Asian Military Review - February 2020

Volume 28/issue 1

february 2020 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

SINGAPORE’S ARMED FORCES UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES FIFTH GENERATION FIGHTERS MODERN FRIGATES LASER WEAPONS RADIOS IN THE JUNGLE www.asianmilitaryreview.com

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Contents february 2020 VOLUME 28 / ISSUE 1

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The Singapore Army will replace its ageing M113 armoured personnel carriers with indigenously built Hunter fighting vehicles.

(JR Ng)

FRIGATES STEPPING-UP Frigates are being designed with more multi-mission flexibility, as Dr Lee Willett explains.

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THE GENERATION GAME

UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES: TRANSITIONING CAPABILITY

NOT YET WAR OF THE WORLDS

Fifth generation aircraft acquisition in Asia is in part being driven by China’s own progress as Alan Warnes reports.

Andrew Drwiega reviews how both Australia and Singapore are planning to use UGVs.

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MUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

SINGAPORE KEEPS ITS SPEAR TIP SHARP

Thomas Withington takes a look at how to overcome the difficulties of radio communications in jungle terrain.

JR Ng examines the current modernisation plans for Singapore’s armed forces.

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Andrew Drwiega learns about the progress being made by the Dragonfire consortium in the development of laser weapons.

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ANALYSTS COLUMN

Ben Ho examines the impact of Singapore’s decision to become an F-35 operator.

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Editorial Index of Advertisers

AERONAUTICS 33 AIRBUS 9 ALKRAS 23 CODAN 27 CONTROP 11 DB CONTROL

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EUROSATORY

COVER 3

GENERAL ATOMICS

COVER 2

IAI 5 ISDEF 29 L3 HARRIS

13, COVER 4

SINGAPORE AIRSHOW

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CHINA HEADS INTO STORMY WATERS

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he global political landscape is changing faster than I can recall over the last 50 years. The inward looking “America first” attitude promoted by America’s President Trump has been recognised by both China and Russia as an opportunity to sow seeds of doubt among America’s global allies that were established or reinforced at the end of the Second World War.

The economic sanctions between the United States and China have destabilised the global economy, and China has answered by pouring more investment into its Belt and Road Initiative which reaches out to over 150 countries on all continents.

Further, both China and Russia are actively making their own alliances with countries that are opposed to the liberal democratic norms - such as Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Myanmar and North Korea.

While Russia has been an ideological adversary to Western Europe / North America since 1945, with a small blip during the 1980s Perestroika period led by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and his glasnost policy, China had largely been introspective his its last major engagement as a world influencer came to an end in the early 1800s.

But now the oft quoted prophesy attributed to French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte has arrived: “China is a sleeping lion. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will shake the world.”

China has now cemented itself as a global economic powerhouse, something that is beyond doubt. However, there is now an ever quickening drive to back this up with a defence posture and capability that will protect its economic Belt and Road Initiative.

The latest example occurred at the very end of December last year, when a Chinese warship joined with others naval vessels from Russia and Iran to conduct joint four-day naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

The Chinese guided missile destroyer Xining reportedly joined three ships from Russia’s Baltic fleet - a frigate, tanker and a rescue tug - together with unnamed vessels from the Iranian Navy and Revolutionary Guards.

According to Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian, the exercise was conducted to demonstrate “the goodwill and capability of the three sides to jointly safeguard world peace and maritime security.” He further stated: “The joint exercise is a normal military exchange arrangement of the three countries. It is in line with related international laws and practices, and has no connection with regional situation.”

The Iranian perspective came across rather differently, with the State television claiming the exercise represented “the new triangle of power in the sea”, according to Al Jazeera (27 Dec, 2019). The overt and covert actions of Iran, from its alleged attack on Saudi Arabian Aramco’s vital Abqaiq processing plant and Khurais oilfield in September, through to its ongoing involvement in the Yemen, Iraq, Syria and elsewhere is a continual challenge to America and its Sunni allies.

If this marks the beginning of deepening Chinese involvement in the Middle East, particularly in support of Iran and its Shia leaders, while Russia’s backing of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad continues, and the United States rushes troops into the region following the Iranian missile attack on its based after its assassination of of General Qasem Soleimani, then the danger of superpower conflict has taken one step closer.

Andrew Drwiega, Editor-in-Chief

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US Navy

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HNLMS De Ruyter, the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) De Zeven Provincien-class LCF/air defence and command frigate is pictured in September 2019 in the Atlantic Ocean with the US Navy (USN) nuclearpowered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower. The RNLN and the UK Royal Navy (RN) are looking to co-operate on the inaugural deployment of the RN’s HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group (CSG), and a De Zeven Provincien-class LCF frigate appears to be a likely participant.

FRIGATES STEPPING-UP Modern frigates are now being equipped with greater capacity to deliver ‘high end’ force protection.

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he inaugural deployment in 2021 of the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group (CSG) will see HMS Queen Elizabeth and its various escorts conduct operations, exercises, and diplomatic engagement around the world, from the Mediterranean Sea, across the Indian Ocean, and into the Pacific.

Precise details of both the deployment and the contributors to the CSG remain to be confirmed. However, it is likely that the CSG will include, at different stages of the deployment, international participants alongside the presence of RN assets such as Type 45 air-defence destroyers and anti-submarine warfare (ASW)-capable Type 23 frigates.

In October 2018, the UK government

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by Dr Lee Willett announced that the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) would be contributing to the HMS Queen Elizabeth CSG’s maiden deployment. As of January 2020, precise details of what this contribution might be – such as which ship might participate, where, and in what role – remain to be confirmed. However, one of the RNLN’s four De Zeven Provincien air-defence and command frigates (LCFs) would be a likely candidate, and would certainly fit with the operational and capability requirements for escorting a carrier.

With strategic tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf, and the South China Sea enduring, a capable air-defence platform such as an RNLN LCF would add much value for a CSG. “The original operational analysis for the UK carrier group required

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three guided-missile destroyer (DDG) platforms for air-defence protection, given the expected level of risk that was acceptable, against the threat posed,” Professor Peter Roberts, Director Military Sciences at the London-based think-tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told Asian Military Review. “That level of protection was deemed acceptable on the assumption that all units were fitted with [US] Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC).”

UK participation in the CEC programme was dropped in 2012. More recent models for the UK CSG deployment concept suggest only one or two Type 45 destroyers may be included (the RN only has six, in total). “Given the increased risk that seems to have been accepted, and the lack of mitigation available, the inclusion

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of a Dutch [air-defence and command frigate] in the CSG21 group would be significant,” said Roberts.

Added air defence

should be noted that the group will be constantly on the move. Second, those layers will include air-defence destroyers and, more commonly now, frigates.

The emerging air-defence role of frigates such as the LCF platforms underline how frigates have become far more of a high-end warfighting platform, as opposed to being simply a mid-level escort. Frigates were historically used as ASW pickets, deployed far forward from the task group to deal with incoming submarine threats.

However, the frigate’s close-in air-defence role is now increasingly significant, for example with ships having to address the emerging threat of anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs). While the simple deployment of a CSG to a particular region does not of course mean crisis or conflict, the RN’s Queen Elizabeth CSG will require an airdefence capability to offset risks posed by such threats as China’s DF-21 and DF-26 ASBMs. More capable, higher-end frigates can add significant capability

US Navy

According to the Netherlands defence ministry, the frigates provide force protection for other units against surface and air threats, as well as being able to contribute to task group command-andcontrol (C2) capacity.

In terms of air threats, kinetic response is provided by the Raytheon RIM-162 Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missile (ESM) and Standard Missile-2 (SM2). The integrated engagement of the missile capability is enabled by the ships’ Thales Sensor, Weapon, and Command (SEWACO) combat management system.

However, perhaps the most significant air-defence capability onboard is the Thales Nederland Smart-L Extended Long-Range radar. With the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously, it can prosecute endo-atmospheric

threats such as inbound aircraft. It also, perhaps more notably, provides a sensing capability for incoming ballistic missiles.

In addition, the LCF platforms have the ability to share such data with other units in the group, so that those units can also engage the inbound targets.

All the major carrier navies – China, India, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States – operate or will be operating their CSGs across the IndoPacific theatre. Many Indo-Pacific navies are also developing task group capabilities, based around (for example) amphibious forces.

Security of task groups centred around high-value units such as aircraft carriers and amphibious ships has been the subject of much discussion, given the emerging anti-ship missile threat, in the form of both ballistic and cruise missiles.

In fact, there are several layers involved in defending such a group against such a threat. First, the group needs to be found and fixed: here, it

The Indian Navy’s Project 17 Shivalik-class frigate INS Sahyadri (right) is pictured conducting task group replenishment-at-sea operations off Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean in July 2018, during the USN-hosted ‘RIMPAC’ exercise. The navy is in the process of delivering the improved Project 17A frigates: these seven ships bring a range of increased capabilities.

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US Navy

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The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) Iver Huitfeldt-class guided-missile frigate design is generating interest as a frigate export option. Third-in-class ship HDMS Niels Juel is pictured here in April 2019, during a deployment with the French Navy’s FS Charles de Gaulle CSG.

here, as demonstrated by the RNLN LCF ships.

Anti-submarine warfare The ASW role is still significant for frigates. This is evident in the IndoPacific theatre, where the ASW threat is both growing and diversifying. Existing submarine fleets are being upgraded, and other navies are seeking to develop a submarine capability.

Consequently, several of the region’s larger navies are improving their ASW capability with prominent new frigate programmes. Such frigates, though, also carry potent air-defence capability.

The Indian Navy’s Project 17A Nilgiriclass frigates bring a very capable sonar suite, with a Bharat Electronics HUMSA hull-mounted active search-and-attack sonar and a Thales Sintra towed array sonar.

According to media reports, in September 2019 the Indian Navy revealed further details of the Project 17A design.

The frigates’ air-defence capability will be provided by the India/Israel-

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produced Barak-8 surface-to-air missile (SAM), a vertically launched, 70km range system designed to address long-range aircraft and anti-ship missile threats. The programme will deliver seven frigates, and the reports suggest these are planned to enter service in 2025-27.

As regards the Project 17A frigate (and the predecessor, three-ship, Project 17 frigate programme), Dr Sidharth Kaushal, sea power research fellow at RUSI, said these frigates “do add some value in terms of providing the Indian Navy with a vessel that can both perform lower-end tasks that its Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyers might not be appropriate for [and] that also has a degree of offensive punch – ASW capability and organic air defence – that could make it a useful warfighting asset.” Kaushal pointed in particular to the Barak-8 SAM capability and the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array radar in delivering “a significant improvement on the older Talwar-class [Project 1135.6] frigates in terms of their air defence capabilities.”

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“Unlike the Talwars,” he added, the Project 17/Project 17A frigates “also carry a bow-mounted sonar, so could be a useful part of the ASW picket for an Indian carrier group.” Of course, the Sintra towed-array sonar in the Project 17A platforms would add further ASW capability.

Task group capability One navy that is very likely to be contributing high-end ASW capability to multinational task group operations in the Indo-Pacific region in the future, perhaps for example operating with an RN CSG, is the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Here, the RAN’s future frigate capability will be delivered by the Hunter-class frigate. There are nine ships planned in the class, and the first ship is scheduled to enter operational service in the late 2020s as the class begins replacing the in-service MEKO 200 ANZAC-class frigates.

The 8,800-tonne (full load) Hunterclass frigate is derived from the UK RN’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship. In ASW

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The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) future Hunter-class frigate (an early design is shown here) brings significant anti-air and anti-submarine capability, and is likely to contribute regularly to task group operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

capability terms, the equipment fit will include the Ultra Electronics S2150 hullmounted sonar, and the Thales S2087 towed array/variable depth sonar. The frigates’ ASW reach will be extended by the embarked helicopter, the ASWoptimised MH-60 Romeo. Above the water, the principal sensor will be the CEA Technologies CEAFAR2-L longrange, phased array air-search radar. The principal effectors will be ESSM and SM2, fired from Mk41 vertical launching systems. In terms of combat management, the ships’ Aegis capability will be interfaced with the Saab 9LV combat management system.

According to the RAN, the Hunterclass vessels “will be one of the most advanced anti-submarine warships in

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the world”, providing “the highest levels of lethality and deterrence our major surface combatants need in periods of global uncertainty”. The RAN added that the ships will be able to conduct various missions “[either] independently, or as part of a task group”. Such task groups could be national constructs, based around the RAN’s Canberra-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships or its Hobart-class, airdefence focused DDGs; they could also be international constructs.

In written evidence submitted in November 2019 to an Australian Senate Reference Committee inquiry into Australia’s future sovereign shipbuilding capability, the Department of Defence (DoD) stated that “design and

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pre-production efforts on the [Hunterclass frigates] … continue as planned,” adding that “production prototyping [is] set to commence before the end of 2020”.

Not only is the Hunter class based on the UK Type 26 design, but the RAN also is future-proofing technology for the frigates by testing them out on the in-service ANZAC frigates, as the RN is doing with its own Type 23s. In its evidence, the DoD explained that, under the ANZAC Midlife Capability Assurance Program, HMAS Arunta was at sea fitted out with the CEAFAR2-L and integrated Identification Friend or Foe capability in a new mast superstructure.

“The experience gained by Australian industry in this project will be further leveraged for the integrated mast for the Hunter-class frigates,” the DoD said.

The participation of any international ship in any multinational task group will depend on political agreement and common or overlapping rules of engagement, over and above any technical integration. However, partner navies seem likely to be able to make a significant contribution to UK RN task group deployments, and the RAN may be able to make a significant contribution in the Asia-Pacific region in particular.

When the RN’s new carrier capability was first conceived, in the mid-1990s, the sub-surface threat was perceived to be reducing. That is far from the case now, and great powers such as China and Russia are developing extensive and capable submarine fleets. Here, the frigate’s traditional focus on ASW will remain critical. Noting UK intentions to deploy its major naval assets globally, the RN’s ASW-capable Type 23s and Type 26s will face a busy operations plot in the North Atlantic theatre alone. Here, Roberts noted “requirements to counter Russian submarines in the Atlantic, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Arctic [are] arguably higher priority national tasks” than similar tasking requirements elsewhere.

“One might imagine that matching the threat, risk, and mitigation might now require at least two ASW (towedarray fitted) frigates to accompany any UK carrier during a deployment,” said Roberts. “A higher number would be required, depending on where the CSG was deploying to – the South China Sea, for example.” The inclusion of such platforms from other navies operating in the Asia-Pacific region thus would add much to the capability and coverage of

Commonwealth of Australia The RAN’s MEKO 200 ANZAC-class frigate HMAS Arunta is pictured following its ANZAC Midlife Capability Assurance Program upgrade. Arunta was the first ANZAC frigate to undergo the upgrade, which included fitting the CEAFAR2-L long-range, phased array air-search radar. The ship is pictured embarking its MH-60 Romeo Seahawk helicopter.

the CSG, and the RAN’s Hunter-class frigate would be a prime example.

Global capability Another carrier-escort capable frigate provides another interesting case study for the Asia-Pacific region. The Royal Danish Navy’s (RDN’s) Iver Huitfeldt guided-missile frigate is demonstrating capacity to support a range of tasks across the operational spectrum, including escort tasks but also providing more general-purpose frigate outputs.

In February 2017, second-in-class frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes deployed into the Mediterranean with the US Navy’s USS George H W Bush CSG. During

the deployment, the frigate conducted air control tasks, for example, for the CSG. Two years later, in February 2019, sister ship HDMS Niels Juel joined up with the French Navy’s FS Charles de Gaulle CSG for a deployment that stretched from the Mediterranean into the Northern Indian Ocean and Gulf region. Once again, the frigate conducted a range of air-defence tasks.

Such is the importance of the flexibility and design the frigates provide for the RDN that the navy is currently considering an ASW fit for the frigates (as announced in 2018).

Highlighting the potential appeal of the Iver Huitfeldt design – with its broad

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capabilities interesting several different navies – in September 2019, the UK government down selected a Babcockled consortium as preferred bidder to deliver its new Type 31e general purpose future frigate. The consortium offered the Arrowhead 140 design, based on the 6,600-tonne Iver Huitfeldt frigates. The UK hopes that the Type 31e may appeal to other navies, including in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kaushal also pointed to Indonesia’s five-year programme to procure four frigates, noting the programme “may begin shortly with [Indonesia] buying two Iver Huitfeldts”.

Another frigate programme of interest in the Asia-Pacific region – and one that underlines the increasing appeal of frigate capability – is the Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force’s (JMSDF’s) acquisition of a new frigate, to replace its Abukumaclass ships.

The JMSDF has a long-established record of working at sea with other partner navies. Given the regional threats it faces, it also has a surface ship force structure dominated largely by DDGs. Kaushal pointed to Japan’s interest in producing a multi-mission vessel to meet its future frigate requirement, although he added that the programme may take time to deliver as it is currently still in the concept phase. According to reports, hullmounted and variable-depth towed array sonar systems may feature amongst the vessel’s ASW capability. AMR

AIR

RAAF

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The Royal Australian Air Force has a requirement for 72 F-35As, with 13 so far delivered to the first unit – 3 Squadron at Williamtown.

THE GENERATION GAME

The selection of the F-35 by US defence partners in Asia shows

how seriously the perceived threat from China’s own fifth generation

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Chegdu J-20 is being taken.

he only fifth generation fighter currently serving in Asia is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. It sits at the forefront of air combat technology, and is the reason why Australia, Japan and South Korea have opted for it. But not everyone, such as Taiwan, can either afford or be a suitable customer for the F-35. Even if the United States agreed to sell to the Taiwanese armed forces, which is doubtful, there would be a massively adverse reaction from China.

Last January, the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced it was set to purchase ‘a small number’ of F-35s for a full evaluation of the jet’s capability

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by Alan Warnes and suitability before opting for a full fleet. The following month, Singapore’s Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen told parliament, “We will replace the F-16s with the F-35 post 2030 and our initial letter of request [LOR] covers a purchase of four with an option for eight more if required.” On 9 January, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to Singapore of up to 12 F-35B Short Take Off Vertical Landing variant at a cost of $.2.75 billion.

Many nations aware of the resurgent

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China and on-off threats from North Korea are on their guard, and mindful of China’s own fifth generation fighter, the Chengdu J-20 now serving in the first operational unit. With its advanced sensors and data fusion, the F-35 can gather information and share it with other aircraft, ships and troops on the ground better than ever before. Enhancing an air force’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness is the name of the game today.

Australia The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ordered its first 14 F-35A Lightning IIs on 25 November, 2009 at a cost of over

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Alan Warnes

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The US has deployed USMC F-35Bs and USAF F-35As to the region. This USMC F-35B from VMFA-121 based at MCAS Iwakuni was exhibited at Singapore Airshow in February 2018. The Singapore Government announced a purchase of four F-35s in early 2019, although it didn’t state the version, with an option for eight more.

$2 billion (the full cost is officially set at $17 billion although this is being challenged by a report from the commonwealth auditor general’s office). It led to the first F-35A arriving in country on 10 December 2018. Australia’s Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne was at RAAF Williamtown when they arrived.

Pyne told reporters: “This is the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighter in the world. It will deliver next generation capability benefits and provide a major boost to our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities,” adding, “the Joint Strike Fighter can get closer to threats undetected; find, engage and jam electronic signals from targets; and share information with other platforms.”

The total requirement is for 72 aircraft and to date 13 have been delivered to No 3 Sqn at Williamtown AFB, New South Wales. It is the first of two operational squadrons and a training squadron to be based at RAAF Base Williamtown and another squadron will stand up at RAAF

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Base Tindal. All 72 jets are expected to be fully operational by 2023 and further into the future, a fourth operational squadron is being considered for RAAF Base Amberley, pushing the total up to 100 F-35As. No 3 Squadron is expected to reach initial operating capability (IoC) with the F-35A in 2020/21. Then 77 Squadron will, like 3 Sqn, replace its legacy F/A-18A/B Hornets with more F-35As. There are 13 aircraft currently in Australia, another five are based at Luke AFB, Arizona where they are being used to train personnel. So far 48 aircraft have been contracted spanning Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) 10 (ten aircraft), 11 (eight aircraft), 12 (15 aircraft) and 13 (15 aircraft). The RAAF F-35A’s current weapons load includes the Raytheon AIM-120-C7 AMRAAM, AIM9X Sidewinder and GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) all carried in the jet’s internal weapons bays.

Operating the F-35A alongside

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Australia in Asia Pacific are Japan and South Korea, which Minister Pyne claims “are closely aligned with Australia’s pursuit of shared strategic, security and economic interests.”

Japan The F-35A has been in service with the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) since March 2019. The 13 fighters currently delivered are operated by 302 Squadron at Misawa and will be followed later this year by the co-located 301 Squadron. Japan faces the strategic rivalry of both China and an increasingly assertive Russia, however US President Donald Trump is also pressurising many US allies to spend more on their own defences. The Japanese MoD announced its selection as the JASDF’s nextgeneration fighter aircraft on 19 December, 2011 following the F-X competitive bid process. The signing of an initial LOA (Letter of Offer & Acceptance), for four aircraft, was officially announced in June

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29, 2012, with the Japanese Ministry of Defence stating that the cost of each F-35A amounts to approximately 1 $128 million.

There is a current total requirement for 42 aircraft. So far 34 have been contracted via LRIP 8 (four aircraft), LRIP 9 (two), LRIP 10 (four), LRIP 11 (six), LRIP 12 in Fy 2018 (six), LRIP 13 in FY 2019 (six) and LRIP 14 in FY 2020 (six). Following assembly of the first four (AX-1 to AX4) in the US, the remaining 38 are being assembled at Nagoya in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). It was believed local production would cease after the aircraft ordered through LRIP-12, with future deliveries to come from the US production line in Fort Worth but the Japanese Government reportedly reversed that decision in December 2019 following cost cutting measures by MHI. The four US-built aircraft were delivered to Luke AFB, AZ for training from August 2016 to March 2017 and transferred to Misawa in May 2018.

Funding for 43 had been approved through to FY2020, the final aircraft being a replacement for the jet lost, with the pilot, off the coast of Japan on 9 April, 2019.

On 17 December, 2018 the Japanese cabinet approved a plan to add an additional 105 Lockheed Martin F-35s to its planned fleet of 42 aircraft. In a press briefing, the chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga confirmed that the country’s Medium Term Defence Program had been approved by the cabinet, covering 105 F-35As and 42 STOVL (Short Take Off and Landing) F-35B with some of the latter for the Navy. Japan has plans to deploy the F-35Bs along the edges of the South China Sea and East China Sea, evidenced by the JASDF’s retrofitting the Izumo-class carriers for amphibious operations.

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has based VMFA-121 with its F-35Bs at MCAS Iwakuni, Okinawa, which according to the Corps, sees ‘the fighters bringing strategic agility, operational flexibility, and tactical supremacy to III Marine Expeditionary Force.’ While F-35As from the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB have also deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, which the USAF says ‘helps to demonstrate the continuing US commitment to stability and security in the region.’

South Korea The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) currently has eight F-35As, operated by

the 151st Fighter Squadron at Cheongju Air Base, of an initial 40 to be purchased that were announced on 24 March, 2014.

The first six aircraft were contracted under LRIP 10 (FY2016) and another ten more were contracted under LRIP 11 (FY2017). The first pair were delivered to Cheongju on 29 March, 2019 and were joined by a further two on 15 July.

On 10 October, 2019, the South Korean government announced it would begin the second phase of its plan to acquire additional Lightning IIs. Under F-X III, the RoKAF will get an extra 20 F-35As for $US 3.3 billion, with the aircraft expected to be delivered from 2021-2025.

South Korea has also been working over the past decade, on developing a fifth generation fighter, referred to as KF-X. Last September, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced a critical design review (CDR) of the fighter and had given the go ahead for the construction of the prototype. On 22 November, 2019, MBDA was awarded a contract by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to integrate the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) onto the KF-X. The deal includes integration support to KAI, transfer of technological know-how and manufacture of test equipment for the

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US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Milano

AIR power

China continues to develop the Chengdu J-20 fifth generation fighter, which could be a real threat to the US and its allies. This example serving the 176th Regiment was seen at Zhuhai Airshow in November 2018.

KF-X integration and trials campaign.

Hanwha Systems is developing an AESA radar for the programme.

China The impressive looking Chengdu J-20 is China’s equivalent to the very capable Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor, and the The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF’s) first fifth generation aircraft. It is a major concern to the US, and is now believed to be serving with three units, including at the Flight Test and Training Base at Dingxin, also known as the 176th

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Brigade, and the Flight Training Base in Cangzhou, referred to as the 172nd Brigade. In early 2019, the first regular operation PLAAF unit to receive J-20s was the 9th Brigade at Wuhu, in the Eastern Theatre Command. An image released by the PLAAF showed a J-20 with the serial 62001, the first official acknowledgement that a new unit had been formed. It is unclear how many have been delivered, as the PLAAF is keen to keep this secret, but at least 13 different serials have been identified.

The jet made its first public display at

| Asian Military Review |

Zhuhai Air show in November 2016, but in November 2018 a three ship formation of J-20s were noted. Unsurprisingly there was no J-20 on the ground, but during the opening ceremony there was a glimpse of the J-20’s manoeuvrability. Airshow spectators witnessed the three 172nd Regiment jets sweep by, with one (78231) pulling up as it passed the crowd and disappeared. The remaining pair (78232 and 78233) remained to demonstrate their formation skills with the spectacle of vapour pouring off the top of the wings.

Eventually 78233 was left to display on its

AIR

Alan Warnes

power

powered by an upgraded Russian Saturn AL-31 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.

In late December images appeared of new J-20s modified with the Shenyang WS-10B Taihang engine as a stop-gap for the original WS-15 powerplant. The latter cannot provide the thrust-to-weight ratio to push the J-20 to supersonic speeds, without the use of afterburners, which makes the jet un-stealthy. The WS-10B features saw-toothed exhaust petals and is believed to power a handful of J-20s, as opposed to the AL-31 has flush exhaust petals. The J-20 is thought to be equipped with an AESA radar, and at Zhuhai, a chin mounted electro optic sensor was evident, while it has been reported that there are six electro-optic apertures positioned around the aircraft, that form a passive detection system.

India and Pakistan

KAI

India, once a partner with Russia on the Su-57 (formerly known as PAK-FA), referred to as the fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) has dropped the aircraft from its future plans. According to reports, the aircraft’s poor low observability characteristics were the main reason.

However, Russia has improved the aircraft, now referred to as the Sukhoi Su57 and India is now said to be showing interest again. If it doesn’t happen then it is likely, the Indian Air Force might consider the F-35.

India’s long-time foe, Pakistan is now working on a fifth generation fighter programme, known as Azm. In November 2018, the PAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan told the author that it was part of his plans to build a broader and longer vision, he referred to as ‘Building a Next Generation PAF – 2047’, the significance of 2047 is that the PAF will be 100 years old. “We have been working on a fifth generation fighter for almost a year now and it is likely to take several years before it is flying. “It is an indigenous concept at this time – we are self-reliant and not dependent on Western or Eastern partners.” Although he didn’t exclude the possibility that China could get involved.

He continued: “It will be collaborated with private industry and our own academia. We are setting up our own aviation hub and now formulating our vision which will cover manufacturing facilities and laboratories.

We have recently opened up a new university too, albeit in a make-shift location and we will link all of this to developing our own fifth/sixth generation fighter and commercial aircraft”. AMR

own exhibiting its stealthy look combined with all over jagged edges.

On the last day of the public flying display, on 12 November, four J-20s returned. During the final pass two of them 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). These initial J-20s are being

Wind tunnel testing for the fuselage of the KFX began in 2016.

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land warfare

UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES: TRANSITIONING CAPABILITY Unmanned ground vehicles will see a significant take up in Asia as a flexible, cost effective and mission agile alternative to more expense manned systems.

by Andrew Drwiega

The Australian Army trialed an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019. The Mission Adaptable Platform System Mule can carry over 500kgs of equipment.

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| Asian Military Review |

l and

T

he cumulative expenditure on military Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) over the next decade to 2029 is expected to value around $7.4 billion, according to an analysis study by Reporterlinker based on Globaldata research.

The study, published in August 2019, states that the military UGV market was projected to be worth $597 million by the end of 2019, and suggested that with “a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.58 percent to value $849 million by 2029.”

Military users are increasingly experimenting with UGVs to establish their utility and practicality in a variety of roles, including intelligence gathering, combat support and logistics supply among others.

According to the study, while North America is expected to account for nearly half of the requirement at 46.1 percent up to 2029, Asia-Pacific will account for over one third at 34.7 percent with Europe securing around a 14 percent share. The Asian demand will largely come from militaries in China, India, Japan and Singapore.

The study categorises UGVs into five areas of specialisation: combat, ISR, EOD/ IED, mine-clearing and engineering, and logistics. Of these, the study finds that the largest expenditure, around 47.6 percent ($3.5 billion), will go on combat UGVs. During the forecast period, combat UGVs account for the largest share of 47.6 percent, with cumulatively expenditure of $3.5 billion.

The study finds that “Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant market for combat UGVs throughout the next decade, followed by North America and Europe.”

EOD/IED UGVs will be second with a share of around 20.1 percent. In order of decreasing investment will be the sectors for EOD/IED, logistics, ISR then mine-clearing and engineering with shares of 14.9 percent,

Presidium Scout equipped with sensors for forward area surveillance

| february 2020 |

Presidium

Commonwealth of Australia

warfare

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land warfare

ST Engineering

Features of the digitised, manned NGAFV.

run between two pre-programmed points autonomously.

The Australian Army the MAPS Mule unmanned ground vehicle during the AUSTRALIAN MULE summer exercise Talisman Sabre 2019, In 11 June 2017, Queensland-based held in Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Praesidium Global announced that it had Queensland. The Mule, a six-wheeled won a contract to supply its unmanned platform that can carry over 500kgs of ground vehicles for test and evaluation equipment, was trailed by soldiers from by the Australian Army. The company’s 9th Force Support Battalion (9FSB) as they main offering is the Mission Adaptable Platform System (MAPS), a medium- conduct operations.

Lieutenant Patrick Mueller, a 9FSB sized semi-autonomous platform which workshop platoon commander said of can, according to the company, “be fitted the Mule: “We started using them for with range of plug and play options things like daily replenishment, so water, from on-board re-charge generator and food and rubbish runs into a central point additional battery pack, through to acoustic gun shot detection.” A remote … one of the operators took to using them weapons station can be fitted with a low- to haul cabling around the position to do electrical runs. recoil 30mm cannon.

“Other ideas that were floated The company states that its Mule including using them to carry version is suitable for both tactical and ammunition to forward defensive pits, as non-tactical scenarios. It is guided by well as carrying defensive stores – wiring, either remote control, or it can be set to sandbags – which is a difficult task with follow a soldier, or can be programmed to a small amount of people,” said Mueller.

The Mule can be adapted for specialist roles through the inclusion of a hydraulic crane arm, a surveillance module as well as combat litters for medical evacuation.

Expalining his experience of operating the Mule, Corporal Aaron Le Jeune said it was an easy platform to learn and use: “It operates off a standard gaming controller and uses four buttons, so it’s a very simple piece of equipment to operate,” he said.

Praesidium Global is also offering ST Engineering’s unmanned NGAFV shown with the much smaller armed Probot during Scout and Pathfinder versions. The Scout a trial last summer. is small, weighing only 70kg, and has ST Engineering

12 percent, and 5.4 percent respectively over the 2019-2029 period.

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| Asian Military Review |

been designed to be carried inside an armoured vehicle such as a personnel carrier the deployed from that base. It deploys with its own sensors to provide tactical intelligence. An MBT version is described by the company as “a parasitic UGV that can be attached to the rear of a MBT in a purpose-built cocoon.” it would be controlled by one of the tank crew, probably the loader, and can be independently operational for up to four hours.

The company also envisages a Scout Pathfinder which would be “the world’s first air-droppable UGV system designed to conduct ISR tasks in denied or nonpermissive areas.” It would be parachuted into a location, potentially behind enemy lines, to operate clandestinely which using its sensors to report information back to the controllers, either on the ground or even airborne.

MANNED TO TRANSITION

UNMANNED

In the summer 2019, Singapore based ST Engineering’s Land Systems business unveiled its prototype unmanned Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV). Developed alongside the Singapore’s Defence, Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), the manned version is already being acquired by the Singaporean Army in the form of the Hunter AFV, following a contract award by the Ministry of Defence in 2017.

The NGAFV has been designed “for the technologically savvy and interconnected next-generation soldier” according to the company’s website.

The manned AFV has digital architecture with multi-function displays featuring video and data that provide all crew members with a digital ability to command, fire and manoeuvre the AFV through the the Integrated Battlefield Management System (iBMS).

Its firepower is guided by an Automatic Target Detection and Tracking Systems. that augment the crew with swift and effective detection and target engagements.

These advances are all helping to frame the development of the unmanned NGAFV which was revealed on video in July 2019. Alongside this was a smaller weaponsied 4x4 wheeled Probot UGV, armed with an ST Engineering Land Systems’ Adder RMG remote control weapon station (RCWS) featuring a RMG7.62mm gun system. Development continues on both types. AMR

technology s p o t l i g h t

MBDA

Technology Laboratory (DSTL), the consortium’s stated objective is to develop a Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) through a limited Capability Demonstrator Programme (CDP).

In July 2019, then Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said that the Government would be investing around £130 million into Directed Energy Weapons research and demonstrations.

Speaking at a briefing at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on 7 January, DSTL’s Ben Maddison said that the consortium had been making good progress over the last couple of years.

“Much of the technology has come out of industry,” largely what was currently available. “It should also be cheap to fire and maintain, and it should hit the target straight away” he stated.

A Laser Direct Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator from the Dragon fire consortium shown at DSEI 2017.

NOT YET WAR OF THE WORLDS

A UK consortium named Dragonfire is working towards initial laser demonstrations which will potentially culminate in a weaponised capability over the next ten years - but it won’t be Star Wars.

by Andrew Drwiega “The Martians fought with weapons as yet unimagined by the people of Earth; an invisible sword of fire that destroyed all it touched.”

T

he foresight exhibited by HG Wells when writing his book War of the Worlds in 1897, predated the first laser by over 60 years. It was not until 1960 that Theodore Maiman invented the world’s first laser, known as the ‘ruby laser’, as it produced a red visible light.

Fast forward another 60 years and now there is every probability that lasers will actually be used as weapons within the next decade.

One of the trials currently underway for laser guided energy weapons is the being conducted by the UK Dragonfire

22

consortium. This is being let by MBDA with partners QinetiQ, Leonardo, Arke, BAE Systems and Marshall ADG. Working on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence who provided an investment of £30 million in January 2017, under contract to the Defence Science and

Jeff Wayne’s take on Martian laser weapons as shown on the cover of his War of the Worlds Album released in 1978.

| Asian Military Review |

Challenges Future systems need to be affordable, with little required maintenance and we cheap to use. “What we are looking for is something more effective than what we pay for in terms of current systems (such as missiles),” he added.

As a weapons system, lasers have a variety of component parts, from detection and tracking, though to the ‘human interface’, and power and cooling which must all work together. “If the laser can fire 100km, but the tracking only works out to one kilometre, then it is only effective at that range,” observed Maddison.

Potential uses include anti-UAV defence (potentially also including swarm attacks, as well as defending ships at sea from anti-ship missiles.

While lasers will work in fog and rain, there challenge will probably be more with the sensors used in detecting and tracking the target(s). There is also a question of legality when using lasers, particularly against people. But if the laser is attacking a manned platform, then the people onboard will suffer accordingly whether they are hit or not.

The Dragonfire consortium is working towards a position where it will have developed and demonstrated the capability of a laser weapon to a point where “in a few years time we will be to meet the UK’s military requirements, where down selecting and buying a laser weapon would be a sensible option,” stated Maddison.

There are three elements to that process. Can a laser weapon be actually built that would usefully deliver an effect.

technology Leonardo

s p o t l i g h t

An illustration showing how a Dragonfire type LDEW may be positioned to defence a Royal Navy warship from multiple attacks.

Secondly, what are the requirements for such a weapon. Finally, can it be effectively fielded onto a battlefield. The current demonstration will require three ISO containers; the laser module itself (to generate and direct the laser beam); the thermal management module to provide power generation and cooling; and a third to act as a command and control module.

Not Star Wars “It isn’t going to be like Star Wars,”quipped Alkras HP.pdf

1

1/20/2563 BE

Maddison. “The lasers cannot be seen when they operate and they won’t make much noise.”

Building a whole system requires ‘world leading subsystems and components’. The complexity means that subsystem testing and integration is happening simultaneously, so that results can be achieved over the terms of the development programme.

Laser beams can be powerful, both in terms of distance and when they are

refracted off a target, so safety of operation is also a key item on the consortium’s worksheet.

“What we are hoping to achieve is to conduct a couple demonstrations culminating with a firing against a moving air target. Within the demonstration parameters, the consortium is not setting rigid goals “to blast things out of the sky,” but to determine and understand how to get a certain amount of laser power onto a target and be effective.

Essentially the requirement will be: “to track and engage the targets using a range of movement; gauge the radiance on the target; assess the effectiveness of the weapon; use around 50 kilowatts of power; engage multiple targets in a series (mindful of swarming attacks); address power and heat management issues; conduct command and control; and target deconfliction.”

The ongoing challenge will be to drive down size, weight and power so that, in time, a laser weapon may be mounted on a vehicle or ship and powered by the host platform itself. AMR

11:17 AM

NOVEL CLASS OF MOLECULAR LASERS FOR DEFENSE.

Novel Class of multi kilowatt Lasers has been developed

by ALKRAS for defense.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

ALKRAS Molecular laser technology became an excellent solution for various applications such as Anti Drone systems, landmine neutralization and ground sabotage operation.

Compare with the currently used traditional laser technologies a new ALKRAS lasers have the several important advantages which make them superior and attractive in most of applications. For example: Eyes safety wave length range is one of them which allow new laser systems to be used for the air or ground defense in heavy populated areas such as airports, embassies and any civil or military installations. Concentrated Laser beam has in 3-5 times faster targets penetration made out of carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass, rubber and any other nonmetal materials.

The Laser beam with used wave length has much less turbulence distortion in atmosphere propagation and significantly less Dust Scattering, which make new laser sources very effective in the extreme conditions such as deserts or areas with dust particles. New Lasers integrated with Beam Directors are compact, simple in operation and low maintenance. The current tested laser system ML01 is effective to the distances up to 1km.

For more information: www.alkras.com

technology s p o t l i g h t

MUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE Rainforests and tactical radios don’t get on. Fortunately, help is at hand in ensuring armies can communicate more easily in thick vegetation.

by Thomas Withington

“J

ungle radio communication is severely handicapped by radio wave absorption, wherever radio waves must propagate for a considerable distance through the dense, moist jungle vegetation,” noted the United States Army’s Tactical Jungle Communications Study. This document was published in 1968, three years after the commencement of overt US involvement in the ongoing Vietnam War; a conflict occurring in a country where almost 48 percent of her terrain was covered by jungle.

Rainforests create nightmares for conventional Very/Ultra High Frequency

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(V/UHF: 30MHz to three gigahertz/ GHz) tactical communications. V/UHF communications have a Line-of-Sight (LOS) range. For example, a V/UHF antenna placed three metres (ten feet) above the ground will have a range of approximately seven kilometres (4.4 miles). Yet this line-of-sight range presumes nice, flat open space with no obstacles that could conceivably obstruct the journey of these communications.

With its tree canopy and abundant flora such luxuries are not available in jungles.

Another US Army document published while the Vietnam War was ongoing examining field artillery techniques

| Asian Military Review |

stated that jungle vegetation can reduce V/UHF radio ranges between 10 percent and 60 percent. Such reductions cause problems not only for soldiers, squads and platoons to communicate with one another, but also for ground-to-air/air-toground communications.

Dean Booker, Codan’s business development director for tactical communications, served with the British Army’s Royal Corps of Signals and is highly familiar with the challenges jungles cause for tactical communications: “The jungle presents its own unique challenges around the foliage and dense canopy. Communications distances are

technology

transceiver acts as a communications relay, as well as a transmitter and receiver.

Radio traffic too uses the transceivers in a particular network to jump from one radio to the next radio within range, and so on, until the traffic reaches its intended recipient. While this offers a partial solution, the same LOS restrictions apply.

A MANET network used by a battalion in the flat open desert can by definition cover a geographically larger space due to the lack of obstacles between the transceivers.

MANET ranges achievable in a jungle where LOS reach will be much shorter will correspondingly diminish: “In a jungle a MANET radio’s ability to create a network of systems and hop signals

though it, allows you to extend your communications range,” observes Brian McDonald, director of field operations for Persistent Systems: “In a high RF (Radio Frequency) absorbing environment, dynamic pathways become massively important. You need a network where the best pathway for data is selected in real time, and where users coming in and out of the network are not going to be an issue.”

Jungle communications are a concern for armies in the Asia-Pacific.

Although local deforestation is a major environmental headache with serious global impacts, the region still boasts 18 percent of the world’s total rainforest;

Jeff Wode

UK MOD Crown Copyright 2020

s p o t l i g h t

British troops training for jungle warfare. The thick vegetation found in jungles creates serious problems for conventional tactical radios which can experience difficulties in penetrating this abundance of plant life.

reduced due to the wet dense foliage that absorbs the signals.” He added that the environmental conditions cause challenges for the hardware. Electricity and water are not the best of friends, with humidity raising the ambient temperatures within which tactical radios must operate: “Most tropical rainforests have their own climate that is extremely humid and nightly rainfall and thunderstorms add to this.”

The latter can become greatly restricted by overhead tree canopy.

Contemporary tactical radios use Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) to establish communications networks: Each

While MF communications can work well in rainforests their practicality can be hindered by the size of the antennas needed for such communications and restrictions on their bandwidths.

| february 2020 |

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technology

US DOD

s p o t l i g h t

The US Army’s AN/PRC-155 manpack radio is one of several transceivers which has received the MUOS waveform which will help troops to communicate in jungles. It is one of several transceivers to have received this new waveform.

Waveforms Much as it did during the 1960s the US Army is once again driving research efforts to improve jungle tactical communications. In 2014 the US Department of Defence’s Small Business Innovation Research website published a solicitation for a tactical communications system which can offer between two megahertz and 60MHz of communications bandwidth providing both static and onthe-move communications for deployed troops. The tricky part is that the radio must be able to transmit through the jungle canopy either to an airborne radio relay mounted on an aircraft, or to a satellite to allow communications

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traffic to be retransmitted back down to Earth through the trees to the intended recipient. The challenge was grasped by Gird Systems of Cincinnati, Ohio which initially demonstrated a communications system able to penetrate jungle canopy to provide voice and data communications.

The firm won a further award in 2017 for an initiative just short of two years’ duration to transition this work via a grant worth nearly one million dollars.

This sees the firm taking its technology to the prototype stage so that it can be demonstrated to the US Army.

At the heart of Gird Systems’ approach is a waveform which works with a prototype software defined radio.

Waveforms are essentially the software algorithms radios use to transmit in a US DOD

with 26 percent of its land covered by jungle. Thus there is every chance that future conflicts in the region could be wholly or partially fought by armies in the jungle. This could be especially relevant during counter-insurgency operations where guerrillas may seek to use jungles to hide, organise and mount operations. The challenging topography of a jungle creates other challenges, particularly restricting the areas where vehicles can operate and thus potentially causing more reliance on dismounted patrols. Booker says that products such as Codan’s Sentry-U 61060-PR personal role radio can provide intra- and intersquad communications to support jungle operations.

Although seen there in an environment vastly difficult from the rainforests which cover significant tracts of the Asia-Pacific the MUOS waveform offers promise for SATCOM in jungle environments with a minimum of supporting infrastructure.

| Asian Military Review |

particular way to achieve a particular task. For example, ground-to-air/airto-ground communications will require a radio to use particular amplifications, bandwidths and transmission security to ensure that a soldier on the ground can efficiently and effectively communicate with an aircraft. Waveforms are pre-loaded into a tactical radio so that the operator does not need to manually tune their set every time they want to communicate in a particular way. To date, Gird Systems’ technology has demonstrated that it can achieve transmission ranges of up to 56.3km (35 miles) through dense jungle canopy. What is more, this has been achieved with a low signal-to-noise ratio.

Put simply, this is the measurement of desired signal that contains the traffic compared to background noise. The low signal-to-noise ratio in this case means that the communications remain clear despite the challenges inherent in the jungle environment.

Staying with waveforms the US Department of Defence’s (DOD) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) narrowband military satellite communications system can help troops so equipped communicate in jungles. The MUOS initiative provides a waveform which can perform satellite transmissions across a waveband of 300MHz to three gigahertz. Although MUOS is a narrowband UHF waveform it can be ported into existing DOD tactical radios.

For example, the US Army’s General Dynamics AN/PRC-155 and L3Harris AN/PRC-117G V/UHF manpack radios covering frequencies of 30MHz to three gigahertz have received the MUOS waveform. The goal of the waveform is to provide the soldier with ‘cellphone’ like connectivity in terms of intuitiveness and clarity, and usefully it can penetrate jungle foliage. As of May 2018, the following radios were being equipped to carry the MUOS waveform beyond those discussed above. These include General Dynamic’s AN/USC-61C High Frequency (HF: three megahertz to 30MHz) and V/UHF maritime radio, plus the US Army’s L3Harris AN/PRC-158 manpack transceivers, Collins Aerospace’ AN/PRC-162 TruNet V/UHF manpack/ vehicular radio, the same company’s AN/ ARC-210 V/UHF airborne radio used by all five of the US armed forces and the handheld L3Harris AN/PRC-163 V/UHF transceiver also used throughout the US armed services. The big attractions for the MUOS waveform concerning jungle

CODANCOMMS.COM

• • • • •

BE HEARD ON THE FRONT LINE

technology

DVIDS

s p o t l i g h t

A US Marine calls for a radio check using a PRC-117G radio during atn exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

communications is that it can be ported into those radios listed above avoiding the need to purchase new transceivers.

Secondly, the waveform can be used while static or on-the-move with a minimum of accompanying SATCOM infrastructure. Nonetheless, MUOS only offers narrowband communications.

What is more, as a US DoD proprietary waveform certainly countries may not have access to it, or the transceivers which can accommodate it.

Low Frequencies McDonald says that another approach to solving the riddle of jungle tactical communications can be found by using comparatively lower frequencies compared to V/UHF for transmissions.

Low Frequency and Medium Frequency wavebands of 30 kilohertz/KHz to 300KHz and 300KHz to three megahertz respectively employ surface wave transmissions. The clever thing about surface wave communications is that they follow the curvature of the Earth as opposed to travelling in a straight LOS fashion a la V/UHF communications.

These characteristics allow LF and

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MF to transmit over-the-horizon as the signals bend around the Earth.

Nonetheless, despite offering promise for jungle communications the use of lower frequencies has drawbacks.

Firstly the efficiency of the transmission will depend on the terrain traversed by the transmissions. Moisture on the ground or in the soil provides good conductivity for LF/MF communications as does swamp, with bodies of water providing particularly good conductivity.

Conversely drier urban areas and desert provide bad connectivity. The moist ground in a jungle yields just the sort of environment that LF/MF communications work well in, although one of the drawbacks is that LF and MF radios are far from mobile: A medium frequency antenna can be between 25m (8ft) to 250m (820ft) high; hardly practical for a foot patrol, but possibly more practical for a static Forward Operating Base (FOB). Even in jungle canopy such large transmissions would probably need to be well camouflaged.

The other challenge is that “lower frequency is fine for voice communications, but has a lower data-handling capacity at

| Asian Military Review |

a time when the warfighter needs access to high bandwidth capabilities, such as video and sensor data,” McDonald cautions. HF communications do not offer much additional utility in the jungle environment where these signals suffer significant RF attenuation. Attenuation is the phenomenon where signals can lose some of their strength as they travel and encounter solid objects, buildings, the atmosphere, people and animals.

The abundance of vegetation can cause significant attenuation problems for HF leading to losses of signal strength. This reduces the range such communications can achieve when performing groundwave surface-to-surface communications, and the quantities of data that HF radios can handle. Usefully, HF radios can use the ionosphere. This is an upper layer of the atmosphere between 60km (37.3 miles) and 1,000km (621.5 miles) altitude.

This is electrically charged layer cannot be penetrated by HF transmissions.

Instead, HF signals hit the ionosphere and bounce back to Earth which allows them to achieve their intercontinental ranges. HF radios still require antennas that can penetrate jungle canopy to perform these sky wave transmissions.

Like its LF and MF counterparts, for this reason HF tactical radios maybe best suited to equipping static installations such as FOBs. Short of a major technological breakthrough occurring in the near future it appears that armies in the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere will have to continue relying on a surfeit of disparate capabilities to ensure that they can remain connected in the jungle environment. LF, MF and to a lesser extent HF all enable static bases to remain in contact with one another albeit at the cost of bandwidth.

Satellite communications performs a similar role although terminals need to be situated in areas free of obstructions to communicate with the spacecraft overhead. Conventional V/UHF tactical communications using MANET provide the best means for deployed formations to remain in contact, albeit at shorter ranges compared to those achievable in less obstructed environments. Innovations in terms of waveforms could offer promise in increasing range and data carriage still further, although it must be stressed that such breakthroughs remain at the prototype stage for now. For the time being, it appears that rainforests will continue to tax the signaller’s skills to the maximum. AMR

Ministry of Economy and Industry

Regional

SINGAPORE KEEPS ITS SPEAR TIP SHARP

JR Ng

M i l i t a r i e s

The modernisation of Singapore’s armed forces is moving into high gear.

by JR Ng

The Republic of Singapore Air Force operates around 60 F-16C/D and 40 F-15SG multirole combat aircraft.

S

ingapore’s intent to maintain one of the most modern defence forces in Asia Pacific was once again emphasised when it won US government approval to procure up to 12 short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. The proposed deal is expected to pass congressional scrutiny with ease, given the island state’s longstanding economic and security partnerships, and paving the way for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to develop its first-ever STOVL capability.

The deal comprises an initial batch of four F-35Bs with an option for up to eight more and is expected to be set to contract later in 2020, and includes up to 13 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines (including one initial spare), communications, electronic warfare (EW), and navigation systems, as well as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) maintenance and logistics planning suite, software development and integration, and

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training equipment. If fully exercised, the total value of the proposed package is valued at an estimated $2.75 billion.

Singapore’s F-35 programme is aimed at seeking a replacement for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) upgraded but ageing fourth-generation Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon multirole combat aircraft delivered in the early-to-mid 1990s, and is just one of several high-profile acquisitions that the SAF is expected to pursue over the next decade to cement its technological advantages over other regional countries to deter aggression and boost its standing on the world stage.

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen has on several occasions expressed the view that it is imperative that the SAF must exploit cutting-edge technologies including unmanned systems and highlevel automation across the board in order to address a projected deficit in manpower, which is projected to lead to a 30 percent reduction in the pool of eligible recruits by 2030.

| Asian Military Review |

Sustained defence procurement targets

budget/

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has generally implemented a longterm approach to financing defence procurement and operations, with funding consistently between 3-4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Singapore announced a defence budget of $10.98 billion (S$15.47 billion) in March 2019, a 4.8 percent increase over the previous year.

“We expect our nominal defence spending over the next decade to grow at three to four percent each year, to at least keep pace with inflation,” said Dr Ng at the Committee of Supply (COS) debate in parliament, noting at the time that the slight uptick in expenditure was due mainly to changes in several acquisitions and projects.

“However, the overall defence expenditure will even out in subsequent years,” he added, noting that MINDEF will continue its approach of steady defence spending and will avoid spikes

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unless a heightened threat environment calls for increased spending. However, he also stressed that the ministry would avoid sharp decreases that could potentially “undermine our defence capabilities over the medium term”.

Major SAF acquisitions already outlined by Dr Ng through 2030 include the F-35; Airbus A330 Multi-Role Multi Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs) and Airbus H225M medium utility and Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters.

Major naval assets being introduced or earmarked for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) following the delivery of all eight locally constructed Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), include new Type 218SG diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs), Multirole Combat Vessels (MRCVs) and the Joint Multi-Mission Ship (JMMS), while the Army’s major land combat platforms will include new armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and wheeled artillery systems.

These platforms will be supported by force-multiplying capabilities such as advanced communications networks and navigation systems, cyber capabilities, unmanned systems, as well as an increasing focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems.

Spreading its wings

JR Ng

The RSAF’s current air combat capability

is centred on a mixed fleet of 60 F-16C and 40 F-16D Block 52+/52+ fighters, which were acquired in the 1990s, and 40 Boeing F-15SG multirole fighters delivered from 2009.

The F-16C/D fleet is undergoing a comprehensive mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme, with key enhancements centred on a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar – likely the Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar – and updated avionics including the Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDSLVT) which would enable the F-16s to share and receive data more readily with the newer F-15SG aircraft.

The MLU also includes a range of precision weapons and training munitions, Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), KMU-572/B 500lb Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and KMU556/B 2000lb JDAM tail kits. Of particular note is the SDBs, which would enable the F-16s to carry a greater number of precision munitions and increase their air-to-ground strike potential with their compact size and weight. Upgrade work commenced in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2023, with the F-16 fleet remaining operational until the 2030s after which it will be replaced by an undisclosed number of F-35s.

Other recently acquired platforms for the RSAF include Airbus H225M and

Boeing CH-47F transport helicopters, as well as a total of six Airbus A330 MRTTs to replace four recently retired Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker refuelling aircraft.

Although yet announced, other expected platform procurement targets include a new maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to replace its Fokker 50 Enforcers which were delivered in the early 1990s as well as a replacement for its 1980-vintage Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

Plans are also underway to introduce new and more capable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the RSAF, which presently operates the Elbit Systems Hermes 450 tactical and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron-1 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) platforms.

These achieved full operational capability (FOC) status in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Underpinning the RSAF’s air defence capabilities is its recently upgraded Integrated Air Defence System (IADS), which has gained greater reach and lethality thanks to its new MBDA Aster 30 SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre) self-propelled surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. According to MINDEF, the Aster 30 missile is equipped with a two-stage effector and has a claimed interception range of around 70km against aircraft-sized targets.

The new SAM system is replacing the service’s upgraded but ageing Raytheon MIM-23B Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK), which entered service in the early 1980s.

Strengthening communication

Singapore has committed to replacing its mine countermeasures ships with unmanned surface vessels, the first of any Asia Pacific countries to do so.

| FEBRUARY 2020 |

sea

lines

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The RSN is also benefiting from a range of new naval platforms and equipment.

At the tip of the service’s refined and sharpened spear will be its four new airindependent propulsion (AIP)-equipped Type 218SG Invincible-class SSKs, which will replace its Swedish-made Archer (Västergötland)-class submarines by 2025. The first of the four Type 218SG submarines was launched in February 2019 by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel and is scheduled to enter service in 2021.

Following the delivery of the eighth and final LMV – the future RSS Fearless – by local shipbuilder ST Engineering Marine in November 2019, the RSN’s surface warfare capabilities will be further amplified by the introduction of new Multirole Combat Vessels (MRCVs) which are expected in 2025 and will

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JR Ng

M i l i t a r i e s

The Singapore Army will gain a significant boost in firepower with the new Hunter armoured fighting vehicles, which can be armed with anti-tank guided munitions.

replace its 62m Victory-class missile corvettes that have been in service since 1989.

Dr Ng revealed during the announcement of the MRCV programme in 2018 that these ‘frigate-sized’ vessels will feature high levels of automation for reduced crew manning requirements and will serve as ‘motherships’ for a range of unmanned air, surface, and underwater vehicles.

In contrast, the Joint Multi Mission Ship (JMMS) programme will replace the RSN’s four Endurance-class amphibious transport ships “after 2020”, although MINDEF remains coy about the specifications and capabilities of the replacement design. Dr Ng earlier noted that it will be expected to serve as a command platform and feature a significant lift capacity to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Details on whether the JMMS will capable of supporting the RSAF’s incoming F-35Bs, which can take-off in distances under 170 metres and land vertically, are being closely watched.

The RSN has emerged as a leading adopter of high-end unmanned capabilities, and is phasing out its fleet of four Bedok-class mine hunters in favour of locally developed unmanned surface

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vessels (USVs) configured for mine detection and classification as well as mine identification and disposal missions, which are set to be operationalised from 2020.

Increased firepower and protection The Singapore Army is envisioned to evolve into a more agile, protected, and lethal force with new additions to its combat vehicle fleet in the coming decade.

A key highlight is the fully digitalised 29.5 tonne Hunter tracked AFV developed under the service’s Next Generation AFV (NGAFV) programme, which entered service in June 2019 and is intended to replace its hundreds-strong fleet of upgraded but increasingly obsolescent M113A2 Ultra armoured personnel carriers (APCs) in service since the early 1970s.

According to MINDEF, the Hunter AFV is also the Singapore Army’s first mechanised armoured vehicle to be equipped with an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) capability and a laser warning system. Two Spike ATGMs can be carried in a retractable launcher on the roof of its Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Samson 30 Integrated Remote Weapon System (RWS) for engaging armoured threats at long range, while the Orbital ATK 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II

| Asian Military Review |

automatic cannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun provides firepower at closer distances.

These direct fire guns can be traversed 360 degrees and elevated between -10 to 60 degrees to engage threats in confined urban environments. Rafael states that the RWS can carry up to 230 rounds of ammunition for the automatic cannon and 500 rounds for the co-axial machine gun.

The Hunter AFV represents a step change in terms of combat potential and survivability compared with the tracked combat platforms that are presently in Singapore Army service, offering not only a credible anti-armour capability thanks to its ATGM-equipped RWS, but also a newly developed battlefield command and control (C2) operating system known as the Army Tactical Engagement and Information System (ARTEMIS).

ARTEMIS is designed to manage most of the Hunter’s critical mission equipment – including its weapons, sensors, and communications systems – and perform real-time mission planning.

The suite is also capable of exploiting the data collected by the vehicle’s sensors and share it wirelessly with other vehicles and units using the army’s tactical network radios and wide area communication networks. The Hunter will also be capable of controlling unmanned aerial and ground vehicle, using ARTEMIS to share intelligence and targeting data with friendly units to improve their ability to perform co-ordinated manoeuvres and fires.

“The Hunter is born locally through the collaboration between the army, Defence Science and Technology Agency, and ST Engineering,” Dr Ng announced during the vehicle’s commissioning ceremony.

“The [vehicle] replaces the M113 APCs [and] represents a significant step-up in all areas: better firepower, mobility, and protection,” he added.

The Hunter family is expected to comprise five variants: combat, bridge, command, engineer, and recovery, with initial deliveries of combat vehicles already in progress.

The army’s long-range firepower will also be boosted by the Next Generation Howitzer: a wheeled self-propelled 155mm/52-calibre weapon system that will offer a higher rate of firepower and reduced manpower requirements over the army’s current towed Field Howitzer 2000 (FH2000) introduced in the 1990s. The new weapon will

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complement the service’s existing Primus tracked 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

According to MINDEF, the Next Generation Howitzer will be a fully automated system replacing the Singapore Army’s towed Field Howitzer 2000 (FH2000), which was introduced in the early 1990s. The self-propelled Next Generation Howitzer will have a 155 mm/52-calibre gun offering a higher rate of firepower and reduced manpower requirements compared to the FH2000.

Although the MINDEF has yet to release detailed specifications about the Next Generation Howitzer, ST Engineering Land Systems’ 8×8 Advanced Mobile Gun System (AMGS) design is widely seen as the leading contender, with silhouette graphics released by the ministry depicting a vehicle that appears to visually match the company’s offering.

The proposed design has a proposed gross vehicle weight of 28 tonnes that is expected to offer a maximum road speed of 80km/h and a cross-country speed of 30km/h. It will feature a high level of

automation with automatic projectile and charge loading capabilities, while its gun laying system is integrated to an on-board fire control system to enable the crew to perform fire missions without leaving the safety of its armoured crew cabin.

ST Engineering claims that the AMGS can fire six rounds every three minutes with an effective maximum range of 40km with extended range full bore (ERFB) ammunition.

Other modernisation priorities for the Singapore Army over the next decade include a new armoured allterrain tracked carrier (ATTC) to enhance battlefield logistics and combat support operations. The proposed design of this vehicle also appears to match the ST Engineering Land Systems Bronco 3 vehicle, which it claims to offer a 30% increase in volume and performance over the first-generation Bronco.

The army also unveiled two new combat support vehicles in August 2019: the Satellite Communications VerySmall-Aperture Terminal Subscriber Detachment (Satcom VSD) and the Wheeled Recovery Vehicle (WRV).

The Satcom VSD is based on the URO Vehículos Especiales SA (UROVESA) 4×4 Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico (VAMTAC) ST5 high-mobility tactical vehicle and entered service in 2016. The vehicle features a rear-mounted cabin that contains a retractable AvL Technologies satcom reflector antenna, which appears to be the company’s 1.5m Premium SNG/ MIL antenna optimised for Ku- and Kaband communications. It also features an integrated GPS and stabilised fluxgate compass to increase positioning accuracy.

Another recently unveiled army asset is the Wheeled Recovery Vehicle (WRV), which is based on the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) 8x8 SX45 chassis. MINDEF stated that the WRV has been specifically designed to enhance recovery operations for the army’s entire range of motorised combat and support vehicles. It is equipped with a rotator crane that enables it to tow and suspend disabled vehicles weighing up to 35 tonnes in urban and cross-country terrain.

An armoured cabin protects the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel. AMR

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ANALYSING SINGAPORE’S F-35B ACQUISITION

By Ben Ho

L

ast month, the United States approved the sale of up to 12 Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and related equipment and services to Singapore in a $2.75 billion deal. The US Department of Defense (DoD) said that Singapore asked to buy four planes, with the option of eight more as well as up to 13 aircraft engines, electronic warfare suites, and various support services. According to figures cited in the 2019 Singapore Budget debate, the F-35B – the most complex and expensive amongst the three Joint Strike Fighter variants – costs around $115 million.

The acquisition of America’s most advanced warplane will mark a quantum leap in capability for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as a whole.

The F-15 Eagles and F-16 Falcons currently in RSAF service are considered fourthgeneration aircraft, while the F-35 is a fifth-generation asset. Indeed, the Lightning II is slated to replace the Falcon, which is continually being upgraded, but which could face obsolescence post2030. Moreover, the procurement of the Lightning II would not only make the RSAF the first South-east Asian air force to owe a 5G fighter capability, but also a true stealth aircraft.

The Lightning II can function not just as a traditional fighter capable of attacking aerial and surface targets but to borrow a term from American football parlance, as a ‘quarterback’ too. With its cutting-edge sensor array, it could act as a network node sending target information to friendly aircraft as well as ground and naval forces in order to ‘dictate play’ over

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and on the battlefield. For instance, an RSAF F-35 could relay infoormation to the non-stealthy F-15 without the latter activating its sensors and compromising itself. As the Lightning II carries a much smaller payload compared to the Eagle due to its ordnance being stowed internally to preserve stealth, it would make sense for the latter to act as a bomb/ missile ‘truck’. It is also worth noting that during a 2018 training exercise, a US Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B provided target information to a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on the ground.

Given that the Singapore Army also possesses the same artillery platform, expect it to team with the F-35B when the latter enters RSAF service.

What is more, the Lightning’s quarterback capability ties in seamlessly with the SAF’s ongoing initiative to become a next-generation fighting force that is networked and integrated.

MINDEF speaks of the concept of Knowledge-based Command and Control (IKC2) “tying… air, land and sea capabilities into a synergistic whole”. It contends that IKC2 “gives commanders and soldiers the ability to see first, see more; understand better; decide faster; so that they can act decisively to achieve victory,” adding that “(t)his is achieved by leveraging on networks of sensors, shooters and communications to provide comprehensive awareness and selfsynchronisation on the battlefield.” The F-35B, with its game-changing ability to network with other SAF assets, would have an pivotal role to play in all of these All that being said, why did Singapore choose the costlier short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variant over

| Asian Military Review |

the “conventional” A variant that costs $80 million apiece? The city-state’s tiny size and lack of strategic depth are perhaps the main reasons behind the decision. In the current era of long-range precision-guided munitions, Singapore’s few airbases could be easily targeted and the F-35B offers redundancy on this note.

Its STOVL capability would allow it to deploy under less-than-ideal operating conditions, such as from a long stretch of road, should regular airfields be rendered inoperable from enemy action. Indeed, the F-35B can deploy from an airstrip of less than 170 metres in length. In stark contrast, the corresponding figure for the F-35A is 2,400-plus metres. The B variant’s STOVL capability could also complicate the adversary’s targeting calculus given that he must factor in the likelihood of F-35Bs operating from ad-hoc runways.

In the larger strategic context, Singapore is one of the very few nations in the Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world not allied with America to possess the F-35. This aircraft is on the books of staunch US allies Australia, Japan, and South Korea, with all three possessing the A variant and the two north-east Asian powers planning to buy the B variant for possible deployment on its landing ships helicopter that could function as de facto aircraft carriers. Outside of the region, Israel and a number of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands possess the F-35. Singapore’s F-35 procurement thus affirms the robust long-standing defence ties between the city-state and Washington. AMR

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