgrade to include ESSM, CEFAR, MU90, 9LV MK3E, Vampir IRST for all. Government intends to continue investment in ANZAC sensors and missile systems until replacement by Future Frigate. Adelaide (FFG-7); upgraded with SM-2 Block IIIA and ESSM in Mk 41 VLS since 2010. Scheduled for replacement by Hobart class. Collins class likely to serve into mid 2030s. 12 Future Submarines planned; decision in 2016-18, est cost A$40 bil. “Evolved Collins” and new designs being explored after

Royal Australian Navy Collins-class submarine HMAS Waller (SSG-75) pictured before 2013 dive trials following a period of deep maintenance. The class’ service life may be extended to 2038 © Royal Australian Navy image

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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Light Forces

8 Ordered

Navantia LCM-1E LCU Choules; former HMS Largs Bay, returned to sea in April 2013 after generator repairs ADV Ocean Shield; interim solution until LHDs come into service, to be transferred to Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in 2016

Armidale PB; Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Cape-class; Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Armidale successor due for delivery between March 2013 and August 2015. First vessel named HMAS Cape St George on 15 March 2013

NOTES: RAN and UK RN may cooperate on development of Future Frigate and Type 26 Global Combat Ship. Future frigate numbers cut from eight to six. Collins submarines' service could by extended by one seven-year operating cycle. Government intends to upgrade and extend the existing Mine Hunter Coastal and Survey Motor Launch Hydrographic vessels until the longer-term solution can be delivered. The capability provided by supply ships Success and Sirius is to be replaced at the first possible opportunity.

3 on order?

2 on order

Submarines

2 planned

Corvettes 2 2 ordered Lig ht Forces 2

1+1

1+4

BANGLADESH Bangladesh Navy

Frigates

BNS Bangabandhu; modified Daewoo Ulsan class vessel upgraded with FM-90N/HQ-7 SAM equipped with AgustaWestland AW109 [extended]

BNS Abu Bakar and BNS Ali Haider are British Type 41 Leopard class frigates due to be replaced by Type 053H2 Jianghu-III class frigates, two of which will take over the names. BNS Abu Bakar, BNS Ali Haider and one other are ex-PRC Navy Type 053H2 Jianghu-III Class guided missile frigates Surplus US Coast Guard Hamilton class cutters to transfer to Bangladesh Navy during 2013-2014 and refit with missile systems Osman (PRC type 053H1 Jianghu II class) Negotiations on-going with 'friendly country', probably China Durjoy class Type 056 class

Dhaleshwari (RN Castle class) OPVs; commissioned in April 2011 Kapatakhaya OPV (UK Island class) Mahumnati PB (ROK Sea Dragon class) LPC; first vessel launched at Wuchang Shipyard in August 2012, missile and gun equipped Padma class 50 m patrol vessels are built locally by Khulna Shipyard, armed with 37 mm and 20 mm cannons. Padma commissioned in Jan 2013, four more are due for delivery in December Nirbhoy PB (PRC Hainan class) Salam/Barkat (PRC Haizhui class)

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

1 4

4 16

MCM

Karnaphuli PB (Yugo. Krajievika class) Durdharsha FAC (PRC Huangfeng class) Durbar Missile FAC (PRC Hegu class) BN name unknown (PRC Type 025 Huchuan class) Shaheed FAC (PRC Shanghai II class); four vessels previously transferred to Coast Guard Titash FAC (ROK Sea Dolphin class); based at Chittagong Defender class PB donated by US

Shapla Class (UK River class); one ship also equipped for hydrographic survey 1 Sagar (PRC T43 class); equipped with Celsius Tech CMAS 36/29 mine detection sonar in 1998 Amphibious Warfare 2 Shah Poran LCU; ex-US Army 5 Darshak LCT (PRC Yuchin class) 1 LSL 3 LCVP

NOTES: Requirement for AOR still not acted upon. Defence budget to grow by seven percent in 2013, naval funding expected to increase to help police internationally established EEZ with Myanmar and reportedly seeking two F-22P/Type 054 based frigates from China. The government announced in February that it had agreed to buy two submarines from an unspecified ally.

BRUNEI

Royal Brunei Navy

Light Forces

Darussalam 80 m Lurssen PV80 OPV Waspada Missile FAC; to be replaced by

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3 4

Darussalams, with two transferred to Indonesia Perwira PB Ijhtihad class Pbs; Lurssen built, commissioned in March and August 2010 LCU

NOTES: Indonesia has agreed to buy three BAE Systems Nakhoda Ragam F2000 design frigates from Brunei following a November MoU signed by the two countries and a subsequent meeting between defence ministers. The purchase was reported still to be in the planning stage in January.

CAMBODIA

Royal Cambodian Navy

Light Forces

Modified Stenka class; Soviet era acquisition in 1987, new gun, engines radars in mid 1990s Kaoh Class; Built by

2 15

Hong Leong-Lurssen Shipyard 21m FPBs from Fassmer numbered M 1105 and M 1106 Nine Chinese patrol boats reportedly delivered in 2007 following six in 2005

Notes: Extremely modest forces supplemented by a mixture of Soviet and, increasingly, Chinese sourced patrol boats and amphibious forces.

CHINA

People’s Liberation Army Navy Aircraft Carriers 1 Liaoning; former RFS Varyag being refurbished at Dalian, completed several trials in 2012 before commissioning on 25 September. Official establishment of

2-3 Uncertain

Destroyers 2+6 Ordered

carrier-borne aviation force announced on 10 May 2013. ‘Indigenous Carriers’; reports of two being built at Changxingdao yard described as "not accurate" by Song Xue, CoS of PLA Navy on 23 April 2013. "The next aircraft carrier we need will be larger and carry more fighters." Type 052D; lead ship of new Luyang III class launched in August 2012, expected in service in 2014, equipped with PLAN's first multipurpose vertical launch system. Hangzhou class (Ru. Sovremenny class);

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2 2+4

2 1 2

Frigates

12 +6 building 2 14

AsuW focus via SS-N-22 Sunburn missiles Luzhou/Type 051C class; based in North Sea fleet Luyang II/052C class; based with South Sea Fleet, 6 expected by end 2013 Luyang I/Type 052B; incorporates stealth features Shenzen/Type 051B; better known as Luhai Harbin; better known as Luhu class Luda class, total combination of Types 051 / 051D / 051DT / 051G / 051GII / 051Z

Jiangkai II/Type 054A class; a potential requirement for 26 Jiangkai I/Type 054 Jiangwei I/Jiangwei II; a combination of Type

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 053H3 frigate (NATO code name Jiangwei II) Mianyang. The 2,393 ton vessel is pictured here on a visit to Sydney. ÂŠ Royal Australian Navy image

6 Ordered

Corvettes 1+5

Submarines 3+2 Ordered

2+4

053H2G and Type 053H3 vessels Jianghu I/II/III/IV/V; several ships have been transferred to export customers, some PLAN vessels relegated to training Type 056 light frigate; 1800 tonne design 30 + requirement significant focus on export markets

13 8 10 2 14 8

Type 056 Jiangdao; at least 6 reported launched in 2012, first entered service in Feb 2013, requirement for 20-30 anticipated.

Light Forces 18

Type 094 Jin-class SSBN

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Type 092 Xia-class SSBN; probably not operational Shang/Type 093-class SSN; two operational, four improved Shangs reported under construction Han/Type 091-class SSN; troubled design being replaced by Shang Song Type 039 SSK Yuan Type 039A SSP with air-independent propulsion Kilo Project 636/M Kilo Project 877EKM Ming-class Romeo-class, training and reserve only

Houxin-class missile FAC; production ongoing, missile equipped Hainan class Houijan-class missile

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FAC; production ongoing Type 022 Houbei-class missile FAC; production ongoing, equipped with C802/C705 missiles, entered service in 2005, catamaran stealth design Haiji-class large patrol craft; leaving service Hainan PB

95 Minewarfare 1 Wozang class MCMV 38 T43 mineweepers; over half in reserve Amphibious forces 3 Kunlunshan/Yuzhao/ Type 071-class LPD; two entered service in 2012 6 Planned Type 081 Helicopter carriers; built at Dalian and Wuchang yards 20 Yuting I/II class LST;

construction continuing 7 Yukan Type 702 LST 28 Yuliang Type 079 LSM 10 Yunshu LSM Replenishment vessels 1 Nanyun class AOR 2 Fuqing class AOR 2 Fuchi class AOR

NOTES: US DoD expects aircraft carrier Liaoning to embark an operational air wing after 2015. JIN-class SSBN expected to carry new 4,000 nm range JL-2 SLBM. Next generation Type 096 SSBN and Type 095 SSGN programmes expected to proceed over next decade. PLAN is expected to build more than 12 Luyang III DDGs to replace Luda class. PLAN developing naval version of DH-10 cruse missile. May build a base in Seychelles.

1 Ordered

INDIA

Indian Navy

Aircraft Carriers

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refit has extended life by three years, could refit again in 2016 to operate until first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) enters service around 2018. INS Vikramaditya (Ru Admrial Gorshkov); reportedly being painted below waterline at Sevmash yard before June sea trials and December hand over to Indian Navy. Indigenous Aircraft Carrier; launch of first vessel Vikrant, of 40,000 tonnes, expected 12 August 2013 at Cochin, commissioning in 2017-18. Second, larger vessel of 65,000 tonnes, INS Vishal, planned for around 2025

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NAVAL DIRECTORY Destroyers

3 5

3 Ordered 4 Planned Frigates

2+1

3 3 1 3

7 Ordered

Corvettes

4 12

2 4 4 Ordered

Delhi-class Rajput-class (Ru Kashin/Kashin II) Kolkata Project 15A-class; due to be delivered in 2013-14 Imp. Kolkata/Project 15B-class; first vessel to be delivered in 2018

Talwar class; modified Russian Krivak IIIs Talwar, Trishul and Tabar commissioned between June 2003 and April 2004 Imp. Talwar; costs from $1.2bil to 1.5bil. Brahmos missile capable, Teg and Tarkash commissioned April and November 2012, Tarikand set for delivery summer 2013. Brahmaputra-class/ Project 16A Godvari/Project 16 Nilgiri (Leander class) Shivalik/Project 17; last ship inducted in July 2012 Project 17A; $9 billion project divided between Mazagon Docks (4) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders (3), equipped with Barak-2 Khukri/Type 25; all based at Vishakapatnam Kora/Type 25A Veer/Tarantul I-class; all based at Mumbai Prabal/Tarantul IV-class Abhay/Pauk II-class Kamorta/Project 28; stealth ASW frigates, third vessel launched by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd on 26 March 2013, a fourth planned for 2014. A further eight planned.

Submarines 10

6 Ordered

6 Planned

1+2 Planned 1

Lig ht Forces

7 4 2 10 1+5

MCM

Sindhughosh/Kilo Project 877EM/8773; last of seven planned boats completed upgrade in July at Zvezdochka shipyard P75 Scorpene SSK; uncertainty surrounds project as Indian builder Mazagon Dock Ltd reports an 18-month delay from 2015 deadline while DCNS insists it is on track. French ambassador announces 2014 first delivery. Project value estimated at Rs 23,562 crores (around $4.071 billion). P75I; AIP equipped first two ships built overseas. The DCNS Super Scorpene, ThyssenKrupp Marine with its HDW Type 214/216, Navantia S-90 and Russian Amur 1650 are expected to bid Shishumar/Type 209/1500, upgrade to operate Harpoon mooted Arihant SSBN, due to enter service in 2015 INS Chakra/Project 971 Akula II, leased from Ru. in 2009 entered service in 2012 DSRV; RFI issued early 2011

Pondichery/Ru. Natya/ Project 266M-class upgrading with Thales equipment 2 Mahe-class (Yevgenya) 2 Ordered Osprey class, ex-USN vessels 8 Order imminent Minesweepers; Korea's Kangnam selected to build first two, further six to be built by India's Goa shipyard. Amphibious Warfare 1 Jalashwa/US Austin-class LPD 5 Polnochny 2 Magar-class LST 8 LCU 8 Ordered LCU; first block cutting in September, first delivery in October 2013 Replenishment and Support 2 Fleet carriers Jyoti and Aditya 2 Deepak class Fleet Tankers; $210m order with Fincantieri, first vessel INS Deepak commissioned Jan. 2011

Sukanya patrol ships; first 3 built in Korea, Saryu; built by Goa Shipyard Super Dvora II-class Bangaram/SDB Mk5 PB SDB Mk3 PB Car Nicobar Makar-class; catamaran survey vessels with secondary patrol capability

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NOTES: The Indian Navy has issued its tenyear plan to acquire naval platforms under the Maritime Perspective Plan (MPP) issued in April covering nearly 100 ships with 50 currently under construction. Plans for Navy’s INS Kadamba deep-water naval base in Karwar, close to Goa, known as Phase-IIA, close to being given go ahead. INS Vikramaditya will be based there. MoD's capital budget for 2012–13 is overwhelmingly focused on the Navy which has received a 72 percent hike in its modernisation to INR241.51 billion. Defence ministry report leaked in April anticipates low point of 6-7 active submarines in 2015 as Kilos and 209s begin phasing out, according to Indian media.

INDONESIA

Indonesian Navy

Frigates

1 ordered

Corvettes

Ahmad Yani (Ne. Van Speijk) SIGMA 10514-class; 2400 tonne, first ship built by Damen in $220 mil., delivery in 2017 and up to 19 vessels built locally

3 4 16 3

Submarines

3 Ordered

Light Forces

4 4 4 4 8

Fatahillah Diponegoro/Sigma class; final ship transferred in March 2009 Pattimura/Parchim class; re-engined in 2005 Purchase agreed F2000 Nakhoda Ragham; BAE Systems design.

Cakra/Type 209/1300; Daewoo refurbishment in ROK underway Type 209/1200; ROKN Chang Bo design, deal announced Dec. 2011 with two boats built in Korea the third by PT Pal in Surabaya

Dagger-class Missile FAC; built in Korea Kakap class PB (PB57) Andau class FAC (FPB57) Todak class PB57; two converted to carry C802 ASuMs Sibaru class (ex-Aus. Attack-class) Boa class patrol boats

The Indonesian Navy corvette KRI Wiratno is a former East German Navy Parchim class vessel. She is pictured here between Australia and Indonesia with HMAS Maryborough © Royal Australian Navy image

MAY 2013

MCM

2 9

Amphibious

Pulau Rengat (Tripartite) Pulau Rote (GDR Kondor II-class)

Makassar LPD; third and the first locally built vessel commissioned Nov 2009, the last Banda Aceh handed over in March 2011 6 Teluk Semangka; Tacoma type LSTH 12 Teluk Gelimanuk LSM (GDR Frosch-class) 3 Kupang-class LCU Replenishment and Support 1 Arun oiler (UK Green Rover) 1 Sorong Replenishment Tanker 1 Tanjung Dr Soeharso (ex Dalpele); transport hospital ship 6 Troop transports converted from liners and ferries: KRI Tanjung Oisina, Tanjung Nusanive, Tanjung Fatagar, Karang Pilang, Karang Tekok, Karang Banteng

NOTES: Indonesia has a requirement for around 20 frigates largely based on Damen's SIGMA 10514 design and built by PT Pal. MoD say that there are plans to field 10-12 submarines in 2024. New submarine base opened in Palu, central Sulawesi in April 2013. Indonesia has agreed to buy three BAE Systems Nakhoda Ragam F2000 design frigates from Brunei following a November MoU signed by the two countries and a subsequent meeting between defence ministers. The purchase was reported still to be in the planning stage in January.

JAPAN

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Helicopter Carrier

Hyuga-class ‘DDH’; carries 3 SH-60K with

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The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter carrying destroyer JDS Hyuga (DDH 181), left, conducts a replenishment at sea with US fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl © US Navy image

Destroyer

4 2 2

5 9 6 8 1+5 Ordered 1+1 Ordered

1 Ordered Frigates

Submarines

5+4 Ordered

option of further 7 SH60K or MCH-101. Hyuga commissioned in March 2009, in March 2011, built by IHI Marine

Atago class; 10,000 tonnes, Aegis-equipped Kongo-class; 9,500 tonnes, also Aegis-equipped, to receive SM-3 for BMD Hatakaze-class; command capable Shirane; to be replaced by ‘22DDH’ Takanami-class Murasame-class Asagiri-class Hatsuyuki-class Akizuki/19DD; to replace Hatsuyuki 22DDH; FoC keel laid in Jan. 2012, delivery in 2014 a 24,000 tonne design to replace Shirane-class New 5,000 tonne ASW destroyer Abukuma

Soryu-class; 9th vessel ordered in FY2013 budget

11 3

MCM

5 2 3

2 Ordered 12

Lig ht Forces

Kawasaki P1 MPAs, life extension work for Hatsuyuki (3), Asagiri (6), Abukuma (4) and Hatakaze (1) destroyers and submarines Oyashio and Uzushio.

Oyashio-class; life to be extended by five years to boost sub numbers Harushio-class; remaining three of seven reported to be training submarines

NORTH KOREA

Korean Peoples Navy

Frigates

Uraga, MCMC support ships Yaeyama class minesweepers; funding for replacement class in 2013 budget Uwajima minesweepers Niijima-class Hirashima coastal minesweepers Improved Hirashima Sugashima coastal minesweepers

2 1

Submarines 23

20-25 30 Light Forces 10

Hayabusa PB

Amphibious and support

3 2 2 12 2 3

Oosumi-class LPD Yusoutei-class LCU Yura class LCU LCM Mashuu class AOE Towada class AOE

NOTES: The two Atago and four Kongo class ships will receive the Standard Missile-3 interceptor. The country's Coast Guard has been given increased funding to acquire large patrol vessels to patrol islands contested by China. FY 13 budget request included Y72.3 billion for construction of a new 5,000-tonne destroyer “25DD”, 2 x

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Najin-clas Soho; six were planned but no further activity

Romeo-class; operational status in doubt Sang-O class coastal subs Yugo/Yono midget subs

Soju Missile FAC (Ru. I-Osa class) 12 Osa-class Misile FAC 19 SO-1 class 12 Komar-class Missile FAC 6 Hainan-class 62 Chaho-class 52 Chong-Jin-class 6 Chong-Ju - class 13 Shanghai II class 12 Taechong-class 37 Sin-Hung-class 88 Ku Song 33 Sinpo Amphibious Forces 8 Hantae-class LSMs 16 Hungnam-class LSMs 100 Nampo-class LCPs 7 Hanchon-class LCMs 130 Kongbang-class hovercraft

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NAVAL DIRECTORY 3

Tsaplya ACV

Replenishment and Support

RoK Navy 5,250 tonne destroyer Chungmugong Yi Sun-Shin (975) pictured in the Sea of Japan in March 2012. Launched in 2002, she is the lead KDX II vessel © US Navy image

Chung Jee

NOTES: Studies into enhancing maritime defences in contested waters against the North but also in islands claimed by Japan and China. Has a requirement to replace midget sub with five new boats. The ROKN has requested 18 UGM-84L HARPOON Block II All-Up-Round Missiles worth $18 million. A new base at Baengnyeong island is being built.

MALAYSIA SOUTH KOREA

Republic of Korea Navy Destroyers 3 Sejong Daewang (KDX3); third ship the Ryu Seong-ryong, plans for three more ships cancelled in favour of KDX-2X, based on DDG-51 Flight IIA 6 Chungmugong Yi Sun Shin (KDX-2); 6 more Aegis equipped KDX-2X vessels planned for 2019-26 3 King Kwanggaeto (KDX-1) Frigates 9 Ulsan-class; to be replaced by FFX programme 5 Ordered Incheon-class FFX; being produced by Hyundai Heavy Industries and STX, commissioned from 2013-2018. A total of 20 are required. 1 active, 2 under construction Corvettes 20 Po Hang; Cho-An (Cheonan) lost in 2010, to be replaced by FFX, steadily being decommissioned with the Kun San recently

Lig ht Forces

3+6/11 80

Submarines

3+6

9 2

MCM

6 1

Amphibious 1+1 Ordered

3 2 10

Royal Malaysian Navy

Frigates

being transferred to Colombia Dong Hae; to be replaced by FFX too

Corvettes

4 6

Gumdoksuri missile FAC Chamsuri/’Sea Dolphin’ PB; to be replaced by Gumdoksuri

6 Ordered

Lekiu-class; BAE Systems F2000 design

Laksamana class Kedah-class (Meko 100 RMN); last Kedah commissioned on Nov 28th 2010 Katsuri (Type FS 1500); SLEP began in 2009 Next-Generation Patrol Vessels; Gowind class ships from DCNS

Son Won Il KSS-2 (Type 214); Batch 1 production by HHI complete, two of six in next batch being built by Daewoo with first from that yard due to be commissioned in 2014 Chang Bogo Type 209/1200 SSK; MLU funded in 2013 budget KSS-1 Dolograe midget subs, ADD has shown KSS 500A design as possible replacement Cosmos midget subs

Dokdo LHD; third vessel planned Alligator LST LCM

NOTES: Second batch of Lekiu class frigates

Light Forces 4 4 6 17 Submarines 2

MCM

Scorpene Class; based at Sepanggar Naval base, training and support from DCINAFCO

Mahamiru (Lerici) Minehunters Amphibious and Support 1 TLDM Bunga Mas Lima Auxiliary 1 Gunga Mas Lima; helicopter capable support ship 2 Sri Indera Sakti Class; Combat Support Ship

Yangyang-AM (I-Kang Keong) MCMV Ganggyeong MCMV Won San; minelayer

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Handalan Missile FAC Perdana Missile FAC Jerong Gun FAC CB90

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reportedly planned, leading to eventual fleet of 6. Expansion of the submarine fleet is also reportedly under consideration. Reports that RMN considering acquiring ex-US FFG-7 and Whidbey Island-class LSD.

MYANMAR

Myanmar Navy

Frigates

1+1 building Corvettes

3 1

Light Vessels 6 9 2 9 12 3

Jianghu II-class (Project 053H1) Aung Zeya class built by Myanmar Naval Dockyard

Anawratha-class ‘Stealth ship’ reportedly entered service in 2012 Houxin Missile FAC Myanmar-class PB Osprey-class OPV Hainan-class PGM PB PB90

NOTE S: Building up forces to match Bangladesh. ‘Stealth ship’ pictured on Myanmar navy Facebook page.

to operate as a tanker but continues as cargo vessel with reduced capacity until replacement. Statement of Intent for 2013-16 includes start of frigate systems upgrade and remediation of MRV HMNZS Canterbury. Remedial work on Project Protector vessels planned. US has lifted ban on naval visits to New Zealand. Pakistan Navy

PAKISTAN Frigates

4 5 1

Submarines

2 2

Light Forces

NEW ZEALAND

Royal New Zealand Navy

Frigates

Light Vessels

2 4

ANZAC class (MEKO 200); Platform Systems Upgrade on HMNZS Te Mana completed in late 2010

Protector OPV Lake-class Inshore Patrol Vessels, entered service in 2009 Replenishment and Support 1 Canterbury MRV; part of Project Protector 1 Endeavour Fleet Tanker; due to be replaced by 2017/18 1 Manawanui Dive Support Vessel NOTES: Increased defence budget by 9 percent for 2013. Tanker Endeavour no longer complies with environmental requirements

1 2

Zulfiquar (Chinese F-22P) Tariq (UK Type 21) Almagir (US FFG-7); transferred to Pakistan Khalid (Agosta 90B); all vessels to receive MESMA AIP Hashmat (Agosta 70) MG 110 Midget-sub; enlarged SX756 design

Azmat-class FAC; missile equipped first boat built in China, second in Pakistan based on Houjianclass (Type 037/2) equipped with eight C-802A/CSS-N-8 Saccade ASuW Larkana-class Jalalat-class

2 1 2

2 12

MCM

Jurrat-class Town-class PB Multi-Role Tactical Platform-33 MRTP-15 fast patrol craft Griffon class hovercraft (UK)

Munsif-class (Tripartite)

Replenishment and Support

1 1 2 1 1 2

Moawin (Ne. Poolster) Nasr (PRC Fuqing) Coastal oil tankers (PNS Gwadar, Kalmat) Hydrographic vessel (PNS Behr Paima) Dredger (PNS Behr Krusha) Small tankers/utility ships (PNS Madadgar, Rasadgar) Gulf Craft

NOTES: In talks with China about a replacement of all current subs. Agosta 90s described as 'good' but old Agosta 70s as 'decrepit' by former Australian defence attaché to Pakistan. Reports that Pakistan may acquire four modified F22P using systems from Type 054A with unit cost of approximately $200m. Fourth F22P and the first locally built, PNS Aslat, commissioned in April 2013. Economic and political difficulties make transfer of US FFG-7 class frigates or UK Type 42 destroyers to replace Type 21s

Pakistan Navy destroyer Shahjahan (D-186) is an ex-Royal Navy Type 21. These extensively modified ships are to begin decommissioning during 2013 as the service adopts Chinese designs © US Navy image

MAY 2013

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NAVAL DIRECTORY unlikely. First of the Type 21s, PNS Badr, decommissioned in April 2013. Plans to acquire HDW type 214 submarines reportedly on hold due to lack of money.

PHILIPPINES

Philippines Navy

Frigates

Corvettes

2 6 3

Light Vessels

2 22 2 10 8 3

BRP Rajah Humabon (US Cannon); to be replaced by USCG Hamilton Ramon Alcaraz (ex-USCG Hamilton Cutters); unit cost $13.8m ex-US AsuW and AAW upgrades funded in 2013 budget

Rizal (US Auk) Miguel Malvar (US PCE) Jacinto (UK Peacock); AsuW and AAW upgrades funded in 2013 budget

Mariano Alvarez (US Cyclone) Aguinaldo Class Jose Andrada Class PC 394 (USCG Pointclass Cutter) Conrado Yap Class Tomas Batillo Class (ROKN Chamsuri PKM Class) Kagitingan Class

NOTES: The Philippine Navy (PN) has published its 15 year $11.5b plans for ‘Philippine Fleet Desired Force Mix’ comprising six antiair warfare frigates each with a helicopter; 12 anti-submarine warfare corvettes also with its own helicopter; 18 Offshore Patrol Vessels, three submarines and three Mine Counter Measure Vessels. Support and deployment of ground forces by sea will be provided by Four Strategic Sealift Vessels which together would be capable of deploying a brigade of Marines or similar with each vessel equipped with two Multi-Purpose Helicopters. Other support forces would include 18 Landing Craft Utility, three Logistics Support/ Replenishment Ships, three Ocean tugs and

six other tugs. The Navy also seeking 12 Cyclone class Coast Patrol Interdiction Craft, 30 Patrol gunboats, 42 Multi-Purpose Assault Craft and 24 Rigid Hull Inflatables. Philippines government reportedly plans to spend P18 billion on two new frigates to be based on western seaboard, source may be Spain, South Korea or Singapore.

RUSSIA

Pacific Fleet

Heavy nuclear powered Guided

missile cruisers 1 Inactive Project 11442 Orlan (Kirov) class 'battlecruiser' Admiral Lazarev (ex Frunze). Plans to upgrade and reactivate Lazarev and others discussed in Russian media Guided missile cruisers 1 Slava Class cruiser Varyag) Large anti-submarine ships 4 Project 1155 Udaloy class destroyers including Admiral Panteleyev (BPK 548), Marshall Shaposhnikov (BPK 543), Admiral Vinogradov (BPK 554) and Admiral Trubuts (BPK 552), all active Destroyers 4 Project 956 Sovremenny class ships of uncertain serviceability, only 715 Bystryy believed active Guard ships 2 Small anti-submarine ships 9 Project 1124M Grisha III and IV

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Russian Navy guided missile cruiser Varyag (011) works with the US Navy in the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Eagle. Varyag represents an increasingly active Pacific fleet © US Navy image

Fast attack craft

Project 12341 Nanchuka III class

Missile boats 11 Project 1241/12411 Tarantul I/III class Ocean minesweepers 2 Project 266ME Natya class Coastal minesweepers 7 Project 1265 Sonya class Large landing ships 4+2 Includes Project 775 Ropucha class vessels Peresvet and Admiral Nevelskoy, Oslyabya and Project 1171 Tapir/ Alligator class ship Nikolay Vilkov. Two French-designed Mistral BPCs named Vladivostok and Sevastopol reportedly earmarked for Pacific fleet. Landing craft 4 1 project 11770 Serna class and 3 Project 1176 Ondatra class Logistic support vessels Includes tankers such as Pechenga, rescue ships, tugs, ammunition ships, repair ships Nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) 4 +1 Project 667BDR (Delta III) submarines: K-223 Podolsk, K-433 Sv. Georgiy Pobedonosets,

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Zelenograd and K-44 Ryazan reportedly based at Vilyuchinsk on the Kamchatka Peninsular. Project 955 Borey class submarine Alexander Nevsky reportedly preparing to join the Pacific fleet. Nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGN) 5 Believed to include Project 949 Oscar II vessels K150 Tomsk, K456 Vilychinsk and K186 Omsk plus Project 949A subs K132 Irkutsk and K442 Chelyabinsk, some inactive Multipurpose nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) 5 Believed to include Project 971 Akula 1 vessels K295 Samara, K322 Kashalot, K331 Magadan, K391 Bratsk and K419 Kuzbass, some inactive Diesel submarines (SSK) 8 Project 877 Kilo class

NOTES: Fleet now active after long dormancy. First Borey class SSBN could be joined by three more by 2020; Delta IIIs to be decommissioned. Four project 885 Severodinsk SSNs expected after 2015. Mistrals expected in 2014/15. Project 1164 CG Marshall Ustinov may join Pacific fleet after repairs. Project 1144 CGN Admiral

Nakhimov may join Pacific fleet by end of decade. Other surface combatants expected include Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes. Miscellaneous new ships including Project 18280 reconnaissance vessel Yuriy Ivanov, Project 21980 antisabateur vessels, Project 11770 Serna and Project 21820 Dugon landing craft also anticipated. Reportedly re-arming the submarine base on Kamchatka peninsular, negotiating for naval bases in Yemen and Vietnam.

SINGAPORE

Republic of Singapore Navy Frigates 6 Formidable-class (Fr. mod. La Fayette); now operational with S-70B Sikorsky Seahawks Submarines 4 Conqueror (Ne. Sjoormen-class) 2 Archer (Swe. Vastergotland-class) Light Forces 6 Victory-class; missile corvettes now operating ScanEagle UAVs 11 Fearless-class patrol vessels MCM 4 Bedok (Landsort) Republic of Singapore Navy Endurance class LPD RSS Endeavour in the Gulf of Aden with USS George HW Bush (CVN-77). The Endurance class are the RSN’s largest ships © US Navy image

Amphibious

Support

Endurance LSTs with well dock and flight deck

Submarine rescue vessel (MV Swift Rescue)

NOTES: New submarine rescue agreement signed with Royal Australian Navy. Mindef ordered eight new ships from ST Engineering to replace Fearless class patrol vessels from 2016.

SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan Navy

Light Vessels

1 1

4 4 3 3 3 6 5 10

Sukanya OPV P621 (USCG Courageous PB) Vikram class OPV Jayasagara OPV Nandimithra Class Saar 4 FAC Ranarisi (Mod. Shanghai II) FAC Weeraya (Shanghai II) Ranajaya (Haizhui) Prathapa (PRC Lushun Class) Super Dvora Mk. I Super Dvora Mk. II Dvora Trinity Marine class ROK ‘Killer’ FAC Shaldag-class FAC Trinity Marine-class PB Colombo FAC

2 1 1

Yunnan LSM Yuhai LCT M10 Hovercraft

2 1 2 1 5 7 2

Amphibious

TAIWAN

Republic of China Navy

Destroyers

Frigates

6 8

Light Forces

MAY 2013

Kee Lung (US Kidd-class)

Cheng Kung (Mod. US Perry) Kang Ding (Mod. Fr. La Fayette) Chi Yang (US Knox)

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NAVAL DIRECTORY 1 Ordered

12 47 2

8 30 Submarines 2

MCM

Hsun Hai (Swift Sea); new catamaran corvette design to be equipped with HF-2E land attack cruise and HF-3 AsuW supersonic missiles, due to enter service in 2014. A total fleet of 12 planned Jin Chiang OPV; 7 of class to be equipped with HF-3 ASuW Hai Ou (Dvora) Missile FAC Lung Chiang Missile FAC Ning Hai Kunh Hua VI

Hai Lung/Sea Dragon SSK (Mod. Ne. Zwaardvis) 2 Hai Shih (US Guppy II) training

Osprey Minehunters; delivered to Taiwan in August 4 Yung Feng (MWV-50) minehunters 4 Yung Yang (US Aggressive) 4 Adjutant/MSC 268 minesweepers Amphibious and Support 2 Chung He LST (US Newport-class) 1 Xu Hai (US Anchorage class) LSD 1 Wu Yi AOE-530 oiler 3 Wu Kang transports 1 Da Quan survey ship (AGS-1601)

NOTES: All Hai Ou retired in by mid-2012. Reports of plans to acquire 2-4 four Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates to replace Knox/Chi Yang-class frigates.

THAILAND

Royal Thai Navy

Aircraft Carrier

Chakri Naruebet CVM, operates as helicopter carrier, rarely goes to sea, being equipped with

Frigates

2 Planned

2 4

Corvettes

2 2 3 1 Lig ht Vessels

3 3 2 3

MCM

2 2 2

Saab 9LV Mk4 CMS

'New Frigates'; $1bil. Funding agreed by government in September, DW3000H from South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering reportedly selected Phutta Yofta (US Knox-class) Naresuan (PRC Jianghu Type 25T); upgrade inc. Sea Giraffe and 9LVCMS Chao Phraya (PRC Jianghu 053HT/HT(H)) Makut Rajakumarn; training vessel Pattani; OPV built by Hudong Shipyard Rattanakosin-class Tapi (US PF103 class) Khamronsin class; taken on OPV roles Modified UK River class, locally built to BAE Systems design

Hua Hin PB Chon Buri Gun FAC Ratcharit Missile FACM Prabprarapak Missile FAC Sat Tahip PB

Lat Ya (Gaeta) Bang Rachan Bangkeo-class (Bluebird) 1 Thalang; MCM Support Ship Amphibious and Support Force 1 Ang Thong LPD; modified Endurance class LPD $155 mil. Delivered to RTN in April 2012 1 Similian (PRC Fusu AOR) 2 Normed-class LST

NOTES: Plans to acquire ex-Bundesmarine Type 206A SSK collapsed earlier this year

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

with funding reallocated to new frigates although reports RTN is interested in PRC Type 039s. Agreed to buy nine Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles for the two Naresuan class frigates in Jan 2013. Plans to accept two surplus US Navy Oliver Hazard Perry frigates held up by failure of transfer bill in US Congress.

VIETNAM

Vietnamese Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Navy

Frigates

5 2+2

Petya II Class Dinh Tien Hoang; Project 11661 Gepard Corvettes and Light Forces 4 Tarantul I 1241RE 6+4 Tarantul /Project 1241.8 Missile FAC 2 Imp. Pauk Project 1241.2 4+2 Svetylak PB 1041.2 8 OSA II FAC 5 Turya FAC 4 Shershen FAC 18 Zhuk/Mod. Zhuk PB 2 Poluchat PB 4 Stolkraft-class 22.5 m patrol vessel Submarines 6 Ordered Kilo Project 636M; ordered in December 2010 worth around $2.8billion; builder Rubin says the first will be delivered during 2013 2 Yugo-class Midget subs Mine Warfare 2 Yurka minesweeper 2 Yevgenya minesweeper 4 Sonya Minesweepers Miscellaneous Various amphibious landing ships and auxiliaries of US and Soviet origin

NOTES: Plans to build SS-N-25 Switchblade locally under agreement with Russia. 2012 defence budget saw a leap in spending by 35 percent. Vietnam and Damen Schelde reportedly finalising contract for four Sigma frigates. Second pair of Gepard frigates reportedly scheduled for delivery by Zelenodolsk Shipyard in 2016 and 2017.

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In May, DARPA asked industry for information on technologies that can provide digitised squads of 9-13 members with better tactical awareness for a mile around ÂŠ DARPA image

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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Dismounted ISTAR While soldiers have always functioned as sensors, now they are among the greatest producers and consumers of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) information for immediate tactical use and for building a long-term understanding of the operational theatres and human cultures in which they find themselves.

by Peter Donaldson

uch capabilities are central to soldier systems developments around the world and are rapidly evolving thanks to new sensors for soldiers to carry and for better, faster means of exploiting existing ISTAR sources.

ACMS on exercise

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), for example, put its dismounted soldier ISTAR capabilities through their paces in December when troops equipped with the Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) exercised in seven-man tactical sections at the Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF) within the Lim Chu Kang training area. Developed by Singapore Technologies Engineering, ACMS is a key element of the 3rd Generation SAFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progressive provi-

MAY 2013

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A US Army soldier launches an Aerovironment RQ-11 Raven lightweight UAV, a key use of which is to capture insurgent activity on video including the planting of IEDs © US Army image

sion of network capabilities to tactical units, enabling them to get the most of their ISTAR capabilities. With the section commanders and team leaders equipped with the ACMS, says Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MinDef), the section becomes part of a larger network that can tap into the wider resources of the battalion and call for more responsive and precise fire support. “These sections function not only as fighting units but also as ground sensors, tracking the positions of friendly and hostile forces and feeding images back to the command headquarters for enhanced command and control of the battlefield.” ACMS includes a helmet-mounted display that can show satellite pictures, digital maps with positions of friendly forces and detected hostile forces imagery from various sensors. The section commander is to have a camera attached to his SAR-21 assault rifle that will enable him to capture images and

transmit them to higher levels of command using buttons on the rifle’s hand guard. Additional ACMS sensors include a surveillance ball, a small Unmanned Ground Vehicle and a key-hole sensor.

ISTAR Concepts and Solutions

In August of last year, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) awarded QinetiQ a £6.4 million prime contract for four years of research under the ISTAR Concepts and Solutions (ICS) programme, which is intended to drive the next generation of ISTAR developments in

ACMS is a key element of the 3rd Generation SAF’s progressive provision of network capabilities to tactical units l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

all domains, including that of the dismounted soldier. The idea, says QinetiQ, is to apply the best science and technology to demonstrate cost-effective solutions that will significantly improve the information and intelligence available to UK armed forces, either by developing new technologies or by other means such as challenging current operational practice. ICS, which includes the industry-led collaborative environment known colloquially as the “ICS Engine Room”, and which QinetiQ has been selected to lead, is managed by MoD staff at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), working closely with colleagues in industry and academia. “QinetiQ is delighted to have the opportunity to work with DSTL on the ICS project”, said Jeremy Ward, Managing Director of QinetiQ’s C4ISR Division. “We will lead a strong, pan-industry and academia team, which includes some of the UK’s most respected scientists, engineers and academics. The team will provide the MoD with access to world leading innovations in C4ISTAR technology and will explore novel ISTAR technologies and processes, which will really make a difference to front line troops in the future.” A medium scale integrated tactical ISTAR experiment is due to take place under the auspices of ICS in June to examine how dismounted soldiers can have more timely access to the range of sensors that the UK employs, to gain improved awareness of their surroundings, and to better share information. The concept of every soldier becoming a sensor is one focus of the experiment and will look at how information can be better passed around the battlefield between teams, and how the information collected by soldiers on the ground can be used for wider effect. Adaptable tactical situational awareness will be another focus, examining how information and intelligence collected from a wide variety of sources can be brought together for greater effect.

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Acoustic gunfire locators like the ones used by these US special operators — the soldier on the right has a sensor on his helmet — can be networked to improve location accuracy and team situational awareness © US Army image

Finally, reach-back and reach-out to geospatial information and intelligence resources will also be investigated with the aim of identifying tools that can be given to the basic user to enable them to perform tasks previously delivered by specialist teams, according to DSTL.

Dismounted Close Combat Sensors

Under the related Dismounted Close Combat Sensors (DCCS) programme, Roke Manor Research was awarded a three-year £5 million contract by DSTL in March. The company will lead a team of industrial and academic specialists to assess, mature and integrate innovative close combat sensor technology for the dismounted soldier. With Roke as prime contractor, the team which includes SEA and QinetiQ, will perform a comprehen-

sive system integration, architecture and experimentation role. One important goal is to develop an open system architecture that is compatible with the developing Generic Soldier Architecture (GSA). This will allow for the integration of multiple sensor-based subsystems, such as acoustic, thermal imaging and Radio Frequency subsystems, says Roke, enhancing situational awareness, facilitate collaborative targeting and increase operational tempo, while minimising the size, weight and power burden. “The DCCS research to be delivered by Roke is an important programme for the Ministry of Defence,” said Dr David

The concept of every soldier becoming sensor will look at how information can be better passed around the battlefield between teams l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Massey, Programme Lead for DSTL's C4ISR Domain. “The intent is to develop the UK's dismounted soldier as an integrated sensor capability within the wider ISTAR enterprise, thus providing him with greater local and shared situational awareness whilst increasing his overall combat effectiveness. Over the next three years, Roke, along with its partners, will be developing the key low-power, lowweight sensor and processing technologies that will realise the benefits envisaged.” “DSTL encourages all sensor technology suppliers with potential offerings to contact Roke with details as to how they may be able to contribute to the programme,” Massey said.

Cargo pocket ISR

In early April, for example, the US Army asked industry and academia for enabling technologies that could lead to a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system that a soldier could carry in a cargo pocket and deploy effectively inside or out for ISR missions. A cargo pocket measures 7.5 x

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Soldiers need ISR/ISTAR information from a wide variety of other sources, with full motion video from aircraft being particularly vital. The US Army is experimenting with 4G networks to provide dismounts with actionable intelligence. © US Army image

7.5 x 1 in, yielding a volume of 56.25 in3. The two enabling technologies in which the service is interested are night- and low-light-capable sensors that consume very little power and weigh around two grams, plus guidance, navigation and control systems that support navigation indoors and in Global Positioning Systemdenied environments. These systems should also provide capabilities including semi-autonomous operation (station keeping, hovering and waypoint navigation), collision avoidance and recovery of stability after a collision. The request came from the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground on behalf of the Unmanned Systems and Warfighter Technology Team based at the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), in Natick, Maryland. Initially, the Army wants white paper proposals from which to choose the most promising ideas, whose originators would be invited to submit formal proposals. “The desired final, outcome,” according to the Broad Area Announcement (BAA), “would be prototype hardware and software that will be used to advance the state of the art in soldier ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissace) and integrate with an overall Cargo Pocket ISR system when they reach the requisite Technology Readiness Level (TRL).” The BAA is to remain active until 30 March 2015.

Visualisation programme, known as PIXNET, is intended to provide these capabilities to increase the battlefield awareness and threat detection and identification capabilities of dismounted warfighters and small combat units. The idea is to show the fused, information-rich image on the soldier’s heads-up display and enable it to be shared over communications networks. “Existing sensor technologies are a good jumping-off point, but PIXNET will require innovations to combine reflective and thermal bands for maximum visibiliDARPA researchers have demonstrated a new five-micron pixel LWIR camera that could make this class of sensor small, light and inexpensive enough for use in dismounted soldier sensors © DARPA image

PIXNET sensor fusion

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has initiated a programme to develop a clip-on or helmetmounted camera system that would fuse visible, near infrared, and infrared images into a single picture containing the best information from each sensor under all visibility conditions. DARPA has approached industry for ideas. The Pixel Network for Dynamic

ty during the day or night, and then package this technology for maximum portability. What we really need are breakthroughs in aperture design, focal plane arrays, electronics, packaging and materials science,” said Nibir Dhar, DARPA’s PIXNET programme manager. “Success will be measured as the minimization of size, weight, power and cost of the system and the maximization of functionality.” DARPA intends PIXNET to exploit the processing power and communications capabilities of an Android-based smart phone for image fusion and for networking among units, connecting with the phone wirelessly. The agency has also asked industry to develop whatever software apps are needed for the desired functionality and to develop plans for transitioning the low-cost camera system into manufacturing. With the helmet-mounted system, for example, DARPA wants a unit that would cost $3,300 based on a production rate of 10,000 per month.

TerraSight EX

The enormous numbers of sensors on and over the modern battlefield generate vast quantities of video imagery that could be of critical importance to soldiers on the ground – if they can exploit it in time. Enabling timely exploitation of multisource video is the purpose for which SRI

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map. Operators can generate target folders and messages by point and click for forwarding to fires networks, command centres, or systems using the Cursor-onTarget (CoT) method, says SRI. A related SRI software application called Salience-Based Compression (SBC) for handheld devices delivers “relevant, high-resolution, geo-registered video and data to the dismounted soldier over bandwidth-limited communication networks”. These features are designed to eliminate serious problems with conventional and legacy systems such as location drift and metadata synchronisation errors that hurt target location accuracy and the use of separate windows for video and maps that make it more difficult for the user to create a coherent mental picture.

DARPA’s Wireless Network Defense (WND) effort seeks to develop new technologies to help make wireless networks more resilient to failures in individual nodes, interference and attack © DARPA image

Networking acoustic sensors

International developed its TerraSight software; software that the company says is in use with all branches of the US Department of Defense including Special Operations Command. In late October, the company launched an expeditionary version dubbed TerraSight EX that works on a rugged laptop. SRI says that the software can process standard video feeds from UAV systems and convert them in real time into integrated tactical information. TerraSight EX takes Full Motion Video (FMV), stabilises, mosaics and geo-registers it and drapes it over a relief map in a single integrated display. It also generates precise, accurate targeting coordinates from FMV and, says the company, enables ground teams to reach back while sharing critical, time-sensitive information with headquarters. “With conventional UAS video, expeditionary teams are often confronted with ambiguous, imprecise images that lack

context,” said Mark Clifton, vice president, SRI Sarnoff products and services division. “The TerraSight EX system overcomes these limitations, giving users greater situational awareness and faster reaction time. Increased precision means more space and time to anticipate and respond to threats.” TerraSight uses a mosaic process to stitch individual video frames together to create a broader view with more context. It also uses geo-registration, assigning accurate latitude, longitude, and elevation coordinates for each video pixel and overlaying them onto a three dimensional

Critical ISR functions that soldiers must perform to survive in combat is accurately locating sources of hostile gunfire l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

One of the most immediately critical ISR functions that soldiers must perform to survive and prevail in combat is rapidly and accurately locating sources of hostile gunfire. There are now several acoustic gunfire location systems that can be worn by a soldier or mounted on a weapon available from manufacturers such as AAI, Metravib, QinetiQ, Raytheon, Ultra Electronics and others. While useful individually, these systems can generate much more accurate solutions if they can be networked and their outputs fused, which is the subject of an effort by scientists Jemin George and Lance M Kaplan of the US Army Research Laboratory’s Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate. George and Kaplan have developed a fusion algorithm that enables such fusion of outputs sent via EPLRS radio to a central node for processing and returned to the individual soldiers the same way. The soldier worn sensors have integral GPS receivers, providing ‘ground truth’ for sensor locations while a consistency weighting helps the algorithm work out which sensors have the best view of a particular gunfire source. The researchers describe is as a ‘non-linear least-squares algorithm’ and say that it can improve localisation accuracy by a factor of four compared with a simple averaged solution.

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Survivability: Stopping Enemy Fires On Sea And Land

Survivability on the battlefield is importantâ&#x20AC;Ś obviously! Threats come from multiple directions and in many shapes, so the pertinent question is how to protect personnel and their platforms to the maximum extent possible. by Gordon Arthur ocussing on the sea and land arenas in this article, we examine some solutions for soldiers and sailors. In the space available it is impossible to cover every form of protection, but we shall look at some pertinent products on the market.

Soldier survivability

At the most basic level, survivability is greatly enhanced by ballistic protection

worn by soldiers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; primarily helmets and vests. For example, in a recent interview at Fort Bonifacio in Manila, Lieutenant General Noel Coballes, the Chief of the Philippine Army, told the author that an acquisition priority was force protection gear such as flak jackets and helmets for his soldiers fighting communist and Islamic insurgents. The standard body armour now used by the US Army is the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) produced by

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

BAE Systems, KDH Defense Systems, Point Blank Body Armor, Protective Products Enterprises (PPE) and UNICOR. Replacing Interceptor Body Armor, it was first used in action in late 2007 and a complete system weighs 13.6kg. One innovation is that the entire suite can be released by pulling a hidden lanyard, ideal for situations where the wearer is trapped in a hazardous environment (e.g. underwater) or to aid medical access. A female-specific IOTV version was first issued to Afghanistan-bound soldiers last September. The lighter (7.3kg) Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV) from Eagle Industries is worn by special forces, while the US Marine Corps (USMC) uses the Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC) as a lighter alternative to the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV). Marines typically deploy with

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A N D been around for decades but a newer trend is net armour to defeat rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). Such armour offers an alternative to the slat/bar armour applied to many Coalition vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan. A prime example is the US Army’s Stryker, where the 2,200kg slat armour brings penalties when manoeuvring in narrow spaces and prevents transport aboard C-130 Hercules aircraft. The heavy ‘bird cage’ armour also upsets a vehicle’s centre of gravity and

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can lead to rollovers. QinetiQ offers QNet, of which some 11,000 examples had been procured by late 2012. It also introduced Q-Net II, claimed to be 15% more effective and 10% lighter than its predecessor. AmSafe produces Tarian, a net system 98% lighter than traditional steel slat armour. Additionally, Textron markets its Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) and TRAPSNet modular net variant that eliminates interference to a crew’s field of view. TRAPSNet sensors

both the MTV and SPC and the threat environment determines which one will be worn. The MTV was adopted by the USMC in 2006 with 60,000 vests initially ordered from PPE. Along similar lines, anti-ballistic shields offer counterterrorism units, in particular, protection against bullets. Danish company TenCate Advanced Armour recently unveiled its lightweight Targa-light CX anti-ballistic shield. These portable shields offer National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level IV protection. TenCate claims its 17.2kg shield outperforms all others, and is light enough not to need wheels. This US marine participating in Exercise Ssangyong in South Korea in April 2013 is wearing the latest body armour © Gordon Arthur

Vehicle survivability

It is not just individuals who need protection. So do vehicles and bases. Explosive reactive armour (ERA) on vehicles has

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detect incoming threats and deploy the net countermeasure. Vehicles may also be fitted with gunshot detection systems. Perhaps the most popular type is the PILARw from Metravib, with the French company stating 20+ countries already have it in service. Singapore, for example, has fitted such a system to some Terrex 8x8 Infantry Carrier Vehicles. Raytheon BBN Technologies developed Boomerang for mounting on HMMWV, Stryker and MRAP vehicles, and in June 2008 the US Army placed an order for 8,131 systems. The Boomerang’s seven microphones provide vehicle operators with relevant information on a firer’s point of origin on an internal display panel. Active protection systems (APS) can be divided into soft-kill (typically electronic countermeasures) and hard-kill systems (physical interventions). For example, South Korea’s pending K2 main battle tank (MBT) will be fitted with an indigenous APS, its four-missile rocket launcher having a reported reaction time of 0.2-0.3 seconds and range of 150m. Such technology is not cheap though – it allegedly costs USD600,000 per kit! A number of APS products are on the market: Saab Avitronics LEDS-150 (Sweden), Arena and Drozd-2 (Russia), Israel Military Industries (IAI) Iron Fist and Rafael Trophy (Israel), Raytheon Quick Kill and Artis Iron Curtain (USA), AMAP-ADS from IBD (Germany; also known as Thales Shark in France) and Zaslon (Ukraine). Such systems are typically fitted to MBTs, but lighter-weight versions are also available for smaller armoured vehicles. It is rumoured Singapore may have chosen AMAP-ADS for its Leopard 2 SG tanks although it has not been seen publicly to date. In 2009 Saab was linked to a contract for 1,657 LEDS-150 systems for Indian T-90S tanks, but confirmatory details are scant.

indirect fire in Iraq and Afghanistan led to a requirement for systems to detect and defend against would-be attackers. Nowadays, larger bases are commonly equipped with counter-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) systems that destroy incoming enemy projectiles, the second biggest threat to troops after improvised explosive devices (IED). Raytheon’s Centurion C-RAM, essentially a terrestrial variant of the Phalanx 1B close-in weapon system (CIWS) fitted to navy ships, was

Singapore’s indigenously built Terrex 8x8 has a gunshot detection system. It is visible atop the left-rear corner of the hull © Gordon Arthur

Base survivability

The existence of large forward operating bases (FOB) and increasing casualties to The South Korean K2 from Hyundai Rotem, when it enters service next year, will feature a modern active protection system © Gordon Arthur

first deployed to Iraq in 2005. It features the same 20mm M61A1 Gatling cannon, although it fires HEIT-SD (HighExplosive Incendiary Tracer - SelfDestruct) rounds instead of tungsten armour-piercing rounds to reduce collateral damage. The Centurion is trailermounted for mobility and a single system can defend a 1.2km² area. In 2008, 20 systems were deployed in CENTCOM’s area of operations, and that year another 23 Centurions were ordered. Rheinmetall

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This AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder ground-based radar belongs to the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in South Korea © Gordon Arthur

the Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) that can track rocket, artillery and mortar fire, as well as low-level missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). LRIP could commence later this year. Another popular C-RAM system is the Saab Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (AMB) radar. Worthy of mention is Rafael’s Iron Dome that intercepts projectiles fired from 4-70km away. This Israeli system achieved headlines when countering enemy rockets fired against Israeli territory after it went operational in March 2011. Regarded as the most effective countermissile system in service today, Iron Dome has achieved an alleged 85-90% kill rate against Gaza-launched rockets, and by last November it had intercepted more than 400 rockets. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has five batteries in service. The USA directly contributed funding and is likely to seek co-production rights, while potential customers are India, Singapore and South Korea. It is believed Israel is working on extending its range to 250km.

Ship survivability produces MANTIS, which features six Oerlikon Skyshield 35mm cannons. The German Army ordered two systems; the first, accepted in January 2011, was destined for base protection in Afghanistan. Such C-RAM systems work in conjunction with ground-based radar systems. The USA’s legacy system is the AN/TPQ36/37 Firefinder series, although its replacement is the Lockheed Martin AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire target acquisition radar now in low-rate initial production (LRIP). The Q-53, mounted on a 5-ton FMTV truck, locates the source of enemy indirect fire. Its first overseas deployment was in 2010 and some eight radars are now in Afghanistan. A contract for twelve systems was awarded in February 2012, and another 21 the following month. A

potential buyer is Singapore as it has a reported counter-fire radar requirement. Because the Q-53 will be rolled out slowly, ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) is upgrading incumbent US Army Firefinders that date from the 1970s. The newest AN/TPQ-37(V)9 Firefinder enjoys reliability and maintainability improvements. Meanwhile, the USMC is pursuing its own ground-based radar in the form of

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One of the greatest threats for naval vessels is the anti-ship missile (AShM), and active measures to defeat incoming fire can be categorised into two main areas – the CIWS and anti-missile missile. The newest looming regional threat is the appearance of China’s anti-ship ballistic missile based on the medium-range DF21. The USA believes China could have 80 such missiles in service by 2015. At the recent IMDEX show in Singapore, the author asked the US Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, about the threat posed by this system. He replied, “It hasn’t altered our operations to date,” and he pointed out there were many vulnerable points where a weapon’s ‘kill chain’ could be broken. A ship’s survivability depends on layered defence with short-and-medium-

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range components. If an enemy AShM penetrates the outermost layer, the CIWS, an automated point-defence cannon present on nearly all warships, comes into play. It has little time to respond – for example, an enemy missile approaching at 1,500m/s gives the CIWS just 1/3 of a second to shoot it down within its effective kill range of 500m! Independent or ship-based radar systems track incoming threats and automatically guide the CIWS to engage incoming missiles. The best-known CIWS is the Raytheon Phalanx used by 22 nations. Regionally, these include Australia, India, Japan, New

Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The newest configuration is the Block 1B, which added a forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) system in 1999. Commander Shane Arndell, the captain of HMNZS Te Mana, told the author that the Royal New Zealand Navy had finished upgrading Phalanx on its two ANZACclass frigates to this configuration. Alternative systems to the Phalanx are the Thales Goalkeeper, Rheinmetall Sea

A ship’s survivability depends on layered defence with shortand-medium-range components l

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Zenith, Oerlikon Millennium, Spanish Meroka, Denel 35mm Dual-Purpose Gun and Oto Melara DARDO or FastForty/Twin 40L70 Compact. Russian systems are also popular regionally with the Phalanx equivalent being the Tulamashzavod AK-630M, which features a six-barrelled 30mm GSh6-30K rotary cannon. Its firing rate is higher than Phalanx’s, and it is used locally by China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Vietnam. A lighter-weight version known as the AK-306 is available for smaller vessels. The most capable Russian CIWS, however, is the CADS-N-1 Kashtan, which combines two AO-18K six-barrel rotary cannons with two SA-N11 “Grisom” missile launchers. The Kashtan is used on modern Russian Navy vessels as well as China’s Sovremennyclass destroyers, Indian Navy vessels and Vietnam’s new Gepard-class frigates. Such a gun/missile combination provides perhaps the best kind of protection, with the Kashtan’s claimed kill probability listed as 0.96-0.99. The newest version is the Kashtan-M that will become standard for the Russian Navy. China makes its own Type 730 CIWS with seven 30mm cannons. Chinese warships employ the Type 730, as do Pakistan’s new F-22P frigates. It is likely China will soon deploy a version incorporating missiles similar to the land-based LD-2000. A further development is the eleven-barrelled Type 1130 as fitted aboard China’s new aircraft carrier Lianoning. While the CIWS provides that last line of defence, the outer perimeter is the jurisdiction of missiles. The most common Western system is the Raytheon Seasparrow, with the latest version being the RIM-162 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) with a more powerful motor and greater manoeuvrability. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea are regional ESSM operators, soon to be joined by Thailand. Another popular solution is Raytheon’s short-range RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) that holds 21 missiles. RIM-116 will eventually be fitted aboard some 74 USN ships, including carriers, assault ships, dock landing ships

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A N D and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). South Korea also produces it under licence for its KDX-II, KDX-III and Dokdo-class vessels. Last year, the Block 2 version entered LRIP, this type giving enhanced performance against more manoeuvrable AShMs. To overcome modern sea-skimming missiles, SeaRAM combines the Phalanx 1B with the 11-cell RAM launcher. It operates autonomously with its own sensors, and although still under trial, one SeaRAM was fitted aboard the LCS vessel USS Independence. Other countries have equivalent antimissile systems, including the Sea Wolf and Sea Viper in the United Kingdom. Sea Viper is the British name for the MBDA Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS) that utilises Aster 15 and 30 medium-range missiles. MBDA is also developing the successor to the Sea Wolf, the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), or Sea Ceptor, which shares components with the ASRAAM air-to-air missile. India and Singapore both operate

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A RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile aboard USS Peleliu, the US Navy’s last remaining Tarawaclass amphibious assault ship © Gordon Arthur

the IAI Barak 1. Following a USD330 million contract signed in 2007, India and Israel are collaborating on the new 70kmrange Barak 8 that had a successful maiden firing in July 2009. Russian offerings include the 3K95 Kinzhal (SA-N-9 “Gauntlet”), of which the newest type is the 9K332 Tor-M2 introduced in 2008. The medium-range 3S90 Uragan (SA-N-7 “Gadfly”) has been superseded by the 9K37M1-2 Shtil (SA-N-12 “Grizzly”). This article has presented a précis of some survivability solutions open to militaries. Of course, there are many systems we have not even alluded to, such as decoy systems on ships or electronic countermeasures on vehicles to disrupt IEDs. While technology is providing solutions, these same technologies are simultaneously creating even more potent threats as part of a never-ending cycle.

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Submarine warfare and upgrades A century ago naval power was counted in battleships, but the modern arbiter of naval power consists of invisible battleships submarines which have played a major role in shaping modern Asia and are likely to continue to do so. A market survey at the beginning of the year calculated that by the end of the decade the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expenditure on submarines will total $46 billion.

by Ted Hooton

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he submarine is far superior, in terms of influencing a maritime situation, than any battleship for it combines firepower with covert flexible operation, opening the way to a wide variety of other roles, especially in the modern world. Maritime domination was the submarine’s original role focusing upon denying waters to hostile warships; indeed the first modern submarine attack in 1912 was by the Greek submarine Delfin against a Turkish ironclad. A century later this remains a relevant role as demonstrated in 1982 when the sinking of an ancient cruiser by a submarine saw the Argentinean navy confined to harbour for most of the South Atlantic campaign. The presence of submarines remains a major inhibitor to enemy surface strike or amphibious groups and therefore a deterrent to precipitous action. The submarine then rapidly expanded into interdicting maritime lines of communication and destroying mercantile fleets. The impact of German attacks upon the British Empire in two world wars, and the way US submarines strangled the Japanese Empire in the Second World War are well known. Indeed the latter helped to shape Asian history by weakening Japanese control on the mainland and the offshore islands and archipelagos. Asian economies are increasingly dependent upon maritime trade over great distances both for importing raw materials and for exporting manufactured goods. The threat from pirates off the Horn of Africa as well as ‘choke points’ such as the Straits of Malacca demonstrates their vulnerability. Submarine attack, or the threat of submarine attack, can wreak havoc on maritime trade; indeed the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force is shaped to securing the island kingdom’s sea lanes, although most modern navies appear to be in denial and prefer to focus more upon the original role of Fleet attack. Compared with wartime boats, submarines have high underwater speeds, and through hull shaping, ‘rafting’ machinery and shaping moving parts such as pro-

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pellers they are much quieter, indeed so much so that in 2009 British and French nuclear submarines collided without being aware of each other’s presence. The endurance of diesel-electric boats has been greatly extended through the introduction of air independent propulsion allowing them to remain on station far longer, compensating for a decline. It is also worth noting that US anti-submarine forces have difficulty detecting foreign diesel-electric boats during training exercises. The submarine can now deploy sophisticated torpedoes, such as wave-homers, as well as anti-ship missiles, but another option is to use the mine, which can be laid covertly and with great precision as well as being carefully activated and operated. All submarines can carry mines in lieu of other weapons and the presence alone of mines can disrupt trade as demonstrated by incidents around the Arabian Peninsula during the mid 1980s. The past half century has seen a new threat emerge from under the sea, the ballistic missile submarine. These can vanish into the world’s oceans beyond the ability of any potential enemy to detect them and remain on station almost indefinitely, the limitation being food for the crew. Nuclear-powered vessels can deliver colossal fire power across the globe, and while once the prerogative of the Great Powers they are now in the inventories of Asia’s Great Powers. China has had the Xia since 1987 and is adding the Jin (Type 094) class with a dozen JL-2 missiles with a 4,300 nautical mile (8,000 kilometre) range, while India’s first domesticallyproduced nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, will be similar but with dozen Sagarika ballistic missiles with a more modest 400 nautical mile (750 kilometres) range. While the capital costs of these strategic deterrents are very high, while India’s first domestically-produced nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, will be similar but with dozen Sagarika ballistic missiles with a more modest 400 nautical mile (750 kilometres) range. While the capital costs of these strategic deterrents are very high the operating costs are relatively low. The Trident force, which provides 54 per cent of the US strategic deter-

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The Subtics consoles; like those of ISUS 90 are multi-role units. They are to be found in Malaysian boats and will also equip Indian Scorpenes © DCNS

rent, uses 35 per cent of Washington’s strategic budget but only 1.5 per cent of naval personnel. The successors to INS Arihant are scheduled to receive ‘cruise’ or ‘air breathing’ missiles, turbofan-powered miniature aircraft with inertial navigation systems capable of flying long missions at low level and concluding with a precision attack upon the target. These weapons have been launched from torpedo tubes by attack submarines of the US Navy and the Royal Navy since 1991 and provide an impressive, non-nuclear means of strategic strike hundreds of kilometres from the sea. It is a capability that will increasingly be at the disposal of major Asian navies that wish to acquire it, and it is worth recalling that 40 per cent of the world’s population lives within 100 nautical miles The prime weapon of the submarine is the torpedo and one is seen being loaded in this picture © Atlas Elektronik

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A Thales flank array in the Sonar 2076 system. Although this is for a nuclear-powered boat it is typical of this type of submarine sensor © Thales Underwater Systems

(185 kilometres) of the sea in an area which produces 67.6 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Significantly, India’s Russian-built Kilo (Project 877) or Sindhughosh class submarines are being upgraded at Severodvinsk to operate the Klub missile system family, and while most boats are being adapted to use the 3M54 (SS-N-27) anti-ship missile two have been adapted to take 3M14 (SS-N-30) land attack missiles with a 160 nautical mile (300 kilometre) range. India is also developing a submarine-launched version of the supersonic Brahmos missile, which has a similar range to the 3M14, and while this might be primarily for anti-ship, a land attack role cannot be ruled out. In fact, conventional land attack now lies within the reach of smaller navies using anti-ship missiles for manufacturers have responded to the growing demand for littoral warfare by adapting these weapons initially to engage vessels operating in the radar clutter from the coast or a harbour and later directly to attack land targets. This capability exists in the latest Exocets, supplied to Malaysia for its Scorpenes, and the turbojet-propelled

Block 3 version has a range of 95 nautical miles (180 kilometres). The submarine has a key role even in peace time, or in crises short of hostilities, by providing covert Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) a legacy capability enhanced by modern technology. During the war against Japan submarines regularly exploited the high magnification rates of their optical periscopes to conduct visual and photographic reconnaissance; indeed, using them to count the number of latrines, US Navy intelligence was able to determine with great accuracy the size of the garrison on the island of Tarawa in 1943. The introduction of mast-mounted television cameras, which can be augmented by image intensifier and/or thermal

The existing and potential capabilities of submarines mean that the Asian market remains dynamic with new build and upgrades l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

imager systems, has enhanced this capability. These masts can be raised, turn up to 360 degrees capturing and recording an image with a television camera and then be lowered all within 10 seconds and the images can then be studied at leisure upon a console. Interestingly, the new Japanese Souryu class submarines have the licence-built Thales Optronics CM 10 mast-mounted system and it seems likely this technology will be acquired by other Asian navies in the coming years especially in new-build vessels such as Australia’s Collins successor. Wartime submarines were also used to deliver special forces both for reconnaissance and commando raids. Modern special forces may be delivered through the traditional inflatable boat but it is more likely they will use swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) which can pull them through the water saving time and energy. Major navies are looking at dedicated miniature submarines attached to nuclear-powered attack submarines to deliver special forces from longer ranges, and the concept has already been accepted by some Asian navies such as North

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and South Korea as well as Pakistan which operate conventional miniature submarines specifically for this role. Modern submarine design is increasingly incorporating features to support special operations and these will undoubtedly filter into Asian navies. Germany’s new batch of Type 212A submarines will include a lock-out chamber for up to four special forces troopers at a time while Israel’s German-built Dolphins have a similar feature and the four 650mm (25.6 inch) torpedo tubes in these boats are reported to be for SDVs. Kockums recently revealed their design for the Swedish Navy’s A26 which included a bay on the casing for an SDV or even a miniature submarine, while the conventional torpedo compartment has been replaced by a multi-role space which can also house SDVs that will depart or enter through a 1.5 metre wide multi-mission portal in the bow between the torpedo tubes. Behind this is a 6-metre long airlock which can hold up to eight personnel.

Submarines can also use their electronic sensors in the ISR role. Sonars can not only monitor traffic and build up a picture of maritime and naval movements but also be used to create a library identifying individual ships to provide further detail of naval activity. This is not new; in 1943 US submarines were able to identify a particular Japanese destroyer operating in

the waters of what is now Indonesia because it had nicked a propeller blade and had a very distinctive signature. The sophisticated processing of modern sonar systems carries this further forward by monitoring, and recording, the whole of a ships’ acoustic signature. Electronic signal measures (ESM) systems are in all submarines, detecting and

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An ISUS 90 operator's console.These are software driven and can be used for multiple tasks and are used in Korean boats © Atlas Elektronik

monitoring radar and communications signals in order to alert them to the presence of hostile ships and aircraft. The same systems can also be used to monitor radio traffic and to detect and to locate radar stations and help a nation covertly build up a picture of potentially hostile activity in a neighbour. This picture can include technical details of aircraft and of ships, organisation of command and control assets with supporting sensor and weapons as well as clues to strategic intentions as well as operational capabilities. The development of robot submarines, both remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), may well extend this ISR function. They could be deployed through torpedo tubes- after all heavyweight torpedoes are wire guided so wire guidance should not be impossible- but there remain questions of control, and the difficulties of recovering these vehicles make it likely they will be disposable assets; but they could be used for hydrographical surveys, to plot enemy minefields (whose

presence would be discovered by the submarine’s mine detection and obstacle avoidance sonar) and possibly to neutralise them. Indeed, if mine fuzes can be designed to switch on or off based upon a timer, then it is technically feasible for ROVs to attach disposal charges with their own timer fuzes to neutralise the mines at a preferred time such as when an amphibious group arrives off its objective. Interestingly the US Navy has announced plans to deploy Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) from submerged submarines during the RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) exercise possibly adding an aerial reconnaissance capability to the submarine’s already broad inventory of tasks. The existing and potential capabilities of submarines mean that the Asian market remains dynamic with new build and upgrades. In the past 12 months Indonesia has ordered two submarines from South Korea, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has been awarded a contract to build the first two 3,000-tonne Korean Submarine Phase 3 (KSS 3) boats

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

with Seoul having a requirement for up to nine. Singapore has received the second former Swedish Västergötland class boat, RSS Swordsman which, like RSS Archer, has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised. Building of Scorpenes to meet India’s Project 75 requirement has slipped at least a year although New Delhi is preparing to launch the Project 75A programme while Australia is in a similar position with the Collins class successor in Project Sea 1000. In the distaff side there is no sign of Taiwan getting its longed for new submarines, while Thailand’s plans to acquire German Type 206 coastal boats was scuttled by inter-service financial wrangling. Thailand retains a submarine requirement while Bangladesh and the Philippines would both like submarines, Manila defining the requirement at three boats, but financial hurdles remain too high to overcome. Upgrade programmes continue but news is muted; Pakistan’s Khalids (Agosta 90B) are receiving MESMA air independent propulsion systems and Australia’s Collins will have their Scylla sonars improved, while Russia continues to upgrade India’s Kilo class boats.

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To Kill a Tank L ittle surprise then that once the tank became a permanent feature of modern warfare, efforts to defeat this new threat began apace. Initially these efforts were focused on the development of other munitions which could penetrate their thick armour and cause catastrophic damage to their interior. The significant advances in rocket technology during the Second World War, and in the years that followed, resulted in the development of the Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). ATGMs have become progressively more sophisticated over the years with a variety of designs able to outfit helicopters, land vehicles and to be used as man-portable shoulder-launch weapons. While military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have seen precious little in the way of anti-tank combat, there is no guarantee that future conflicts will not see the widespread use of armour. Several countries around the world do face an existential threat from large-scale armoured warfare, such as India, for example. Conventional military logic dictates that if 50 percent of an attacking armoured force can be destroyed, then it will be impossible to continue the manoeuvre; hence the importance of helicopters, vehicles and personnel deploying ATGMs being able to fire as many missiles as possible. This article will profile several weapons including MBDA and Diehl-BGT’s PARS3LR and the former company’s Brimstone; Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries’ respective Spike and Lahat offerings; Lockheed Martin’s AGM-114 Hellfire and Javelin, and Raytheon’s BGM-71 TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) discussing their latest stages of development. Finally, the discussion will cast an eye towards the future to examine the current status of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), Lockheed Martin’s Joint Airto-Ground Missile (JAGM) initiatives and MBDA’s MLP programme.

MBDA

Europe’s missile suppliers offer several ATGM products. For example, MBDA has collaborated with Diehl-BGT in developing the PARS-3LR which is equipping the German Army’s Eurocopter Tigre’s EC665UHT Tigre attack helicopters. Deliveries of up to 680 rounds expected to be completed by 2014. The green light for full-scale production of the missile was given by Germany’s BAAINBw (Bundesamt für

Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr/Federal Office of German Armed Forces Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) in October 2012 following the successful engagement of a tank moving between houses on a test-range in the northwest of the country. This demonstrated the missile’s ability to hit such a target with precision in an environment with a significant risk of collateral damage. With a range of

MBDA and Diehl BGT Defence have combined their talents to develop the PARS-3LR air-to-ground missile. This weapon is now cleared for service onboard the German Army’s Eurocopter EC-665UHT Tigre attack helicopters © MBDA

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When they first graced the mud and horror of the battlefields of the First World War they made the horse cavalry obsolete almost overnight. At the same time, these armoured land ships struck fear into the hearts of infantry, able to pour down fire onto their positions, with near impunity from retaliation. by Tom Withington

circa seven kilometres, the missile destroys its target using a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead. Several missiles can be launched at once against different targets and, thanks to its fire-and-forget capability, the launching aircraft can rapidly vacate the scene as soon as the missile is underway. Another potent MBDA anti-armour weapon which remains the principal antitank missile in the Royal Air Force (RAF) service is the company’s Brimstone ATGM. The development and production contract for Brimstone was awarded by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) in 1996, with the weapon entering RAF service on 31st March 2005. Brimstone utilizes a Millimetre-Wave (MMW) seeker to provide a sharp image of the target regardless of weather and visibility helping to improve precision and reduce the danger of collateral damage. Target engagement can be performed in a direct or indirect fashion. Brimstone’s latest incarnation, known as Dual Mode Brimstone (DMB), contains the MMW seeker and a Semi-Active Laser. This gives the user a number of targeting options such as employing the missile in a beam-riding configuration, alternatively using only its original MMW seeker, or both. The weapon’s development was the result of an Urgent Operational Requirement issued by the UK MoD for a weapon producing low collateral damage which can be employed against a large number of targets, both static and mobile. Current DMB activity

Israel Aerospace Industries’ Lahat missile is a highly versatile weapon capable of utilization in both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight modes. Moreover, the weapon is available in several variants including versions which can be fired from tank guns © IAI

includes augmenting the missile with an insensitive munitions-compliant warhead and rocket motor plus a modular airframe. These features are intended to enhance the weapon’s safety while extending its air carriage life. DMB has primarily been used onboard RAF Panavia Tornado GR4/A air-

South Korea is one of the customers for Spike-NLOS missile also serving with the Israel Defence Force

craft, although the company states that it could equip a number of platforms including helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. For the RAF, DMB integration is in the pipeline onboard the Eurofighter Typhoon F/GR4 and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning-II Joint Strike Fighters that the force is acquiring.

Spike

Israel’s Spike family of weapons produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems pack a powerful punch. Like other weapons examined in this article, such as Lockheed

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Martin’s AGM-114 Hellfire family (see below), and Raytheon’s BMG-71 missile, the Spike missile is produced in several variations. Short-range engagements can be effected using the short-range Spike-SR which has a reach of 300 metres. The medium-range Spike-MR is sufficient to hit targets at 2.5km, with the extended-range Spike-ER hitting targets at eight kilometres. Spike variants have been acquired by Spain for use onboard its Eurocopter EC-665HAD Tigre gunships. Even longer ranges are attainable with the new Spike-NLOS (Non-Line-Of-Sight) weapon which has a reach of 25km. Along with its impressive range the weapon can be outfitted with a number of warhead configurations according to the target that the missile will engage. South Korea is one of the customers for the Spike-NLOS, with the missile probably also serving with the Israel Defence Force.

Lahat

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike family is joined by Israel Aerospace Industries’ Lahat missile which has a range of up to eight kilometres. This laser-homing weapon can be fired in both a line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight mode. In production now for over ten years, IAI has produced the missile in several configurations including a

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Alongside the company’s AGM-114 Hellfire family, Lockheed Martin has developed the Javelin anti-tank guided missile in answer to a United States Army and United States Marine Corps requirement © Lockheed Martin

canister launch version for vehicles and helicopters, and two versions which can be fired from a 105mm tank main armament and a 120mm gun. For the future, the company says that there is the possibility of enhancing the weapon with a dual seeker configuration which could include a Global Positioning System along with another guidance mechanism.

Lockheed Martin

North American ATGM offerings include Lockheed Martin’s famous AGM-114 Hellfire-II family. These weapons are not just used by helicopters, as the company says that “Hellfire-II has been integrated with a variety of aircraft and weapons systems, both rotarywing and fixed-wing,” according to an official statement. It adds that “Hellfire-II has been successfully fired from wheeled and armoured vehicles, small boats and ships, and ground-mounted tripods.” The missile is guided using a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) homing and a MMW seeker. Available vari-

ants include the AGM-114K which carries a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead and is specifically designed to engage Main Battle Tank (MBT) targets. The AGM-114K provides the basis for the AGM-114KA which has a blast fragmentation warhead for undefended and lightly-armoured targets in

“Javelin is adaptable to many platforms including trucks and light-armoured vehicles”

open spaces. The AGM-114L is designed to be used in conjunction with the Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman Longbow fire control radar. Further up the alphabet, the AGM-114M is primarily intended for the maritime domain to prosecute surface targets, along with a land application for the destruction of buildings and soft-skinned vehicles. The AGM-114N, meanwhile, has a

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

thermobaric warhead optimized for use against caves and multi-floored buildings. One of the latest versions of the Hellfire is the AGM-114R Hellfire-II which adds an inertial guidance system, while removing the missile’s gyroscopes and retaining the SAL. The AGM-114R is “a single missile with a multipurpose warhead that defeats a broad range of targets, including tanks,” according to the firm. Effectively this affords the weapon a faster response time as it is able to quickly ascertain its position after launch. This year, the United Kingdom will take delivery of £29 million’s worth of missiles in various configurations. Besides the AGM-114 Hellfire-II family, Lockheed Martin produces the Javelin ATGM which it designed in conjunction with Raytheon and describes as “the world’s most versatile and lethal one-man portable, anti-tank guided munitions and surveillance weapon system.” Production for the United States Army and United States Marine Corps commenced in 1994. The full

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C Javelin ensemble includes the missile, its launch unit and command system. While used as a one-man operated anti-tank system, Lockheed Martin is keen to point out that “Javelin is adaptable to many platforms including trucks and light-armoured vehicles,” adding that, as far as the future is concerned, “the weapon is currently undergoing a cost reduction and obsolescence avoidance programme.”

Raytheon

Like the AGM-114, the BGM-71 TOW is available in a number of versions. These include the original BGM-71A model, the BGM-71D which comes equipped with an enhanced warhead, the BGM-71E which has a tandem warhead, and the top-attack BGM-71F. One of the latest additions to the BGM-71 family is the TOW-2B AERO which increases the weapon’s stand-off range to four kilometres, while a new propulsion system is in the works which could increase the weapon’s range while reducing its flight time.

LMM

As regards the future, Thales is equipping the British Army with the firm’s Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Manufactured at the firm’s plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the LMM is destined to equip the AgustaWestland Lynx AW-159 Lynx Wildcat naval and battlefield support helicopters outfitting the Royal Navy and British Army. The missile has been designed to engage a range of targets and has a light-

weight design intended to maximize the number of rounds that the aircraft can carry in comparison to legacy weapons. Speaking during a presentation of the missile at Thales’ facilities in Northern Ireland on 21st March, the company said that it hoped to commence production of the LMM in 2014. Armed with a shaped charge blast/fragmentation warhead, the missile has a surface-to-surface range of six kilometres, and an air-to-surface range of eight kilometres. Integration of the missile onboard the Wildcat will commence in the next few months and is expected to take two-to-three years. The firm adds that it expects to see the growth potential for the missile to include a full anti-tank capability, with an appropriate warhead currently under development. The LMM could represent an important step towards a ‘one-size-fits-all’ missile which would be able to engage a multitude of targets, and equip land, air and sea platforms using a single missile design.

JAGM

Similarly, Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-toGround Missile (JAGM) semi-active and MMW weapon could replace the BMG-71 and AGM-114 (see above), along with the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground weapon. One of the most famous names in the world of air-to-ground anti-tank missiles is Lockheed Martin’s AGM-114 Hellfire family. The missile is available in several different configurations and has received a number of important upgrades during its service life © Lockheed Martin

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The JAGM has been optimized to have a range of up to 16km and could equip a variety of platforms including the Boeing AH64D Apache and Bell Textron AH-1Z Viper gunships, Bell Textron OH-58D Kiowa scout rotorcraft and Sikorsky MH-60R/S maritime support helicopters. It could enter service around 2016.

MLP

Likewise, MBDA is considering the replacement of its MILAN ATGM product line. This could take the form of the firm’s MLP (Missile de Longue Portée/Long Range Missile). The MLP has a range of circa eight kilometres with its sister weapon, the MMP, achieving a range of half that. The development of both weapons is being funded by the company, with some financial assistance from the French government for risk reduction work. Initially, France procured the Javelin system (see above) as an interim solution to cover the retirement of MILAN with the advent of its replacement. No formal decision has been made regarding the introduction of the MLP into formal service with the French armed forces. Currently, France is awaiting the publication of the Livre Blanc (White Paper) on defence which is expected by the end of the year. This will outline the government’s defence procurement priorities and its military posture. The biggest challenge to the adoption of the MLP is likely to be the austere financial environment and budget cuts therein which the French defence community is strongly expected to experience over the coming years. Ongoing efforts such as the MLP, LMM and JAGM initiatives underline that the challenge posed by armour is still very much at the forefront of weapons engineers’ minds despite the apparent renaissance in dismounted warfare, which has been illustrated during recent military operations in Central Asia and the Middle East. Current ATGM design efforts are taking lessons learned from previous conflicts into account while anticipating future advances in armoured vehicle technologies which they may need to defeat. The main battle tank may have been absent from the battlefield en masse for some time, but there remains every chance that this situation could change at a moment’s notice in the future.

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CHINESE DEAL TO BUY RUSSIAN JETS, SUBS MURKY; MOSCOW FEARS BEIJINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TECH THEFT

hina and Russia have inked a deal for Beijing to buy 24 advanced Sukhov Su-35 multirole jet fighters and four Lada-class diesel-electric-powered submarines, two of which will be built in China, in the largest arms sale between the two countries in 10 years.

Or have they? Chinese state TV reported Monday that the on-again, off-again deal was finalized during the weekend visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. But Russian media denied that Tuesday, saying no agreement had been reached, Defense News reported. "The Kremlin is officially denying even discussing arms trade during Xi's visit," Vasiliy Kashin, a China military specialist

Su-35

at the Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told Defense News. Another defense industry source in Russia told the publication that there were "strong reservations" in Moscow about going forward with the deal, which the two countries agreed to explore in a memorandum of understanding signed in December. China is widely believed in Moscow to have stolen the technology for the last fighter it bought from Russia, the Su-27, building a copy of the Russian jet fighter and calling it the Chinese J-11B. The sale of the Su-27SK, signed in 1995 for 200 of the planes, was aborted by Russia in 2006 after only 95 aircraft had Project 677

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Su-27SK

DEFENSE DEPT STICKING WITH RUSSIAN HELICOPTER DEAL

Mi-17-1V

been supplied. The reason? Russia "discovered China had reverse-engineered the fighter and was secretly manufacturing an indigenous copy, the J-11B, with Chinese-made avionics and engines," Defense News reports. In particular, China is believed to covet access to the technology for the Su-35's advanced Saturn AL-117S jet engine, which also is used in Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter prototype, the T-50. "There are strong suspicions [in Moscow that] China will procure the technological know-how of the Su-35 and [Lada] and simply produce an indigenous version," the publication concluded. The Chinese reports over the weekend did not give any figures for the value of the deal for either four submarines or 24 aircraft. But earlier this month, Russia's RIANovosti news agency reported that a deal for 48 Su-35s — twice the number apparently now envisaged — would be worth about $4 billion. China, the world's No. 1 importer of weapons, has been a major customer for Russian arms exports since the 1990s, RIA-Novosti added. Trade peaked in 2005, just before the Su-27 cancellation, when Russian sales to Beijing reached almost $4 billion. They have fluctuated since then, dipping to $800 million in 2009 and rebounding to $2.1 billion last year, the agency said, citing figures from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned arms export monopoly. Courtesy: The Washington Times

espite protests from a bipartisan group of lawmakers in late March, the Defense Department is buying Russian military helicopters whether they like it or not. “The Department of Defense has notified Congress of its intent to contract with Rosoboronexport for 30 additional Mi-17 rotary-wing aircraft to support the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) Special Mission Wing,” Pentagon spokesman James Gregory told RIA Novosti in emailed comments. A team of 10 lawmakers sent a letter to new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on March 25, urging him not to purchase additional helicopters from the state-owned Russian arms dealer Rosoboronexport. They argue that the company has continued to transfer weapons to Syria’s government, which is in the midst of a civil war. The Mi-17s will be used for Afghan National Security Forces. The aircraft are already in use there by joint U.S. Army and Afghan forces. The letter stated: We write to oppose any continuation of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) business relationship with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s primary arms exporter and an enabler of the ongoing mass atrocities in Syria. In January, Section 1277 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which expressly prohibits the use of funds to enter into any contracts or agreements with Rosoboronexport, was enacted into law. Further, during consideration of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2013, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an amendment prohibiting further contracts with Rosoboronexport by a vote of 407-5. We urge you to uphold this law and clear Expert’s Opinion

expression of Congressional intent by ensuring that any further DoD procurement of helicopters for the Afghan National Security Forces is not conducted through Rosoboronexport. “ The roughly $1 billion contract is far from new. It was awarded by the Department of the Army on June 1, 2011 on a sole-source basis for a minimum of 21 Mi-17 helicopters and spare parts for the Afghan military. The deal with the Russians includes options for additional aircraft, spares, and support. The Army has indicated that the procurement of additional Mi-17 for the Afghan military may be required, with Gregory telling Ria Novosti that it is up to 30. “Given current timelines, the department has determined that Rosoboronexport is the only viable means of meeting ANSF requirements” for the helicopters, Gregory told the newswire. Ironically, the U.S. Air Force is in a similar procurement fight with American aircraft manufacturer Beechcraft. USAF awarded Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer around $420 million to build 20 light air support fighters called Super Tucanos. Beechcraft was involved in the bid. The Super Tucanos are also for the Afghanistan military and USAF spokesmen told Forbes that they had to pursue the contract despite an investigation by the Government Accountability Office. Russia’s Mi-17, like the Super Tucano, appears to be right aircraft for the missions in Afghanistan, the Defense Department attests. The copter has a long history in Afghanistan. It was used in the USSRAfghanistan war back in the 1980s. There are around 20,000 Mi-17 helicopters in circulation, including in Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, Colombia, Pakistan and Venezuela. India has over 130 of them. Russia has been supplying Afghanistan with Mi-17s under a NATO contract as part of a U.S.-run procurement deals. The U.S. is no stranger to this flying whale. It gave four Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan to assist its anti-terrorism activity in June 2009. The U.S. Navy delivered four Mi17s to the Afghan National Army Air Corps in September of that same year. Ten Mi-17-V5 helicopters were delivered to the Afghan Air Force (AAF) by December 2010. Courtesy: Forbes

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ASIA PACIFIC PROCUREMENT UPDATE INDIAN COAST GUARD COMMISSIONS ACV & IPV

Indian Coast Guard has recently commissioned Ship H-191 ACV & ‘Rajdoot’ IPV. H-191 is the fifth of the series of twelve Air Cushion Vehicles which was commissioned at Mumbai. The 21 metres long Air Cushion Vehicle with 31 tonnes displacement can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. The ACV is capable of undertaking multi-farious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and rendering assistance to small boats and craft in distress at sea. ‘Rajdoot’, Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs ) is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and was commissioned at Kolkata. The 50 meter ship the sixthof eight IPV which displaces 300 tons and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 Knots.

HAL- ROLLS ROYCE PRODUCTION FACILITY INAUGURATED

INDIA INDUCTSFAST INTERCEPTOR NAVAL VESSELS

Indian Navy has recently inducted four Fast Interception Craft (FIC). Southern Naval Command will get 12 more of these craft in the coming months. Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) – the force raised by the Indian Navy for coastal defense- will operate these crafts. The FICs built at Solas Marine Lanka Private Limited,

BOEING & BEL EXPAND PARTNERSHIP

Boeing and Bharat Electronics Limited are expanding their partnership through a follow-on contract involving the manufacture of subassemblies for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet. This contract, for Super Hornet subassemblies, expands work Boeing had awarded BEL in 2011. BEL delivers components for the Super Hornet and

P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and is a partner with Boeing at the Analysis & Experimentation Centre in Bengaluru that opened in 2009. Through the new contract BEL will produce Super Hornet subassemblies including the Ground Power Panel, Helmet Vehicle Interface Stowage and Switch assembly and Cockpit Console Panels and Friend or Foe interrogator indentification for P-81. Gen. Abdel Fattah al Sisi & Indian Defence Minister AK Antony in New Delhi. Gen. al Sisi is part of the delegation accompanying the Egyptian President during his visit to India. Both countries have agreed that there was scope for enhancing bilateral defence coopera-

INDIA & EGYPT TO ENHANCE DEFENCE RELATIONS

India & Egypt will be gradually building up defence exchanges and interactions, particularly in the area of training exchanges. This was agreed after the joint meeting of Egyptian Defence Minister,

are highly capable vessels and can do speeds up to 45 Knots and have an endurance of 200 nautical miles at 15 Knots. They can carry a variety of armament like heavy machine guns. The upper deck canopies are bullet proof. The versatile vessels are fitted with modern navigational aids and communication equipment including AIS (Automatic Identification System) and LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device)- an anti piracy device.

HAL & Rolls-Royce (UK) 50:50 joint venture company International Aerospace Manufacturing Limited’s production facility was inaugurated recently. State-ofthe-art facility in Bengaluru will produce components for the technologically advanced Trent family of civil aero engines, as well as for a number of marine and energy gas turbines.” At an investment of US$25 million over a land of 7,200 sqm, the unit incorporates the latest RollsRoyce manufacturing techniques for making 130 different compressor parts. The facility will include latest machine tools, computerised maintenance management systems, metal spray booths and nondestructive testing lines.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

tion in various areas, including by way of increased interactions between the armed forces of both countries and through technology collaboration between industries. It was also decided that opportunities for increasing cooperation will be discussed by both sides during the next meeting.

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SINGAPORE AND THAILAND CONCLUDE 15TH KOCHA SINGA EXERCISE

The Singapore Army (SAF) and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) concluded a bilateral army exercise, codenamed Exercise Kocha Singa. The exercise, the 15th in the series, was held in Singapore from 19 to 26 March 2013 and involved personnel from the SAF’s 3rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment and the RTA’s 1st Infantry Battalion from the 2nd Infantry Regiment. The exercise included professional interactions, live firing, as well as participation in urban operations training in Murai Urban Training Facility.

SINGAPORE, THAILAND & US TRILATERAL AIR EXERCISE

Exercise Cope Tiger, a trilateral air exercise conducted by Singapore, Thailand and the United States, at Korat Air Base, Thailand. The exercise, the 19th in its series, was conducted in two

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have conducted a bilateral naval exercise, codenamed Exercise Pelican, from 11 to 15 March 2013. Hosted by the RSN, this year’s exercise marks the 32nd in the series. The command teams from RSN’s Formidable-class stealth

phases. The first phase was a command post exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercises Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from 11 to 13 December 2012, while the second phase was a flying training exercise, conducted at Korat Air Base from 11 to 22 March 2013. This year’s exercise saw the deployment of about 80 aircraft, 36 ground-based air defence systems, and more than 2,000 personnel from the participating nations. The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby groundbased air defence system also participated for the first time and particpants also provided health and dental services to local community.

frigate (RSS Tenacious) and missile corvette (RSS Valour), as well as RBN’s Darussalamclass patrol vessel (KDB Darulehsan) and Ijhtihad-class fast patrol boat (KDB Afiat), were involved in this year’s exercise. During the exercise, the two navies conducted a series of tactical discussions and simulation exercises in naval warfare such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and maritime air operations.

AIRBUS MILITARY & INDONESIA TO DEVELOP LIGHT UTILITY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) have signed an agreement covering the development plan for the NC212i light utility transport aircraft. The agreement, signed at the LIMA

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PHILIPPINE NAVY TO PROCURE AW109 POWER HELICOPTERS

AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the Philippine Navy for three AW109 Power maritime helicopters plus two options. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, SAR and maritime security. The aircraft will be delivered in 2014 and will operate from both shore and ship bases. The contract includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel. The AW109 is a three-tonne class eight seater helicopter with two PW206C engines.

Airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia by PT DI CEO Budi Santoso and Airbus Military CEO Domingo Ureña-Raso ratifies and details the joint development, manufacturing, commercialisation and support work packages for the new NC212i launched in November 2012. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will be long-term, risk-sharing partners with engineering and manufacturing being led by PT DI, supported by Airbus Military, and certification being an Airbus Military responsibility. The aircraft will be delivered from Bandung, in Indonesia and will be promoted and supported by PT DI and Airbus Military teams worldwide.

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SOUTH KOREA TO RECEIVE ADVANCED WEATHER IMAGER TECHNOLOGY

ITT Exelis has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract to provide South Korean advanced geostationary weather imager to support the country’s forecasting capabilities. Under the GEO-KOMPSAT2A program, Exelis will deliver an Advanced Metorological Imager (AMI), which will be launched into geostationary orbit in 2017. The AMI is a Korean version of the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) Exelis is currently building for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA for the next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite series

known as GOES-R. Geostationary imagers fly 22,300 miles above Earth staring at specific regions, providing constant, near real-time data to weather forecasters. Known as sentinels in the sky,

CHINA AWARDS SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER CONTRACT

ELBIT SYSTEMS TO FORM JV IN SOUTH KOREA Elbit Systems has announced the establishment of Sharp Elbit Systems Aerospace, Inc.(SESA), a jointly owned company in South Korea, with Sharp Aviation K Inc., located in Seoul, South Korea. Elbit Systems will own 19% with a growth option to 50% ownership. SESA will operate in Ansan and among other capabilities, will offer maintenance, repair and manufacture of advanced military aircraft avionics as well as research and development of systems and avionics for both existing and future projects, such as the Korean Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) and the Korean Future Fighter (KFX).

China’s Ministry of Transport’s Rescue and Salvage Bureau (MOT) has signed a contract for the supply of four Sikorsky S-76D™ helicopters, with an option for another four next year, to further enhance MOT’s maritime search and rescue capabilities. China’s MOT first introduced Sikorsky S-76 search and rescue helicopters in 2000, and this is the fourth contract it has awarded Sikorsky for the S-76® series of helicopters. When these four aircraft are delivered, MOT will operate a fleet of 12 S-76 search and rescue

these satellite instruments are critical to short-term and immediate severe weather forecasting. Geo-imagers capture most of the images of hurricanes and storms taken from space, which are shown by meteorologists on television and in other media. The ABI class imager being used by South Korea provides five times the temporal resolution than current imagers, completing a scan of the full hemisphere in five minutes rather than the 30 minutes. The AMI will also provide several spectral bands and two times the resolution capability of South Korea’s existing satellites to about one-half mile. These increased capabilities and higher latency will provide new products and tools for weather forecasters to improve their forecasts. helicopters of various versions, which have formed the backbone of China’s aerial search and rescue capabilities for maritime operations. Designed for safety, reliability and efficiency, the S-76D helicopter’s standard equipment features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced THALES integrated avionics system and autopilot; health and usage monitoring system, and active vibration control. The S-76D is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s compact light-weight PW210S, which delivers the best in class power-to-weight ratio and fuel burn with great payload and range benefits.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

JAPAN ORDERS ADDITIONAL AW139 HELICOPTER

AgustaWestland have been awarded a contract by the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) to supply two AW139 twin engine helicopters which will be operated in Hokkaido and Fukushima prefectures. The AW139 has proven extremely successful in Japan performing a number of roles including search and rescue and coast guard duties, law enforcement, fire fighting, disaster relief and electronic news gathering. The Japan Coast Guard has placed orders for 18 AW139s so far. The AW139 has also become the platform of choice for public utility roles such as law enforcement, fire fighting and disaster relief.

WORLD’S FIRST SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM EQUIPPED HELICOPTER

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency capability in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a highspeed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites – a world’s first. This installation is called the Helicopter Satellite Communication System Developed by Mitsubishi. It enables direct transmission to satellites without interruption from a helicopter’s moving rotor blades, and relays data to ground receiving stations.

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OPERATION ASTUTE IN TIMOR-LESTE COMPLETED

AUSTRALIA AND THAILAND CONCLUDES EXERCISE AUSTHAI 2013

The Royal Australian Navy, supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, conducted a highly successful maritime exercise with the Royal Thai Navy. The Australian Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta travelled to Thailand in March to conduct Exercise AUSTHAI with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTM Ships Rattanakosin and Phutthayotfa Chulalok. The three ships were joined by two patrol aircraft: an AP3-C Orion from the Royal Australian Air Force, and a Royal Thai Navy Dornier 228. The aim was to practice maritime warfare skills and strengthen naval interoperability. Australia has become a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions with legislation making it an offence in Australia to develop, keep or transfer land mines or cluster munitions. The convention and act allows for certain activities that protect Australia’s national and international security, such as interoperability and acquiring and retaining munitions for training in clearance and destruction techniques. The convention and act will apply to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel during military operations.

CLUSTER MUNITIONS

The Australian Defence Force has formally concluded Operation ASTUTE in TimorLeste and has redeployed all troops and equipment to Australia. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Ash Power said a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel returned home to Australia. The latest mission in the fledgling nation started on 25

HMAS CHOULES RETURNS TO SEA

HMAS Choules has returned to sea following sea assurance testing of the ship’s six propulsion and power distribution transformers which were replaced after a defect was identified in June 2012. The ship then followed a graduated program of trials

May 2006 in response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste and had been a success in restoring public order and stability. The end of the operation was declared after the helicopter point of disembarkation became the final base to be handed over this year to the Government of Timor-Leste. Australia’s three army Black Hawk helicopters, four infantry platoons and 102 vehicles have been returned to Australia since November 2012.

and training, assisted by Air Force and Navy which concluded with a final successful readiness assessment on 12 April 2013. The ship will now participate in a number of minor amphibious exercises in North Queensland during May and June 2013 before joining other Navy ships in Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 off the Queensland coast. The Navy’s amphibious force includes Choules, the Landing Ship Heavy HMAS Tobruk, Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield, and three Landing Craft Heavy vessels. The first Landing Helicopter Dock, recently named NUSHIP Canberra, is due to achieve initial operating capability by the end of 2014.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

EXERCISE BERSAMA SHIELD 2013

Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 2013 was conducted on the South China Sea, Singapore and the Malaysian Peninsula from 8-18 April. Australia was the only nation to deploy a submarine in support of Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 2013. Throughout the exercise the submarine was “hunted” by two AP-3C Orion aircraft from Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 92 Wing, based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia. The AP-3C Orion aircraft flew a total of seven sorties in support of the Five Power Defence Arrangements led exercise, allowing the AP3C crews to hone their skills in a complex multinational exercise environment involving naval and air forces. The Five Power Defence Arrangements is the longest standing multilateral arrangement in South East Asia.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT Australian defence has signed a $1.1 billion contract with Telstra for the provision of telecommunications services. The six-and-a-half year contract will enable Australian Defence to transform its communications technology including better integrating fixed telecommunications with satellite and tactical networks. Defence will partner with Telstra to implement the transformed network solution which has a targeted completion date of mid-2016. The Defence telecommunications network includes networks at 430 sites.

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ELBIT SYSTEMS TO SUPPLY ELECTRO-OPTIC OBSERVATION SYSTEM TO BRAZIL

SMALL BOATS-BIG GAINS! As domestic economies change into a global market, dependent on the ocean for energy, food and transportation, the open seas becoming contested areas, and pirates, outlaws and terrorists using isolated littorals as safe haven, prowling waterways and the open sea along international merchant routes. no wonder that governments are looking for new tools to deal with the new challenges. Addressing such issues, IAI Ramta has launched the Super Dvora class of multi-role Fast Patrol Boats / Fast Attack Craft (FPB/FAC). The current class of Israeli Super Dvora is at its third generation and has been supplied to customers with Waterjets or Articulated Surface Drive (ASD) propulsion. Both offer excellent acceleration and high speed, with ASD offering a slight edge in maneuverability and shallow water operability (at water depth of 1.3 meters.), while waterjets provide somewhat more efficient maneuverability. Both propulsion variants allow top speeds in the 45-50 knot range. The hard chine

planning hull design ensures safe operation in shallow water and reduced drag at high speeds. Constructed of durable marine aluminum, the Super Dvora is built to operate for a service life of 30+ years, with minimal maintenance overhead. IAI Ramta has recently launched two new variants of the Super Dvora class – the Super Dvora Multi-Role (SDMR) multi-mission patrol boat and Mini-Dvora interceptor class fast boat. Built in a compact hull design, Mini Dvora allows the use of smaller, more cost efficient engines and propulsors thus lowering acquisition and lifecycle cost. The boat’s dimensions enable more flexible land transportation, efficiently deploying the boat in land locked lakes and riverine. An affordable ‘interceptor’ type boat, Mini-Dvora enables fast and highly responsive teams to efficiently cover large areas from forward operating bases. Requiring low maintenance and minimal shore support, these boats can efficiently operate either under naval

flotillas or independently. The ‘Golden Shield’ radar developed by IAI Elta Systems is a common system shared by all Super Dvora configurations. This radar detects all types of threats, including guided or unguided missiles fired at the boat. The system is configured in an ‘Aegis’ like scheme. The system’s modules are connected via fiber-optical links, for maximum speed and security. The system has already been tested at sea with excellent results. In addition to self-protection, the boat is also equipped with a stabilized electro-optical payload with an integrated laser designation capability. The primary weapon system is a stabilized marine cannon slaved to the elecrooptics payload which delivers ‘One shot-One Kill’ capability on target at a distance of 1,500 meters. . It also carries precision guided missiles, extending the platform’s effectiveness to 6-8 kilometers. The compact SDMR can carry a complete mission system currently carried by much larger Offshore Patrol Vessels with a comparatively small but effective crew of 10.

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Elbit Systems announced that AEL International Ltd., a subsidiary of AEL Sistemtoas S.A., which is a Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems, was awarded a contract to supply electro-optic observation systems to Savis Tecnologia e Sistemas S.A, a subsidiary of Embraer Defesa & Segurança S.A., wholly-owned by Embraer S.A. The contract value is in an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems. The electro-optic systems will be supplied within a year, starting in 2014, as part of the first phase of the Brazilian multi-year “Sisfron” Integrated Border Monitoring System. In addition, as part of the program, Elbit Systems will be making investments inBrazilin terms of assets, infrastructure and know-how in optronics. Mr. Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems’ President and CEO, commented: “We see great importance in this award, marking a breakthrough for our electrooptic activities inBrazil, which is a significant market for Elbit Systems. Sisfron is a global leading and very unique border security project, and we are very proud to be involved in it. This is yet an additional opportunity for our Brazilian companies to provide our advanced technologies, this time in the field of observation, inBrazil, a country that values unique, cutting edge technology in every field of operation”.

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