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Contents APRIL/MAY 2010 VOLUME 18 / ISSUE 3

Defence in Malaysia Dzirhan Mahadzir Malaysia’s defence industry today contributes to the growing supply of military assault rifles, small calibre ammunitions, unmanned air vehicles, patrol vessels, information and communications technology based solutions and military gear and apparel.

Front Cover Photo: U.S. Marines provide security during a security halt in Marjeh, Afghanistan, in February. The Marines, both of whom are using ACOG sights to improve accuracy on their M4 carbine are with Combined Arms Assault Team 1, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7 Š DoD

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14 Upgrading armoured vehicles to enhance capability Christopher F Foss With the ever increasing cost of new platforms, armies are now placing increased emphasis on upgrading their AFVs to extend both their operational lives and enhance capabilities

Ted Hooton The Pacific Rim is the most active naval markets in the world and while much attention has been focused upon submarines and larger amphibious warfare vessels, the prime requirement is for surface combatants

46 Infantry Sights: Precision on a Rifle Adam Baddeley The latest generation of combat sights are designed to ensure that fires can be effectively and accurately targeted, even against moving targets

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Principal Surface Combatants, Regional demands

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Military Flight Training in Asia David Oliver Many Asian air arms aspire to acquire fleets of next generation aircraft in the next decade. China and India have the budgets to re-equip their air forces with the best available aircraft but they will be next to useless unless their pilots are effectively trained

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32 CBRN and Special Forces Andy Oppenheimer Special Forces operate in fields of conflict that are affected

by Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats. They face highly trained forces armed with both homemade and state supplied devices

APRIL/MAY 2010

Asia-Pacific Tactical Airlift John Mulberry Airlift requirements within the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly diverse, with numerous armed forces in the process of expanding their air transport capabilities through ongoing procurement and development programmes

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Editorial

uch is made of President Obama’s proAsia credentials and childhood ties here, his officials describing him as being the first US President with, "an Asia-Pacific orientation," and keen to emphasise the Asia-Pacific’s greater significance in the world during his eight day tour of the region in November.

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But has there been much change in terms of defence and security policy under Obama? One might think from the earlier campaign rhetoric that there would a chasm between what went before and what is in place today.

If anything however, Obama is more some areas more hawkish, there have been more Predator missile attacks against targets in Pakistan than during the previous Administration. With China, the announcement of Taiwanese arms sales and the meeting with the Dalai Lama don’t always gel with statements elsewhere about greater partnership and are if anything more strident that those associated with the Bush team.

In other areas there is continuity; keeping faith for example with the Bushappointed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and mirroring the successful surge in Iraq with a military build up in Afghanistan. Obama has also continued to deepen military and security links with India, part of a broader based socio-economic engagement with the country.

On other areas there’s more change evident. In regards to North Korea there are now greater efforts to restore broad based talks with China, South Korea and other countries and the Administration is also apparently considering some level of engagement with Myanmar. In Pakistan, rather than limit US interests there to border security and as a logistics conduit, he has anchored future policy toward the country on achieving long term economic and political stability and has increased funding accordingly.

The US has enduring interests; it is fighting a two front war and a multifront campaign around the globe. In that context, the new Administration inherited considerable rigidity in terms of its room for manoeuvre so that expectations by many that all would be radically new under Obama were bound to be somewhat misplaced. Obama is nonetheless enthusiastic about the region and prone to less reflexive, doctrinaire responses to an evolving balance of economic and military power in the world. While there is inevitably little truly new in terms of Obama’s policy in the region, he may well be the first US President to see the Asia-Pacific as his primary defence and security arena.

Adam Baddeley, Editor

Editor: Adam Baddeley E-mail: adam@baddeley.net

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A FV CA PABILITY

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Upgrading

Armoured to enhance Capability

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his applies not only to Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) but also to light tanks, reconnaissance vehicles, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC). These upgrades can take many forms and can cover all three keys areas of an AFV, armour, mobility and firepower, or a combination of these depending on the users actual operational requirements, or in some cases, the available funding.

The upgrade work can be done in conjunction with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or another contractor who has experience in the upgrade market. In some cases, the AFV to be upgraded are returned to the OEM but in many others, this is done in the users own country using kits supplied by the prime contractor.

Problems with upgrading some of the older AFVs should not be underestimated and all too often what started out as a simple upgrade has turned out to be a major undertaking with technical problems and cost over runs taking place. This is due to a number of factors including under estimating the amount of work to be carried out on the vehicle that can often be more than 30 years old.

Integrating key sub-systems from different suppliers all over the world can also be a major undertaking.

Once a new MBT has been introduced into service, enhanced models are developed and follow the original model on the production line. A good example is the Republic of Korea (ROK) Rotem K1 series MBT which was originally designed in the US but with all production being undertaken in the ROK. The first production K1 model had the well established 105 mm rifled tank gun and this version was followed in production by the K1A1. This has a number of improvements including replacement of the 105 mm gun by a 120 mm smooth bore gun which not only offers an increase in combat range but also fires more effective ammunition.

Countries in Asia such as China, India and Pakistan, have large fleets of MBT of which only a small percent are of the latest generation with the remainder being older models

Vehicles T With the ever increasing cost of brand new platforms, a number of armies are now placing increased emphasison upgrading their existing armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) platforms to extend their operational lives as well as enhancing their overall capability.

by Christopher F Foss

Final production ROK K1A1 MBT armed with a 120 mm smooth bore gun and computerised fire control system Š Rotem

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which have been upgraded.

The upgrading of a MBT normally covers the three key areas of armour, mobility and firepower. Some countries upgrade their MBTs in all three areas while others place the main emphasis on armour and firepower.

To provide a higher level of survivability, additional armour can be fitted over the frontal arc of the MBT and this can be of various types including steel, composites or

explosive reactive armour (ERA). The latter provides enhanced protection against antitank weapons fitted with a tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead with some of the more recent ERA types also providing some protection against tank fired kinetic energy projectiles which have a much higher velocity.

The highest level of protection for an MBT is always over the front arc as this is where

Problems with upgradingsome of the older AFVs should not be underestimated and all too often what started out started out as a simple upgrade has turned out to be a major undertaking the attack is expected to come from in conventional operations.

In asymmetric warfare however the attack can come anywhere through 360 degrees and against this background some countries have provided additional armour protection over the sides and rear arc of the MBT. Sides can be fitted with ERA or additional passive armour to provide protection to the suspension while the back of the MBT rear is fitted with bar, or slat armour as it is also referred to. This neutralises the HEAT warhead before it impacts the main armour of the MBT. Mines have become and increasing problem in many parts of the word and some MBTs have been fitted with a mine protection package under the hull as well as fitting special seats. In the case of the driver, the seat is not attached to the floor but hangs from the sides and rear of the driver’s compartment.

Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) are also an increasing threat and as well as additional armour protection many vehicles are now fitted with electronic devices to neutralise these from a safe distance.

As well as providing additional armour protection, the MBT can also be fitted with a defensive aids suite (DAS) of the soft or hard kill type. The former detects the incoming anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) and decoys this away from the platform. The hard kill DAS first detects the incoming threat and if confirmed as hostile a countermeasure is launched to neutralise the threat a short distance from the MBT. While DAS are now common on almost all types of aircraft and helicopter, they are only now being introduced onto AFVs and their high cost probably means that in the short term at least they will only be fitted to MBTs. Singapore Technologies Kinetics have upgraded this AMX-13 light tank in a number of areas including a new power pack Š STK

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A FV CA PABILITY

E N H A N C E M E N T

M113 of the Australian Army are being put through a major upgraded which includes installation of a new power pack and a stretched hull Š BAE Systems

The current production Merkava Mk 4 MBT now in service with the Israel Defense Force is being fitted with the RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Trophy hard kill DAS with a more compact version already under development for installation on lighter platforms.

Some MBTs are also fitted with laser detectors that can detect if the platform has been detected by a laser range finder, laser designator or a laser guided munition. This alerts the crew not only to the type of threat but also the

direction that the threat is coming from so that the crew can try and take avoiding action or fire smoke or decoy rounds.

In the Middle East, some MBTs have been optimsied for urban operations. This has included not only additional armour but also cameras to provide observation through a full 360 degrees for enhanced situational awareness, a tank infantry phone at the rear and a roof mounted Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) to provide a close in self-defence capability.

Most AFVs today have a fire detection and suppression system for the engine compartment but many now also have a fire/explosion detection and suppression system for the crew compartment. The installation of a diesel engine not only reduces the risk of fire but also increases the operational range of the vehicle. Most European armies now have a common fuel policy with all of the AFVs and tactical support vehicles being powered by diesel engines.

The installation of additional armour onto an AFV can have a significant effect on mobility aspects of the vehicle due to the increased weight involved. This can lower the top speed as well as having an adverse effect on mobility across rough terrain. This means that the suspension may have to be upgraded as well as the installation of a new power pack to retain the existing performance levels. While Russian MBTs have always been powered by diesel engines, for many years other countries still used petrol engines.

Fire power covers not only the main armament of the MBT but also the ammunition, fire control system and its associated target acquisition system. In the case of the Russian T-54/T-55 MBT, or its Chinese equivalent, the Russian T-55 MBT upgraded with 105 mm gun and new armour package for higher survivability

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Type 59, the original 100 mm gun can be replaced by a 105 mm gun which can fire an enhanced range of ammunition types with greater armour penetration characteristics.

NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) is now marketing a 105 mm laser guided projectile which can be fired from standard 105 mm tank guns with the gunner being provided with a new sight. This enables targets to be engaged out to a range of 5,000 m with a high first round hit probability.

A new all electric gun control equipment (GCE) can be installed with the main armament being stabilised. The older image intensification sights can be replaced by thermal sights that enable targets to be detected, identified and engaged under almost all weather conditions. Laser range finders are normally integrated into the gunners sight to provide an increased first round hit capability with the latest laser range finders being of the eye safe type.

In most modern tanks the commander and gunners sights are stabilised which enables

Chinese Type 59P MBT fitted with new fire control system, 105 mm gun and explosive reactive armour Š Poly Technologies

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A FV CA PABILITY

E N H A N C E M E N T

stationary and moving targets to be engaged with a high first round hit probability while the vehicle is moving across rough terrain.

The commander can also be provided with a roof mounted stabilised panoramic sight that enables the tank commander to detect targets and if confirmed as hostile hand these over to the gunner who carries out the target engagement. The tank commander than then start to search for additional targets.

While MBTs are now being fielded by an increasing number of countries in Asia, a number of countries in the region still deploy light tanks as these are more well suited to operating in some terrain conditions.

Singapore operates one of the largest fleets of AMX-13 light tanks in the region and these have been put through an intensive upgrade programme by Singapore Technologies Export Scorpion armed with 90 mm gun and fitted with a more fuel efficient diesel engine © BAE Systems

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A FV CA PAB I L ITY

E N H A N C E M E N T

Upgraded M60T MBT features many improvements including a new armour package, power pack, computerised fire control system and a 120 mm smooth bore gun Š Christopher F Foss

Kinetics (STK) that includes a new electrical system as well as replacement of the old petrol engine by a more fuel efficient diesel. The suspension has also been upgraded to provide a significant increase in cross-country mobility as well as providing a better ride for the crew.

Upgrading APCs and IFVs

Joint programmes

In the past, APCs were usually fitted with a one person turret armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm MG but many vehicles were armed with similar weapons but with no protection being provided for gunners from small arms fire or shell splinters.

An increasing number of countries are now fitting their APCs with a RCWS which can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm MG or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

Some of the larger RCWS can also be armed

A FV CA PABILITY

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with a 30mm cannon and pods of ATGW. These weapons are usually stabilised and laid onto the target with the gunner under complete armour protection using a flat panel display situated in the chassis. Most of the more recent RCWS have day thermal sights with a laser range finder and a laser designator being an option.

APCs are also now being fitted with additional armour but not to such a high level as MBTs. The armour is normally against the widely deployed RPG-7 and typically consists of bar/slat type armour to provide protection through a full 360 degrees.

The US M113 series APC is probably the most widely vehicle on its type in the world and is used by many countries in Asia. BAE Systems Australia is now upgrading over 400 of the Australian Army M113 fleet to the enhanced M113AS4 standard which includes the installation of the new diesel power pack, upgraded suspension, additional armour protection, and a locally developed one person turret armed with a .50 MG and day/night sights.

To provide greater internal volume and payload the hull has been lengthened and an additional road wheel has been added either.

The diesel fuel tanks are now positioned one

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Singapore Armed Forces upgraded M113 fitted with RAFAEL OWS armed with 25 mm cannon and 7.62 mm co-axial MG Š STK

either side of the rear ramp. There were however major problems in the early phases of the programme which have now been identified and corrected.

Under the leadership of Singapore Technologies Kinetics most of the M113 APC and variants used by the Singapore Armed Forces have been put through a major upgrade which included a new diesel power pack, additional armour and a new weapon installation.

The latter consists of a locally developed cupola armed with a 40 mm AGL and a .50 MG or a RAFAEL Advanced Defense

Singapore operates one of the largest fleets of AMX-13 light tanks in the region and these have been put through an intensive upgrade programme by Singapore Technologies Kinetics

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Systems Overhead Weapon Station (OWS) armed with an ATK 25 mm M242 cannon and 7.62 mm MG. The former is also fitted to one version of the Bionix IFV that has been deployed by the SAF for several years.

A number of countries in Asia also deploy the former Alvis Scorpion family of light tracked AFVs and there were originally built armed with a 76 mm gun and a fitted with a petrol engine. Some export customers have enhanced models with the 76 mm gun replaced by a CMI Defence 90 mm gun and are powered by a more powerful diesel engine. Some countries in Asia, for example Thailand, are also considering upgrade their vehicles to extend their lives.

Indonesia has upgraded some of its Alvis Saladin armoured cars and Alvis Saracen APCs in a number of areas including replacement of the old Rolls Royce petrol engine by a more fuel efficient Perkins diesel engine.

With budgets coming under increasing pressure it is considered than an increasing number of countries in Asia will opt to upgrade their AFV fleets to extend their lives as well as enhancing their capabilities.

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R EGIONA L

M I L I T A R Y

Defence in Malaysia:

Industrial Development & Additional Capabilities Malaysia’s defence industry today contributes to the growing supply of military assault rifles, small calibre ammunitions, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), patrol vessels, information and communications technology (ICT) based solutions and military gear and apparel.

by Dzirhan Mahadzir

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ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

RE GI ON AL M I L I T A R Y

he country’s industry has also developed capabilities to undertake activities in the areas of maintenance, repair and overhaul, upgrades and modernisation in certain areas as well as the capability to manufacture parts and components for both local and foreign markets.

However, taken as a whole, the Malaysian defence industry still has a long way to go before it fully meets the needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces and becoming a major defence exporter. For instance, other than licensed production of the Colt M-4, Malaysia does not manufacture any other weapons or weapon systems, leaving the Malaysian Army wholly dependent on foreign suppliers for the majority of its weaponry. Similarly, despite building its six Kedah class Next Generation Patrol Vessels, the NGPVs are lightly armed and it remains to be seen as to whether Malaysia can successfully build more sophisticated and heavily armed ships.

The other problem that the Malaysian defence industry faces is the fact that Malaysia’s defence procurement can be summed up as erratic at best as governments have no problems in postponing defence programmes or allowing timeframes to slip.

The development of the Malaysian defence industry started in the

T

early 1970s when the country embarked on the establishment of a government owned ordnance factory. This was then followed by the privatisation of the depot facilities of the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy in the 1980s and 1990s. The 1990s also saw the Malaysian government placing a requirement for offset programmes and technology transfer to be included in any purchase of foreign defence equipment although neither were required to be military or defence industry related. This was in line with the then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad’s ‘Vision 2020 ‘ goal of making Malaysia a fully industrialised and technologically advanced nation by 2020 and in line with this was the development of Malaysian industries, especially the aerospace and defence industries via transfer of technology and offset programmes.

Adding impetus to the development of the local defence industry was a change in the strategic thinking as to the role of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Up until the late 80’s, the armed forces had by and large been focused on the counter-insurgency role due to the need to suppress the remnants of the communist insurgency. This changed though as there was a realisation that the armed forces would have to deal with conventional, external threats and thus it would have to transform from a largely infantry based

army, supported by a brown water navy and a small air force to a modern armed force with both the Navy and Air Force becoming service arms with greater roles than simply supporting army operations as had been the case in the past.

However the transformation had a price as naturally this meant new and more sophisticated equipment had to be purchased and it

The Malaysian defence industry still has a long way to go before it fully meets the needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces and becoming a major defence exporter

became clear that it was no longer financially feasible to rely largely on foreign companies, not only for procurement but also for support and maintenance due to the increasingly complex equipment being operated by the Armed Forces, this was coupled with the depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit relative to the US Dollar along with the rise of the Euro, all of which made foreign transactions more costly.

Thus, turning to local defence companies made fiscal sense. Moreover from a security standpoint, it was also necessary not to be

With the six ship class almost completed, shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard is hoping to get an order for an improved Batch 2 class Credit © Malaysian MOD

APRIL/MAY 2010

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The 259 vehicles in use with the Malaysian army are all assembled locally by Deftech Credit © Malaysian MOD

overly reliant on foreign sources for procurement and support as Malaysia had no control over access and availability and it was seen as necessary to have a domestic capability to support and maintain any military equipment of foreign origin and to also reduce reliance on

foreign manufacturers, through having an indigenous defence industry.

However while the defence industry has grown somewhat steadily, it has still yet to be able to fully meet the needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin stated in 2009 that only 30 percent of the Armed Forces’ needs were met by the local defence industry. Some of the shortcomings in the Malaysian defence indus-

try can be traced to the government itself, although the Malaysian government had formulated the Defence Industry Blueprint which lays down the strategy and policies for development in six fields. There are five areas of common emphasis for each field, namely the development of human resources and competencies, technology development, industrial development, self sufficiency and international marketing. The Blueprint also had it’s shortcomings in that it did not lay down specific goals or benchmarks to achieve in the development of the Malaysian defence industry and furthermore, placed much of the burden for developing the defence industry on industry itself, rather than the government.

The fact is that an indigenous defence industry, particularly for a small country like Malaysia, is not very profitable and cannot sustain and develop itself without government support, particularly fiscally. In addition, the Malaysian government’s emphasis for local defence companies to rely on private Designed by a consortium of three Malaysian companies, the UAV is currently undergoing operational testing and evaluation © Dzirhan Mahadzir

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financing ignores the fact that for defence companies to attract investment, the potential for a return must be shown which leads back to the erratic and ambiguous nature of the Malaysian government’s plans for defence procurement. Given the uncertainty as to the Malaysian government’s commitment to support any particular military programme, this makes it difficult for Malaysian defence companies to attract investment given the fact that little assurance exists for any return.

In addition lies the fact that Malaysia’s defence industry is largely competing against itself for a small domestic market, in July 1999 the Malaysian Defence Industry Council was created to serve as a forum for the defence industry, the Council being headed by the defence minister and comprised of government officials and the heads of local defence companies. Under it are six working groups Local support for the tank is provided by Deftech © Malaysian MOD

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In July 1999 the Malaysian Defence Industry Council was created to serve as a forum for the defence industry

dealing with the six specified defence industry fields deemed strategic by the Malaysian government; Aerospace, Maritime, Weaponry, Automotive, Information Communications Technology and Commonuser Equipment, each being headed by a representative from the companies in the defence industry. However, given that the companies involved are competitors in a small Malaysian domestic defence market, it is not surprising that little has come out in the form of a common approach to the industry’s development or joint development/cooperation efforts between the companies. The recent cooperation between three companies Composite

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Technologies Research Malaysia (CTRM), System Consultancy Services and Ikramatic System, to form a consortium to develop the ALUDRA (Allianced Unmanned Developmental Research Aircraft) UAV was a result of a government directive to the companies to collaborate rather than compete against each other in developing a UAV for the Malaysian Armed Forces.

There has been little interest among Malaysian defence companies towards mergers or consolidation, the only exception being Deftech’s MYR6 million ($1.75 million) takeover of MMC Defence in January 2007 and renaming it Defence Services, MMC Defence was the local industrial partner for Poland’s Bumar in the supply of 48 PT-91M MBTs to Malaysia and provided in-country support for the tanks. The move allowed Deftech to ensure additional work for its main factory in Pekan, which was used to assemble 259 FNSS ACV-300 AFVs ordered by Malaysia. Deftech also provides various

RE GI ON AL M I L I T A R Y

wheeled vehicles for the Malaysian army ranging from its Handalan II truck design to various other truck and wheeled vehicles from it’s foreign partners which include Daimler Chrysler for G military vehicles, Alvis for Supacat, Mowag for Duro vehicles and Iveco for heavy duty military trucks. In 2005 Deftech completed a 69 vehicle order for Handalan II trucks for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The company’s indigenously designed 4x4 AV4 light armoured vehicle illustrates the problem faced by Malaysian defence companies, having debuted the vehicle in 2006 with the expectation that the Malaysian Army would purchase the vehicle, the company has had to instead face the reality that there is little interest by the Malaysian government to purchase the AV4.

For research and development, the Malaysian Defence Ministry has the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) which along with conducting its own research and development programmes, collaborates and provides limited funding for local defence companies for R&D and also provides technical and scientific evaluations for the Malaysian Armed Forces.

However, STRIDE has only a small funding allocation for R&D, for the 2006-2010 timeframe, it was only allocated MYR17.5 million ($5.1million) a figure that clearly precludes any significant R&D programmes.

Since his appointment in 2009, Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been pushing two initiatives in regard to the Malaysian defence industry. The first one calls for the establishment of an ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Defence Industry Council to promote cooperation and trade between ASEAN member countries in their respective defence products. However there has been little response from other ASEAN countries as to whether they would be willing to create and support such an organisation. Coupled with the fact that many ASEAN countries see little need to purchase defence equipment from fellow ASEAN members, it appears highly unlikely that the idea of an ASEAN Defence Industry Council will be realised. The second initiative is the proposed establishment of a Defence Technology Park in Malaysia which is to serve a regional hub for the both defence research and production. The proposed Defence Technology Park covers 492.5 hectares of land located at Sungkai in the peninsular Malaysian state of Perak. A two year study plan for the proposal to be carried

Manufactured by Deftech, the truck is in widespread use with the Malaysian Armed Forces and is also used by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces © Dzirhan Mahadzir

out by Masterplan Consulting was announced at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2009 show.

At the same show, French Defence Minister Herv_ Morin stated that France was looking to assist Malaysia in developing its indigeI

nous defence industry with the potential for outsourcing work to Malaysia in regard to French defence sales in the region though he also stated that this was all in the preliminary stage and would depend on which field of defence industry that the Malaysians were

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wanting to develop.

In terms of future major local defence industry manufacturing programs, only two programmes are expected to materialise soon, both of which are naval shipbuilding programs, the first one will be the follow-on Batch 2 ships of the Kedah class Next Generation Patrol Vessels, of which six would be built and which would be larger and armed with antisurface and anti-air missiles in contrast to the lightly armed first batch whose armament consists only of a 76mm main gun and two 30mm cannons. The programme was originally thought to be of secondary consideration in contrast to the proposed local construction of two BAE Systems Batch 2 Lekiu class frigates, however with the government indefinitely postponing the frigate programme, the Batch 2 NGPVs have come to the fore, particularly with Boustead Naval Shipyards, which built Of local design and manufacture, the vehicle has yet to win an order since it’s unveiling in 2006 © Dzirhan Mahadzir

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In 2005 Deftech completed a 69 vehicle order for Handalan II trucks for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

the Kedah class, nearing completion of the final ship of the six ship class. At LIMA 2009, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib said that the Batch 2 NGPV was of priority as Boustead had some over 2000 local subcontractors dependent on its shipbuilding work.

However, he did not indicate as to when the Malaysian government would actually allocate funding and begin the programme.

The other shipbuilding programme would be the Malaysian Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) program. With the RMN’s loss of its LST KD Sri Inderapura in October 2009 to a ship fire, it is expected that the programme, which was postponed in 2008 for financial reasons would be started again with a decision made this year. The requirements call for up to three ships, with

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the joint capacity of two ships able to completely transport an entire Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force Battalion. Individual ship requirements are for a capacity of 500 troops and 100 vehicles, an 18 knots speed with 8,000nm endurance using diesel engines, landing deck capacity for 2-3 helicopters and storage capacity for four helicopters and four LCM along with a possible installation

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The loss of the ship to a fire in October 2009 has led to the Multi-Purpose Support Ship programme being revived Š Malaysian MOD

of a missile system for point defence and the ability of the ship to act as a command platform and floating headquarters for joint and amphibious operations. The Malaysian industrial requirement would allow the lead ship to be built in the country of origin of the

design but the remaining ships would have to be built in Malaysia. The purchase of a 66 percent stake in South Korean shipbuilder TKS Co Limited by Malaysian shipbuilding company NGV Tech, a deal which was signed at LIMA 2009, has led to speculation

that the Korean Dokdo design would be chosen and that NGV Tech would be the Malaysian company for the programme though nothing concrete has emerged to indicate that this was the case. A possible announcement on the MPSS program could be made at the upcoming Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2010 exhibition which will be held in late April in Kuala Lumpur.

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Principal

Surface Conbatants, Regional demands The Pacific Rim is one of the most active naval markets in the world and while much attention has been focused upon submarines and larger amphibious warfare vessels, the prime requirement is for surface combatants.

by Ted Hooton

Singapore bought six Project delta, or Formidable, class frigates from France with the new Herakles radar. Their shaped hulls are typical of modern major surface combatant design to reduce the radar cross section © DCNS

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he most expensive and capable of the regional surface platforms is the destroyer, which in the 21st Century is usually a vessel of 5,000-6,000 tons displacement and whose prime role is usually anti-air warfare (AAW) using an area defence (50-90 nautical miles) surface-to-air missile. These are the most sophisticated surface combatants with combat management systems capable of tracking hundreds of targets not only in the air but also on the surface and under the waves and of engaging multiple fast-moving targets. Only Asia’s richest nations can afford such ships with their sophisticated radar and combat systems which are increasingly being adapted to intercept ballistic missiles.

The combat system of choice is the Lockheed Martin Aegis with its multi-function AN/SPY-1 radar. This has been selected for Japan’s Atago and Kongou classes, Korea’s KDX-3 (Saejong Daewang class) and for Australia’s Hobarts. The last KDX-3 will join the fleet in 2012 but more ships may be bought to meet plans for expanding Seoul’s fleet while the Hobarts will be commissioned from 2014 to 2017. Japan appears to be focusing now upon anti-submarine warfare (ASW) destroyers, the 19DD class having dedicated air and surface search radars, a local area (30 nautical miles) surface-to-air missile system and probably a towed array sonar for long range detection of sub-

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marines. An unusual feature of the KDX-3 is that they will have the Cheon Ryong domestically-produced land-attack missiles which have a range of 810 nautical miles (1,500 kilometres) but the Hobarts may receive similar Tomahawk missiles.

India and Taiwan have a reasonably modern destroyer force but both have aspirations to Aegis-equipped ships although Washington appears reluctant to meet these hopes and New Delhi’s new Kolkata (Project 15A) class ships appear to have an ASW emphasis similar to that of the Japanese. By contrast China appears to have no immediate plans to augment its AAW destroyer force which is also dependent upon dedicated air and surface search radars and may lack sophisticated combat management systems.

At least half the Chinese destroyer force consists of 30-year-old Ludas (Type 051), most without a modern air defence system and these ships clearly require replacement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially reported interest in obtaining Chinesedesigned destroyers although this is unlikely to be executed until the middle of the decade.

China reflects a common trend in the region in that it is focusing more

upon frigates. These are usually multi-role escort ships with a displacement of 3,0004,000 tons and armed with anti-ship surfaceto-surface, local area defence or point defence (less than 10 nautical miles) defence surfaceto-air missile systems and usually a 76mm gun. They have air search and air/surface search radars and hull-mounted sonar and there is a requirement for a helicopter landing deck and hanger because these aircraft are regarded as integral elements of the overall combat capability.

Beijing’s requirement is for at least one more Jiangkai II (Type 054A) class ship and probably more to replace the Jianghu (Type 053) class. China is rapidly modernising its frigate force producing more versatile ships especially to replace the 25 Jianghu (Type 053) which represent half the force. Beijing is also meeting a Pakistani requirement for modern frigates to augment and then replace the upgraded British Type 21s with a design reportedly based upon the Jiangkai 1 (Type 54) class. The first Zulfiquar (Sword) or F22P class ship has already joined the Pakistan fleet and two more will be built in Shanghai with another in Pakistan. However,

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there were reports at the beginning of this year that Pakistan may buy, or is buying, another four of these ships rather than seek surplus US or British vessels.

Myanmar is reported to be interested in acquiring a 3,000-ton frigate from China but no further details are available. Bangladesh has a requirement for two frigates to replace the ageing Salisbury and Leopard class ships and while China might meet this requirement it seems more likely that the surplus

An unusual feature of the KDX-3 is that they will have the Cheon Ryong domestically-produced land-attack missiles which have a range of 810 nautical miles

market will be the source of these ships as it was for the Jianghu I class BNS Osman.

Korea has a requirement for between six and 24 of the Future Korean Frigate (FFK formerly FFX) to replace the nine Ulsans whose sonars have been upgraded. Hyundai laid down the first of these 3,200 ton ships in January 2009 and it is scheduled to be commissioned in 2011. The FFK is expected to help strengthen the Navy's littoral opera-

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tions and will carry various indigenous or newly developed technology, such as combat management systems, air-search radar and towed array sonar. Unusually, the ship will have a 5 inch (127mm) gun to provide naval fire support deep inland.

Taiwan also has a new frigate requirement but it is unclear how it plans to meet it. There are currently 22 Oliver Hazard Perrys (Cheng Kungs), La Fayettes (Kang Dings) and Knoxes and it is the last which need replacing.

Surplus Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG 7) class ships are one option but another is to buy the US Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), a frigate-size ship with a variety of sensor and weapon modules to meet changing roles. Two designs are available but the LCS concept, based upon a 40-knot hull, is already under question and creates an expensive system with a unit price of more than $450 million.

Malaysia may decide to restart the Lekiu Batch 2 frigate programme which became a victim of the world economic crisis. BAE

China is rapidly modernising its frigate force producing more versatile ships especially to replace the 25 Jianghu (Type 053) which represent half the force

Systems, which was the preferred bidder in 2007, has stated recently that it has re-opened talks about these ships which would be larger versions of the 2,390-ton Lekiu but with improved AAW capabilities. However, Malaysia is reported to give higher priority to a multi-mission ship somewhat similar to the Australian Canberras.

Neighbouring Indonesia is also reported to have a frigate requirement and there have been periodic reports of contracts for three Steregushchiy (Project 20380) class ships from Russia. But Jakarta seems more interested at present in upgrading its former Dutch Van

The Arleigh Burke class destroyer has strongly influenced both the Japanese and South Korean navies. Surprisingly, Australia selected a Navantia design to house its Aegis system © Boeing Integrated Defense Systems

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Speijks (Ahmad Yani class) and is focusing upon corvettes. Vietnam, on the other hand, is acquiring two Russian frigates of the Gepard (Project 11661) class and possibly components to build another two in Vietnam.

These are 2,100-ton ships which may lack a combat management system but despite their diminutive size they will be capable of a wide variety of roles both in the Indochina littoral and into ‘blue water’ environments.

The Van Sepijks are Dutch-built Leanders and this 40-year-old design is the basis of half the Indian Navy’s frigate force with licencebuilt versions (Nilgiris) and modified versions (Godavari) but they are gradually being augmented by more modern designs the latest being three more modified Krivak III (Project 1135.6) class frigates being built in Russia as the Talwar class. The Batch 1 version of these 4,035 ton ships have 3K54TE (SS-N-27 ‘Sizzler’) while the Batch 2 will receive Brahmos surface-to-surface missiles and what is unusual about these weapons is that they can be used either for anti-ship operations or for land-attack missions with ranges of 97 and 157 nautical miles (180-290 kilometres) respectively, indicating a potentially important new

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role for these frigates. ‘Sizzler’ is also being installed in the three Shivalik (Project 17) class ships, 5,300-ton vessels with both local area Uragan (SA-N-7 ‘Gadfly’) and point defence (Barak 2) surface-to-air missile systems and towed array sonars and these may be followed by seven similar Project 17A ships. It is possible that South Korea’s FFKs may also have a similar land-attack capability using the Cheon Ryong.

For many Asian navies, especially the smaller ones, a prime requirement is the defence of their littoral waters or the protection of their economic exclusion zones. For these roles they use either corvettes or offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) both of which usually have a displacement of some 1,5002,000. The corvette is in many ways a miniature version of a frigate with surface-to-surface and point defence surface-to-air missile

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systems and a 76mm gun. They usually have a surface search radar and a hull-mounted sonar but do not always embark helicopters, although modern ships often have sophisticated combat management systems. An OPV has a more policing role and may be regarded as a ‘defanged’ corvette usually having

Taiwan also has a new frigate requirement but it is unclear how it plans to meet it. There are currently 22 Oliver Hazard Perrys (Cheng Kungs), La Fayettes (Kang Dings) and Knoxes and it is the last which need replacing ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Even small nations can produce effective warships. The UMS Anawyahtar is a 1,088 ton corvette built in Yangon

only a 76mm gun armament, a surface search radar and no sonar but most modern designs include provision for an embarked helicopter. But there is also a growing trend to give OPVs the potential to grow into corvettes through the installation of combat management systems and interfaces for missile systems.

India is building both types of ship with orders for four Project 28 class corvettes (and options on another eight) which will join the fleet from this year and Vijit class OPVs of which the first was launched and commissioned in November. The corvettes will be 2,500-ton ships with ‘Sizzler’ and Barak missiles but will have a strong ASW capability

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A picture of the RSS Formidable under construction at the DCNS yard in Lorient © DCNS

with towed array sonars, embarked helicopter, lightweight torpedoes and multiple rocket launchers. These will augment 16 Russianbuilt or designed ships which are pure AntiSurface Warfare (ASuW) vessels with no ASW and the most basic AAW capabilities.

The Mumbai atrocity has made New Delhi acutely aware of its coastal vulnerability although the protection of the coasts is largely a Coast Guard responsibility together with maritime policing. But the Indian Navy supports them and also provides assistance to small Indian Ocean nations such as the Seychelles and the Maldives, which have suffered piracy problems recently. To assist its friends New Delhi has plans for four of the 2,215 ton Vijit class, which is the naval version of the Coast Guard’s Sankalp class cutters and features a 30mm gun., and the first will be launched during the spring.

Sri Lanka is likely to require new OPVs

India is building both types of ship with orders for four Project 28 class corvettes (and options on another eight) which will join the fleet from this year and Vijit class OPVs of which the first was launched and commissioned in November

with the conclusion of the Tamil insurgency.

The small force of OPVs acquired on the surplus market proved valuable in this conflict interdicting rebel arms traffic and with the Indian Coast Guard demanding the return of two leased ships, Colombo is likely to need replacements. India’s other neighbour, Bangladesh has had a requirement for an OPV, partly to help secure its resources against Burmese pressure, since 2004 but no progress has been made on this project.

The first stage of Malaysia’s New Generation Patrol Vessel programme is almost complete with six MEKO 100 (Kedah) class ships completed. Kuala Lumpur has stated that it is seeking at least a dozen more of these 1,650-ton ships whose introduction has been the subject of much trouble.

Although officially OPVs, these vessels have a combat management system and provision for the installation of both surface-to-surface

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and surface-to-air missiles which could convert them into full corvettes.

Indonesia is certainly interested in more corvettes, its three Fatahillahs are noticeably busy, and has a requirement for up to 20. In addition to the Fatahillahs there are four ultra-modern Dutch-built Sigmas (Diponegoro class) and 16 former east German Parchim I (Kapitan Patimura) class ships which are largely ASW vessels. Jakarta wishes to replace these with more versatile hulls which will be built domestically and based upon the 1,692-ton Sigmas which have a limited ASW capability through their hullmounted sonar and lightweight torpedoes.

Despite problems integrating the weapons systems, India has three more of these Talwar class frigates on order. They are based upon a modified Krivak III design

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A drawing showing the layout of Australia's Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers. They are based on Navantia's Alvaro de Bazan (F100) design and will be built in Australia to enter service from 2014 © Navantia

There appears no requirement for OPVs, partly because of the extensive force of large patrol boats, some of which are to be converted into fast attack craft.

The neighbouring Philippines has aspirations to acquiring some corvettes or OPVs with 10 of the 13 vessels being of second World War vintage but Manila currently lacks the resources to execute this programme and, across the South China Sea Cambodia, may be in a similar position. Thailand, which has a small force of quite capable vessels, may build two more Pattani class OPVs which also have the potential to be expanded into

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corvettes and have a similar combat management system to the Kedahs. Vietnam is not only acquiring Gepard class frigates from Russia but is also expanding its fleet with Russian Tarantul V (Project 1241.8) class corvettes which are pure anti-surface warfare vessels. Up to 10 of these 450-ton vessels may be either acquired or built, differing from conventional Tarantuls in having the Uragan (SSN-25 ‘Switchblade’) anti-ship missiles instead

The first stage of Malaysia’s New Generation Patrol Vessel programme is almost complete with six MEKO 100 (Kedah) class ships completed

of SS-N-2 ‘Styx’ as in the four original ships.

There are reports that Taiwan might be seeking corvettes but there appears confusion between corvettes and fast attack craft in Taiwanese news sources. The reports state that under the Hsun Hai Plan the navy wants a 900-ton, twin-hull, corvette (officially coastal missile frigate). Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has just received the first of two OPVs, the CGAS Tainan which at 2,000 tons is the largest offshore patrol vessel in the service and will be joined later this year by a second ship.

The Pacific Rim nations are emerging rapidly from the economic crisis and the next few years are likely to underline the importance of the region to the naval market through a rash of orders.

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Donning a protective mask during a CBRN Course at the Combined Arms Training Center in Vilseck, Germany in July 2009 Š US Army

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CBRN and

Special Forces Today, Special Forces operate in fields of conflict in the Middle East and Afghanistan which are potentially affected by Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons. They face highly trained and motivated insurgent forces armed with weaponry supplied by sponsoring states, and less advanced, but no less effective, homemade weapons.

by Andy Oppenheimer he nature of warfare has changed beyond recognition since the Cold War conditions three decades ago.

Then, both NATO and Warsaw Pact forces planned for the massive use of chemical weapons (CW) on the battlefield, both in the area denial role to foil amphibious assault and, offensively, to gain ground. Armoured units and infantry trained hard to fight a lengthy, dirty war.

The old nuclear, biological, and chemical

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(NBC) nomenclature only addressed nuclear hazards that affected the current operation.

Older chemical weapons have begun to re-appear on the battlefield, such as chlorine in Iraq. Others facing military forces are cyanide, ammonia and rat and other commonly available poisons, which have similar characteristics to nerve agents (malathion being an organophosphate) and may be incorporated into IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Acetylene and nitric acid

have also been used in homemade explosive devices used against Coalition forces.

Radiological sources range from common radioactive materials found in military units, such as tritium in fire control devices and nickel-63 in chemical detection equipment, to high-activity sources found in industry or contained in a terrorist’s “dirty bomb.”

Specialist units

CBRN units comprise military specialists who coordinate CBRN defence systems within joint reconnaissance operations, and in force protection, civil support and disposal of weapons. CBRN reconnaissance missions confirm the presence or absence of CBRN hazards, using field usable, accurate and sensitive detection and identification equipment, protective equipment, sampling devices and decontamination systems.

Troops would then mark the area according to standardised methods and report accurate information to their higher headquarters.

12th Chemical Company soldiers enter a suspected clandestine lab after determining with CBRN detectors that the lab was safe to enter during a Scenario Training Exercise administered by a Mobile Training Team from the Army CBRN School © US Army

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Typically, the CBRN detachment includes several patrols with different capabilities and which move in either armoured vehicles or lighter vehicles.

The US Army incorporates specific units such as the Army Reserve 329th Chemical Company, Multi-National Corps-Iraq and the Stryker NBC Reconnaissance Platoon, Technical Escort Battalion, and in Airborne, Air Assault, Special Forces and Ranger Units.

Trained to work in dangerous environments, they are vital for the identification, isolation, removal and disposal of chemical weapons munitions and hazardous material.

The US Army Chemical Branch is a noted example of a highly trained corps of CBRN experts who train and supervise Special

Forces on reconnaissance and response operations, sampling, detection, identification and remediation exercises, automated warning systems, and maintenance of equipment.

Destruction operations usually include the small-scale dismantlement and disposal of chemical munitions.

The UK’s Joint CBRN Regiment is a world-renowned specialist unit which includes elements of the Army’s 1st Royal Tank Regiment (1RTR) and 27 Squadron RAF Regiment, which is equipped with highly technical vehicles and personnel specially trained to deploy detection, survey, reconnaissance and decontamination capabilities with analysis and advice to the three Services.

The Fuchs fields the vehicular Integrated Biological Defence System and was among the first British reconnaissance vehicles into Iraq during the first Gulf War. It forms part of the armoured arm of the Joint CBRN Regiment © Smiths Detection

The US Army Chemical Branch is a noted example of a highly trained corps of CBRN experts who train and supervise Special Forces CBRN missions

CBRN reconnaissance capabilities have been tried and tested in recent operations. The Joint CBRN Regiment has conducted operations in Afghanistan, providing support to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), as well as maintaining a permanent, limited operational role in Iraq. Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was a highly significant campaign where extensive searches for WMD were conducted by former Eastern Bloc CBRN units, most notably from the Czech Republic, which sent its NBC unit of 250 troops to Kuwait. It also maintained a field hospital of 30 doctors with 120 support staff at Bagram air base in Afghanistan.

Based on the knowledge that any EastWest exchange of such weapons would likely have occurred over Czechoslovakia, NBC brigades were established to operate alongside each Army Corps. The Czech CBRN Battalion is numerically small but a highly useful specialised unit that has been the most high-profile example of niche capabilities in action, having been on operational standby as part of the NATO Response Force (NRF) since summer 2004.

A recent notable CBRN mission was undertaken by Israeli Special Forces in September 2007, in a daring on the Al-Kibar nuclear facility in Syria. Working on intelligence gleaned over several months, Special Forces located the nuclear material, purportedly of North Korean origin, at a covert compound near Dayr az-Zwar in the north, prior to a US-approved aerial attack by 69th Squadron of Israeli F15Is on the site.

Detecting CBRN in the air

Once on mission, detecting launch sites is a key task for reconnaissance vehicles and aircraft, both conventional and unmanned.

Low-tech release methods for CW are readily available and toxic vapour from vehiclemounted pressurised containers could be released well upwind of a protected base or airfield. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are used to carry between 14 and 30 kg of

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RAID-M-100 detector covers toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in addition to classic CW. UAS payload includes remote agent detection for biological weapons (BW), which could be released by crop sprayer aircraft. Research is focusing on optical spectroscopy systems as part of a UAS CBRN detection payload. The Femtosecond Adaptive Spectroscopy Techniques for Remote Agent Detection (FASTREAD) programme developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aims to overcome the shortcomings of current Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) techniques, which provide temporal data but not discrimination and spectral analysis which has poor specificity in analysing BW agents.

Land-mobile CBRN reconnaisance

12th Chemical Company Soldiers operate equipment after receiving hands-on Training © US Army

CBRN detection payload, and can operate for 15 hours. The vehicle itself could operate on-board sensors, surveying the suspected zone of contamination, or deploy standalone sensors upwind of vulnerable sites and formations.

Modern chemical detection devices IMS devices such as Smiths Detection's Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD), an individual detector issued to UK and other armed forces, and its latest version can fit in the interchangeable nose cone of a Raven UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). The cone, developed specifically to fit into AV’s RQ-11B Raven as part of a US defence programme, was tested successfully by flying a chemical sensor-equipped Raven into a chemical cloud. It successfully detected and identified the chemical, tracking the chemical vapour plume autonomously. Thousands of Raven air vehicles have been deployed and are in

use by US and several allied military forces.

The LCD itself has been modified as a cylindrical Chemical Sensor Module (CSM) while retaining its critical chemical detection and identification capabilities. Bruker Daltonics’

The first purpose-designed CBRN recce vehicle, the German Fuchs carries an integrated suite from Bruker Daltonics which can detect radiation from gamma and beta sources and most standard CW and BW. Fuchs were the first British vehicles into Iraq in the first Gulf War and have since been upgraded to be arguably the most technologically advanced vehicle of its kind in the world. They are manned by a crew of four, Commander, Driver and two Operators and are fully amphibious, with a speed through water of

Yongsan firefighters display one of the new chemical suits. The Yongsan fire department now has 10 "level A" suits, like the one here, that lock out chemical vapours and 40 "Level B" suits for support operations © USAG-Yongsan

A recent notable CBRN mission was undertaken

by Israeli Special Forces in September 2007, in a daring on the Al-Kibar nuclear facility in Syria

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10 kts. The Fuchs forms part of the armoured arm of the Joint CBRN Regiment which facilitates freedom of movement while the Land Forces advance.

The Biological Defence System (IBDS) suite aboard reconnaissance vehicles includes Smiths Detection’s suite of detectors and samplers include both biological and chemical units, with the Human Computer Interface provided by EDS (Electronic Data Systems).

IBDS is a self-contained, medium mobility system, and is air-transportable. The US system, the Long Range Biological Stand-off Detection System (LR-BSDS) employs LIDAR technology to detect, track and map large area aerosol clouds with particles larger than 1 micron at ranges up to 30km.

Protection for CBRN units

The key system in CBRN for all forces operating on reconnaissance and weapons delivery missions is personal protection, which is limited by the need for mobility in all military operations. The need to operate in personal protective equipment (PPE), especially in the Gulf climate and the difficult terrain of the AfPak theatre, is coupled with attempts at close contact with local populations in order to win ‘hearts and minds’ - which is difficult while kitted out in CBRN PPE. And as IEDs remain the main, constant threat, individual protection may be of even greater importance than

CBRN noncommissioned officer in charge for 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade spraying safety foam as part of CBRN training © US Army

detection equipment - as a roadside bomb or suicide attack comes without warning. There is no time to look at screens - only seconds to mask-up and don PPE. Continuously protected operation would be the only sure way of surviving the kind of no-notice threat posed in this type of environment but remains unworkable. While early warning is not feasible widely dispersed individual detectors can offer valuable alarm information to those downwind of affected victims, allowing others time to mask up. The ST53 multi-role RPE system developed by Avon Rubber is deployed by Special Forces and specialist CBRN units. It combines tactical self-contained breathing

A U.S. Special Forces Soldier assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) jumps from an MH-47 Chinook helicopter during maritime operations training near Chinhae, Republic of Korea, March 20, 2009, with ROK Special Operations Forces © US Army

apparatus (SCBA) with the Avon M53 mask to enable troops to enter a hot zone using SCBA (positive pressure) and switch to filter mode (negative pressure) for extended protection once the atmosphere is less lethal.

Training and exercises

Responding to threats relies on understanding capabilities and limitations of the equipment and know-how to use data obtained with it allowing the planning and safe execution of operations in a toxic environment. Units are trained to identify likely locations of CBRN sources during the mission analysis phase of an operation, rather than by accidentally encountering them during the operation itself.

Much CBRN training has focused on 'classic' warfare agents such as sarin nerve agent.

But today’s insurgents are more likely to use a more widely available toxic chemical.

CBRN troops being trained have to test protection against toxic agents in live agent training while wearing PPE. In terms of crossover with IEDs, Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel cannot be swapped one for one with CBRN personnel, as EOD personnel generally becomes part of the counter-IED cell during deployment. They do not belong to the CBRN section unless the CBRN section

A CBRN exercise was conducted in May 2009 as part of US 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) training exercises held every spring to train ROK troops in unconventional warfare techniques

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C B R N

P R O T E C T I O N is assigned the C-IED mission.

The US 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, however, formed a partnership with EOD attached support and assuming the role of a weapons intelligence team (WIT) to quickly respond to a CBRN mission. EOD personnel used the reconnaissance platoon for augmented security, intelligence collection and, when necessary, CBRN response.

Adapting CBRNE structures and capabilities to the modular force will ensure that CBRNE forces are available alongside warfighters in the future, according to Lt Col Pete Lofy of the US Army 48th Chemical Brigade.

South Korea: Operation Balance Knife

A CBRN exercise was conducted in May 2009 as part of US 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) training exercises held every spring to train ROK troops in unconventional warfare techniques, which requires extensive planning and coordination of air and land assets of the Korean and American militaries and is codenamed Operation Foal

The first purpose-designed CBRN recce vehicle, the German Fuchs carries an integrated suite from Bruker Daltonics Eagle. These exercises have been stepped up in the face of the growing missile and nuclear threat from North Korea. The units involved were the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, the 110th Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort), the CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity, ROK Chemical Special Forces and the ROK Mobile Analysis Laboratory.

The CBRN component of the Operation, a complex operation to secure a suspected chemical weapons laboratory, took less than 12 hours to execute and began with joint forces going on foot patrol for several kilometres through the Chiri Mountain range, among the tallest on the Korean peninsula.

After reaching the site and establishing an

observation position, a separate troop element linked up with vehicles that rapidly escorted the assault and CBRN teams into position. After the Korean and US operators secured the site, the CBRN team moved in to assess the simulated chemical scenario. A C130 Hercules aircraft outfitted with special equipment was used to transport individuals exposed to the chemical or biological hazard on a longer flight to another destination to treat simulated casualties. The team landed and was treated by waiting medics.

Differences observed between South Korean and US specialist units included ROK CBRNE soldiers concentrating on speedy results whereas the US applies a more deliberate process, including several administrative steps to ensure the chain of custody of materials, which may turn up valuable intelligence revealing the extent and capabilities of an enemy WMD programme. This would in turn lead to the discovery of other WMD sites or to the arrest of scientists or others involved in the building of illegal weapons.

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ndonesia the world's largest archipelago and the fourth state by population, cannot but have a powerful Navy. Although at present the Indonesian Navy counts only two submarines in its underwater forces. This is why three years ago the Indonesian Ministry of Defence announced its plans to procure six submarines.These plans of Indonesia to enlarge the underwater fleet inventory are fostered by a growing number of modern diesel-electric submarines entering service in this region's countries. The Royal Malaysian Navy, for instance, is increasing its underwater combat potential, and Vietnam is drastically changing its surface and underwater warfare doctrines, as well as other states are.

However, the global economic downturn has greatly amended plans of the Indonesian submariners. Last year during his visit to Russia, Mr Yusron Ihza, deputy chairman of the Defence Commission on political, security and foreign affairs in the House of Representatives of Indonesia,

intimated the procurement of three Kilo class dieselelectric submarines.Contracts for the procurement of the submarines must be financed out of the proceeds of a credit to be granted by a supplier state.Indonesia has recourse to such a mechanism as its defence budget makes up only 0.8 per cent of the gross national product, which is insufficient for the procurement of modern armaments albeit this year it has four billion US dollars earmarked for this purpose. Because of the scanty financing the Indonesian Navy has had to cut the initial number of submarines planned for construction.

At the first stage of the programme a tender for the procurement of two submarines was invited. German Howaldswerke-Deutche-Werft and French DCNS companies were the first to announce their participation in the tender at the very beginning. However, the most serious competition started unwinding between two main contenders in the bidding - South Korean and Russian shipyards.

South Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company has offered two 1,400-tonne Type 209 diesel-electric submarines of German design already taken out of production in Germany. Russia has offered the Kilo class large diesel-electric submarine.

The Kilo class large diesel-electric submarine offered by Federal State Unitary Enterprise (FSUE) Rosoboronexport for the tender has unique performance characteristics and combat capabilities. Kilo's advantages are duly appreciated by navies of India, China, Poland, Algeria, Iran and other countries. It is designed to effectively destroy any potential enemy's submarines, surface ships and coastal targets, when operating both autonomously and within a naval force.The submarine is powered by uprated diesel generators allowing a substantial increase in underwater speed and endurance extended up to 7,500 n.m. It is one of the world's most quiet diesel-electric submarines capable of performing

It is one of the world’s most quiet diesel-electric submarines

Russian Kilo class large diesel-electric submarine

FORTUNE UNDER ITS KEEL guaranteed preemptive detection and delivering attacks on the enemy at long ranges, or performing evasive manoeuvres and becoming imperceptible for non-friendly ships.

The Kilo class submarine armed with the Club-S missile weapon system has a substantially enhanced combat effectiveness.

The system is designed to destroy all types of enemy surface ships, submarines and coastal targets with cruise missiles, while conducting combat operations in conditions of intensive electronic countermeasures and counter-fire.

There are yet no analogues to the Club-S missile system in the world. This long-range missile system (up to 275 km) makes the diesel-electric submarine much better adapted for carrying out missions against high-speed targets, and more combat-resistant to enemy counteraction. If employed extensively, the Club-S missile system can drastically change the outcome of naval operations in favour of its carrier.

Another equally important aspect of the programme concerns terms of payment. The Rosoboronexport is now realising a very practical and efficient scheme. The intergovernmental agreement on granting a onebillion US dollar credit to Indonesia for the procurement of Russian defence equipment was signed in 2007. Within the framework of this agreement Jakarta has already started taking delivery of the BMP-3F infantry combat vehicles and Mi-type helicopters. The terms of this credit can also be extended in case that the tender for diesel-electric submarines construction is won.

The credit repayment period would then take 10 years with a five-year adjournment of the first payments, that is until 2012.

Russia has rich history of cooperation with the Indonesian Navy. Until the end of the 1990s the Indonesian underwater fleet had operated Soviet-made Project 613 dieselelectric submarines. Russia remains a leading

naval shipbuilding nation.There are about 160 enterprises including shipyards, research institutes and design bureau as well as maritime machine-building, instrumentmaking and electronic plants. The Russian shipbuilding industry can design and develop all types of military surface and underwater ships and auxiliary vessels, as well as naval weapons and technical facilities. Multiple factors such as advanced maritime science, shipbuilding and design technologies, largescale industrial base, highly skilled personnel and long-time experience in foreign economic relations, allow Rosoboronexport to maintain leading positions in the international naval exports.Thus, the last year’s exports of naval weapons and equipment amounted to about 14 per cent of all foreign military sales by Rosoboronexport, the leading state intermediary agency for military technical cooperation with foreign countries.

Kilo’s advantages are unique characteristics and combat capabilities AMR Marketing Promotion

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A US Marine in Afghanistan observes the surrounding area through a Trijicon ACOG gunsight mounted on his M-16 rifle Š DoD

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Infantry Sights:

Precision on a

Rifle The latest generation of combat sights for small arms are designed to ensure that fires can be effectively and accurately targeted against the required point by a combination of improving detection and recognition ranges and reducing initial engagement times against moving targets.

by Adam Baddeley

he nature of warfare has changed beyond recognition since the Cold War conditions three decades ago.

Then, both NATO and Warsaw Red Dot or reflex sights are considered the preferred sighting system for targets in the 3m-50m range zone, the effective limits for most urban combat scenarios, essentially replacing the iron sights that have been the military staple since breech-loaders were invented. The core requirements for both it has to be fast and wide-field of view for close quarters combat. For Close Quarters Battle (CQB), different militaries have implemented both types of technology. The first to appear was the Aimpoint ‘red dot’ solution which operates by creating a red dot in the sight. Reflex sights operate in a similar manner, similar approach but substitute a holographic reticule for the luminous red dot.

Urban and CQB are not the military’s only requirements as it also must enhance the shooter's accuracy and target identification at ranges beyond 50 meters with magnified optics. Militaries and manufacturers are currently seeking ways or enabling both

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either by combining both aspects of functionality in a combined single device or modular solution with each aspect of functionality being contained in separate sights on the same weapon. In addition, these sights also have to operate at night with militaries also adding a range of image intensification (I2) and thermal imaging (TI) devices.

The UK has made its decision to convert to the next generation of sights. The UK’s great innovation in the 1990s was to issue all their troops with the Sight Unit Small Arms Trilux (SUSAT) sight used on the SA80A2 L85 assault rifle. To meet urgent needs in Afghanistan the UK have acquired other sights which include the Trijicon ACOG sight.

For its soldier modernisation programme, the UK has opted for the ELCAN SpecterOS4x day sight for its Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme, the UK initially acquired sufficient to equip 98 companies and subsequently added more to the order. The OS4x differs from the commercially available SpecterDR with the introduction of APRIL/MAY 2010

improved optics and mechanics which are shock protected. The FIST system provides a red dot/LED illumination at CQB range up to 400m which can then switch to a ranged LMG graticule to up to 800m, allowing the user to switch instantly from a 1x red spot sight to 4x precision fire, which has clear tactical benefits.

A recent addition to the product line is the SpecterHR, effectively a scaled up CQB sight for use on crew served weapons such as the M2HB. Selected by the USMC as the Enhanced Combat Optical Sight Heavy, it weighs 2.5Kg which targets using a two dots allowing for targeting at up to 100m and 1500m range using standard M33 ammunition.

Carl Zeiss provides the key weapon sights for the German Army’s Infanterist der Zukunft (IdZ) programme which is analogous to FIST. At the core of this is the RSA-S reflex sight. In addition to Germany, India ordered 10,000 of these sights in late 2009 with qualification now being underway. Outside of IdZ, Carl Zeiss also offer its VGN 3x magnification attachment.

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Carl Zeiss provide the weapons sights on the IdZ-ES programme © AJB

With IdZ, the RSA-S is mounted on top of the ZO4x30 Targeting Optic which offers 4X magnification with a large field of view over range of 140-1000m allowing the user to retain visual situational awareness in the eyepiece despite magnification. At night, the user can mount the firms NSV 600 Night Sight attachment which uses a Gen 2 I2 tube which is capable of detecting man sized targets at up to 3000m and recognition at around 1200m. The sight is powered by a single AAA battery which enables operation for over 50 hours.

Carl Zeiss are currently under contract to supply a new uncooled TI solution known as the IEV as an option for users allowing them to swap out the NSV600 although in practice this sight will only equip the MG4 Light Machine Gun to better enable suppressive fire. The IEV uses the company’s 7-12 LWIR Uncooled module which goes up to 640x480 pixels. The prototypes of the IEV are due to be competed in the next few months.

Trijicon offers magnified optics combined with illuminated reticle which can be used while the user maintains both eyes open while looking through the sight to enable multiple targets to be engaged reflexively.

Numerically, the largest number of ACOGs sight is the M150 Rifle Combat Optic with roughly 130,000 in service with the Army with other versions also in use. Australia and New Zealand use a version

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of the ACOG while in India for example the a variant is in use with several state Police forces mounted on AK-47s via an after-market polymer accessory.

Aimpoint were the first to offer Red Dot sights. The biggest customer has been the US Army. The US has bought successive versions of the sight CompM sight, CompM2, CompM4 and CompM4S, all designated the M68 Close Combat Optic, The current M68 operates on single AA battery for over eight years and 560,000 were ordered last year alone. When that order is completed will take total numbers in US Army service to 1.25million, sufficient to meet Army requirements.

The much smaller and more recent MicroT1 sight for example weighs 150 grammes and is powered by a watch battery which lasts for five years.

L-3’s EOTech Sights are just one of many accessories being loaded onto modern small arms © AJB

Holgraphic Weapon sights (HWS) are designed to provide a visible reticle in any light conditions and in extreme environmental conditions. The system operates on the same principle as some fast jet head up displays.

The system generates a reticle on the viewing window even if the sight is obscured by mud, snow or broken or cracked, the reticule can still be used and remains zeroed on target. Each sight is equipped with a three layer laminate glass and the sight is tested to 2000G of acceleration/ USSOCOM standardised on the EOTech HWS using the firms SU-231/PEQ Sight as part of the SOPMOD Block 2 programme which is powered by two lithium batteries enabling commonality with other battery sources and water submergibility down to two atmospheres or over 20m. When matched with a 5.56mm weapon such as the M4 the HWS sights offer four aiming dots at four aiming points out to 600m. Recent additions to the product line include the EOLADS Integrated laser aiming device which would replace a separate laser device installed on the front of the weapon and has a five hour battery life which when combined with the sight weighs less than 500g with a high power version able to laser point out to 2000m. The firms’ Multi-Purpose Optic adds a 4X scope to the rear of the sight which also remains functional which combined with an image intensification device. The User can immedi-

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Carl Zeiss provides the key weapon sights for the German Army’s Infanterist der Zukunft programme ately flip from a 600m systems with 4x magnifier with a Flip To Slide mount.

Bulgarian firm Optix produce a range of weapon mounted day and night sights with production facilities in accordance with NATO and ISO requirements. Optix offers a number of Picattiny mounted ‘red dot’ day sights, including the Wide Range Collimator Sight WRCS-28 which can be combined with the ODC-4M 4X magnification sight. Optix also offers clip on night vision devices including the Intensifier 50 TI solution which offers range performance out to 1300m and has a Mean Time Between Failure of 40,000 hours, other solutions are the NVA-75 and NVA-8, designed for sniper rifles which increases magnification to 12x.

An ITL MARS sight mounted on India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and designed Modern Sub-Machine Carbine © AJB

ITL produces a number of sights, notably its Multi-purpose Aiming Reflex Sight.

Singapore recently acquired 1000 MARS sights, India also acquired 5000 MARS sights to equip its recent acquisition of the

IWI Tavor with roughly one in four weapons also using the company’s Mini N/SEAS Sight. ITL have made similar sales to Thailand and on the back of that country’s Tavor purchase with the MARS and

T: +61 (0)8 8305 0311 E: asiasales@codan.com.au

www.codan.com.au

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EOTech’s Holgraphic Weapon Sights are designed to provide a visible reticle in any light conditions and in extreme environmental conditions © AJB

N/SEAS night sight.

In India, ITL and its joint venture partner Alpha produce the Ranger sight which is a low profile sight with a smaller window than the MARS, no laser and is cheaper to produce with a recent order for 400 systems from India. One of most recent sights launched by ITL is the MARS/D Multi-purpose Dual W/L Aiming Reflex Sight Laser launched in mid 2009 which allows the user to switch between a visible and IR laser. Sales thus far have been in South America and India.

A number of state bodies in India have developed sighting solutions. The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) offers a 200g Red Dot Sight which is also compatible with night sights. The OFB has also developed a 5.56mm Telescope Sight which offers 2.5X magnification with dual graticule for aiming at targets at 100m and 400m and weighs 530g. The DRDO have also developed a holographic sight which is produced by BEL and designed to engage targets up to 300m and weighs 350g.

In the area of night vision Raytheon,

L-3 and DRS produce the ASN/PAS-13E family of Thermal Weapon sights for the US. The family comes in three sizes, Short Range, Medium Range and Long Range, providing thermal capabilities, beginning at the M4 compact carbine and rising to the M47 tripod and vehicle mounted automatic grenade launcher. The US has cleared the companies to offers its weapon mounted thermal weapons in a number of the countries in the region including Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan and India.

Raytheon intend to begin demonstrations

The Advanced Thermal Weapon Sight integrated clip-on thermal weapon sight was developed by FLIR in collaboration with Trijicon's weapon sights © FLIR

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of its sights in the region in each of the three categories shortly. All export versions of the TWS system for the region use a 320x240 detector and the Short Range TWS and can recognise a human at 550 metres, slightly over the effective range of the 5.56mm M4. The sight is low in weight at 0.885Kg with four AA batteries which provide an operating life of 7-12 hours.

Elbit El-OP’s offering for uncooled TWS for small arms include the Lily-S which is offered with both a 640x480 and 384x288 thermal detectors and which presents information to the user via a built in OLED display and also features a built-in day camera of the laser pointer see spot. The 1Kg sight can detect a human and 1.5km with recognition at 500m FLIR Systems have worked with Trijicon to match the new Thermosight with the latter’s ACOG sight. Qualification of the Thermosight was completed in January 2009.

Vetronix’s NiteSpot50 is a clip on I2 solution which uses Photonics XR-5 Gen 2 technology which provides a recognition range of 720m in starlight, more in moonlight.

Clipping on the NiteSpot50 produces no affect on the boresighting of the existing daysight.

Weapon mounted Thermal sights under FIST are being provided by QioptiQ via the FIST Thermal Sight (FTS), developed from the widely exported VIPIR2. The FTS uses a 640x480 detectors sourced from FLIR Systems and integrated Infra Red Laser Aimer. Qiopitiq will provide 4000 FTS sights from 2010 with the company also contract to Common Weapon Sights (CWS) and MAXIKITE2 units this standard. The UK has also recently awarded Insight Technology a contract for 130 weapon mounted/handheld night vision device known as as Clip-on Night Vision Device - Thermal 2 (CNVD-T2) imager. The thermal device sits in front of a light weight day sight, in this case the UK ELCAN Optical Technologies' SpecterOS4X and also features an integrated laser pointer.

Israeli firm Pulse Inteco’s MiniHunter 2X sight uses either Gen 2 or Gen 3 I2 tubes and weighs 390g, including batteries. The larger Hunter uses similar technology but offers 4X and 6X magnification, longer battery life but the systems weighs more at 1.2Kg and 1.6Kg respectively.

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FLIGHT TRAINING

Military Flight

Training

Italy's Aermacchi M-346 Lead-In Fighter Trainer is in competition with Korea Aerospace Industries' T-50 for a number of lucrative contracts in the Asian region Š Aermacchi

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FLIGHT TRAINING

in

Asia Many Asian air arms aspire to acquire fleets of fourth, or even fifth generation combat aircraft in the next decade. Asia’s superpowers; China and India, have the budgets to re-equip their air forces with the best available aircraft but they will be next to useless unless they have trained their pilots to fly them, and to operate their state-of-the-art weapons systems.

by David Oliver

s these nations contemplate updating their fleets of frontline aircraft, they must also update the way they select and train pilots to both fly newly equipped aircraft, and prepare them to operate their advanced multirole capabilities. The region's military planners must understand the capabilities of the live training platforms currently available in the market place, as well as the other technologies such as simulation systems and embedded training systems.

They must learn how to better manage the costs of training, by finding a good balance between simulated, live and other teaching processes and before any of these processes can be adopted, aviation commanders have to look at the end product, namely what will the next generation of their operational pilots by flying when they graduate?

This is a classic chicken and egg situation. Which comes first? The answer may seem obvious. Resources must be committed to new training equipment and methods years before new types of aircraft come into

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service. For many countries with military budgets being squeezed, this is a daunting challenge.

The Philippines Air Force is one of the few countries in the region that does not have a modern jet combat aircraft in its inventory. It does have a small fleet of S-211 jet trainers and has recently acquired new SF-260F piston-engine basic trainers. In November 2009 a 13 percent increase in defence budget for Fiscal Year 2009/2010 was announced and the Air Force may be in the market for a new

Resources must be committed to new training equipment and methods years before new types of aircraft come into service.

For many countries with military budgets being squeezed, this is a daunting challenge APRIL/MAY 2010

combat aircraft in the future.

Several other countries with restricted defence budgets have chosen to acquire small fleets of relatively modern Russian combat aircraft. Bangladesh and Myanmar operate the MiG-29 while Vietnam has ordered the Su-27. However their training fleets are not capable of maintaining the high quality of training required to use the full capabilities of these frontline aircraft. The most capable training aircraft operated by Bangladesh and Vietnam is the L-39 Albatros, although replacing its PT-6 basic trainers is a priority following a recent 2.5 percent increase in the defence budget for Fiscal Year 2009/2010, while Myanmar has Chinese K-8 basic jet trainers and FT-7 advanced trainers.

The Sri Lankan Air Force’s combat aircraft include the Chinese F-7, the Israeli Kfir and Russian MiG-27. It also has an small fleet of K-8s and with little money to spend on defence following its protracted conflict with the Tamil Tigers, the Air Force has to rely on overseas advanced training for pilots flying

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The veteran Chinese FT-7 is still operated by several air forces in the Asian region including China and Pakistan Š PAF

its diverse fleet of frontline aircraft.

Thailand is expanding its frontline fleet with the acquisition of the fourth generation Saab Gripen and will use the two-seat version for advanced training. The Thai Air force is also looking to reduce the types of training aircraft it operates which includes the L-39 Albatros, Alpha Jet, F-5F and Pilatus PC-9.

Two of the largest air forces in the region belong to Indonesia and Malaysia. Both have a mix of modern western and Russian combat types; Indonesia operating the F-16 and Su-27/30, Malaysia the F/A-18 Hornet, the MiG-29 and the Su-30. They have large training fleets, Malaysia having more than 40 PC-7 basic trainers and 16 recently delivered former RNZAF MB-339CM advanced trainers.

Both use the BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer while Indonesia has a fleet of forty AS-202 Bravo basic trainers and SF-260Ws. With some 300 frontline combat aircraft of four different types on its inventory, including the locally-built F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo, the French Mirage 2000-5D and the US F-16 and F-5, the Republic of China Air Force has almost 200 training aircraft ranging from the

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indigenous AT-3 basic trainer to the two-seat F-CK-1B advanced trainer. Due to the sensitive political relationship with the People's Republic of China, it is unlikely that Taiwan will be able to acquire fourth generation combat aircraft in the foreseeable future but its flight training organisation is one of the most capable in the region.

Close neighbours South Korea and Japan are two of Asia's the top defence spenders.

Both have F-X programmes with plans to acquire fourth or, in Japan's case, fifth generation fighter aircraft in the next five years.

Both the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) have large modern training fleets and structures that would be capable of sustaining an F-X programme procurement. Many of the JASDF's training aircraft are of indigenous design and production, including the

new Fuji T-7 turboprop primary trainer, the Kawasaki T-4 intermediate jet trainer and the supersonic Mitsubishi F-2B advanced trainer.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) also supports its domestic aerospace indusASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

try having acquired more than 100 KAI KT-1 turboprop basic trainers. South Korea's goal is to 'transform its air force into an appropriate structure that enables air superiority and precision strike' and as a first phase of this ambitious programme the ROKAF has ordered 75 supersonic T/TA-50 advanced/lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) produced by KAI and co-developed with Lockheed Martin.

The KAI T-50 is head-to-head with the Aermacchi M-346 in a contest for a lucrative contract from another of the region's big spenders, Singapore. The Republic of Singapore Air Force has a requirement for 18

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new supersonic LIFTs to replace its ageing fleet of TA-4 and F-5 advanced trainers. It is part of a total upgrade of the Air Force's training programme which has seen the recent delivery of 19 Pilatus PC-21s being operated in Australia by Lockheed Martin Simulation Training and Support.

Pakistan is in a difficult position. It is

Thailand is expanding its frontline fleet with the acquisition of the fourth generation Saab Gripen and will use the two-seat version for advanced training

The export version of China's Hongdu JL-8, the K-8 basic trainer has been adopted by numerous Asian air forces Š David Oliver

expected by the West to fight terrorism on its borders, but has to rely on China for much of its military equipment. This is very evident within the Pakistan Air Force which is in the process of acquiring more than 100 Chengdu JF-17 light-weight multirole fighters, to be assembled by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and an undetermined number of Chengdu's fourth generation J-10 fighter.

However, its existing training aircraft of obsolete Chinese FT5s and 6s and two-

The Hawk 134 AJT is the first British aircraft to be ordered for the Indian Air Force in 50 years Š BAE Systems

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seat Mirage IIIs need to be almost entirely replaced if it is to raise the standard of pilots selected to fly the new combat types. The Air Force has an urgent requirement for an advanced trainer to fit in the training cycle between the K-8 basic trainer and the twoseat F-16B, but that decision has yet to be made.

The region's two superpowers, China and India are rapidly expanding their air forces, and both expect that a fifth generation fighter will enter service within the next decade.

However, both countries have serious training issues. China's PLAAF is introducing is new J-10 multi-role fighter to compliment its growing fleets of Su-27 and Su-30 attack aircraft but its flight training is lagging behind in both numbers and technology. The PLAAF has a large fleet of legacy aircraft such as the Shenyang JJ-6 and GAIC JJ-7, the newest type in the inventory being the Hongdu JL-8 basic jet trainer.

The PLAAF has an urgent requirement for a glass cockpit advanced/weapons trainer that will have to precede a fifth generation fighter into service, supplemented by state-of-the-

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FLIGHT TRAINING

It is unlikely that Taiwan will be able to acquire fourth generation combat aircraft in the foreseeable future but its flight training organisation is one of the most capable in the region

art full flight simulators and computer-aided training devices.

There are two contenders for China’s LIFT requirement, the Hongdu JL-15 Falcon and the Guizhou JL-9, the former inspired by the Russian Yak-130, and the latter an updated version of the MiG-21UB. Both are supersonic and fitted with glass cockpits and could be in service within the next five years. The introduction of either will require a considerable investment and a comprehensive reappraisal of the PLAAF's pilot

training programme with a greater use of state-of the art simulators.

The Indian Air Force's problem lies in the eclectic mix of East and West combat aircraft The Korea Aerospace Industries KT-1 turboprop basic trainer has been adopted for service with the Republic of Korea and Indonesian Air Forces © KAI

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The Indian-built HAL HJT-36 Sitara IJT in already some years behind schedule © HAL

– Russian Su-30s, MiG-21s, -23s, -27s and -29, French Mirage 2000s and Anglo-French Jaguars. Until recently, its training aircraft were sourced almost entirely from its domestic aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). These include the, HPT-32 piston-engine basic trainer and the HU-16 Kiran 2 primary jet trainer. Serious questions are now being asked about HAL's ability to develop the next generation of training aircraft now required as a matter of urgency.

The HPT-32 Deepak fleet was grounded last July after a series of engine-related accidents, forcing novice pilots to begin their courses on veteran Kiran jets. Its planned replacement, the HAL HTTT-40 is not scheduled to be in service until 2015.

In an unprecedented move, the world manufacturers of turboprop-powered basic trainers were invited by India's Ministry of Defence to submit bids by March 17, 2010 for supplying the Indian Air Force with a replacement for its current fleet of pistonpowered HPT-32s. The requirements was for 75 primary/basic instructional aircraft, the first 12 of which to be delivered within two years of contract signature, although the eventual requirement could be as high as 181 aircraft. A requirement for local manufacture ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

under license was not part of the bid invitation and the urgency for delivery would rule this out. Indeed, the urgency is such that no local design solution would seem possible.

The Indian Air Force's new intermediate jet trainer, the HAL HJT-36 Sitara IJT to be powered by the Russian NPO-Saturn AL-55I engine, is also suffering serious delays in its development. Potentially an even more serious problem with HAL's ability to manufacture a state-of-the-art glass cockpit jet trainer has been exposed by the licence production of the BAE Systems Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer. After years of negotiations, the Indian Air Force finally selected the Hawk AJT in 2006 and ordered 66 aircraft, 24

The Czech Aero L-39 Albatros conitues to be used as an advanced trainer by the Thai and Vietnamese Air Forces © RTAF

delivered directly from the UK and 44 to be licence-manufactured by HAL. The UK batch was delivered to Air Force Base Bidar on time but there have been serious delays in delivering the remaining Indian-built aircraft.

The delays of new basic, intermediate and advanced trainers has led to the Indian Air Force to review its entire flight training programme and may well postpone any decision regarding the procurement of 126 new fourth generation multi-role fighters, and an Indian version of Russia's fifth generation PAK FA. Although many countries in the region aspire to the latest in jet fighter hardware, they will be looking closely at how India deals with it flight training crisis and learn not to run before they can walk.

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Tactical Airlift requirements within the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly diverse, with numerous armed forces in the process of expanding their air transport capabilities through ongoing procurement and development programmes.

by John Mulberry any of the countries in the region incorporate vast areas, meaning that even transporting personnel and equipment within their borders can require an airliner with strategic reach; add to this movement outside their borders and airlift requirements become even more pivotal to a modern armed force’s ability to maintain its defence capabilities at a sufficient level.

The consideration of a government’s ability to transport troops, cargo and rotary wing

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assets over long distances is particularly timely, following January’s Haitian earthquake. After the 2004 Tsunami many governments around the world reassessed their ability to transport supplies in the event of a natural disaster, leading many to expand their existing capabilities beyond traditional sealift assets by developing their airlift assets.

During humanitarian relief operations, the key for armed forces is to be able to transport supplies as quickly as possible; strong strategic airlift assets allow troops and helicopters to be on the ground within 12-24 hours in

emergency situations, while transporting materials by sealift over the same distance may take anywhere up to ten days.

Humanitarian relief aside, multiple armed forces within the region are commanding increasing defence budgets, with regional powers, China and India both in the midst of massive structural overhauls of their defence forces, with airlift requirements playing a large part in this. Elsewhere, other nations are looking to update ageing fleets as the worldwide airlift workhorse – the Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules – approaches the end of its service life; while others undertake development programmes for indigenous designs.

The largest airlift aircraft in production with tactical capability, Boeing’s C-17 The largest tactical airlift aircraft in production, Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III drops supplies © USAF

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Airlift The C-130J Super Hercules is set to continue Lockheed Martin’s stronghold in the market © Lockheed Martin

Globemaster III, is seeing increasing deployment in the region following its widespread proven service with the US Air Force (USAF) since the 1990s. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) acquired the aircraft as its new heavy multi-role transport and strategic airlift aircraft in 2008 as part of its Air 8000 Phase 3 project, as an addition to its C-130 Hercules fleet. The C-17 is a high-wing, four-engine, Ttailed aircraft offering advanced capabilities and functionality, primarily the ability to deliver heavy loads of up to 160,000lbs long distances of up to 2,400 nautical miles - which can be extended by the aircraft's ability to refuel in-flight - and land on small unpaved airfields in all weather and light conditions.

In acquiring the C-17, the ADF has significantly enhanced its national and international operations capabilities. The C-17 has a cargo

capacity three times that of the Hercules, giving the ADF the ability to transport troops, cargo, and combat vehicles — including its Black Hawk, Seahawk and Chinook helicopters, as well as the army’s M1 Abrams main battle tanks — anywhere in the world.

Both South Korea and Japan are also believed to be considering the C-17 in a strategic airlift capacity, and earlier this year Boeing announced that the US government had received a letter of request from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Indian Air Force (IAF) requesting the potential acquisition of 10 C-17s via a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route to fulfil its outstanding Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft (VHLTA) requirement. India currently relies on an ageing fleet of Ilyushin Il-76 soviet era aircraft for heavy airlift; and is in the midst of a major APRIL/MAY 2010

overhaul of its fleet, through new acquisitions and upgrades. To fulfil its interim requirements until the C-17 contract is concluded, the IAF is due to take delivery of six modified Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules in 2011, also being acquired from the US government under a FMS. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most recent version of the transport fleet workhorse. The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop aircraft capable of take-off and landing on difficult, unpaved landing strips, originally designed as a troop and cargo transport and medical evacuation aircraft. With a payload of 20,000kg, the C-130 has held its place as one of the most widely deployed tactical lift aircraft in the world for decades, with a large proportion of the world’s armed forces deploying the aircraft or its variants in some capacity.

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The C-130J is set to continue Lockheed Martin’s stranglehold in the market, for some years yet and is widely considered as the most advanced tactical aircraft in production. Its mission flexibility is outstanding, capable of carrying out tactical and strategic transport, air-to-air refuelling, disaster relief, search and rescue, maritime patrol as well as fire-fighting and humanitarian missions. It out-performs its predecessor significantly, with new features including state-of-the-art, computer-controlled digital flight deck; a Dowty Aerospace advanced technology sixbladed composite propeller coupled to a Rolls Royce AE 2100 D3 turboprop engine, with enhanced range, speed and altitude abilities, and reduced crew requirement from five to three.

The C-295 is a flexible tactical asset © Airbus Military A400M take off

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Teetering on the void

Lockheed Martin’s growing success is widening the gap between its products and those of its biggest direct competitor, Airbus, with its A400M. Originally developed in response to the requirements of multiple European nations for a new generation military airliner as C-130 fleets neared the end of their service lives, the A400M programme has experienced significant technical difficulties, delays and setbacks, and has all but ground to a halt in recent weeks. Now $7.25 billion over its initial budget, the manufacturer was set to meet with the countries who have placed orders for the A400M as Asian Military Review went to press to discuss further funding to see the project through to completion. There has been speculation that the programme is on the verge of cancellation, with Airbus’ parent company EADS facing the prospect of several billion dollars in compensation payments for those

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The A400M takes off during its first flight trials © Airbus Military

governments who have placed orders. With so much to lose, it is more likely that Airbus will push on with the project, with 2012 the expected timeframe to see the aircraft finally begin deliveries – three years late.

On paper the A400M is a highly advanced aircraft, designed to double the payload of the C-130s it would replace, capable of performing strategic operations, tactical missions, and in-flight refuelling operations, while offering greater interoperability in multi-national humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. Its first test flight programme, begun in December 2009, has seen the company aggressively expand the flight envelope of the aircraft. At the Singapore Air Show in early February Airbus officials said that seven flights had been carried out at that date.

The design features characteristic Airbus technology, including fly-by-wire Flight Control System with sidestick controllers, flight envelope protection system, as well as high performance turboprop engines for civil incorporation, high flotation landing gear for short, unpaved airfield take off and landing, and advanced aerodynamics.

Within the Asia-Pacific, the only country to have ordered the aircraft is the Royal Malaysian Air Force, who ordered four in 2005. Despite delivery being pushed back to 2016, Malaysia announced in November 2009 that it would persevere with the programme, even as other countries walk away from the A400M; elsewhere, South Africa cancelled their order for eight aircraft in November. Other nations that may have been considering the aircraft are most likely

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The Japanese Ministry of Defence is developing an indigenous transport aircraft to replace the Kawasaki C-1 © Wikimedia

considering their options elsewhere in the market, with both the C-17 and C-130Js offering a more reliable and timely alternative.

The other major offering in the market from EADS is slightly down the scale, in the form of the EADS CASA C-295 medium lift aircraft. A further development of the earlier CASA CN-235, the C-295 is a twin turboprop aircraft designed as a stretched version of its predecessor, with high-wing and rear-load characteristics. The aircraft’s appeal lies in its short take-off (670m) and landing (320m) runs from semi-prepared runways, and impressive payload capacity for a medium airlifter of 9,250kg. The C-295 is being marketed as a lower-cost alternative to the C-130, but is as yet to see any confirmed orders from the Asia-Pacific region. This may be set to change shortly; along with the Alenia C27J, the EADS CASA C-295 is in the running to fulfil the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) requirement for a medium airlifter to replace their fleet of DHC-4 Caribou.

The Alenia C-27J’s development began in the mid 1990s when Alenia and Lockheed Martin formed Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) to jointly produce an alternative to the C-130J. Starting with the Alenia G.222 mediumsized short take off and landing (STOL) aircraft, and improving it with a number of C-130J features including the C-130J’s glass cockpit and Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engine and propeller design, the resulting aircraft was tendered for the US Army and US Air Force (USAF) Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) competition. LMATTS was dissolved and reformed with LG Communications and Boeing as Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) on Lockheed Martin’s exit from the consortium, and the aircraft’s success in the US has seen it become the favoured medium tactical lift aircraft on the market.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has had an ongoing requirement to fortify its tactical and strategic airlift capabilities for some time, in particular to replace its DHC-4 Caribou fleet, while rationalising its diverse transport fleet and maintain a good mix of heavy, medium and light airlifters. The last

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The C-27J is expected to see success in the medium lift market in the coming decade © C-27J Team

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of the Caribou were grounded in 2009, with a leased fleet of Beechcraft Air 300s and the existing fleet of C-130s and C-17s bridging the gap until a replacement is selected.

The ADF is seeking an aircraft with greater range, speed, payload and protection measures than the retired Caribous, as outlined in the 2009 Defence White Paper. With the service entry date of 2013, the most likely option is that the ADF will source an off the shelf aircraft, potentially through a US FMS. Of the contenders, the C-27J is the best fit with the existing fleet, with similar cockpit instrumentation as well as the same engines and propellers as the C-130J.

On paper the A400Mis a highly advanced aircraft, designed to double the payload of the C-130s it would replace

With two of the world’s three largest air forces; India and China, situated in the AsiaPacific, there is no limit to the indigenous development programmes that may emerge from the region within the coming decades.

India and China, as well as South Korea to a lesser extent, have serious ambitions within the defence manufacturing market. Armed with growing defence budgets and with major overhauls of their armed forces under way, both India and China are aiming to set themselves up as defence export centres, with government funding being pumped into home-grown design and manufacturing.

China’s Y-9 multi-purpose medium-sized transport aircraft, based on the Shaanxi Y-8, APRIL/MAY 2010

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is currently under development by the Shaanxi Aircraft Industry group. Little is known of the aircraft’s specifics, but it is believed to be at least comparable to the C130J, even if not exceeding it in general performance as was originally hoped.

In India, with the C-17 acquisition in its early days, the IAF is also looking to strengthen its medium lift capabilities; a role currently carried out by a fleet of AN-32 transport tankers, which are being upgraded to extend their service life. Along with comprehensive engine and avionics upgrade, the overall operational capabilities of the aircraft are to be enhanced for the short-term, until they are replaced by a new multi-role transport aircraft based on the Ilyushin Il-214 to be developed by India and Russia in a joint project. This will form a central part of the Indian government’s strategy to enhance the ability of its armed forces to deploy and operate across the globe, and to lift the IAF’s operational capabilities to a sufficient level to meet the strategic transport requirements of a country of such vast size as India.

Japan is also undertaking development of an indigenous transport aircraft, having begun the Kawasaki C-X programme in 2001 after failing to find a suitable off-the-shelf product. Being carried out by Kawasaki Heavy Industry to meet the specific requirements of the Ministry of Defence, the aircraft will feature a payload requirement of between 26-30 metric tons, and the ability to operate from short runways. The aircraft will replace the Japan Air Self Defence Force’s (JASDF’s) fleet of Kawasaki C-1 and C-130H.

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Elbit will now begin delivering on the Land 75/125 programme, worth an approximate $293 million © Elbit Systems

tender process to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RANs) ageing S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters, rather than acquiring a US aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.

Minister John Faulkner made the announcement on 25 February, and follows a marketing campaign by Australian Aerospace to source an aircraft to provide anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities for the RAN. The original replacement for the Seahawk fleet was the Super Seasprite programme, which was cancelled in 2007.

The two contenders in for the programme, known as the Air 9000 Phase 8 Naval Combat Helicopter programme, are the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-R and the NH Industries NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH).

The competitive process is expected to begin shortly, with a final decision about the replacement due in 2011 and first deliveries to begin in 2014.

A total of 27 aircraft are currently being sourced, but this number could be cut to 24 if budget constraints require it.

Asia Pacific Procurement Update AUSTRALIA Elbit Systems to provide BGC3 system to Australian Army

Elbit Systems has won a contract from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) for the supply, integration, installation and support of a Battle Group and Below Command, Control and Communications (BGC3) system as part of the Australian Army's Land 75/125 programme.

The contract, worth an approximate US$293 million, will see the integration of a Battle Management System (BMS) for soldiers, Vehicle Mounted Commanders, and Headquarters/Command Post staff as part of the BGC3.

When complete, the project will be a major milestone in the Australian Army’s plans to develop a networked brigade with cutting

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edge technology in battle management and communication systems, allowing the Army to conduct advanced network centric warfare that is more efficient, safe and effective for personnel. The Elbit Systems solution works to reduce the risk of casualties from friendly fire during operations, by increasing the commander’s battlespace awareness and automating combat messaging.

The selection of Elbit Systems for the project is a significant achievement for the company, whose Battle Management Systems are in operational use with more than 20 armed forces worldwide.

Australia begins competitive tender process for naval helicopters

Australia’s Defence Minister has announced that the government will run a competitive ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Raytheon wins Super Hornet support contract

Raytheon Australia has received the Training and Support Services Contract to support the Super Hornet training systems at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberly.

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, made the announcement on 11 March. The agreement will see Raytheon Australia provide ‘maintenance, logistics, and training services and support the Super Hornet flight simulators, visual environment maintenance trainers and electronic classsrooms’.

The programme that will see the delivery of the RAAF’s new fleet of Super Hornets is running on schedule, with the first aircraft due for delivery in late March, and the remaining aircraft to be delivered gradually throughout 2010-2011.

A total of 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets are being acquired to replace the RAAF’s ageing F-111 at the end of this year, and enhance the RAAF’s operational abilities as it moves towards a mature Joint Strike Fighter capability. The aircraft have been acquired to provide an interim fighter capa-

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bility until the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters become operational in 2014.

Australia makes AATTS changes

Australia’s Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) contract is to be enhanced following the signing of a change proposal with Boeing at an estimated value of AU$44 million.

The updated contract will strengthen Boeing Defence Australia’s training capability and ensure the Australian Army maintains a steady supply of qualified helicopter pilots, aircrew and technicians in support of military operations.

Boeing has been supporting the Australian Army’s Black Hawk and Kiowa helicopter fleets with pilot, aircrew and technician training; as well as fleet maintenance and logistics support at the Army’s Aviation training centre, situated in Oakey.

Boeing will also now be delivering B-206 Kiowa-based Initial Army Pilot Helicopter Qualification courses; 85 per cent of the pilot training for S-70A09 Black Hawk fleets; and CH-47 Chinook Helicopter instructor and technician training.

The updated contract includes the uptake of a one-year extension of AATTS as optioned in the original contract. A total of five one-year extensions are possible under the agreement.

MALAYSIA Malaysia scraps MiG-29N decommission plans

Kuala Lumpur has reversed plans to decommission its ageing MiG-29N interceptors by the end of the year, announc-

Australia to acquire new CH-47F Chinook fleet

The Australian government has given second pass approval to the acquisition of seven CH47F Chinook helicopters for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as part of Project AIR 9000 Phase 5C. The new Chinooks, being procured at an estimated cost of AU$755 million, will replace the ADF’s existing CH-47D fleet that have been in service since 1995, enhancing the medium-lift capabilities until around 2040.

The current Chinook fleet, operated by the C-Squadron of the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment out of Townsville, performed a range of vital roles for the ADF, including the tactical transport of combat units into battle, carrying out frontline aero-medical evacuation, and performing disaster relief operations.

Minister for Defence, John Faulkner, praised the capabilities of the outgoing fleet, but admitted that increasing capability and support issues with the ‘D’ model aircraft had contributed to the replacement of the fleet. The ‘F’ model is expected to provide a robust rotor-wing capability, with strengthened airframe, improved deployment abilities, and digital systems for safer flying.

The aircraft being procured are in similar configuration to the world’s principal CH-47F operator, the United States Army, simplifying ing plans to continue operation of 10 of the existing fleet of 16 aircraft until 2015.

The government had previously announced plans to ground the fleet at the end of 2010 and replace the fleet with a new aircraft. The change in plans is due

Kuala Lumpur has reversed plans to decommission its ageing MiG-29N fleet © AJB

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spare parts sourcing, support, and training processes for the ADF; as well as some additional equipment specific to ADF operational and safety requirements. The aircraft are expected to enter service between 2014 and 2017.

RAAF’s C-130J Hercules to undergo upgrade

The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) C-130J Hercules fleet is to undergo a multinational development partnership upgrade programme to ensure the fleet continues to meet its full capabilities.

System obsolescence will be addressed under the AU$45 million contract, as well as maintaining coalition compatibility, and ensuring the aircraft continue to comply with global air traffic standards. A number of operators including the US, the UK, Denmark, Norway, Canada and Italy will also receive the upgrades as part of a multi-national Block Upgrade Programme as part of the C-130J Joint User Group Global Project Arrangement.

The C-130J fleet carries out air logistics support, aero-medical evacuation, search and rescue, troop transport, and airdrop operations for the RAAF, both nationally and internationally. The upgrade will allow the fleet to continue in this role, as well as providing combat airlift in the Middle East, while complying with international airspace requirements. to economic budgets constraints, with only $2.07 billion earmarked for defence and security spending during the period 2011-2015 under the latest Five Year Malaysian Plan. The majority of this money will be spent on missiles, bombs and ammunition, leaving insufficient funds to source a replacement for the MiG-29N fleet.

The fleet has been plagued by problems throughout its service life with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, with maintenance and spare parts becoming increasingly expensive to carry out, with the ageing engines requiring annual overhauls. If the aircraft are continue in service they will require an upgrade as the weaponry on the fighter jets has reached the end of its life span.

Malaysia’s tight defence budget has also delayed the purchase of rotor-wing and early warning and control aircraft at least until the end of the 2011-2015 period.

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Marpol regulations of the International Maritime Organisation, the ships feature a double hull to give greater protection to the fuel tanks, and lessening the risk of pollution in the event of collision or damage to the outer hull.

INDIA India to operate AW101 medium-lift helicopters in VIP transportation role

AgustaWestland has won a $765 million contract from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to supply 12 AW101 medium-lift helicopters for government transportation. The first two helicopters are due for delivery within the next 24 months, and the remaining ten aircraft will complete delivery by the end of the following year.

AgustaWestland beat of competition from Sikorsky and (later disqualified) Kamov for the contract. The aircraft will be based at the Palam Airport outside New Delhi, and will replace the IAF’s Russian Mil Mi-8 Hip fleet currently used in a VIP transportation capacity.

Under the tender, issued in September 2006, the winning aircraft was required to be able to operate at heights between 14,000 and 18,000 ft, at 200 km per hour in all light and weather conditions; as well as operating with low vibration, and anti-nuclear, biological, and chemical weapon capabilities.

The contract also includes five year logistical support service for the fleet, as well as start up crew and technical training. The aircraft has a service life of 30 years.

AgustaWestland commented on the deal, pointing toward their significant and growing presence in both the military and commercial markets in India, as part of the company’s expansion strategy into the Asian region.

Indian tankers to receive Northrop Grumman Integrated Bridge Systems

Northrop Grumman is to supply its integrated bridge systems (IBS) to the fleet tankers

NEW ZEALAND New Zealand selects Lockheed Martin for logistics contract

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has awarded a ten year contract to Lockheed Martin for warehousing and repair services for the Army.

The contract, worth over $100 million, includes maintenance, repair and overhaul of equipment and supply chain services;

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Indian P-81 aircraft to receive BAE Systems mission computer systems

being built by Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri for the Indian Navy (IN).

The terms of the contract have not been disclosed; Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine unit is to fit its complete Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT IBS system to the two 175 metre tankers that are scheduled for delivery to the IN in 2010-2011.

The Sperry Marine VisionMaster FT IBS system consists of radars, electronic chart display and information systems, adaptive selftuning autopilots, gyrocompasses and repeaters, speed sensors, echosounders, differential GPS and other navigation subsystems and sensors; as well as supplying the tankers’ inertial navigation and data distribution systems, which are to be interfaced with the combat management system. The system also features built-in redundancy and survivability due to all systems being duplicated.

The first of the tankers was launched in February at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano. The tankers will serve as supply and logistical support vessels with the IN, and each vessel is equipped with double hatches to enable refuelling of four vessels at the same time. In accordance with the

The Indian Navy has selected BAE Systems to develop the mission computer system suite for its P-81 maritime patrol aircraft.

The eight P-81 long-range reconnaissance aircraft are being acquired from Boeing under a contract signed during 2009, with India selecting the P-81 aircraft to replace its Tupolev Tu-142M fleet. The deal marked India’s biggest ever military aircraft deal with the US. The multi-mission aircraft was developed by a Boeing-led team, and provides a broader range of capabilities to operate over land or water while performing a range of tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and long range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.

The BAE Systems computer system will provide ‘superior interoperability for the future battle space’ according to BAE Systems, and allow India to carry out for effective maritime surveillance and patrol missions. The system suite is flexible and ruggedized; with a processing platform that can be configured to meet the input, output, video, voice and graphics processing needs of the operator. Delivery for the computer system to Boeing is slated for 2011; and India will receive the first P-81 in 2013 with the remaining seven introduced throughout 2014-2017. Boeing will also provide lifetime maintenance support for the fleet.

and allows for syndication with other New Zealand agencies including the New Zealand Police Force, for which Lockheed Martin could also assume warehousing and facilities maintenance work.

The New Zealand Army hopes the contract will provide logistics solutions for the improved availability and supply of equipment, to ensure current operations can be sustained while improving

capabilities in the future. The Army’s operations are expanding rapidly, and include peacekeeping, United Nations missions and defence exercises that require capable logistics management. Their land assets include over 500 vehicles, both heavy armoured and light support vehicles. The contract will begin in June 2010 following the transition from current logistics providers.

A BAE Systems mission computer system suite will equip India’s P-81 maritime patrol aircraft fleet © Boeing

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PAKISTAN Pakistan and the US strengthen military cooperation

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has taken part in a military-to-military joint aerial refuelling information exchange in early March with pilots and aircrews from the US Air Force (USAF).

The event took place at the Pakistani Air Force Base (PAFB) Chaklala on March 3rd as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen cooperation and develop the aerial refuelling capabilities of both the US and Pakistan.

US Aircrew from the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron conducted air refuelling and procedure training aboard their KC-135 Stratotanker. Senior officials present included US Navy Vice Adm. Michael LeFever, the senior US Defence Representative to Pakistan; the PAF air

SOUTH KOREA South Korean orders eight P-3CK aircraft

The South Korean government has ordered eight refurbished P-3CK aircraft at an estimated cost of $550 million in response to North Korean activity in the disputed Yellow Sea border zone.

South Korean forces already operate eight P-3C Orion aircraft, and the new fleet are to be fitted with improved surveillance equipment and enhanced weaponry, including Harpoon Block II air-to-ground missiles, to target North Korea’s ‘coastal artillery units or missile launchers’.

The P-3C Orion aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin, support anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, and enhance the

THAILAND Royal Thai Army selects Enstrom 480B helicopters

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is to receive sixteen 480B advanced turbine training helicopters under a contract with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. Seven different manufacturers were in competition for the contract, with Enstrom announcing their

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transportation director, Air Commodore Tahir Ranjha; and the PAF Chaklala commander, Air Commodore Khalil Ahmed.

Pakistan is eager to augment their aerial refuelling capabilities ahead of the delivery of another batch of F-16 later this year. Pakistan is acquiring a new Lockheed Martin F-16 fleet as part of their ongoing programme to modernise their air strike capabilities in an effort to counter the violent extremist threat within the country.

The US is also due to deliver 1,000 sophisticated laser-guided bomb kits to the Pakistan government later this month, giving the country greater strike power against Taliban insurgent forces. The MK-82 500 lb bombs were delivered in February, and the guidance kits still to be delivered will provide laser technology to guide bombs to specific targets.

operators’ ability to perform maritime surveillance in littoral and deep-water environments; as well as search-and-rescue, drug interdiction, economic zone patrol, early airborne warning and electronic warfare. The aircraft works draw data from aircraft sensors and other platforms to create a single integrated tactical picture of the battle space, allowing commanders to have better situational awareness and shorten decision time cycles. The P-3 Orion is operated by the US Navy and 16 other allied nations.

South Korea also announced new naval firing zones off its shores, and banned ships from the area, following North Korea’s decision to fire over 300 shells into waters near the Yellow Sea border in January.

bid had been successful in February.

A delegation of RTA officials visited the company’s manufacturing facilities in Menominee in October where they flew the Enstrom 480B and piston powered F28F. The army is believed to have been greatly impressed with the aircraft’s impressive flight capabilities and advanced avionics.

The 480B will be used as a training air-

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SINGAPORE Singapore looks towards enhanced anti-sub warfare capabilities

The Singaporean Minister for Defence has praised the major leap forward in the capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces following anti-submarine exercises carried out on March 14 on board RSS Stalwart in the Pacific Ocean.

The exercise involved two RSN newly integrated Sikorsky S-70 naval helicopters and the Formidable Class stealth frigate, and showcased the greater antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities of the 3rd Generation Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The Sikorsky S-70 helicopters will bring enhanced maritime security for the Navy as an extension of the frigate through their impressive mobility and speed. Able to travel at a speed of 140 knots and cover the same distances five times faster than the frigate, the helicopter allows the Navy to conduct faster surveillance at enhanced distances, giving greater operational flexibility in maritime operations.

Naval and Air Force training for the integration is being carried out with the US Navy. When complete, the 9,600 kg aircraft, equipped with missile torpedoes will be capable of taking out enemy submarines, and together with the frigates, will dominate much greater areas of sea and air than currently possible.

The exercise was part of a larger United States Navy (USN)-led exercise held from 8 to 15 Mar in the Pacific Ocean, just off the waters near San Clemente Island. In total, the RSN will field six naval helicopters, one for each of its stealth frigates.

craft with the RTA, as well as search and rescue, surveillance, and disaster relief; all of which the aircraft is well suited for thanks to its in-built flexibility, EFIS and tactical radio systems.

Originally constructed for military instruction, the 480B turbine helicopter has been recognised as a training platform with significant capabilities.

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advanced sensors. The RQ-4 provides the capability necessary to gather information critical for responding to natural disasters or to keep coalition troops safe while they keep us safe.

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