EDR N°49 - Jan/Feb 2020

N° 49 • January/ February 2020

MAGAZINE European Defence Review Indian Land Forces equipment evolution

Towards Combat Trainers

Japan’s Naval Force Projection

New Russian gliding bomb market: an opportunity for the Indian Air Force?

I S S U E N° 49 2020

Publisher: Joseph Roukoz Editor-in-chief: Paolo Valpolini Aviation & Space Editor: David Oliver Naval Editor: Luca Peruzzi European Defence Review (EDR) is published by European Defence Publishing SAS www.edrmagazine.eu

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Indian Land Forces equipment evolution

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Japan’s Naval Force Projection

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Resilience through numbers: New Zealand’s plan to build a more capable navy over the next decade

The RNZN’s two ANZAC-class frigates are being equipped with MBDA’s Sea Ceptor Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) air defence missile system during the Frigate Systems Upgrade. © MBDA

By Paolo Valpolini

By David Oliver

By Ian Kemp

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Towards Combat Trainers

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Multi-sensor fire-control systems evolution

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New Russian gliding bomb market: an opportunity for the Indian Air Force?

By Luca Peruzzi

By Luca Peruzzi

By Dmitry Fediushko

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Indian Land Forces equipment evolution

By Paolo Valpolini

Considering the problems given by the Arjun MBT development, India recently ordered a new batch of T-90s part of which will be assembled locally. Š Indian DRDO

Since many years jointness has become a mantra in all first tier armed forces around the world, however one of the most numerous forces in the world, that of India, has until now maintained separate services, which led to a lack of coordination, each of the three services tending to structure, equip, plan and prepare for single service operations. India’s military strength exceeds 1.4 million personnel, second only to China and slightly ahead of the United States and North Korea, to which we must add over 1.1 million reserve personnel. The Army is definitely the most numerous of the three services, with 1,129,900 active and 960,000 reserve troops.

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India shares over 3,200 km of border with its historical opponent, Pakistan, and nearly 3,500 km with the Asian superpower, China. While recently the relationship with the latter seems to improve, that with Islamabad remains extremely tense, the hostilities of February 2019 having marked a peak in the struggle between the two countries. With border issues still on the table, the northern part of the

border along the so-called Line of Control does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, how much the relationship between the two nuclear-armed countries will evolve remains a question mark even for local political analysts. What is absolutely certain is that New Delhi needs an effective military force to maintain its strength towards its neighbour.

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To do so, last August the Indian Government announced the decision of appointing a Chief of Defence, who will head a staff that will be one step higher than his Army, Navy and Air Force, a move towards a joint stance that was awaited since quite a long time. Not only, more recently the Indian Government also announced a huge investment in the coming 5-7 years, in order to improve the armed forces preparedness to allow the country to be confronted with a war on two different fronts, one in the west and one in the north, although analysts argue that structuring forces for such a worst-case scenario might prove wrong. Some also contest the recent increase in manpower, stating that it would be better saving on manpower and investing in better equipment.

That said, the recently announced investment announced is worth 130 billion US$, however no split between the three services and the nuclear deterrence was announced. Considering the Army, what emerged from the document calls for infantry modernisation, with the acquisition of 2,600 infantry combat vehicles and 1,700 futureready combat vehicles, the latter being aimed at replacing current T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), of which over 2,400 are in service.

President’s Modi “Make in India” initiative should bring most of that money to be spent locally, although in the past India showed that

its state industry was not yet able to cope with the development of complex systems without a considerable degree of risks, which led to delays in the development and production of many pieces of equipment, some of them having been abandoned since.

One example is the Arjun MBT, which development started in the mid-1970s and is in service in relatively small numbers, slightly more than 300 considering 1A and II models, Indian Army armoured formations being equipped mostly with T-72 Ajeya and T-90S Bhishma MBTs. In late 2019 New Delhi signed a contract with OFB HVF (Ordnance Factory Board Heavy Vehicles Factory), the state-owned company being requested to build 464 T-90S, which is understood to be a further batch of an agreement signed in 2006. The Indian Government has apparently also approved the acquisition of 464 T-90MS, Uralvagonzavod providing kits to OFB HVF to be assembled locally, however the contract signature is still pending. Slightly heavier, 48 versus 46.5 tonnes, the T-90MS has a more powerful engine, 1,130 versus 1,000 hp, linked to an improved transmission, and features new reactive armour tiles as well as a remotely controlled weapon station armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun in place of the pintle mounted MG of the T-90S.

Currently the Indian Army employs as Infantry Fighting Vehicle the BMP-2 Sarath, however the Army is looking for a new IFV to be developed locally, respecting the “Made in India” principle. © USMC

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The model of the Whap 8x8 armoured platform under development by India’s DRDO; this platform should be used ad the base for a family of vehicles. © P. Valpolini

The Indian Army started receiving its first M777 from BAE Systems in late 2018. © BAE Systems

The current Indian Army Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) is the BMP-2 Sarath, produced in India under license and which is being upgraded.

However India is considering a future tracked IFV, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) having started the development of a technology demonstrator in the late 1990s-early 2000s, a first vehicle having been shown in 2005.

A Future ICV programme was launched in 2009, but nothing seems to have moved since, the 2025 in service date being definitely moving to the right, while New Delhi apparently rejected the Russian proposal for the adoption of the BMP-3.

Coming to wheeled vehicles, the DRDO has developed the Wheeled Armoured Platform 8x8, WhAP 8x8 in short, the programme aiming at producing a family of vehicles ranging from armoured personnel carrier, to reconnaissance, light tank, CBRN reconnaissance, etc. The declared GVW for amphibious operations is 24 tonnes, which might increase if no floating capability is required. The models seen at various exhibitions showed an infantry fighting vehicle

version fitted with the BMP-2 turret, armed with the 2A42 30 mm automatic cannon, which would provide commonality with the tracked ICVs. Although no details were provided on protection, the double V-shaped hull and the shock resistant seats fitted with food pads to decouple legs from the floor show well that the WhAP 8x8 is designed to ensure high protection against mines. According to DRDO officials the engine can be rated at three different power outputs, which would allow trimming it to the GVW of the different versions in order to maintain similar power-to-weight ratio. The vehicle has concluded company testing, including ballistic and blast, and is ready to be considered by the Indian Army, which should soon launch an acquisition programme for a family of armoured wheeled vehicles.

Artillery is a key capability, especially along the border with Pakistan, where shooting over the border is quite common. To cope with its opponent new assets the Indian Army needs to modernise its indirect fire systems, heavily based

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With the “Made in India” in mind, the country is trying to acquire some degree of autonomy also in the artillery field, the Ordnance Factory Board producing an improved version of BAE Systems’ FH-77B. © Indian DRDO

on outdated gun-howltzers mostly in the 105 and 122 mm calibres. In late 2018 the service took delivery of the first M777 produced by BAE Systems in the US and of the first K9 Vajra selfpropelled howitzer, all in the 155 mm calibre, the latter being a variant of the South Korean K9 Thunder developed and produced by Hanwha Techwin. The 52-calibre K9 Vajra is produced in India by Larsen & Toubro, a total of 100 howitzers having been ordered, while the production of the 145 39-calibre M777 on order sees the heavy involvement of Mahindra; for those howitzers

Larsen & Toubro is producing in India the K9 Varja, a variant of the South Korean K-9 Thunder designed by Hanwha Techwin. © Indian MoD

A model of the Pinaka 214 mm multiple racket launcher, in service with the Indian Army; it was developed by the DRDO and produced by the Ordnance Factories Board, Larsen & Toubro and Tata. © P. Valpolini

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India is requesting through the FMS channel the M982 Excalibur guided ammunition produced

by Raytheon. India is however aiming at some independence on artillery, the Ordnance Factory Board having started the production of an improved version of BAE Systems’ FH-77B 155/39 mm towed howitzer known as Dhanush. The first six of 114 howitzers on order were delivered in April 2019, the contract to be fulfilled by 2022, while a further order for 300 systems might follow.

As for multiple rocket launchers, the DRDO developed the Pinaka 214 mm calibre system, which is produced by the Ordnance Factories Board and Larsen & Toubro, Tata providing the 8x8 truck. Currently the Indian Army fields the Pinaka with the Mk-I rocket, which has minimum and maximum ranges respectively of 12.6 and 37.5 km. An Mk-II rocket has been developed, its production being due to start in 2020; its ranges are respectively 16 and 60 km, and it features the same Pre-Formed Fragment or Submunition warheads, which have a weight of around 100 kg. Although longer than the Mk-I, the MK-II can be fired by the same launcher, and according to DRDO sources it is mostly considered an export item. The Mk-II was used as the base to develop the Guided Pinaka Rocket, which features a canard aerodynamic control kit and a GPS/INS guidance unit. According to DRDO its maximum range is of 75 km, thanks to some aerodynamic lift provided by the canard wings, the warhead being of the PFF type. It should also go into production in 2020, following the successful trial that took place on 19 December 2019 at DRDO’s Chandipur Integrated Test Range. For long-

To improve the performances of its Pinaka 214 mm MLRS India’s DRDO is developing new rockets, among which the Guided Pinaka Rocket which production should start in 2020. © P. Valpolini

The ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv Mk III is being armed with MBDA’s Mistral air-to-air missiles. © Indian MoD

Equipped with MBDA’s Mistral missiles in the air-to-air configuration, the Light Combat Helicopter is also armed with Thales 70 mm rocket launchers. © Indian MoD

range antitank engagement the Indian Army is acquiring a number of missiles from different sources. The production of the locally designed Nag third-generation missile is planned to start in 2020; a 42 kg system, it has a minimum range of 500 meters and a maximum range of 4 km, with a declared Pk of 0.8. It is fitted with an infrared imaging seeker and with a tandem hollow charge warhead that can defeat 800 mm armour behind ERA. It can strike both in direct mode or can carry top attack in order to hit the least armoured part of the tank. The Nag will be deployed on board a BMP-2 based tank destroyer vehicle that will be fitted with an optronic suite allowing day/ night operations and will carry six Nag ready-

to-fire missiles. The Indian Army has in service a plethora of antitank missiles of Western and Russian origin, such as MBDA’s Milan, 9M133 Kornet, 9K114 Shturm, 9M120 Ataka-V, 9M119 Svir, 9M113 Konkurs, as well as Israel Aerospace Industries LAHAT tank-launched 120 mm missiles used on the Arjun tank. Most of those missiles are produced under license in India, however the Indian Army inventory is ageing and the service is looking for new systems to equip its infantry and mechanised infantry battalions. As stopgap systems an undisclosed number of Konkurs were ordered in early 2019 and will be produced locally under license by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

In November 2019, after a lengthy and contested acquisition process, India has finally ordered a limited number, 12 launchers each with around 20 missiles, of Rafael’s fourth-generation Spike LR (Long Range), to replace some of the older missile systems in service. How much this will lead to a more consistent order of the missile of Israel origin is to be seen, a previous order for 275 launchers and 5,500 missiles having been cancelled.

The Indian Army employs a wide range of small arms, one of the main contracts recently signed being for a considerable number of Caracal CAR 816 5.56 mm assault rifles. © P. Valpolini

Ties with Russia remain strong, the Indian Army main assault rifle being belonging to the AK family, a 750,000 order for 750,000 AK-203 to be produced locally having been signed recently. © Indian MoD

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India already expressed an interest for a fifthgeneration antitank missile. While Rafael developed the latest versions of its Spike with fifth-gen capabilities, the other competitor is MBDA, with its MMP; to this end the European missile company strengthened its partnership with BDL, the company also having established a joint venture with Larsen & Toubro, known as L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited.

MBDA’s interest is not limited to the land sector, the company having integrated its Mistral in the air-to-air configuration both on Indian Army’s Dhruv light utility helicopters, the first three Mk III aircraft having been delivered in February 2019, and Light Combat Helicopters, the latter being also fitted with Thales 70 mm rocket launchers.

Another contested field is that of small arms, India having launched a number of tenders in the past, most of which were not finalised, this partly because of the decision to provide a national solution. India chose the 5.56 mm NATO calibre, while for the 7.62 mm it remained with that of

Soviet-era rifles. The former is mostly in use by Special Forces and the National Security Guards antiterrorism team, and include M16 and M4A1, Steyr AUG, FN SCAR, IMI Tavor TAR-21 and SIG SG 550, a considerable number of Caracal CAR 816 being on order. The issue Army rifle is the 7.62 mm AKM, paramilitary formations using the AK-103. A joint venture between India and Russia, the latter controlling 49.5% of the shares, has been created, which in Q1 2019 inaugurated a new production plant that will produce 70,000 AK-203 per year in the future, to reach a total of 750,000 rifles, only a few tens of thousands being provided directly from Russia in the initial phase.

While “Make in India” remains a key issue, ties between India and foreign nations and companies remain strong and are even increasing. Beside its historical partner, Russia, New Delhi is increasing its ties in the defence domain with Israel, France, South Africa, as well as the United States, the first land, sea and air exercise in the history of IndiaUS military relationship, “Tiger Triumph”, having taken place in November 2019.

U.S. and Indian troops on patrol during exercise “Tiger Triumph” in Kakinada, India; the exercise, which took place in November 2019, markets a considerable step forward in US-Indian military relationship. © USMC

U.S. Marines currently under 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and members of the Indian Army conduct a patrol during exercise “Tiger Triumph”; while on shore, the forces conducted limited patrolling, moved simulated victims to medical care and produced and distributed drinking water. © USMC

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JS Izumo is one of the two JMSDF helicopter destroyers being modified to operate F-35B STOL fighter aircraft. © JMSDF

Japan’s Naval Force Projection

By David Oliver For the first time, Japan’s 2019 Defence White Paper indicated that China is bigger threat than North Korea. The focus of Japan’s concern has been what it calls the Senkaku Islands. Japan says they are sovereign territory but China, who calls them the Diaoyu Islands, also claims them.

The rocky islands are approximately 900 kilometres (560 miles) from the Japanese mainland and 410 kilometres (255 miles) from the nearest Japanese air base on Okinawa.

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apan has raised defence spending by ten percent over the past seven years to counter military advances by Beijing and Pyongyang, including defences against North Korean missiles which may carry

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nuclear warheads, but to stay ahead of China’s modernising military Japan is expanding its naval aviation capabilities by acquiring new fighter, reconnaissance and unmanned aircraft and other advanced weapons.

In December 2018, the government decided to procure 147 F-35 stealth fighters, 42 of which are now expected to be the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B variant capable of operating from converted helicopter carriers.

The JS Kaga, along with the sister ship Izumo, is the biggest warship that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), has built since the end of World War Two. In December 2018, the government announced plans to convert the JS Kaga and JS Izumo to operate the US-built F-35B STOVL aircraft. The conversion would effectively give the vessels, re-designated from helicopter destroyer to multi-purpose operation destroyers, many of the same capabilities as aircraft carriers– also a first for post-war Japan.

At 248 metres (812 feet) long with a displacement 27,000 tonnes, the Izumo-class vessels were designed to carry up to 28 helicopters, or 400 troops and 50 military vehicles. Their flight decks currently have five helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings or take-offs. Their primary role is anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and quickly deploying Japanese military assets at sea. They also serve as command ships and can

be used to quickly ferry humanitarian relief to farflung places in the Asia Pacific region. To operate up to 12 F-35Bs, the flight decks will be reinforced and the below deck hangarage enlarged.

The JMSDF also operates two 19,000 tonnes Hyuga-class helicopter carriers that can carry up to 18 ASW helicopters while there are no plans to modify them to operate the fixed-wing F-35B. Three 14,000 tonnes Osumi-class tank landing ships, which have a rear flight deck for helicopters, are due for a major refit to enable them to embark MV-22 Ospreys and Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV) to improve their amphibious capabilities.

The JMSDF’s Fleet Air Force has a large rotarywing fleet including more that 100 Mitsubishi-built Sikorsky SH-60J and UH-60J Seahawk ASW and SAR helicopters, and 12 Kawasaki-built MCH-101 airborne mine-countermeasures helicopters. The 2020 defence budget includes the acquisition of seven SH-60K naval ship-borne ASW helicopters.

Its JMSDF fixed-wing fleet is dominated by 70 Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), more than 100 of which were built under

The JMSDF also operates two 19,000 ton Hyuga-class helicopter destroyers that can carry up to 18 ASW helicopters. © JMSDF

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US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys landing on the JS Shimkita one of three JMSDF Osumi-class tank landing ships. © US Navy

license in Japan by Kawasaki. They are being replaced by the P-1, a four jet MPA developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industry (KHI). Unlike many maritime patrol aircraft, which are typically conversions of civilian designs, the P-1 was designed from the onset for the ASW/ MPA roles. It has the distinction of being the first operational aircraft in the world to make use of a fly-by-light control system which has superior performance in decreasing electromagnetic interference. With its large wing and spacious fuselage, the P-1 is especially suited for lowaltitude ASW operations.

The P-1 has entered service with the JMSDF as a replacement for the P-3C Orion. On 26 March 2013, the JMSDF took delivery of the first two operational P-1 aircraft of 20 on order. The service has a requirement for a total of 60 P-1 MPAs to be acquired by the end of 2027.

KHI is aiming to develop an electronic warfare (EW) version of the P-1 MPA to replace a small number of EP-3 ELINT aircraft in service and the JMSDF plans to equip an undisclosed number of its P-1 with artificial intelligence (AI) to boost the platform’s intelligence gathering capabilities, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA).

The AI technology is expected to enhance the P-1’s ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations more effectively.

The ATLA aims to apply the technology to radar target recognition, which uses inverse syntheticaperture radar (ISAR) image data in the sea and synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) image data on the ground.

To improve its ship-borne airborne surveillance capabilities, the Japanese Government intends to

The JMSDF’s Fleet Air Force has a large fleet of Mitsubishi-built Sikorsky SH-60J Seahawk ship-borne Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters. © US Navy

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Twelve Kawasaki-built MCH-101 airborne minecountermeasures helicopters are operated by the JMSDF, one of which is seen taking off from the carrier USS Ronald Reagan. © US Navy

acquire around 20 rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the JMSDF with a type being down selected by 2022, with actual procurement starting a year later. The ship-based UAV would augment Japan’s early warning and surveillance activities around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture that are currently being carried out

by P-3C aircraft. The Northrop Grumman MQ8C Fire Scout in production for the US Navy is currently said to be in the lead as the unmanned helicopter choice.

The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is a twinturboprop carrier-borne airborne early warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft operated from land bases by the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) although many of its operations are over water in support of the JMSDF. Thirteen EC-2Cs have been in JASDF service since 1983, being upgraded to Hawkeye 2000 standard ten years ago that included an upgraded mission computer and a new CEC data-link system.

More than 100 Lockheed P-3J Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) were built under license in Japan by Kawasaki for the JMSDF. © JMSDF

In June 2015, the Japanese government requested to buy four E-2Ds, a new variant of the Hawkeye with new avionics suite, improved engines and a new “glass cockpit” through a US FMS, to serve alongside the JASDF’s E-2Cs. Following the rising threat from China, in 2019 Northrop Grumman received a US$ 1.4 billion FMS contract from the US Department of Defense covering the supply of nine additional E-2Ds to supplement and eventually replace the JASDF’s E-3C fleet.

In September 2014 Japan announced plans for deploying 17 V-22 Osprey with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for air insertion on remote islands. The US$ 41.7 billion Fiscal Year 2015 defence budget included the purchase of the first five Block C MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and in July 2016 a US FMS order was issued for the first four Ospreys to be delivered by May 2020. The first Japanese MV-22 was rolled-out in August 2017 at the Bell facility in Amarillo, Texas.

The type’s ability to combine the vertical take-off and landing capability of a helicopter with the higher potential range and speed of a conventional aircraft are vital attributes given the over 965 kilometres (600 miles) separating the southwestern-most Japanese islands from Kyushu.

In May 2019, the US Marine Corps (USMC) launched a one year training plan to help JGSDF crews to gain proficiency with the MV-22 Osprey.

The training at the North Carolina based Marine Corps Air Station New River involved 20-50 Japanese students at any given moment, and will span until May 2020. The JGSDF brought the first of its new Block C variant MV-22s to the training evolution to New River, which includes an upgraded weather radar and enhanced displays in the cockpit.

USMC MV-22Bs have taken part in numerous exercises with the JMSDF and have landed on its Hyuga-class helicopter carriers and Osumi-class tank landing ships, and it is likely that JGSDF Osprey pilots will be qualified for ship-borne operations.

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The JMSDF P-3s are being replaced by Kawasaki P-1 four-jet MPAs, 60 of which will be acquired by 2027. © Kawasaki

On March 27, 2018, the JGSDF underwent its most significant structural reform since its formation in 1954 with the creation of a unified command and the launch of an Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) tasked with defending Japan’s remote islands. It is the first time Japan has had an amphibious marine force since World War II. The new unit is tasked with defending Japanese islands and conducting amphibious raids and landings. The new unit will allow Japan to project power in the East China Sea where the country holds a major territorial dispute with China over the energy rich Senkaku Islands.

The JMSDF has six 180 tonnes Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft for transporting weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of assault elements both from ship to shore and across the beach. The Marine component of the JGSDF acquired 30 US-built fully tracked Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV) in 2017. Vehicles are AAV7A1 Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability/Rebuild to Standard (RAM/RS) versions, with a more powerful engine and drive train and an upgraded suspension system, providing improved mobility, command, control, and repair capabilities.

During the Philippine-led KAMANDAG 3 exercise held in October 2019, the Philippine Marine Corps launched its AAVs for the first time alongside AAVs from the US and JGSDF 16

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Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB).

The training drills included amphibious operations reconnaissance, low altitude air defence, live-fire drills, military operations in urban terrain, and aviation operations. The JGSDF also participated in training scenarios covering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Japan’s focus has now reached Africa with the JMSDF Detachment of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 equipped with two P-3C Orion MPAs based at Djibouti Airport. The JMSDF Counter-Piracy Facility was opened in July 2011 to house some 200 personnel and include administrative, housing, medical, kitchen/dining, and recreational facilities as well as an aircraft maintenance hangar and parking apron. It is Japan’s first and only overseas air base to open since the end of World War II and has been used for hot weather operational trials of the JMSDF’s new Kawasaki P-1.

Kawasaki is developing an electronic warfare (EW) version of the P-1 MPA to replace a small number of EP-3 ELINT aircraft in JMSDF service. © David Oliver

Seventeen Block C MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft are being delivered to the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) for air insertion on remote islands. © USMC

In November 2017 it was confirmed that the base would be expanded. Djibouti is set to become an operational centre for JSDF troops in the Horn of Africa region, with the additional military capabilities at the base. Japan plans to step up training efforts with East African nations and to increase military cooperation with the United States in the region. Due to constitutional limitations, Japan is restricted from training African troops in combat tactics, but it is able to provide instruction in areas such as disaster response, engineering and humanitarian relief.

These activities form part of Japan’s changing focus in Africa from peacekeeping to security capacity building.

Japan eased a decades-old arms export ban in 2014, allowing for weapons exports and

participation in joint arms programmes when they serve international peace and Japan’s security. Two years later the Philippines agreed to lease from Japan five ex-JMSDF Beechcraft TC90 training aircraft to help the Philippines Navy to patrol the disputed South China Sea, where China is also expanding its military presence. Japan is also selling spare parts for the Philippine Air Force’s ageing fleet of UH-1H Huey helicopters, after a deal for new Bell 412EP helicopters from Canada collapsed. The US$ 96 million parts package would keep about 20 US-made Bell utility helicopters flying until 2020 when the Philippines expects to take delivery of the first of 16 new Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from PZL Mielec in Poland.

More than 100 Bell UH-1H helicopters were built under licence by Fuji Heavy Industries for the JGSDF, many of which were upgraded to UH-1J standard with a Kawasaki-built Lycoming T53-K-70 turboshaft engine. They are due the be replaced by 150 UH-X which is being developed jointly by Bell Helicopter and Suburu Corporation.

Japan has also been negotiating the sale of 12 ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft for the Indian Navy. The four-turboprop long-range amphibian aircraft is operated by the JMSDF in the SAR role. The Kawasaki P-1 was a contender for the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-3 replacement but lost out to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.

Japanese Soldiers from the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), depart the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown in an AAV during exercise KAMANDAG 3. © USMC

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Resilience through numbers:

New Zealand’s plan to build a more capable navy over the next decade

By Ian Kemp

New Zealand’s ANZAC-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (centre) berthed at Esquimalt, British Columbia in December 2019 following its Frigate Systems Upgrade by Lockheed Martin Systems Canada. © DND

The RNZN’s two ANZAC-class frigates are being equipped with MBDA’s Sea Ceptor Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) air defence missile system during the Frigate Systems Upgrade. © MBDA

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n recent decades, the New Zealand

Defence Force has been reliant “on a number of capabilities based on either a single or very small number of platforms,” stated The Defence Capability

Plan (DCP 2019), published by the Labourled, coalition government in June 2019. The Royal New Zealand Navy includes only a single sealift vessel, HMNZS Canterbury, two ANZAC-class frigates, both of which

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are unavailable at present as they are being upgraded, and two hard-working Offshore Patrol Vessels supporting operations in New Zealand’s ‘neighbourhood’ which reaches from Antarctica to the South Pacific.

“As a Pacific nation, we are also a maritime nation. Indeed, these same [humanitarian and disaster relief] capabilities provided by Canterbury to Pacific Island nations have also been deployed domestically, following both the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes,” said Defence Minister Ron Mark when he publicly presented DCP 2019. “Yet despite understanding its value, the New Zealand Defence Force has been limited through its reliance on Canterbury as the sole vessel of its type. As we find ourselves needing to do more in the future, reliance on single points of failure must be replaced with resilience through numbers.”

The DCP 2019 reaffirms the government’s pledge, made in DCP 2016, to spend NZ$20 billion (€11.2 billion) on equipment acquisition through 2030. More than a quarter of this budget has been spent already on projects which include the acquisition of four Boeing P-8As long-range maritime patrol aircraft, purchased in March 2019. “Consistent with the Coalition Government’s Pacific Reset, key

changes to this Defence Capability Plan are focused on increasing the effectiveness of the Defence Force to operate in the South Pacific.

Foremost in these changes is increasing New Zealand’s capacity to respond as the demand for assistance grows, with improved capabilities to move personnel, stores and equipment.”

The plan outlines four significant programmes – a Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel, Enhanced Sealift Capability, Maritime Helicopter Replacement and Offshore Patrol Vessel Replacement - to improve the navy’s ability to project power across the South Pacific although none of these projects will come to fruition before 2027. However, in the short term the service is looking forward to the introduction of new and upgraded ships previously ordered.

New ship in 2019 The RNZN welcomed its first ‘new’ ship in nine years in June 2019 with the commissioning of HMNZS Manawanui, a multi-role offshore support vessel acquired to replace two decommissioned vessels, the hydrographic survey ship HMNZS Resolution and the diving support vessel HMNZS Manawanui. Original-

New Zealand’s two ANZAC-class frigates, HMNZS Te Mana (left) and Te Kaha (right), berthed at the Victoria Shipyard in British Columbia, Canada in December 2019 undergoing their Frigate System Upgrade. © RNZN

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The Enhanced Sealift Capability project will deliver an enhanced multi-role sealift vessel in 2029 to complement HMNZS Canterbury. © RNZN

installation of weapon systems, damage control equipment and other naval systems.

Enhanced replenishment

ly the Ministry of Defence had planned to acquire a new build dive and hydrographic vessel (DHV) but, forced to find additional funds for the modernisation of its two ANZAC-class frigates, opted to acquire a second-hand vessel and after reviewing 150 vessels determined the 85 meters Norwegian-built MV Edda Fonn was suitable for conversion. The vessel’s modern design and systems will provide improved capacity, speed, safety, and capability over the previous vessels. Features include a 100 tonnes salvage crane, a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT underwater robotic vehicle and a K-POS Dynamic Positioning 2 System supplied by Kongsberg Gruppen. Rear Admiral David Proctor, Chief of Navy, described the vessel as “a huge addition and improvement in military effect for New Zealand once we have introduced her and all her associated capabilities”.

Stage 1 modifications, which included the installation of two mezzanine decks, a diving system, the ROV, a new engine, a hydrographic survey system, two davits, and an exterior repaint, were completed at the Ørskov shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, in early 2019 before the vessel sailed for New Zealand. Babcock New Zealand is undertaking the Stage 2 modifications necessary to complete the Manawanui’s transition to a naval vessel. This includes the installation of a communications centre fitted with military communications and IT systems plus

South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) began builder trials of HMNZS Aotearoa, the RNZN’s new 23,000 tonnes Polar-class tanker, in mid-December. The NZ$493 million (€295 million) Maritime Sustainment Capability project was designed to replace the navy’s previous tanker, HMZS Endeavour decommissioned on 15 December 2017, with a much more capable vessel incorporating ice-strengthening and other winterisation features enabling the ship to support New Zealand’s civilian presence in Antarctica through a contribution to the Joint Logistics Pool. The contract to design and build the maritime sustainment vessel, and deliver an associated support package, was awarded to HHI on 25 July 2016. The ship is scheduled to sail to New Zealand in the second quarter of 2020 where local industry partners will complete the New Zealand customisation of the vessel, including the installation of sensors and communications equipment, before it is commissioned at Devonport Naval Base.

At 173 meters long, HMNZS Aotearoa will be the largest ship ever operated by RNZN and provides accommodation for 98 personnel comprising a core crew of 64, an 11-strong aviation detachment,14 trainees, eight ‘mission team’ personnel and one VIP. The ship can carry 8,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, 1,500 tonnes of aviation fuel and 12 20ft containers.

The hangar is designed to carry and operate a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 medium helicopter. The ship’s sensors package includes a Farsounder-1000 sonar and Hensholdt UK SharpEye S and X-Band navigation radars.

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The navy’s two Protector-class offshore patrol vessels, HMNZS Otago (left) and Wellington (right), are scheduled to receive a communications upgrade by 2022. © RNZN

The multirole vessel HMNZS Canterbury (top), the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (middle) and the offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago (bottom) represent the RNZN’s combatant types. © RNZN

Aotearoa is the first naval ship built using Roll-Royce’s Environship design, which includes a new wave-piercing hull for reduced resistance and fuel consumption. As well as

Reliance on one or two platforms in each class of warship continues to limit the RNZN’s flexibility. © RNZN

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the design, the British firm was the primary subcontractor to HHI and provided numerous systems including a Combined Diesel Electric and Diesel (CODLAD) propulsion plant based on twin Bergen main engines, each driving, via reduction gears, a controllable pitch propeller. Electrical power is supplied by four MTU gensets from Rolls-Royce Power Systems, which will also provide power to the Rolls-Royce supplied switchboards, motors, drives, bow thruster and the electric replenishment at sea and fuelling at sea system, which allows for simpler and quieter replenishment/fuelling-at-sea operations. Rotary vane steering gear, the propeller shafts and rudders also form part of the company’s package. The two main engines will allow a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of about 6,400 Nautical Miles.

“Aotearoa has been equipped with the latest technology to provide supplies and fuel to the Royal New Zealand Navy, Commonwealth and allied naval vessels and to support New Zealand Defence Force operations wherever there is a need,” said Admiral Proctor at the ship’s naming ceremony in October 2019.

“And she will play a major role in the provision of humanitarian aid and disaster relief when required.”

NZ$1 billion has been tentatively allocated to the Maritime Helicopter Replacement to replace the eight Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters, operated by the RNZAF, from 2028. © USN

ANZAC frigates beyond 2030 The navy is eagerly anticipating the return of its two primary combatants, the Australian-built ANZAC-class frigates HMNZS Te Mana and Te Kaha which entered service in 1997 and 1999 respectively. The frigates represent one of the NZDF’s three high end combat capabilities, along with the four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the New Zealand Army’s special operations forces, identified in DCP 2019. Lockheed Martin Canada was selected in April 2014 for the Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) project to upgrade the ships’ surveillance, combat and self-defence capabilities, and address obsolescence of some current systems. The FSU represents the first export sale for Lockheed Martin Canada’s Combat Management System (CMS), an export derivative of the CMS developed for Canada’s Halifax Class Modernization project. The FSU includes new radars, electronic detection and

New Zealand’s two ANZAC-class frigates, HMNZS Te Mana (shown), until the mid-2030s. © USN

other above water sensors, MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) Sea Ceptor air defence missile system, the Ultra Electronics Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence system, and from Thales Australia the Broadband Sonar Advanced Processing System (BSAPS) for the Spherion B hull mounted sonar and the TUUM-6 multi-channel Digital Underwater Communication System (DUWCS).

Work on Te Kaha began at Seaspan Victoria Shipyards at Esquimalt, British Columbia, in early May 2018 and work on Te Mana began the following May. Te Kaha is expected to return to New Zealand later this year and Te Mana about 12 months later.

In December 2017, the Government added an additional NZ$148 million (€88.6 million) to the original NZ$446 million (€267 million) approved for the FSU project in April 2014.

The government announced in DCP 2019 that “the major upgrades currently being undertaken on the ANZAC frigates combat systems will not be fully completed until 2023. In order to maximise the value of these upgrades, the service lives of the ANZAC frigates will be extended until after 2030. To support this life extension additional work will be completed on the vessels, including an

A New Zealand Army NZLAV disembarks from HMNZS Canterbury at Gladstone, Australian during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019. © Australian DoD

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HMNZS Te Mana en route to Exercise RIMPAC 2018. © Australian DoD

enhanced maintenance and repair package to ensure appropriate upkeep until the end of the ships’ service lives.”

The service expects to select a prime contractor in 2021 for a NZ$50-100 million (€30-60 million) project to upgrade the communications systems aboard the frigates to address obsolescence issues, and support interoperability with new Allied and NZDF capabilities such as the four P-8As purchased in March 2019. A further NZ$25-50 million (€15-30 million) will be spend over the next three years to upgrade communications systems on-board the strategic sealift ship HMNZS Canterbury, and the two Protector-class offshore patrol vessels, HMNZS Otago and Wellington, with a contract scheduled to be awarded this year.

Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel The navy decommissioned HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki, two of the four Lakeclass Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV) ordered in parallel with Canterbury, Otago and Wellington, after only 10 years of service at a formal ceremony on 17 November. “We have signalled the intent to restructure our fleet to better prepare ourselves for activities in the Pacific and the Southern Ocean,” said Admiral Proctor. “Operational experience has shown that specific tasks required of the Naval Patrol Force are better conducted by our larger offshore patrol vessels due their ability to project a presence and persist further afield. That’s something these ships simply weren’t built to do. The Navy identified that a better capability outcome would be achieved using the current OPVs, HMNZS Otago and Wellington, supplemented with a planned Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel in the mid-2020s.”

HMNZS Canterbury moored at Santo Island, Vanuatu providing humanitarian civic assistance during a Pacific Partnership deployment. © Australian DoD

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With a projected programme cost of between NZ$300-600 million (€180-360 million), the ice-strengthened Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel will be the first ship ordered as part of DCP 2019 with a request for tender planned in

2022 leading to an introduction into service in 2027. The capabilities of this vessel will be primarily for use towards supporting other agencies in the Southern Ocean and around New Zealand, allowing the Otago Class OPVs, and their eventual replacements, to focus on the South Pacific. Built to commercial specifications, the vessel will have minimal specialist military capabilities.

Enhanced Sealift Capability

The introduction of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from 2023 will greatly enhance the NZDF’s surveillance ability. © USN

DCP 2019 noted “the demand placed on HMNZS Canterbury has highlighted the criticality of effective sealift. Experience over the last ten years has highlighted the operational and environmental limits of HMNZS Canterbury, as well as the risks inherent in main-

taining a sole vessel of this type. The more than NZ$1 billion (€600 million) Enhanced Sealift Project is designed to provide a vessel with greater lift capacity than Canterbury as well as improved hospital facilities, planning spaces, and self-defence capabilities.

Through the provision of a well dock, it will be able to conduct operations in a wider range of sea conditions and will have the size and capacity to carry large equipment, and enough aviation capacity to allow extended, long duration operations.” The RNZN cites a Landing Platform Dock is an example of the type of vessel that will be considered for the project with request for tender planned for 2024 leading to an in service date of 2029.

Engagement with industry is scheduled to begin in 2022.

HMNZS Canterbury will be withdrawn from service following 2030, at which point an investment will be made to further improve the navy’s sealift capability.

The RNZN is supported by eight Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters, operated by the RNZAF, which will reach the end of their

ANZAC-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha has received a new superstructure as part of Frigate Systems Upgrade primed by Lockheed Martin Systems Canada. © RNZN

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South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) began builder trials of HMNZS Aotearoa, the RNZN’s new 23,000t Polar-class tanker, in mid-December. © RNZN

service lives in the late 2020s. New Zealand will begin discussions later this year for a more than NZ$1 billion (€600 million) Maritime Helicopter Replacement project to procure an unspecified number of helicopters to support the navy’s patrol, sealift and combat capabilities. A request for tender is scheduled to be released in 2024 and is expected to lead to service introduction in 2028. NHIndustries will promote the commonality offered by the naval variant of the NH90 with the eight NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters which have been in RNZAF service since 2013-14.

In 2028, New Zealand plans to award a contract for the Offshore Patrol Vessel Replacement to succeed HMNZS Otago and Wellington which are expected to reach the end of their service lives in the early 2030s. The government expects to spend from NZ $600-1,000 million (€360-600 million) on the project.

bility expected to be reassessed ahead of the publication of the 2022 Defence White Paper.

“The challenges which New Zealand faces as a maritime nation were recognised in the Strategic Defence Policy Statement [2018],” said Mark.

“Over coming years New Zealand will likely face increasingly challenging requirements to identify, characterise and respond to activity in its expansive maritime domain. Capabilities have been included in the Defence Capability Plan that allow us to confront the sheer size of our maritime domain.”

Mark noted that “the successful implementation of the Defence Capability Plan can only be done in close partnership with industry”.

Beyond 2030 Looking to the period 2030-35, DCP 2019 states “the ANZAC Frigates are scheduled to be replaced with modern surface combatants relevant to New Zealand’s prevailing strategic environment in the mid-2030s” with this capaThe Enhanced Sealift Capability project will deliver an enhanced multi-role sealift vessel in 2029 to complement HMNZS Canterbury. © RNZN 26

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The Leonardo’s M-346FA (Fighter/Attack) variant has an undisclosed international customer, which has acquired six aircraft.

The new variant will be available for delivery in 2021 after being type-certified by Italian MoD’s Air Armaments and Worthiness Directorate. © Luca Peruzzi

Towards Combat Trainers

By Luca Peruzzi In the last decades of crisis management operations, mostly characterized by permissive or light-contested scenarios, worldwide air forces have been using heavier and more expensive latest generation frontline combat aircraft with high-operating costs. A significant percentage of these sorties have been spent in close air support (CAS) missions as well as homeland security and air policing, tactical reconnaissance and protection of humanitarian and crisis management missions. Moreover, an important number of air forces cannot afford the procurement and management of latest generation combat aircraft. An emerging need for multi-missions optimized and lower-cost platforms is pushing, among the potential solutions, towards the so-called ‘combat trainers’, or the advanced trainer/lead-in fighter platforms with combat capabilities that have lower procurement/life-cycle and flying costs per hour compared to heavier and more expensive combat aircraft used for the same missions.

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ased on the proven M-346 Master lead-in fighter/trainer platform, already in service with Italian, Republic of Singapore, Israeli and Polish air forces

and under delivery to the International Flight Training School (IFTS) created by Italian air force and Leonardo, the aircraft division of the Italian group is developing the new platform’s

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fighter/attack variant called M-346FA. The latter development and qualification programme passed the critical design review in June 2019, to reach the formal qualification within 2020 and aircraft delivery in 2021. The M-346FA has already gained an international launch customer, which has acquired six platforms of the dual-role version, but due to contractual restrictions Leonardo declines to provide further contract information. Leonardo is however proposing the M-346 family in Europe for Switzerland and Austria requirements, Latin America (Argentina and Colombia) and Asia (Thailand and Malaysia) as well as Middle-East/ Africa. The M-346FA combines the M-346 AJT/ FT (Fighter/Trainer) Master platform’s high performances and training capabilities including both aggressor and companion missions with an enhanced avionics/mission configuration and armament package capable to meet air force’s growing and diversified operational requirements at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters.

With a maximum take-off weight of 10,400 kg and a high-thrust/weight ratio propulsion package based on two Honeywell 6,300 lb thrusteach F124-GA-200 turbofan, coupled with a full authority, quadruplex fly-by-wire (FBW) fight control system (FCS) providing wide care-free handling flight envelope, the M-346FA exploits high maneuverability with superior rate of climb,

The Leonardo’s M-346FA mission suite will include the fourthgeneration X-band coherent pulse-doppler multimode Leonardo Grifo M346 radar, a DASS with RWR and CMDS and a data link.

The new variant will also feature seven hard-points for external stores. © Leonardo

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high load factor (+8/-2.75 g) and angle-ofattack even with external payload together with supersonic max speed (1.2 Mach) and air-to-air refueling capabilities for long-range/endurance and time-on-station. The new-version airframe configuration differs from the AJT/FT versions for seven (vs five) hard-points including two new wingtip stations for advanced short-range airto-air missiles (ASRAAM), four underwings and one ventral stations for a total load of weapons and external stores of 2,000 kg. The initial payload package will include AIM-9L, ASRAAM, 500 lb class bombs (Lizar 2 + laser-guided and MK-B2 general purpose), HPM-250 12.7 mm gun pod, Rafael Litening targeting and Reccelite pods, as well as 630 liters each external fuel tanks but the optional weapon/system inventory also includes Paveway, JDAM, TEBER, SDB GBUs, MBDA Brimstone and other AAMs including Rafael Derby medium-range missile. In addition to the AJT/FT cockpit and mission suite architecture characterized by advanced glass-cockpit stations, the M-346FA integrates a nose-mounted fourthgeneration X-band coherent pulse-doppler multimode Leonardo Grifo 346 radar with IFF interrogator, a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for day/night operations, an enriched communications suite including secure and multi-band radios and a Link 16 NATO or not-NATO tactical data link

The new fighter/attack variant of M-346 advanced trainer will be capable to carry up to 2,000 kg of weapons and other external stores including AAMs, guided and unguided bombs, targeting and reconnaissance pods as well as rockets and gun pod. © Leonardo

Leonardo is working on a dual-role variant of its M-345 advanced jet trainer, which initial deliveries to Italian air force are planned for first-half 2020. Š Leonardo

(TDL), a defensive aids sub system (DASS) with radar warning receiver (RWR) and chaff & flare countermeasures dispenser system (CMDS), and as optional a missile warning system (MWS) and a radar cross section reduction kit. The Grifo M346 radar supports both air-to-air missions with longrange detection and tracking and air-to-ground operations with high-resolution imaging (submetric SAR and ISAR) modes. Leonardo could also offer a Grifo-based active electronically-scanned antenna (AESA)-based Grifo version that will fly in 2020 and be available in 2021. The Italian group is also working on a dual-role version of its M-345 advanced jet trainer, which latter initial deliveries to the Italian air force are planned for the first-half of 2020.

Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in partnership with US Lockheed Martin group to replace subsonic A-37 and supersonic T-38 advanced trainers of South Korean Air Force and international market opportunities, the T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced trainer further evolved respectively in the lead-in fighter training/ light attack TA-50 and light combat FA-50 variants.

Based on the T-50/TA-50 proven airframe with a maximum take-off weight of 12,300 kg and a powerplant based on one General Electric F404GE-102 with 8,020 kg of thrust with afterburner and dual-channel digital electronic control,

together with a triple-redundant digital FBW controls and active stick technology in addition to triple-redundant electrical system and digital break-by-wire, the FA-50 variant has a 1.5 Mach maximum speed and high load factor (-3/+8 g) but differs mainly for a further evolved avionics/ mission/airframe configuration and armament package compared to the TA-50 dual-role variant.

Featuring a dual glass cockpit with wide fieldof-view head-up display (HUD), integrated upfront controls and hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) and zero-zero ejection seat, the FA-50 adds smart colour multifunction displays, night

In addition to the South Korean air force, the KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50 found international success, being in service with Iraq Indonesian and Thai air forces, while the Philippines acquired the FA-50 light attack variant. Š KAI

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The Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) group received contracts to provide multirole air-to-ground and air-toair capabilities to Thai TA50TH and Indonesian TA-50i platforms adding a radar and a self-protection suite. Lockheed Martin is also working on integrating the Sniper targeting pod for present and future customers. Š KAI

vision imaging system (NVIS) and digital engine instruments. In addition to an Israeli ELTA/Korean LIG Nex1-developed EL/M-2032 pulse-doppler radar variant, integrated mission computer and IFF, GPS/INS navigation, U/VHF secure radios, store management system, the FA-50 is fitted with a data transfer and recording system together with a DASS based on an RWR and CMDS and a tactical data link to enhance information exchange. Beside the 3-barrel 20 mm General Dynamics internal gun and seven hardpoints (two wingtips, four underwings and one ventral) for an overall 3,740 kg external payload, the FA-50 has a wider weapons and other stores package.

In addition to AIM-9 AAM missiles, the platform can carry JDAM GPS-guided, SFW (Sensor Fuzed Weapon) and general-purpose bombs, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles as well as SouthKorean industry-provided weapon systems.

Based on KAI contract, Lockheed Martin is on track to complete the integration of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) on the FA-50 by August 2020 and achieve full certification by late 2020. In addition to the South Korean air force, the T-50 found international success, being in service with Iraqi (24 aircraft), Indonesian (16) and Thai air forces (12 aircraft under delivery), while the Philippines acquired the FA-50 light attack variant (12). Selected end-users requested platform enhancements and the KAI/Lockheed Martin

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industrial team is working on further mission/ avionics developments as demonstrated by Sniper ATP integration. In August 2018, KAI signed a contract with the Indonesian MoD for upgrading the in-service T-50i platforms to dual role variant with radar and gun system integration. In May 2019, KAI announced a contract awarded by the Royal Thai air force to equip the in-service T-50TH with radar and a DASS suite with RWR and CMDS, in addition to training, spare parts and support equipment. KAI is working to integrate the Sniper targeting pod for air-to-ground missions and provides the capability to use beyond-visual-range AAMs, followed by enhanced radar performance

BAE Systems is working on an evolved version of its Hawk advanced jet trainer to satisfy the requirements for training pilots of 5th and later generation combat aircraft. Š UK MoD Crowncopyright

and is actively marketing these upgrades in the Philippines, as well as looking to follow-on orders and new markets. Argentina and Malaysia have the most interesting procurement programmes.

With the development of the Advanced Hawk programme and the maiden flight of its demonstrator in July 2017, after its unveiling at Aero India 2017, the BAE Systems trainer has found new life that could lead to new customers in addition to the current 14 users or follow-on orders. After almost 45 years from its maiden flight, the new advanced aircraft configuration is fully projecting the platform in the dual-role arena providing full frontline combat capability. The new version is being developed based not only on the customers’ feedbacks for future training but also to meet air forces’ requirements for a higherperformance, combat-capable Hawk light attack aircraft, the Advanced Hawk main features being a modified wing, the Rolls Royce Adour Mk.951 2,951 kg turbofan, full smart weapons capability, air refueling and a brand new panoramic multidisplay centered glass cockpit, in addition to a DASS and seven external stores hardpoints. The modified wing features an almost full-span active leading-edge slat and enhanced combat flap which confer significant improvement in take-off and landing performances, a 17% improvement in climb performance, a 20% reduction in turn radius, and a 25% improvement in turn rate, as well as better AoA capabilities, the latter thanks also to a lengthened vertical stabilizer and a yawaxis stability augmentation system. The Advanced Hawk will have in-flight refueling capabilities as well as external fuel tanks to extend operational endurance. The demonstrator showed an all-new cockpit with a large area display, similar to that used on the F-35 JSF, but also capable to replicate older aircraft cockpit configurations, BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile digital head-up display, and is fitted with ground proximity warning system, traffic collision avoidance and a communications suite including a data link. The Advanced Hawk also features a DASS, including an RWR and CMDS as well as provisions for a laser designator pod. Smart weapons and AAMs will be carried by seven stations for an overall 3,000 kg payload.

The Advanced Hawk demonstrator main features are a modified wing, an uprated turbofan, a smart weapons capability, air refueling, a new panoramic multi-display centered glass cockpit, in addition to a DASS and seven external stores hardpoints. © BAE Systems

The Advanced Hawk configuration hasn’t found a launch customer yet, but some sources have been suggesting the Qatari air force. In the future, the Royal Air Force needs to find a new a candidate to train Tempest pilots while the enhanced configuration could be also retrofitted into older in-service Hawks, further extending the Hawk programme lifetime.

With around 600 in-service L-39 basic/advanced trainers and further market opportunities for the L-159 both as advanced/front-line trainer and aggressor/companion platform, Czech Aero Vodochody company is working on the L-39NG next generation jet trainer/light attack programme with Omnipol as strategic financial sharing company, and on the new variant of the

The Advanced Hawk demonstrator shows an all-new cockpit with a large area display, similar to that used on the F-35 JSF but also capable to replicate older aircraft cockpit configurations, and BAE Systems’ LiteHUD low-profile digital head-up display. © BAE Systems

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Aero Vodochody is overhauling and upgrading the Czech Air Force’s fleet of L-159 light attack single seat and advance training/lead-in fighter variants and delivered three additional two-seat L-159T2 aircraft with enhanced avionics including Leonardo’s Grifo radar. © Czech MoD

The L-39NG will be certified and delivered in two variants: the basic and advanced trainer variant is to be delivered in Q3 2020 while the light attack variant delivery will follow at one-year distance. © Aero Vodochody

L-159 light attack trainer aircraft called F/A-259 Striker concept, the latter with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The L-39NG is based on legacy L-39 versions’ rugged design, low operational cost and aerodynamic concept, featuring a redesigned wing with integral fuel tanks, that significantly improves range and endurance, and powered by the modern FJ44-4M turbofan providing 1,720 kg of thrust with FADEC and electrical starter. The latter is supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The new version features completely new integrated digital avionics with glass cockpit for increased training effectiveness together with a single-piece canopy for improved cockpit visibility and new escape zero-zero ejection seats. With a max take-off weight of 5,300-5,800 kg (depending on the version), the L-39NG features a 15,000 flight hours fatigue-life airframe and four underwing and one ventral weapon pylons for a total payload of 7001,200 kg (depending on the advanced training or light attack version) that includes guns, bombs, rockets, AAMs and fuel tanks. The L-39NG will be certified and delivered in two variants: the basic and advanced trainer, to be delivered in Q3 2020, while the light attack variant delivery will follow at one-year distance. In March 2018 Aero Vodochody already received the type certification for the L-39CW jet trainer, which represents the L-39 aircraft re-engining and modernization of avionics equipment, to provide an immediate solution for

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current platform operators. The launch customer for the L-39 NG Light attack variant (4 aircraft) is the Senegalese air force, while Aero Vodochody has already logged orders for further 38 aircraft among L-39NG and L-39CW configurations with RSW Aviation US company and Portuguese SkyTech training services provider company. To be developed with IAI company, the F/A-259 Striker version of the L-159 single-seat light-attack variant platform is centered on a completely new avionics suite, a wet-wing capability and an option for either an Elta Systems’ EL/M 2032 mechanically scanned or EL/M 2052 AESA radar, depending on customers’ requirements and budget. Aero Vodochody is also overhauling and upgrading the Czech Air Force’s fleet of L-159 light attack single seat and advanced training/lead-in fighter variants and delivered three additional two-seat L-159T2 aircraft with glass cockpit, NVG compatibility and fuel system improvements, in addition to Leonardo’s Grifo radar already installed on the Light attack version.

The market of modern ‘combat trainers’ is also populated by the Russian Yak-130 Mitten and the Chinese Hongdu L-15, while other western manufacturers are emerging in the same platform sector, such as Turkish TAI with the Hürjet platform and Boeing/Saab with the potential light attack/agressor variant of its T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer/lead-in fighter. Designed by the Yakolev Design Bureau, today part of the Irkut

In addition to the Russian Federation Air Force, the Yak-130 has been sold abroad to Algeria, Bangladesh, Laos, Myanmar and Belarus. The latter customer is introducing a locally-developed selfprotection suite. © Irkut Corporation

Corporation, and produced at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, the Yak-130 has a maximum take-off weight of 10,920 kg and an aerodynamic almost identical to the Aermacchi (today Leonardo) M-346, the two aircraft having been originally developed together. The Russian platform features an +8/3 g load factor airframe and is powered by twoAI-222-25 providing each a thrust of 2,500 kg, offering a maximum speed of 570 knots and high thrust/weight ratio with sustained maneuvering load factors, take-off performances and up to 35 degrees AoA. The Yak-130 can carry 3,000 kg of external stores and weapons on nine hardpoints. In addition to the Russian Federation Air Force (around 100 aircraft so far), the Yak-130 has been sold abroad to Algeria (16), Bangladesh (16), Laos (10 aircraft on order/delivered) and Myanmar (18) together with Belarus. In June 2019 the latter MoD awarded a contract to Irkut Corporation to retrofit in-service aircraft with the locally-developed Talisman self-protection suite.

The Chinese Hongdu L-15 has found so far export success with the Zambian Air Force in addition to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy. The African customer has bought and is operating the advanced fighter trainer variant,

equipped with afterburning AI-222K-25 engines conferring supersonic capability, and a range of Chinese-produced weapon options carried on six hard-points. Turkish TAI is developing the Hürjet advanced trainer/light attack capable aircraft to replace the T-38 Talon and to provide training for both 4th and 5th generation aircraft pilots. To conduct the first flight in mid-2022, the twin-engine Hürjet is expected to have a +8/-3 g load factor with a 1.4 Mach maximum speed, an external payload capacity of 2,712 Kg, a latest generation glass cockpit and training equipment, ideally fulfilling light attack missions.

Turkish TAI is developing the Hürjet advanced trainer/light attack aircraft for the Turkish MoD to fly in Mid-2022 and be delivered to train both 4th and 5th generation aircraft pilots and conduct light attack missions. © TAI

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Thales Nederland offers the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 dual-frequency radar and EO fire control system to control guns and provide missile guidance to semi-active guided weapons, thanks to a continuouswave illumination (CWI) transmitter. Š Thales Nederland

Multi-sensor fire-control systems evolution

By Luca Peruzzi

In worldwide operational scenarios, where surface combatants are more and more often requested to intervene into complex and potentially dangerous littoral environments, the need for precise target tracking, accurate fire control and kill assessment requests the all-weather and sensor flexibility of latest-generation multi-sensor (radar and electro-optical) tracking and weapon-control systems. The increasing demand of accurate and reliable systems to identify and engage asymmetric threats contributes to the continuous request of these systems. The latter capability trends are towards multi-sensor fire control system solutions with dualfrequency radar, electro-optical sensors and the capability offered by some of these systems to control artillery guided ammunitions to extend the inner-layer naval platform defence.

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uilding on the highly successful STING EO system, Thales Nederland developed the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 naval dualfrequency radar and electro-optical (EO) fire control system capable to control guns (such as Leonardo 76/62 mm and the AK176) and provide missile (such as RAM, VL MICA and ESSM) guidance, the latter semi-active guided weapons thanks to a continuous-wave illumination (CWI)

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transmitter. According to Thales Nederland, the STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 uses an I and K band monopulse radar, complemented by a suite of electro-optical sensors to offer long-range, all-weather performance and overcome the multipathing problems associated with low-elevation targets and achieve robust and high-accurate target tracking, even in highcluttered and jamming scenarios. The STIR 1.2 EO was, according to Thales Nederland, the first track

radar to introduce new solid-state transmitters in SIGMA 10514-based (Patrullera Oceanica de place of magnetron and TWT transmitters, which Largo Alcance) POLA class vessels, in addition provide high responsiveness (no ‘warm-up’ time to the selection by the Brazilian Navy for the new is required), improved operational availability, Tamandaré-class corvettes. Thales Nederland safety benefits (no high voltage required), graceful also offers the scalable family of CWI transmitters degradation in case of failure and reduced life-cycle called CWITX including the 1.5- and 2-kW costs. Robust target tracking, including stealth power modules, compliant with the SeaSparrow, targets, is ensured by the large dynamic range of ESSM Block 1 and Block 2 (NATO Support and low noise receivers in combination with advanced Procurement Organization compliant), as a form, coherent Doppler processing, Thales Nederland fit, function replacement for older systems as well says. The electro-optical suite comprises a midas new installations. waveband (3-5 µm) IR camera, colour zoom and Thales Nederland developed the Pharos phased monochrome TV track cameras and an eye-safe array multi-target tracking and gun fire control laser range finder allowing for a complete passive radar, as a natural successor to the company’s Lirod search and track. The STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 system Mk2 fire-control radar. The new Ka band passive has been designed, thanks to the integration with phased array radar system has been designed for an I-band CWI transmitter, to control semi-active multiple target tracking and integrated ammunition guided point defence missile systems (a single control allowing it to extend the inner-layer defence weapon in the air at any given time), with emphasis of any medium calibre gun system, ranging from on NATO Sea Sparrow and ESSM (Evolved 30 to 76 mm. Conceived as a ship self-defence SeaSparrow Missile) Block 1. With a radar range of system against sub- and supersonic sea-skimming respectively 120 and 36 km in the I- and K- bands, anti-ship missiles as well as for the engagement according to Thales Nederland, the STING EO Mk2 of small surface targets in littoral environment, offers excellent sub-clutter tracking of targets in balancing costs with performances, Thales severe littoral environments, thanks also to the Nederland has selected a radar director featuring K-band small antenna beam width which greatly a passive phased array antenna architecture with a reduces low elevation multipath errors.

ECCM features include waveform and The STING EO Mk2 has gained a significant international market frequency agility in both bands, higher success, the latest disclosed customers being the Marine dynamic range processing, digital pulse Nationale and the Mexican Navy, and has been selected by the Brazilian Navy. ©Thales Nederland compression and a lower probability of intercept. Ship installation is simplified by the reduced weight of the STING EO Mk2 director above-deck assembly of 850 kg (including radars and EO) as well as by the packing of below-decks equipment – a supply and amplifier cabinet, a liquid cooling cabinet and an air drier – totalling just over 500 kg. The STING EO Mk2 has gained a significant international market success, being in operational use or on order by around 15 navies, the latest disclosed customers being the French Marine Nationale for her under-construction Frégates de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) by Naval Group and the Mexican Navy for the under-delivery Damen

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100 W average power travelling wave tube (TWT) transmitter used to generate energy to a reflective array antenna with electronic beam steering thanks to phase shifting technology. The director uses a conventional (traversing) pedestal with an overall above-deck weight of 950 kg. The Pharos is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 3 targets and additionally control the engagement of one of those targets with guided ammunition, offering high defence capabilities against coordinate simultaneous attacks. Thales Nederland has conducted incremental integration trials in conjunction with Leonardo’s DART sub-calibre radio-frequency beam-guided ammunition being fired by the same company’s 76/62 mm Compatto gun. The latter Super Rapido/DART combination provides extended range for inner-layer defence of naval platforms against both sub and supersonic missiles threats at keep out ranges of typically 4 km, according to Thales Nederland. Under the same group and Indian BTSL (BEL-Thales Systems Limited) strategic cooperation contract signed in 2016, both companies are co-developing and local-producing the Pharos system, having

completed First Article Inspection (FAI) milestone in 2019. According to BTSL, a system prototype was showcased to the Indian Navy for use on the new locally-built ships. Since the Indian market is yet to open, the company is actively pursuing with Thales Netherlands global opportunities. Moreover, in March 2019, unveiling the contract with Thales Nederland for the development and demonstration of a new integrated Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) to equip next-generation multipurpose frigate to be acquired by the Netherlands and Belgium MoDs, the Dutch Defence Materiel Organization diffused images of the future naval platform equipped with Pharos directors and Leonardo new single-deck 76/62 mm stealth gun mountings. The Netherlands DMO has also a procurement programme to replace the in-service Goalkeeper inner-layer defence system on board in-service and future ships.

The Pharos Ka-band passive phased array-based radar system has been designed for multiple target tracking and integrated ammunition control in addition to the management of any medium calibre gun system, ranging from 30 to 76 mm. © L. Peruzzi

Leonardo’s latest in-service radar/EO fire control system iterations are the NA-30S, here depicted in a CWI transmitter equipped version for UAE’s Baynunah-class corvettes and the NA-25X sold to more than 20 navies. © L. Peruzzi

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With a long pedigree of radar and/or electrooptical naval fire control developments and production, which latest in-service iterations are the NA-30S and NA-25X, to cope with present

and future airborne and surface threats and operational scenarios, Leonardo developed a new generation of multi-sensor weapon control system called NA-30S Mk2. The latter is being delivered to the Italian Navy for PPA and LHD platforms and was ordered by an export customer not disolosed

by Leonardo; according to drawings and models presented during DIMDEX 2018 EDR Magazine identified it in the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF).

Based on the advanced NA-30S modular weapon control system and the associated I-band fully coherent Orion RTN-30X tracking radar, and the NA-25X fire control system and its J-band RTN25X tracking radar for medium and small calibre (for close-in weapon control) guns management, Leonardo has developed a new multi-sensor weapon control system with a dual-band (X and Ka) tracking radar suite and electro-optical sensors capable to manage guns, missiles (with CWI illumination for semi-active missile guidance) and artillery guided ammunitions. The NA-30S Mk2’s dual-band (X and Ka) radar suite has been selected to combine high tracking accuracies with improved range performance. While the X-band copes with search and acquisition tasks, mediumto-long range detection and tracking, and reliable processing in adverse weather conditions, with its very narrow beam width, the Ka-band is optimally suited for measuring targets at low-elevation, without suffering multi-path interference. The latter offers increased accuracy and allows the firecontrol system to manage the Leonardo-developed DART sub-calibre radio-frequency beam-guided ammunition. This can be fired from any 76/62 mm Super Rapido or upgraded Compact gun systems as well as the Super Rapido in the Strales version already fitted with the radio-frequency guidance antenna kit. A set of combined electro-optical sensors, including TV colour and track cameras, a medium-wave band IR camera and a laser range finder, can be installed on the radar antenna mounting to enable firing assessment and to provide either an alternative or redundant line-of-sight. In addition to gun control and ammunition guidance, the NA-30S Mk2 can be optionally provided with a CWI illuminator for semi-active missile guidance.

With a radar range of 130 and 38 km respectively in the X- and Ka- bands, according to Leonardo, the

NA-30S Mk2 main tasks are dual-band radar and optronic tracking, gun fire control with automatic coordination of different weapons for a combined reaction, DART ammunition and semi-active missile guidance, the latter with CWI illumination transmitter. The system also offers over-the-horizon (OTH) tracking features, applicable in the presence of environmental conditions such as RF ducting, through the use of specific waveforms (X-band).

The new generation fire control system, says Leonardo, provides reduced reaction times to allow detection, tracking and artillery response with high hit-probability, particularly against sea skimmer, high-diving supersonic missiles and asymmetric threats. The NA-30S Mk2 is also characterized by a reduced footprint and weight, with the abovedeck modular and stealth dual-band tracking radar antenna solution with embedded Ka transmitter/ receiver and optional optronic sensor suite weighing 700 kg (EO sensors excluded) and the under-deck reduced number of sub-units including the X-band solid-state high-power transmitter and processor unit and the computer and power distribution unit, weighing overall just over 650 kg. The computer and power distribution unit provide control of the antenna group, multi-tracking, ballistic calculation, dual weapon assignment logic unit (DWALU), and power distribution within one single cabinet.

The system can be managed by a dedicated multifunction console or can be controlled by any console within the Combat Management System (CMS).

The new Leonardo NA-30S Mk2 multi-sensor weapon control system features a dual-band (X and Ka) tracking radar suite and EO sensors capable to manage guns, missiles (with CWI illumination for semi-active missile guidance) and artillery guided ammunitions. Š L. Peruzzi

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The Ceros 200 guns and missile fire control system is the latest of a long family of radar- and electro-optical tracking system produced by the SAAB group with more than 200 FCS delivered to date worldwide. © Saab

Being marketed by the Saab Defence group as an integrated component of the latest 9LV Mk4 open-architecture combat management suite, or as a stand-alone system or additionally as part of a third-party command and weapon-control system, the Ceros 200’s guns and missile fire control system is the latest of a long family of radar- and electrooptical tracking system produced by the Swedish group with more than 200 FCS delivered to date worldwide. Conceived to perform multipurpose target tracking and weapon control against air, surface and land targets, working in combination with missile and gun systems, according to Saab the Ceros 200 provides defence against any threat, including advanced sea-skimming and supersonic missiles and asymmetric surface threats in littoral environments. Saab has a worldwide network of customers including the navies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Oman together with the Republic of Korea (with local associated production), Sweden, Thailand and UAE, with more recently repeated orders coming from Thailand, Finland and Norway. Saudi Arabia is the latest add-on customer, Saab CEROS 200 having been selected to be installed on the Lockheed Martin/Fincantieri Marinette Marine Multi Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) currently on order.

The Ceros 200 combines a Ku-band pencil beam radar which uses a new solid-state power amplifier and a travelling wave tube (TWT) with a 1.5 kW peak output power, in addition to a new frequency synthesizer that offers a wide range of

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operating frequencies to adjust to prevailing clutter conditions and electronic countermeasures (ECM) environment, as well as a new digital receiver and signal processing. One unique feature of the Ceros 200 is CHASE, a patented radar-tracking algorithm to remove the problem of the multipath interference, in the presence of very low-altitude threats such as sea-skimming, ensuring the tracking of such targets. The algorithm benefits include accurate low-altitude tracking, efficient firing, no need for additional radar, reliance on EO sensors and switch to another sensor when about to fire.

The EO sensor package comprises a thermal imager, daylight TV camera, video tracker and eyesafe laser rangefinder. The Ceros 200 is available in an X-band channel CWI configuration with the 9LV ESSM missile control module or other parties-provided CWI transmitter for semi-active guided missiles. With a top weight of 630-750 kg, the Saab FCS comes with a low radar-crosssection director version to equip vessels like the Visby-class corvette as well as lightweight model reducing the director mass. Saab is reportedly working on a next generation system called Ceros NG which is expected to include full digitization, power supply, new EO sensors and, potentially, a solid-state transmitter.

The latest iteration of the DORNA (Dirección de tiro Optrónica y Radárica Naval) multi-sensor fire control system, developed and produced by the systems division of Spain’s state-owned Navantia group enjoys orders from both the national and international markets. The Dorna is a modular firecontrol system combining a K-band tracking radar with a TV camera, an 8-12 µm thermal imager, a TV tracker and a laser rangefinder. Designed to

The Ceros 200 is available in an X-band channel CWI configuration with the 9LV ESSM missile control module or CWI transmitters provided by third parties for semi-active guided missiles. © Saab

The latest iteration of the DORNA (Dirección de tiro Optrónica y Radárica Naval) multi-sensor fire control system, developed and produced by the systems division of Spain’s state-owned Navantia group, will equip the same-group built new Spanish Navy’s F110 frigates and Saudi Arabia corvettes. © Navantia

be used as part of a federated tracking and firecontrol subsystem within a larger combat system architecture as well as a self-contained command and weapon-control system for smaller ships, the Dorna suite includes the tracking subsystem comprising active and passive sensors, a stabilised director and video processor, the weapon-control subsystem, which is interfaced to the weapons performing ballistic processing, weapon control and ammunition management, and vessel data acquisition and tactical management, the latter using a multifunction console. In addition to the new corvettes being built by Navantia, with Spanish and local industries support for Saudi Arabia, the Dorna FCS will equip the new Spanish Navy’s F-110 multirole frigates, principally controlling the new Leonardo 127/64 mm Lightweight gun mounting capable to fire Vulcano longrange guided ammunitions.

The Rheinmetall group continues to market updated versions of its Seaguard advanced fire control system, enabling autonomous configuration, control of third-party guns as well as connection to radar and sensor systems. The latter include the Oerlikon Seaguard Biax and Triax, the company’s 2- and 3-axis radar tracking and fire control systems. Both

combine frequency-agile I/J-band (X-band) with a suite of electro-optical sensors (IR, TV and laser rangefinder) integrated on the director to the radar line-of-sight. The I/J-band radar is fully coherent, double-conversion pulse Doppler monopulse systems being characterized by a low probability of intercept, high tracking accuracy and resistance to jamming (the latter due to very low antenna side lobes). Both FCSs characterised themselves for using miniaturized power technology, the radar hardware fitting behind the antenna without sacrificing performance and improving reliability.

Both systems, according to Rheinmetall, also provide multi-sensor tracking, using radar and TV camera in a basic configuration which can be enriched with an infrared camera and a laser rangefinder. Moreover, the Oerlikon Seaguard Triax is the only market-available 3-axis target tracking system today. Through the introduction of a third axis between azimuth and elevation, Rheinmetall says, the radar and E/O component head can be additionally rolled. This unique solution allows it to track targets beyond zenith relative to the ship’s deck even at roll and pitch movements, ensuring superior velocity and acceleration capabilities. Both FCSs also allow installation with reduced effort and minimal below-deck equipment, high availability and lower life cycle cost, in addition to the optional installation of a second operating transmitter for full redundancy, and the Pre-Action Calibration (PAC) and In-Action Correction (IAC) functions.

The Rheinmetall group offers latest generation versions of the Seaguard advanced fire control system, the Oerlikon Seaguard Biax and Triax, which enable autonomous configuration, control of third-party guns as well as connection to radar and sensor systems. © L. Peruzzi

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The UPAB-1500B-E gliding bomb. © Nikolai Novichkov

The KAB-1500LG-F-E guided bob unit. © Nikolai Novichkov

New Russian gliding bomb market: an opportunity for the Indian Air Force?

By Nikolaï Novichkov and Dmitry Fediushko Russian defence industry has entered the international heavy gliding bomb market, a spokesperson for the country’s Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) told European Defence Review. “Previously KTRV was investing in the KAB-1500E family of guided bomb units (GBUs); at the same time, modern warfare requires cutting-edge GBUs to be employed against sensitive targets protected by sophisticated multi-layered air defence systems,” said the company representative.

T

o this end, KTRV’s GNPP Region research-and-manufacturing company has developed the UPAB-1500B-E (‘E’ for Export-oriented, Eksportnaya) 1,500 kg-class gliding smart bomb that can carry out strikes at safe ranges.

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The UPAB-1500B-E has already been introduced to the global arms market. The company has already signed export contracts for the delivery of the UPAB-1500B-E to foreign customers, with the shipping to be started next year.

According to the manufacturer, the UPAB-

1500B-E gliding GBU is designed to engage ground and surface hardened and super-hardened targets. Weighing 1,525 kg, the bomb has been fitted with a 1,010 kg high-explosive concretepiercing warhead. The munition is 5.05 meters long and has a diameter of 0.40 meters. The bomb can be dropped by an aircraft from an altitude of up to 15 km. The UPAB-1500B-E carries a combined guidance system that integrates an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a satellite navigation receiver providing a CEP of 10 meters according to company data. The GBU’s warhead is coupled to a contact fuse with three time-delay modes.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) now operates a large fleet of Su-30MKIs: the military service reports the fielding of more than 250 such aircraft, the Flanker-H being thus the IAF’s main combat platform.

At the same time, India is not reported to drop heavy GBUs by its Su-30MKIs. On 26 February 2019, 12 IAF Dassault Aviation Mirage-2000 fighter jets unexpectedly entered the Pakistani airspace and stroke a training camp of the Jaishe-Mohammed, designated as a terror group by the United Nation. The air team was supported by four Su-30MKIs; however, the strikes were conducted

by Mirage-2000s, which dropped six non-Russian 2000 lb (900 kg) guided bombs. India claims that the munitions allowed to successfully eliminate their target killing approximately 300 terrorists or so; however, there is a lack of any objective info regarding such high losses. In June 2019 the IAF signed a further contract for the acquisition of some 100 GBUs of the same type under an urgent operational requirement.

To day the main combat asset of the IAF, namely the Su-30MKI, is not known to carry any heavy smart bomb. Regarding recent New Delhi’s efforts in the field of air forces building and air fleet unification, it is the Flanker-H, which bears the burden of the service. Therefore, the aircraft needs an effective heavy air-launched penetration asset capable of hardened target destruction: the Su-30 MKI is armed with guided bombs only, not gliding munitions. In January 2018 local media reported that the Indian Ministry of Defence would acquire over 200 KAB-1500 1,500 kg GBUs. Considering the above-mentioned fact that it

is the Su-30MKI which forms the backbone of the IAF, India’s MoD raises issues of its deep modernization on a regular basis. Last July, IAF Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa confirmed in an interview with the Russian newspaper Red Star the military service’s intention to upgrade Flanker-Hs. Citing Dhanoa’s successor, IAF Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria, Indian media said the modernisation would envisage integration of new avionics, radar, and air-launched weapons (including precision-guided munitions). Therefore, one can suppose that the substantially upgraded Su-30MKI could be capable of using cutting-edge Russian-designed guided bombs, including the UPAB-1500B-E, K08BE, and KAB-250LG-E, which were unveiled at the MAKS-2019 aerospace show last August.

Following the aforementioned air raid against a terrorists’ camp in near Balakot, IAF top officers insisted on the necessity of a Su-30MKI upgrade which should include the integration of new guided munitions within its armament suite.

The acquisition of the UPAB-1500B-E under the proposed Su-30MKI deep update programme seems to be a logical step for India. The bomb can be fully integrated in the deeply modernised Flanker-H’s subsystems with no glitches, reducing integration costs, which adds to the lower acquisition cost increasing its cost-effectiveness ratio - a key parameter nowadays. Russianmade cutting-edge air-launched munitions demonstrated their ease of use, allowing even green-grass pilots graduated from a flight school with no D marks in their diplomas to deadly effectively destroy targets.

However the main point is that the UPAB-1500B-E adoption on Flanker-H fighters would pave to the IAF a way to a new peak of operational performance: dropping new-generation and effective gliding GBUs from its most numerous platform.

The combat capabilities of the Mirage-2000 remain rather limited even after the fighter’s upgrade: its almost 30 year-old airframe is rapidly ageing and there is no screwdriver to fix the issue. The integration of the UPAB-1500B-E gliding GBU seems to be the simplest way to turn the Su-30MKI into a formidable stand-off weapon.

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