ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW - June 2010 issue by Armada International & Asian Military Review

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Contents JUNE 2010 VOLUME 18 / ISSUE 4

Soldier Modernisation Programmes in Asia

Front Cover Photo: US Marines, climbing a hill in Djibouti during April. Soldier modernisation poses particular challenges for militaries seeking to operate in the AsiaPacific region. Temperature extremes, high humidity and difficult terrain mean the soldiers, their equipment and the vehicles they operate can quickly reach the limits of their endurance © DoD

Adam Baddeley Modernising the dismounted soldier has for many years been a NATO-centric pursuit, reflecting the initial lead those countries had. Today, several Asian militaries are developing their own Soldier Modernisation Programmes and in some cases are overtaking programmes elsewhere, which began years earlier

Adam Baddeley Satellite Communications is proliferating accompanying, enable and enhance almost every military activity today. Satcom of some form is now within the means of all military budgets, creating a dynamic market and allowing enabling network centric solutions to emerge across the region

Tom Withington In an ideal world, the commander on the ground would have a constant view of every nook and cranny of their area of operations, 24 hours a day. Though not complete, the expansion of unseen coverage of the battlefield is still giving commanders critical intelligence

Amphibious Warfare Capabilities Grow Tom Withington Whether it is disaster relief at home, supporting overseas deployment or a conventional assault from the sea, navies in the Asia-Pacific are rapidly expanding their capabilities and experience in this area

Covert Battlefield Surveillance

Satcom Expands in Asia

Homeland and Border Protection Gordon Arthur The Mumbai attacks highlighted deficiencies in border and homeland security not just in India but throughout the Asia-Pacific. New technologies, strategies and tactics are being urgently sought and adopted throughout the region to avoid repeating these mistakes

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38 UAVs in Asia Dzirhan Mahadzir South-East Asia’s geography and terrain, comprising long coastlines, large undeveloped and sparsely habited areas, vast bodies of water and numerous scattered islands, make it a region where UAVs should be in high demand, if only to patrol and survey its territories cheaply and effectively

Russia develops key defence presence in Asia Andrei Chang & Adam Baddeley Russia’s defence relationship with the Asia Pacific spans many decades supplying most of the key weapons systems on land, sea and air in the inventories of the region’s superpowers: China and India, and many others relying on the country’s designs for their defence

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The US and other militaries are having that debate now.

To what extent has counter-insurgency skewed defence investment? There has been an enormous effort to optimise troops for counter-insurgency warfare in terms of equipment, technology and tactics, techniques and procedures. Billions of dollars have been and billions more will be spent in the next few years.

The US however clearly believes that its recent experience of large scale counter-insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t the one it will apply in the future. Robert Gates, US Defence Secretary has called this, “forced regime change followed by nation building under fire.” But when is the time to shift gears and allocate funds into a broader based force posture, reallocating funds to conventional war fighting and in terms of counter insurgency, crafting an approach that is less manpower intensive and more technology driven?

Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Italy/UK Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 E-Mail: sam@whitehillmedia.com

USA (East/South East)/Canada Margie Brown, Margie Brown & Associates. Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email :margiespub@rcn.com

t’s often said that militaries prepare for the last war they fought, but today the question also being asked by many militaries is should they be continuing to prepare for the wars they are already in, at least on the scale of recent years?

However, even the US is drawing down in Iraq and due to begin its withdrawal from Afghanistan in July next year.

France/Spain Stephane de Remusat, REM International Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 E-Mail: sremusat@aol.com

South Korea Young Seoh Chinn, Jes Media Inc. Tel: (82-2) 481 3411/13 E-Mail: jesmedia@unitel.co.kr

Editorial

This is a consideration for other countries too. Countries from the region are deployed in Afghanistan today, a list which also includes Australia, Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand. This issue doesn’t simply touch upon the countries directly involved. Many countries seeking full spectrum capabilities look to other for the military lessons that their own experience thankfully doesn’t provide. Many other states in the Asia-Pacific Region have an enduring challenge from terrorism and insurgency and look for any advantage from examining others’ experiences. For countries such as the Philippines, with an enduring link with the US and a military presence aiding their own counter-insurgency fight the lesson come directly. India’s relationship with the US is also becoming very close.

Is counter-insurgency a hiatus in the process of ‘normal’ defence conducted against states or should irregular enemies be seen as the norm? Each military will have a different or differing answer but all will be driven to find solutions that cut costs. The experience since 2001 has shown not that one way of warfare is more prevalent than another but that anything can happen and that all contingencies must be planned for. Adam Baddeley, Editor

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

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MODERNISATION

Soldier Modernisation

Leading the

Way France’s FELIN programme was demonstrated at DEFEXPO this year © AJB

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Programmes in Asia: Modernising the dismounted soldier has for many years been a NATO-centric pursuit, reflecting the initial lead those countries had. Today, several Asian militaries are developing their own Soldier Modernisation Programmes (SMP) and in some cases are overtaking programmes elsewhere, which began years earlier. by Adam Baddeley ne area where Asia is at a disadvantage in SMP terms is the relative physical size of their soldiers, which impacts the maximum overall system weight. In Singapore, whose accelerated schedule for its Advanced Combat Man

System (ACMS) programme is outpacing all others, the programme has 22Kg of load available, representing a third of the weight of the average Singaporean conscript soldier which is 66Kg. This ratio is designed to generate a maximum suitable load for a soldier. For Canada’s Integrated Soldier System

Programme, the average professional soldier’s weight is calculated at 82Kg, providing a system load goal of 26.2Kg. The difference of 4.2Kg, is a considerable advantage in SMP terms, where small savings in weight are actively sought. In Afghanistan, however, these limits have been massively exceeded. The US Marine Corps and British Army studies in Afghanistan and Iraq found that loads being carried by their servicemen regularly exceed 70Kg.

India

India’s F-INSAS (Future Infantry Soldier As A System) SMP programme provides a useful insight to the dynamics in the market in Asia in term of international solutions being offered. The programme is divided into three phases. The first covers new weapons and person-

SOLDIER

MODERNISATION al equipment including body armour, the second covers new sensors supporting target acquisition and the third and final phase will cover new personal radios and C2/SA system. Acquisition of INSAS’ first phase is currently underway, with India issuing an RFI for 160,000 carbines in January. The third phase of the F-INSAS programme is expected to begin no earlier than 2015. The situation is complicated by the advent of India’s BMS programme and poor delineation between this and Phase 3 of F-INSAS. Phase 1 of BMS, valued at RS 350 Crore, calls for three battalions to be equipped by 2012, some years before F-INSAS selects its C4I element. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) continues to undertake research into F-INSAS with seven of the organisation’s 54 separate laboratories working on related work. This includes a 1.1Ghz wearable computer which also uses a DRDO Situational Awareness application. India recent opening up of its defence market has provided opportunities for a number of companies to offer their solutions, often developed from solutions for other national programmes for the specifics of the Rockwell Collins Helmet Mounted Displays are used by Singapore’s ACMS programme and are being offered to other countries © AJB

Indian market. Rheinmetall Defence, the system integrator on Germany’s IdZ-ES programme, is already active in India, teaming with Tulip for the BMS integration. A pre-series contract for ten IDZ-ES ensembles was awarded by Germany in December with deliveries due by the end of 2010, ready for trial in 2011. India’s Alpha Technologies established a joint venture with Israel’s ITL Lasers and intends to offer the latter’s Advanced Infantry Soldier System for the FINSAS requirement. Northrop Grumman’s solution in soldier modernisation is based upon their offering for the US Ground Soldier Systems (GSS) programme, known as the Soldier Link System which uses C2CE as its C2 software which is part of a family of C2 products known as C2PC and ICS which would have applications for India’s BMS programme. Thales is working with Indian firm Rolta have continued their relationship to offer the Miltrak system coupled as its soldier SA core and offered as part of a solution dubbed the Comm@nder Contact Soldier Systems which expands into a wider BMS. The solution includes sensor components such as the Lucie night vision goggles adopted by France’s FELIN and Germany IdZ-ES programmes, as well of its Sophie target acquisition binoculars. Other elements include a Torso computer based on a solution supplied to Norway’s NORMANS SMP programme with information provided by combination of tablet computer, PDA and HMD device. The UK acquired an early version of Miltrak for its Enhanced Local Situational Awareness systems, an Urgent Operational Requirement which currently equips troops in Afghanistan. At DEFEXPO, the French Army displayed demonstrated its FELIN (Fantassin à Equipements et Liaisons Intégré) integrated soldier programme systems to the Indian military, the only overseas military to do so. Primed by Sagem, France has now ordered a total of 22,588 FELIN systems with the systems recently successfully passing its EVTO operational test in 2009. For the export market, EADS and Sagem have come together to create the Warrior 21 system, the first success being the IMESS system for Switzerland. Within the joint effort EADS is responsible for the C2 and with Sagem providing sensors such as the hand held JIM target acquisition device. EADS contribution is ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

based on its experience in delivering Germany’s IdZ-Basic Systems now in service and is also the prime contractor for Spain’s Comfut System. The Warrior 21 system is designed to be agnostic regarding a number of systems. Although EADS used the Thales SOLAR radio in IdZ-BS and Sagem its in-house RIF radio on FELIN, in Switzerland they integrated a third radio, the Kongsberg’s SR600. The two companies have yet to determine whether to offer Warrior 21 or to go it alone in India. At Defexpo, Sagem displayed an almost entirely FELIN based system, with the substitution of the FAMAS based weapon systems with the Warrior 21 weapon mounted control unit, installed on an AK47. The device is designed to be fitted to almost any weapon. Italy’s Soldato Futuro programme is being primed by Selex Communications and is scheduled to be ready for deployment in 2011. The system is currently being trialled as part of the Italian Armed force’s digitization test battalion or USD. Selex’s strategy for exporting the system is as a partner with local suppliers. It offers a core system, based around wearable computing and communications systems, while being able to integrate country specific sensors and legacy systems through an open architecture. Israel has become a well established system supplier in India. Elbit’s Dominator Systems is based on Israel Defence Force’s

India’s F-INSAS programme provides a useful insight to the dynamics in the market in Asia

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Rheinmetall’s IdZ-ES ensemble is in final testing with the Bundeswehr. The company has a number of links with companies in the region © AJB

Integrated Soldier System, which successfully completed its company trials last year and is progressing towards battalion testing. Elements of the Dominator have been included in Australia’s Land 125 Phase 2 system. Elbit were also selected by Slovakia support the development of the country’s Prokrocily Individualny Bojovy System (PIBS) or Advanced Individual Combat System in a two year phase begun in 2009. Raytheon have developed a number of soldier modernisation devices. A C2 application, Tactical Small Unit Situational Awareness is designed to run on open source hardware and uses Google Android as its operating systems also using Google’s mapping software. The company is also accessing flexible low power wearable display technologies and its Boomerang warrior technology, through its recent BBN Acquisition to enable acoustic based shot detection from two shoulder mounted sensors.

Asia-Pacific programmes

In Australia, the Land 125 programme has delivered its Phase 2B equipment. This comprises the Selex Personal Role Radio, enhanced combat helmet, personal protective padding for the knees and elbows, Individual Combat Load Carriage Equipment - known colloquially as ‘Icicle’ and the Thermal Weapon Sight, the Qioptiq VIPR2, carried at a section level. The first element of the follow on Phase 3 will deliver a Battle Management System – Dismounted, which is due for selection during 2010, the

system successfully put forward by the project team comprised an Elbit Systems BMS, Raytheon Microlight radio carried at platoon HQ level and narrowband Harris AN/PRC152 down to lower levels with information displayed on both a monocular and tablet display. Phase 4, likely to be tasked with achieving an integrated soldier system, will not be considered for initial approval before the middle of 2010. Australia currently uses the ITT PVS-14 NVG. Under Project 53, new night vision goggles are likely to be acquired. ITT is currently developing the Dual Sensor Night Vision Goggle is developing the optically fused Thermal Imaging and Image Intensification system similar in concept to the existing US Army AN/PSQ-20 ENVG goggle but designed for export. The PVS-14 goggle is also used by Singapore and the company’s Generation III tubes are in service with Thailand, Korea and Japan. The first battalion has recently equipped with ACMS in January 2010 with the focus for the SAF moving to equipping its mechanized forces with the ACMS system. While ST Kinetics has provided the integration for the systems, the approach has taken component systems from companies around the world including the SSR radios from Selex Communications and the SO35 Helmet Mounted Display from Rockwell Collins. The programme began in 1998 with the first demonstrator systems rapidly working up to company level and representative battalion level exercises which concluded in 2009. The trials showed that information dissemination speeds doubled with the accuracy of enemy reporting rising from 30 percent to 80 percent. The first phase of South Korea’s programme is due to begin in 2016 with completion scheduled by 2020. Japan began allocating funding for its Advanced Combat Information Equipment System (ACIES) future soldier programme in FY09 although work has already been undertaken updating the Type 89 assault rifle to include rail mounted accessories Malaysia too, some would say somewhat stung by Singapore’s success with ACMS, has initiated its own programme known as ‘Future Soldier’. At LIMA in December, Sapura who are the prime con-

tractor for the 1System, national C2 network and manufacturer of the Thales F@stnet system under licence had on show a SMP ensemble, consisting of the Thales St@rmille radio and Miltrak SA system. Domestically, the Malaysian armed forces can access the national Tetra network, however other soldier radios have been acquired, most notably the MAF Pasakau Special Forces, who use the Harris RF Communications RF7800S SPR radio. New Zealand’s SMP efforts use similar systems to Australia’s Land 125 Phase 2B. New Zealand have arguably placed more emphasis on digitizing naval boarding parties which have operate a systems developed by Cobham Defence Communication using a marinised version of company’s Integrated Digital Soldier Systems using Cobham’s WaveHawk Command Information System (CIS) Software, coupled with a mix of the firm’s Eagle Close Combat Radios and Raytheon’s DH500 radios. Cobham is now offering the system to a wider audience as the Marine Interdiction Operations System. Danish firm Terma is offering a competing system known as C-RAID which also links Inshore Patrol Vehicles and Rigid Inflatable Boats within a CIS network.

Italy’s Soldato Futuro is being modified to incorporate lessons learned from Afghanistan © AJB

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Brunei have acquired a modest number of Harris 7800S radios as part of a wider CNR deal inked last year. In C2 terms the big news for Brunei is the decision to acquire IJOCCS. The core of the system is Northrop Grumman’s C2PC and while currently the requirement is for a high level system, the system can be scaled down to the individual soldier. A number of companies have tightly integrated C2PC for individual and low level situational awareness, notably with the Selex PRR, Harris radios and the Thales AN/PRC-148 MBITR.

Afghanistan

While indigenous programmes amongst Asian nations progress, the region is also becoming a crucible for SMP development, specifically in Afghanistan. Germany fielded its IdZ-BS system with units operating in Kunduz, Afghanistan as part of ISAF. This was followed by the US in 2008 by the deployment of Land

Cobham’s soldier systems equip Royal New Zealand Navy boarding parties © AJB

Warrior with the 4/9 Manchu Battalion and associated supporting units to Iraq. This has been crucial to the systems development with considerable ergonomic changes being implemented to the system while in theatre and has also provided a combat validation of the system. In Afghanistan, a brigade of Land Warrior ensembles, equipping the 5/2 Stryker Brigade was deployed in July with the discussion of a second Brigade being similarly equipped. Another battalion of the systems is being acquired for the 3rd Battalion 5th Special Forces Group with this system for delivery in early 2010. The US has recently started a new programme; Ground Soldier System (GSS) with a goal of deliver 11,538 GSS systems to team leaders and above from 2012, in a five year production cycle. Three companies; General Dynamics, Raytheon and Rockwell Collins

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were developing competing systems under the programme. GSS in that it is mandated several by systems and components, namely the Raytheon Microlight Radio which will subsequently be replaced by the Riflemen Radio being developed by the Joint Tactical Radio System and using the Nacre Quietpro and Peltor headsets, FBCB2 sourced SA software as well as Glenair sourced ‘Mighty Mouse’ connectors. The first FELIN regiment equipped will be equipped in the part trimester of 2010 which could potentially see the systems deployed with ISAF from 2011, allowing an operational combat deployment to further

ITL’s AISS will be offered to meet India’s F-INSAS requirements © AJB

refine the system. Italy has used Afghanistan not to test its Soldato Futuro systems per se but rather elements within it, notably the new Beretta ARX160 assault rifle which has seen a number of ergonomic changes to the weapon based on that experience. Precursors to the UK’s Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) have seen their first service in Afghanistan. This includes the ELSA and Synergistic Individual Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SISTA) UORs, the latter providing elements which have also been selected for the first increment of FIST STA. These include the lightweight infantry periscope provided by Uniscope, Vectronix’s Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module and Moskito targeting system, Elcan’s SpecterOS lightweight day sight and Qioptiq’s FIST Thermal Sight and will be deployed in Afghanistan from 2011. The C4I increment for FIST has recently been submitted for approval in early 2010 and is still awaiting approval.

Joint programs

The first FELIN regiment equipped will be equipped in the part trimester of 2010 which could potentially see the systems deployed with ISAF from 2011

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The leading exemplar of service based solutions for Milsatcom is the UK’s Skynet PFI programme for which a fourth satellite is to be launched in 2013 © Paradigm

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Satcom expands in

Asia

Satellite Communications (Satcom) is proliferating. Satcom capable systems, both dedicated and multi-role solutions, the latter also integrating terrestrial communications, are populating patrols and fire teams in foxholes and dusty hamlets, commanders in vehicles conducting manoeuvre warfare, at headquarters in theatre and back in the home country, enabling reachback for political direction, logistics support and intelligence databases. by Adam Baddeley

atcom systems accompany, enable and enhance almost every military activity today. While the most capable solutions are only affordable by the United States, the past decade has seen both a rapid reduction in the cost of satcom and a similar increase in availability of bandwidth. In response, satcom of some form is now within the means of almost every military, creating a dynamic market and enabling network centric solutions to emerge across the world.

National systems

The US operates the most complete suite of satcom and milsatcom assets in the world. It is currently undergoing a major reshaping and modernisation of its constellations, with several programmes delivering the next generation of satellite technology. At the high end of capability is the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) programme, designed to ensure mission-critical strategic networks that operate in any circumstance. Six satellites will service US needs with Canada, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom also signing up and funding the programme. AEHF will provide ten times more capacity and support six times more users than the Milstar satellite it replaces. Its Wideband Global System (WGS) programme, now three strong and planned to rise to six and potentially eight, is already supThe Boeing led WGS programme is now operational over Asia and the Middle East with Australia funding the acquisition of a sixth satellite ÂŠ Boeing

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In 2010, France indicated it would sell its Thales Alenia Space built Syracuse milsatcom constellation and then lease back capacity

The CVG Small Ship Variant installed on a USN Mine Counter Measures vessel developed under the Commercial Broadband Satellite Program © CVG

porting users across Asia and the Middle East. A single WGS satellite provides the same bandwidth as the twelve DSCS III satellites it replaces. Australia’s WGS satellite partnership with US has paid for the launch of the additional, sixth satellite. Canada, as part of its strategy has looked at the Australian approach as a potential way forward. The Global Broadcast System, installed on number of satellite provide one way transmission of data such as detailed maps or ISR imagery to over 1000 terminals world wide. Other key capabilities include the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), designed for lightweight mobile users. While the US is an established Milsatcom user, others countries are joining the ranks of national satcom owners. Germany is a recent adopter of a national system, acquiring the two satellite COMSATBw constellation,

Harris GCSD provide the CBSP terminals equipping large USN vessels such as amphibious ships © Harris

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being delivered by EADS Astrium, with the first satellite being launched in October last year and becoming operational in April. The first joint military-civil satellite by the Republic of Korea, is Koreasat 5, based on Alcatel Space’s Spacebus-4000C1 and which takes milsatcom technologies from France’s Syracuse programme for its X-band military payload with Ku and C band capabilities offered in its civil payload. Rather than do everything themselves, countries are beginning to outsource milsatcom capabilities. This is noticeably true of countries who have previously operated their own military satellites for decades. The UK’s Skynet 5 is the premier example of this. The service is provided under the UK’s Private Finance Initiative by Paradigm Secure Communications, using a combined X and UHF band constellation, provided by EADS Astrium, based on its Eurostar E3000 bus design and implementing advanced antijam and beam shaping technology. Paradigm provides the UK with its requirements and is free to sell spare capacity to other nations. Originally planned to be a two strong constellation and initially bringing in earlier Skynet 4 satellites before the latter fail, the network was subsequently expanded to three, with a fourth satellite now planned for launch in 2013. Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, NATO, the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA all use Skynet 5, with the latest signatories being the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Norway. In 2010, France indicated it would sell its Thales Alenia Space built Syracuse milsatcom constellation and then lease back capacity, with ten percent being available for other countries on a commercial basis. A third Syracuse payload will be placed on Italy’s Sicral 2 satellite with five

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SHF transponders and one UHF transponder on the satellite. The US-Spanish XTAR initiative is a joint venture between Loral Space and Communications and HISDESAT, provides a combination of military X-band and civilian Ku band over two satellites with defence customers including Spain, the US and a number of European users. This service approach is also being adopted by organisations too. NATO for example has contracted Thales to provide satcom ground infrastructure in place over a 70 node network throughout Afghanistan, linking intra-theatre headquarters and Provincial Reconstruction Teams. Another solution are hosted payloads, where military payloads piggyback on commercial satellites hosting their own normal civilian capability, with the latter driving the schedule. Australia, under its Joint Project 2008 is acquiring a UHF payload on the Intelsat IS-22 communications satellite to be launched in 2012. Australia has previous

IAI have developed a range of SOTM solutions which includes the EL/K-1892 terminal © AJB

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pursued a hosted payload strategy with SingTel/Optus C1 satellite, from which the Australian DoD leased transponders. The US is exploring this option through programmes such as the Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) programme with Cisco, hosted on the Intelsat IS-14 satellite. Leased commercial services provide the majority of military satcom today. There is no alternative, in the absence of coverage and capacity by military networks. That is not to say the military welcomes such reliance. Future demands are unpredictable and commercial entities may not have satellites in position where needed and unsold capacity spare. In addition there are issues of frequency interference and cyber attacks, against which militaries may be prepared but many commercial companies simply are not. This is driving militaries to look at adapted commercial solutions that have ‘hardened’ services. One example is the use of the Iridium Network used by thousands in the US and other militaries, the former accessing it through the EMSS contract. To

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Satcom is being extended down to the lowest tactical echelons © DoD

secure handsets, a Type 1 module can be quickly fitted to approved Iridium handsets for secure communications and the DoD has also set up a dedicated Government EMSS gateway in Hawaii which the US and some allies, such as the UK have access to. Small, highly mobile tactical forces have previously been limited in their access to satcom, often limited to UHF voice satcom. The advent of Satcom On The Move (SOTM) is providing voice, data and video to commanders’ vehicles at company and even platoon level. L-3 and General Dynamics Vertex RSI have provided SOTM solutions to the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical programme. DRS and Thales have both developed SOTM C2 systems for land and naval applications. While SOTM enables broadband links, there are other battlefield satcom implementations that use a much narrower set of capabilities but nonetheless having a significant impact on the conduct of operations. Operation Iraqi Freedom was the first large scale use of Blue Force Tracking (BFT) capability by the US, tracking the progress of vehicles and groups of dismounted soldier and enabling limited text messaging. Northrop Grumman’s off the shelf BFT for the international market is known as Kodiak. It uses the Iridium or Inmarsat networks, matched with an EMS Satcom satellite gateway and operates with the C2PC battle management software providing an

interoperable SA picture. BFT applications that use satcom but premium on efficient use of available bandwidth. Norwegian firm Teleplan for example was developed a successful Blue Force Tracking software, designed to use solutions such as Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya and VSAT as well as terrestrial communications. As countries explore and implement network centric solutions, satcom becomes more Orbit's TVRO Satellite System on a Navy vessel © Orbit

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relevant as it links up the advanced AEW&C solution, SINGINT and ISTAR aircraft that are beginning to reach the region’s inventories. Airborne satcom links place a design premium on aerodynamics with high-drag, parabolic, satcom radomes, once being necessary are now being replaced with flat plane antennae. One example is Raytheon’s advanced multiband communication antenna system which provides a 22cm aperture solution. L-3 Communications West provides the SHF band airborne terminals on the UK Sentinel/ASTIOR aircraft. IAI’s EL/K-1891 mobile/airborne SATCOM terminal is designed for X or Ku band after having been developed for the Israel Air Force’s F-16I and AISIS SIGINT aircraft. Thrane and Thrane are providing the US Air Force with a number of its airborne satcom terminals; Aero-I, AeroHSD+ and future Inmarsat Aeronautical SATCOM, which can offer data rates of up to 492 Kbps per IP channel. Fleets at sea need the same high capacity communications as their land based brethren. For many states with a maritime focus, and particularly those tasked with operating in an archipelagic environment where naval vessels can operate as a ready floating headquarters for joint operations. A major presence in commercial satcom at sea

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will be the US Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP), designed to continue the US Navy’s (USN) policy of augmentation of Milsatcom with commercial solutions and replace the current Commercial Wideband Satellite Program (CWSP) and Inmarsat terminals such as the Saturn B. Three terminal variants are being delivered’ the Small Ship Variant developed by CVG, which equips vessels in the minesweeper size; frigate and destroyer class vessels having the Unit Level Variant and the Force Level Variant equipping carriers and similar, both being provided by Harris Government Communications Systems Division. Beyond the two prime suppliers include ComTech and ViaSat, CPI and General Dynamics. The USN has noted significant overseas interest in the terminals, which can be acquired via FMS or direct sales. The programme supports Ku band to all terminals with FLV also having access to C and ULVs accessing X-band. Current satellites used by CBSP include AMC, Intelsat, New Skies, Telstar and Eutelsat. The FLV variant provides up to 21.4 Mbps over C and Ku band up from 4Mbps today. CBSP SSV terminals will be capable of delivering close to 881 kbps over Ku band. CBSP will equip 230 ships. In 2009 the USN had an allocation of 258Mbps over 46 channels with 102Mbps provided by CBSP/CWSP with further 6.5Mbps being proved by Inmarsat. Orbit Technology Group is providing its OsSat Stabilized Mobile Satellite Communication and Tracking Antennas to the French Navy enabling high speed, two way connectivity in both Ku and C band.

Norway conducted the Barents 2009 Search and Rescue exercise in the Kuola Peninsula. This tested their joint response to a traffic accident with trucks carrying radio active waste. Outside normal terrestrial networks, a local wireless LAN linked to an Inmarsat BGAN terminal is allowing first responders to reachback to operational and regional HQs. Logica’s Merlot series is a range of applications, merging a variety of communications including satcom, TETRA and 3G for to provide a C2 solution for emergency and paramilitary forces up to the control room level. Iridium phones remain a key element of individual satcom communication and they are ubiquitous in any military deployment

today. With the advent of S-band services voice and medium high data rates are possible in a ‘smart phone’ format, without the bulk antenna associated with earlier handsets. The handsets also allow normal 2G and 3G communication allowing the user to switch to a more expensive satcom network only when terrestrial networks are unavailable. US firm Terrestar launches a North American service this year with similar services scheduled to be available in Europe from 2011 with the headsets enabling two way satcom communication. Once these commercial links are proven it is only matter of time before they are used by military and military specific applications are fielded.

Emergency response

While many users in the region do deploy overseas as part of international missions requiring satcom links back home, at least as relevant to them is satcoms’s ability to link troops and first responders in their own country. Isolated sites such as jungles and mountains lack terrestrial links even in normal circumstances and there is also a need to reconnect locations that have lost their communications infrastructure due to natural disaster. In 2009 Russia, Finland Sweden and

Fleets at sea need the same high capacity communications as their land based brethren

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BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

Weather conditions, such as those seen in this photograph, can greatly restrict knowledge of an enemy’s intentions, however unattended ground sensors which can see through the gloom can provide vital intelligence on hostile activities © DoD

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

Covert

Battlefield Surveillance In an ideal world, the commander on the ground would have a constant view of every nook and cranny of their area of operations 24 hours a day in order to thoroughly dispel the ‘fog of war’ with an exact, real time picture of the tactical situation as it unfolds. They would have the location of every sniper, improvised explosive device and suicide bomber in the urban jungle unmasked, along with every reconnaissance team, mortar battery and forward air controller revealed in the forests and valleys. by Tom Withington

echnology is still a long way from this ‘Holy Grail’, and although Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are playing a major role in providing a bird’s eye view of the battlefield, they still struggle to see through foliage, and to determine the origin of a gunshot in the middle of town. Yet troops on the ground and commanders in headquarters depend on being able to see enemy movements, perhaps through dense foliage, and to know when their enemy is moving vehicles in readiness for an attack. Moreover, soldiers need this information during the day and in the dead of night. At the same time, they cannot of course watch every part of their immediate locale in an unblinking fashion. They have missions to perform, meals to eat and sleep to catch. Fortunately help may be at hand from the Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS). Advances in radio communications allow discreet, battery-operated sensors to

be deployed in disparate locations, perhaps around a fire base or a squad of troops in bivouacs; where they can return imagery, sound, seismic and magnetic detection information data to their human operators at a laptop screen. UGS products can save lives and they also need not be expensive. Costs have been kept relatively low for the crop of UGS products surveyed in this article thanks to the use of Commercial Off-TheShelf (COTS) technology. Furthermore, from a legal point of view, the development of UGSs has also allowed the fielding of a vastly more humane protection system,

Advances in radio communications allow discreet, battery-operated sensors to be deployed in disparate locations JUNE 2010

compared to the anti-personnel mines which had previously been used to safeguard a perimeter. Given the casualties that the US Army has sustained from attacks on its bases, vehicle-borne and dismounted troops, it is perhaps unsurprising that the force is pouring considerable investment into fielding UGSs for its troops in the field, and for those who will go into battle during tomorrows’ conflicts. For example, the US Army’s now-defunct Future Combat System (FCS), which has been transformed into the Brigade Combat Team Modernization (BCTM) programme has seen several of the elements of erstwhile FCS carried through into this new initiative, such as the unattended ground sensors that will be rolled out as part of the BCTM project. The UGSs to be used by to this end include the small-sized, tripodmounted AN/GSR-9(V)1 Tactical UGS (TUGS) for open area, roadside and perime-

BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

The T-UGS sensors themselves have a modular construction enabling them to perform several missions in September 2009 which put the systems through their paces during a series of battalion-level exercises. Textron is not only providing UGS technology to the US Army, it is also outfitting the US Marine Corps with the battery-powered Advanced Air Delivered Sensor (AADS). Using both acoustic and seismic detection, the AADS is delivered from an aircraft and penetrates the ground on impact. Using satellite communications (SATCOM) the sensor will be able to relay its data back to a central node along with its Global Positioning System (GPS) location. The AADS harks back to the days of the Air Deliverable Seismic Intrusion Detectors (ADSID) which were used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War to sense movement along the Ho Chi Minh Trail running from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to South Vietnam, to aid air-to-ground interdiction efforts against the People’s Army of Vietnam’s logistics network. ADSIDs were equipped with a geophone to detect the motion of humans and vehicles at ranges of between 30m and 100m respectively. Other wares in Textron’s UGS portfolio include the Terrain Commander which is a Joining the T-UGS as part of the Brigade Combat Team Modernisation initiative is the AN/GSR-10 Urban Unattended Ground Sensor. The U-UGS is tasked with providing soldiers with situational awareness in the urban environment © DoD

ter radiological and nuclear agent detection, and general Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations using a Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) cameras and air sampling sensors. Textron is responsible for the constructing the T-UGS which will be connected to a gateway linking these sensors to higher echelon command and control networks. The T-UGS sensors themselves have a modular construction enabling them to perform several missions, along with providing EO/IR imagery and air sampling detection, including seismic, magnetic and acoustic sensing to provide an accurate location of both personnel and vehicles. In February, the US Army has begun Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the AN/GSR-9(V)1. LRIP of the accompany-

ing UGS for the BCTM initiative, the AN/GSR-10(V)1 Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain Advanced Sensor System (U-UGS), has also been authorised. The AN/GSR-10 which has been designed for use in the urban domain to provide surveillance of convenient hiding places such as stairwells, and subterranean tunnels and, like the AN/GSR-9(V)1, links back to higher echelons of command via a wireless datalink connecting to the gateway. The decision to begin LRIP follows tests at Fort Bliss, Texas A team of troops head off to distribute unattended ground sensors around their locale. The development of UGS technology has afforded troops an infinitely more ethical means of securing their perimeters compared to anti-personnel mines © DoD

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

Formerly part of the now-cancelled Future Combat System, the AN/GSR-9(V)1 unattended ground sensor has been carried through into the US Army’s replacement Brigade Combat Team Modernisation initiative © DoD

man-portable product, which includes acoustic, seismic, EO/IR and magnetic sensors that are tied together to a central node. The company notes that the Terrain Commander can provide round-the-clock remote surveillance from its portable Command and Control Station. The Terrain Commander’s sensors can acoustically detect a truck at 500m, a tank at 2,500m and a helicopter at 10,000m. In terms of the performance of its EO/IR sensors, these can recognise a vehicle at 500m and personnel at 150m. Moreover, long-term deployment of the system is not a problem given that the sensors have around 30 days of battery life. Joining Textron as a significant supplier of UGS products is L-3 Communications which developed the AN/GSR-8(V) Remotely

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BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

Monitored Battlefield Sensor System-II for the US Army, better known as ‘Rembass-II’, along with the AN/GSQ-257 UGS set for the USMC, and the AN/PRS-9 Battlefield AntiIntrusion System. The Rembass-II is used widely by the US forces most notably by its Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and also Special Forces troops. Moreover, this UGS is providing the basis for the United States Air Forces’ Air Deliverable Remote Sensor System (ADRSS). As its name suggests, the ADRSS is designed to be despatched by either UAVs, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. The AN/GSR-8(V) uses acoustic, seismic, IR and magnetic detection via its accompanying Mk.2965, 2966 and 2967 sensors. Tracked vehicles can be detected at a range of around 350m, and personnel at 75m distance. Detection data is transmitted using Very High Frequency radio transmissions at ranges of up to 15km, although this can be extended by the use of either a UAV-based communications relay, or a repeater radio station to the AN/PSQ-16 hand held monitor from where the ADRSS is controlled. Northrop Grumman is also outfitting the US Army with the Scorpion UGS which combines magnetic and acoustic sensors which offer a detection range of up to 30m for personnel and up to 100m for vehicles. The system can also use EO/IR cameras. Scorpion can be deployed from long periods as it retains sufficient battery power for up to six months’ operation. The radio link used by the sensors allows them to be connected up to two kilometres apart via the use of an encrypted satellite link which reaches back to the system’s remote gateway. What is more, in terms of ease of movement, the Scorpion UGS can be carried in two rucksack loads. Along with L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin has also developed an air-droppable UGS in the shape of the Surveillance Collection and Observation Unit, better known by its SCOUT acronym. Combining acoustic, seismic and EO sensors with a range of up to 20 km, SCOUT connects these sensors together via a 3034MHz datalink which can handle up to 22 kbps of data. Detection ranges for the camera are 250m and 400m during the night and day respectively, while the EO sensor has a range of up

In the urban environment, one of the biggest threats to deployed forces comes from snipers

to 350m. Lockheed Martin is also responsible for the Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) which is mounted on an aerostat. Although not strictly a UGS, the PTDS’s primary function is to watch ground activity in the same fashion as its earth-bound counterparts surveyed above. The attributes of the product in this regard have been noted and in November 2006 Lockheed Martin won a contract to provide these aerostats to the US Army. The PTSD is equipped with an EO/IR payload to watch the locale, and has its gaze directed by radar towards any objects of interest. Joining L-3 Communications and Lockheed Martin as a UGS provider is Harris Communications, which is arguably better known for its tactical radio product line. That said the company is responsible for the RF5400VH Falcon Watch system which connects various sensors to Harris RF-5400VH-MS/SS communications nodes. These nodes can

support a single passive IR (12047-373X), magnetic (12047-372X) or seismic (12047371X) sensor (in the case of the RF-5400VHSS), or several sensors in the case of the RF5400VH-MS. These sensors have a detection range of 15m for vehicles and 50m for personnel, in the case of the 12047-371X; 25m for vehicles and three metres for personnel for the 12047-372X, and up to 100m for personnel and 50m for vehicles vis-à-vis the long-range version of the 12047-373X. Harris’s RF5410 sensor management and RF-6910 C2PC-CNR situational awareness software can be loaded onto a laptop computer to control the Falcon Watch, and the addition of the RF-5400VH-RU radio relay can increase the range of the sensors. However, the production of UGS is not restricted to North America. A number of European companies provide similar systems which include Selex Galileo’s Hydra Networked Surveillance product. Using a secure radio network, sensors can be deployed at ranges of up to 500m from the central sensor node. The systems’ cameras offer a detection range of QinetiQ’s Ears family of wearable gunshot location and sniper detection systems have a high degree of versatility and can be carried by individual troops or alternatively mounted on vehicles © DoD

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

BATTLEFIELD S U R V E I L L A N C E

Lockheed Martin’s Persistent Threat Detection System uses an aerostat to provide a detailed view of activity in the surrounding area. The aerostat is equipped with electro-optical and infra-red cameras to support this mission © DoD

between five metres (for a human) and 25m (for a vehicle). Meanwhile, Hydra’s acoustic sensors can detect a light wheeled vehicle at 50m and a heavy vehicle at 500m, with fixed and rotary aircraft detected at up to three kilometres. As well as using acoustic and camera-based sensors, Hydra can work with magnetic, seismic; chemical and biological detectors. These sensors link back to a local, handheld operating terminal. Alternatively, Selex Galileo also notes that Hydra can be

linked into a customer’s command and control architecture. Away from Italy, Sweden’s Exensor produces the UMRA Multisensor 1G ID system, primarily for vehicle detection, although the product can also detect people at a range of up to 200m, and uses battery-powered acoustic, seismic and magnetic sensors linked to a deployable central computer. These sensors are linked back to their computer via a 15km range line-of-sight 138-144MHz radio

The United States Air Force used unattended ground sensors during the Vietnam War, notably systems such as Air Deliverable Seismic Intrusion Detectors to detect activity on the Ho Chi Minh trail © DoD

JUNE 2010

connection. The central computer system is basically a laptop with the necessary UMRAwin software on board with takes the sensor data from the radio base station. UMRAwin is programmed to match the sensor data it receives with an in-built library of vehicle signatures, providing the user with an indication of the kind of vehicle that is in their vicinity. The UMRA Multisensor 1G ID has entered service with the armed forces of Finland, France, German, Sweden, the United Kingdom and United States. Moreover, like Hydra, the UMRA Multisensor 1G ID can be used either as part of an integrated C2 system, or as a stand-alone product. As well as using the UMRA Multisensor 1G ID, the French armed forces are obtaining Thales’ SPECTRE (Système de Protection des Éléments Terrestres) Area Protection infrastructure following a 2006 contract award by the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement). Using a combination of sensors, SPECTRE will provide warning and notification of intruders and threats across a wide area. In the urban environment, one of the biggest threats to deployed forces comes from snipers. Space is insufficient to discuss all of these products in detail, but some notable UGSs are on the market in this regard. They include AAI’s Protection, Detection and Cueing (PDCue) Gunshot Detection System which uses acoustic technology to pinpoint the origin of a gunshot. Joining the PRCue is BBN Technologies’ Boomerang shooter detection system, of which around 1,000 are operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sniper detection systems are also using infrared technology. To this end, Rheinmetall and Diehl BGT have joined forces to produce the a 360° surveillance system known as First which scans the sky five times per minute and warns the operator, via algorithms, of any new objects (such as bullets) in the sky. Products like First, and UGS, may not fully dispel the fog of war, but they will undoubtedly enhance and improve the general situational awareness of military personnel, and the security of their bases and installations.

ROSOBORONEXPORT ROSOBORONEXPORT A

reliable defence of littoral areas is the most critical task facing South-East Asian countries.The Rosoboronexport Corporation offers several versions of the Tornado missile/gunboat to successfully discharge the afore-mentioned task.Tornado warships can equally well operate both in littoral area, and shallow waters, such as navigable rivers, river mouths, and other ‘narrow’ water areas. Tornado-family ships have a full displacement of 560 tons, a length of 61.45 m, and a beam of 9.6 m. CODAD diesel engines, ensure a full speed of 26 knots, while the water jets ensure high manoeuvrability and propulsion in shallow waters.Tornado warships are based on stealth technologies, which increase their concealment. Tornado-family ships are fitted with the SigmaE Action Data Automation Weapon Systems (ADAWS). It ensures battle management through integration of radio-electronics into a single system and automation of weapon systems employment. Being able to generate tactical environment data either for itself or a task force, any Tornado-family warship can act as a

command and control (C2) ship. Given a wide employment of automatics, the crew strength amounts to 29-39 men depending on the ship version. Rosoboronexport offers its customers three main Tornado versions.The first one is armed with the Grad-M system, designed to destroy coast-based area targets.The weapon system does not need describing in detail, since it is a shipborne version of the worldwide renowned Grad multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS). A simultaneous salvo of two 20-tube launchers, firing 122 mm rockets, can reduce to dust any target at a range of 5 to 20 km and clear a beachhead for a landing party. Some of the weapon systems, mounted on Tornado warships, are unique.The highly efficient 100 mm AK-190 Universal gun mount, designed to kill sea-, coast-, and air-based targets, is placed in front of the pilot house. Fire control is exercised with the help of the unique Laska-M system, featuring a radar and an optronic channels. Air defence is provided by the 3M-47 Gibka SHORAD system, firing Igla infrared seeking

missiles.The launcher fires single fire-and-forget missiles or salvos of two such missiles.Targets are engaged at a range of 500-6,000 m within an altitude envelope of 5 to 3,500 m.The system is designed to kill both air and small-size surface targets. Air defence systems, mounted on Tornado gunboats, are enhanced by two 30 mm AK-306 six-barrel gun mounts and a pair of 14.5 mm MTPU heavy machine guns.They can also engage surface and coast-based targets.The stern and the fore are equipped with pedestals for three 7.62 mm machine guns. In addition to that the gunboat may be fitted with the Anapa-ME dipping sonar, designed to detect combat divers, and the DP-64 anti-saboteur grenade launchers. Besides, two PK-10 decoy systems are mounted on each side of the stern behind the superstructure.They are designed to boost the efficiency of the gunboat’s air defence.The PK-10 systems launch decoys to break the track of or seduce the optronic seeker of an incoming threat missile. The inclined slip, closed by a stern ramp, accommodates a fast inflatable boat with an aluminium-alloy bottom. It is

FORMIDABLE TORNADO FROM RUSSIA designed to conduct sea rescue and search operations, as well as land reconnaissance and sabotage parties.The design of the slip allows the inflatable boat to be launched when the warship is on the move. The second Tornado modification, a missile boat, differs from the first version in its Uran-E anti-ship missile systems, which replaces the Grad-M MRLS system. Anti-ship missile launchers are mounted in amidships.The Kh-35E missile, launched by the Uran-E system, has a range of 130 km. It is worth mentioning that the operational range of the Tornado missile boat at a cruising speed has grown up to 2,300 nautical miles.The same Tornado variant can also be armed with supersonic anti-ship missiles, launched by theYakhont system and featuring a range of up to 300 km.TheYakhont system has replaced the Uran-E anti-ship missile system. TwoYakhont launchers are placed behind covers in the aft. The third variant slightly differs from the first two versions. It is an offshore patrol vessel (OPV), based on the Tornado gunboat. Its dimensions

have somewhat been increased.The OPV vessel has a length of 64.8 m, a draught of 2.2. m, a full displacement of 600 tons, an operational range of up to 2,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.The armament suite has been modified in compliance with the mission. It includes a 30 mm AK-630 or AK-306 six-barrel gun mount, two 14.7 mm heavy machine guns, and three 7.62 mm machine guns. Air defence capabilities have been augmented by eight Igla MANPADS. However, the main difference of this version from other Tornado-family boats consists in the helipad.The helipad can accommodate helicopters with a weight of up to four tons.The OPV vessel is capable of discharging the entire range of tasks, pertaining to economic zone and territorial waters protection. The standardised platform and highly standardised armament and electronics of Tornado-family littoral warships allow quite a powerful force to be established at a relatively low cost.Tornado-family littoral warships can carry out a wide scope of missions in littoral areas from patrols (Version 3) up to strikes against enemy

AMR Marketing Promotion

ships (Version 2). At the same time they (Version 1) can provide fire support to friendly marine and ground forces. Tornado-class ships, offered by Rosoboronexport, have a flexible open architecture. At the request of the customer both the armament suite and the ship propulsion plant can be modified, and other specific requirements can be met.The great modernisation potential allows the ships to be upgraded for years to come.This fact will considerably husband resources, while maintaining a high combat efficiency of warships. The Russian Navy has already had a chance to appreciate combat capabilities and performance of the new Tornado gunboat.The Project 21630 first-of-class ship, named Astrakhan, entered service with the Caspian Flotilla in 2006 and has since proven its worth. Two more gunboats are being completed at St. Petersburg-based shipyards and will soon be commissioned. Several more Tornado-family ships are expected to be built under the Russian Navy comprehensive re-equipment programme.

HOMELAND S

Homeland & Border Protection:

New Technologies Apart from a vast military, China also relies on armed police for internal security. This WZM551 6x6 armoured vehicle belongs to the PAP ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

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 ÂŠ Aermacchi

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

HOMELAND S

and Threats for

Asia

On 26 November 2008, India was stunned when a squad of Pakistani terrorists began wreaking havoc in Mumbai. After departing Karachi, ten Islamic militants transferred to a hijacked Indian fishing vessel. The well-primed gang landed in Mumbai on an inflatable dinghy, thus avoiding all border checkpoints. by Gordon Arthur

he team then infiltrated Mumbai to their designated targets and proceeded to shoot weapons and throw hand grenades. After a 59hour gun battle, elite National Security Guard (NSG) commandos finally ended the deadly episode at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 08:00 on 29 November. By the time the audacious Islamic-extremist attack was over, 173 victims lay dead and just one Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist had been captured. What was most alarming was India’s unpreparedness and disjointed response to this Pakistani-controlled operation that exploited GPS, Google Earth, mobile phone and Blackberry technologies. It took hundreds of policemen, NSG commandos and regular soldiers to subdue just ten attackers! An official report later criticised the emergency-response leadership, a failure to act on intelligence warnings, inadequate police weaponry, plus the absence of any Mumbai SWAT team. The Delhi-based NSG had to be brought in, and even then there was no helicopter available to transfer them from Mumbai’s airport. The commandos lacked advanced communications gear and floor plans of their objectives. Another deficiency was the failure of coastal radar and port patrols to pick up the intruders.

The threat

India’s “26/11” highlighted deficiencies in border and homeland security (HLS). There JUNE 2010

were 756 terrorist and insurgent attacks worldwide in the month of January 2010 alone, and Asia has more than its fair share of HLS threats. Some nations seem to have intractable security problems – for example, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Thailand – though one notable success was Sri Lanka’s military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in May 2009. The Philippines faces ongoing insurgencies from the communist New People’s Army, as well as Islamic secessionist groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Some security issues peak at particular junctures, as was the case in the lead-up to Philippine national elections when 57 died in a chilling ambush in Maguindanao province in November 2009. Global expenditure on HLS in 2010 is estimated at $50 billion, driven by the bigspending USA. Experts predict Asia-Pacific HLS expenditure will increase 110 percent by 2015 to $15.8 billion annually, with India and China alone growing 390 percent in this period. The Asia-Pacific region offers tremendous growth potential for defence companies. Most money is being spent on airport and port security measures, although the regional level of technology adoption is lower than in Europe and North America. HLS and border threats appear in many guises in Asia-Pacific’s cultural, linguistic, religious and geographical melting pot - violent extremism; terrorism; criminal gangs; piracy; narcotics and human smuggling; weapons proliferation; weapons of mass destruction (WMD); chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks; pan-

HOMELAND S

demics; and natural and manmade disasters. Military, police and internal security agencies are thus required to counter a variety of threats. Nuclear proliferation and the danger of attacks by groups like al-Qaeda mean WMD threats loom large. On 7 February 2010, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented, “The biggest nightmare that many of us have is that one of these terrorist-member organisations within this syndicate of terror will get their hands on a WMD.”

Unmanned Vehicles

Historic security paradigms relied on “guns,

gates and guards”, but technology is heralding new changes. Galvanised by military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the utility of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), especially against asymmetric threats, has been repeatedly demonstrated. The 20th century has seen an explosion in UAV use, with year-on-year double-digit growth throughout the last decade. Unmanned technologies are attractive because of lower costs and reduced risks to operators. At the recent Defexpo exhibition in Delhi, held 15 months after the Mumbai attacks,

Despite all the technology in the world, it behoves the soldier on the ground to interdict illegal elements. Here a Philippine Navy SEAL boards a suspicious vessel © Gordon Arthur

India showcased new technologies for its security forces. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased robotic platforms and unmanned systems like the Netra Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) and Takshak Disrupter Mounted Robot. Although few countries can afford UAVs as large as the RQ-4 Global Hawk, most nations are employing smaller systems. India’s Nishant UAV is one such craft destined to serve in border areas like Jammu and Kashmir where Pakistani extremists regularly infiltrate. Drone technology is well-suited to such remote areas, especially when bad weather might ground piloted aircraft. South Korea is another country ramping up indigenous UAV development for land and maritime border ISR. Korean Air’s KUS-9 and Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) Night Intruder 100N are hoping to win future contracts. Furthermore, KAI’s prototypical weapon-carrying K-CUAV illustrates the attractiveness of unmanned combat aerial vehicles in the mould of the American MQ-1 Predator. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV market is also set to expand with systems like Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8 Fire Scout, thanks especially to their ship-borne utility. For Asian nations with remote borders and vast coastlines and territorial waters to protect, UAVs offer an economic way of doing so. Israel is a world leader in the UAV field,

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

HOMELAND S

Japan relies on the coast guard for maintaining order in its territorial waters, though its funding levels are significantly lower than those of the JMSDF © Gordon Arthur

and numerous Asia-Pacific countries operate Israeli-manufactured craft. Israel also utilises Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) like the Guardium from G-NIUS (an Elbit SystemsIsrael Aerospace Industries (IAI) joint venture). The Guardium has been patrolling Israeli borders since 2008. Its 300kg payload can include electro-optical and thermal cameras, microphones, loudspeakers, two-way radio, small-arms detection system and CBRN “sniffers”. Such systems can be used to patrol remote borders, with the benefit of reducing risks to border guards. The costsaving and life-saving advantages of UGVs for tense land borders such as in India, Thailand or on the Korean Peninsular are obvious. The deployment of UGVs beyond their current explosive ordnance disposal role has not really taken off in Asia yet. Although their potential is yet to be realised, confidence in UGVs should grow in coming years. Lethal and non-lethal weaponisation of UGVs will be another trend. For example, India’s DRDO is currently perfecting a GunMounted Remotely Operated Vehicle suitable for counter terrorism and hostage rescue missions. Remote weapon stations (RWS)

mounted on armoured vehicles are becoming more commonplace in Asian countries, with these offering personnel complete underarmour protection. One weakness for many Asian nations is maritime border security, and this is where Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) come into their own. The USV market is yet to gain true recognition, although unmanned craft are ideal for coastal, port and harbour security. Singapore, an advocate of high-tech weaponry, is exploring the use of such craft. ST Electronics has developed the 9m-long Venus USV, which can be equipped for mine countermeasure, force protection, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, maritime surveillance or precision-fire missions. In the present trend of navies seeking smaller and faster craft for coastal and port protection, USVs represent a cost-effective solution.

Other technologies and equipment

New technology is being mooted as an HLS panacea, often because of the vast areas that need to be protected and a limited supply of funds with which to do it. Technology indeed has a force-multiplying effect, and this is illustrated by the spectre of automated surveillance systems along frontiers. India is currently seeking a Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) that allows forces to cover more JUNE 2010

territory with fewer people. At Defexpo, Raytheon was offering a BSS solution featuring increased radio bandwidth transmission at ranges of up to 35km. Helicopters and aircraft with ISR equipment are also indispensable for effective border control. Ironically enough, new digital technologies designed for national security can often aid adversaries in their quest to create mayhem. Cyber-warfare is correctly considered a serious HLS threat, with militaries in many

Many countries suffer security problems in Asia, and while new technologies are being employed, funding remains an issue

countries leading efforts to shore up national computer networks. In June 2009 the USA established a four-star cyber-command, and cyber attacks on Google accounts in China rapidly became an international diplomatic issue when the US government waded into the fray. Australia inaugurated its Cyber Security Operations Centre within the Defence Signals Directorate on 15 January 2010, Defence Minister John Faulkner stating, “Cyber attacks on government and critical infrastructure constitute a real threat to

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In the wake of 26/11, India is looking for new counterterrorism equipment. This is Metaltech Motor Bodies’ innovative two-man A-TAC armoured buggy © Gordon Arthur

Australia’s national interest.” South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence established a cyber-warfare centre in mid-January 2010 to counter threats emanating from North Korea. Even Vietnam is getting in on the act, with plans to invest $42 million over the next decade to secure sensitive information from cyber threats. Some aspects of HLS are usually a civil rather than military responsibility. In the USA, 21,000 containers enter ports daily, of which only 4 precent are inspected. Handheld radiation detectors are useful, as are non-intrusive inspection systems like mobile portals for detecting radioactive materials. Biometric identification is in its infancy in terms of large-scale border control usage, although the USA is leading the way with its US-VISIT immigration system that

We increase the security of peopleÔs everyday lives.

Defence & Security. Networking the Future. © Photos: Crown Copyright/MOD, www.photos.mod.uk, Bundeswehr/Piz Marine, Getty Images, Fotosearch

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One weakness for many Asian nations is maritime border security, and this is where Unmanned Surface Vehicles come into their own

matches fingerprints and facial photographs against a criminal database. However, it is not just state-of-the-art technology that military forces need for HLS. Many underfunded Asian military forces lack even basic equipment that would make their job much easier. One member of the Philippine Marine Corps confided to the author that terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group were often using night vision goggles that were simply unavailable to the military. Provision of suitable vehicles is crucial for successful internal security missions. India is currently seeking new mineresistant patrol vehicles to equip its military and paramilitary forces. At Defexpo, competing mine-resistant vehicle designs from

Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors and BAE Systems were all being promoted. Similarly, Thailand recently acquired 87 South African REVA III 4x4 mine-resistant vehicles specifically for duty in the restive southern provinces that suffer an average of 23 attacks per month. These specialist vehicles are obviously much more effective than riding motorbikes, which is what commonly occurred previously.

Plugging the gaps

It is all very well to tighten frontiers, but this does little to reduce the overall threat if gaping border holes remain elsewhere in at-risk countries. In response Israel is a leader in unmanned technologies, with its product range including the Guardium from G-NIUS that is used for border protection ÂŠ Gordon Arthur

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UAVs such as this Heron I from IAI are an important technological tool that is incredibly useful for border and homeland security © Gordon Arthur

to reinforced border security, groups like Jemaah Islamiyah simply shift people/materiel transportation to poorly monitored maritime or land borders. Some culprits with porous borders in Southeast Asia are Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. These archipelagic nations are attempting to counter rampant maritime infiltration by pirates, terrorists and criminal gangs. One major effort to clamp down on illegal movement is Coast Watch South in the southern Philippines. This cooperative programme envisages a network of 17 radar stations in the Mindanao archipelago, backed by naval patrols and helicopter surveillance. The USA and Australia are supplying technical assistance, training and finances to make Coast Watch South a reality. Likewise, Malaysia is seeking maritime patrol aircraft and is creating a network of nine radar stations on its Sabah coast. It is vital that nations plug such gaping border holes, otherwise illegal elements will continue to cross international borders at will.

Interagency cooperation

The attempted downing of an American airliner on 25 December 2009 by the Nigerian “underwear bomber” reignited calls for stricter airport security. Ironically, the greatest failing on that occasion was intelligence warnings that went unheeded. This demonstrates the point that interagency cooperation and intelligence sharing are vital ingredients in any technological network. Technology needs to be interoperable, particularly in communications and databases, and systems need to be integrated for seamless information sharing. HLS and border protection requires careful collaboration between various stakeholders such as militaries, paramilitaries, police, immigration and customs. In terms of maritime security, coast guards are key players, with Malaysia and Indonesia having established coast guards in recent years. Japan has arguably the strongest navy in Asia, but it also maintains a large coast guard. Interestingly, the Japan Coast Guard often

Singapore is another country pursuing new technologies. This is the developmental Venus USV from ST Electronics © Gordon Arthur

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complains about the level of funding it receives in comparison to the well-resourced Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This kind of interagency rivalry for resources does little to improve overall effectiveness. As for internal security, civil police forces generally take the lead. However, many Asian police forces are paramilitary in nature, boasting an array of weapons and even armoured vehicles for internal security or limited wartime duties. For instance, China possesses the People’s Armed Police (PAP) estimated at 1.5 million personnel. During the unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang provinces, the PAP and PLA worked together to restore a measure of calm.

Conclusion

History clearly shows the effectiveness of security technologies degrades over time as quarries adapt their behaviour. Illegal elements employ four principal counter-technology strategies: (1) change operational practices to make defensive measures less effective; (2) use new technologies to counter them; (3) move location to avoid defensive measures; and (4) directly attack security technologies. These adaptive behaviours must be considered whenever new defensive technologies are implemented. Many countries suffer security problems in Asia, and while new technologies are being employed, funding remains an issue. However, as in the case of India, a single devastating attack can form the catalyst that finally forces governments to decisively act and equip their forces with essential equipment. For militaries, one of the key technological growth areas is unmanned aerial, ground and marine systems. Yet, it must be remembered that security is not solely dependent on technical systems, but is a product of organisations and the people who use them. The key ingredient is not what exotic technologies are being deployed, but whether they are being used efficiently by respective security agencies. Despite the best technologies, in the end it generally comes down to individuals to apprehend insurgents or terrorists. Ensuring frontline soldiers and policemen have basic equipment like reliable firearms, communications, transport and ballistic protection is the bare minimum.

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Asian Navies: Amphibious

Warfare Capabilities

Grow Natural disasters have an unpleasant way of concentrating the mind. Asia has witnessed several horrifying catastrophes in recent years which began with the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and have since been followed by the 2007 Bangladesh Cyclone and the Burmese Cyclone one year later. by Tom Withington

The USS Essex is one of the United States Navy’s ‘Wasp’ class amphibious support ships which assisted with the relief efforts in the wake of the 2008 Burmese Cyclone. The US Navy’s humanitarian efforts were met with a frosty reception from the Burmese dictatorship © US Navy

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ssistance from several navies around the world was vital in assisting the clean-up operations after all of these calamities A particularly important role was played by the military amphibious support ships which were rushed to the region to help rescue survivors, coordinate the provision of aid and provide on-board medical assistance to the multitude of people suffering injuries. The devastation in Bangladesh prompted the United States Navy to dispatch the USS Kearsage, a ‘Wasp’-class Landing Ship Dock (LSD) equipped with a humanitarian assistance team together with elements of the 22nd United States Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit. The Kearsage was able to provide over 757,000 litres of fresh water, which the vessel can itself produce, and she was later jointed in the operation by the USS Tarawa a ‘Tarawa’-class Landing Helicopter

Assault ship which had, coincidentally, also assisted humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh after a cyclone there in 1991. One year later, the US Navy was once again assisting humanitarian operations in the South and South East Asian region with the Expeditionary Strike Group led by the USS Essex, a ‘Wasp’-class ship, comprising the USS Harpers Ferry and Juneau Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), plus the USS Mercy hospital ship. However, Washington’s offers of assistance met a cold reception from the reclusive Burmese Junta.

The devastation in Bangladesh prompted the United States Navy to dispatch the USS Kearsage, a ‘Wasp’-class Landing Ship Dock JUNE 2010

The USS Tarawa was a very influential vessel as far as the design of amphibious support ships is concerned. She was also one of the ships which participated in the USS Essex’s amphibious task group in the wake of the Burmese Cyclone © US Navy

Today’s amphibious support ships come in all shapes and sizes, from the small utility landing craft (LCUs) which can take personnel and vehicles from ship to shore, to the large Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) and LPD vessels which can house LCUs and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) in their well decks, along with vehicles and aircraft in their hangers. These vessels also possess a flat-top flight deck from where helicopters can be operated. Moreover, the latest crop of LHD and LPDs such as the Marine National (French Navy) ‘Mistral’ class ships are also furnished with well-equipped hospitals (which has around 70 beds, seven of which

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The JS Hyuga helicopter destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) steams alongside the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. The JMSDF is planning to augment its fleet with a new amphibious support ship which could displace around19,500 tons © DoD

can be used for intensive care patients), plus large, open office spaces which can be rapidly configured as command centres to coordinate rescue efforts on land. Of course, as well as humanitarian missions, these ships can also be used to support offensive amphibious landings, but such is their large and flexible design, that they exhibit an impressive level of flexibility. The deployment of the American vessels to assist in the wake of the cyclones, the vital roles that amphibious support ships played in the wake of the Tsunami, and the age of existing amphibious vessels and acute regional security concerns has prompted several navies around Asia to look afresh at their amphibious capabilities, and invest in these assets accordingly. Richard Bitzinger, a Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, believes that this ‘amphibious renaissance’ in Asia is part of a; “global trend towards an increase in naval amphibious and expeditionary warfare capabilities.” The influence of humanitarian operations in the thinking of several navies around Asia has also been noted by Professor Geoffrey Till of the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom: “Disaster Relief does have considerable play in the Asia-Pacific region because

general purpose ships and amphibious warfare ships are awfully useful for this kind of mission.” Professor Till adds that this pursuit of amphibious capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region is part of a widening of the strategic vision of several navies around the region; “For example, the Republic of Korea has branched out from just focusing on North Korea. Taiwan has branched out from only focusing on the South China Sea. What one is seeing is a general development of navies that have an all-round mix of capabilities, of which the ability to project amphibious power is one part.” Australia is one such nation which is investing in new amphibious capabilities. Currently, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operates a pair of ‘Kammible’ class amphibious support ships which were obtained from the US Navy in 1994, and were formally known as the USS Saginaw and USS Fairfax

The latest crop of LHD and LPDs such as the Marine National ‘Mistral’ class ships are also furnished with well-equipped hospitals ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Country, both ‘Newport’ class vessels, along with six ‘Balikpapan’ class heavy landing craft. These vessels are to be supplemented by the two ‘Canberra’ class LHDs as a replacement for the 1980s-vintage HMAS Tobruk Landing Ship Heavy. To be named Adelaide and Canberra, the first of these two vessels is expected to commission in 2011, and each will displace around 27,851 tonnes and having the wherewithal to accommodate up to 150 vehicles and 1,000 soldiers. One noticeable feature of the vessels, remarks Bitzinger, is that the design; “retains a ski jump, which makes almost a quarter of the deck unusable for helicopters because of the angle. But, it ever Australia decided to buy the short-take-off, vertical-landing variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35, this design feature would technically give them two aircraft carriers.” The upshot of the Canberra class purchase, he notes, makes the RAN; “much more oriented towards expeditionary warfare than it was ten years ago.” The RAN is not the only force taking delivery of large amphibious support vessels, the Republic of Korea Navy has followed suit with its ‘Dokdo’ class ships. The first of this class of a planned three LPDs was launched from the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Company shipyard in Busan, southeast Korea on 25th July 2005. Although lacking the ski-jump of the Canberra class, the Dokdo class vessels have an 18,800 ton full displacement and can

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The USS Trenton is handed over to the Indian Navy in 2007, affording the country a major enhancement of its amphibious capabilities. Indian sailors raise the service’s flag on the stern of the renamed INS Jalashwa © DoD

accommodate up to 200 vehicles and around 720 marines, along with ten tanks and trucks, seven amphibious assault vehicles, three field artillery pieces and two LCACs. They can also operate ten helicopters from their flight deck. The Dokdo class vessels join the four ‘Gojunbong’ class LSTs that the navy currently operates, along with its ‘Solgae 621/631’ class fast landing ships, of which it has five. As Richard Bitzinger notes, these new LPDs have an interesting name choice: “The Koreans always see themselves in competition with the Japanese. The Japanese developed the ‘Osumi’ class Landing Ship Tanks, so not to be outdone; the Koreans built the Dokdo class. To call this class the Dokdo class is an extremely politicized move because Seoul is currently contesting the sovereignty of a group of islands that they call the Dokdo, but the Japanese call Takeshima.” Japan’s Osumi LSTs, of which the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) operates three, have since been bolstered with the addition of the service’s first ‘Hyuga’ class helicopter carriers, the largest surface combatants operated by the JMSDF since the Second World War. Displacing 18,000 tons when fully-loaded, these ships can embark up to eleven helicopters. The first Hyuga class vessel, the eponymous ship in the class, was commissioned on 18th March The French Navy”s ‘Mistral’ class amphibious support ship is one example of a new generation of amphibious support ships which have been designed to commercial standards and which can act as a command centre, as well as a base for performing amphibious operations © French Navy

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2009. The second example, named Ise, is expected to commission in March 2011. Towards the end of 2009 it was reported that the JMSDF may yet acquire an even larger helicopter carrier which could displace up to 19.500 tons which could carry up to 4,000 troops, 50 trucks and accommodate up to 14 helicopters. However, there is no word yet on when the design and construction of this vessel may get underway. Other amphibious platforms in JMSDF service include two ‘Yura’ class LSUs, two ‘1-Go’ class LCUs, twelve ‘YF-2121/2150’ class Landing Craft Mechanized and six LCACs. Humanitarian and disaster relief are not the only missions being contemplated for the Asia-Pacific’s amphibious platforms as the second decade of the twenty-first century unfolds. India, along with other nations around the region, is also keeping its strategic considerations in mind regarding its

expeditionary naval doctrine: “If you look at India’s naval doctrine”, notes Professor Till, “you see a clear interest in its development of a capability for engaging in contested amphibious operations, and India’s strategic context is quite clearly Pakistan.” To this end, in 2009, the Indian Navy commissioned the last of its ‘Shardul’ class LSTs, the INS Airavat. The Airavat joins its sister ships Shardul and Kesari which were commissioned on 5th April 2008 and 19th May 2009 respectively, and which displace 5,560 tons. In terms of accommodation, the Shardul class can carry up to 500 troops, eleven tanks and ten armoured vehicles. Moreover, these vessels can also house a helicopter. Despite the impressive size of the Indian fleet, and its acknowledged blue-water capabilities, the Navy still suffers from something of a dearth of amphibious vessels. The force has begun to partially redress this shortcom-

The Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Surin medium Landing Ship Tank is seen here participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2010. The Surin is one of several LSTs which are used by navies situated around the Asia Pacific region © DoD

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ing with the introduction of the INS Jalashwa, the former USS Trenton ‘Austin’ class amphibious support ship in 2007. The Jalashwa, which displaces 16,590 tonnes, is the second largest vessel in the Indian Navy’s fleet after the INS Viraat aircraft carrier (formerly the Royal Navy’s HMS Hermes). The addition of the Jalashwa brings an important qualitative enhancement to the Indian Navy as the vessel can accommodate four ‘LCM-8’ class landing craft Further expansion of the Navy's amphibious capabilities cannot be ruled out, particularly given the experience of the country during the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Although the precise design of any future Indian amphibious craft has yet to be finalised, along with the number of vessels that the service will purchase, it is strongly expected that the navy will construct additional amphibious support vessels in the short term. The country which took the brunt of the 2004 Tsunami was Indonesia. Prior to the disaster, the nation’s amphibious capabilities had been languishing for a number of years,

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although they did receive an important enhancement in 2008 with the commencement of the construction of the first of five 'Tanjung Dalpele' class LPDs. These vessels, which are being constructed by shipyards in the Republic of Korea, will be vital for supporting humanitarian operations and missions by the country's Korp Marinir commando units. Meanwhile, to the north; Malaysia has performed a similar enhancement of its amphibious warfare capabilities following the Navy’s decision to convert a former commercial ship into a military vessel for use in anti-piracy efforts, although this craft also has the wherewithal to support amphibious landings. The MV Bunga Mas Lima is no stranger to piracy; having suffered a number of attacks when in service with the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation. However, the vessel has now been repainted in Malaysian naval colours and outfitted with a helicopter deck, medical centre and self defence weapons to support the operation of small raiding craft by naval commandoes to deter piracy. This vessel's ability to support such forces also places it in an ideal position to assist small littoral operations. In addition to this vessel, the Royal Malaysian

Navy is also keen to expand its amphibious capabilities with new dedicated LPD craft. Once again, the tragic 2004 Tsunami has acted as a powerful incentive for the navy to enhance its competencies in this regard. Although its Pacific Fleet often receives scant attention, Russia still maintains a naval presence in the Asian region thanks to its naval bases in the east of the country. Several observers have noted the moribund nature of the Russian Pacific Fleet’s amphibious capabilities, but there are nevertheless some interesting clues as to how the fleet's capabilities in this regard may develop in the future. Russia recently announced that it would purchase a 'Mistral' class helicopter carrier from France. It is expected that the force will initially acquire a single example and that this vessel will be deployed with Russia's fleets in the west of the country. However, Moscow may in the future, decide to pur-

Although its Pacific Fleet often receives scant attention, Russia still maintains a naval presence in the Asian region JUNE 2010

The Republic of Korea’s landing ship Seongin Bong sails with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Surin LST. Along with the Surin, the Seongin Bong was also participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 © DoD

chase an additional Mistral class ship and deploy it to the Pacific to provide its fleet there with a much-needed enhancement of its naval capabilities? At present, several Asian navies have looked to enhance their amphibious capabilities with ship purchases from abroad. Nevertheless, Professor Till expects that, in the future, countries may decide to develop and build more of their amphibious assets domestically: “I think that it is a standard approach that most of the Asian navies seem to follow, to purchase an initial amphibious unit outright and then to try and develop an indigenous capacity That's what the Indians have been doing with their submarines and their aircraft carriers.” This could lead to a further expansion of naval amphibious capabilities around the region. It seems that the 204 Tsunami represented a harsh awakening around the region, and several of Asia's navies are determined that they will not be caught unprepared for such a calamity again.

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UAVs in Asia:

Regional Opportunities in

ASEAN South-East Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geography and terrain, comprising long coastlines, large undeveloped and sparsely inhabited areas, vast bodies of water and numerous scattered islands, make it a region where UAVs should be in high demand, if only to patrol and survey its territories cheaply and effectively.

by Dzirhan Mahadzir

In the Philippines, the country is known to have two Predator As, registered with the office of the National Security Advisor ÂŠ DoD

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U espite this however, with the exception of Singapore, current usage of UAVs in the region has been fairly limited, despite acknowledged interest in them. Several reasons exist for this situation. As always budgetary constraints are a major factor, exacerbated by the fact that many Southeast Asian militaries face the challenge of replacing obsolescent equipment and modernising their forces. This is coupled with the fact that UAVs are specialised vehicles, limited to surveillance and reconnaissance, while Southeast Asian militaries are prioritising boosting their firepower capabilities with the purchase of combat equipment such as AFVs, warships and combat aircraft taking precedence. Another factor preventing UAVs from being in widespread use in the region are national politics. In the case of Indonesia, plans to purchase UAVs from Israel were stalled and appeared to have been abandoned due to objections by lawmakers in the Indonesian Parliament over Muslim majority Indonesia, purchasing equipment from Israel. Indonesia and Malaysia have instead both chosen to develop domestic UAVs. In each case, the reasons for given for pursuing this

indigenous route have been a combination of self-reliance and a need to develop local industry. However, the downside to this method is that UAV usage in both countries has been low, owing to the need to wait for their local industries to develop such vehicles.

Malaysia's Sapura continues to market it's CyberEye UAV, pictured here is it's latest CyberEye II UAV © Dzirhan Mahadzir

In Thailand, other than the purchase of three Sapura Cyber Eye UAVs in 2009 by the Royal Thai Air Force, there has been no further expansion of Thailand’s UAV capabilities, despite their potential utility in combating the ongoing insurgency in the south of the country. This is due to three factors; firstly the budgetary problems that have been faced by Thailand’s military; second Thailand continued civil disturbances and political fighting, which have resulted in much of the government’s decision making being paralyzed and finally the Thai Army, rather than using UAVs in Southern Thailand have opted for a controversial Airship surveillance system that, has been currently reported as being unable to perform as required. Given this situation, it is possible that Thailand may seek to purchase UAVs to make up for the

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airship’s failure though this will also depend upon Thailand stabilising its political situation, allowing both the military and government to properly focus on the development of the Thai military. Given the budgetary issues faced by South East Asian nations in procuring UAVs, the United States attempted in 2007 to offer a joint cooperative programme which would involve the use of the USAF’s Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk UAVs, stationed in Guam. This initiative was stalled for several reasons, firstly the US programme would be conducted on a multilateral basis rather than a bilateral arrangement with each country and thus all information gathered would be shared between all participants. Both Malaysia and Indonesia were said to have reservations over this, particularly with Singapore also being part of the programme. Both countries were reluctant to share information, mainly due to the fact that being a small country, much of the activity in Singapore’s territory could already be seen and was not really of much interest to Indonesia and Malaysia. Conversely, both

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countries would be giving a significant views of their territory to Singapore. A Malaysian defence official told the author that the main problem of sharing such information with Singapore in such situations was that Singapore would gain much and in turn gave little that would be of use or interest to Malaysia or Indonesia. Additionally all the ASEAN countries that the United States approached, were reluctant to have neighbouring countries having access to surveillance information of their territory. This was coupled with the fact that countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines also

had concerns regarding allowing USAF UAVs to conduct surveillance operations over their territory and how that might be seen in a domestic political context. As such the US initiative appears to be stillborn, given the concerns of the countries involved. Currently only Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand field UAVs while Indonesia is developing an indigenous design scheduled to be fielded later this year.

Singapore

Singapore is the largest user of UAVs in the region, an unsurprising situation given the

A Global Hawk on display at the Singapore Airshow. The USAF proposed in 2007 a regional cooperative program in South East Asia using the USAF's Global Hawks stationed in Guam but that initiative was stillborn due to a lack of interest © Dzirhan Mahadzir

country’s focus on technology in order to compensate for its limited military manpower. It operates a mix of foreign and indigenous UAVs in contrast to other countries in the region which either operate wholly foreign built or indigenously built fleets. UAV operations there come under the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s UAV Command (UC), inaugurated in May 2007. With the Command’s responsibility for development, training and operations of UAVs throughout the Singapore Armed Forces, it comprises of personnel from all three services and the Joint Staff. The UC comprises a Headquarters (HQ UC), four squadrons (three UAV and one Air Logistics Squadron) and a UAV Training School. The three UAV squadrons are No. 119 and No. 128 Sqns which both operate the Searcher UAV, and No. 116 Sqn which operates the Hermes H-450 UAV. The Republic of Singapore Navy successfully trialed the Scan Eagle in March 2009, the trials involving the successful operation of the Scan Eagle from a RSN frigate and LST

Singapore is the largest user of UAVs in the region, an unsurprising situation given the country’s focus on technology in order to compensate for its limited military manpower

though no sale has been recorded publicly. The Army operates a number of indigenously built tactical UAVs, notably the Singapore Technologies (ST) Aerospace’s Skyblade series of tactical UAVs. The latest Skyblade IV measures 2.0m in length with a wingspan of 3.5m and operates with a range of up to 100 km from the launch and recovery site, with operating altitudes/survivable altitudes up to 15,000 ft for both day and night operations and has a maximum payload of 12kg with an endurance of 6-12 hours. The Skyblade series have been a collaborative effort between the Singapore Armed Forces, the DSO National Laboratories, ST Aerospace and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). All four are carrying out various research on tactical and The Skyblade series have been a collaborative effort between the Singapore Armed Forces, the DSO National Laboratories, ST Aerospace and the Defence Science and Technology Agency

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micro UAVs though the details remain classified. Singapore has often been talked about as a potential customer for the Global Hawk though little has developed in regard to that.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s UAV beginnings started in mid 2001 with the ‘odd’ Eagle Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), a collaboration between BAE Systems and Malaysia’s Composite Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) that turned CTRM’s Eagle 150 trainer aircraft into an aircraft which could function either as manned aircraft or a UAV. Three aircraft were converted as such and entered service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in mid 2002 with the ARVs stationed in the East Malaysian state of Sabah. The rationale for the approach of building a hybrid vehicle was that the developmental process would be shortened through the use of an existing locally produced aircraft and thus eliminating the time required by the need to design and build a UAV airframe, controls and engine. In addition, the use of a UAV which was also a manned trainer aircraft allowed the Eagle ARV to sidestep the difficulties posed by civil aviation regulations which at time did not cover the use of UAVs. However this approach meant that the RMAF was basically operating two platforms in one, a manned aircraft with it’s specific support requirements and a UAV with it’s different support requirements which in turn meant the costs were much higher than the RMAF simply operating either a manned aircraft or a UAV system alone and thus it was not surprising that the Eagle ARV was withdrawn from service in February 2006 due to high operating and maintenance costs. This experience, nonetheless enabled CTRM to develop the expertise needed to design its own tactical UAV and the company was working with Malaysian company Ikramatic Systems in 2004 to develop a 35lb gross weight design known as the SR-01. Meanwhile, another Malaysian company, System Consultancy Services (SCS), had separately developed a similar but smaller UAV named Nyamok with both groups looking towards fulfilling a potential Malaysian Armed Forces requirement for UAVs. However in 2005, the Malaysian Defence

The Aludra UAV is still undergoing trials in East Malaysia with the Malaysian Armed Forces. An improved production model is currently being worked on © Dzirhan Mahadzir

Ministry directed the three companies to work jointly towards developing a common platform. This resulted in the formation of a CTRM-led consortium in December 2006 called Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) that would develop the SR-01 into the SR-02, which was subsequently renamed Aludra (Allianced Unmanned Developmental Research Aircraft). A developmental contract was awarded by the Defence Ministry in May 2007 to the consortium. In October 2008, deployment and field testing of three Aludra Mk. 1 in Sabah with the Malaysian Joint Forces Command began with UAVS JUNE 2010

being used to support the JFC’s permanently ongoing Operation Pasir (Pandanan And Sipadan Island Resort) which was initiated in 2000 following the kidnapping of foreign tourists from the Pandanan and Sipadan island resorts by Abu Sayyaf terrorists from the Philippines. The Aludra Mk. 1 has a 50km data link range, a maximum speed of 220km/h with a loiter speed of 100km/h and endurance of three hours. Maximum operational ceiling is 12000ft and the payload weight is 25kg. The field trials are expected to end this year but indications are that the Malaysian Defence Ministry are not wholly

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satisfied with the UAV’s performance. Defence Ministry Secretary General Dato’ Abu Bakar Abdullah stated at the Defence Services Asia 2010 exhibition that the Ministry of Defence would only sign a service contract for up to six UAVs and no production or purchase contract would be signed until the capabilities of the Aludra was improved. UST is developing the Mk. 2 Aludra which features an increased payload of 50kg, an improved endurance of six hours and an increased datalink range to 150km while maintaining the same performance of the MK.1 in all other aspects. There have been reports that the various technical issues have yet to be overcome in regard to the Aludra. If so, Malaysian company Sapura is more than ready to step in with its Cyber Eye UAV should the Aludra fail. Rather than develop it’s own UAV, Sapura chose instead to purchase a majority stake in Australia’s Cyber Technology which then immediately gave it an existing range of UAVs to market along an existing R&D capability and knowledge in UAVs. The company has been heavily marketing its Cyber Eye and Cyber Shark UAVs to the Malaysian government, tying it’s proposed integrated communications network system for use by Malaysian government and security agencies in which the UAVs would form part of Sapura’s C4ISR network solution. So far its success has been limited to the sale

and delivery of three Cyber Eye systems to the Royal Thai Air Force in 2009 and an unspecified number to an unidentified customer this year.

Indonesia

Indonesia has been carrying out a programme headed by the government's Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology to develop indigenous UAVs since March 2007. Although western sources state the design is known as PUNA, this is actually the Indonesian abbreviation of UAV and the overall name for three different categories of UAVs being developed under the programme. The first category is a 120kg UAV with a range of 120km, with three different design shape prototypes, the BPPT01A “Wulung” with Hi rectangular-wing, Low Boom T-tail, the BPPT-01B “Gagak” with Lo rectangular-wing, Low Boom V-Tail and the third being the BPPT-02A “Wulung” with a Hi rectangular-wing, Hi Boom Inverted V-Tail design The other two categories are a 25kg, 50km range UAV known as ALAP and a 6.5kg, 10km range tactical UAV using a flying wing design and known as

Indonesia has been carrying out a programme headed by the government’s Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology to develop indigenous UAVs since March 2007 ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Sriti. Tests are currently ongoing for these designs with no date yet scheduled for entry of service. The UAVs are designed with the requirements of the Army’s Strategic Command (KOSTRAD) in mind.

Thailand and The Philippines

Despite an ongoing insurgency in both countries, limited use of UAVs has been made by both countries. Budgetary issues are the chief reason for this, though it should be noted that in Thailand, the political situation has resulted in a greater emphasis being placed on countering anti-government demonstrations rather than the Southern insurgency. As mentioned earlier, the RTAF purchased three Cyber Eye Systems from Sapura in 2009. However it is expected that with the failure of the Army’s airship surveillance program and once the Thai government obtains a modicum of political stability, a requirement for UAVs is likely to materialize. In the Philippines, the country is known to have two Predator As, registered with office of the National Security Advisor, and two Hunter RQ-5s from the US Army have been said to have been acquired by the Philippines Air Force. The Army is said to be operating its own developed tactical UAV though little details have been revealed on this. It would seem likely though that given the close military links between the United States and the Philippines and the US interest in providing support to the Philippines in combating the insurgency there, the Philippines makes up for its lack of UAVs through covert usage of US UAVs.

DEFENCE I N D U S T R Y

hat relationship is continuing, measured at the very least by the volume of arms sales by Russia to the region. Russia’s Rosoboronexport announced earlier this year that overall defence exports had reached over $3.5billion by May, with China, India and Malaysia figuring strongly in that performance. Defence sales in general are predicted to rise beyond 2009’s export figures by 12 percent and reach $9.5billion by the end of the year. The announcement underlined the new technology that was on show at the Red Square Victory parade, marking the 65th Anniversary of Victory in Europe on May 9th, also illustrating that Russia continues to innovate. Moving through Red Square were several new vehicle designs included the tracked TOS-1A Buratino fire support vehicle, the Pantsyr-S1 8x8 self-propelled air defence system and the KamAZ-43269 Dozor light armoured vehicle. Also crossing Red Square were a range of combat proven, existing systems including the BMP-3, BTR-80 and T-90. Overflying Red Square were frontline combat aircraft such as the Su-27 and MiG-29 and a complete range of supporting

platforms, ranging from the new Yak-130 advanced jet trainer/light-attack aircraft, the Il-78 refuelling tanker, Il-80 airborne command post and A50 AEW.

China

Russia’s defence relationship with China has recently come under strain. Western countries established a military embargo against China after the Tian Nanmen massacre which occurred in 1989. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 gave the Chinese military a new opportunity to return to Russia’s military systems. Since then the People’s Liberation Army has purchased 48 Su-27SK, 28 Su-27UBK fighters, two Vashayanka KILO, two KILO 636 and eight KILO 636M class diesel-electric submarines, 956E/EM guided missile destroyers, around twelve battalions of S300PMU1 and eight battalions of S300PMU2 long range surface to air missiles, 34 Tor-M1 short range surface to air missiles and many naval radars and sonar for indigenously built guided missile destroyers. China also purchased the assembly line for the Su-27SK for the Shenyan fighter factory in 1999, with contracts giving Shenyan the right to build 200 Su-27SKs. However, the

Russia further develops presence in Asia Malaysian acquisition of the MiG-29 and Su-30 aircraft against Western competition has been a cornerstone of Russia’s defence relationship in the region © AJB

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

DEFENCE I N D U S T R Y

its

Russian and Chinese military cooperation honeymoon has been short. The Russian side found that the Chinese Shenyan fighter factory had begun to copy the Su-27SK, calling them the J11B without Russian permission. Other copied weapon systems have kept Moscow surprised, including Chinese Smerch MRLS, the Chinese S300 called HQ9, Chinese Fregat M2EM naval radar and Chinese Shtil-1 SAM called HQ 16 and so on. Exactly how the two countries relationship will continue in terms of military technical co-operation is under review. In December 2009, General Guo Boxiong, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, headed a Chinese military technology delegation to Moscow and had the latest round of talks with his Russian counterparts. The two sides did not sign any substantial military technology cooperation agreements except for the conference minutes and a memorandum. China was reported to have had disagreement over issues such as the acquisition of IL-76 transport aircraft. Russia’s position on this was very clear: Russia plans to manufacture this batch of IL-76 transport aircraft for China within Russia rather than through

Uzbekistan with an upgraded version of the IL-76, with a corresponding new price. Regarding the issue of Su-33 fighter, the principles of the Chinese side is that China hopes to import only four Su-33 fighters in the first phase, whereas Russia intends to export a total of 40. The two sides did not reach any agreement during the latest round of talks. Russia has decided not to discuss the Su-33 issue with Beijing any more. Nonetheless, the source from Russia said affirmatively that Russia had no plans to work with China in the development of fifth generation fighter aircraft and Russia did not provide to China any fifth generation combat aircraft technologies either. Moreover, the Su-35 was not a topic of discussion in the latest round of talks. There were areas of agreement. Russia committed at this round of talks that it would fulfill the agreement to deliver the contracted D-30KP-2 engines and would begin delivery in 2010. China altogether ordered approximately 240 units of this type of aircraft engine. In the area of submarine upgrades, Russia and China have made major progress and are close to reaching final agreement.

defence Russia’s defence relationship with the Asia-Pacific spans many decades. Today most of the key weapons systems on land, sea and air in the inventories of the region’s superpowers: China and India, and many others, are Russian designs.

by Andrei Chang & Adam Baddeley

JUNE 2010

DEFENCE I N D U S T R Y

According to the plan, China hopes to get technological support from Russia to upgrade the two Vashayanka and two earlier versions of the KILO 636 submarines imported some years ago, so that they can fire the 3M-54E anti-ship missile. An issue that needs to be resolved in the negotiations was that Russia insisted that the upgrading work must be undertaken in Russia, while China held that it should be done in China. The position of the Russian sided was that Russia would not be able to agree to such a proposal, as this would mean that Russia needs to invest in the Chinese factories to upgrade the equipments. As a result, no official agreement was signed between them. Another area that progress was made in the latest round of talks between Russia and China involved combat helicopters. As it is widely known, Russia started to manufacture three Ka28 anti-submarine helicopters for China in 2009, and Russia will altogether export to China nine Ka28 helicopters, the delivery of which will start in 2010. In addition to the working conference on military technology cooperation, Russia and China have reached agreement in principle that Ulan-Ude Aircraft Company will provide China with more Mi-171 helicopters. An official contract has yet to be signed. The Chinese side has formally expressed that they need more Mi-171 helicopters. China has not been importing Mi-171 or Mi17V5/7 serial helicopters for about two

The basic principles regarding Russia’scontinued export of AL31F/FN and RD93aviation engines to China were determined at this latest round of talks years. Regarding the number of helicopters involved in the new deal, the two sides are still in negotiations. The two sides have agreed in principle that an official contract will be signed in 2010. Of course, this new batch of Mi171 helicopters shall be exported to China in the name of “civilian technologies” so as to avoid the mediation of Rosoboronexport. Nonetheless, Russia is fully aware that these helicopters will obviously be used for the PLA. The basic principles regarding Russia’s continued export of AL31F/FN and RD93 aviation engines to China were determined at this latest round of talks. As to the issue of the RD93 aviation engine, there are huge differences within the Russian military industry. The pro-India faction in Russia, as well as some people from the United Aircraft Corporation insist that Russia

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

should not continue exporting RD93 engines to China, as it would offend India and have negative impact on the future export market of Russian fighters. However, mainstream opinions from the above two engine factories hold that they need cash, and that due to the inferior technologies of China’s JF17 fighters, it will not impact the export of Russian fighters in the future. A result of the compromise among different factions of the military industry is that

DEFENCE I N D U S T R Y

Russia has agreed to continue providing China with the above two aviation engines. The cold ice in Russia-China military cooperation has not yet been broken. Instead, China’s imitation of Russian arms has given rise to concerns on the part of Russia on the damage it may possibly bring about to Russia’s own arms export market.

India

In contrast with China, recent military technological co-operation and industrial partnership between Indian and Russia is flourishing. The two countries have recently concluded an agreement to continue military technical and defence political co-operation until 2020, notably addressing issues of after service support and well as new acquisition covering further Su-30MKI, MiG-29KUB carrier aircraft and Mi-17IV helicopters as well as additional T-90 MBTs The BrahMos cruise missile a joint devel-

DEFENCE I N D U S T R Y

opment of the SS-N-263M55 Oniks/Yakhont system is illustrative of a change in Russia’s relationship with defence customers. The first Brahmos equipped Army regiment was declared operation in 2007 and a naval variant of the missile will equip a number of Indian Navy vessels including three Project 1135.6 ‘Talwar’ class guided-missile frigates currently being constructed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. Work has now begun on producing an air-launched variant to be operated from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI which is planned for flight testing next year. Manufacturing facilities for BrahMos have been set up in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation at Hyderaband, with Russian assistance from NPO Mashinostroyenia who are supplying the majority of Brahmos components. The two countries are also co-operating on exporting the BrahMos. A large number of potential export customers have been identified including Asia-Pacific countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. India and Russia have also begun designing a hypersonic version of the BrahMos II which will have an enhanced precision strike capability. Other arguably more advanced solutions are also underway. India and Russia have also partnered on the Sukhoi T-50/PAK-FA fifthgeneration fighter which had a successful flight in April this year. The two plan to begin work on developing a two seat version of the aircraft. By 2017, the Indian Air Force has plans to field 280 Su-30MKIs with 150 being constructed locally under licence. In the meantime, India is considering the MiG-35 aircraft in the MMRCA programme. India has sought to combine Russian and Israeli technology for The Russian side found that the Chinese Shenyan fighter factory had begun to copy the Su-27SK, calling them J11B without Russian permission © A. Chang

India and Russia have also partnered on the Sukhoi T-50/PAK-FA fifthgeneration fighter which had a successful flight in April this year

its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) with the Ilyushin Il-76TD aircraft, two of which have been delivered with a third due later this year. The programme saw the adaption of an Il-76 A-50 heavy transport aircraft with IAI’s Phalcon system. The Indian market has also seen the successful marrying of Russian with western technology, managed with local partners. One of the more recent examples of this is the MiG-29 in which the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, Hindustan Electronics and Thales are co-operating in installing the latter’s NATO STANAG compliant TSB 2500 combined IFF interrogator and transponder. Advanced technology is also being made available to India via the Nerpa submarine, an Akula II design which will shortly be transferred to the Indian Navy under a ten year leasing deal and will be known as the INS Chakra. The Nerpa is the second SSN leased, India operating a Charlie I SSN for three years from 1998.

South East Asia

India and China are both traditional partners, dating from the earliest Cold War days. In the South East Asian region however, Russia has in recent decades developed a growing presence in new markets. Perhaps the clearest example of this is the Royal Malaysian Air Force who operate both the Su-30 and MiG-29s, with Russia winning the competition against US and European competititors. Russia is becoming more interesting in pursuing additional non traditional markets in the region. Reports suggest that talks between Rosoboronexport and the Brunei Ministry of Defence have taken place

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

The defence relationship between China and Russia has been complicated by allegations of unlicensed copying of Russian designs © A Chang

with analysts suggesting that Russia will be best placed to meet the countries requirement for maritime patrol vessels. Of course, Russia has traditional customers which continue to look to it to Vietnam has bought a number of Su-27/30 aircraft and is being touted as an early customer for the T-50. In December, a $1.8billion deal was announced in which Vietnam was acquiring six Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines. This was followed up with an announcement in Russia that the two countries would co-operate on construction of new submarine base and other naval dockyard facilities. Other naval sales to Vietnam include the Svetlyak class fast attack craft and two Gepard class frigates. Russia is expected to offer two of its St Petersburg built Kilo class submarines for Indonesia’s resurrected diesel electric submarine requirement. The vessels are due to to become operational in 2016. Russia is also competing to supply Myanmar with new combat aircraft, with the MiG-29 being offered.

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Asia Pacific Procurement Update AUSTRALIA RAN’s combat helicopter project enters formal competitive solicitation phase

Australia has embarked on plans to acquire a new naval combat helicopter as part of Defence Capability Plan project AIR 9000 Phase 8. The project will see a fleet of 24 aircraft acquired to provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will a continuous frigate-based helicopter capability. The Australian Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, announced the that tender documents had been released to the United States Navy and Australian helicopter group, Australian Aerospace, on 28 April. The project achieved first pass approval in February, and a final decision on the successful aircraft will be made in 2011. In the running for the contract are the Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin MH-60R to be obtained by the US Navy and the NATO Helicopter Industries NH90 NFH, to be sourced through Australian Aerospace. The new helicopter fleet will enhance the RAN’s maritime combat, anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. The competition is currently running on schedule and consideration will be given by the government to capability, cost and interoperability with the existing helicopter capabilities of the Australian armed forces; as well as Australian industry opportunities, when making their final selection.

Future ADF communications boosted by new contract

The Australian government had made the decision to exercise an option to upgrade to

the full ultra-high frequency (UHF) payload on the Intelsat IS-22 communications satellite in support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations in the Middle East. Senator John Faulkner, Minister for Defence, announced the decision to purchase the full UHF payload on 28 April, in the interests of improving operational effectiveness and enhancing communication support to deployed troops, as part of Under Defence Capability Plan Joint Project. The government is already increasing payload coverage over the Indian Ocean Range, and the newest upgrade brings the total payload purchase cost to A$475.1 million. Faulkner also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Australia and the US that will see the US utilise the Australian payload on the IS-22 communications satellite, through the sharing of narrowband UHF communications resources. The ADF will gain access to Pacific Ocean region communications capacity from US satellite resources. The announcement is expected to provide more robust communications capabilities for both nations, and strengthen Australian-US defence relationships. Intelsat will launch the IS-22 UHF in 2012. The satellite, built by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems and based on a Boeing 703B bus, will be positioned at 72° East longitude, covering the Indian Ocean Region.

Australia aims to eliminate wasteful defence spending

Australia and the US have been named as the world’s two most wasteful nations in the purchase and maintenance of their military equipment. The report, compiled by global ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

consultants McKinsey, ranked a total of 33 nations on the effectiveness of their defence spending, and named the least wasteful nations as Brazil, Poland and Russia. McKinsey conducted a review of ADF spending under the Rudd government, recommending that a total of $20 billion over the next decade must be saved to fund the major defence acquisition programmes currently being undertaken and planned by the government. A ‘waste elimination programme’ was undertaken in response to the findings. The report also highlighted the fact that nations who are investing in their indigenous defence industries see a lower equipment output for every dollar spent than those that source off-the-shelf products through the international market. The Australian government has already been criticised for its plan to build 12 submarines to replace the RAN’s Collins class boats at an estimated cost of $35 billion, rather than purchasing a ready-made replacement from abroad. Systematic ‘over-optimism’ in defence acquisition projects has been blamed for Australia’s poor showing in the report. Defence Minister Senator John Faulkner claims the Australian government has made eliminating waste in its defence spending a high priority.

Australia to receive seven new CH-47F Chinooks

The Australian Army is to receive seven CH47F Chinook helicopters under a Foreign

REGIONAL NEWS A N D

D E V E L O P M E N T S

Military Sales (FMS) programme with the US following the signing of the contract between the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the US Army Security Assistance Command. The contract, signed on March 19 at the Australian Embassy in Washington, will also see the acquisition of two simulators and associated spares. The contract is worth an approximate $513.5 million, and is part of Project AIR 9000 Phase 5C. The seven aircraft will replace the fleet of six CH-47D Chinook in service with the C Squadron of the 5th Regiment in Townsville in the country’s north, and will strengthen the Army’s heavy lift capabilities for troop transport, equipment and artillery movement, and battlefield re-supply. The first two aircraft of the new fleet are slated for entry into service with the Army in 2014, with the remaining five scheduled to be operational by 2017. Primary aircraft elements will remain unchanged in order to maximise the benefit of US Army engineering support, however some ADF-specific mission equipment will be integrated, including crashworthy crew and passenger seating enhancements, fitment of Miniguns, and underfloor ballistic protection.

Australian C-130 Hercules reaches flying milestone

The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) C130 Hercules has reached a major milestone, surpassing 20,000 flying hours since it was deployed to support Australian and Coalition troops in the Middle East in February 2003.

In that time the fleet of three aircraft have flown more than 11,300 sorties and transported more than 140,000 personnel and nearly 31,000,000 kg of cargo and equipment, with each aircraft flying an average of 50 hours per week. The milestone was reached during an aero-medical evacuation of Australian soldiers wounded in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack. The RAAF has operated the C-130J model in the Middle East since mid 2008, before which the newer C-130J shared deployment with the older C-130H model airframe. The RAAF’s C-130Js operate from Base Richmond’s 37 Squadron, in New South Wales.

Australia signs for new Lightweight trailer capability

Australian Minister for Defence, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, has announced the signing of a contract for the supply of 973 Lightweight and Light trailers to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The contract with Brisbane-based company Haulmark Trailersm is worth an approximate A$70 million, and will see the delivery and support of the trailers that have been purposely designed to operate in conjunction with the GWagon vehicles on order with Mercedes Benz Australia/Pacific. Delivery is slated for April 2012 to February 2015. As part of LAND 121 (Overlander) project, the $6.6 billion programme to upgrade the Australian Army’s land vehicles, the trailers will replace the existing trailer capacity, givASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

ing the ADF a ‘new generation of transport systems that will enhance its mobility and logistics capability’ according to Combet.

Australia becomes first Super Hornet F/A-18F operator outside US

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken delivery of the first five Boeing F/A18F Super Hornets aircraft at a ceremony at RAAF Base Amberly attended by the Australian Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, and President and CEO of Boeing Defence, Space & Security, Dennis Muilenburg. The delivery makes Australia the first international operator for the multirole fighter. The RAAF placed an order for a total of 24 Super Hornets in March 2007. The Super Hornet, an advanced, networked weapons system, will bring the next generation of air combat capability to the RAAF. The remaining 19 aircraft will be delivered to Australia over the coming two years. The Super Hornet F/A-18F is a truly multirole aircraft, able to perform every mission in the tactical spectrum. It features day/night strike capabilities with precision guided weapons, air superiority, and is able to carry out combat, fighter escort, close air support, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control, as well as tanker missions. The Super Hornets are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, giving crews total situational awareness, and the ability to conduct simultaneous air-to-air and air-toground operations.

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INDIA India test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from vertical launcher

India has carried out a successful test of their BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in March from a vertical launcher on INS Ranvir off the Orissa Coast. It was the first vertical launch test of the Russian-Indian built missile, and was declared a 100 per cent success by CEO and President of BrahMos Aerospace, Dr A.S. Pillai. During the test, the missile performed supersonic manoeuvring following the exact flight path, striking and destroying decommissioned target vessel, INS Meen. The test was part of pre-induction trials for the Indian Navy. India plans to fit three Talwar class ships, currently under construction in Russia, and the three 15 A Alpha class ships being built at Mazagan Docks in Mumbai with the Vertical Launcher fitted on the INS Ranvir. The Universal Vertical Launcher used in the test fire is a state-of-the-art launcher developed by BrahMos Aerospace. The launcher is an under-deck system, giving protection from atmospheric conditions, as well as giving stealth characteristics to the system. The BrahMos missile, capable of speeds of Mach 2.8, with 290 km range, is able to carry conventional warheads of 200kg to 300kg. The Indian Army also has plans to induct the BrahMos missile system, and plans have lately been confirmed that the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter jets will be fitted with an air-launched version following trials scheduled for 2011.

India commissions its armed forces’ first indigenously-built stealth frigate

India’s first indigenously-built stealth frigate INS Shivalik has been commissioned with a ceremony in Mumbai by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony. During a speech at the commissioning the Defence Minister heralded a shift in Indian Navy (IN) policy from a ‘buyer’s’ Navy to a ‘builder’s’ Navy. The first of three Shivalik class frigates, the INS Shivalik will become the central mainstay of the IN for the coming forty years. Along with the class’s two follow on vessels, Satpura and Sahyadiri, the INS Shivalik was conceived and designed by IN design teams.

The Shivalik class vessels incorporate a number of in-built structural, thermal and acoustic stealth features, including signature management and radar cross-section reduction features; and is fitted with the locally designed and developed CMS-17 combat management system; enabling seamless integration of systems, weapons and sensors giving a Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC) for advanced detection and engagement of surface, sir and sub-surface threats. The vessels will be equipped with two multi-role combat helicopters, as well as nuclear, biological and chemical protection systems. The Shivalik class is expected to greatly enhance the IN’s maritime defence capabilities; with the commissioning of this first vessel, India has become one of only a few nations in the world capable of successfully building stealth warships.

India set to purchase C-17 Globemaster III

US Congress has been notified by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the possible sale of ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster III to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) at a value of approximately $5.8 billion. The IAF is keen to purchase the C-17 fleet to enhance its heavy lift capabilities and replace the older, less reliable aircraft currently deployed in this capacity, as part of an ongoing modernisation programme of its aircraft. If it goes ahead the FMS is likely to include training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, training equipment, spare and repair parts, test equipment, ground support equipment, technical and engineering assistance and services, as well as IAF-specific modification work, and ongoing logistical and technical support. The C-17 is seeing increasing deployment by the world’s Air Forces, and has proven highly reliable in the extreme environmental environments of Afghanistan and Iraq. The aircraft is able to take off from a 7,000 foot runway and land on runways of 3,000 feet or less carrying payloads of up to 164,000 lbs.

Thales selected to upgrade India’s MiG-29 avionics

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) MiG-29 multi-role fighter aircraft are to be fitted

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

with Thales’ IFF1 Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) and Cryptographic National Secure Mode (NSM) as part of the fleet’s retrofit. The retrofit, being carried out by Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RSK-MiG), will enable the MiG-29 fleet to be interoperable with Western military aircraft, and avoid friendly fire. The programme to upgrade the fleet is part of India’s goal of achieving a first national secure identification capability for protecting its own assets. The first CIT will be delivered during 2010. The Thales equipment is part of the TSB 2500 family, provides a modern digital capability that is compliant with the NATO Standard MKXA2 modes. The TSB 2500 IFF Combined Interrogator Transponder is one of the most advanced and capable systems currently available; and operates securely with cryptographic national mode, or the Mode 4 / Mode 5 NATO modes. The retrofit will also upgrade the MiG-29 fleet’s multi-role capabilities and improve their ability to carry advanced weapons.

Indigenous naval destroyer INS Chennai launched in Mumbai

India’s newest naval destroyer, INS Chennai, was launched by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony’s wife Smt Elizabeth Antony, in Mumbai on April 1. Built at the Mazagon Docks, INS Chennai is a 163 metre long, four-gas turbine propelled indigenously designed ship, that will be deployed in a number of roles including anti-piracy and coastal surveillance and defence following its commission into the India Navy (IN) in August 2013. The vessel will feature state-of-the-art weapons and sensors and stealth features, and will be fitted with the Russian/Indian built BrahMos surface-to-surface missile system. For air defence the vessel will be fitted with the vertical launch, long range surface to air missile system; and close-in weapons will include four AK-630 rapidfire guns, and MR gun for naval gunfire support. Anti-submarine warfare will be carried out by Indian-designed twin-tube torpedo launchers and rocket launchers. INS Chennai is the third destroyer constructed under Project 15 Alpha, the programme aims to upgrade and enhance the IN’s maritime defence capabilities.

REGIONAL NEWS A N D

D E V E L O P M E N T S

JAPAN Japan receives C-130H aerial refuelling tanker

MALAYSIA Malaysia to acquire Eurocopter EC275 fleet, Simulator

Malaysia has selected the Eurocopter EC725 helicopter to replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s ageing Sikorsky S-61 Sea King (‘Nuri) helicopter fleet, joining a growing list of nations within the Asian region opting to operate the EC725 aircraft. The deal will see 12 aircraft acquired that will deployed in a search and rescue capacity. The first helicopters are due for delivery in 2012, with the remaining fleet coming into service over the following two years. The EC725 is a medium lift helicopter, fitted with a five-blade main rotor, and is a leading aircraft within the 11-metric tonne category. The aircraft is an upgraded version of the Eurocopter Cougar family, featuring longer range, increased payload, more pow-

SOUTH KOREA ROKN awards follow-on contract with Herley Industries for IFF shipboard interrogators

Herley Industries has secured a follow-on contract from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy (ROKN) for the installation of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) shipboard interrogators, transponders and ancillary equipment on a number of ROKN patrol vessels. The award, valued at an approximate $7.5 million, will see Herley Industries produce the equipment and provide onsite field engineering during the ship’s

erful engines and state-of-the-art avionics. The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Malaysia also signed a contract with DCNS for the delivery of a training and navigation safety and combat simulator system and associated services as part of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN’s) Scorpene submarine programme. The simulator system, including sensors and periscope operations, will enable the RMN to enhance their training practices for the first Scorpene submarine, the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, which arrived in the country in September 2009, and is currently undergoing tropical water and weapons trials off the coast of Sabah. Malaysia ordered two Scorpene submarines in 2002; the second is due to arrive in Malaysia mid-2010.

radar integration, as well as assisting in the cryptographic certification. The IFF system will enhance the command and control systems onboard the ROKN vessels, by interfacing with the ships’ air search radars, central fire control systems, and Electronic Support Measure (ESM) equipment. The follow-on contract, received by Herley CEO and President Richard F. Poirier and Division President for Herley Lancaster Howard Eckstein in South Korea, marks the continued successful growth of Herley Industries within the international marketplace.

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has taken delivery of a C-130H aerial refuelling tanker from the Boeing Company and partners Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Cobham Mission Systems. Delivery took place in February at KHI Gifu Works following modification work including Cobham air-to-air refuelling pods and Boeing design modifications to the structure, wiring and fuel system. Currently providing refuelling for the UH-60J search and rescue helicopter, the aircraft will now undergo operational testing with the JASDF.

THAILAND Thailand orders three additional EADS DS HELLAS systems

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered a further three Helicopter Laser Radar (HELLAS) obstacle avoidance system from EADS Defence and Security (DS) to equip its Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. Three HELLAS systems have already been installed by EADS DS on the RTAF’s Bell 412 helicopters. The system detects obstacles that are visually invisible for pilots, such as high-voltage power lines, enabling missions to be carried out under poor and difficult visibility conditions. Incidents involving low visibility missions are one of the leading causes of helicopter accidents. The HELLAS system uses a laser beam to scan the airspace to detect invisible objects, with a high accuracy in distances of up to 1,000 metres, greatly reducing the opportunity for human error. The pilot is able to navigate using a grey-scale in-depth image of the landscape in front of the aircraft, with potential obstacles displaying as a red signal. The system was developed specifically for use on helicopters, and has been used for several years by paramilitary helicopter groups around the world, including the German Federal Police helicopter unit.

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