Asian Military Review - February 2019

Volume 27/issue 1

FEBRUARY 2019 US$15

A s i a P a c i f i c ’ s L a r g e s t C i r c u la t e d D e f e n c e M a g a Z i n e

5TH GENERATION FIGHTERS ASIA PACIFIC AIR FORCES DIRECTORY (PART 1) COUNTER-UAVS

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Contents

FEBUARY 2019 VOLUME 27 / ISSUE 1

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Wing Commander Darren Clare, Commanding Officer of Royal Australian Air Force No. 3 Squadron, in front of an Australian F-35A aircraft.

(Commonwealth of Australia)

Dr Lee Willett discusses the ongoing requirement for close in weapons systems on new naval vessels.

UP GUNNING: CIWS THREATS AND RESPONSES

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HIGH TECH FLYSWATTERS

AIR FORCES DIRECTORY: PART ONE

With a rogue UAV recently disrupting one of the UK’s main airports, JR Ng reports on some of the latest counter-UAV systems.

AMR’S annual comprehensive guide to Air Forces in Asia Pacific. Part 2 will be in the March/April 2019 issue. Compiled by Alan Warnes.

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ASPIRING TO FIFTH GENERATION FIGHTERS David Oliver examines the prospective growth of 5th generation fighters within Asia-Pacific.

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CSAR: BUILDING TOWARDS CAPABILITY

INDIA’S MODERNISATION CHALLENGE

While full CSAR capacity is beyond the reach of many nations, today’s modern helicopters and systems can provide more than a stop-gap.

Dr. Joetey Attariwala reports.

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Debalina Ghoshal provides an overview of plans to modernise India’s armed forces.

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Editorial

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DSEI

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D & S THAILAND

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EXCALIBUR

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GENERAL ATOMICS

COVER 2

HARRIS

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IMDEX

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ISDEF

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LIMA

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PACIFIC

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ROHDE & SCHWARZ

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CHINA’S END-GAME FOR TAIWAN

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hinese President Xi Jinping’s speech on 2 January to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ‘Message to Compatriots in Taiwan’ made no pretence that the reunification of Taiwan remains a core objective of his government.

While Chinese military power grows in complexity and size across all of the armed forces, the strategic objective of widening its geographical sphere of not only influence, but dominance, continues apace. The international community’s prospect of obtaining a reversal of China’s island building strategy in the South China Sea is virtually non-existent.

Equally, the push to achieve strategic control of the disputed Senkaku Islands and the Miyako Strait between Taiwan and the Japanese island of Okinawa is ongoing. The Chinese dispute ownership of the Senkaku Islands (which they call Diaoyus) and often use the rapidly expanding Chinese Coastguard to make incursions into the waters around the islands. As recently as Sunday 11 November last year four Chinese Coast Guard ships entered Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands albeit for only a short time.

China’s strategic objective is obviously one of encirclement matched with a build up of military might. The Taiwan Strait, only 180 kilometres (110 miles) wide, links both the South and East China Seas. A military sea crossing by China with both Seas firmly in the control of the Chinese Navy would make any future invasion significantly easier. With longer range missiles and aircraft positioned to keep away the United States Navy (USN), especially the aircraft carriers, the decision that the US government would have to make would rest on the losses that it would inevitably incur if it was to successfully intervene.

As President Xi stated during his speech a military solution to the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China in such a scenario has been envisaged by the leadership: “We make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means. This does not target compatriots in Taiwan, but the interference of external forces and the very small number of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists and their activities.” The phrase Taiwan separatists encompasses everyone opposed to the reunification - so the vast majority of Taiwanese. Recent polls have shown that between 18-20 percent of the population would be in favour of reunification with the mainland.

The Chinese leadership may in the future decide to adopt Russia’s already proven tactic known as maskirovka (disguise), which was used to back ‘separatists’ in Ukraine through active destabilisation of the eastern part of the country and that led to the eventual direct involvement of Russian military forces. Should China choose to mirror that tactic by stirring supposed ‘separatists in Taiwan as a pretext for involvement or even invasion, the amount of geographical control they could asset around Taiwan could greatly influence the eventual outcome.

Andrew Drwiega, Editor-in-Chief

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The US Navy’s (USN’s) second-in-class DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer Michael Monsoor, pictured off the US East Coast in early February 2018.

UP GUNNING: CIWS THREATS AND RESPONSES Whether to meet state-based or asymmetric threats, close-in weapons system capabilities remain central to naval operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

by Dr Lee Willett

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estern navies operating around the world have for some time faced the risk of close-in air and surface threats in the form of lowflying aircraft and missiles and especially small attack craft. This has underlined the enduring importance of a close-in weapons system capability (CIWS).

The risk remains largely from two sources: state-based threats, especially in key strategic choke points such as the Straits of Hormuz; and risks posed by nonstate actors, for example as demonstrated by the attack on the US Navy’s (USN’s) Flight I Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer (DDG) USS Cole in Aden harbour, Yemen in October 2000.

The conflict in Yemen has also provided the latest example of the non-state element of the enduring risk, with Allah Ansar (Houthi) rebels demonstrating an intent and capability to conduct missile and small craft attacks on merchant and naval ships operating off Yemen’s west coast just north of the Bab El Mandeb strait that

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runs between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Due to the increasingly crowded nature of littoral waters, such as those in many key strategic areas of the Asia-Pacific region, inbound threat targets sometimes may only be detected at close range.

The continuing requirement to deal with this threat is demonstrated in new platforms entering into the orders of battle of fleets operating in the region.

Supporting fires The USN’s three new DDG 1000 Zumwaltclass DDGs provide an interesting example of a new concept of operations (CONOPS) for dealing with the close-in threat.

Lead ship USS Zumwalt commissioned into service in October 2016. Ship two, pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Michael Monsoor, arrived at the ships’ home port of San Diego in December 2018, prior to planned commissioning at the end of January 2019. December also saw the third-in-class destroyer, PCU Lyndon B Johnson, launched at the General

| Asian Military Review |

Dynamics Bath Iron Works Shipyard, Connecticut. As of April 2018, build work on Lyndon B Johnson had been 74 percent complete, according to a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published at that time.

The three ships are designated as anti-surface warfare (ASuW) platforms, with (following a USN announcement in April 2018) their operations planned to be focused on the Asia-Pacific region. Indeed, this announcement reflected wider shifts in the focus of US naval operations.

In the latest iteration of its maritime strategy – A Co-operative Strategy for 21st Century Sea Power (CS21), published in 2015 – the USN said “With strategic attention shifting to the Indo-AsiaPacific, we will increase the number of ships, aircraft, and Marine Corps forces postured there.” This focus would include deploying “(the navy’s) most advanced warfighting platforms to the region”, CS21 continued. “The Zumwaltclass destroyer – our most technologically sophisticated surface combatant – will

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The MK46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon Systems

For the Hobart DDGs, the CIWS role is met principally by the Raytheon Phalanx Mk 15 Block 1B standard.

A Phalanx system is pictured here.

deploy to the area,” it added.

The return of state-based naval rivalry, which arguably became evident first of all in the Asia-Pacific region, has also prompted Western navies return to a focus on major task group operations. The Zumwalt class will feature prominently here. According to the USN, “Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups (CSGs), surface action groups (SAGs), expeditionary strike groups, and missile defence action groups.”

In its latest programme guide, published in 2017, the navy stated that the Zumwalt class in particular “will provide offensive, distributed, and precision fires in support of forces ashore and a credible forward naval presence while operating independently or as an integral part of naval, joint, or combined strike forces”.

The subsequent refocusing of the ships more towards the ASuW role places greater emphasis on presence and other surface warfare roles. However, the need to deliver CIWS capability when either deployed independently or as part of a task group remains whether the ships are carrying out littoral or wider surface warfare roles.

Supported by the focus on delivering firepower ashore the Zumwalt class also brings – through its 80 vertical launching system (VLS) cells that can carry Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, and (prospectively) its twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems – the DDG 1000 destroyers can be deployed at the heart of a SAG. In terms of dealing with the close-in threat, the Zumwalt class potentially brings a new approach, with a gun-based capability focused on deterring

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and dealing with small boat attacks. In such circumstances, close-in air defence could be provided by escorting ships such as Arleigh Burke-class DDGs. Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), offered a broader perspective.

“The Zumwalts will probably usually be attached to SAGs, but will likely operate in advance of or on the fringes of these groups, to make the most of their stealth characteristics, using a suite of offensive weapons but remaining as much as possible under the area air-defence umbrella of the more conventional platforms,” he told AMR. Reciprocally, the prospective advanced positioning of the Zumwalt platforms inherently brings responsibility to potentially provide CIWS capability to protect other platforms in the group against, for example, incoming small boat threats.

Alongside the return of naval rivalry, the focus on ASuW for the DDG 1000s suggests that the ships will be used in a combination of littoral and bluewater operations. “With the switch in emphasis from littoral strike to antisurface and therefore probably more open-ocean missions, it is less clear what the swarming small boat threat will be,” Childs noted. However, he continued, “in a potential hybrid, ‘grey zone’ scenario, there will always be the risk of such a threat suddenly emerging, particularly in congested choke-points.”

Potentially, the DDG 1000s can make a central contribution to USN and allied efforts to lance anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) ‘bubbles’ that may be established by any number of prospective adversaries in order to deny access by Western navies to regions of strategic interest. The DDG 1000 hullform is designed to reduce its radar cross-section, thus in theory enabling the ship to deploy forward with reduced detection risk. An anti-ship capability is being developed for the in-service Block IV Tomahawk, thus providing in principle the ability to deter or defeat the threat posed by an opponent’s surface ships. The Zumwalts’ close-in gun capability would also be used to offset threats posed by small craft.

In recent years, small craft have been used by state and non-state actors to deliver a range of effects, such as: (at the lower end) high-speed interceptions to impinge on a ship’s freedom of navigation or to conduct piracy; and (at the higher end) to carry personnel armed with weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades or

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The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) lead DDG HMAS Hobart, pictured in late 2018. Earlier in the year, the ship had tested its CIWS system for the first time, in trials off Australia.

fitted out with explosives (and operated either remotely or by personnel in suicide attacks) as a waterborne improvised explosive device (WBIED).

As regards the higher-end surface craft threat in particular, close-in defensive capability onboard the Zumwalts is provided by two 30mm high-velocity close-in gun systems (CIGSs), in the form of the Mk46 Mod 2 Bushmaster CIWS. According to the USN, the DDG 1000 requirement mandates “the need for weapons systems capable of defeating small, fast, highly manoeuvrable surface craft”. Here, the Mk 46 provides “shipboard self-defence against small, high-speed surface craft”.

Using its Mk 44 Mod 2 30mm single barrel cannon, the Mk 46 can fire up to 200 rounds per minute (from its dual-feed, 400-round magazine) in single round, fiveround burst, or fully automatic modes.

The Mk 46 has a 4,400 yard maximum effective range for full-calibre ammunition, according to the USN, although it noted that sub-calibre munitions can deliver extended effective range.

Guidance is provided by a forwardlooking infrared sensor, a low-light television camera, and a laser rangefinder as part of what the navy referred to as a “closed-loop tracking system”.

The gun can be operated locally at the

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gun turret or remotely at a console in the ship’s combat information centre (CIC).

While the DDG build programme is nearing completion and while refinement of the ships’ CONOPS continues, first deployment remains uncertain as key weapons system technology developments remain in progress (such as determining the munitions to be used in the main gun).

The April 2018 US GAO report noted that lead ship Zumwalt “will not be ready to deploy until 2021”.

Delivering DDG Across the Pacific Ocean, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) also is upgrading its surface fleet, and here there are two platforms that will bring a boost in CIWS capability.

First, the RAN is nearing completion of delivery of its own three-ship DDG flotilla, in the Hobart class. The first two ships, HMAS Hobart and HMAS Brisbane, were commissioned in September 2017 and October 2018 respectively. Ship three, NUSHIP Sydney, was launched in May 2018 and, in September, began a 52-week combat system testing period with the Combat System Light Off (CSLO) process.

In the context of the ships having air defence as their primary role, they bring improved CIWS capability. With a focus on countering a range of conventional

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

and asymmetric threats, the RAN stated that the ships bring “an array of effective close-in defensive weapons”.

For the Hobart DDGs, the CIWS role is met principally by the Raytheon Phalanx system, fitted to Mk 15 Block 1B standard.

The 20mm weapon fires up to 4,500 round per minute (rpm). This capacity is designed to deal with fast-moving threats in the air and on the surface.

According to reports, Hobart conducted a first, and successful, test of the DDGs’ CIWS during a trial in February 2018.

Demonstrating the Phalanx system’s ability to hit both air and surface targets, Hobart’s Phalanx system was used to destroy an inflatable surface target.

The close-in requirement to defend against air and surface threats is enduring for the RAN. Its FFG-7/Adelaide-class and MEKO 200 ANZAC-class frigates have been operating regularly in the Gulf region in support of Operation ‘Manitou’, Australia’s contribution to the international effort to promote maritime security, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East region, and have faced the same challenges other Western navies have encountered there in terms of the presence of fast attack craft.

The ANZAC frigates are being replaced by nine Hunter-class frigates, being delivered under the Sea 5000 Future

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Frigate programme. The 8,000-tonne fullload displacement ships, to be based on the UK’s BAE SYSTEMS-built Type 26 Global Combat Ship, are scheduled to begin delivery to the navy in the mid2020s prior to operational availability towards the end of that decade.

While the ships’ operational focus is anti-submarine warfare (ASW), they will bring robust ASuW capability too – for the CIWS role, in the form of two 20mm CIWS systems – in the ship self-defence role. At this time, the specific system intended to meet this requirement is not confirmed.

The Hunter-class frigates will form a central part of the layered defence capability for the RAN’s own future task group concept, which will be based around the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships. According to Australia’s maritime doctrine, “escorts, generally surface or airborne, provide warning and weapon coverage against air, surface, or underwater threats by acting as moving screens around the high-value unit or units to be protected”.

Reflecting the growing emphasis on

CIWS have to be able to deal with threat that include Iranian Revolutionary Guard Houdong guided missile boats.

task group operations in the Asia-Pacific region, the Australian and US navies will not be the only Western forces conducting task group operations there.

The United Kingdom, in the context of seeking to bolster its global standing, is driving the Royal Navy to increase its presence and operational output in the region. Amphibious, surface, and support ships, along with submarines, have been present in the region in recent years, and this presence arguably can be seen to be ramping up. However, the prospective deployment of the future UK CSG, based

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around the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, is perhaps the most prominent development.

Previous UK aircraft carriers have carried a CIWS capability. However, even within the context of operating within a complex, high-end CSG, the Queen Elizabeth-class ships will still carry their own CIWS capability. Lead ship HMS Queen Elizabeth, having just returned from a successful flying trials deployment to the US east coast, began work in December to receive three Phalanx Block 1B systems. AMR

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Blighter C-UAS system

HIGH TECH FLYSWATTERS The use of unmanned aerial systems to disrupt or attack military and civilian personal and locations is now and established threat to be countered.

by JR Ng

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n December 2018, multiple sightings of at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were reported near the only runway of Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom. More than 1,000 flights were cancelled or diverted during prolonged airport shutdowns between 19 and 21 December, affecting around 140,000 passengers during the busy festive season. The emergency prompted the government to deploy Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel, equipped with Rafael Drone Dome communications-jamming technology acquired for the British Army earlier in the year, to provide counter-UAV coverage at Gatwick.

UAVs are becoming widely available commercially. Current UAV market offerings, particularly ready-to-fly multirotor ‘drones’ equipped with digital cameras for commercial, industrial, and recreational

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aerial imaging have proliferated in recent years as prices became progressively affordable. Indeed, many people can easily purchase a wide range of small but high-performance hobby UAVs from manufacturers such as DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec.

Although the use of such UAVs has been largely benign, the asymmetric and tactical advantages such cheap and easyto-operate aerial platforms – especially those that can be modified to carry improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or other small weapons such as grenades – has not been lost on non-state actors, terrorists and less well-resourced military forces, and as such the potential threat that these pose against both military and civilian targets is increasing.

One of the major tactical developments during the war against the Daesh in Syria

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and Iraq has been the exploitation of hobbyist and even homemade remotecontrolled aircraft that have been weaponised. For instance, Daesh released a video in January 2017 that demonstrated its use of the Skywalker X7/X8 flyingwing UAV to carry out attacks against security forces. Videos of weaponised commercial UAVs performing low-level aerial bombardment on main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles, often with horrific consequences to exposed crew members, have also been widely circulated.

Evolving C-UAV approaches Although this emerging threat can be countered to a certain extent by existing kinetic means such as gun or missileequipped remote weapon stations (RWS), counter-rocket and mortar (C-RAM) systems, and even surface-to-air missile

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DroneGun Tactical C-UAV system

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incoming threats in a single package. This approach is less portable but can offer a wider area of coverage than manportable systems which do not possess automated detection and target location ability, although some companies have integrated such systems in civilian or tactical vehicles for a mobile area defence capability.

via Chinamil.com

(SAM) systems, these measures are generally aimed at defending fixed and high-value positions and can be prohibitively expensive to deploy. The use of conventional munitions is also tightly regulated in urban environments, where the risk of collateral damage is high.

This phenomenon has spurred the development of non-kinetic or non-lethal means to address these low-end threats with the appropriate low-risk response: a trend that can clearly be seen by the increasing prevalence of such systems being developed or offered on the market in recent years.

These include man-portable directional jamming systems that disrupt radio frequency (RF) and/or satellite navigation signals that govern the operation of such UAVs, causing them to land, hover in place, or trigger their automatic ‘return home’ function. Portable jammers are now being offered in rifle-like form factors where the user visually acquires the intruding UAV, and then aims and activates the RF emitter at it just as if they were shooting at a target.

Another solution that is increasingly becoming more widespread is deploying standalone systems that combine electro-optical and infrared (EO and IR) surveillance, high-frequency radar, as well as disruptors to detect, locate, and engage

Australia: DroneGun and DroneCannon Sydney-based UAV detection and disruption technology firm DroneShield has secured what is believed to be the largest known deal of its kind in the nascent man-portable C-UAV market to date, comprising the sale of 70 DroneGun Tactical systems worth $3.2 million to an undisclosed defence ministry in the Middle East.

US government regulators approved the sale in September 2018, paving the way for production and deliveries to commence. “This regulatory approval

DJI Phantom 2 carrying sheet metal target for laser C-UAV demonstration

| Asian Military Review |

represents an important step in DroneShield’s history with a green light to deliver on our first multi-million-dollar order,” Oleg Vornik, CEO of DroneShield, said in a statement. “With the company’s nearterm pipeline containing multiple multi-million-dollar potential orders, this clearance gives us and our customers the confidence that we will be able to deliver our industry-leading products to a wide range of qualified end-users.”

The DroneGun Tactical is a rifle-like portable RF jammer that is designed to defeat a wide range of commercial UAV models. Unlike many comparable products being offered by other developers that require a backpack mounted power supply, the fully self contained unit weighs 6.3kg and is powered by a rechargeable and hot-swappable lithiumion battery that supports over 30 minutes of continuous operation.

According to DroneShield, the DroneGun Tactical has an effective range of one kilometre in a wide range of environmental conditions and does not require special training to operate. The system is designed to inhibit video transmission from the targeted UAV to its operator, while forcing it to land safely or return to its point of origin. This approach aims to minimise the possibility of a crash and inadvertent detonation of explosive payloads, with the intruding UAV kept intact to assist with forensic investigation.

The company announced its latest DroneCannon Remote Weapon (RW) jamming module in October 2018. Designed specifically to add a complementary UAV soft-kill capability to conventionally armed RWS, the system is housed in a lightweight and shock-mitigating chassis with a total weight of 10kg. It has an effective distance of up to 500m, and is claimed to be capable of defeating UAV swarms by forcing individual units into their respective fail-safe modes where they will either hover or slowly descend. This approach enables the operator to use the RWS’ kinetic weapon or other troop and vehicle-mounted weapons to destroy or physically disable intruding UAVs with greater ease.

China: Laser C-UAV systems Although there is a diverse selection of soft-kill C-UAV systems being offered by private Chinese firms, it is worth noting that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is actively pursuing energy weapon technology to defeat hostile UAVs. In November 2017, the ministry announced that it had successfully demonstrated a prototype laser C-UAV system in Beijing.

The prototype Short Range Air Defence System comprises two vehicles carrying ISO-standard containers, with one configured with a roof-mounted radar, an electronic jamming system, and a small EO sensor turret, while the other is equipped with a roofmounted laser effector and rangefinder.

Images released by the MND depicted a locally made DJI Phantom 2 mini-UAV carrying a thin metal plate, which was illuminated by a laser beam that sub-sequently melted a hole through it. A Syma X8C mini-UAV was also pictured with burn damage in the same announcement, presumably caused by the same laser.

“The defence system, a representative high-tech accomplishment of China's military-civilian integration, can effectively prevent and control such problems as illegal flights of unregistered UAVs,” the MND stated.

State-owned defence enterprises are also developing similar systems that are aimed at military users. For example, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) unveiled its road-mobile LW-30 laser system at the 2018 edition of Airshow China in Zhuhai.

The LW-30 is designed to engage precision-guided munitions

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CASIC LW-30 laser system

and low-flying aerial platforms including UAVs. The system is based on a sixwheeled tactical truck that features a roofmounted remote turret armed with a 30 kW-class laser effector.

A typical LW-30 unit is understood to comprise a radar-equipped command and control (C2) vehicle for battlefield control and communications, a logistical support vehicle, as well as one or more laser-armed vehicles. The system can be incorporated into a wider ground-based air defence network to increase its effectiveness.

Singapore: 40mm C-UAV ammunition Cognisant that 40mm grenade launchers are in extensive service in military and security forces around the world, Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering Land Systems is leveraging on its 40mm ammunition research and development experience and global market dominance to push its C-UAS for infantry squad applications.

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According to company specifications, a 40mm C-UAS package includes a programming unit – featuring a laser rangefinder that has a range of 500m – that can be mounted via a MIL-STD 1913 rifle or grenade launcher accessory rail, which the operator uses to set the detonation range of the C-UAS grenade.

Each C-UAS grenade weighs 243g and carries a metal streamer payload, which is designed to be deployed in a UAV’s flight path to foul its propellers, causing it to crash at a projected distance of around 300m.

The C-UAS grenade is designed to be launched from a wide range of grenade launchers on the market, including the AG36, HK69A1, M203, M79, MK13, M32A1, Rippel Effect MGL, and STK 40GL.

South Korea: Mobile C-UAV platform South Korean RF detection and jamming

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specialist BA Solutions has partnered with vehicle manufacturer Daeji P&I to develop the Transportable Drone Defense System (TD2S), which is derived from Daeji’s four-wheeled Tambora armoured personnel carrier and intended to offer a protected and rapidly deployable C-UAV capability.

The vehicle, which was launched in September 2018, is protected against small-arms fire as well as UAV-borne IEDs. It is equipped with a roof-mounted BA Solutions RF-spectrum sensor to detect active UAVs at ranges of up to 5km, which cues the operatpr to engage a directional RF and satellite navigation jammer to disrupt potential aerial threats should they approach within a 3km radius.

Interestingly, the TD2S is also fitted with its own Aegis-CD multirotor UAV that is equipped with net launchers that can physically disable or capture UAV threats. According to BA Solutions, the

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JR Ng

P O W E R

BA Solutions/Daeji P&I TD2S mobile C-UAV system

Aegis-CD features frequency hopping CDMA or LTE control that enables it to function even when the vehicle’s RF jammer is active.

The company also offers an optional solid-state 3D radar system, which has a maximum range of 10 km, that can improve detection accuracy and speed.

United Kingdom Meanwhile, UK-based electronic-scanning radar and sensor solution provider Blighter Surveillance Systems has developed the

Blighter A400 series micro Doppler air security/UAV detection radars that can find hard to detect targets such as nanoand micro-class UAVs at ranges between 10m to 2.4km and larger aircraft as far as 10km, as well as covertly operated air vehicles that navigate via autonomous means and therefore do not emit RF signals. UAVs that are hover-drifting and travelling at speeds over 400 km/h can also be detected.

According to the company, the A400 series radars are modular non-rotating,

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electronic-scanning systems using powerefficient passive electronically scanned array (PESA) and frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technologies.

The radars also feature Digital Drone Detection (D3) technology that enables them to extract tiny radar reflections from modern plastic-bodied UAVs even when they are flying close to the ground or near buildings where clutter reflections are prevalent.

“This technology is already deployed along the Korean Demilitarized Zone,” Mark Radford, CEO of Blighter Surveillance Systems, told AMR. Blighter Surveillance Systems has also partnered with Chess Dynamics and Enterprise Control Systems to develop the mission-proven Anti-UAV Defence System (AUDS), which is an integrated UAV track, identify and defeat system based on its A400 series radars.

The system has been sold and deployed in military C-UAS applications since 2016, including by US forces in Iraq.

It operates at a range of up to 10km and can defeat a hostile UAV in approximately 15 seconds. The company also claims that the AUDS can counter a swarm attack.

“The AUDS system has successfully defeated close to 2,000 UAV [intrusions] and has been tested against more than 60 types of UAVs, including fixed wing aircraft and quadcopters,” Radford told AMR. “AUDS has defeated more than 500 UAVs in theatre…with (a notable success of) 70 UAVs in one day.” AMR

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NORTH KOREA CRISIS ON HOLD …. FOR NOW During 2018, North Korea was the main threat to peace until the diplomatic efforts by US President Trump, North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in. But with little progress or concessions since, the threat is emerging once again.

by Alan Warnes

I

n the wake of Donald Trump’s meeting with Kim Jongun in June 2018, the United States (US) suspended and cancelled military exercises with South Korea. In earlyNovember, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford hinted that if there was further progress in the talks, there could be a potential change to the US military presence on the Korean peninsula, where 28,500 troops are currently stationed. Such a move would be welcomed by the Pyongyang government which has been holding out for a reduction in the US presence in its neighbour’s territory.

The USAF has two fighter wings based in South Korea. The 51st Fighter Wing has an Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt unit and two Lockheed Martin F-16C/D-40 squadrons based at Osan Air Base (AB) while the 8th Fighter Wing at Gunsan AB has two F-16C/D Block 40 units. This totals over 80 fighters, while there are regular deployments of Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joints intelligence gathering planes and Boeing C-17 Globemaster tactical transporters to the region.

The US Army’s 2nd Infantry division (Mechanised) has four Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow units and a CH-47F Chinook squadron at Desiderio Army Air Field (AAF). There are also five LM/Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk units with the bulk of them based at K-16 airfield in Seoul, which amounts to around 150 US Army combat helicopters.

There is also a sizeable US Navy presence in Korea and, to back up its firepower, there are regular deployments of US Navy aircraft carriers to the region. If that wasn’t enough, the US also has a massive force in Japan to support its activities in the region.

While North Korea has been the focus of diplomatic efforts of late, many believe that Chinese expansion still remains the biggest threat to peace in the region. It continues to militarise islands in the South China Seas, such as the Spratleys, where sovereignty is claimed by several countries. The longer term

16

ambition of China includes the full repossession of Taiwan.

It is no surprise several US allies are now racing to acquire the latest technologies to fend off any threat from the likes of North Korea, China and even Russia. One option is to upgrade existing F-16 fleets, which has seen South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan contract for the modernisation of 334 F-16s.

The Republic of Korea military’s vast inventory includes 132 KF-16D Block 52s currently being upgraded to the F-16V variant. The latest incarnation of the F-16 boasts the more capable Northrop Grumman APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), a development of the APG-81 in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint strike Fighter. A Lockheed Martin spokesman told AMR recently, “It collects a lot of data which means we have to add in a high speed data network and a new computer system to allow the information flow into the jet’s new displays,” and added, “the speed and agility of the F-16 is great but in many ways it is about information going into the cockpit - so instead of the pilot managing displays they make tactical decisions from the cockpit.”

The upgrade also includes a new 6x8 Centre Pedestal Display as well as additional operating capabilities if required such as Auto Ground Collision Avoidance (ACAS), Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Link-16, Sniper targeting pod and conformal fuel tanks which can allow the jet to fly over 1,448kms (900 miles). There is also the option to buy more sophisticated weaponry. With over 180 different weapons integrated on the F-16, most US allies can have almost anything they want. There is no doubt the F-16, 45 years after the first jet flew, still has a lot to offer.

In late-2015, Lockheed Martin won a deal believed to be worth about $900 million to upgrade the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 60 F-16C/D Block 52s. Two jets are believed to be at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility, being upgraded acting as

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r e g i o n a l AIR FORCES DIRECTORY

pattern aircraft and according to one source in early 2018 were expected to be joined by two more. Paya Lebar based Singapore Technologies Aerospace was expected to commence the serial upgrade production of the jets by the end of 2018.

Taiwan was the first country to order the F-16V, back on 1 October, 2012. The $5.3 billion contract, known as Pheonix Rising, involves the upgrade of 115 F-16A and 27 F-16B Block 20s, which led to the first single-seater being delivered to Chiayi Air Base in October 2018. Taiwan admits it still needs a new advanced jet fighter to counter China’s continuous air space violations and probing, and there are reports the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) will retire its expensive fleet of around 60 Mirage 20005s. They could be sold leading to the acquisition of a similar number of brand new F-16 Block 70s (as the new production jets are referred to). At the moment F-16 Block 70 production is expected to see deliveries to Slovakia and Bahrain end in late-2023, so it is unlikely that any order would see deliveries before 2024.

F-35 orders Many allies close to the US are acquiring the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 because it will mean continued interoperability over the coming generations. South Korea announced it had a requirement for 40 F-35As, which led to an initial order for ten leading to the first jet, 18-001 being rolled out at the Lockheed Martin facility on 28 March, 2018. It was subsequently delivered to Luke AFB, Arizona, where there are now six being used for crew training. The first should be delivered to Cheongju AB, the RoKAF’s main base in 2019 when they will replace the ageing F-4E Phantoms.

Japan has a requirement for 42 F-35As, even though funding has only been approved for 28 through FY2017. The Japanese Ministry of Defence announced its selection of the F-35A Lightning II on December 19, 2011 as the JASDF’s nextgeneration fighter aircraft. They are set to replace the F-4EJ Kai Phantoms. This led an initial Letter of Offer & Acceptance (LoA), for four aircraft, was officially announced on 29 June 2012, with the Japanese Ministry of Defence stating that the cost of each F-35A amounts to approximately $128m (10.2 billion Yen).

Following assembly of the first four (AX-1 to AX-4) in the US, the remaining 38 are being assembled at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries FACO facility in Nagoya. Assembling the major components of the first of the latter, AX-5, began at Nagoya on 15 December 2015. The four US-built aircraft were delivered to Luke AFB, Arizona, for training from August 2016 to March 2017 and transferred to Misawa in May 2018.

On 17 December, 2018 the Japanese cabinet approved a plan to add an additional 105 Lockheed Martin F-35s which will include 42 F-35Bs. With its short take off and vertical landings (STOVL) capabilities, the F-35Bs will operate from island bases along Japan’s western coast. The country’s Medium Term Defence Program also agreed upon the conversion of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) two large Izumo-class vessels, which can carry 14 helicopters but will be able to carry the F-35Bs. Taiwan was keen to acquire the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter longer term, but has reportedly dropped its interest. A recent National Security Council report revealed it was too expensive and with no real combat experience that the jet would not be the best option for Taiwan.

China-Pakistan Many countries cannot afford huge financial investments, and

several including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Pakistan have been attracted to Chinese alternatives. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a $1 trillion chain of infrastructure development programmes stretches across over 70 countries and is a policy that concerns many of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Today, China arguably wields increasing political influence in ASEAN states than the US does and its dealings with close ally Pakistan is a classic example of how the agreements can work.

Pakistan is benefitting from billions of dollars of investments at a time when its economy needs shoring up. Many of the deals involved are military ones. When President Donald Trump announced early last year that he was suspending millions of dollars of US security aid with Pakistan, the Pakistani military knew their close ally, China would provide more support. They are both working on many joint military projects, with the new JF-17 Thunder fighter being the biggest to date.

Kamra-based Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has been building and assembling the fighter since 2009, and is now working with the China aerospace industry to define the newer Block 3 variant. It will come with a new Chinese airborne electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, embedded electronic warfare systems with a plethora of new weapons. There is also the two-seat version, which is currently being evaluated in Pakistan. The PAF has a requirement for 24 dual seaters which will be used both for training and for tactical operations.

While there will be a JF-17 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) equipped with dual seaters, each operational squadron will also get up to three to cope with the new training syllabus that is being created for the JF-17s. It will allow pilots to go straight from the Academy to the OCU and then to operational squadron.

At the moment they are going through a much more complex training route that can include F-16s and Mirages.

There is no doubt the PAF is edging closer to China’s Peoples Liberation Army and Air Force (PLAAF). They enjoy a close relationship, and as one source told AMR, “why shouldn’t Pakistan grow closer with its long-time friend when the US drops its on-off ally whenever it wants.”

In December, the PLAAF and PAF co-operated in the sixth edition of their Shaheen exercises, which saw Xian JH-7s, Shenyang J-11s and Chengdu J-10Cs deploy to a southern PAF air base to fly with JF-17s and Dassault Mirages. According to the PAF, “the main objective of the exercise was to maximise the combat readiness of the air forces by providing a realistic training environment in different scenarios. These exercises helped to give invaluable experience to the PAF combat personnel and enhance their professional competence.”

Undoubtedly the exercise was based around protecting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen China invest up to $60 billion in Pakistan and bring the two countries even closer. In doing so, Pakistan is supporting Beijing’s strategic needs, with the Chinese-funded deep sea port at Gwader being a key example. With four road routes being built from China down to Pakistan’s seaport, Beijing could still get its goods to the Arabian Gulf, should India or US opt in the face of deteriorating relations to set up naval blockades.

For China, Pakistan is a showcase for other countries trying to shift from US ITAR equipment to Chinese arms, particularly in Asia and Africa. The two sides do occasionally disagree though, as they did when Myanmar acquired six JF-17s (or FC-1s as they are known in China). Pakistan has been appalled with the Rangoon government’s treatment of the Rohinga and wanted nothing to do with the sale.

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AFGHANISTAN â– Afghan Air Force 19+6 on order EMB-314(A-29B) Super Tucano ground attackaircraft. One aircraft lost during

training on 6March, 2017, while

operatingfrom Moody AFB, Georgia.

A total of 12 are in country. Seven are at

Moody for training. Six moreaircraft were

ordered on 25 October, 2017. An additional

$1.8 billion contract was awarded to Sierra

Nevada Corporation on 4 September, 2018,

for procurement of an unspecified number

of additional aircraft.

24 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, transport.

One aircraft One aircraft lost on 12

October, 2015 and another was damaged

on 3 October, 2017. Two others were non

operational in May 2018awaiting periodic

depot maintenance.

32 on order AC-208 Eliminator. The first seven are

scheduled for delivery between January

and March 2019, with all 32 planned to be

inservice by fiscal year 2023.

4 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules.

2 on order Harbin Y-12E. China is reportedly to

donate two of these aircraft to Afghanistan,

with delivery due in early 2019. They will

primarily be used for medical evacuation.

47 Mil Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopter.

Of these, only 21 were currently available

as of December 2018, seven others were

under going depot repair and 17 were life

expired. An additional two Mi-17s were

transferred from Fort Rucker in January

and February 2018.

4 on order Mil Mi-24 attack helicopter. These have

been sourced by Belarus and paid for by

India under an agreement signed in

March 2018.

4 Mil Mi-35 attack helicopter. Former

Indian Air Force examples delivered

between December 2015 and November

2016 but as of December 2018 all were in

storage awaiting repairs, having exceeded

their 500hr inspection.

3 SA-315B Cheetal light attack helicopter.

37 MD Helicopters MD-530F reconnaissance

helicopter. Two aircraft destroyed.

A further 20 are on order, with deliveries

expected to be completed in 2019.

53 on order Sikorsky UH-60A+ Black Hawks medium

lift utility helicopter. Ordered in 2017 to

allow standardisation on US origin

equipment. A total of 30 were in service by

the end of December 2018.

3 Boeing 727, acquired from Ariana Afghan

Airlines for the Presidential Airlift Squadron.

See notes opposite Insitu ScanEagle UAV Initial contract for

eight systems (65 air vehicles) awarded

25 November, 2015. Five more system sordered 25 July, 2017, followed by eight

more 28 March, 2018, then 27 more on

18

25 July, 2018. It is unclear how many have been deliveredto date.

Afghan Special Mission Wing 18 Pilatus PC-12NG turboprop transport

(operated by MAG). Unconfirmed reports

suggest a further five PC-12/47Es may

have recently been acquired in SIGINT

configuration.

33 Mil Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopter

(operated by MAG).

40 on order UH-60A Black Hawk. The SMW will

receive ten of the type from 2020 to begin

replacement of its Mi-17s. An eventual

total of 40 will comprise 20 utility lift and

20 fixed-forward - firing variants, all of

which will be delivered by theend of 2023.

AUSTRALIA â– Royal Australian Air Force 55 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, multi-role combat aircraft.

16 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18B

multi-role combat aircraft. Both types will

start being replaced by the Lockheed Martin

F-35A Lightning-II multi-role combat

aircraft from late-2018 but will continue

until 2023. Australia has agreed to sell 18

F/A-18A/Bs to Canada, which zhas also

requested a further eight for spares and

non-flying activities.

24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet multi-role

combat aircraft. Achieved Final Opera tional Capability (FOC) in December 2012.

11 Boeing EA 18G Growler electronic

warfare aircraft. First batch arrived in

Australia in February 2017 and deliveries

completed by the end of that year. One

was damaged beyond repair on 27 January,

2018, due to an engine fire at Nellis AFB,

Nevada. The hulk was in storage at

Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona,

by October 2018.

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r e g i o n a l AIR FORCES DIRECTORY

7 + 5 on order

2

8

12

6+1 on order

Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. First one delivered in November 2016 and the rest followed at a rate of one every four months. An order for four more aircraft was announced in April 2017. Eventual fleet of 15 planned by late 2020s, but final three not yet ordered.

Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. To be replaced by the P-8A Poseidon, with retirement due in 2019.

Eight have been withdrawn, five sold to a company in the US in airworthycondition during 2018 and only two remained in service by December 2018.

Boeing C-17A Globemaster III strategic turbofan freighter.

Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules turbopropfreighter To undergo capability upgrades.

Airbus KC-30A multi-role tanker transport. Two former Qantas A330-200s were ordered in mid-2015, to be upgraded to MRTT at Airbus’ Getafe facility and join the four KC-30As already in service.

The first additional aircraft was delivered in August 2017 and the second was flown to Manchester for painting on 14 December, 2018, after conversion was completed.

The latter will be fitted with a partial VIP interior. The Australian government predicts a need for two more KC-30s in the second half of next decade.

10 accepted 72 planned Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning-II

multi-role combat aircraft. Australia has

committed to acquire 72 F-35A conventional

take-off and landing aircraft at a cost of

more than $12bn to replace RAAF’s aging

F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet. The Australian

Governmentapproved a $2.3 billion

procurement of 14 F-35A Lightning IIs on

25 November, 2009. The first ten aircraft

have been delivered to Luke AFB, Arizona,

for aircrew training. A total of 100 F-35As

were originally planned. Two of the aircraft

at Luke have since been delivered to

Australia, arriving at RAAF Base

Williamtown on 10 December, 2018.

11 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 300/350

turboprop transport. The last three of

eight originally leased aircraft were due

to be returned off lease by early 2019. Five

more Beech 300s were obtained via a lease

contract. for training and support. Four

additional aircraft were ordered, the first

two of which were being prepared for

delivery in December 2018. Three aircraft

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1

61

10

33

6

2

3 26 of 49 delivered

Up to 5

6

See notes

are being converted to ISREW variants, with first delivery anticipated this year.

Beechcraft 1900C-1 Airliner. On long-term lease for DSTO ISR trials.

Pilatus PC-9A, turboprop training aircraft.

Four converted into FAC training platforms.

Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan turboprop freighter. The Australian Defence Minister announced the purchase of ten C-27J Spartans in May 2012. All ten were initially delivered to L3 at Waco, Texas, where they were fitted with the RAAF’s preferred self-protection system.

The first was delivered to RAAF Base Richmond on 25 June, 2015, and the final example arrived in Australia in March 2018.

BAE Systems Hawk 127 lead-in jet trainer.

Capability upgrade almost complete and on 24 October, 2018, BAE Systems announced that it had inducted the last of the 33 aircraft into the upgrade programme.

Boeing E-7A Wedgetail (737-700) AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control).

Boeing 737 BBJ turbofan transport leased from industry.

Bombardier Challenger 604.

PC-21 turboprop trainer. Will replace PC-9/A for fixed wing training, run by industry.

Gulfstream G550 ISR&EW. During June 2017 it was announced that the RAAF was to acquire five highly modified Gulfstream G550 under a $1.3 billion deal that will see them delivered in the early 2020s. Waco-based L3 will modernise the green airframes. They are being acquired under Project AIR 555 and will be assigned to the RAAF Surveillance and Response Group based at RAAF Edinburgh. A contract for the first two was awarded to L-3 on 21 June, 2018.

MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). An initial contract for the first air vehicle was announced by the Australian Department of Defence on 26 June, 2018.

First delivery will be in mid-2023 with all six expected to be in service by late 2025.

MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 or MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAV. The Australian Defence Minister announced on 16 November, 2018, that General Atomics had been selected to supply 12-16 UAVs to meet its medium-altitude long-endurance UAV requirement. requirement. The precise variant has yet to be selected.

Royal Australian Army Aviation Corps 10 Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopter.

Seven CH-47F were delivered in 2015 and

a further three from a separate December

2015 contract arrived in 2016. With no

dedicated CSAR capability, the Australian

20

Defence Force will upgrade the Chinooks

to improve their ability to conduct medevac.

In the longer-term, options will be

investigated to enable CSAR tasks to be

carried out much faster and at long range.

22 Airbus Helicopters Tiger EC-665 ARH.

The February 2016 White Paper, revealed

that from the mid-2020s, the Tigers will be

replaced with a new armed reconnaissance

capability. This could involve either manned

or unmanned systems, or a combination

of both.

32 Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk/UH-60L

medium lift utility helicopter. These

were originally going to be retired during

2011-13, however with delays to the NH90s

and the CSAR configuration notyet finalised,

this has now been extended to 2021.

Eighteen equip the 6th Aviation Regiment

at Holsworthy on the western outskirts of

Sydney and two others at the Oakey Army

Aviation Centre. Two were transferred to

the New South Wales Rural Fire Service in

June 2018 and will beconverted

to water bombers.

41 NH Industries NH90 medium-lift utility helicopter. Total of 45 MRH-90s on order,

including four for the Royal Australian

Navy, to replace theretired Westland

Sea King Mk 50.

15 Airbus EC135T2 training helicopter.

Shared with Navy under the Australian

Defence Force (ADF) Helicopter Aircrew

Training System (HATS) programme. Last

six were handed over on 23 November, 2016.

18 RQ-7B Shadow 200. Four systems

comprising 18 aircraft.

Royal Australian Navy 1 Dash 8-Q202 is a uniquely configured

aircraft operated under contract of the

RAN’s Laser Airborne Depth Sounder

Flight for coastal survey duties.

23 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime

support helicopter. Selected in June 2011

and all delivered between 2014-16. One

of the aircraft suffered significant damage

during bad weather while deployed aboard

HMS Warramunga on 20 October,

2017 and may be beyond repair.

4 Bell Helicopter 429 Global Ranger

multipurpose utility helicopter. The first

three were on a three-year lease 2012-2015,

but this has since been extended and a

fourth example joined them in August 2015.

6 NH Industries MRH-90 maritime support helicopter. Rotated with Army aircraft.

2 Insitu ScanEagle UAV. Both are on lease.

2 Schiebel Camcopter S-100 rotary-wing

UAV. Usedfor trials and evaluation. An

initial two were both lost in crashes, but

had been replaced with two more by

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October 2018.

BANGLADESH ■ BANGLADESH AIR FORCE 6/2 MiG-29SE/UB MRCA. The Russian Aircraft Corporation announced the beginning of negotiations with the Bangladesh government for the upgrade of the current MiG-29 fleet to MiG-29SMT status in April 2013.

47 Chengdu F-7 MRCA. A total of 13 F-7BG and four FT-7/BG received in 2006. One F-7BG lost in a fatal crash on 23 November, 2018. In 2013, 12 F-7BGI along with four FT-7BGI were received as replacements for the Nanchang A-5C ground attack aircraft fleet which were retired in November 2014. Approximately eight F-7MBs and seven FT-7MBs survive.

7 Aero L-39ZA Albatros lead-in jet trainer.

Total of eight delivered, one aircraft crashed in 2012.

3 Antonov An-32 turboprop freighter. The aircraft are being upgraded with the first one returning in late-2017 and the third and final one handed back to the BAF in Kiev on 10 October, 2018.

4+6 planned Lockheed Martin C-130B/E/J Hercules turboprop freighter. Four C-130Bs currently in service. Bangladesh Air Force

2 2 3 9 27 16

30

13

was negotiating the acquisition of four C-130Es but it is unclear what happened todeal. An agreement for acquisition of two ex-RAF C-130Js was concluded in August 2017. Both are currently being prepared by Marshall of Cambridge.

AgustaWestland AW119Kx training helicopter in service from November 2017.

AgustaWestland AW-139 maritime support helicopter. Inducted December 6, 2015. For maritime and SAR roles.

Bell Helicopter 206L LongRanger light utility helicopter.

Bell Helicopter 212 medium-lift utility helicopter.

13 Mil Mi-17 plus 14 Mi-171 medium-lift utility helicopterS. Mi-171Sh transport helicopter. Original 13 delivered in 1998, followed by another four and orders for another five for UN service.

Nanchang CJ-6/PT-6 primary training aircraft. A batch of 16 believed to have been delivered in 2016 to augment survivors of original 40.

Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainer/ light attack aircraft. All 16 were delivered

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r e g i o n a l AIR FORCES DIRECTORY

8

3

in 2016. One aircraft crashed on 11 July, 2017. Two others were lost in a mid-air collision on 27 December, 2017.

Hongdu K-8 lead-in jet trainer. First four out of a total of nine arrived 27 September, 2014. One was lost on 1 July, 2018, killing both crew members. A contract for an additional batch, number unspecified, was signed on 20 June, 2018.

LET 410UVP-E20 light transport aircraft.

Delivered in 2015.

Bangladesh Army 1 C295W tactical transport. ADS announced

order in November 2016 and aircraft was

delivered in November 2017.

1 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan turboprop

transport.

3 Cessna A152 Aerobat. Four originally

delivered, one since lost.

2 Airbus Helicopters AS365N3+

medium-lift utility helicopter.

3 Bell 206L LongRanger utility helicopters.

Special Forces.

6 Mi-171Sh utility helicopter. Six ordered

during 2016, with all six delivered by

January 2017.

Bangladesh Navy 2+2 on order Dornier Do 228 NG maritime patrol

aircraft, delivered June 2013. A further two

aircraft were ordered during October 2017.

2 AgustaWestland AW-109E Power maritime

support helicopter.

2 Harbin Z-9 medium-lift utility helicopter.

BRUNEI There is little coverage of the Royal Brunei Air Force, but aside from regular sightings of the large VIP Flight, which comprises two Boeing 747s, an Airbus A340 and a Boeing 767, the following

is believed to be correct. â– Royal Brunei Air Force 1 Airbus CN-235M-110 tactical airlifter.

4 Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer turboprop trainer.

6 Airbus Helicopters BO-105CB light

utility helicopter.

12 Sikorsky S-70i medium-lift utility

helicopter. Twelve S-70is delivered from

2011 onwards. Original four S-70As

delivered to Malaysia.

2 Bell Helicopter 206B JetRanger light

utility helicopter.

MYANMAR (BURMA) â– Myanmar Air Force 10+ Hongdu A-5 ground-attack aircraft.

4 Soko G4 Super Galeb light ground-attack

aircraft.

15+/4 MiG-29B/UB MRCA. 6 MiG-29SE. 1 Shenyang F-6 MRCA.

22

28 Chengdu F-7M/FT-7 air superiority fighter.

4 Chengdu JF-17 Thunder. Formally inducted

into service on 15 December, 2018. The

total number on order is 6 which includes

four single-seaters which have been

delivered and two usual-seaters.

1 Fokker F-27 turboprop transport.

2 Fokker 70 turbojet transport. Two ex-civilian

examples delivered in August 2017 and

operational in December 2017.

2 Fairchild Hiller FH-227 turboprop

transport. Probably now retired.

5 Britten Norman BN-2 maritime patrol aircraft.

4/2 Shaanxi Y-8D/F turboprop transport.

Two Y-8Fs handed-over in September

2016, but one lost on June 7, 2017.

4 Harbin Y-12 IV Turbo Panda turboprop transport.

9 Beech 1900D turboprop transport. At least

ten examples are thought to have been

delivered, all acquired from the second hand market. One was lost in a crash on

February 10, 2016, killing four of the five

on board. Six had been delivered by the

end of 2015 and four more were inducted

in December 2016.

3 ATR 42-300 transport aircraft. In service

from December 2017.

5 ATR 72-212A transport aircraft. In service

from around 2012. The most recent

example was formally inducted into service

on December 15, 2018.

10+ Chengdu FT-7M advanced trainer aircraft.

30 (not confirmed) Hongdu K-8 advanced trainer/light attack

aircraft.

6 due HAL HJT-16 Kiran jet trainer. Indian media

reported on December 1, 2018, that the

Indian Government is to donate six aircraft

to Myanmar. No delivery schedule was

announced.

5 Pilatus PC-6/B1 Turbo Porter.

16 Pilatus PC-7 turboprop trainer.

10 Pilatus PC-9 turboprop trainer.

34 Hongdu PT-6 piston trainer.

14 Bell Helicopter 205 light utility helicopter.

5?

Bell 206B JetRanger. Seven delivered

initially, more delivered in 2015 although

exact quantity is unknown.

1 Bell 212 utility helicopter.

14+ Mil Mi-2 light utility helicopter.

17 Mil Mi-8/17 medium-lift utility helicopter.

11 Mil Mi-35P attack helicopter.

13 Aerospatiale SA-316/SE-3160 light utility

helicopter.

4 Airbus H120 Colibri. In service from

December 2016.

11 PZL W-3 Sokol attack helicopter. Possibly

withdrawn in 2015.

3 AS365N2 Dauphin II helicopter.

Second-hand examples delivered from 2013.

1 Harbin Z-9 helicopter. Formally inducted

into service on December 15, 2018.

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20

6

11+

Grob G120 turboprop trainer.

Delivered 2014-16.

Yak-130 jet trainer. Unknown quantity ordered. Two more being prepared for delivery May 2018 from a batch of a further six on order.

Zenith CH-601 Zodiac. In service from 2015.

CAMBODIA ■ Royal Cambodian Air Force 5 Aero L-39C Albatros lead-in jet trainer but

all are believed to be withdrawn from use.

3 Xian MA-60, turboprop transport.

2 Harbin Y-12 turboprop transport.

2 Tecnam P92 Echo. Six aircraft were

delivered in 1994, but only two

are believed to be current.

2 Aerospatiale AS350B2 Ecureuil.

1 Aerospatiale EC135P2.

1 Airbus A320-214(CJ).

4 Mil Mi-8 medium-lift utility helicopter.

3 Mil Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopter.

Overhauled by AIROD in 2013/14.

11 Xian Z-9 medium-lift utility helicopter.

Delivered on November 25, 2013, including

four assault variants and six utility variants.

One crashed July 14, 2014.

19

3 9 11

1 61 8

20+ 13 10 170 10 34

10 (not confirmed) 42 35

Ilyushin Il-76/KJ2000 airborne early warning and control. Additional 14 second-hand Il-76s being delivered.

Ilyushin Il-78 tanker.

Xian MA-60 turboprop transport.

Tupolev Tu-154 turbofan transport, including eight passenger Tu-154M and three reconnaissance variants.

Tupolev Tu-204. Used by CFTE for trials.

Shaanxi Y-8 turboprop transport.

Shaanxi Y-8/KJ200 airborne early warning and control.

Shaanxi Y-9 turboprop transport.

Xian Y-7 light transport aircraft.

Harbin Y-12 light transport aircraft.

Hongdu JL-8 jet trainer/light attack aircraft.

Mil Mi17/171 medium-lift utility helicopter.

Changhe Z-8K/KA/KH search and rescue helicopter.

Changhe Z-10K. Harbin Z-9 medium-lift utility helicopter.

Chengdu JJ-7 air superiority fighter.

14

100+

Xian Y-20 transport aircraft. At least six more awaiting delivery at Xian in late 2018. Requirement for up to 1,000.

Shijiazhuang Y-5 (licence-built Antonov An-2) light transport.

CHINA ■ People’s Liberation Army Air Force 130 Xian H-6 strategic bomber. New-build

H-6K version continues in production for

the PLAAF. 388 Chengdu J-7 air superiority fighter.

96 Shenyang J-8 air superiority fighter.

300+ 300+

70+ 24

72 118

Chengdu J-10A/J0S/B MRCA. Shenyang J-11A/B. Chinese built 4.5-generation MRCA. The J-11A is based on the Sukhoi Su-27 MRCA, while the J-11B is an upgraded Chinese variant.

Sukhoi Su-30MKK. Sukhoi Su-35S. Delivered between December 2016 and November 2018.

Xian JH-7 MRCA. Nanchang Q-5 ground attack aircraft.

People’s Liberation Army Ground Force 7 Xian Y-7 turboprop freighter.

3 Shaanxi Y-8 turboprop freighter.

2 Shaanxi Y-9 turboprop freighter.

220+20 ordered Mil Mi-8/17/171 medium-lift utility

helicopter.

52 Mil Mi-17E medium lift helicopter.

Last four delivered July 2014.

20 Sikorsky S-70 medium-lift utility helicopter.

53 Changhe Z-8 heavy-lift helicopter.

325+ Harbin Z-9 medium-lift utility helicopter.

175+ Changhe Z-10 attack helicopter.

120 Harbin Z-19 attack helicopter.

60+ Changhe Z-11 light utility helicopter.

1 Airbus Helicopters AS-350 light utility

helicopter.

150 Airbus Helicopters EC-120 light utility

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23

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8 (not confirmed)

helicopter.

Shijiazhuang Y-5A (licence-built Antonov An-2) light transport.

People’s Liberation Army Naval (PLAN) Air Force 14 Xian H-6 strategic bomber.

30 Xian Y-7 turboprop freighter.

16 Shaanxi Y-8/KJ-200 airborne early warning

and control.

3 Shaanxi Y-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

14 Shaanxi Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft.

18 Chengdu J-7 air superiority fighter.

47 Shenyang J-8 air superiority fighter.

50+ Shenyang J-11 fighter.

21+ Shenyang J-15.

20+ Chengdu J-10 MRCA. 34 Xian JH-7 MRCA. 30 Nanchang Q-5 ground attack aircraft.

27+50 planned Sukhoi Su-30/33 MRCA. 3 Harbin SH-5 search and rescue turboprop.

17 Kamov Ka-28 maritime support helicopter.

9 Kamov Ka-31 maritime support helicopter.

27 Changhe Z-8 search and rescue helicopter.

28 Harbin Z-9 medium-lift utility helicopter.

5 Changhe Z-18 medium-lift utility helicopter.

14 Shenyang JJ-6 lead-in jet trainer.

24+ Hongdu JL-8 (K-8) lead-in jet trainer/light

attack aircraft.

50+ Guizhou JL-9 jet trainer.

12 Hongdu JL-10H jet trainer. First three

delivered at the end of December 2017,

12 in service when the type was formally

inducted on August 3, 2018. Unknown

number ordered.

40+ Nanchang CJ-6A piston-engine trainer.

8 Mil Mi-8 medium-lift utility helicopter.

6 Airbus Helicopter AS-365 medium-lift

utility helicopter.

1 Kamov Ka-27 maritime support helicopter.

5 Xian Y-7 turboprop freighter.

10+ Shijiazhuang Y-5A (licence-built Antonov

An-2) light transport.

■ Notes: The Zhuhai Air Show in November provided us with an opportunity to view some of the latest developments in the Chinese aerospace industry. Undoubtedly, one of the stars was the thrust vectoring J-10C which was making its public debut. It is thought to have made its first flight with the modified WS-10B3 powerplant on 25 December, 2017 and obviously the PLAAF was confident enough to show the new sensation off. Development will undoubtedly continue but it will be interesting to see if an export license for this derivative of the J-10 will ever be granted.

Although the J-10 has been cleared for export, the PLAAF is usually not keen on exporting its sophisticated military technologies. While there were also three J-20s in the flying display. On the final day of the event, two of four J-20s which appeared opened their weapons bays to show four beyond visual range (BVR) PL-15s air to air missiles (AAMs) nestling inside. These missiles are thought to house a small AESA radar and have a range of 200+kms (125+ miles). Alongside them were two short range PL-10s AAMs which are known to have a range of 20kms (12 miles).

24

These initial J-20s are being powered by the WS-10B engines and not the WS-15 that was originally intended to power them.

Issues with the latter has meant that a stopgap solution had to be found so the aircraft could be pushed into service in 2017, well ahead of schedule, because of increasing security challenges in the region.

The WS-10B is a modified version of the J-10 and J-11 powerplants. Reportedly, the WS-10B’s thrust-to-weight ratio cannot power the J-20 to supersonic speeds, without the use of afterburners, which makes the jet unstealthy.

INDIA ■ Indian Air Force 36 on order Dassault Rafale MMRCA A firm contract

for the purchase of 36 Dassault Rafales

was signed on 23 September, 2016.

The order will comprise 28 Rafale EH

single-seat and eight Rafale DH twin-seat

aircraft. The first aircraft is scheduled for

delivery within 36 months of contract

signature, with the remainder to follow

within 60 months. The estimated total

cost of the deal is around $8.9 billion,

including weapons and equipment. Part

of the acquisition also includes five years

of performance based logistics (PBL).

The aircraft are expected to be based at

Ambala and Hasimara air bases. Indian

defence officials said the terms of the

contract include a requirement that France

must ensure that 75 percent of the fleet (27

aircraft) are operational at any one time.

There is also a penalty clause for late

deliveries. Although details of the weapons

being ordered have not been announced,

they are expected to include the MBDA

Meteor BVRAAM, Mica short and medium

range air to air missile and Scalp stand-off

cruise missile. The first Rafale DH flew on

30 October, 2018.

240+72 outstanding Sukhoi Su-30/MKI MRCA. The IAF has

ordered 312 Su-30MKIs, the first 50 were

delivered by Russia, while 262 have been

either built or are being built at HAL

Nasik Seven have been lost. They are

based at Bareilly (8 Sqn and 24 Sqn),

Bhatinda (17 Sqn), Chabua (102 Sqn),

Halwara (220 and 221 Sqn), Jodhpur (31

Sqn), Pune-Lohegaon (20 Sqn and 30 Sqn),

Bhuj (15 Sqn), Tezpur (2 Sqn), Gwalior

(TACDE), Sirsa (21 Sqn). Meanwhile,

Irkutsk which is the Su-30 OEM, has

proposed major upgrades to the Su-30MKIs,

with reports that the IAF is looking at an

initial batch of 80 Super Sukhois, in a

contract worth up to $8 billion.

66 MiG-29B/UPG MRCA. Fifteen aircraft lost

to crashes between 1994 and 2013. A total

of 57 MiG-29s and seven MiG-29UBs being

upgraded to MiG-29UPG status, with at

least seven delivered to date.

51 Dassault Mirage 2000H/TH MRCA. Of

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35 144 planned

the aircraft acquired, ten have been lost to crashes. The current fleet of 51 aircraft is currently being upgraded to Mirage 2000-5 Mk.II standard, known locally as the Mirage 2000I Vajra. The process is to be completed within a ten-year time frame

by HAL Bangalore. The first upgraded Mirage 2000H/TH underwent its maiden flight in October 2013. The first two aircraft, Mirage 2000I KF107 and 2000TI KT201, were delivered to Jamnagar Air Forc Station on 22 April, 2015, after a ferry flight from Istres, France. They were delivered to the TACDE (Tactical Development and Evaluation) at Gwalior two days later.

MiG-21Bis/Bisons/M/MF MRCA. To be phased-out by 2019. Fifteen aircraft were involved in crashes in the past three years.

110 upgraded MiG-21 Bisons are likely to fly until 2025.

MiG-27ML MRCA. Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA MRCA. Joint development of this fifth-generation aircraft involves India and Russia. Delays mean requirement reduction from 220 to 130145 aircraft. Dropped requirement for 45-50 twin-seat FGFAs.

5 plus another 35 on order

HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The supersonic aircraft received the Initial Operational Clearance in December 2013.

To date Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at Bangalore has built 16 Tejas light combat aircraft comprising: two technology demonstrators (TD-1/2), three single-seat prototype vehicles (PV-1/2/3), a dual seat prototype vehicle (PV-5), seven Limited Series Production (LSP 1/2/3/4/ 5/7/8), dual seat Naval Prototype (NP-1) and single seat NP-2. The Indian Air Force has 40 Tejas Mk 1s on order, in two batches of 20 with deliveries of the first batch of 20 delivered ‘before 2019’. A further 83 Mk1As are being built for the IAF, which will feature enhanced indigenous selfprojection electronic warfare system and

AESA radar. The first two examples, SP-01 and SP-02, were handed over to 45 Sqn on 1 July, 2016. They will operate from Bangalore for nearly two years before moving to their permanent base at Sulur, near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. It is planned to have a total complement of six Tejas squadrons by 2022. However, with HAL currently only having the capability to produce eight Tejas per year, it must double production to meet this

requirement. The naval version of Tejas,

has an arrestor hook installed for aircraft

carrier deck operations. A modification

to the control surface in the wing apex

will allow the pilot to reduce the approach

speed for carrier landings, when deflected

up. The first navy prototype NP-1 made

its maiden flight on 27 April, 2012, followed

by NP-2 on 7 February, 2015. However the

project was cancelled in December 2016

because it was too heavy for carrier ops.

100 SEPECAT Jaguar IM/S MRCA. 3 Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV SRA-4

transport.

2 IAI 1125SPX Astra.

17 Ilyushin Il-76MD strategic turbofan freighter.

3+2 planned Beriev A-50EhI airborne early warning

and control.

7 Ilyushin Il-78 tanker.

10+one on order Boeing C-17A Globemaster-III strategic

airlifter. One of the last production ‘white tail’ aircraft has also been acquired, with

delivery due in the third quarter of 2019.

10+ 1 replacement Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules

turboprop freighter. Lost a C-130J on

28 March, 2014 and approval was given

in August 2016 to replace it. The IAF signed

a Letter of Offer and Acceptance on 27

December,2013, for the purchase of six

special mission C-130Js. Lockheed Martin

was awarded a production contract for

these aircraft on 18 July, 2014, and

deliveries to Arjan Singh (formerly Panagarh)

AFS in west Bengaltook place during

August/September 2017. No 84 Squadron

was raised during the winter of 2017/18.

A second aircraft was lost on13 December,

2017, when it hit obstructions at Thoise

airfield.

56 planned Airbus C295W turboprop airlifter. At a

meeting of India’s Defence Acquisitions

Council (DAC) on 13 May, 2015, approval

was granted for the proposal to purchase

56 C295W aircraft, to replace the IAF’s

Avro HS748 fleet. If the contract which was

still being negotiated in January 2019, is

successfully concluded, the C295Ws will

be produced jointly by Airbus Defence &

Space (ADS) in conjunction with local

partner, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL),

| FEBRUARY 2019 |

25

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AIR FORCES DIRECTORY

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which will establish an indigenous assembly

line. The first 14 aircraft will then be

manufactured by ADS at its premises in

Seville, Spain, after which the remaining

42 will be produced locally in India by

TASL. The Border Security Force (BSF) is

also expected to order four which will

push the contract up to 60 aircraft.

104 Antonov An-32 turboprop freighter.

Upgrade of the aircraft under a contract

signed on 15 June, 2009, is continuing. An

initial 40 were worked on in Ukraine, while

a further 64 An-32s are undergoing similar

upgrade work in-country at the IAF’s

No 1 Base Repair Depot at Kanpur Chakeri Air Force Station.Completion

will see all 104 surviving IAF An-32s

modified to An-32REs. 59 BAE Systems/Hawker-Siddeley HS

748-100 turboprop transport. To be

replaced by C295W – Boeing 707 recon naissance aircraft. One of the two is still

on the inventory but has been stored since

at least 2006.

7 Boeing 737 VIP transport. These comprise

two former Indian Airlines 737-200s and

three 737-700 BBJs. 2 being converted Boeing 777 VVIP transports. The

777-300ERs will be used for long-range

international flights. These dedicated aircraft

will replace the current system, which

involves requisitioning Air India Boeing

747s as required for such VVIP flights.

3 Embraer EMB-145 AEW&C aircraft.

4 Embraer ERJ135BJ Legacy 600 VIP transport.

2 Gulfstream G100 reconnaissance aircraft.

6 planned Airbus A330-MRTT multi-role tanker transport. On 7 January, 2013, Airbus

Military announced that the IAF had

selected the A330MRTT as its preferred

option to meet the IAF’s requirement for

six new tanker aircraft. However, the tender

was then withdrawn in August 2016.

2 planned Airbus A330 AWACS. India’s Defence

Acquisition Council (DAC) gave approval

on 28 March, 2015, for development of a

next-generation airborne warning and

control system (AWACS) aircraft that will

be based on the Airbus A330 airframe.

It calls for the production of an initial two

aircraft, fitted with an indigenously-designed

active electronically scanned array (AESA)

radar that will give 360° coverage. The

development programme, led by India’s

Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO), has been allocated

$817.85 million and is eventually planned

to produce four more of these aircraft for

the Indian Air Force. It is expected to be

between five and seven years before the

first two are ready for delivery with the

remaining four ordered about half-way

28

49 2

30 122

22 on order

15 on order

80

12 ordered

75

74

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through the project, according to India media reports. However, it is likely that deal has been put on hold after Airbus withdrew its A330MRTT tender in August 2016.

Dornier Do 228-201/202 turboprop transport.

Bombardier Global 5000 special mission aircraft. India took delivery of the second of its two Global 5000s in February 2015.

They are operated by the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which is part of India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, under the control of the Cabinet Secretariat.

SEPECAT Jaguar T lead-in jet trainer.

BAE Systems Hawk 132 lead-in jet trainer.

The IAF Hawk Mk 132s are being produced under licence in India by HAL, following manufacture of an initial batch of 24 in the UK, the first of the latter being delivered in November 2007. They were followed by a batch of 42 HAL-assembled Hawks, the first of which was handed over on August 14, 2008, with the last being delivered in 2012. There have been three losses to date–April 30, 2008, June 3, 2015 and August 4, 2016. A further contract was signed in July 2010 for an additional 40 Hawks for the IAF, of which HAL should deliver all 40 by 2017. A further 20 have been ordered to equip the ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team. HAL signed a MoU with BAE Systems UK, announced on May 26, 2015, for upgrade of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Hawk Mk 132s, plus development of a combat Hawk for both the IAF and export markets. In addition, the HAL announcement on May 26 stated that the MoU also covers maintenance solutions for supporting the Indian Hawk and Jaguar fleets.

Boeing AH-64E attack helicopter. Contract signed on Sept 28, 2015 and deliveries will continue after 36 months, completed after 48. The first was flown on July 16, 2018.

First deliveries planned for March 2019.

Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopter. Contract signed on Sept 28, 2015 and deliveries will continue after 36 months, completed after 48. The first one flew on July 23, 2018, and first deliveries are planned for March 2019.

Hindustan Aeronautics HJT-16 Kiran basic trainer.

Hindustan Aeronautics HJT-36 Sitara intermediate trainer. bProject terminated in March 2017 after three limited series production (LSP) and two prototypes.

One of the latter was destroyed and the other damaged.

Pilatus PC-7 Mk II turboprop trainer. The last was handed over on November 10, 2015.

Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv ALH light

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65 ordered

3 prototypes

1 222+34 ordered

20+ 10 14+1

74

8

192

25

80+

utility helicopter.

Hindustan Aeronautics LCH attack helicopter. To date four technology demonstrators have flown.

Hindustan Aeronautics Light Utility Helicopter. Three prototypes being tested.

HAL says it has agreements in principle to supply 187 LUHs, comprising 126 for the IndianArmy and 61 for the Indian Air Force.

Mil Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopter.

Mil Mi-8/Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopter. One Mi-17V5 crashed June 2013.

Mil Mi-35P Hind-E attack helicopter.

HAL Cheetal helicopter.

Airbus Helicopters/HAL SA-315 Cheetah light utility helicopter.

Airbus Helicopters/HAL SA-316/319 Chetak light utility helicopter.

Diamond HK-36TC Super Dimona.

Acquired in 2000 for National Defence Academy cadet training.

Pipistrel Virus SW80 advanced microlight aircraft. The manufacturer announced on October 12, 2015, that it would supply the carbon fibre two seat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy (IN) and National Cadet Corps (NCC). The contract specified that all 194 aircraft had to be delivered within a period of 30 months after the first aircraft arrived. As it will be used for training of Flight Safety and Air Wing Cadets, for additional safety Pipistrel has equipped it with a special Ballistic Parachute Rescue System which saves the entire aircraft and both pilots in the case of accident. The aircraft also have several other safety-enhancing features, such as energy attenuation seats and a Kevlar-reinforced cockpit cell. One was lost on February 15, 2018, killing both crew members and another damaged on October 5, 2018.

CFM Shadow microlight. Although 25 were delivered from 2002, it is unknown how many remain in service.

Zenith STOL CH-701 kit-built light aircraft.

Operated by the National Cadet Corps.

Indian Army Aviation 6 on order AH-64E Apache. The Indian Cabinet gave

approval on July 12, 2018, for these six

helicopters for the Army, following an

order for 22 for the Air Force.

73+22 ordered Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv ALH light

utility helicopter. Five have been lost, while

a contract for an additional 22 was place

in September 2017.

20 HAL Cheetal helicopter. A contract for 20

was signed on February 22, 2013.

100+ HAL/Aerospatiale SA-315 Cheetah light

utility helicopter.

32+18 on order

200

HAL Rudra (armed Dhruv). An additional 18 were ordered in September 2017. One was damaged in a heavy landing on May 6, 2018.

Kamov Ka-226T Sergei light utility helicopter.

India and Russia finalised a joint venture agreement on October 15, 2016, for the manufacture of 200 Kamov Ka-226T helicopters for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The first 40 helicopters will be procured ‘off-the-shelf’ from Russian Helicopters’ Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise. The remaining 160 will be produced locally by HAL over a period of eight-to-ten years under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Indian Naval Air Arm 43 MiG-29K/KUB MRCA. One MiG-29K was

lost on January 3, 2018.

17 BAE Systems Hawk 132 lead-in jet trainer.

A contract was signed in July 2010 for 17

Hawks for the Indian Navy, with all believed

delivered by the end of 2017.

8+ 4 ordered Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. Eight

delivered and purchase of four more

approved on July 1, 2016.

5 Ilyushin Il-38SD maritime patrol aircraft.

25 Dornier Do-228 maritime patrol aircraft.

15 Kamov Ka-28 maritime support helicopter

India signed a contract with Russian arms

export agency Rosoboronexport on July

29, 2016 for the mid-life upgrade (MLU)

of all ten of the Indian Navy’s surviving

Kamov Ka-28 Helix-A anti submarine

warfare helicopters. The MLU is scheduled

for completion within 42 months.

14 Kamov Ka-31 maritime support helicopter.

The first two Kamov Ka-31 Helix-B radar

picket AEW helicopters were delivered

back to the Indian Navy on May 6, 2015,

after repairs which were undertaken by

Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise.

Kumertau had supplied nine Ka-31s to

India in 2004, but prior to their first scheduled

overhaul, six of them were in need of

extensive repairs. Those helicopters were

returned to Kumertau for the work to be

undertaken. The remaining four were

scheduled for re-delivery later in 2015/16.

30 Aerospatiale SA-316B Alouette III/HAL316B

Chetak light utility helicopter.

27 Westland Sea King 42 maritime support

helicopter.

24 to be ordered Sikorsky MH-60R multi-mission helicopter.

Indian Defence Acquisition approval granted

for the purchase on August 25, 2018.

8+17 on order Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv ALH light

utility helicopter. 16 ordered in September

2016, plus one more on September 4, 2017.

8 Sikorsky S-61/H/UH-3H maritime support

helicopter.

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7

12

IAI Searcher II UAV. One confirmed attrition loss occurred on May 5, 2010.

Pipistrel Virus SW80 advanced microlight aircraft. Entered service in March 2018.

Indian Coast Guard 3 HAL Dhruv. One was donated to the Maldives

National Defence Force in February 2010.

An order for 16 more Mk III variants was

placed in March 2017 and the first one was

rolled out on June 29, 2018.

18+ HAL316B Chetak.

39+ HAL/Dornier 228-101/201. A mid-life

upgrade for all 17 Srs 101 aircraft was

approved on October 27, 2018.

INDONESIA ■ Indonesian Air Force 16 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano trainer/light

attack turboprop. Embraer made an official

announcement on November 10, 2010, that

the TNI-AU had selected the Super Tucano

as a replacement for their OV-10 Bronco

COIN aircraft and would acquire an initial

batch of eight, which saw deliveries

completed in September 2014. A second

order for eight A-29s was placed in July

2012 with all eight now delivered. One

aircraft was lost on February 10, 2016

killing both crew members.

16+8 planned Sukhoi Su-27/30MK/MK2/Su-35 MRCA.

The final two of six Su-30MK2s ordered in

2011 were delivered in September 2013.

The TNI-AU plans to acquire eight Su-35s

to replace its F-5s.

9 General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin

F-16A/B MRCA combat aircraft.

23 Indonesia formally requested to buy 19

second hand F-16C and five F-16D

Block-25 MRCA from the United States

in 2011. The last six were delivered by the

end of 2017. One of the F-16Cs had an

accident in April 2016 and is believed to

be a write-off.

23 BAE Systems Hawk 209 lead-in jet trainer.

At least eight lost.

3 Boeing 737 Surveiller maritime patrol aircraft.

Obsolete and in desperate need of replacement.

4 Boeing 737 VIP aircraft.

24 Lockheed C-130B/H, and L-100 turboprop

freighters. A separate transfer contract for

an additional five C-130Hs was signed

with Australia on July 26, 2013.

5 planned Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules

Indonesia’s Defence Minister said in

September 2018 that purchase of five of

these aircraft is planned, but negotiations

are still under way.

2 to be ordered Airbus A400M airlifter. Indonesia announced

on March 7, 2018, that it plans to purchase

two of these aircraft to support the civil

Government, although they will be operated

30

2

9+7 ordered 5

5+27 planned

1 12

6

2

7

1

14

15

7

26

16

6

3 2

6

5

| Asian Military Review |

by the Air Force.

Airbus CN-235-220MPA maritime patrol aircraft.

Airbus/PTDI C-295.

Airbus/PTDI CN-235-100M turboprop freighter.

Airbus/PTDI C-212 turboprop freighter.

Airbus and PT Dirgantara Indonesia have signed an agreement (part of the contract signed in October 2011) to jointly manufacture and launch an upgraded variant of the C-212-400. The aircraft will be equipped with new digital avionics and autopilot systems and will feature 28 seats.

Lockheed Martin KC-130B tanker.

Airbus Helicopters EC-120 Colibri light utility helicopter.

Airbus H225M CSAR. The helicopters handed over in November 2016 are in combat search and rescue configuration.

They are the first of six of the type ordered for the TNI-AU under a contract signed in 2013. They are armed with FN Herstal Minimi 7.62 Mk 3 7.62 x 51mm calibre machine guns, pintle-mounted in the cabin doorways. The cockpit is armour-plated for crew protection, while the helicopters also have weather radar and a forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) turret under the nose. Emergency flotation gear is also fitted.

AS365N3+ Dauphin SAR helicopter.

Operated by BASARNAS. Airbus Helicopters BO-105 light utility helicopter. SAR – BASARNAS. AgustaWestland AW139 SAR helicopter.

Operated by BASARNAS. KAI KT-1B trainer/light attack aircraft.

Three have been lost.

Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 lead-in jet trainer. $400 million contract signed in May 2011. This aircraft replaced the BAE Systems Hawk Mk 53s. One has been lost.

BAE Systems Hawk 109 lead-in jet trainer.

One known loss on October 19, 2000.

Grob G120TP trainer aircraft. Order placed in September 2011. Aircraft replaced the Hawker Beechcraft T-34C Mentor trainer aircraft and FFA/SIAI-Marchetti AS/SA 202-18A3 Bravo light transport aircraft. A second batch for eight was ordered in 2013.

Airbus/PTDI Helicopters NAS-332 medium-lift utility helicopter. Of these, 14 are for search-and-rescue/transport, two for VIP use.

Airbus EC 725. First was handed over in mid-2014.

Airbus NAS332 VIP built in France.

Airbus Helicopters SA-330J light utility helicopter.

Soloy Bell 47G light training helicopter.

Five are also stored.

Cessna 172 Skyhawk/182 Skylane.

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6

Chengdu Wing Loong I UAV. In service from 2018.

DG Flugzeugbau 1001 motorised glider.

Indonesian Army 8 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter.

On January 26, 2015, the US DoD announced

the award of an FMS contract to Boeing

for the manufacture of eight AH-64E Apache

Guardian attack helicopters for Indonesia.

The $295.866 million deal had an estimated

completion date of February 28, 2018. First

three delivered December 18, 2017. Remaining

five followed in March 2018.

1 DHC-5 Buffalo. Two others are currently

in storage.

1 Hawker Beechcraft 390 Premier 1

business jet.

6 Airbus Helicopters AS555 Fennec

2 helicopter.

6 Airbus Helicopters AS550C3 Fennec light

utility helicopter.

2 Airbus EC 120 Colibri training helicopter.

6 PTDI NC-212 turboprop freighter.

1 BN-2T Islander. May no longer be in service.

40 Bell Helicopter 412 medium-lift utility

helicopter. Ten Bell Helicopter 412 enhanced

performance rotorcraft ordered under a $65

million purchase contract in March 2012

and received in March 2013.

15 Airbus Helicopters BO-105 light utility

helicopter.

17 Mil Mi-8/17 medium-lift utility helicopter.

One lost to crash in November 2013.

5 Mi-35P attack helicopter.

5 Schweizer 369/TH-300C light utility

helicopter.

Indonesian Navy 6+5 on order Airbus AS565MB Panther maritime support

helicopter. Batch of 11 ordered on November

23, 2016. First two were delivered to PTDI

in March 2017, for fitting with ASW and

sonar system. They were due to be delivered

in mid-2017.

10 Airbus/PTDI C-212 turboprop freighter.

6 Airbus/PTDI C-212 maritime patrol aircraft.

4 CN235MPA maritime patrol aircraft.

10 Bell Helicopter 412EP/SP maritime

support helicopter.

8 Airbus Helicopters BO-105 maritime

support helicopter.

3 Airbus Helicopters EC-120 maritime

support helicopter.

8 Beech Bonanza G36 turboprop training

aircraft. Delivered in two batches of four.

2 Beech G58 Baron. In service from

December 2015.

4 Socata TB-10 Tobago GT training aircraft.

Replaced by G-36?

3 Socata TB-9 Tampico training aircraft.

Replaced by G-36?

â– Notes: The Indonesian Air Force plans to focus on the introduction of new MRCA and the implementation of new training programmes for its pilots. After the delivery of the final two Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30Mk.II, part of an order for six aircraft, in September 2013, Indonesia intends to create eight new fast jet squadrons by 2024, each consisting of 16 aircraft.

JAPAN â– Japan Air Self Defence Force 64/21 Mitsubishi F-2A/B MRCA 74 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/EF/RF-4EJ

multi-role combat aircraft. Being phased

out to be replaced by existing Boeing

F-15DJ/Js and new Lockheed Martin F-35As

Lightning-II MRCA. The last Phantoms

are due for retirement by March 2021.

11+31 ordered Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning-II MRCA.

The Japan MOD announced on June

29, 2012, that it had signed an initial LOA

(Letter of Offer & Acceptance), for four

aircraft, with the Japanese Ministry of

Defence stating that the cost of each F-35A

amounts to approximately 10.2 billion

yen ($128 million). The total requirement

for the type currently is for 42 aircraft, of

which 28 have been ordered to date. The

initial $40.2 million advance-acquisition

contract for the first four JASDF aircraft

was awarded to Lockheed Martin (via the

US Naval Air Systems Command) on 25

March, 2013, which accounts for the long

lead-time parts, materials and components

required to commence construction.

Following assembly of the first four

(AX-1 to AX-4) in the US, the remaining

38 will be assembled at Nagoya in Japan

by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Mating

of the major components of the first of the

latter, AX-5, began at Nagoya on December

15, 2015. The first US-built aircraft, AX-1,

was completed and rolled out of the paint

shop at Fort Worth on August 15, 2016. It

was flown to Luke AFB, Arizona on

November 29, 2016 and is being used

for training along with another three (AX 2 to AX-4) that have subsequently been

delivered. On December 17, 2018, the

Japanese cabinet approved plans to

purchase an additional 105 F-35s, which

will include 42 F-35Bs, presumably for

operation by the JMSDF. 156/45 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F-15J/DJ MRCA.

A total of 12 have been lost.

4 Boeing E-767 airborne early warning and

control aircraft.

2 Boeing 777-300ER VIP aircraft. First delivered

to Chitose on August 20, 2018, followed

by the second, which left Basel, Switzerland,

on December 10, 2018. They replace two

747-47Cs. 26 Hawker-Siddeley/BAE Systems 125 search

and rescue aircraft.

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3

13

4

14 2 17 1 7+4 on order 5 10

2 on order

1 4 2 on order

13 14

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Hawker-Siddeley/BAE Systems 125 ILS calibration.

Northrop Grumman E-2C airborne early warning and control.

Northrop Grumman E-2D airborne early warning and control. On June 1, 2015, the DSCA notified US Congress of the possible sale to Japan of four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft, plus associated equipment, spares & logistical support.

The overall sale will be a reported $1.7 billion. On November 12, 2015, Northrop Grumman was awarded an $151.3 million contract for the first JASDF E-2D, with contract completion due in March 2018.

The first aircraft flew on November 13, 2017. The second was ordered in July 2016, the third in June 2018 and the fourth in September 2018. Approval by the US State Department for a further nine aircraft was announced on September 10, 2018.

Lockheed Martin C-130H turboprop freighter.

Lockheed Martin KC-130H air to air refueller.

Kawasaki C-1A tactical transport aircraft.

Kawasaki EC-1 reconnaissance aircraft.

Kawasaki C-2 turbofan freighter.

Gulfstream IV U-4 transport aircraft.

Nihon Aircraft YS-11/YS-11 reconnaissance aircraft.

Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign. At least two ordered to take over from YS-11 for flight checking.

Lockheed Martin KC-130H tanker.

Boeing KC-767 tanker.

Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. US State Department approved sale of four aircraft on September 21, 2016. First contracted for on December 22, 2017, followed by the second on December 6, 2018.

Hawker Beechcraft T-400 turbofan transport.

Mitsubishi F-2B MRCA.

45 49 199 16 33+40 ordered

3

Boeing F-15DJ MRCA. Fuji T-7 primary trainer.

Kawasaki T-4 intermediate trainer.

Boeing CH-47JA heavy-lift helicopter.

Sikorsky S-70/UH-60J medium-lift utility helicopter. On December 8, 2010, Sikorsky announced that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries proposal to build an additional 40 ‘new generation’ UH-60J helicopters had been accepted, withdeliveries taking place over the next 20 years. Deliveries are underway.

RQ-4B Global Hawk. On November 19, 2018, Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract to supply the three Block 30i air vehicles, enhanced integrated sensor suites and related equipment. Contract completion is anticipated by September 1, 2022.

Japan Ground Self Defence Force 130 Bell Helicopter UH-1H/J medium-lift

utility helicopter.

See note Subaru (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries)

UH-X multi-purpose utility helicopter.

Prototype first flown December 21, 2018.

Based on Bell 412EPi. First of 150 planned

for acquisition by JGSDF to replace UH-1J. 28/37 Boeing CH-47J/JA heavy-lift helicopter.

105 MD Helicopters MD500 reconnaissance

helicopter.

69 Bell Helicopter AH-1S attack helicopter.

12 Boeing AH-64DJP attack helicopter. One

was lost on February 5, 2018, during a

post maintenance test flight, killing both

crew members.

37 Kawasaki OH-1 reconnaissance aircraft.

44 Kawasaki OH-6D scout helicopter.

7 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350

turboprop transport.

4 Mitsubishi MU-2 turboprop transport.

40 Sikorsky UH-60JA medium-lift utility

helicopter.

| Asian Military Review |

r e g i o n a l AIR FORCES DIRECTORY

30 3 5+4+4 (all on order)

Enstrom TH-480 light utility helicopter.

Airbus EC225LP Super Puma Mk II VIP. MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor transport helicopter. An FMS contract, for an initial buy of five MV-22 Ospreys, valued at $332 million, was lodged with the Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, on July 14, 2015. The contract constitutes the first FMS sale of the Osprey and is for the Block C version known in the US as the MV-22. It was followed up on July 19, 2016, by a further contract valued at $545 million for an additional four aircraft. On June 29, 2018, an order for a further four was placed.

Planned total buy is 17 aircraft, which leaves just four more to be ordered. It comes after the US Congress agreed a sale for 17 MV-22Bs in April 2015.

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force 83 Lockheed Martin P-3C/OP-3C/UP-3C/

UP-3D Orion maritime patrol aircraft.

2 Kawasaki XP-1 maritime patrol aircraft.

The first prototype was handed-over to

the Japanese Ministry of Defence on August

29, 2008, to continue its programme of test

flights. The second prototype performed

its maiden flight on June 19, 2008. The

aircraft will both be reconfigured, one

to become a standard, operational P-1 and

the other to utility-specification UP-1.

16 (+ 57 planned) Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. An

order for four production aircraft was

announced on August 31, 2007, with a

further announcement in November 2010

that ten would be procured over the next

five years. The aircraft is the long-term

replacement for the JMSDF's P-3C Orions,

with an in-service date originally scheduled

for 2011. The total requirement could be as

high as 80. Included in the number in the

13 operational aircraft is a UP-1 converted

from a prototype.

4 ShinMaywa US-2 maritime patrol aircraft.

Replacing the older US-1 (see above).

Up to 14 may be acquired.

1 NAMC YS-11 turboprop transport.

4 Learjet 36 reconnaissance aircraft.

5 Lockheed EP-3E Aries SIGINT aircraft.

18 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 90 turboprop

transport.

2+11 AgustaWestland/ CH-101/MCH-101

maritime support helicopter.

136 Sikorsky SH/UH-60J/K maritime support

helicopter.

15 Airbus Helicopters EC-135/TH-135 maritime

support helicopter. Last one delivered in

December 2015.

13/1 Hawker Beechcraft King Air 90 (TC-90/

UC-90) turboprop transport. On October

30, 2016 Japan and Philippines finalised

an agreement under which five TC-90s

32 6

4

will be transferred to the Philippines Navy in the maritime patrol role. The last three of these were delivered to the Philippines in March 2018.

Fuji T-5 primary trainer.

Lockheed C-130R Hercules transport aircraft.

Ex US Navy LC-130Rs converted at Hill AFB, Utah. They were delivered between November 2015-July 9, 2016.

MDHI OH-6DA scout helicopter.

Japan Coast Guard 10 Beechcraft B300 King Air. 3/1 AS332L1 Super Puma/EC225LP Mk II+.

The EC225 was acquired as an attrition

replacement for an AS332 lost in flooding

at Sendai on March 11,2011.

18 AgustaWestland AW139. Replaced Bell

212 in SAR role.

3 Bell 206B-3 JetRanger. One lost in tsunami

flooding on March 11, 2011.

5 Bell 412EP. Three lost.

3 Sikorsky S-76C/C+/C++ search and

rescue helicopter.

11 Sikorsky S-76D search and rescue helicopter.

3 Bell 505 JetRanger X. Used for pilot training.

Delivered February 2018.

4 Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP. One damaged

in hard landing August 21, 2018.

9 Bombardier DHC-8-Q315MSA maritime

surveillance aircraft.

5 on order Dassault Falcon 2000 MSA maritime

surveillance aircraft. First one test flying

by April 2018, none yet delivered.

2 Falcon 900MSA maritime surveillance aircraft.

2 Gulfstream GV. 4 Saab 340SAR-200 search and rescue aircraft.

■ Notes: Despite its record as one of Asia’s most technologically advanced air forces, the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) is now facing the technological improvement of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The advanced MRCA that China is developing represent a significant challenge to Japan.

Japan’s answer to the Chengdu J-20 MRCA came in December 2011, when it selected the Lockheed F-35A Lightning-II over the Boeing F/A-18E/F and Eurofighter Typhoon MRCAs. LAOS ■ Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force 4 Xian MA60 turboprop transport.

2 Airbus EC155B helicopter.

1 Kamov Ka-32T Helix-C helicopter.

12 Mi-17-V1/5 Hip medium lift utility

helicopter.

3 Shijazhuang Aircraft Le 500 Eaglet.

6 Harbin Y-12 turboprop transport/

transport aircraft.

3 Sukhoi S100 Superjet passenger aircraft .

2 Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainer. Two delivered

on December 20, 2018, arriving at Vientiane

on Il-76TD. Unknown quantity on order. AMR (To be continued to next issue.)

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Commonwealth of Australia

P O W E R

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II flies in formation with RAAF F/A-18 Hornets.

ASPIRING TO FIFTH GENERATION FIGHTERS

The latest generation of fighters is not only coming to Asia-Pacific, but is being also developed within the region.

by David Oliver

I

n April 1991 the Lockheed Martin F-22 was declared the winner of the United States Air Force (USAF) Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) programme for a stealthy multirole combat aircraft. Incorporating low observables technology and supersonic cruise without afterburning, the F-22 Raptor which gained full operational capability (FOC) in December 2007, was the world’s first fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

In October 2001 Lockheed Martin’s X-35 beat Boeing’s X-32 and was selected as the winner of the USAF/US Navy

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Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition and five years later the F-35A Lightning II completed its first flight. Claimed by Lockheed Martin to be the only fifthgeneration supersonic multirole fighter in production, it combines advanced stealth capabilities with fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced logistics and sustainment.

It is also the fighter of choice for many Asia-Pacific air forces.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is taking delivery of 72 F-35A Lightning IIs to equip three operational squadrons and an operational conversion

| Asian Military Review |

unit (OCU), and it has a requirement for up to 100 aircraft.

Japan has ordered an initial 45 F-35As for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) for its F-X programme to replace the F-4EJ Phantom fleet. In 2018 an additional 105 Lightning IIs were ordered, 42 of which will be the short take-off and landing (STOVL) F-35B variant although the planned licence assembly by Mitsubishi has been dropped.

As part of South Korea’s increased defence budget, 40 F-35As are being acquired for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), also to replace its

a i r

Lockheed Martin

P O W E R

The first Mitsubishi assembled F-35A was unveiled in Nagoya Japan on 5 June 2017.

Phantom fleet. Singapore is already a Security Cooperative Partner (SCP) in the F-35 programme which is a serious sign of interest in the aircraft. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has expressed interest in acquiring the F-35A to replace its fleet of F-16C/Ds but following extensive evaluation of the aircraft, no decision has been made to date for its purchase. Singapore has been building landing helicopter deck (LHD) variant of the navy’s Endurance-class LPDs that would be capable of operating the STOVL F-35B. However, for those countries that do not have the budgets to acquire the F-35, Eurofighter, Dassault and Saab are offering four-plus generation aircraft with fifth-generation capabilities, namely the Typhoon, and Rafale and Gripen. To date Eurofighter has failed to penetrate the Asia-Pacific market although the Typhoon has been offered to Malaysia and Indonesia while Dassault is on the verge of completing a deal to supply 36 Rafales to replaced the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet of Mirage 2000s and the type in is the running for Indian Navy’s requirement for 57 advanced fighter aircraft. The Gripen N is being offered for the Navy contract and the Gripen E for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirement for 110 aircraft to replace its MiG-21/23/27 and SEPECAT Jaguar fleets.

Even more protracted is the IAF’s

Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme for the procurement of 144 singleseat aircraft based on the Russian twin-engine Sukhoi T-50. In 2003 India expressed an interest in joining the T-50 development team and in December 2010, India and Russia signed an agreement covering the development of an advanced version for the IAF to fly in prototype form by 2015.

Although nine T-50 prototypes, now designated Su-57, have flown to date, development has been slow. The first successful test flight with a Su-57 using the new Izdeliye-30 turbofan engine took place on 5 December, 2017. Thrustvectoring will be standard and allow for the required agility with the new en-gines the Su-57 is expected to offer kinematic performance comparable to the F-22 Raptor, cruising without afterburner at speeds exceeding Mach 1.5 with a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 with an operational service ceiling of 65,000 feet (19,800 metres). However, the engine will not be in production until 2025 delaying the aircraft’s entry into Russian service to 2027 at the earliest.

In July 2018, India told Russia it was unwilling to go ahead with the joint development of a FGFA primarily due to technical, cost and delivery timeframe problems although negotiations between the two countries have not yet been shelved as India was ready to look

| FEBRUARY 2019 |

again at co-development of the jet if an appropriate cost-sharing formula between the two countries could be agreed.

At the same time India is developing another Indian fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The stealthy single-seat twin-engine doubledelta aircraft is being developed by an aerospace industry consortium comprising the Indian Ministry of Defence’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) which is responsible for the design with manufacturing carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

It is intended to be powered by domestically manufactured upgraded Kaveri afterburning turbofans currently undergoing development by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The design of the proposed upgraded Kaveri that will be a 90kN thrust class engine, is being assisted by the French manufacturer Safran. The feasibility study on AMCA and the preliminary design stage have been completed and the project awaits approval to begin development with a first flight scheduled for 2032.

India is not the only country in the region to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Due to the United States refusal to export the F-22, Japan is launching a new Future Fighter programme to replace

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a i r P O W E R

China’s Chengdu J-20A air superiority fighter has entered service with a People’s Liberation Army Air Force flight test and training unit.

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joint development partners.” Northrop Grumman, which lost the USAF ATF competition with is futuristic YF-23, while Lockheed Martin is reportedly offering a development of its ATF winner, the F-22.

South Korea is also developing a fifth-generation combat aircraft, the

Mitsubishi

the JASDF Mitsubishi F-2 fleet in the 2030s. In April 2016, the Mitsubishi Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X (ATD-X) experimental aircraft for testing advanced stealth fighter aircraft technologies developed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) was first flown. The information gained from the ATD-X’s test flights will be fed into the Future Fighter project, tentatively designed the F-3, which will be a heavy single seat aircraft very similar in design to the F-22, and powered by two 33,000 lb thrust Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) XF9-1 afterburning turbofan engines.

Japan is also been looking for international partners to collaborate with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and various Japanese sub-contractors on the Future Fighter programme. In July 2018 Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori On-odera confirmed that the Japan and the UK had “an exchange of opinions” on the Tempest Future Fighter Aircraft project noting that the UK is also “looking for international

KF-X. Announced in 2001, the concept was outlined by the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) but the project was put on hold in 2010 due to the country’s financial situation.

However, in April 2011 DAPA confirmed the signing of an agreement between South Korea and Indonesia to jointly develop the Korean KF-X next-generation fighter aircraft. Indonesia is undertaking 20 percent of development costs and plans to obtain as many as 80 IF-Xs under the programme to replace its F-16s and Su-27s while the ROKAF plans to obtain 120 aircraft to replace its F-16s.

The KF-X/IF-X will be a mediumclass, twin-engine, multirole stealth fighter with AESA radar, internal weapon bays, supercruise and sensor fusion. It will be produced in both single and twinseat versions and be powered by two 22,000lb thrust General Electric F414-400 turbofan engines which was se-lected ahead of the EuroJet EJ200 in April 2016.

Compared to KF-16, the KF-X will have a 50 percent greater combat radius, 34 percent longer airframe lifespan, better avionics electronic warfare, IRST, and datalink capabilities.

The KF-X/IF-X design is similar in configuration to the F-22, with chined nose and outward-canted fins. Alignment of the leading edges of the wings, root extensions and tailplanes is 40 degrees aft sweep, while trailing edges are aligned 10 degrees forward.

Part of Lockheed Martin’s contract for ROCAF Lightning IIs was an under-standing that it would provide technologies associated with the F-35A for the KF-X programme. However, in September 2015, DAPA announced that

The Mitsubishi ATD-X experimental aircraft used for testing stealth fighter aircraft technologies for Japan’s Future Fighter Aircraft programme.

| Asian Military Review |

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KAI

P O W E R

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing the KF-X to replace the ROKAF F-4 fleet with Indonesia as a partner.

the US has refused to grant export licenses for four key technologies including AESA radar, Infrared Search and Tracking (IRST) System, Electro-Optical Tracking System and next generation radio frequency jammers for indigenous production delaying the development until at least 2025.

In January 2016 the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase for six KF-X prototypes was launched to be completed during the first half of 2026 at a cost of $6.9 billion. First KF-X prototype is planned to achieve its maiden flight in mid 2022. The South Korean manufacturer Hanwha Techwin will build the engines locally under license. In May 2017 it was disclosed that DAPA has signed a technology support contract with IAI’s ELTA Systems for the airborne testing AESA radar for the KF-X and in December 2017 Saab signed a contract for an AESA radar development pro-gramme in South Korea. Saab will work in co-operation with the South Korea Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and its contractual partner LIG Nex1, a South Korean aerospace manufacturer and defense company.

Meanwhile, PT Dirgantera Indonesia (PTDI) president director Budi Santoso

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declared that the fifth prototype would be produced in 2022 at the PTDI facility in Bandung, Indonesia. “The IF-X will have a greater range as required by the Indonesian Air Force. For air refuelling, the IF-X will use a probe system while the KF-X will use a boom system. The third difference will be the data link. South Korea will use the US-made Link 16 and probably while we will also de-velop our own.” According to Santoso, Indonesia plans to have its own data link to allow communications with the Indonesian Air Force’s Russian Su-27/30 fighter aircraft. However, Indonesia is currently negotiating to reduce its 20 percent share of the development costs.

One of the drivers behind the AsiaPacific nations acquiring or developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft in China’s perceived power projection ambitions backed by recent increased defence spending. However, although the stealthy twin-engine Chengdu J-20A air superiority fighter was officially reported to have entered People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) service in February 2018, fewer than 20 have been assigned to the 172 Brigade Flight Test and Training Base. The type is not expected to be issued to operational units until production

| Asian Military Review |

aircraft are fitted with the thrustvectoring version of the indigenous WS15, a 30,000lb (134kN) thrust turbofan engine under development.

In the meantime, development of the smaller Shenyang FC-31 multirole fifthgeneration fighter has been revived after being delayed by lack of funding. The prototype, designated as the J-31, made its first flight in October 2012. Aimed initially at the export market, the J-31 suffered from a number of design issues which have now been reported to have been rectified and both the PLAAF and the PLA Navy are interested in the FC-31 as a counter-air and deep strike fighter aircraft. The twin-engine J-31 was powered by Russian Klimov RD93 turbofan engines, although there are plans to power production FC-31 aircraft with the indigenous Guizhou WS-13E, a 22,450lb (100kN) thrust turbofan with afterburner which is another engine under development.

The next decade will see the Asia-Pacific region deploying more fifthgeneration combat aircraft anywhere in the world apart from the United States although not all the development programmes of these advanced tactical fighters will reach fruition. AMR

Lockheed Martin

csar

Lockheed Martin/ Sikorsky's new HH60W will be used by the US Air Force for combat rescue and other special missions.

CSAR: BUILDING TOWARDS CAPABILITY Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) as a joint force operation requires a specialisation that many nations cannot afford. However, mission equipment and specialised aircraft can provide a workable capability when required.

by Dr. Joetey Attariwala

C

ombat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is a highly specialised mission capability which is distinct from traditional Search and Rescue (SAR).

Most nations invest in multi-level SAR which is often integrated with Coast Guards and paramilitary organisations like law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies. CSAR differs in the specialist nature of the mission which is focused on the recovery of distressed or isolated military personnel in a wide range of threat environments. The very nature of CSAR means that missions often exist in non-linear, non-contiguous battlespace.

Technically speaking, CSAR can encompass multiple modalities of rescue - be it land, sea or air - however it is commonly acknowledged that CSAR usually references airborne assets including fixed wing aircraft (variants of the Lockheed Martin HC-130 for example), and rotary wing assets which are the most prevalent for this role, principally

40

due to their ability to extract personnel by landing or by hoist. This article will principally focus on CSAR helicopters crewed by highly trained pilots, gunners and pararescuemen (PJs).

Today’s CSAR aircraft are configured for day and night operations, and often operate independently, which means they are fitted with very sophisticated equipment. Pilots in modern CSAR helicopters regularly use Night Vision Goggles (NVG); while aircraft can be fitted with radars such as the multi-panel Leonardo Osprey, a small size, weight and power (SWaP) AESA radar system (E-scan) which provides a genuine multi-domain 360 degree coverage capability. According to Leonardo, being a lightweight, flat panel radar with no moving parts makes it ideal to attach to the side of an aircraft and integrate with whatever type of mission system is being used. It also uses a tactical long-range Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) which allows the helicopter crew to examine the target area

| Asian Military Review |

prior to beginning the insertion of a rescue team or pick-up of personnel.

No standardisation It is largely understood that Asia-Pacific countries have a hodgepodge of CSAR capability or aspirations for such. It is also true that most of the countries in the region act independently, which means there is no standardisation of capability.

As a result, most countries in the region try to adapt existing aircraft to fill the CSAR role as required. India for example, with its large Air Force, has no dedicated CSAR capability, but it does use the Russian Helicopters Mi-17 in this role as needed.

South Korea operates the Kamov Ka27 in the CSAR role, and the Boeing CH47 and Sikorsky S-70 as multi-role aircraft, including the capacity to conduct CSAR. Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia operate the Airbus Helicopters EC225, EC725 and H225M respectively in the CSAR role.

The largest CSAR capacity in the Asia Pacific region is fielded by the United

Leonardo

csar

Leonardo's Osprey AESA radar uses lightweight flat panels with no moving parts.

States military. The US Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) has overall responsibility for CSAR in the USAF active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard units provide CSAR for all US military services and allies as required.

Units like the 31st and 33rd Rescue Squadrons assigned to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Japan, and other USAF CSAR units based in Alaska stand ready 24/7 to execute on CSAR missions with the majority of these assets comprising Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.

Similarly, the US Navy uses MH-60S Seahawk helicopters for CSAR. These CSAR units often train throughout the region including major exercises like Exercise Angel Reign, a bilateral joint personnel recovery exercise between Australia and the United States.

Speaking about CSAR in the region, Christophe Nurit, Sikorsky regional executive for Asia said: “When it comes to CSAR, discerning customers in the Indo Pacific region understand the value provided by Sikorsky helicopters,” said Nurit. “The saline, hot and humid environment throughout the region can generate corrosion, which can be the cause of many technical issues.

Sikorsky’s experience with H-60 Seahawk helicopter’s anti-corrosion coating and manufacturing has proven a great benefit for the Black Hawk. With a few exceptions, where Sikorsky had to develop new operating and rinsing procedures, Sikorsky products have a strong reputation of handling the AsiaPacific environment extremely well.”

The core of CSAR A CSAR mission deals with the coordination, support and implementation of the extraction of injured or stranded personnel

42

in a hostile area or active combat zone. The most common helicopter types utilised in the CSAR role today are the Sikorsky UH60 / S-70i Black Hawk or variants thereof; Airbus Helicopters EC725 / H225M; and Leonardo Helicopters AW101.

The mission requires the location and extraction of distressed personnel as quickly as possible, regardless of time of day, illumination, or weather conditions. It is for these reasons that CSAR helicopters are heavily modified with sensors, aids, and weapons. These include the following in any combination thereof: electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) pods, weather radar, search radar, IFF, radar warning receiver, missile warning receiver, laser warning receiver, personnel locator systems, tactical radios, rescue hoists, night-sun, loud speaker, Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) systems, Directional Infrared Countermeasures Systems (DIRCM), and chaff and flare dispensers. Naturally, these sensors and systems all act in concert to effectively carry out complex CSAR missions.

Another special characteristic of some CSAR helicopters is air-to-air refuelling probes which are more common on all HH-60 Pave Hawks, and on some H225Ms, and AW101s like the Italian Air Force HH-101A ‘Caesar’.

“Air refuelling probes extend our range out to the endurance of the crew.

We validate that tactic through civilian search and rescue as well, where we’ve flown missions in excess of 1,000 miles out to sea. We also have external fuel tanks to help with range,” said Major Christopher O’Branovich, HH-60 Functional Air Manager, HQ ACC Personnel Recovery Branch - USAF. “We’re also armed so we’ll fly with .50 caliber GAU-18 weapons; and we can also use the GAU-2 minigun.

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We also have a number of defensive systems to help protect us in a combat environment. We have an array of rescue extraction equipment - we fly with pararescue personnel so whether it’s a jungle environment, or a water environment, anything really - we have fast ropes to quickly infill a team to a survivor. We also have advanced navigation equipment to help us navigate in contested areas.”

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Harris, HC-130 Training Manager for HQ ACC - UASF, added: “CSAR technology is always evolving so you have to consider sensors and how they’ll work together.

One of the things we thought from the very beginning was how the HC-130 and HH-60 would integrate together. That’s something you would expect any search and rescue force to be thinking about and looking at... From a training perspective, Air Force CSAR is part of every Red Flag that we have at Nellis; we also have a dedicated Red Flag Rescue exercise which is run at Davis Monthan Air Force Base - it’s a CSAR specific exercise.”

In many cases good location intelligence for the target is unavailable, so the aircraft may be required to execute a search pattern. EO/IR sensors are critical for this task, and therefore require maximum target detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) range performance under a variety of illumination conditions from full daylight to dusk/overcast, to full darkness. Longer target detection range means larger search pattern coverage, and longer target recognition and identification range means fewer deviations from the search grid. This results in a shorter, more effective mission that minimises the exposure of both the target and the CSAR crew to hostile action.

The optimum EO/IR sensor for CSAR missions includes both wide angle optics to maintain situational awareness and for target detection, and narrow angle optics for target recognition and identification range performance. A low light sensor maintains range performance as light levels start to drop off - under dusk or overcast conditions for example. A thermal imaging sensor requires no light, relying instead on heat radiated by the target. As such it’s useful in full dark night conditions. Cooled mid-wave IR cameras are the current standard in thermal imaging as they provide better sensitivity and resolution than long-wave IR. Laser pointers generally operate in the near IR band, and are used to mark targets or coordination points for ground

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Indonesia has ordered a further eight multirole H225Ms for its missions including CSAR.

personnel wearing night vision goggles.

Conversely, the low light camera is sensitive in both the visible and near infrared bands. As such, it can image both the spot projected by the laser pointer, as well as a covert personnel beacon that may be worn by downed personnel.

Short wave infrared (SWIR) imagers have become more available in the last 5-10 years, and they offer a couple of distinct benefits to CSAR missions. The first is enhanced smoke penetration in the EO band, versus visible or near IR bands, which can be an issue in an active combat zone. They are also able to ‘see’ personnel beacons that operate in the SWIR band.

NVGs have become ubiquitous in combat zones, so the operating band of choice for covert beacons is changing to SWIR. L3 WESCAM’s MX family of EO/IR sensors satisfy all of these requirements with image stabilisation and DRI range performance in each sensor size class. The MX-15 has traditionally hit a ‘sweet spot’ in the market in the trade-off between performance versus size/weight in the rotorcraft market, while the newer MX10 has set a new standard for imaging performance in a small sensor.

FLIR Systems is another key manufacturer of EO/IR systems found on CSAR aircraft. According to FLIR, their most suitable product is the Star SAFIRE 380-HLDc which benefits the CSAR aircraft by providing a lightweight, multi-spectral, system with an integrated laser boresighting system for the laser designator. Payloads include options for SWIR, EO, EMCCD, and of course an MWIR thermal imager. This is a single line-replaceable unit (LRU) system at much less the cost and weight of full size systems such as the Star SAFIRE 380-HLD, but with the same laser performance and

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the required range capability for the CSAR mission. FLIR utilises a vertical integration approach, manufacturing the lasers (even growing the laser crystals), the lenses, and the thermal imaging sensors. This ensures the greatest range, clearest image, and maximum laser energy on target.

Onboard weapons Crew-served weapons - machine guns and miniguns - are the primary defensive armament on CSAR aircraft. These weapons are primarily used for cover fire and self-defence. Countless manufacturers produce guns that are suitable for helicopter mounted air-to-ground gunnery, however some companies stand out, like Dillon Aero which produces the M134 7.62mm family of miniguns.

AMR has learned that Dillon Aero will soon introduce its new 3-barrel .50 calibre 503D gatling gun which could be used for CSAR. “This is the first time that Dillon has designed a gun from the ground up. It’s a completely new design,” said Rob Rainier, international business development manager for Dillon Aero. “The new 503D will be complementary to our minigun, and will be a direct competitor to the .50 calibre GAU-19. We expect testing to be complete by early summer, at which point we’ll go into full production.”

Belgium’s FN Herstal manufactures two key weapons suitable for the CSAR role: the 12.7mm FN M3M/ GAU-21A/B machine gun and the 7.62mm FN MAG 58M/ M240 machine gun.

France’s Nexter offers the SH20 which is a retractable mount system for the firm’s 20mm M621 cannon. The SH20 was developed to support the French special forces, and can outfit new or retrofitted helicopters.

| Asian Military Review |

Indonesia H225M’s for CSAR The Indonesian Air Force announced in early January that it has ordered eight additional twin-engine multirole H225M helicopters as part of the country’s fleetstrengthening initiative for a CSARcapable fleet. According to Airbus, Indonesia’s existing fleet of six H225M’s has flown over 2,000 flight hours to-date; operationally deploying for missions including CSAR, tactical transport and humanitarian operations.

Under the agreement between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and PTDI, the 11-ton H225M helicopters will be delivered to the Air Force upon reassembly and completion of mission equipment outfitting and customisation by PTDI at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia.

“We welcome Indonesia’s selection of our H225M helicopters for their expanding fleet.” said Ben Bridge, executive vice president, Global Business of Airbus Helicopters.

USAF’s new CRH As part of the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) programme, the USAF selected Sikorsky to provide a replacement platform for the USAF HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The programme of record calls for 112 CRH HH-60W helicopters to replace the aged Pave Hawk helicopters.

The new HH-60W ‘Whiskey’ adds capability advancements to better support the full range of combat rescue and other special missions. Designed to meet longrange and high threat requirements for the USAF, the Whiskey will expand upon the UH-60M Black Hawk’s versatility by nearly doubling the internal fuel capacity without the use of space-hungry auxiliary fuel tanks; providing a robust weapons suite; and integrating defensive systems and sensors to provide an unprecedented combination of range and survivability.

The helicopter will have an all new Tactical Mission Kit; the integration of which provides sensors, radar, and survivability-enhancing defensive/ communication systems that add seamlessly blended geo-situational awareness displays into the aircraft, giving crews more information to make decisions during mission execution.

“We expect the aircraft to begin flight testing later this year, and that should typically last one and a half years before we start delivering aircraft out to the units,” said Major Vincent Powell, Rotary Wing Branch Chief ACC HQ - USAF. AMR

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INDIA’S MODERNISATION CHALLENGE India’s military needs to be modernised. A study of its acquisition requirements shows the extend to which improvement in the process is needed.

by Debalina Ghoshal

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n 2018, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman caused concern among many analysts and policy makers when she stated that India had ammunition that could last for ten days if a war broke out. Since then, reports indicate that Sitharaman’s target is to stockpile enough ammunition that would enable India to fight for forty days or more.

Existing doctrine states that the Indian Army must be prepared to fight a two-front war and for this there is a need

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for more sophisticated weapon systems.

However, the government’s procurement policy is not good and it has been mired in controversies and bureaucratic delays.

All the three of India’s armed forces require modern weapons to strengthen both their conventional and nuclear deterrence capability.

The Indian Army India’s obsolete assault rifle is a concern especially as the Indian Army is not only

| Asian Military Review |

challenged to fight against potential adversaries such as Pakistan and China, but it is also involved in frequent low intensity conflicts. The Indian Army relies mainly on its assault rifles for counter terrorism operations and still retains the INSAS 5.56x45mm rifle, while its adversaries have been well equipped with Kalashnikov 7.62mm. The Defence Ministry has already approved of a budget of $255 million (INR1,798 crores) for the purchase of 72,400 advanced assault

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In November 2018 the Indian Army began to receive the first batches of a total order of 145 BAE Systems M777 howitzers .

rifles. In August 2018, it was reported that the Army put forward a Request for Information (RfI) to the Ordnance factory Board (OFB) for a 7.62x51mm calibre rifle with an effective range of 300 metres for a ‘shoot to kill’ capability.

The Army is also in need of closequarter battle carbines as well as light machine guns. India plans to manufacture under license the Russian AK-103 7.62x39mm under its ‘Make in India’ policy. In 2018, an RfI was reportedly made to US manufacturer Sig Sauer for the company’s SiG 716 7.62mm rifle as well as to UAE weapons firm Caracal for its CAR 816 close quarter carbine. While the rifles would replace the existing INSAS rifles, the carbines are expected to replace the current 9mm Sterling Carbines.

The Defence Ministry is also expected to consider a $284m (INR2000 crore) proposal on to acquire 17,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and 6500 sniper rifles to replace the Russian Dragunov rifles currently in service.

The Kargil conflict with Pakistan in the summer of 1999, in which artillery proved its mettle became an eye opener for the Army that necessitated the need to modernise the artillery force. Following the Bofors scandal in the late 1980s over the supply of 155mm howitzers, the Indian Army has not acquired any more of this type of artillery. However, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has now developed and tested its own Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155mmx45mm calibre Dhanush artillery (based on the Bofors Haubits FH77) which is now ready for induction with the Army. The howitzer has undergone trials under severe conditions that include the cold and

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rough weather in the mountains as well as in the deserts. The gun has a range of 31kms and it is expected that a total of 414 guns will be supplied to the Army.

In November 2018, the Army received its first batch of the BAE Systems' Global Combat Systems M777 ultra-light howitzers from the United States, and also the K-9 VAJRA-T 155mm/52mm calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer from South Korea, which includes a Composite Gun Tractor to tow the guns.

In May 2018, India conducted successful testing of the guided version of the Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) which was developed by the DRDO. It has a range of 40kms but this can be extended to 70kms.

The Army’s air defence also needs a revamp and in November 2018 and it is expected that Russia will supply its Very Short Range Air Defence (V-SHORAD) system, the KB Mashinostroyeniya (KBM) Igla-S system to replace the existing the Igla-M systems. By 2020, the Army is expected to receive the advanced medium range surface to air (MR-SAM) missile and would be a joint production between the DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

In July 2018, the Ministry of Defence also cleared a $340m (INR2400 crore) proposal to upgrade India’s armoured forces and make them capable of undertaking night operations. The Army is in need of 2,500 armoured fighting and command post vehicles and the Ordnance Factory is looking into this need. The Army will potentially upgrade its T-90 tanks with third generation missiles allowing a range of 8kms to replace the laser guided INVAR missile. The T-90 may also be upgraded with a new

| Asian Military Review |

modular engine. The development of the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) programme remains an aspiration but faces uncertainty due to differing visions of what will be required.

India’s anti-tank missile arsenal also needs a revamp. Although the arrival of the new ‘fire and forget’ Nag missile will be a relief for the Army, it is yet to acquire the Spike anti-tank missile from Israel as further tests in 2019 have been requested.

India has already opted for the Spike missile over the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin.

As regards mechanised forces, India needs to replace the Soviet era BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle (ICV) for which there is a plan to move ahead with the project Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV).

Indian Air Force (IAF) In July 2018, the IAF came out with its ten year modernisation plans that would identify technologies and services necessary to improve the conventional and nuclear deterrence of the IAF. These include not only main weapon systems but also their subsystems such as those for its SEPECAT Jaguar fighter aircraft as well as parts and spares of the An 32 transport fleet. The plan also includes Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of existing systems creating room for private sector participation. In July 2018, there were reports that the IAF had launched a new drive to revamp its 118 Jaguar ground attack aircraft with new avionics, communications, active electronic array radars and airborne weapon systems.

The Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft is being upgraded with Indian made multifunction displays in order to increase its operational role as a multi-role fighter.

The MiG 29 combat aircraft are also undergoing modernisation that will increase the flying time of the aircraft through air-to-air refuelling, as well as improving the head-up display and helmet monitoring system.

There continues to be a shortfall in transport and and other helicopter fleets that needs to be addressed. The Chetak and Cheetah helicopters have been obsolete for a long time and need replacement and the indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter is expected to replace the obsolete helicopters, although this is taking considerable time and is long overdue. The medium lift helicopters like the Russian Helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-26 are also obsolete and need replacement. According to reports, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

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A positive court decision in December 2018 looks set to open the way for the Indian Air Force's to get its 36 Dassault Rafale fighters.

(HAL) is set to develop a medium multi role helicopter. HAL has asked for an RfI from French Safran Helicopter Engines that is developing a high power engine called the Aneto for possible acquisition. India is also expected to receive the Apache AH-64E multi-role combat helicopters and CH-47 Chinook tactical transport helicopter.

The IAF is soon to get the BrahMos air launched cruise missile and in July 2018 the missile undertook successful air tests from the Sukhoi-30MKI. India is also working on a hypersonic version of the BrahMos missile that would use air breathing technology.

In order to strengthen its air defence capability, there is a plan to buy the Russian S-400 air and missile defence system which is claimed to be one of the most sophisticated of its type in the world. In January 2018, there was also report that India was planning to replace the obsolete Russian L-70 and ZU-23-2B air defence systems with new generation close-in weapon systems under a $1.5billion programme that would also include air defence guns, fire control and search radars and programmable ammunition. In July 2018, the IAF also planned to acquire single engine aircraft to enhance its overall strike capability and looks set to go ahead with a joint production with a foreign company for which RfI is expected to be issued.

As regards combat aircraft, by 2019 India has also planned to acquire 36 French Dassault Rafale combat aircraft although this acquisition has yet again been plagued by controversy. Delivery and testing of the aircraft is expected to

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be completed by April 2022 as long as the deal goes ahead. In July 2018, reports came in that India was to acquire missile armed drones from Israel-company IAI called the Heron TP. It will offer the capability to detect, track and take down targets with missiles. An indigenous drone program called the Rustom is also being pursued by the DRDO.

Indian Navy (IN) The Indian Navy is also modernising its forces to move towards blue water capability. As China’s Navy continues to modernise, India has to follow suit.

The IN is working on the Indigenised Aircraft Carrier (IAC) and is expected to be inducted into the Navy in 2020. In July 2018, there were also reports that that India is set to develop six nuclear powered attack submarines to enhance its sea-based deterrence. Some existing submarines will be upgraded under ‘Major Refit and Life Certification’. These include INS Sindhukesari, INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhughosh, INS Shishumar and INS Shankush. The IN will also induct the INS Arihant SSBN into its naval fleet.

Sea trials of INS Aridhaman will begin in 2019 after which it will be inducted into the Navy.

The IN is also conducting ongoing trials of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) that would be able to rescue at least fourteen personnel at a given time from a disabled submarine.

As regards defence by denial weapons, India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and IAI have entered into joint agreement to supply the IN with the long range

| Asian Military Review |

surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM). The system has been jointly developed by the IAI and the DRDO. The indigenously developed Varunastra torpedoes in 2018 could be supplemented if the IN selects the German SUT torpedoes for its Kalvari class submarines. India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved a programme to procure 127mm calibre guns for the Navy from the BAE systems.

The gun will have an engagement range of 24km which can be extended through the use of extended range munitions. There is also a decision to acquire Sikorsky/ Lockheed Martin MH-60R helicopters from the United States. These helicopters would be used as anti-submarine (ASW) helicopters and would replace the decades old Sea King helicopters. In November 2018, India also inked a deal with Russia for the design and transfer of technology for the construction of two guided missile stealth frigates. India may also acquire the GA-ASI Predator B Sea Guardian from the United States for maritime reconnaissance. Variants for the Air Force and Army may also be acquired.

The IN is also set to receive additional P8-I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Due to a Transfer of Technology agreement, India will be able to equip the aircraft with its own components like the Data Link II system that would enable the aircraft to facilitate communication with Indian space-base and naval assets.

Radar The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment is the laboratory of the DRDO responsible for the development of radars. The establishment partners with Bharat Electronics Limited and some private partners like Astra micro and Data patterns for radar development and production. These radars are INDRA (Indian Doppler radar), Rajendra Radar for Akash surface-to-air missiles, Central Acquisition Radars- both Rohini (army variant) and Revathi (Air Force variant), Swathi weapons locating radar, Ashwini radar, Arudhra radar, and PJT-31 Battlefield Surveillance Radar.

Conclusion India’s military modernisation is progressing despite the serious delays and political indecision that impacts on so many projects. As India faces threats from not just state actors but also nonstate actors including terrorist groups, its modernisation process must be greatly improved. AMR

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