Asian Military Review - May 2015 by Armada International & Asian Military Review

Volume 23/issue 3

may 2015 US$15

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

NAVAL HELICOPTERS SPECIAL FORCES NAVAL PROTECTION SOLDIER COMMUNICATIONS ASIA-PACIFIC NAVAL DIRECTORY MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES www.asianmilitaryreview.com

Contents

may 2015 VOLUME 23 / ISSUE 3

Island Investments

Singapore boasts one of the most advanced armed forces in the Asia-Pacific region. Mike Yeo discusses its investment into in new platforms and capabilities.

Front Cover Photo:

‘The AgustaWestland AW-159 is one of several naval support helicopters examined in this issue’s ‘Expanding the Horizon’ article.

12 Up Close and Personal

Close-In Weapons Systems save lives at sea. Thomas Withington outlines some of the innovations which are making their capabilities progressively sharper.

Bits and Pieces

Handheld radios are not only used for talking, but have an increasing need to handle growing quantities of data and imagery, with manufacturers stepping up to the challenge, Thomas Withington explains.

Ships Don’t Lie

Frenetic activity has been witnessed in the AsiaPacific naval domain in the last twelve months, Trevor Hollingsbee notes, in AMR’s 2015 Naval Directory.

Special Effects

Andrew White outlines some of the debates and developments regarding personal Special Forces weapons.

Thomas Withington’s regular column providing all of the latest news and analysis regarding events in the defence radio frequency domain.

Oceans Apart

Navies and air forces around the Asia-Pacific are pouring investment into upgrading their maritime patrol aircraft, and procuring new platforms, as Thomas Withington reports.

Extending the Horizon

Naval support helicopters increase the capabilities of warships. Andrew Drwiega profiles some of the upgrade and procurement programmes occurring to this end in the Asia-Pacific.

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Index of Advertisers

AMR SUBSCRIPTION APHS BOEING V22 DEFENCE & SECURITY THAILAND DSEI DUBAI AIRSHOW EUROSATORY EXELIS IAI IMDS KONGSBERG L3 WESCAM NEXTER PACIFIC RENAULT ROSOBORONEXPORT SEOUL AEROSPACE SINGAPORE AIRSHOW TADTE TEXTRON TRIJICON

59 73 COVER 2 39 70 51 53 5 COVER 4 37 11 17 15 63 19 25 COVER 3 69 67 31 49

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Editorial Eat, Drink and be Merry!

t is hard to think of a location for an international defence exhibition quite as resplendent as the Malaysian island of Langkawi. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is now in its third decade, taking place every two years. For one week, between 17 and 21 March, defence professionals from around the world convened to work hard in the idyllic surroundings.

As its name suggests, the event blends an air show with a maritime exhibition. Air forces from around the world showcased their finest aerobatic skills, and the world’s military aerospace manufacturers displayed their latest wares on the flight line. Meanwhile, the turquoise waters surrounding the island hosted a handsome array of warships from around the Asia-Pacific and further afield. Not only were warships in evidence, but their crews shared their national cultures with hundreds of the exhibition’s delegates. The Maritime Cultural Night, held one evening at the midpoint in the exhibition, was a fine occasion to enjoy excellent cuisine from the beef hotdogs expertly cooked by the United States Navy, to the Pakistan Navy’s delicious Chicken Jalfrezi and the mouth-watering Borscht of their Russian counterparts, to name just three dishes. Alongside the chow, each navy present entertained the Maritime Cultural Night’s audience with comedy, songs and puppet shows. Your editor even found himself dancing to some energetic Bhangra music courtesy of the Indian Navy. Yet the Maritime Cultural Evening was not just about dining and entertainment. It underscored a deepening bond among the maritime forces of the Association of South East Asian Nations, many of whom sent ships to the exhibition, and among Asia-Pacific navies in general. Events such as these are an excellent opportunity for sailors to talk to one another and swap thoughts in a more informal setting, alongside traditional exercises and personnel exchanges. Much as useful business relationships are formed in the civilian world over coffee or around the water-cooler, events such as these have a similar effect. Navies throughout the Asia-Pacific are facing a growing set of challenges, from the continued slow-burn of Chinese sovereignty claims in the South and East China Seas, to concerns regarding piracy, narcotics and people-trafficking, and the need to respond to humanitarian catastrophes. Many of these can be addressed more easily by navies working closely together. Events such as LIMA’s Maritime Cultural Evening play an important role in helping this happen. Thomas Withington, Editor

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In this edition’s Pulse, the Royal New Zealand Navy orders new radars for its frigates. Meanwhile, General Dynamics install additional waveforms on their manpack tactical radios and the Royal Australian Air Force gears up to receive new airborne electronic warfare equipment.

The full integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into unsegregated airspace has taken an important step forward with a recently-completed series of test-flights using a General Atomics MQ-9 Predator-B UAV equipped with the company’s Due Regard Radar © NASA

Radar General Atomics has provided Pulse with details regarding the development of its Due Regard Radar (DRR) which the company is developing as an anti-collision measure for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Back in mid-February, the firm announced that it had completed flight tests of a preproduction DRR onboard a company Predator-B UAV. During the flight tests which were performed at Edwards Air Force base in California and at the company’s Flight Operations Facility at Gray Butte airfield located in the same state, the UAV flew in a number of “scripted encounters against multiple small- and medium-sized manned aircraft,” noted the company’s official press release announcing the news. The press release continued that, during these experiments, the DRR tracked the aircraft, while also searching a wide swathe of sky for other potential collision hazards. Development of the air-to-air DRR was commenced by the company in 2011. The company’s press release says that the DRR is currently at Technology Readiness Level Seven. This is a United States Department of Defence classification which denotes that a system prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment. Ramon Estrada, programme manager for radar systems and mission systems at General Atomics, says that the radar operates in X-band (8.5-10.68 gigahertz/GHz) and uses an Active Electronically Scanned Array. At the core of the DRR is the company’s Lynx multi-mode synthetic aperture radar which contains a Ground Moving Target Indicator. The Lynx radar family is used onboard the United States Air Force and Royal Air Force MQ-9 Reaper UAVs; which is based closely on

the Predator-B design. Mr. Estrada continues, “We leveraged our Lynx Multi-mode Radar technology to develop the DRR, specifically the Lynx Radar Electronics Assembly,” adding that the company is now ready to accept customer orders for the DRR. Along with equipping the Predator-B and MQ-9 UAVS, Mr. Estrada says that the “DRR is modular and can be easily scaled to other UAVs”. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will receive four Kelvin Hughes SharpEye naval surveillance radars to equip its two ‘ANZAC’ class frigates. Deliveries of these new radars will commence in April 2016, and will be completed by April 2017, the company tells Pulse. Two radars will equip each ship, the HMNZS Te Kaha and the HMNZS Te Mana, as part of an overarching modernisation of the vessels’ combat systems being performed by Lockheed Martin. The ships are receiving the S-band (2.3-2.5/2.7-3.7GHz) up-mast variant of the SharpEye radar. The SharpEye radar family includes X-band and S-band versions. In S-band, the radar has a peak output power of 200 Watts, and an average output power of 20W. Up to 64 filters provide clutter discrimination, and the radar has optional frequency diversity. Alongside their Royal Australian Navy counterparts, the RNZN, as noted above, is modernising its ‘ANZAC’ class vessels, and the installation of the SharpEye radars to this end is a significant part of this initiative. The ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade programme is being led by Lockheed Martin and replaces the ships’ legacy Saab 9LV-453 Mk.3 Combat Management System (CMS) with Lockheed Martin’s CanACCS 9LV CMS, installs the MBDA Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile,

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Rheinmetall Multi-Ammunition Softkill System for selfprotection, and adds the Ultra Electronics Sea Sentor Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System. In the air domain, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) is planning to replace the existing radars outfitting its McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing F-15I Ra’am multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) with a more advanced system, according to press reports in lateJanuary. Currently, the aircraft are outfitted with Raytheon AN/ APG-70 radars. This radar is itself a member of the Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-63 combat aircraft radar family. Developed in the 1980s, the AN/APG-70 took the basic AN/ APG-63 design but added technical improvements to enhance its reliability and ease maintenance. Other modifications included the addition of a gate array, a prefabricated silicon chip which can house chips in a particular configuration to allow the radar to perform specific functions, enabling a high degree of customisation. For the AN/APG-70 this translated into the radar being able to perform new tasks. In addition, many of the AN/APG-70’s components were shared with the Raytheon AN/APG-73 radar equipping the United States Navy and US Marine Corps McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18C/D MRCA and early models of the Boeing F/A-18E/F MRCA for the US Navy, plus the AN/APG-71 radar used by the US Navy’s Grumman F-14D Tomcat air superiority fighters. These components included the radar modules (AN/APG-73) and the computers and processors (AN/APG-71). Although not officially confirmed by the Israeli Air Force, Raytheon’s AN/APG-82(V)1 radar is most likely to be installed on the F-15Is, according to press reports. The AN/APG-82(V)1 takes the back end of the AN/APG-79 radar, which is used on later model F/A-18E/F aircraft, and combines it with the

Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna used on the AN/APG-63(V)3 radar equipping the F-15C/D. The United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle MRCA have, since 2007, been upgraded with the AN/APG-82(V)1 as a result of the aircraft’s Radar Modernisation Programme. The Israeli Air Force is reportedly performing the radar upgrade of its F-15Is as a result of delays in delivery of the 33 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning-II MRCAs which the force will start to receive in 2018. The IAF has not revealed when the radar upgrade will take place, or how many new radars its F-15Is will receive. Selex-ES has provided Pulse with additional details regarding a contract won in November 2014 to perform a platform integration study regarding the implementation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO’s) Mode-5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) protocol across the land, sea and air platforms operated by the Royal Navy, British Army and the Royal Air Force. Selex is performing the work in conjunction with Airbus Defence and Space. Development of the Mode-5 IFF protocol commenced in 1995 following an order from the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff for a new IFF waveform to replace NATO’s Mode-4 Mk.XII protocol. The programme moved forward in 2002 with NATO ratifying Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) 4193 adopting the Mk.XIIA IFF protocol (as Mode-5 was then known across NATO’s membership). In terms of design, Mode-5 provides highly secure encrypted information, including geolocation data provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation which can be overlaid onto standard Air Traffic Management (ATM) radar imagery. Essentially, Mode-5 provides a cryptographically secure version of the civilian Mode-S ATM protocol mandated by the US Next Generation Air Transportation System, more

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s two ‘ANZAC’ class frigates are due to receive four of Kelvin Hughes’ SharpEye naval surveillance radars. Deliveries of the radars will commence in 2016 and will be completed the following year © US Navy

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is being introduced as a replacement for the existing Mode4 IFF standard which no longer meets modern operational requirements.” The UK armed forces will begin to use the Mode-5 protocol from 2019, the statement continues, although two platforms, notably the Eurofighter Typhoon F/GR4 MRCA of the Royal Air Force, can already use the Mode-5 protocol, as can the IFF transponder equipping the Royal Navy’s ‘Queen Elizabeth’ class aircraft carriers. Following the completion of the twelve-month study, the MoD will hold a competition to select a contractor to “to implement and support Mode-5 for all the legacy platforms considered during the study phase.” At the crux of the Selex, Airbus Defence and Space, UK MoD and STS Defence approach is to use Selex’s ES M428 IFF Transponder and SIT 2010 cryptographic computer “for all platforms,” the statement continues. This will be teamed with the Airbus Defence and Space MSSR 2000 I Secondary Surveillance Radar for IFF interrogation. The MoD will move ahead to select a bidder to implement and support Mode-5 once the twelvemonth study is completed.

Tactical Radio

General Dynamics has been awarded a contract worth $15 million from the US Army to upgrade the firm’s AN/PRC-155 manpack tactical radios with the Mobile User Objective System narrowband satellite communications waveform © US Army

popularly known as ‘NextGen’ which is being implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme in Europe being managed by the SESAR Joint Undertaking which is a publicprivate partnership. Both NextGen and SESAR mandate the implementation of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder protocol which uses satellite-based geolocation to provide details on an aircraft’s location to ATM services and to other aircraft. As Mode-S is also compatible with the ATM Mode-3A/C protocols, the protocol continues to provide an aircraft identification code, along with altitude information. However, Mode-5 adds a permanent 24-bit address to each aircraft. Therefore, when an aircraft equipped with Mode-S is interrogated by an ATM Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) it will provide the aircraft’s call sign, its 24-bit address together with ADS-B information, and altitude data. Mode-5 effectively takes the same information provided by Mode-S, but handles it in a cryptographically-secure fashion. Selex and Airbus Defence and Space will work in conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence and UK military electronics specialists STS Defence. According to a written statement provided to Pulse by Selex, “The Mode 5 IFF standard

General Dynamics revealed, by means of a press release, that it has been awarded a contract from the United States Army to upgrade the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform used by the force’s General Dynamics AN/PRC-155 manpack radios. The contract, worth $13 million according to the company, will enhance the quality of the waveform’s voice and data communications, alongside the waveforms’ security. In addition, the improvements will enhance the waveform’s connectivity between the AN/PRC-155 and other tactical radio users employing MUOS, while also improving the connectivity of the waveform with the Lockheed Martin MUOS narrowband military communications satellite constellation. Other radios employing the MUOS waveform include the Rockwell Collins AN/ARC210 airborne Very High Frequency (VHF/30-300 megahertz) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF/300 megahertz to three gigahertz) radios, and the Harris AN/PRC-117G V/UHF manpack radio. This constellation, which is operated by the United States Navy, provides UHF satellite communications around the world, and is scheduled to achieve global coverage by 2016.

Electronic Warfare Exelis has won a contract worth $15 million to undertake sustainment work on the United States Navy’s Exelis AN/ALQ99E airborne jamming system. The AN/ALQ-99E is carried onboard the US Navy’s Boeing E/F-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The work, which is expected to be completed by 2017, covers the redesign of the components equipping the AN/ALQ-99E’s universal exciter. Principally, existing parts will be replaced with field-programmable components to make it easier to configure the AN/ALQ-99E for its specific missions. The AN/ALQ-99E can perform spot and barrage jamming and can operate in automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes. Using the former mode, the AN/ALQ-99E detects electromagnetic threats, prioritises the threats and then jams them. In its semi-automatic mode, the AN/ALQ-99E continues to prioritise the threats, although the operator then selects which threats to jam and then performs the jamming action, while in manual mode, the operator identifies and prioritises the threats,

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This equipment can be integrated with the AN/AAR-47(V)2 to dispense countermeasures once hostile incoming missiles are detected. In separate news, on 20 February, Orbital ATK were awarded a contract worth $30 million to supply AN/AAR47(V)2 systems to the United States Navy. Deliveries of these systems are to commence in May 2016 and will conclude in April 2017, according to a written statement provided by Orbital ATK. These new AN/AAR-47(V)2 systems will be installed on a range of US Navy and United States Marine Corps fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, in addition to being supplied to a number of undisclosed international customers.

Satellite Communications

Exelis has recently won contracts performing sustainment work for the company’s AN/APQ-99E airborne jamming system equipping the US Navy’s Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. The pods are also being supplied to the Royal Australian Air Force © US Navy

and then jams them. The AN/ALQ-99E is reportedly able to generate almost eleven kilowatts of jamming power. Beyond this, there are no publicly-available details regarding the AN/ ALQ-99’s capabilities as a jammer, although it is thought to at least cover the two to 18 gigahertz segment of the electromagnetic spectrum; although this may have been increased to 0.5-40GHz to allow the jammer to engage a higher number of radar threats, particularly millimetric wave radars inhabiting the 8.5-36GHz range used by naval fire control radars and radars employed by Anti-Ship Missiles. In addition, Exelis will complete deliveries of an undisclosed number of AN/ALQ-99 electronic warfare pods for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) by June 2017, according to a company press release issued in late-January. The RAAF is procuring the pods to equip its Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, of which it is acquiring twelve, with deliveries expected to commence in 2017. This will mean that the AN/ALQ-99 pods are delivered in time for the arrival of the first EA-18G aircraft in RAAF service. The pods are being purchased on behalf of the RAAF by the United States Navy. In late February, Orbital ATK announced that the company had completed the installation and integration of its AN/AAR47 Missile and Laser Warning System and Hostile Fire Indicator, plus Symetrics’ AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System onboard the Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters operated by the Republic of Korea Army which is known to operate 77 of these aircraft. The company was awarded the contract to install the AAR-47 and the ALE-47 onboard the helicopters through the Republic of Korea’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration, the country’s defence procurement authority. The AN/AAR-47 detects the infrared (IR) signature of hostile missiles and is able to detect lasers. Although not specified by the company, it is thought that the AH-1S aircraft have received the AN/AAR-47(V)2 variant of the product which can also detect incoming Rocket Propelled Grenades and tracer fire. The AN/ALE-47 dispenses flares and chaff to protect aircraft against IR-guided and radar-guided missiles.

Exelis has won a contract worth $7.6 million for the Global Network on-the-move Active Distribution (GNOMAD) satellite communications system for the US Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The REF is charged with providing the army with commercial-offthe-shelf equipment to meet Urgent Operational Requirements for US Army units deployed around the world. According to a statement provided to Pulse by Exelis, deliveries of the GNOMAD satellite communications terminals commenced in February 2015 and concluded at the end of March. The GNOMAD terminals are vehicle-mounted and can be used to carry commercial Ku-band (13.4-14/15.7-17.7GHz) SATCOM and X-band SATCOM across the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation being activated by the US Department of Defence and the Australian Department of Defence. The GNOMAD terminals are capable of handling data rates of up to two megabits-per-second. Increment-2 of the US Army’s WIN-T (Warfighter Information Network-Tactical) is on course for Full Rate Production in 2015, according to Paul Mehney, director of congressional and public affairs at the force’s Programme Executive Office for Command, Control, CommunicationsTactical. The WIN-T network, which has been developed as part of the US Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) programme is intended to provide conventional and satellite communications for mobile forces.

Exelis has been awarded a contract worth $7.6 million to equip the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force with its Global Network on-theMove Active Distribution satellite communications system © Exelis

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Fielded in several increments, Increment-1 of WIN-T provides communications at-the-halt for battalion-level forces, and for theatre, corps, divisional and brigade levels. Mr. Mehney says that the services offered by WIN-T Increment-1 are “similar to a home Internet connection (providing) a full range of high-speed, high-capacity data, voice and video communications to units and command posts at-thehalt, enabling mission command and advanced network communications despite distance and terrain obstacles such as mountains.” Other capabilities include the movement of encrypted traffic over unencrypted Department of Defence (DoD) communications networks, connection with legacy waveforms and communications systems used by US forces, battalion level and above internet, connection to the DoD Global Information Grid and Defence Information Systems Network (DISN). These latter two networks are used for the flow of DoD information to all locations including bases and mobile units worldwide. Increment-2 of WIN-T provides mobile SATCOM at-the-halt and on-the-move at the company, battalion and brigade levels. The fielding of Increment-2 of WIN-T commenced in October 2012. Mr. Mehney says that some units will remain equipped with WIN-T Increment-1. “Going forward, unit requirements that can be satisfied with at-the-halt networking capabilities will remain with WIN-T Increment-1, while those units where mobility is

Orbital ATK has completed the installation and integration of its AN/AAR-47 Missile Laser Warning System and Hostile Fire Indicator (shown here dispensing flares) onboard the Republic of Korea Army’s Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters.

critical to mission success will receive WIN-T Increment-2.” Meanwhile, he continues, improvements are ongoing regarding WIN-T Increment-1. “One initiative, referred to as the ‘WIN-T Increment-1B initiative,’ is underway to improve the efficiency, security and interoperability of the network.” AMR

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N A V A L W

Up Close and Personal Naval vessels depend on Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) to help to protect them against low-flying threats such as Anti-Ship Missiles (AShMs). A number of these systems are being enhanced to improve their fire control and, in some cases, to deploy missiles and directed energy, as well as conventional gun fire. by Thomas Withington

e got four of these robot sentries … They really kick ass, I think they’ll come in handy,” said Corporal Dwayne Hicks to Ellen Ripley, the heroine of Ridley Scott’s 1986 science fiction epic Aliens. Corporal Hicks was alluding to the fictional UA-571C Sentry Gun, a fearsome weapon depicted in the Director’s Cut of the movie capable of firing 1100 rounds-per-minute of tenmillimetre caseless ammunition against the alien creatures seeking to attack Ms. Ripley and her comrades. While the UA-571C is the stuff of science fiction, weapons which are not dissimilar to it are in service on naval vessels around the world. A CIWS performs a key role regarding vessel protection. Its chief task is to defend vessels against seaskimming high-speed AShMs. Several events in recent history underscore the devastation that such weapons can cause to warships. During the involvement of the United Kingdom in the 1982 Falklands War, the Royal Navy suffered significant damage from Aerospatiale (now MBDA) MM-38/AM-39 surfaceand air-launched Exocet AShMs. The first attack performed by an Armada de la República Argentina (Argentine Navy) Dassault Super Étendard naval combat aircraft on 4 May 1982 damaged,

and eventually sank, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Sheffield. On 25 May 1982 two AM-39s would sink the SS Atlantic Conveyor, a civilian roll-on/roll-off freighter which had been requisitioned to carry supplies and military aircraft to support British attempts to evict the Argentine presence from the Falkland Islands following their invasion on 2 April 1982. Further damage would be inflicted on the Royal Navy on 12 June 1982 when the Royal Navy ‘Country’ class destroyer HMS Glamorgan was badly damaged by a land-launched MM38. The United States Navy also suffered at the hands of the AM-39 when the ‘Oliver Hazard Perry’ class frigate USS Stark was hit by two AM-39s on 7 May 1987 fired by an Iraqi Air Force Dassault Mirage-F1EQ ground-attack aircraft during naval deployments in the Persian Gulf. More recently, the Israeli Navy experienced the AShM’s destructive power when the ‘Sa’ar-5’ class corvette INS Hanit was struck by a China Haiying Electromechanical Technology Academy C-802 AShM, while off the coast of Lebanon with the loss of four crewmembers. Weapons such as the C-802 are a potent threat to navies in the AsiaPacific and around the world. Generally speaking, AShMs use flight profiles which are designed to make them difficult to intercept. For example, the

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Raytheon’s Phalanx family of CIWS is arguably one of the most successful such weapons in the world. The Phalanx-1B version has recently been selected to equip the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier © Raytheon

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Raytheon’s RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile can outfit the Phalanx-1B via the SeaRAM initiative. This combines the Phalanx-1B’s target detection and fire control capabilities with the lethal power of the RIM-116 © US Navy

C-802 cruises at an altitude of between 16 and 23 feet (five and seven metres) and then drops to an altitude of between ten and 16 feet (three and five metres) to execute its attack. Such altitudes help to ensure that the missile remains beyond the gaze of a naval surveillance radar’s line-of-sight for as long as possible. High subsonic and supersonic speeds help to shorten reaction times even further, while an AShM’s relatively small size and the adoption of radar cross section reduction technique, notable in the air frame design of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile, help to further frustrate radar detection. Moreover, AShMs can be relatively inexpensive when compared to building large-scale surface combatants such as destroyers or frigates, and can be fired from the shore making them an attractive asymmetric weapon, as Hezbollah’s employment of the C-802 AShM discussed above illustrates. “I think the proliferation of anti-ship missiles reflects the evolution of maritime warfare in favour of local defenders,” states Dr. James Holmes, professor of strategy and policy at the US Naval War College. “Inexpensive missiles fired from shore, or from a variety of humble platforms, can strike effectively at superior navies operating offshore.” Help is at hand, however, from the

Inexpensive missiles fired from shore, or from a variety of humble platforms, can strike effectively CIWS. Typically, such weapons are mounted on a ship in such a fashion so as to give them a wide field-of-view regarding potential avenues of approach towards the vessel. The CIWS will use a radar, or a combination of radar and optronics, to detect the incoming missile. These weapons tend to utilise so-called ‘millimetric wave’ radar employing frequencies which reside in the higher part of the radar spectrum, typically from X-band (8.5-10.68 Gigahertz/ GHz) up to Ka-band (33.4-36GHz). Such frequencies are favourable as their short wavelength enables them to generate a highly-detailed picture of the missile as it approaches the ship. This gives a high degree of accuracy helping to ensure a first-hit, first-kill for the CIWS. Optronics also play their part in helping to see the heat signature of the weapon and providing additional fire control in situations where radar performance may be degraded, for instance if the

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missile starts performing aggressive manoeuvres during the end game in an attempt to break the CIWS’ radar lock. Five CIWS are in widespread use around the world. These include the KBP Instrument Design Bureau’s AK630, Raytheon’s Phalanx family, Thales’ Goalkeeper, OtoMelara’s Dardo and finally Rheinmetall’s Millennium. All of these weapons can typically sustain rates-of-fire of between 200 rounds-perminute (rpm), up to 5000rpm, according to published sources. These sources continue that the effective range for these weapons can be from one nautical mile (two kilometres) up to two nautical miles (four kilometres). Muzzle velocities vary from 0.4 nautical miles-per-second (0.9 kilometres-per-second) up to 0.5nm/ps (1.1km/ps). The AK-630, Phalanx family and the Goalkeeper all use a Gatling Gun employing multiple barrels which rotate after each single shot to allow the barrels to cool and to sustain a high rate-of-fire. The Dardo and Millenium designs use a slightly different approach employing a 40mm L/70 Bofors Gun and a 35mm Rheinmetall Naval Revolver Gun.

Phalanx Raytheon’s Phalanx family of CIWS has been in service since 1980. Initially designed and produced by General

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The Phalanx-1B is being configured to deploy Raytheon’s RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile

A number of nations use Thales’ Goalkeeper CIWS. The weapon is currently undergoing an upgrade aimed at improving the capabilities of Goalkeepers operated by the Koninklijke Marine (Royal Dutch Navy) © Thales

Dynamics, the Phalanx was installed onboard the USS Coral Sea ‘Midway’ class aircraft carrier, the first ship to carry the Phalanx. Since then, over 850 systems have been produced according to Raytheon. Today, the Phalanx serves in two main versions, the Phalanx1A/1B. Both versions use a Ku-band (13.4-14/15.7-17.7GHz) radar, sustain a 4500rpm rate-of-fire and have a 0.6nm (1.1km) range. The Phalanx is nicknamed ‘R2D2’ by some crews as a reference to its passing similarity to the famous robot in the Star Wars franchise of science fiction films. In December 2014, British engineering firm Babcock International announced that it would be installing the Phalanx1B variant on the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth eponymous class aircraft carrier launched in July 2014. A total of three Phalanx-1Bs, to be provided in kit form by Raytheon, will be installed

on the ship, with a fourth kit also being supplied, according to Babcock International. Deliveries commenced as of March this year. Two months prior to the Babcock International announcement in October 2014 the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency announced that the Australian government had requested upgrades to its Phalanx-1A/1B CIWS from their Baseline-1 to the Baseline-2 configuration. These improvements will be provided to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the form of upgrade kits. According to Rick McDonnell, director of close-in defence solutions at Raytheon’s missile systems business, the company is pressing ahead with Phalanx1B Baseline-2 configurations for the US Navy over the next ten-to-fifteen years. This is being done to ensure that the US Navy operates a single Phalanx variant across the force as “a common design baseline also helps improve logistics

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and training costs,” Mr. McDonnell adds. The Baseline-2 modernisation for the Phalanx-1B improves the weapon’s ability to engage and destroy air targets by conferring enhancements to the weapon’s radar, while improving the weapon’s “overall reliability, maintainability and availability,” Mr. McDonnell continues. Notably the Phalanx-1B is being configured to deploy Raytheon’s RIM116 Rolling Airframe Missile infraredguided surface-to-air weapon. This ensemble is known as SeaRAM, and effectively swaps the six-barrelled M61 Vulcan Gatling Gun with an elevenround RIM-116 launcher. Effectively, this extends the weapons’ range against air targets beyond that of the Phalanx-1B. Mr. McDonnell says that the SeaRAM initiative is “leveraging the capability of the RAM ‘fire and forget’ missile with the Phalanx-1B high-resolution search and track sensor systems.” The first SeaRAM system was installed onboard the USS Independence eponymous class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) in 2008, with one SeaRAM system adorning each of the current three ‘Independence’ class ships which have been launched, according to the US Navy. Furthermore, the force revealed towards the end of 2014 that it would be installing SeaRAM on its future Small Surface Combatant ships which will enter service in the next decade, and are expected to be based upon enhanced versions of the existing ‘Independence’ and ‘Freedom’ class of LCS.

Goalkeeper Pim Van Wensveen, senior consultant for naval systems at Thales, states that work to upgrade the company’s Goalkeeper CIWS is proceeding apace. Goalkeeper was introduced in 1979. It employs two radars, one X-band search radar capable of handling up to 18 separate targets

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simultaneously, and a tracking radar operating both in X-band and K-band (24.05-24.25GHz). By using two radars Goalkeeper reduces its susceptibility to clutter either caused naturally by the undulation of the sea, or artificially by the activation of Electronic CounterCounter Measures (ECCMs); an optronic fire control system is also included as a back-up should either radar become unserviceable. The weapon has a 0.6nm/ ps muzzle velocity and an effective range of up to one nautical mile. In 2012, the company was awarded a contract to upgrade 60 of the 70 Goalkeepers in service with the Koninklijke Marine (Royal Netherlands Navy); the balance of ten systems not being upgraded are test systems not installed on warships. Goalkeeper remains in service with a number of navies around the world. The Republic of Korea Navy has 17, the Royal Navy has twelve, although these are now being phased out and replaced by Phalanx-1A/B (see above). The United Arab Emirates Navy has four, while the navies of Belgium, Chile and Portugal each have two. “Goalkeeper can deal with multiple missiles attacking a ship and it attacks the warhead of the missile,” Mr. Van Wensveen states. The upgrade that the company is performing for the Netherlands adds software improvements to enhance the target prediction for the Goalkeeper to improve its first-hit, first-kill chances, and also to defeat AShMs designed to perform aggressive flight manoeuvres to outfox a CIWS. The Goalkeeper’s optronics will be improved with the addition of infrared sensing, while the weapon will have its effective range extended by 38 percent. Alongside these improvements the enhancements being performed for the Royal Netherlands Navy adds an X-band three-dimensional radar (velocity, altitude and bearing) in place of the earlier X-band twodimensional (velocity and bearing) radar. Mr. Van Wensveen states that the improvements to the radar are being performed via a software upgrade. The Dutch navy upgrades are currently ongoing. “We will deliver upgrades for the first two Goalkeeper systems,” Mr. Van Wensveen states, before the force takes over this process. Additional upgrades beyond the first two will be performed as and when the Goalkeeper CIWS enter the depot for schedule maintenance. The upgrade of the first

two systems, Mr. Van Wensveen states, will take place before the end of 2015, after which firing trials will commence. So far, no additional customers have been forthcoming, although Mr. Van Wensveen states that, “other customers are watching what the Dutch are doing and might well follow suit.”

European Offerings Europe’s CIWS offerings in the form of the Goalkeeper are reinforced with OtoMelara’s Dardo. At the core of the Dardo are two 40mm L/70 Bofors guns. Fire control is provided by a Selenia/ Finmeccanica RTN-10X X-band radar. The weapon is produced in two versions; the standard Dardo and the Dardo Fast Forty. These two products differ primarily in their rate-of-fire, the former achieving

600rpm using both barrels, and the latter increasing this to 900rpm. Both weapons have an effective range of two nautical miles (four kilometres). In the AsiaPacific region, the Dardo is deployed onboard the ‘Laksamana’ class corvettes of the Tentera Laut Di Raja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Navy). Rheinmetall’s Millennium gun, meanwhile, takes its fire control information from an external radar or optronics source. An innovative feature of the weapon is that the gun’s muzzle can programme its Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition to detonate at a predetermined distance from the incoming threat to be as effective as possible, according to the manufacturers’ official literature. The Millennium Gun can achieve a rate-of-fire of up to

Italian armament experts OtoMelara produce several weapons which can be used for the short-range defence of warships against anti-ship missiles and air-breathing threats. These weapons include the Dardo and the company’s 76/62 Super Rapid multipurpose naval gun shown here © OtoMelara

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The AK-630 family of CIWS has been a staple in the Russian Navy for almost four decades. Alongside Russia, variants of the AK-630 have been exported widely around the world, equipping several navies in the Asia-Pacific © US Navy

1000rpm. The weapon has an effective range of 1.8nm (3.5km) and can achieve a muzzle velocity of between 0.8nm/ ps when using AHEAD ammunition. Finally, Russia’s AK-630 CIWS has been in service in various guises since 1976. The gun combines radar and optronics fire control and can achieve a rate of fire of 4000rpm, possessing a two nautical mile range. The AK-630 has a muzzle velocity of 0.5nm/ps (0.9km/ps).

for the CIWS mission. Speed is a major consideration. Laser light moves at the speed of light, 161,875nm/ps (299,792km/ps), which eclipses even the already impressive speed of today’s CIWS. Speed also enables the missile

to have reflexes surpassing Bruce Lee in the ability of the laser to prosecute one incoming threat, and then rapidly retargeting to engage another. Secondly, the weapon is dependent on power to generate enough electricity to employ the laser light and thus not be at risk from expending its ammunition as long as the ships’ engines keep running. Economy of force is a third consideration, according to reports discussing the deployment of the LaWS onboard the USS Ponce; a laser shot costs a mere 59 cents to destroy an incoming threat. The US Navy is looking at improving the capabilities of the LaWS still further with the possibility of a more-powerful 100-150kW weapon in the pipeline to be ready for deployment in the 2017 timeframe. Once this more powerful variant is developed, the US Navy will then begin thinking about the vessels which to be accommodated with it which could include platforms such as the ‘Freedom’ and ‘Independence’ class LCSs, and its ‘Arleigh Burke’ and ‘Ticonderoga’ class destroyers and cruisers. Lasers clearly offer some interesting, and potent, possibilities regarding AShMs, conventional air-breathing threats and surface targets. However, for the time being, gun-based systems will continue to provide a robust defence against such threats. AMR

Future Fire Directed energy weapons are entering the equation regarding CIWS design. In December 2014 the US Navy announced that its LaWS (Laser Weapons System) was operational onboard the USS Ponce ‘Austin’ class amphibious support ship. The LaWS has been developed by Kratos Defence and Security Solutions. It employs a laser producing between 15 and 50 kilowatts (kW) of power, according to open sources. The weapon takes its fire control information from the radar equipping a ship’s Phalanx CIWS (see above) and has a range of circa 0.9nm (1.6km). The company commenced the development of the LaWS in 2010 following the award of a $11 million contract from the US Naval Surface Warfare Centre. The LaWS, and laser weapons in general, offer several key advantages

The US Navy’s Laser Weapons System, or LaWS, has recently been deployed onboard the force’s USS Ponce ‘Austin’ class amphibious support ship. The navy is planning future enhancements to the LaWS to improve its destructive power © US Navy

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maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

Oceans Apart With a coastline of 33909 nautical miles (62800 kilometres) in length the AsiaPacific region abuts three major bodies of water namely the Arctic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Keeping tabs on what is happening across these seas is greatly assisted by the employment of Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) by Thomas Withington

he basic missions of fixedwing MPA can be broadly placed in three categories. These aircraft perform maritime surveillance, Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare. Each of these missions increases in complexity. A standard maritime surveillance aircraft may be able to perform over-watch of a large area of the ocean using optronics and maritime surveillance radar. It will be able to share information gathered by these sensors with other users such as coast guard vessels, navies or law enforcement authorities on land or at sea using standard Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency

(30 megahertz to three gigahertz) radio or datalink communications, or through the employment of Satellite Communications (SATCOM). An MPA capable of ASuW takes this capability to the next level. Designed to prosecute attacks against shipping, such aircraft will retain the advanced sensors of the maritime surveillance platform, but will add the ability to strike ships through the employment of air-to-surface Anti-Ship Missiles (AShMs). Finally, MPAs capable of ASW can also perform maritime surveillance and ASuW, but add specific capabilities dedicated to the detection and attack of submarines. These can include advanced maritime surveillance radar capable of detecting a submarineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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periscope, plus a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) capable of discerning magnetic disturbances caused by the metallic hull of a submarine beneath the waves and sonobuoys which can be dropped from the aircraft into the water to listen for submarines. Sonobuoys use sonar, and communicate their findings back to the MPA crew across a radio link. In terms of weaponry, along with deploying AShMs, an MPA capable of performing ASW will be able to deployed torpedoes and depth charges to attack their quarry. Unsurprisingly, the sophistication of an MPA therein greatly influences its cost. Some nations requiring an aircraft to patrol their coastlines and

maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

The Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion is arguably the world’s most widely used maritime patrol aircraft. However, it continues to be upgraded to ensure its capabilities remain sharp, with the United States Navy’s P-3Cs currently receiving new wings © US Navy

Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) will find that a maritime surveillance aircraft maybe sufficient for this task. Those involved with maritime disputes with a neighbour may feel that an MPA capable of performing ASuW is more suitable to their needs, so as to deter naval incursions by their rival’s ships. Finally, nations operating submarines will invariably require MPAs capable of performing ASW. This is because their own submarines will be a potential target for enemy conventional or nuclearpowered boats. This makes the detection of hostile submarines a pressing priority during naval operations. Effectively ASW MPAs can be considered the most ‘high end’ of the maritime patrol aircraft currently in use and production around the world.

Orion’s Belt The enhancement of existing MPAs is a growing market for MPA suppliers both in the Asia-Pacific and the wider word. Lockheed Martin is one company that is making its presence felt to this end. The firm is known worldwide for its P-3AM/C/K Orion family of MPAs.

Michael Fralen, the firm’s director for new business strategy in ships and aviation systems, says that Lockheed Martin has upgraded the mission system of the P-3C for an undisclosed country in the region, and has noticed other regional P-3AM/C/K operators, which include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, showing a similar interest in pursuing such modernisations for their aircraft. As far as the P-3 family is concerned, upgrades are the only choice on offer as “there are currently no P-3s being built, and there are very few surplus P-3s,” Mr. Fralen adds. Beyond the aircraft’s mission system, however, structural enhancements are possible as the United States Navy P-3C Orions are currently receiving new wings to extend their service lives. Beyond upgrades, Lockheed Martin is offering the ARTAMIS (Airborne Tactical Mission System) upgrade. ARTAMIS is derived from the P-3 mission system. The upgrade is available for installation on the Lockheed Martin C-130J turboprop freighter as a palletised payload which can be carried in the aircraft’s cargo

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compartment. This palletised mission system can then work with sensors installed on the aircraft to perform the maritime patrol mission such as optronics and maritime surveillance radars. These sensors can be specified by the customer; “we are sensor agnostic,” says Mr. Fralen. It is also possible to configure the C-130J and the legacy C-130H to deploy sonobuoys, and the company is studying the possibility of installing a MAD on the aircraft, which could be done once requested by a customer, Mr. Fralen adds. C-130H/J operators can look at installing sensors incrementally, first of all starting with a maritime surveillance capability, then adding ASuW and ASW capacity. Hardpoints on the aircraft’s wings also allow it to carry weapons such as Boeing AGM-84 Harpoon series of anti-ship missiles. Mr Fralen says that the company “can start adding those capabilities onto the aircraft as the customer needs them; you don’t need to buy an aircraft to get that capability.” Alongside offering the ARTAMIS for the C-130J, Lockheed Martin explains that it can so equip the Airbus CN-235 and C-295 turboprop freighters. Although it

maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

Lockheed Martin is offering its ARTAMIS mission system upgrade for C-130J operators around the world. This can effectively turn the turboprop transport into a maritime patrol platform without the necessity of procuring a new platform © Thomas Withington

has not yet won any orders for ARTAMIS, the company is confident, Mr. Fralen says, that the dearth of P-3C Orion aircraft currently available, coupled with the widespread use of the C-130J and legacy C-130H around the Asia-Pacific region, should serve to make the ARTAMIS an attractive proposition to customers requiring an MPA.

Perfect FITS Alongside the ARTAMIS mission system discussed above, the CN-235 and C-295 family of aircraft can carry the Airbus Defence and Space FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System) maritime patrol ensemble. As well as existing as a retrofit option, FITS acts as the core for Airbus’ CN235MPA maritime patrol aircraft offering. Antonio Barberan, head of commercial military aircraft in Airbus Defence and Space, says that the CN-235MPA can be employed for maritime surveillance, while customers requiring more functionality can opt for the company’s

There are currently no P-3s being built, and there are very few surplus Orion available larger C-295 platform. This aircraft can either be configured as a dedicated platform, or it can be equipped with FITS as a roll-on/roll-off option. This latter option allows a customer to effectively possess two aircraft for the price of one, as the aircraft can be used to support other operations such as logistics and medical evacuation when not required for maritime patrol missions. “The Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) has procured the roll-on/roll-off option for its C-295 aircraft, while both the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB/Brazilian Air Force) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) have dedicated C-295 platforms,” notes

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Mr. Barberan. However, the FITS system is not solely restricted to installation and use onboard Airbus aircraft as it has also been installed onboard the P-3AM aircraft used by the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB/Brazilian Air Force). Deliveries of FITS-equipped C-295s are currently ongoing to the RAFO, with deliveries expected to be completed by mid-2015. To date, Mr. Barberan notes that the company has delivered all of the CN-235MPAs ordered so far. That said, deliveries are planned of a ‘vanilla’ CN-235 to a customer in Africa equipped with a roll-on/roll-off FITS system. Beyond the deliveries of new aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space is continuing to move forward with the overall FITS architecture. Mr. Barbaran says that the company is currently at the Release 5 standard of the FITS software. Not all FITS customers have this release, he adds, with the FAB and the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force), for example, both using legacy versions of FITS on

maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

Destroyers are designed to provide a shield against aerial attack for high-value targets such as convoys and major warships like aircraft carriers

Airbus Military’s CN-235 turboprop transport is an increasingly attractive platform for maritime patrol. The company is offering its FITS mission system as either a roll-on/roll-off or pre-installed package for these aircraft © Thomas Withington

their P-3AM aircraft. In hardware terms, Release 5 has added larger operator screens and touch-screens to reduce operator workload and make the overall system more intuitive. This allows the FITS’ tactical operators to change the geographical search pattern that the aircraft and sensors will cover with their finger, as opposed to having to manually enter new coordinates to delineate the search pattern.

Boeing The appetite of the Asia-Pacific for new MPAs is illustrated by India’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8I Poseidon. The Indian Navy joins the United States Navy as an operator of this type. In September 2015, the former received its fifth P-8I example from an eventual fleet size of eight aircraft; all three aircraft will be delivered to the force by the end of this year. Currently, the US Navy has

17 P-8A examples in its fleet from an expected total inventory of 117 examples. February 2014 saw a new entrant to the P-8A/I club with Australia announcing that it would acquire eight of the aircraft so as to replace the current Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fleet of 15 AP-3C Orion MPAs. RAAF plans call for the first P-8A aircraft to be delivered in 2017, with deliveries of all eight being completed by 2021, according to an official announcement by the force. The announcement continues that the total acquisition of these aircraft, together with the aircraft’s supporting infrastructure, will cost $4 billion. Boeing’s official literature notes that the P-8A can achieve a 600 nautical mile (1111 kilometre) range, remain on station for four hours and then return the same distance without requiring refuelling. The company adds that the Tactical Open Mission System (TOMS) has four

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times the processing capability of the mission system equipping the existing AP-3C aircraft. Seattle’s finest is aiming at the maritime surveillance aircraft market with its MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft) design. Based upon a Bombardier Challenger 605 business jet, the aircraft accommodates a Selex 7300E Sea Spray maritime surveillance radar and FLIR Systems StarSafire 380 optronics package. In addition, the aircraft is outfitted with an Argon ST Communications Intelligence payload. Boeing launched the MSA initiative in 2013 to offer customers a platform which could perform maritime surveillance at less cost than its P-8A/I Poseidon family of MPAs (see above). Open source reports state that the aircraft could cost up to $60 million, which is around one third the cost of a P-8A/I. That said the aircraft uses the TOMS which outfits the

maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

to provide maritime surveillance P-8A/I (see above). The interior of Malaysia’s territorial waters of the aircraft includes three and its 97597 square nautical workstations carrying the TOMS mile (334,751 square kilometre) software which can be tailored EEZ. The capabilities of these for the task being performed by aircraft are being enhanced the operator, states Matt Carreon, with the installation of Thales’ in charge of sales and marketing Airborne Maritime Situation and for surveillance and engagement Control System (AMASCOS). at Boeing. In terms of endurance, The company announced on 23 the aircraft can perform missions March 2015 during the LIMA of up to eight hours, with the exhibition that it had delivered MSA having a range of circa the third AMASCOS to the 2500nm (4630km). Although the Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia aircraft has yet to achieve any (TUDM/Royal Malaysian Air sales, Mr. Carreon is confident Force), with the fourth, and that once a customer is found, final, system to be delivered in first deliveries could follow 2016. Alongside the B200T of within three years. The MSA The US Coast Guard is enhancing its maritime patrol fleet with the TUDM, AMASCOS outfits was displayed at the Langkawi the addition of the Airbus Military HC-144A Ocean Sentry the five CN-235-200 MPAs of International Maritime and aircraft, itself based upon the Airbus Military CN-235. In USCG service, this aircraft replaces the Dassault HU-25 Guardian the Tentara Nasional IndonesiaAerospace (LIMA) exhibition in turbofan platform © USCG Angkatan Laut (Indonesian Malaysia. Navy). It was of little surprise that Boeing brought the aircraft to this event: Malaysia currently has a requirement IAI Malaysia currently for up to eight new MPAs. Other As Dassault and Boeing have illustrated aircraft hoping to satisfy the country’s with their respective Falcon-900MRA has a requirement requirements in this regard include and Falcon-2000MPA, and Challenger for up to eight Dassault’s Falcon-2000MRA (Maritime 605-based MPA designs, the employment Reconnaissance Aircraft) and Falconof business jet platforms is increasingly new maritime 900MPA. According to Dassault’s official in vogue for this application. Business patrol aircraft literature, the Falcon-2000MRA can jets offer several key benefits: They boast perform maritime surveillance as well as high subsonic speeds and long ranges; ASuW. The aircraft’s equipment includes two attributes which are essential an air-to-surface radar, optronics when surveying large areas of water, or turret and space for up to four mission specialists. The Falcon-900MPA expands these capabilities to include ASW, alongside ASuW, with the ability to launch sonobuoys and to carry stores on underwing hardpoints like the Falcon2000MRA. Indonesian Aerospace, meanwhile, was touting its own version of the CN235200 (see above) for Malaysia’s needs. The company is looking at equipping the aircraft’s wings with hardpoints to carry torpedoes, while also using an area beneath the aircraft’s fuselage for a similar purpose. These modifications would enable the aircraft to deploy up to four torpedoes. There is no indication as of yet regarding when Malaysia will take the decision vis-à-vis the aircraft it will purchase, or when deliveries might commence. Nevertheless, the aircraft which is procured will represent a significant increase for the country’s maritime patrol capabilities. These are Boeing’s P-8A/I Poseidon family of maritime patrol aircraft has attracted customers in recent currently fulfilled using four Beechcraft years in the form of India and Australia. The aircraft is also outfitting the US Navy where it will B200T Super King Air turboprops. For replace the service’s P-3C Orion fleet © Boeing the time being, the B200T will continue

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maritime s u r v e i l l a n c e

Boeing has joined forces with Bombardier to develop its own MPA capable of maritime surveillance based upon a Bombardier Challenger 605 business jet platform. The aircraft features an impressive number of sensors © Boeing

responding to incidents such as a sinking cargo ship which may be many hundreds of nautical miles from their home bases. High levels of crew comfort do not represent luxury. They are essential for maintaining crew concentration during missions which may be circa eight hours or more in duration. Israel Aerospace Industries has chosen Bombardier’s Global 5000 as the airframe for its EL/ I-3360 maritime patrol aircraft launched in February 2015. At the heart of the aircraft is the company’s EL/M-2022 maritime surveillance radar, plus accompanying optronics, electronic warfare and electronic support measures and conventional and satellite communications. Under-wing hardpoints allow the aircraft to carry torpedoes and AShMs. Open source reports state that the company sees the aircraft as a potential replacement for the P-3AM/C/K family (see above). IAI is yet to announce whether it has secured any customers for the EL/I-3360.

HAL While business jets are increasingly being employed as MPAs, they are not completely replacing turboprop platforms. These remain popular with several operators around the world. For example in August 2015, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced that it would supply twelve Dornier Do-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to the Indian Navy. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2016. The company added that the aircraft would be outfitted with a maritime surveillance radar, optronics payload, electronic support measure, and conventional and satellite communications, although it has provided no further details on which particular products will be installed on the aircraft. The acquisitions of the P-8A/I aircraft plus the demand for new MPAs from the RMAF are indicative of the growing market for maritime

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patrol aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region. For example, in May 2014, the Philippines Department of National Defence announced a programme worth $23 million to purchase two MPAs, although there is no indication in the announcement concerning when the procurement of these aircraft will commence, or which aircraft Manila is considering. Major drivers in the region for the acquisition of new MPAs include the increasingly strident naval presence of the People’s Republic of China in the South and East China Seas, alongside maritime disputes affecting these bodies of water. In the non-strategic context, the need to survey vast areas of water as highlighted by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on 8 March 2014 is also motivating the acquisition of new aircraft, and the upgrade of existing platforms to this effect. AMR

r a d i o communications

mportant developments are ongoing in the handheld tactical radio domain. These include new radios entering the marketplace, alongside enhancements to the all-important waveforms and encryption software enabling the radios to securely perform specific tasks like ground-to-air and ground-to-ground voice, data and imagery communications. Meanwhile, a number of handheld radio acquisition programmes are evolving. This article will discuss all these developments in detail.

Making Contact

Thales’ AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR) is used extensively within the US Special Operations Forces community. The radio is available in two variants; the AN/PRC-148 JEM, and the AN/PRC-6809 MBITR clear which is available without encryption © General Dynamics

Thales is one of Europe’s largest providers of handheld tactical radios. Towards the end of this decade, the firms’ PR4G F@stNet tactical radio family, which includes the TRC-9110 Very High Frequency (30-300 megahertz/MHz) handheld radio, will be replaced with the new Contact radios which Thales is developing for the French armed forces. In particular, the Contact programme will replace the firms’ TRC-9110 handheld radio with a new handheld transceiver. This latter radio, and the others which will be procured as part of the initiative, will carry the ESSOR (European Secure Software Defined Radio) waveforms currently being developed by a consortium of European companies which includes Thales, under the auspices of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement/Joint Organisation for Cooperation in Armaments). OCCAR is a Europe-wide organisation tasked with managing collaborative multinational European defence procurement programmes. The ESSOR initiative is developing a suite of High Frequency (three to 30 megahertz) and VHF waveforms which will become ready for use in the 2020 timeframe. These

Bits and Pieces Handheld tactical radios provide vital ‘glue’ in the Command and Control (C2) chain, linking platoon and squad leaders to their dismounted troops equipped with Personal Role Radios, and squad/platoon leaders to higher echelons of command. by Thomas Withington 28

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r a d i o communications

will be made available to European Union member nations to facilitate interoperability across these states. They will also allow high bandwidth communications to accommodate the growing quantities of bandwidthheavy still and video imagery which is increasingly available to the soldier. This February, Czech tactical radio specialists DICOM launched its new RF40 Thoroughbred VHF and Ultra High Frequency (UHF/300MHz to three gigahertz) handheld radio at the 2015 International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. Representatives of the firm told the author during the exhibition that the radio has a data throughput of 270 kilobits-per-second (kbps) using both VHF and UHF transmissions via the use of DICOM’s WF40 proprietary wideband networking waveform. Incorporating United States National Institute of Standards and Technologies Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)level communications security, the RF40 can employ a so-called ‘Mission Module’. This attaches to the transceiver enabling the radio to perform L- and S-band (one to two, and two to four gigahertz/ GHz) communications. This effectively expands the bandwidth of the radio to 40 megabits-per-second (mbps). Other features include the incorporation of a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite geolocation transmitter which can also use the Russian GLONAS and European Galileo constellations. With a range in the order of ten kilometres (five miles), the RF40 can be connected to DICOM’s VA40 compact amplifier dock. This has an output of 50 watts versus the ten watts of the RF40 and transforms the radio into a vehicle-mounted transceiver. During IDEX, Polish tactical communications specialists Radmor told the author that it plans to introduce a new narrowband waveform by the end of 2015. This will be available for the company’s new R3509 handheld V/UHF transceiver. This waveform can be ported into the company’s legacy RF3507 handheld transceiver, but requires the installation of a new circuit board. The R3509 provides three watts of power, and has ten preprogrammable channels. Data rates of 19kbps are achievable with the radio, and Radmor produces the radio in the RF3501 Standard and RF3501 Advanced versions; these primarily differ by their inclusion of a GPS transmitter, which is installed on the RF3501 Advanced, but

US defence electronics specialist Exelis has enhanced their SpearNet waveform

Harris’ AN/PRC-152 is equipped with the US and Allied SINCGARS and HAVEQUICK-I/II ground-to-air/ground-to-ground waveforms and APCO-25 waveform allowing the radio’s users to communicate with civilian first responders © Harris

not on the RF3501 Standard. Similarly, the RF3501 Advanced can perform the retransmission of voice and data traffic, while only voice traffic can be retransmitted by the RF3501 Standard.

US Utility North America is home to several companies specialising in handheld tactical radios. Datron has two notable products in this regard; the HH7700 and the HH2100V Spectre V. The former is a fully-programmable radio which carries 15 channels and includes normal voice and whisper modes. Its HH2100V sibling, on the other hand, has 100 programmable channels, along with Electronic CounterCounter Measure protection and an embedded GPS transmitter. The radio

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is also able to withstand immersion in water to a depth of one metre (three feet). The firm announced in May 2014, during the SOFEX Special Forces Exhibition in Amman, Jordan that it had won a contract to equip an undisclosed country in Africa with the HH2100V. US defence electronics specialist Exelis has enhanced their SpearNet waveform used by their eponymous dismounted soldier radio. The UHF SpearNet has sustained data rates of up to two megabtis-per-second, and a six megabits-per-second burst data transmission capability. The radio has an embedded GPS geolocation function and a range of up to six kilometres (three miles) across four hops, according to the company’s literature. Tim White, Exelis’ director for night vision and communications solutions, says that the SpearNet waveform has received an upgrade over the past twelve months to improve its data transfer capabilities. Mr. White adds that “the SpearNet radio has been upgraded to the SpearNetEVO configuration.” What this means in practice is that the radio has received improvements to its processing power, and an “H.264 video codec (coder/ decorder)” package allowing the transmission of analogue video. “All buyers of the SpearNet radio going forward will receive these enhancements,” states Mr. White. “Additionally, owners of previously purchased SpearNets will be able to upgrade their radios with the new technology.” To date “we have sold the SpearNet to nine different countries,” states Mr. White. “The most current sales have been to one of our customers in the Middle East where sales are ongoing and expected to continue over the next several years under separate contracts.” Tim Soine, product line manager for Harris soldier radio systems, says that “one of the biggest developments for the company over the past twelve months has been the launch of our RF7850S Secure Personal Radio”. This V/UHF transceiver is designed as a “platoon-wide” system, Mr. Soine adds. Although the company cannot disclose customers, Mr. Soine told AMR that production is underway, and deliveries to them are expected to commence this June. In addition “we have delivered some of these radios to our customers so that they can perform trials and demonstrations.” Alongside this new radio, Harris has unveiled a new waveform to equip the RF-7850S. Known

r a d i o communications

The RF-7850M-HH is a multiband, multi-mission networking radio available from Harris. According to the company, it has data rates of up to 1.6 megabits-per-second, making it the “fastest V/UHF tactical handheld radio” © Thomas Withington

| Asian Military Review |

as the STNW, this V/UHF waveform “will have a 1.2MHz wideband mode, plus a 1.2MHz wideband mode as well as 5MHz wideband mode,” Mr. Soine adds. Moreover, a data rate of one megabit-per-second will ensure that it can easily perform video streaming. Mr. Soine notes that this waveform can also be ported into other Harris tactical radios: “The STNW waveform was designed specifically with the soldier in mind. You have a higher number of users which can be hosted on the network at any particularly time. Each individual user will have guaranteed voice and guaranteed situational awareness in terms of position reporting. We’ve identified that this is one of the biggest concerns for the soldier.” In addition to the STNW, Mr. Soine adds that customers can add other specific waveforms and cryptographic software to the RF-7850S as and when required. Harris’ AN/PRC-152A multiband handheld radio, meanwhile, carries the US and allied SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System) waveform for voice and data groundto-air and air-to-air communications, along with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s HAVEQUICK-I/II UHF frequency-hopping waveform for air-to-air and ground-to-air communications. This is in addition to the US APCO-25 digital emergency services communication waveform allowing AN/PRC-152A users to link with the radio communications used by civilian first responders; a particularly useful capability given the regularity with which the military are called upon to assist local civilian authorities in the wake of natural disasters. Satellite Communications (SATCOM) are possible using the AN/PRC-152A as it handles waveforms adhering to the United States’ Department of Defence Military Standard 188-181A (Mil-Std-188-181) and the HPW (High Performance Waveform) SATCOM protocols. As of September 2014, Harris is supplying these radios to the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. The company also announced in December 2014 that it would be supplying AN/PRC-152A radios to the Australian Army as part of the force’s JP2097 procurement initiative which is equipping Australia’s special operations community with the Supacat Special Operations Vehicle-Commando platform.

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Alongside the orders for the AN/ PRC-152 radios for the Australian Army (see above), Harris has won orders from the Philippines to equip the country’s army with the RF-7800V handheld combat net radio. This can handle up to 192kbps worth of data and host up to 64 users on a single channel via the employment of Harris’ Time Division, Multiple Access waveform. The QUICKLOOK Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) waveform will provide these radios with the electronic protection. In fact, the RF7800V transceivers are being supplied to the Philippines Army as part of an order which also includes Harris’ RF7800I vehicle intercom. Undisclosed sources have informed AMR that these radios and vehicle intercoms will equip the Philippines Army’s BAE Systems/ The SDR-7200HH is a multi-band, softwaredefined handheld radio available from Elbit Systems. The radio is a perfect companion for the company’s PNR-1000A Advanced Personal Network Radio, and can perform live video streaming © Elbit

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New handheld radio offerings from Harris include the company’s RF-7850S-SPR. The radio is equipped with the wideband STNW waveform which provides a data rate of up to one megabit-per-second enabling it to stream video © Harris

United Defence M113A2 personnel carriers.

armoured

JTRS The US is home to one of the biggest tactical radio programmes on the horizon, with the imminent launch of the next stage of the Department of Defence’ (DoD) JTRS HMS (Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Factor) initiative. Thales and General Dynamics are already furnishing the US Army and Marine Corps with the AN/ PRC-154 Rifleman Radio. This is a UHF radio being jointly produced by the two companies. The AN/PRC-154 carries the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) which is used for voice and data communications by dismounted US troops. However, both of these companies are delivering these radios to fulfil the LowRate Initial Production (LRIP) element of the JTRS HMS programme. The US Army, which is in charge of the JTRS HMS

acquisition is now moving ahead with the Full Rate Production (FRP) segment of the HMS procurement. According to existing published plans, the force expects to acquire 193,276 Rifleman Radios, as the handheld component of the HMS project is called. This is in addition to the 21379 radios delivered by Thales and General Dynamics as part of the JTRS HMS LRIP. Open source reports note that the AN/PRC-154 is already in service with the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. The US Army’s announcement for a Request for Proposals for the FRP of the JTRS HMS segment specifies that Elbit System’s PNR-1000A Advanced Personal Network Radio was launched in 2011. The transceiver has a compact and rugged design. It can be used for intra-team voice, data and video communications. (Elbit Systems)

| Asian Military Review |

r a d i o communications

Sapura Thales Electronics produces the TRC-5100 VHF handheld tactical radios available in three versions carrying analogue voice, plus clear and encrypted digital voice and data traffic ÂŠ Thomas Withington

testing of candidate radios is expected to occur over the 2015-16 timeframe, with production commencing in 2017. Reports in April 2015 noted that Harris and Thales are expected to contest the FRP element of the Rifleman Radio initiative. In total, the US Army is expected to acquire over 200,000 Rifleman Radios. The $54 million LRIP of the AN/PRC-154 was awarded by the US Army in July 2011. This covered the production of 6250 radios and was evenly split between Thales and General Dynamics. A second LRIP, also worth $54 million, was awarded by the US Army in September 2012 covering the production of 13000 AN/PRC154 radios split evenly between each firm, bringing the total number of AN/ PRC-154s ordered to 19250. Given the number of transceivers produced under the two LRIP contracts, and the value of these two contracts, the LRIP AN/ PRC-154 radios have a unit price of circa $5610. By 2025, the US Army expects, reports continue, to procure their full complement of more than 200,000 handheld radios. Under current US Army plans, it is expected that team and squad leaders will be issued with the

In total, the US Army is expected to acquire over 200,000 Rifleman radios Rifleman Radio. Details are emerging regarding the requirements for the FRP; in particular, the FRP is expected to procure two-channel transceivers allowing simultaneous voice and data communications.

Africa Requirements for new handheld radios have been forthcoming in Africa, beyond the order announced by Datron discussed above. In September 2014, South African defence electronics specialists Reutech announced that it had won a contract of an undisclosed value to develop a new family of combat net radios to equip the South African Defence Force. The company disclosed that it is being tasked to develop a range of transceivers for

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ground, air and maritime applications. In fact, the Short Range Communication System component of the overall initiative will comprise the development of a new UHF handheld radio. There is no further information as yet regarding timelines for the research, development and production of these new radios, delivery timelines or the anticipated value of the initiative.

Widening the Pipe In terms of trends being observed in the tactical radio domain which will affect future technological innovation, the appetite for bandwidth at the Forward Edge of the Battle Area will continue. The need to share imagery and video with other users across tactical radio networks will mean that the data throughput of handheld radios will increase still further, much as the data bandwidth offered by civilian smartphones has in recent years. Increasingly, soldiers are taking devices such as ruggedized tablets and laptops into combat, and tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handheld radios will need to be able to accommodate the imagery, written and cartographical information that such devices can provide. AMR

Effective support to reconnaissance, escort and patrol groups

MODULAR ARGUMENTS

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that today the use of remote controlled weapon stations or weapons platforms in combat vehicles is a global trend based on commandersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire to protect the crew from enemy weapon effects, improve battlefield surveillance and increase the killing capabilities against a wide range of ground and air targets. Such means have become particularly relevant through the emergence of remote weapon control technologies and lessons learned from the tactics used by ground forces in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed conflicts. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, in 2005-2006 alone, their armed forces lost about 350 soldiers in exposed firing positions (who operated open turret mounts) in Afghanistan and Iraq. In fact, remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) with light cannons came to be seen as a mandatory ele-

ment ensuring the required firepower for most of existing armored vehicles, from trucks to tanks. The reason is simple: using the fire control system and without exposing himself to enemy fire or the risk of injury in vehicle rollovers, the gunner can effectively provide fire support to reconnaissance, escort and patrol units while remaining safely inside the vehicle. In recent years, many arms manufacturers have been working on remote controlled weapon platforms. But it is precisely in Russia that truly effective RCWS have been developed capable of becoming a mainstay for significantly enhancing the combat capabilities of armored vehicles in service with armies of many countries in the world. By the way, before remote weapon stations were developed, weapons were housed inside the manned turret. However, with such a layout, achiev-

ing the required level of crew protection entails a significant increase in weight and moves the center of gravity upward, which affects mobility of vehicles. At the same time, the RCWS is free from this drawback, which can be effectively used to improve protection of the hull, where the crew is housed, or carry additional equipment and ammunition. Modular design solutions implemented in Russian RCWS enable the use of 7.62mm PKTM type and 12.7mm Kord type machine guns, as well as 30mm 2A42 type automatic cannons as weapons. Cocking of weapons is remote, electromechanical, multiple. The weapon elevation and traverse angles are -10 to + 75 deg and 360 deg. The automated gunner workstation is equipped with a plasma or LCD control panel with an integrated ballistic computer and a two-handed

control console (or a one-handed joystick). The RCWS is equipped with a sight having television, thermal imaging and distance measuring channels. Enhanced accuracy of a heavy machine gun, achieved through twoplane weapon stabilization, provides assured target kill with the first burst, while an improved image display system enables target reconnaissance, acquisition and tracking before opening fire. Communication between the fire control system and the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information and control system can be provided via RS-485, Ethernet and CAN channels, while video transmission - via the HD-SDI (SMPTE 292) and Ethernet channels. In general, the Russian RCWS can be divided into three categories according to weight - light (up to 300 kg), medium (up to 650 kg) and heavy (up to 1500 kg). They are self-contained platforms and every customer can simply select the required type of modules. The modular principle also makes it possible to quickly upgrade the RCWS. Unarmored machine-gun RCWS weighing up to 300 kg are designed for installation on armored cars, command vehicles, support vehicles or fixed facilities. They offer the ammo box change capability without people leaving the vehicle. For command vehicles and other automotive and tracked platforms, machine-gun RCWS weighing up to 650 kg have been devised. They carry an additional remote surveillance TV

Assured target kill with the first burst

camera to expand the observation capabilities. Machine-gun and machine-gun/ cannon RCWS weighing up to 1500 kg are designed to be mounted on lightly armored wheeled and tracked vehicles. Their armor protection complies with NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 or 3. The modules can carry smoke screening and other systems. The capability to control fire from two stations is their major advantage. The moduleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armament includes a 30mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun with 300 30mm rounds and 1000 7.62mm rounds, respectively. The sighting and observation system used in the new Russian weapon Ballistic protection matching that of the platform on which the module is installed

AMR Marketing Promotion

module meets all modern requirements imposed not only in Russia, but in other countries as well. The system includes observation and sighting TV cameras, a thermal sight and a laser rangefinder. In addition to all the basic functions related to preparation for fire and fire, a fire control system installed in the RCWS ensures operation in automatic target tracking mode. This greatly increases the likelihood of engaging a moving when the vehicle moves over rough terrain. Moreover, the dependence of target accuracy of the proficiency of a gunner operating the RCWS decreases. Unlike most of foreign counterparts having no or insufficient ballistic protection, Russian RCWS offer ballistic protection matching that of the platform on which the module is installed. Rosoboronexport, Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole state special exporter of the whole range of defense and dual-use products, services and technologies, is proud to offer its partners high-performance and versatile Russian remote controlled weapon stations. Arms market experts recognize that these modules, consisting of 100% Russian components, are very attractive today not only because they have a better price, but also due to the fact that there is no dependence on suppliers from other countries if they are ordered. This is also an argument.

N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

Extending the Horizon The increasingly robust stance by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) over its maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea and elsewhere has alarmed its neighbours, several of whom have competing claims in these waters. by Andrew Drwiega

Members of the Royal Australian Navy’s 725 Squadron guide this new Sikorsky MH-60R naval support helicopter into the hangar. The helicopter represents a step change in terms of the RAN’s rotorcraft © US Navy

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N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

n November 2014 US President Barack Obama, Australia’s prime minister Tony Abbott and Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, agreed at the G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia that their countries would deepen military ties. In particular, they committed to strengthening cooperation regarding military exercises, maritime security and cyber defence. The US is eager to assist both Australia and Japan’s maritime security through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agreements. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has been setting milestones accepting its Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk naval support helicopters into service. Earlier this year the first MH-60R from 725 Squadron (who are conducting the capability work-up and training) embarked onboard HMAS Perth, an ‘ANZAC’ class frigate, to begin the aircraft’s First-Of-Class flight trials. These were conducted along Australia’s eastern seaboard over five weeks to allow crews and maintainers to experience different climate conditions and sea states. The tests had been completed by the second week of April. During the cruise, the MH-60R was fitted with a variety of weapons including Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs) as well as torpedoes. Operating by day and night the helicopter conducted 72 hours of flights and completed around 245 deck landings. This ship and helicopter combination will be brought together again in mid-2015 to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15). This 20-day exercise, staged every two years, is due to be held in mid-July and is one of the biggest involving the Australian and US militaries. Its aim is to train the planning and prosecution of mid-intensity ‘high end’ war fighting. This year there will be a large focus on air and maritime operations, including Special Forces, amphibious landings, air and maritime operations among many others. The RAN has bought 24 MH-60R helicopters mainly for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. They will replace the RAN’s 16 ageing S-70-B2 Seahawk naval support helicopters and the first operational unit for the new rotorcraft will be 816 Squadron. While initial training has been conducted through a an FMS agreement with the US Navy at Jacksonville, Florida, synthetic training specialists CAE announced in April that the first of two

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N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

Two Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotors are seen here operating with alongside the JNSDF ‘Osumi’ class heavy landing ship JS Shimokita. Japan has recently launched the first of its ‘Izumo’ class helicopter carriers © USMC

MH-60R Seahawk Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFT) were delivered to the HMAS Albatross naval base in New South Wales which is the headquarters of the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm. It has been independently evaluated and certified as a ‘Level D’ simulator, the highest qualification possible. The MH-60R TOFTs combine a full-motion flight trainer with a weapons tactics trainer for weapons officers and sensor operators. Images for both simulators have been created by CAE’s Medallion-6000 image generator and presented on a Barco visual display. CAE also supplied the RAN with an MH60R Avionics Maintenance/Weapons Load Trainer (AM/WLT). They are supplied with a Common Database (CDB) architecture which will allow the RAN to either train crews independently or in a networked fashion. According to Ray Duquette, president and general manager of CAE’s United States division, the RAN will be training on “some of the most advanced helicopter flight simulators anywhere in the world.”

Osprey The Japanese government’s reaction to tension with the PRC has been to strengthen its maritime capabilities. Most notably in terms of rotorcraft, it looks like being confirmed as the first international customer for the BellBoeing V-22 Osprey. This tilt-rotor aircraft has transited from villain to hero (or getting that way) in Japan. Public

The Japanese government’s reaction to tension with the PRC has been to strengthen its maritime capabilities protest first erupted over safety concerns at the Futenma air station, Camp Foster, Okinawa, in September 2012 after it was revealed that two squadrons of US Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22B Ospreys would begin operating from the base. But now two years later the Japanese Defence Forces are planning on buying their first five MV-22Bs with an acquisition budget of $434 million with an additional $80 million to pay for related equipment and training. It is likely that the MV-22Bs, with their speed and range, will be used to support the newly formed Amphibious Rapid Mobile Deployments Brigade, a force likened to a version of the USMC. The MV-22Bs will be deployed onboard the newly-commissioned Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) helicopter carrier, the JS Izumo (DDH 183), and her as-yet-unnamed sister ship due to be launched in August and commissioned in 2017. The commissioning ceremony of the JS Izumo in Yokohama on 25 March saw entry of the largest naval vessel to be built by Japan since the Second World

| Asian Military Review |

War. At 24000 tonnes displacement fully loaded it is stated as being able to operate up to 14 helicopters and principally act as an anti-submarine carrier and command and control ship (more details regarding Japan’s naval ambitions can be found in AMR’s annual naval directory, entitled ‘Ships Don’t Lie’ in this issue). The initial rotary complement could be a mix of Sikorsky/Mitsubishi SH60K Seahawk naval support helicopter and the recently-introduced Kawasaki Heavy Industries/AgustaWestland MCH-101 helicopter which is dedicated to Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) work. This replaces the eleven Sikorsky/Mitsubishi MH-53E Sea Dragons that have been operating with the JMSDF since the first helicopter was delivered in 1989. The helicopter was able to tow the minesweeping sled due to its increased fuel capacity up to 3196 gallons stored in large side sponsons on each side of the fuselage. Its replacement, the MCH-101/ AW101 is now one of only two helicopters that can tow the Northrop Grumman AN/AQS-24A mine hunting system together with an AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). Together the system delivers a surfaceto-bottom mine detection capability from a helicopter. It is expected to enter operational service in 2016 following evaluation trials this year. The Japanese defence budget has also made provision for the purchase during the next financial

N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

In March the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force accepted the first of 13 MCH-101/AW-101 naval support helicopters built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) under licence from © AgustaWestland.

year of three SH-60K helicopters (the licensed version of Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk), two of which are will be used for Anti-Submarine Warfare/AntiSurface Warfare (ASW/ASuW) while the third will be a rescue helicopter variant of the UH-60J.

Indonesia Indonesian forces have recently gained acquisition momentum. Airbus Helicopters, already with a secure footing in Indonesia through its parent Airbus Group’s assembly of NC212400 and CN-235 turboprop freighters at Bandung-based PT Dirgantara Indonesia, announced at the Indo Defence exhibition during November 2014 held in Jakarta, that it would be supplying eleven new AS-565MBe Panther helicopters to the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut/TNI–AL). Delivered over three years, the AS565MBe will be used mainly for ASW missions with PTDI responsible for the installation of its mission equipment packages. These are said to include the L-3 Communications Helicopter LongRange Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system. Indonesia is also in the process of buying eleven Boeing AH-64E Apache attack

helicopters together with the Lockheed Martin M-TADS modernised targeting system.

New challenges The change in regional security strategy in the Asia-Pacific is helping to form new alliances and rapprochements where before there had been historical chasms of difference. On 6 April the US Navy began its sixth annual Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). With the Vietnam War firmly in the rear view mirror, these exercises helped to strengthen and celebrate the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The focus of this engagement may err more on the non-kinetic side, primarily at search and rescue as well as maritime security. However Vietnam, like many other countries in the region, is increasingly experiencing friction with the People’s Liberation Army Navy over the ownership of maritime zones in the South and East China Seas. The sovereignty of the Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea is hotly disputed and there have been numerous reports of Chinese vessels intimidating Vietnamese ships with one fishing boat actually being rammed and sunk in the summer of 2014.

| Asian Military Review |

Both the VPN and USN practised the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) during the five day NEA collaboration. CUES is a naval code of conduct that was ratified by 25 AsiaPacific countries at the 14th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) in 2014. This is only the second year that ships from both navies have conducted exercises at sea together. US Navy ships involved included the ‘Arleigh Burke’ class destroyer, USS Fitzgerald and, for the first time, the ‘Freedom’ class littoral combat ship the USS Fort Worth alongside VPN vessels. The VPN relies on the Russian Kamov Ka-28 naval support helicopter as its main rotorcraft which is based on ships such as the Russian-built ‘Gepard 3.0’ class frigates Dinh Tien Hoang and Ly Thai To. Instead, it is the Vietnamese Coast Guard (CSBN) that is searching for new helicopters for its equally new Damen-9014’ class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The CSBN has been operating two Damen-9014 Airbus Helicopters H-225 Super Puma mediumlift rotorcraft since December 2011 and has narrowed the choice to the Airbus Helicopters’ AS-565 Panther or Russian Helicopters’ Kamov Ka-27. Russian Helicopters is looking to increase its share of the Asia-Pacific

N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

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N A V A L h e l i c o p t e r s

The Republic of Korea Navy has taken delivery of the AgustaWestland AW-159 Wildcat naval support helicopter, representing the type’s first sale in the Asia-Pacific. The aircraft is also operated by the Royal Navy © AgustaWestland

market working off its historical supply of military fixed- and rotarywing aircraft into the region. In 2011 it opened a representative office in Hanoi, Vietnam. Russian Helicopters chief executive officer Alexander Mikheev acknowledges that it is one of the world’s fastest growing helicopter markets and has stated that his organisation “plans to further strengthen our position in the region not just by supplying aircraft, but also by expanding our after-sales service programme.” Last year the organisation was approved to provide direct aftersales maintenance services to operators of its military helicopters. Mr. Mikheev stated that there had been an overall increase by 40 aircraft in the overall number of Russian Helicopters rotorcraft in the Asia-Pacific, from 1366 in 2013 to 1406 in 2014.

Philippines Other countries with a strategic interest in the South China Sea include the Philippines. In January four AgustaWestland AW-109E Power helicopters were delivered, but their ownership will be split between the Hukbóng Dagat ng Pilipinas (Philippine Navy/PN) and the Hukbóng Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force/PAF). The Philippine government is engaged

The Philippine government launched a requirement for two naval support helicopters in 2014 in long-running counter-insurgency operations and has little spare in its defence budget for expensive procurement programmes. Initial contracts signed by the government required five AW-109Es for the PN and eight for the PAF. The first three were delivered at the end of 2013 and are qualified for use on the PN’s ‘Pilar’ class frigates. However, the Philippine government launched a requirement for two naval support helicopters in 2014 and, once a decision has been made and the helicopters delivered and accepted, they are expected to operate from those ships. Whether this will then mean that the AW-109Es will be used on ships still to be acquired or potentially to support the country’s hard-pressed army is a matter for speculation. To date the Republic of Korea (RoK) is AgustaWestland’s only international customer for its AW-159 Wildcat naval

| Asian Military Review |

support helicopter. Already an operator of its predecessor, the Super Lynx 300, the RoK’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration made a decision to procure eight AW-159s at the beginning of 2013 beating competition from Sikorsky’s MH-60R Seahawk. The AW-159 will be operated from the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN) new ‘Incheon’ class frigates with their main mission being anti-submarine warfare. They will be equipped with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems’ Spike NLOS missiles, a lightweight torpedo, dipping sonar and associated systems. They will also have a Selex electronic warfare suite. Last summer, a small team from the Royal Navy’s (RN) 815 Naval Air Squadron visited the RoK to assist in the development of operating and maintenance procedures for the new AW-159 with the RoKN’s 627 Squadron. According to the RN, engineers and aircrew who participated in the visit focused on Super Lynx 300-to-AW-159 transition planning The RN personnel also learned how the RoKN use their helicopters while passing on the steps that they were taking to train their own technicians and aircrew to operate the AW-159. AMR

regional naval directory

Ships

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Lie In addition to the long-term requirement to combat regional problems of piracy, illicit fishing, the trafficking of narcotics and unauthorised migrants, there are a number of strategic drivers influencing naval expenditure in the Asia-Pacific.

Prepared by Trevor Hollingsbee 44

| Asian Military Review |

regional naval directory

he past two decades have seen the radical enhancement of sea power in the region, with the navies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and India being recognised as leading players on the world maritime stage. The PRC’s investment into the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the result of Beijing’s needs to protect its sea lines of communication, so vital to the maintenance of the PRC’s economic growth, to project power overseas, and to enforce the PRC’s regional maritime sovereignty claims. Concerns over Beijing’s claims to most of the South China Sea, and many of the islands in it, are a major catalyst for the growth of other AsiaPacific navies, in particular the very rapidly expanding Vietnam People’s Navy. Japan has maritime territorial disputes with both the PRC and the Republic of Korea (RoK), and a further spur to the incremental advance in Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) capabilities is Japan’s move away from its long-established pacifist stance as enshrined in the country’s constitution, towards more proactive foreign and security policies. The 2015 commissioning of the large helicopter destroyer Izumo, which has the profile of an aircraft carrier, attracted a lot of international attention as a symbol of a Japanese naval renaissance. Tokyo’s maritime advance has not gone unnoticed in Seoul. Further drivers for the upgrading of the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) are the force’s participation in long-range multilateral naval operations, and wariness over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) frigate construction programme. Taiwan continues to receive much military aid from the United States, which values the country as a break on the PRC’s strategic ambitions. Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion long-range maritime patrol aircraft, and submarine-launched Boeing UGM-84 BlockII Harpoon anti-ship missiles, are both significant additions to Taiwan’s warfighting abilities. It remains to be seen though whether the pressing demand for new conventional hunter-killer (SSK) submarines can be met, by either foreign or indigenous supply. The Indian Navy already includes aircraft carriers, and a leased nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). Expansion and modernisation continues apace. The future introduction of an indigenously-built SSN and a nuclear ballistic missile submarines will enable India to join that elite club of nations (France, the PRC, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom) which operate such vessels. The PRC, meanwhile, continues its strategicallyfocused support of the Pakistan Navy, including the deal announced this April to provide eight new SSKs to the force, with the exact type to be supplied yet to be announced. The very modern Republic of Singapore Navy is to be augmented in the coming years by new offshore patrol vessels, expected to be delivered from 2016, and by the country’s first dedicated offshore aviation support platform, designated a ‘Joint Multi-Mission Ship' (see Mike Yeo's Island Investments article in this issue). Thailand looks set to revive its longdefunct submarine force, while the Tentara Nasional IndonesiaAngkatan Laut (Indonesian Navy) is involved in both a new-build SSK programme, and major upgrades of its surface platforms. Meanwhile, the Royal Australian Navy’s new ‘Canberra’ class amphibious support ships are the nation’s biggest-ever naval platform, and are likely to take a lead role in future regional stabilisation and disaster relief missions. Underwritten by the region’s booming economies, the exponential growth of the AsiaPacific’s maritime forces looks set to continue.

Commissioned early this year, the HMAS Canberra is the first of two new amphibious support ships and will give the Royal Australian Navy greatly enhanced capabilities in amphibious warfare, peacekeeping and disaster operations © Australian Department of Defence

Australia

Royal Australian Navy Number in Service Ship Type 8 ‘ANZAC’ class frigate ‘Adelaide’ class frigate 4 ‘Armidale’ class offshore patrol vessel 14 ‘Canberra’ class amphibious support ship 1 ‘Huon’ class mine countermeasures vessel 6 ‘Collins’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 6 ‘Balikpapan’ class heavy landing ship 3 ‘Leeuwin’ class hydrographic ship 2 ‘Paluma’ class survey launch 4 ‘Tobruk’ class heavy landing ship 1 ‘Bay’ class dock landing ship 1 ‘Durance’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Sirius’ class replenishment vessel 1 The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Navy are collaborating on development of the BAE Systems Global Combat Ship, with the design being considered by the RAN as a possible future replacement for its ‘ANZAC’ class frigates. The capability provided by HMAS Success, the RAN’s sole ‘Durance’ class replenishment vessel, is to be replaced under the Australian government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2012 requirement to acquire two replenishment ships. The DCP 2012 provides a four-year roadmap of proposed major capital equipment acquisitions that are scheduled for consideration up to 2016. To this end, on 5 June 2014 the Australian government received the approval of the country’s cabinet for to conduct a limited competitive tender process between shipbuilders Navantia of Spain and Daewoo of the Republic of Korea for the construction of two replenishment vessels based on existing military, civilian or hybrid designs displacing upwards of 20000 tonnes. The initial operational capability for these new replenishment ships is scheduled to be declared by 2023. Open source reports note that the RAN also has a requirement to eventually replace its six ‘Collins’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines in the 2020-2030 timeframe. Concurrently, the Australian government is bringing forward preliminary design work to ensure that the country maintains the necessary capabilities to build future surface combatants domestically. This work could see elements of the current ‘Hobart’ class air defence destroyer programme being adapted for the ‘ANZAC’ class replacement, possibly along with elements of the Global Combat Ship (see above). Further decisions on the ‘ANZAC’ class replacement will be taken in the context of Australia’s forthcoming 2015 Defence White Paper. The Australian Defence Department’s White Papers are the government’s most important articulations of the nation’s long-term defence capabilities. The government has committed $73 million to keeping open the option of building this future ship in Australia.

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regional naval directory

A ‘Jianghu III’ class frigate, the BN Abu Bakr previously served in with the People’s Liberation Army Navy for 27 years. Although ageing, it is a proven, heavily armed platform, with a comprehensive sensor fit, capable of providing an effective offshore presence © Thomas Withington

Bangladesh

Bangladeshi Navy Number in Service Ship Type 1 ‘Ulsan’ class frigate ‘Jianghu-II’ class frigate 1 ‘Hamilton’ class frigate 1 2 ‘Jianghu-III’ class frigate ‘Salisbury’ class frigate 1 ‘Romeo/Ming’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 to enter service ‘Castle’ class corvette 2 ‘Durjoy’ class corvette 2 ‘Type-056’ class corvette 4 to enter service ‘Island’ class offshore patrol vessel 5 ‘Sea Dragon’ class offshore patrol vessel 1 ‘Padma’ class offshore patrol vessel 5 ‘Type-024’ class fast attack craft 5 ‘Type-021’ class fast attack craft 4 ‘Kraljevica’ class patrol boat 2 ‘Type-062-1’ class patrol boat 1 ‘Type-037’ class patrol boat 1 ‘Type-062’ class patrol boat 4 ‘Type-021’ class patrol boat 1 ‘Chamsuri’ class patrol boat 4 ‘Meghna’ class patrol boat 2 ‘Type-025’ torpedo boat 4 ‘Roebuck’ class hydrographic ship 1 ‘Agradoot’ class hydrographic ship 1 ‘Type-010’ class mine countermeasures vessel 1 ‘River’ class mine countermeasures vessel 4 ‘Island’ class training ship 1 ‘Yuch’in’ class mechanised landing craft 5 The Bangladesh Navy continues its strategic tilt toward Beijing. In December 2013, China agreed to sell two ‘Romeo/Ming’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines to Bangladesh. These submarines are expected to be delivered in circa 2016. On 22 June 2014 the Bangladesh government announced that it was buying nine China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) K-8W training helicopters. Delivery of these aircraft is expected not later than late-2014.

Brunei-Darussalem

Royal Brunei Navy Ship Type ‘Darussalam’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Itjihad’ class inshore patrol vessel ‘TBD’ class fast attack craft ‘Waspada’ class fast attack craft ‘Perwira’ class inshore patrol vessel ‘Serasa’ class mechanised landing craft

Number in Service 4 4 1 3 3 2

The ‘Darussalam’ class of OPV are the largest warships yet acquired by the Royal Brunei Navy, and are indicative of the nation’s increasingly assertive maritime stance. A main armament of four MBDA MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles is fitted © Thomas Withington

‘Teraban’ class utility landing craft ‘Bendeharu’ class inshore patrol vessel PDB 0-1’ class inshore patrol vessel ‘FDB 512’ class inshore patrol vessel

2 3 11 2

In February 2014 Indonesia agreed to buy three BAE Systems ‘Nakhoda Ragam’ class frigates from Brunei-Darussalam, and the ships were delivered to the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (Indonesian Navy) later in the year. The formerly low-key Royal Brunei Navy has an increasingly high profile, and now exercises regularly with the maritime forces of other Asia-Pacific nations.

Burma

Burmese Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Kyan Sittha’ class frigate 2 ‘Aung Zeya’ class frigate 1 ‘Jianghu-II’ class frigate 2 ‘Anawratha’ class corvette 3 ‘Houxin’ class fast attack craft 6 ‘49 series’ fast attack craft 2, construction programme expected to continue ‘5-Series’ class fast attack craft 21 ‘T 102’ series fast attack craft 1, construction programme expected to continue 1 ‘Admirable’ class mine countermeasures vessel ‘Hainan’ class fast attack craft 9 ‘Osprey’ class offshore patrol vessel 2 ‘PGM-43’ class inshore patrol vessel 6 ‘Y311’ class inshore patrol vessel 1 ‘Y Series’ class inshore patrol vessel 10 ‘Swift’ class inshore patrol vessel 1 ‘Carpentaria’ class inshore patrol vessel 6 ‘412’ class inshore patrol vessel 4 ‘PB-90’ class inshore patrol vessel 3 ‘PBR’ class river patrol vessel 6 ‘Yan Naing’ class river patrol vessel 11 ‘Michao’ class river patrol vessel 25 ‘PCE’ class river patrol vessel 4 Burma is seeking to dilute its dependence upon The People's Republic of China for the supply of defence equipment. It now has a very active indigenous warship building programme, and has also sought assistance from India in building Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and obtaining naval sensors. An agreement achieved during

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the July 2013 talks between Burmese Navy chief Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe and Indian Navy chief Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi called for the OPVs to be built at Indian shipyards. Training will be given to Burmese Navy officers and sailors at Indian naval facilities, although it has not been revealed when this will occur. Reports indicate that there are plans to form a submarine arm, probably equipped with Russian ‘Kilo’ class conventional hunter-killer boats, and that some Burmese personnel have received submarine training in Pakistan

Cambodia

Royal Cambodian Navy Ship Type ‘Turya’ class fast attack craft ‘Type 206’ class fast attack craft ‘Stenka’ class fast attack craft ‘21 metre’ class patrol craft ‘Shershen’ class fast attack craft Chinese-built fast attack craft Landing craft utility

Number in Service. 5 probably unserviceable 2 ex Vietnam 2, modified in Malaysia 1995, confirmed active 2 1 status uncertain 9 at least two classes of vessel 1

While the Royal Cambodian Navy did not report any significant acquisitions in 2014, the service nonetheless participated in largescale exercises. The navy’s most significant training event was during the June 2014 Pacific Partnership multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Asia-Pacific region.

People’s Republic of China

People’s Liberation Army Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Liaoning’ class aircraft carrier 1 ‘Tang’ class nuclear ballistic missile submarine In development ‘Jin’ class nuclear ballistic missile submarine 5 ‘Xia’ class nuclear ballistic missile submarine 1 operational status uncertain ‘Type-095’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine 14 to enter service, probably 2 launched so far ‘Shang’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine 2-3 in service, 3-4 to enter service ‘Han’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine 3, operational status uncertain ‘Yuan’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 13 ‘Song’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 13 ‘Kilo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 12 ‘Ming’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 13, numbers reducing ‘Luyang-III’ class destroyer 3, 9 to enter service ‘Luzhou’ class destroyer 2 ‘Luyang-II’ class destroyer 6 ‘Luyang-I’ class destroyer 2 ‘Sovremenny’ class destroyer 4 ‘Luhai’ class destroyer 1 ‘Luhu’ class destroyer 2 ‘Luda’ class destroyer 6, numbers reducing ‘Jaingkai-II’ class frigate 18 in service, 6 to enter service ‘Jiangkai-I’ class frigate 2 ‘Jiangwei-II’ class frigate 10 ‘Jaingwei-I’ class frigate 4 ‘Jianghu’ class frigate 8, numbers reducing ‘Jiangdao’ class corvette 19 in service, large number of additional vessels expected

The Yi Yang is a ‘Jiangkai-II’ class frigate of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Ships of this type regularly take part in anti-piracy, and other security operations in Middle Eastern waters. Armament includes the dual-role Norinco C-803 anti-ship/land attack missile © US Navy

‘Houbei’ class fast attack craft 83 production continues ‘Houjian’ class fast attack craft 6 ‘Houxin’ class fast attack craft 16 ‘Haiqing’ class fast attack craft 46, numbers reducing 68, numbers reducing ‘Hainan’ class fast attack craft ‘Shanghai-III’ class fast attack craft17, numbers reducing ‘Wolei’ class minelayer 1 ‘Wozang’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Wosao’ class mine countermeasures vessel 6 ‘Wochi’ class mine countermeasures vessel 8 ‘Lianyun’ class mine countermeasures vessel 50, numbers reducing ‘Yuzhao’ class amphibious support ship 3, 2 in build ‘Yuting-III’ class landing ship 9, 2 in build ‘Yuting-II’ class landing ship 10 ‘Yuting’ class landing ship 4 ‘Yukan’ class landing ship 3 ‘Fuchi’ class replenishment vessel 5 in service, 3 in build ‘Fusu’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Fuqing’ class replenishment vessel 2 The aircraft carrier ‘Liaoning’ continues to carry out periodic training and exercise sorties, with Shenyang J-15 multi-role combat aircraft embarked. There are no indications that the ship has achieved full operational status. Some reports have alleged that there have been problems with the ship’s power plant. Reports in early 2015, quoting a senior Chinese political source, that another carrier is under construction in China, remain unconfirmed. There are reportedly plans for a new class of large amphibious support ship, probably to be designated as the 'Type-081' class, and at least one more ‘Yuzhao’ class amphibious support ship is planned. In April 2014 a Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) WZ-10 attack helicopter conducted at sea trials on board the ‘Yuting II’ class landing ship Baxianshan. Should this capability mature, the ‘Yuting II’ class will be able to accommodate a close air support component. The US Department of Defence expects the PLAN in the next decade to commence construction of its as-yet-unnamed ‘Type 095’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSGN), which may enable a submarine-based land-attack capability. The unnamed submarine class is envisioned to eventually replace the new ‘Shang’ class SSGNs, although no date has been given as to when this could occur. In addition to incorporating improved acoustic reduction technologies, the ‘Type 095’ class is expected to fulfil traditional anti-shipping roles

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regional naval directory

with the incorporation of torpedoes; however, it is unknown what type of torpedoes these vessels will deploy. The sole ‘Luhai’ class destroyer Shenzhen is reportedly undergoing major conversion work, the purpose of which is so far unknown. Some ‘Luda’ destroyers and ‘Jianghu’ frigates, now being phased out of PLA Navy service, have been converted to China Coast Guard patrol ships.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Korean People’s Army Naval Force (KPANF) Number in Service Ship Type 40 ‘Sang-O’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine Sinpo class submarine 1 in build ‘Yono’ class midget submarine 10 22 numbers ‘Romeo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine are reducing 4 numbers ‘Whiskey’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine are reducing ‘Krivak’ class frigate 1 ex-Soviet, probably hull only ‘Najin’ class frigate 2 ‘Nampo’ class corvette 2 in build ‘Sariwon’ class corvette 4 ‘Tral’ class corvette 2 probably inactive ‘A/B’ class fast attack craft 4 ‘Nongo’ class fast attack craft Up to 6 in service, production continuing ‘Soju’ class fast attack craft 8 ‘Huangfeng’ class fast attack craft 4 ‘Sohung/Komar’ class fast attack craft 12 ‘Shershen’ class fast attack craft 3 ‘Sin Hung/Ku Song’ class fast attack craft 142 ‘P6’ class fast attack craft 12 ‘Ku Song’ class fast attack craft 60 ‘Taechong I/II’ class patrol boat 13 ‘Hainan’ class patrol boat 6 ‘Chodo’ class patrol boat 3 ‘Choing-Ju’ class patrol boat 6 ‘SO-1’ class patrol boat 19 ‘Shanghai II’ class patrol boat 13 ‘Sinpo’ class patrol boat 18 ‘Chongjin’ class patrol boat 54 59 ‘Chado’ class patrol boat ‘Hantae’ class utility landing craft 10 ‘Hungnam’ class mechanised landing craft 15 ‘Hanchon’ class utility landing craft 15

The INS Jyoti 36000 tonne replenishment tanker is a vital force multiplier for the ambitious Indian Navy’s long range operations. Currently unarmed, there are plans to fit close-in weapon systems for self-defence © Trevor Hollingsbee

‘Nampo’ class personnel landing craft ‘Kongbang’ class assault hovercraft ‘Yukto’ class mine countermeasures vessel

195 140 23

Open source reports state that the KPANF is receiving new ‘Sinpo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines which may also be capable of firing ballistic missiles, with construction having commenced in 2014. The surface fleet is being enhanced by up to three new ‘Nampo’ class frigates which will be capable of embarking helicopters. Finally, about 20 DPRK-designed ‘Yono’ class midget submarines, designated as the ‘Ghadir’ class by Iran, have been indigenously manufactured for the Iranian Navy.

India

Indian Navy Number in Service Ship Type 1 leased from ‘Chakra’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine Russia ‘Arihant’ class nuclear ballistic missile submarine 1, 1 in build ‘Sindhughosh’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 10 ‘Shishumar’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 4 ‘Centaur’ class aircraft carrier 1 ‘Kiev’ class aircraft carrier 1 ‘Kolkata’ class destroyer 1 ‘Delhi’ class destroyer 3 ‘Rajput’ class destroyer 5 ‘Shivalik’ class frigate 3 ‘Talwar’ class frigate 6 ‘Brahmaputra’ class frigate 3 ‘Godavari’ class frigate 3 ‘Kamorta’ class corvette 1 ‘Kora’ class corvette 4 ‘Khukri’ class corvette 4 ‘Veer’ class corvette 12 ‘Abhay’ class corvette 4 ‘Austin’ class amphibious support ship 1 ‘Shardul’ class tank landing ship 3 ‘Magar’ class heavy landing ship 2 ‘Kumbhir’ class heavy landing ship 4 ‘Pondicherry’ class mine countermeasures vessel 7 ‘Saryu’ class offshore patrol vessel 4 ‘Sukanya’ class offshore patrol vessel 6 10 ‘Car Nicobar’ class patrol boat ‘Bangaram’ class patrol boat 4 ‘Trinkat’ class patrol boat 2 ‘Super Dvora’ class patrol boat 6 ‘Solas’ class patrol boat 4 ‘Deepak’ class replenishment vessel 2 ‘Jyoti’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Aditya’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Sagardhwani’ class hydrographic ship 1 ‘Sandhayak’ class hydrographic ship 8 ‘Makar’ class hydrographic ship 1 ‘Gaj’ class tug 2 ‘Bhim’ class tug 3 ‘Madan Singh’ class tug 2 ‘Balram’ class tug 2 ‘Bahadur’ class tug 1 ‘Anand’ class tug 1 ‘BC Dutt’ class tug 2 ‘Nakul’ class tug 2 ‘Arga’ class tug 3

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The Indian Navy’s ‘Centaur’ class aircraft carrier INS Viraat is to be withdrawn from service in 2016. Construction of the 40000 tonne indigenously-built carrier INS Vikrant continues, with the ship due to be commissioned in 2018. Local media reports and government announcements state that four ‘Arihant’ class indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are planned. The first-of-class will be armed with twelve torpedo-tube launched Defence Research and Development Organisation K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles. These missiles have a probable range of 405 nautical miles (750 kilometres), and are reputedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Later submarines of the class will be fitted with more advanced, progressively longer-range variants of the missile. The ‘Arihant’ boats are of great political and strategic significance, as they will be the first SSBNs to be operated by a nation which is not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (France, the PRC, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States). Early in 2015 the Indian government approved the construction of a class of six as-yet-unnamed nuclear-powered attack submarines, as well as seven stealth ‘Project 17-A’ class frigates, four of which will be constructed at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai and the balance of three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata.

Indonesia

Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL/Indonesian Navy) Ship Type Number in Service ‘Chang Bogo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 3 to enter service ‘Cakra’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Sigma’ class frigate 2 to enter service ‘Ahmad Yani’ class frigate 6 ‘Bung Tomo’ class corvette 3 ‘Diponegoro’ class corvette 4 ‘Fatahillah’ class corvette 3 ‘Kapitan Patimura’ class corvette 16 ‘Mandau’ class fast attack craft 4 ‘Todak’ class fast attack craft 4 ‘Pandrong’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘Clurit’ class fast attack craft 8 ‘Sampari’ class fast attack craft 3 4 ‘Andau’ class gunboat ‘Kakap’ class gunboat 4 ‘Sibarau’ class gunboat 8 ‘Boa’ class gunboat 13 ‘Tripartite’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Kondor’ class mine countermeasures vessel 9 ‘Makassar’ class amphibious support ship 4 Local media sources and government statements note that the Sigma' class corvettes are being built by PT PAL in Indonesia, with assistance from Damen of the Netherlands. The ‘Fatahilla’ and ‘Kapitan Patimura’ class corvettes are both undergoing major upgrades of their weaponry and electronic sensors. The ‘Ahmad Yani’ class frigates, meanwhile, are being equipped with the NPO Mashinostroyeniya P-800 Anti-Ship Missile (AShM). There are plans for an eventual total of some 50 ‘Clurit’ and ‘Sampari’ class fast attack craft, with both classes being armed with the new China Aviation Industry Corporation C-705 AShM. In 2014 Jakarta confirmed that the ‘Klewang’ class stealth trimaran fast missile craft project is to go ahead, despite the prototype having been

The main declared role of the JS Izumo is anti-submarine operations. It will also operate minesweeping helicopters, and can carry up to 400 troops and their vehicles. The viability of the ship supporting operations by multi-role combat aircraft is being examined © JMSDF

destroyed in a fire in 2013. The TNI-AL currently has two ‘Cakra’ class conventional hunterkiller submarines (SSKs) These boats are to be substantially upgraded, and are to be joined by three ‘Chang Bogo’ class SSKs to be built in both the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Indonesia. The current schedule will deliver two ‘Chang Bogo’ class derivatives from Daewoo in the RoK in 2017, and the domestically-built boat from Indonesia’s PT PAL shipbuilders by 2020. The 1600 tonne vessels will feature eight 533-millimetre (21-inch) torpedo tubes, capable of launching a mixture of torpedoes and mines.

Japan

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Ship Type Number in Service ‘Soryu’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 6 ‘Oyashio’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 10 ‘Izumo’ class helicopter carrier 1, 1 in build ‘Hyuga’ class helicopter carrier 2 ‘Shirane’ class destroyer 1 ‘Atago’ class destroyer 2 ‘Kongo’ class destroyer 4 ‘Hatakaze’ class destroyer 2 ‘Akizuki’ class destroyer 4 ‘Takanami’ class destroyer 5 ‘Murasame’ class destroyer 9 ‘Asagiri’ class destroyer 8 ‘Hatsuyuki’ class destroyer 3 ‘Abukuma’ class corvette 6 ‘Osumi’ class heavy landing ship 3 ‘Uraga’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Yaeyama’ class mine countermeasures vessel 3 ‘Enoshima’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Hirashima’ class mine countermeasures vessel 3 ‘Sugashima’ class mine countermeasures vessel 12 ‘Uwajima’ class mine countermeasures vessel 5 ‘Leshima’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Hayabusa’ class offshore patrol vessel 6 ‘Shimayuki’ class training vessel 3 ‘Kashima’ class training vessel 1 ‘Asashio’ class training submarine 2 ‘Mashu’ class replenishment vessel 2 ‘Towada’ class replenishment vessel 3 ‘Hiuchi’ class training vessel 5 ‘Hibiki’ class hydrographic ship 2 The JMSDF has for some years been an active participant, in a

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regional naval directory

support role, in overseas multi-national maritime peacekeeping and anti-piracy operations. Japan continues, by way of constitutional amendment, to edge towards a more proactive stance in international maritime affairs, its major concerns being protection of the nation’s sea lines of communication, and reinforcing its maritime sovereignty claims. The JS Izumo destroyer, which can embark up to nine helicopters, is widely seen as an important symbol of Japanese naval resurgence. She was commissioned in March 2015. This ship is likely to operate Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in due course, and possibly support operations by Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II multi-role combat aircraft are currently being evaluated, according to local media reports. Life extension and upgrade programmes are in hand for the ‘Atago’, ‘Hatsuyuki’, ‘Asagiri’, ‘Abukuma’ and ‘Hatakaze’ class destroyers, and ‘Oyashio’ class conventional hunterkiller submarines. Local reports continue that the first of probably two additional destroyers equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Combat Management System, which already equips the ‘Atago’ and ‘Kongo’ class destroyers, is likely to be ordered by the end of this year.

Republic of Korea (RoK)

Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) Ship Type Number in Service ‘Chang Bogo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 9 ‘Son Won-il’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 4,1 launched, 4 more planned ‘Dolgorae’ class small conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Dokdo’ class amphibious support ship 1, construction of one more authorised ‘Go Jun Bong’ class heavy landing ship 4 ‘Gwanggaeto the Great’ class destroyer 3 ‘Chungmugong Yi Sun-shin’ class destroyer 6 ‘Sejong the Great’ class destroyer 3 ‘Ulsan’ class frigate 8 ‘Incheon’ class frigate 3 in service, up to 21 to be built ‘Pohang’ class corvette 19 ‘Wonsan’ class mine countermeasures vessel 1 ‘Ganggyeong’ class mine countermeasures vessel 6 ‘Yangyang’ class mine countermeasures vessel 1 ‘Chamsuri’ class offshore patrol vessel 67 numbers reducing ‘Yoon Youngha’ class patrol vessel 17 ‘Cheonji’ class replenishment vessel 3 ‘Chung Haejin’ class replenishment vessel 1 1 ‘Pyeongtaek’ class replenishment vessel ‘Sincheonji’ class hydrographic ship 1 New-build ‘Incheon’ class frigates, ‘Yoon Youngha’ class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), and a new design of 200-tonne OPV, construction of which is due to commence in 2016, are progressively taking over the coastal and middle water roles of the ‘Ulsan’, ‘Pohang’ and ‘Chamsuri’ class frigates, OPVs and corvettes. Some RoKN desroyers will be equipped with new AgustaWestland AW-159 Lynx Wildcat naval support helicopters which are being phased in during this year (please see Andrew Drweiga's 'Expanding the Horizon' article in this issue).

Malaysia

Tentara Laut DiRaja Malaysia/TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy) Ship Type Number in Service ‘Perdana Menteri’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Gowind’ class Littoral Combat Ship 6 to enter service ‘Lekiu’ class frigate 2 ‘Kasturi’ class frigate 2 New corvette 6 to enter service

4 ‘Laksamana’ class corvette ‘Kedah’ class corvette 6 4 ‘Perdana’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Handalan’ class offshore patrol vessel 4 6 ‘Jerung’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Sri Tiga’ class offshore patrol vessel 2 ‘CB-90’ class fast attack craft 17 1 ‘Sri Indera Sakti’ class replenishment vessel ‘Mahawangsa’ class replenishment vessel 1 4 ‘Mahamiru’ class mine countermeasures vessel ‘Gagah Samudera’ class training ship 2, commissioning of both vessels has reportedly been suspended due to contractual problems. 1 ‘Hang Tuah’ class training ship ‘Perantau’ class hydrographic ship 1 1 ‘Mutiara’ class hydrographic ship ‘Bunga Mas’ class auxiliary vessel 2 An expansion of the submarine fleet by three conventional hunter-killer boats is under consideration, as revealed in Dzirhan Mahadzir’s article ‘Malaysia Modernises’ in the March/April edition of AMR. In November 2014 Republic of Korea (RoK) shipbuilder DSME was awarded a contract to build six helicopter-capable, missile-armed corvettes. Three of these ships will be completed in the RoK and three will be assembled in Malaysia from modules supplied by DSME.

New Zealand

Royal New Zealand Navy Ship Type ‘ANZAC’ class frigate ‘Canterbury’ class multi-role vessel ‘Endeavour’ class replenishment vessel ‘Otago’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Rotoifi’ class inshore patrol vessel ‘Manawanui’ class diving support vessel

Number in Service 2 1 1 2 4 1

The New Zealand ministry of defence announced an invitation to tender for a replenishment vessel to replace the ‘Endeavour’ class replenishment vessel from 2019 was issued in March 2015. A major programme to upgrade the ‘ANZAC’ class frigates’ command and control and electronics systems, and to replace the ships’ Raytheon RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles with the new MBDA Sea Ceptor missile system, is underway. The introduction in 2015 of exRoyal Australian Navy Kaman SH-2G(I) Sea Sprite naval support helicopters, to be equipped with Kongsberg Penguin anti-ship missiles, will further increase the warfighting capabilities of the frigates.

Pakistan

Pakistan Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Hashmat’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Khalid’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 3 ‘Zulfiquar’ class frigate 4 ‘Tariq’ class frigate 5 ‘Alamgir’ class frigate 1 ‘Azmat’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘Larkana’ class fast attack craft 2 2 ‘Jalalat-II’ class fast attack craft ‘Jurrat’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘MRTP-15’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘MRTP-33’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘Munsif’ class mine countermeasures vessel 3

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One of four Chinese-built multi-role frigates, the PNS Zulfiquar is heavily armed for a vessel of around 3000 tonnes, with Chinese weaponry for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare © Thomas Withington

‘Fuqing’ class auxiliary vessel ‘Poolster’ class auxiliary vesset ‘Griffon’ class assault hovercraft

1 1 12

In March 2015 Pakistan reportedly ordered eight conventional hunter-killer submarines from the People’s Republic of China. The type of submarines ordered is yet to be revealed. These new submarines will probably incorporate an air-independent propulsion system, and be equipped with Tri-River Aerospace Industrial Group YJ-2 anti-ship missiles. The planned transfer of three additional ‘Oliver Hazard Perry’ (‘Alamgir’) class frigates from the US Navy has reportedly been abandoned for political reasons.

Philippines

Hukbóng Dagat ng Pilipinas/HDP (Philippine Navy) Ship Type Number in Service ‘Gregorio del Pilar’ class frigate 2 ‘Datu Kalantiaw’ class frigate 1 ‘Pohang’ class corvette 1 due in service 2015, ex-Republic of Korea ‘Emilio Jacinto’ class corvette 3 ‘Rizai’ class corvette 2 ‘Miguel Malvar’ class corvette 6 ‘General Emilio Aguinaldo’ class patrol vessel 2 ‘General Mariano Alvarez’ class patrol vessel 1 ‘Jose Andrada’ class patrol boat 22 ‘Kagitingan’ class patrol boat 2

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is one of two ex-US Coast Guard ‘Hamilton’ class cutters which are the core of the Philippine Navy upgrade programme. She has been adapted to operate a naval support helicopter and is fitted with a twin Bushmaster 25mm cannon © US Navy

‘Tomas Batillo’ class fast attack craft 6 3 ‘Conrado Yap’ class fast attack craft 2 ‘Alberto Navarette’ class inshore patrol vessel Strategic Sealift Vessels 1 due in service 2016, 1 in 2017. In build in Indonesia 2 ‘Bacolod City’ class heavy landing ship ‘LST-1/542’ class heavy landing ship 2 2 due in service 2015, ‘Balikpapan’ class heavy landing craft ex-Australia ‘Tagbanua’ class utility landing craft 1 1 ‘Manobo’ class utility landing craft ‘LCU Mk.6’ class utility landing craft 3 1 ‘Mulgae’ class utility landing craft ‘Ang Pangulo’ class presidential yacht 1 ‘Lake Mainit’ class replenishment vessel 2 1 ‘Lake Buluan’ class replenishment vessel ‘Design 381’ class coastal transport 1 2 ‘YTL-442’ class research ship The much-needed modernisation of the HDP’s fleet has gained momentum in recent years. The country’s Department of National Defence (DND) is managing the bidding process for two new frigates whose contract price is placed at $412 million for both ships. The shape, size and capabilities of these ships are being determined by a naval working group which convened in February 2014. Six shipbuilders are eligible to bid for this frigate project: Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineering of India, Navantia of Spain, STX of France, Daewoo of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Hyundai Heavy Industries, also based in the RoK. A further three ‘Balikpapan’ class heavy landing craft are likely to be purchased from Australia, according to reports. Other planned future projects include the acquisition of new-build offshore patrol vessels, at least one conventional hunter-killer submarine, a small number of missile-armed coastal attack craft, and a pair of naval support helicopters. Three small civilian fuel tankers have been acquired, and are being modified for naval support use.

Russia

Russian Navy Pacific Fleet Ship Type Number in Service ‘Borei’ class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine 2 ‘Delta-III’ class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine 3 ‘Oscar-II’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine 5 ‘Akula-I’ class nuclear-powered attack submarine 4 ‘Kilo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 8 ‘Slava’ class cruiser 1 ‘Udaloy-I’ class destroyer 4 ‘Sovremenny’ class destroyer 1 ‘Stereguschy’class frigate 2, 2 more in build The delivery of two ‘Mistral’ class amphibious support ships, Vladivostok and Sevastopol built by the French shipbuilder STX, at least one of which was destined for the Pacific Fleet, has been suspended indefinitely. This follows international pressure on France not to formally transfer the ships, owing to Russia’s alleged involvement in the Ukrainian civil war. Aside from upgrading the Pacific Fleet’s main Far East Vladivostok and Viliuchinsk naval bases, Russia has built anchorages in Primorye Territory, on Sakhalin Island and in the Kuril Islands in the northern Pacific Ocean. Russia’s navy is also seeking facilities beyond its territory, and is pursuing negotiations with Vietnam for access by Russian warships to the Vietnam People’s Navy base in Cam Ranh Bay. The Russians are also working with the Vietnamese to establish a joint submarine maintenance centre there.

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‘Dvora Mk.I’ class patrol boat ‘Shaldag’ class patrol boat ‘Colombo’ class patrol boat ‘Simoneau’ class patrol boat ‘Chevron’ class patrol boat ‘Trinity Marine’ class patrol boat ‘Wave Rider’ class patrol boat ‘Yuhai’ class heavy landing ship ‘Yunnan’ class heavy landing ship

A frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s ‘Formidable’ class, the RSS Stalwart is probably the most technologically advanced frigate in service in any Southeast Asian Navy © Thomas Withington

Republic of Singapore Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Challenger’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Archer’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Formidable’ class frigate 6 ‘Victory’ class corvette 6 Littoral Mission Vessel 1 in build, 7 more planned ‘Fearless’ class offshore patrol vessel 12 ‘Endurance’ class amphibious support ship 4 ‘Landsort’ class mine countermeasures vessel 4 Two ‘Challenger’ conventional hunter-killer submarines (SSKs) were withdrawn in early 2015. Two new ‘Type 218SG’ class SSKs are under contract from the German submarine builder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems with deliveries expected from 2020 to replace the two remaining ‘Challenger’ class SSKs. Together with the two existing ‘Archer’ class (modified ex-Royal Swedish Navy ‘Sodermanland’ class) SSKs they will form the Republic of Singapore Navy’s underwater fleet from 2020. Plans to build a Joint Multi-Mission Ship (JMMS), developed from the ‘Endurance’ class, were confirmed by the Republic of Singapore Navy in 2014, but no timescale for this project has been announced. The JMMS will feature a starboard-side control island, a straight-through flight deck with five helicopter landing spots, and a well deck. The 1200 tonne Littoral Mission Vessels will replace the ‘Fearless’ class offshore patrol vessels. They will feature a helicopter deck, and a 76mm gun.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues its dual-track strategy to cooperate on naval matters with India and China. The fleet continues to expand, with no evidence of the disposal of older vessels as new ones are commissioned. There have been reports that two large, advanced, offshore patrol vessels are under construction for Sri Lanka at the Goa Shipyard in India.

Taiwan

Singapore

Sri Lankan Navy Ship Type ‘Sukanya’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Reliance’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Vikram’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Jayasagara’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Saar-4’ class fast attack craft ‘Shanghai-I’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Shanghai-II’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Shanghai-III’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Lushun’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Bay’ class offshore patrol vessel ‘Super Dvora Mk.III’ class patrol boat ‘Super Dvora Mk.II’ class patrol boat

4 7 22 3 4 5 25 1 2

Number in Service 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 3 2 2 6 3

Republic of China Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Chien Lung’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Hai Shih’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 2 ‘Kee Lung’ class destroyer 4 ‘Cheng Kung’ class destroyer 8 ‘Chi Yang’ class frigate 8 ‘Kang Ding’ class frigate 6 ‘Oliver Hazard Perry’ class frigate 2 to enter service ‘Ching Chiang’ class offshore patrol vessel 11 ‘Kuang Hua VI’ class fast attack craft 31 ‘Tuo River’ class corvette 1, 11 more planned ‘Lecci’ class mine countermeasures vessels 6 to enter service ‘Yung Yang’ class mine countermeasures vessel 4 ‘Yung Feng’ class mine countermeasures vessel 4 ‘Yung Ching’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Hsuhai’ class dock landing ship 1 ‘Chung Cheng’ class dock landing ship 1 ‘Chung Ho’ class heavy landing ship 2 ‘Chung Hai’ class heavy landing ship 7 ‘Mei Chin’ class heavy landing ship 4 ‘Ta De’ class tug 1 ‘Tai Hu’ class tug 1 ‘Ta Tung’ class tug 1 ‘Pan Shi’ class fast combat support ship 1 ‘Chung Bai’ class replenishment vessel 2 2 ‘Wu Kang’ class coastal transport ‘Wan An’ class coastal transport 1 ‘Tai Wu’ class coastal transport 1 In 2013 Taiwan took delivery of submarine-launched Boeing UGM-84L Harpoon Block-II anti-ship missiles to equip the ‘Chien Lung’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines (SSKs). In June 2014 Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence Navy Command Headquarters said the service will try to replace part of the pressure hull on one of its existing ‘Guppy-II’ Class SSKs, among the oldest submarines in active service anywhere. There is speculation that this move might be the precursor to an eventual indigenous submarine construction programme. Taiwan remains unable to find an overseas supplier of new SSKs to replace its venerable force, with prospective shipyards and their parent governments being concerned about possible retaliation from the People’s Republic of China should they decide to supply Taiwan with new boats. The US Congress has authorised the sale of four ex-US Navy ‘Oliver Hazard Perry’ class

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regional naval directory

‘Sok’ class hydrographic vessel ‘Paruehasabordee’ class hydrographic vessel ‘Rin’ class tug ‘Samsan’ class tug ‘Klungbadan’ class tug

The ROCN Pan Shi is Taiwan’s largest-ever indigenously built warship. With an unusually comprehensive outfit of weapons and sensors for an auxiliary ship, this new vessel has, in addition to her underway replenishment capability, the potential to exercise a sea control role © Taiwan Ministry of National Defence

frigates to Taiwan as of April 2014, but Taiwan is likely to commission only two of them, after extensive modernisation.

Thailand

Royal Thai Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Chakri Naruebet’ class aircraft carrier 1 ‘Knox’ class frigate 2 ‘Naresuan’ class frigate 2 ‘Modernised Jianghu’ class frigate 4 ‘Ratanakosin’ class corvette 2 ‘Tapi’ class corvette 2 ‘Khamronsin’ class corvette 3 ‘River’ class offshore patrol vessel 1 ‘Pattani’ class offshore patrol vessel 2 ‘Makut Rajakumarn’ class offshore patrol vessel 1 ‘Hua Hin’ class offshore patrol vessel 3 ‘PSMM Mk.5’ class offshore patrol vessel 6 ‘Tor 991’ class offshore patrol vessel 3 ‘Tor 994’ class offshore patrol vessel 3 ‘M58’ class offshore patrol vessel 1 ‘M36’ class offshore patrol vessel 3 ‘MBM-230’ class fast attack craft 3 ‘FPB-45’ class fast attack craft 3 ‘MV-400’ class fast attack craft 3 ‘Cannon’ class training ship 1 ‘Endurance’ class amphibious support ship 1 ‘Normed PS-700’ class tank landing ship 2 ‘Marsun M55’ class utility landing craft 2 ‘Thongkaeo’ class utility landing craft 4 ‘Mannok’ class utility landing craft 3 ‘Similan’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Jula’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘YOG-5’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Prong’ class replenishment vessel 1 2 ‘Proet’ class replenishment vessel ‘Matra’ class replenishment vessel 1 ‘Chuang’ class replenishment vessel 2 ‘MSC-289’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Thalang’ class mine countermeasures vessel 1 ‘M48’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Gaeta’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Chan’ class hydrographic vessel 1

1 1 2 2 2

Thailand previously operated conventional hunter-killer submarines (SSKs), and plans to revive this capability are moving ahead, according to local media reports. A submarine fleet headquarters has been built at Sattahip Naval Base, and Royal Thai Navy officers are attending submarine training in Germany and the Republic of Korea. The Royal Thai Navy is in contact with prospective suppliers in the People’s Republic of China, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Sweden for the purchase of up to three SSKs. Other plans include the construction of a second ‘DW 3000F’ class frigate, and an additional ‘River’ class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPVs), as well as further ‘M58’ class OPVs. Finally, the fleet’s ‘Naresuan’ class frigates are undergoing a major upgrade of sensors and weapons fire control systems.

Vietnam

Vietnam People’s Navy Ship Type Number in Service ‘Gepard 3.0’ class frigate 2, 2 more in build in Russia ‘Petya’ class frigate 5 ‘Sigma’ class corvette 2 in build in the Netherlands ‘Tarantul-1’ class corvette 4 ‘Moiniya’ class corvette 4, 4 more in build in Vietnam ‘BPS-500’ class corvette 1 ‘Kilo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarine 3, three more in build in Russia ‘Osa’ class fast attack craft 8 ‘Svetlyak’ class offshore patrol vessel 6 ‘Turya’ class offshore patrol vessel 5 ‘TT-400 TP’ class offshore patrol vessel 4, 2 more in build ‘Sonya’ class mine countermeasures vessel 4 ‘Yurka’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Yevgenya’ class mine countermeasures vessel 2 ‘Giao su Vien si Tran Dai Nghia’ class hydrographic vessel 1 ‘K-122’ class transport/logistics vessel 2 ‘HQ-996’ class transport/logistics vessel 1 ‘Trường Sa’ class transport/logistics vessel 7 ‘LST-542’ class heavy landing ship 1 ‘Polnochny’ class amphibious support ship 3 ‘HQ-521’ class amphibious support ship 2 The People’s Republic of China has become extremely assertive in the South China Sea, including in areas within Vietnam’s continental shelf and its Exclusive Economic Zone. To this end, Hanoi is pursuing a three-track response: Military garrisons on a number of Vietnam-claimed islands have been substantially bolstered; a major acquisition programme of foreign, and indigenously built, warships is in progress; and Vietnam is actively promoting links with numerous foreign navies. The commissioning of ‘Kilo’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines into the Vietnamese People’s Navy (VPN) poses a major potential threat to the People’s Liberation Army Navy and is of long term strategic significance. The ‘Gepard’ class are Vietnam’s first helicopter-capable frigates, and a number of VPN Kamov Ka-28 naval support helicopters have recently been upgraded in Russia to operate from these ships. Additional ‘Gepard’ class ships might be built in Vietnam in due course. Finally, the VPN’s ‘BPS-500’ class corvette is undergoing a major upgrade in Vietnam, with Russian assistance. AMR

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special o p e r a t i o n s

Special Effects The sheer size and weight of global Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations over the past decade has initiated a large spike in Western Special Operations Forces (SOF) partnering with Asia-Pacific units, with obvious implications for the transfer of technology and weaponry. by Andrew White

SOF in the Asia-Pacific rely upon handguns, primarily for covert operations. These weapons also have utility when an operativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assault rifle fails to fire ÂŠ US Army Special Operations Command

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special o p e r a t i o n s

OF units from the so-called ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States continue to be deployed worldwide with a particular emphasis on mentoring and operating alongside indigenous forces to improve CT skills and, where appropriate, allow for the procurement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). Encompassing a continental and maritime theatre, the Asia-Pacific region is littered with alpine, desert, urban, jungle, and littoral terrains meaning they must be prepared for a wide spectrum of operational environments. These parameters have a significant impact on SALW procurement. Due to the nature of the modern SOF operator, a wide variety of SALW are being made available to such forces, allowing for the modularity and scalability required by such a broad range of operations. Additionally, the tropical environment of the Asia-Pacific brings with it additional challenges, especially in jungle terrain where the utility of weapons and technology is reduced to a minimum due to the climate and abundance of vegetation.

SSG However, what is certain is that this partnering over the past ten years has seen a huge uplift in the capability of the Asia-Pacific’s Special Forces. As an example, on 6 December 2014, the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) conducted an assault to capture High Value Target (HVT) Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumah and five Al-Qaeda (AQ)

associates in South Waziristan as part of the CT Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Mr. Al Shukrijumah was understood to be AQ’s global operations chief with confidential sources describing to the Asian Military Review how the operation had been one of the highest profile and successful CT missions since the killing by US SOF personnel of AQ leader Osama Bin Laden in 2011 during Operation Neptune’s Spear in Abottabad, Afghanistan. It is not clear what SALW were carried by the SSG operatives but it is understood that the unit (which has received extensive training from NATO Special Forces) is equipped with a wide variety of rifles, submachine guns and pistols, allowing soldiers to pick and choose the weapons best suited for the task in hand. The SSG armoury of assault rifles includes Steyr AUG, Colt M4, SIG Sauer 522LR and 5.56mm assault rifles and Chinese Type 81 and Type 56 7.62mm weapons. A suppressed M4 however is the weapon of choice, as used by the SSG’s counterparts in the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Submachine guns employed by the SSG include FN Herstal’s 5.7mm P90 and Heckler and Koch’s famous 9mm MP5 weapon which has enjoyed the reputation as being the SOF CT armament of choice following the UK Special Air Service’s assault on the Iranian Embassy in London on 5 May 1980. The MP5 is still utilised by the majority of SOF units in the Asia-Pacific, not to mention globally, for highlyaccurate engagement in urban terrain although there remains concerns within the SOF community regarding the

Suppressors, such as those manufactured by Surefire, are expected to feature heavily in the future of SOF handguns in the Asia-Pacific. This equipment plays an important role in helping to preserve the necessary stealth of Special Forces cadres © Surefire

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‘stopping power’ of its 9mm ammunition. The handgun or pistol is another staple armament carried by SSG operators and the SOF community in general, which is called upon if a stoppage is experienced on an assault rifle. The transition from assault rifle to handgun provides a much faster response compared to the clearance of a stoppage on the rifle itself, especially when conducting Close Quarter Battle (CQB) drills. Staying with the SSG, the unit also has a variety of handguns available to its operators with particular weapons being selected depending on the task. These include 9mm weapons manufactured by Heckler and Koch, and Glock.

Calibre Debates Similar to the 5.56mm versus 7.62mm assault rifle ammunition debate, the 9mm versus the .40 and .45-calibre argument centres on the ‘stopping power’ of those particular rounds. The .45-calibre round is much more capable of dropping a target immediately while the 9mm alternative requires multiple rounds to halt an approaching target. One anonymous NATO SOF operative, recently returned from training indigenous forces in the AsiaPacific, informed AMR: “I would say the 9mm round is the optimal calibre for SOF organisations. Because it’s a lighter weight system, you can shoot it a lot more easily and accurately with more rounds on target. However, if a .22-calibre round could inflict the same levels of damage as a 9mm, .40-calibre or .45-calibre round, then that would be even better. But the fact is they do not.” The SOF armoury does not stop there. Again, using the SSG as an example, the vast selection of SALW also includes light machine guns such as Rheinmetall’s 7.62mm MG3. Additionally, SSG CT teams rely heavily on sniper and sharpshooter rifles, which are normally utilised for over-watch of target buildings ahead of ground assaults and vehicle interdiction operations from the air, land or sea. Such solutions include Barrett’s .50-calibre M82 rifle, Steyr’s SSG 69 7.62mm bolt action rifle, Heckler and Koch’s 7.62mm PSG1 and the Dragunov SVD 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles. Additional weapons carried by the SSG can include the Pakistan Ordnance Factories’ (POF) Eye corner-shot shot gun, which was designed for SOF and specialist law enforcement teams conducting Hostage Rescue (HR)

special o p e r a t i o n s

Heckler and Koch’s MP5 submachine gun continues to be the weapon of choice in the Asia-Pacific for SOF CT operations, including maritime CT missions as illustrated in this picture © Australian Department of Defence

operations. A spokesperson for POF told AMR: “The POF Eye is a special-purpose handheld weapon designed to accurately fire around corners, therefore allowing operators to engage an adversary without breaking cover and exposing themselves to counter-attack.” A similar capability was developed by the Israel Defence Force (IDF), known as the CornerShot weapon, with countries including the People’s Republic of China, Iran and the Republic of Korea all developing their own models. However, NATO SOF generals appear less excited about such a weapon. The anonymous NATO SOF operator continued that such a weapon system hindered the basic marksmanship principles which call for the correct position and hold of a weapon as well as the positive identification of target. However, he added that in certain situations troops in contact may sometimes call for such a capability if the circumstances were deemed dangerous enough.

Corner Conundrums The CornerShot has been made available in a variety of calibres ranging from 9mm x 19mm up to .45-calibre with a maximum effective range up to 200 metres (656 feet), according to CornerShot Holdings, its manufacturer. The weapon can also be upgraded with a variety of ancillaries including optronics, audio and video transmission equipment which can double up the armament for reconnaissance tasks, plus infrared lasers and torches, and a muzzle flash suppressor. Alternatively, it can fire non-lethal ammunition. In line with calls for modularity and scalability, the recent Global Security Asia Exhibition in Singapore, saw an interesting market trend with Israeli company CAA exhibiting its

The USSOCOM’s Tactical Assault Light Operator System (TALOS) is set to have a dramatic effect on equipping SOF operators around the world with increased networking between weapon systems and head-up displays paramount to this effort © USSOCOM

Roni conversion kit, designed for SOF operators, allowing them to quickly turn a semi-automatic handgun into a carbine. The attachment, which is centred around a frame extension to encapsulate the handgun, can be applied to a variety of handguns including the Sig Sauer P226 family of weapons, the Beretta FS92, plus Glock and Heckler and Koch

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pistols. The Roni conversion provides an enhanced grip for extra stability allowing an operator to shoot far beyond the normal range limits of a handgun which is realistically no more than 3035m (98-114ft) at best. Constructed from polymer and aluminium, the Roni measures 570mm (22 inches) in length and weighs an

special o p e r a t i o n s

The debate regarding the optimal calibre for the SOF operator’s assault rifle continues

additional 1.4 kilograms (three pounds) with improvements. This construction provides greater accuracy at a range up to 75m (246ft) and a reduction in recoil. The kit also comes with a detachable folding ‘gangster grip’ or fore grip as well as an additional magazine bracket to hold more accessible ammunition towards the rear of the system. A Picatinny rail allows for the easy addition of tactical accessories including optical sights, torches, laser designators, cameras and red dot sights. Industry sources suggested to AMR that the Roni conversion kit had been supplied to undisclosed units in the Philippines. The debate regarding the optimal calibre for the SOF operator’s assault rifle, however, continues. Calls for modularity and scalability drive the market allowing for units to cherrypick the weapons systems suitable for particular missions and tasks. But with the USSOCOM and NATO SOF HQ (NSHQ) unlikely to steer away from 5.56mm and 7.62mm variants, Special Forces in the Asia-Pacific are unlikely to deviate from such a path. However, there are continued efforts to exploit these ammunition calibres yet further with the development of high-lethality small arms ammunition.

New Ammunition In Australia for example, Thales is developing such a round in 5.56mm calibre with company sources expressing their belief to AMR that this particular ammunition can outperform the much larger 7.62mm round. Known as the ‘F9’, the ammunition has been designed to exploit yet further the ‘incapacitation effect’ of 5.56mm ammunition, thanks in part to improved propellant used to launch the round from the rifle. Additionally, the design of the round itself has been optimised. Thales sources added that the F9 round could even surpass standards set by the US M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (EPR), designed to replace the M855 round.

An Australian member of the Joint Special Operations Task Group returns from an operation in Afghanistan with 5.56mm M4 carbine. Such weapons are widely used by Special Forces in the Asia-Pacific and beyond © Australian Department of Defence

According to US officials, the EPR has proven a capability to penetrate body armour designed to minimise the impact of 7.62mm ammunition. Additional benefits of the EPR over the M855 include greater degrees of accuracy, reduced muzzle flash, soft and hard target performance equal to or greater than 7.62mm ball ammunition. This particular solution forms part of Thales Close Combat Lethality System which is currently in development for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Nevertheless, Thales said that the

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solution would be made available to SOF organisations elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific. The technology can also be adapted to cover ammunition ranging from 4.6mm up to .50-calibre (12.7mm) rounds for sniper rifles. A spokesperson for the ADF informed AMR: “There has been a rapidly increasing proliferation of military technology and hardware with non-state actors having access to capabilities such as anti-tank guided weapons, surface-to-air missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, night fighting equipment, armour-piercing small arms

special o p e r a t i o n s

An atmospheric shot of an SOF unit returning to base after an operation in which they carried a variety of 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles and a collection of 9mm and .40-cal handguns. Special Forces have been used widely during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq © US DoD

ammunition and cyber attack systems. As has been evident in recent conflicts and incidents, often a myriad of groups are involved in protracted combat within and across state borders. Pistols, shotguns, support weapons, marksman/ sharpshooter rifles and grenade launcher attachments provide options to enhance the lethality of the combatant, especially in the urban battlespace. However, enhancements in both lethal and nonlethal ammunition are required to provide better engagement options for the soldier faced with differing engagement ranges and environments. This represents an opportunity to review the approach to small arms systems to consider potential emerging technologies, calibres, or changes to the types of small arms systems such as personal defence weapons.” Illustrating future requirements for SOF weaponry in the Asia-Pacific, the ADF also described how SOF operators required the capability to integrate weapon sights and fire control

systems into the network to support shared understanding and allow timely engagement. This comprises the utility of ancillaries to provide increased engagement ranges, improved target acquisition and training to develop shooting techniques optimised for the environment and threat.

Conclusion According to the US Joint Special Operations University’s recent Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Theatre for US and Partner Nation Special Operations Forces paper, the People’s Republic of China may well become the dominant conventional military power in East Asia. “Under those circumstances, the US and its allies may be forced to rely on irregular warfare methods to resist possible Chinese expansion. Policymakers would turn to SOF to provide options,” the paper reads. This will have significant implications with regards to acquisition and employment of SALW. The People’s Liberation Army’s

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armoury of weapons exemplifies the vast range of calibres and armaments which the US and its Asia-Pacific allies must be capable of countering. The impressive list includes 9mm and 7.62mm pistols including the Type-84, 7.62mm submachine guns, 5.8mm submachine guns, and rifles such as the Type-3. This is in addition to 7.62mm, 14.5mm and .50-calibre machine guns, plus 5.8mm, .50-calibre and 7.62mm sniper systems. Referring to the US SOF in the AsiaPacific, the report continues: “Their most important role is establishing and maintaining relationships with partner military forces across the region. This implies that US SOF will spend more time training partner conventional forces or facilitating the efforts of others who will do so.” Such sentiments will ensure the collective utility of SALW for indigenous SOF units across the Asia-Pacific, with partnering nations taking the lead from USSOCOM and NSHQ-affiliated actors, particularly in Australia. AMR

regional m i l i t a r i e s

Singapore Army soldiers demonstrate urban assault techniques at the Shoalwater Bay training area, Queensland, Australia during Exercise Trident in November 2014. The Singapore Armed Forces have leveraged technology to give itself an edge over possible adversaries. (Australian Department of Defence)

Island Investments One of Southeast Asia’s most modern and vibrant countries, Singapore is also the smallest. Yet it has also built up one of the region’s most advanced militaries. This article looks at some of the recent developments in the Singapore Armed Forces.

716 square kilometre (approximately 276 square mile) island located at the southern end of the strategically important Strait of Malacca, the story of modern Singapore began in 1819 when the British arrived and set up a trading post on the island. With a natural deepwater harbour and located astride seaborne trade routes used by the lucrative spice trade,

by Mike Yeo Singapore soon became an important port of call for marine commerce. In 1924, the island became a British colony and remained so until August 1963 (except for a period of Japanese occupation between 1942 and 1945) when it joined the Malaysian Federation, before political differences led to Singapore becoming an independent state on 9 August 1965. Singapore’s port is the second

| Asian Military Review |

busiest in the world today and remains the lifeblood of one of the Asia-Pacific’s most vibrant economies, handling 32.2 million twenty foot equivalent container units in 2013 alone. The island nation is also an air travel hub and a global financial centre. With a lot to defend, its small size nevertheless means it has what has been described as “the strategic depth of a window ledge”. To offset this vulnerability, it maintains one of the most

regional m i l i t a r i e s

modern and powerful armed forces in the region, backed by a generous defence budget. Pegged at an average of between three to four percent of Gross Domestic Product (the largest proportion of any Singaporean government ministry) over the past decade, these levels of spending allow the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to maintain a decisive edge over its immediate neighbours. The SAF is currently in the process of transforming itself into a fully-networked fighting force, with the stated aim of eventually being able to operate seamlessly across a full spectrum of operations. The SAF places a lot of emphasis on steady and regular investment, and on the recapitalisation of older platforms as well as ongoing upgrades to existing ones. Upgrades are usually performed in conjunction with research and development support from government research agencies and engineering work by local defence companies such as Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering. In the words of defence minister Ng Eng Hen, “The default for the MINDEF (Singapore Ministry of Defence) and SAF is to upgrade existing platforms rather than buy new ones, unless only new equipment provides clearly superior and needed capabilities.” With its small landmass restricting space available to conduct training, Singapore has agreements to conduct military training in several countries

Soldiers from the Singapore Army’s Infantry Regiment dismount during a company field training exercise with US Army troops from the 4th Battalion, ‘Manchus’ 9th Infantry Regiment during urban operations training. (US Army)

including Brunei, New Zealand and Thailand. Singapore also maintains permanent training detachments in several other countries, including helicopter and fast jet training in Australia and the United States, as well as fast jet training in France. Singapore has maintained close defence ties with the United States since the days of the Vietnam War, but has eschewed being a formal treaty ally, opting instead for a comprehensive

Security Framework Agreement for Closer Cooperation Partnership in Defence and Security. It also maintains close defence ties with Israel, which has been generous in assisting the activation of the nascent SAF after Singapore’s independence.

Army The largest of the SAF’s three services, Singapore’s army comprises approximately 75000 active personnel. This includes about 35000 conscripts drawn from Singaporean males serving a mandatory two-year National Service stint after turning 18 years of age. Upon completion of their conscription cycle, they are routed into the reserves, which some estimates put as high as 500000 strong. The Singapore Army is currently motorising several of its nine active

Singapore has operated the Nexter AMX-13 light tank since the late 1960s, purchasing them from Israeli stocks soon after gaining independence. These were upgraded to the SM1 standard in the 1990s, but are due for replacement soon. (Mike Yeo)

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regional m i l i t a r i e s

Singapore’s fleet of 60 Lockheed-Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon MRCA will go through an extensive upgrade. This F-16D carries a single inert Raytheon GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II guided bomb during Exercise Pitch Black 2014 in Australia. (Mike Yeo)

infantry battalions with the induction of 135 Terrex AV82 eight-wheel drive armoured vehicles. Designed by Ireland’s Timoney Technology Limited in conjunction with ST Kinetics (the land systems arm of ST Engineering), the Terrex is available in several variants, with the basic Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) capable of ferrying up to eleven troops and armed with an ElectroOptics System R-600 Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS) fitted with either a 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Other variants include a command vehicle, engineer vehicle, ambulance, Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) platform equipped with the Rafael Advanced Defence Systems’ Spike-LR ATGM, Strike Observer Mission (STORM) vehicle, and the Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) platform. Notoriously secretive about military matters, it is not known

Sources have suggested that a replacement for the AMX-13SM1 is on the cards how many of each variant the SAF has acquired, however the sale of 100 RCWS to Singapore in 2009 points to there being a similar number of Terrex ICVs. These vehicles should allow it to motorise three infantry battalions, and as of late 2014 at least two infantry battalions have made the transition. Early in 2015, Dr. Ng disclosed in Parliament that Singapore will be acquiring Protected Response Vehicles (PRV) to replace the last of the Textron V-200 four-wheel drive Commando Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in SAF service. Details are scarce, but

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the photo accompanying the Singapore Ministry of Defence news release shows a Renault Higuard six-wheel drive MineResistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle based on that company’s Sherpa tactical truck. There is no indication of how many vehicles have been acquired or specifics regarding their intended mission, but the PRVs could be used for Protection Of Installation (POI) duties as well as being assigned to the Field Defence Squadrons (FDS) of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The former involves SAF personnel guarding key infrastructure in Singapore such as oil refineries and port facilities while the FDS are tasked with guarding RSAF airbases. Various sources have also suggested that a new light tank to replace the elderly Nexter AMX-13SM1 light tank is on the cards. No details have yet to be made public, but it is likely that a design based on the ST Kinetics Bionix armoured fighting vehicle chassis in the

regional m i l i t a r i e s

A Boeing F-15SG Eagle MRCA takes off during Exercise Pitch Black 2014. If suggestions of Singapore having 40 aircraft are correct, it would allow the country to form a second Singaporebased squadron, along with a single training squadron in the United States. (Mike Yeo)

30-ton class is being developed.

Air Force The RSAF is a modern, professional force that is well-regarded by its peers around the world. Widely recognised as one of the most advanced and welltrained air forces in southeast Asia, the RSAF has several ongoing projects in the pipeline as part of its transition to a third-generation fighting force. Chief among these is a programme to upgrade its 60-strong fleet of LockheedMartin F-16C/D Block 52/52+ Fighting Falcon Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). This upgrade will be centred on a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a new mission computer to be installed on the aircraft. Several new types of munitions will also be integrated including Raytheon’s GBU-49 and GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway II dual-mode precision-guided bombs and Textron CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapons. Singapore is believed to be leaning towards Lockheed-Martin to carry out the upgrade, reported to be worth $2.43 billion according to a January 2014 US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notification. This would see Northrop-Grumman’s APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) replace the company’s AN/APG-68 mechanicallyscanned radars currently fitted on these aircraft. The weapons integration portion of the upgrade is already in progress, with the F-16C/Ds dropping inert GBU49s during Exercise Pitch Black over northern Australia in August 2014.

The RSAF is a modern, professional force well-regarded by its peers around the world’

The other main combat type in the RSAF order of battle is the Boeing F-15SG Eagle MRCA. A derivative of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-15SG will remain the most advanced model of the F-15 family until the Saudi Arabia introduces the F-15SA in 2016. Fitted with the Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA radar, Singapore selected the F-15SG following an exhaustive evaluation process in 2005. The number of F-15SGs purchased by Direct Commercial Sale from Boeing is officially 24, however tracking Boeing delivery notifications and counting F-15SG airframes in Singapore and the United States, the purchase yielded 32 aircraft when deliveries were completed in late 2012. The appearance of eight more F-15SGs carrying civilian N-registrations on the Federal Aviation Administration’s civil register in August 2014 only added to the puzzle. What is known for certain is that Singapore has 32 F-15SGs in service, with the likelihood that it could possess up to 40 aircraft. This would seem to be a reasonable number if the RSAF needs to

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stand up another F-15SG squadron with the last squadron of Northrop Grumman F-5ST Tiger-II MRCAs expected to retire later in 2015. The RSAF’s four Boeing KC-135R tankers will also be replaced, with Singapore having already ordered six Airbus A330-MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transports). These will be fitted with a refuelling boom and refuelling pods to enable offloading of fuel to different types of receiver aircraft. Deliveries are expected to start from around 2017, and the A330-MRTTs will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 700-series turbofans. The MRTTs will be in useful should Singapore decide to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35A/B/C LightningII MRCA. Singapore has been a Security Cooperative Participant (SCP) in the F-35 programme, and it has been reported that Singapore has shown keen interest in the F-35B Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant. That interest has not translated into an actual purchase yet, with Singaporean defence officials having said that they are in no hurry, with the F-16C/Ds expected to soldier on beyond 2030. Singapore will also replace its fleet of approximately two dozen Airbus Helicopters AS-332M/M1 Super Puma medium-lift utility helicopters over the next decade, according to Dr. Ng. No formal tender process has been launched, but it is believed Singapore will be looking at a platform with as much, if not more, payload capacity as the AS-332M/ M1. The helicopters are used for search

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and rescue missions in Singapore’s Search and Rescue Region and for army troop lift requirements in Singapore and overseas training detachments, with a squadron of helicopters in Australia conducting advanced rotary-wing training for new RSAF helicopter pilots. Long-range air defence has been a recent focus of RSAF procurement, with the purchase of the Eurosam SAMP/T (Surface-toAir Missile Platform/Terrain) groundbased air defence system firing the Aster-30 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and using the ThalesRaytheonSystems Ground Master-200 air surveillance radar. When introduced, the Aster-30 will replace the Raytheon MIM-23 Improved Hawk SAMs and give Singapore a landbased anti-ballistic missile capability for the first time. The Ground Master 200 is known as the SHIKRA (System for Hybrid Interceptor and Knowledge of Recognised Air) in the RSAF, and was unveiled at the Singapore Air Show in February 2014. Mounted on an eight-wheel drive truck, the Ground Master 200 is a mobile, multi-mission three-dimensional medium-range air surveillance radar capable of detecting

The RSN has in the past decade expanded to become a green water navy cruise missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at ranges up to 135 nautical miles (250 kilometres).

Navy The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is the smallest of the SAF’s three services. Tasked with purely coastal defence duties in its formative years, the RSN has in the past decade expanded to become a so-called “green water navy” as it expands its area of operations towards the security of Singapore’s Sea Lines of Communications (SLOC) in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca; the latter due in no small part to the ongoing concerns with piracy in this busy waterway. Those missions would certainly be an important part of those undertaken

by the RSN’s new Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), eight of which were ordered by the RSN in early 2013. Intended to replace eleven older ‘Fearless’ class offshore patrol vessels, the new LMVs will displace 1200 tones. The ships will be mission-configurable with various mission modules (More details regarding the Republic of Singapore Navy can be found in this issue’s Ships Don’t Lie AMR annual naval directory). The primary armament of the LMVs will be a 76mm gun and an asyet unknown Point Defence System for air defence. Thales will supply the Naval Smarter-100 AESA radar, while a helideck capable of handling a naval support helicopter or UAVs will be included. The LMVs will also have a custom-designed slipway on the stern capable of launching and recovering two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) or Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). The first LMV is expected to be launched in the middle of 2015, with all eight expected to be operational by 2020. The order of the LMV was followed by another big RSN procurement announcement in November 2013, with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems awarded a contract for two conventional

The Republic of Singapore Navy is due to take delivery of the first of eight Littoral Mission Vessels in 2016. These well-armed ships will be capable of a variety of missions in littoral waters around Singapore, and will replace eleven ‘Fearless’ class Offshore Patrol Vessels. (Mike Yeo)

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Singapore has ordered two more Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval support helicopters to operate from its ‘Formidable’ class frigates, bringing the S-70B fleet to eight. These are expected to be delivered in 2016. (US Navy)

The Airbus Helicopters AS-332M/M1 Super Pumas medium-lift utility helicopters currently operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force will be replaced in the next decade. Singapore is known to have requested information about the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor as a possible successor. (Mike Yeo)

hunter-killer submarines (SSKs) for the RSN. The new submarines have been designated the ‘Type 218SG’ class and deliveries will start in 2020, but little else is known although they are likely to be

based on the popular ‘Type 214’ class boats. German industry sources said the project is expected to cost approximately $1 billion, with the new submarines replacing the ex-Marinen (Royal Swedish

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Navy) ‘Challenger’ class SSKs currently in service. The RSN does not have an air wing, although the RSAF has several assets geared for maritime missions whose onboard systems are operated by RSN specialists. These include six Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval support helicopters which regularly operate from the RSN’s ‘Formidable’ class stealth frigates. Two other examples will join the fleet in 2016, and industry sources have reportedly said that they will have different onboard systems to the first six helicopters, which have an L-3 Communications long-range active sonar and Telephonics AN/APS143 surveillance, tracking and imaging radar. In the medium-to long-term, Singapore is believed to be looking for a new Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to replace its five Fokker 50 Mk.II Enforcer MPAs as well as what has been called a ‘Joint Multi-Mission Ship’ (JMMS) to replace the ‘Endurance’ class amphibious support ships. However, neither project are expected to be high on the priority list for the time being. AMR

Regional News and

Developments

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Asia-Pacific Procurement Update by Pierre Delrieu Pakistan Successfully Tests ALCM Pakistan conducted a successful flight test of its indigenously-developed Air Weapons Complex Ra’adIII Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) on 2 February, the country’s military’s InterServices Public Relations body announced in a press release. The launch, which was conducted from an undisclosed air platform, was the fifth official test of the nuclear capable missile since 2007. The missile’s most recent test was on 31 May 2012 and the very first Ra’ad-III ALCM test launch was announced on 25 August 2007. Although exact specifications for the country’s ALCM were not made available, the missile

has been compared to the MBDA Storm Shadow and Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. Following the test flight, the Pakistan Army announced that the 189 nautical-mile (350 kilometre) range missile would enable the country to achieve a “strategic standoff capability” on land and at sea. According to Brian Cloughley, South Asia defence analyst and author of A History of the Pakistan Army: Wars and Insurrections, “the Ra’ad-III is intended to present a threat to India, and India alone.” In an exclusive interview, Mr. Cloughley told AMR that the country’s Ra’ ad-III “is a fairly sophisticated system and a normal addition to the inventory of weapons

being developed” and, with “a warhead of some 990lb (450kg) of high explosive” it “would be most effective in striking, for example, India’s tactical nuclear weapons or other nuclear installations.” Mr. Cloughley warned that, “if Pakistan’s current emphasis on the miniaturisation of nuclear warheads results in production of a Ra’ad-III nuclear warhead, then the sub-continent war scenario would become even more serious.” India also conducted successful tests of its first intercontinental ballistic missile on 31 January, a few days prior to Pakistan’s test. Developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the

Agni-V’s exact range has been kept secret by the Indian government, with reports’ estimations ranging between 2700-4320nm (5000-8000km); considerably more than the Pakistani missile. Although the two countries tests were conducted days apart, analysts agree there are no connections between the two. “I don’t think that the Ra’ad-III has any connection at all with the Agni V test,” Mr. Cloughley continued. “They are totally different systems and one can’t really compare them,” he added, concluding that “the Ra’ad-III might be used to attack an Agni V launch site, but there’s no specificity in its capabilities in that direction.”

Indian MoD selects BEL-Rolta Consortium as Development Agency for BMS Project A consortium of India’s leading defence electronics companies, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Rolta India Limited, was selected by India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to act as the development agency for the country’s upcoming Battlefield Management System (BMS) project, valued at over $8 billion. The decision was made public through a press released published by BEL on 26 February. The statement described the BMS project as a Make programme under the country’s Defence Procurement Procedure

(DPP) and one of the largest solutions ever to be locally manufactured for India’s military. The DPP’s ‘Make In India’ policy encourages the domestic manufacture of equipment for India’s armed forces. Once completed, the indigenous BMS project will reportedly deliver Command and Control (C2) capabilities to India’s fighting echelons, operating at the forward edge of the battle area at battalion and combat group levels. BEL has actively been working on a home-grown BMS, a situational awareness and visualisation system designed to integrate information acquisition and processing to optimise the operational effectiveness of India’s tactical military units

and to enhance C2. BMS technologies have been a major focus for state-owned Rolta India Limited in the past years, and the company significantly invested in indigenous development and delivered cutting edge C2 and reconnaissance systems to the Indian MoD. As a part of the consortium, Rolta will reportedly be managing the development of the BMS application software, while the manufacturing of subsystems, overall system design, installation, integration, commissioning and maintenance of the BMS will be led in collaboration with BEL. PC Jain, director of marketing for BEL, stated in the press release that “the consortium of BEL and Rolta

is fully geared up to take on the challenge of development of the Battlefield Management System for our defence forces. We also aim to maximise the indigenous content through in-house development of various sub-systems.” “It is a privilege for us to be part of this prestigious programme,” said KK Singh, chairman and managing director of Rolta India Limited. “The selection of Rolta is a strong vindication of our strategy to invest in and build word-class Intellectual Property (IP) indigenously. This IP has been indigenously developed by leveraging our deep domain knowledge … and is already in wide use across various formations of the Indian Army,” he added.

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Regional News and

Developments

south east asia TKMS offers Type 209 and Type 210 submarines to Royal Thai Navy Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has reportedly made a tender to Thailand, offering to provide the country’s navy with an undisclosed number of its ‘Type-209’ and ‘Type-210’ variant conventional hunterkiller submarines (SSKs) it was reported in late-January. The company had put forward and promoted the capabilities and configurations of the two submarines in recent meetings held in Bangkok as part of the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN’s) continuing review of submarine platforms. Thailand is looking to procure up to three submarines as part of an increased 2016 defence budget, a project which would finally give the country a capability it has lacked for decades. The country’s defence minister, Prawit Wongsuwon,

Indonesia signs $295 Million deal for 8 Boeing AH-64Es The Indonesian Department of Defence (DoD) announced on 27 January that it had awarded a $296 million firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Boeing. and will be acquiring eight AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters, the latest evolution of the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64 family of gunships. The aircraft are to be manufactured in the company’s Mesa, Arizona facilities, with a final delivery scheduled for 28 February 2018. The helicopters will then be deployed to a number of bases across the country, including the Berau military base in the East Kalimantan province and near Indonesia’s maritime borders with Brunei-

publically said he would, in principle, support such an acquisition, pending cost considerations and on the condition that detailed procurement plans are submitted in the current fiscal year, which ends October 2015. The RTN has since reportedly been considering submarines from various manufacturers, including Russia’s Rubin Design Bureau ‘Kilo’ class, China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding ‘Yuan’ class and the Republic of Korea’s Daewoo ‘Chang Bogo’ class, the latter of which is reported to be the least expensive option, costing around $330

million per unit. Thailand does not currently operate any submarines and its plans to acquire a fleet dates back over 20 years. Kan Yuenyong, director of the Bangkokbased think-tank the Siam Intelligence Unit (SIU), told AMR that Thailand has been trying to act on its “ambitious military modernisation plans since before the financial crisis of 1997, and the successful political order that follow Black May 1992 (the common name given to the 17-20 May 1992 popular protest in Bangkok) which encouraged such military ambitions.” The country has been trying to ink submarine deals with several countries since the 1990s, including most recently Germany and the Republic of Korea, but all its plans to procure submarine

platforms initiated in the past 20 years have fallen through. As regional tensions escalate in the disputed South China Sea, Thailand’s need for a submarine fleet has become a priority to defend its national security, even though the country itself does not make territorial claims in this area. “The real strategic purpose of acquiring a submarine fleet,” Mr. Yuenyong told AMR, “is for deterrence and long-term submarine crew training” in view of protecting the country’s sovereignty, especially at a time when many of its neighbours either already have submarines, like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia or, like Vietnam, are actively developing them. More details regarding submarine procurements and other vessel acquisitions can be found in this issue’s ‘Ships Don’t Lie’ naval directory.

Darussalam, Malaysia and Vietnam. Indonesia’s new helicopters will undoubtedly help the country protect its economic interests in the region. Although Indonesia is not officially involved in any dispute over contested South China Sea islands, Beijing’s ‘nine-dash-line’ claim overlaps Jakarta’s ambitions for its Exclusive Economic Zone in the Natuna Islands region. The announcement of the deal concludes a selection process that was first initiated in late-2011. At that time, Indonesia had announced that it was looking to acquire surplus AH-64D Apache Longbow gunships from European stocks with a view to augmenting its fleet of Mil Mi-35 attack helicopters procured from Russia in 2008. Indonesia had then

also requested information from the US Army about the potential purchase from the US government of eight AH-64Es, with an option for up to ten more and, in 2013, the US government approved the potential sale of aircraft to Indonesia. The Indonesia government eventually signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the US government on 26 August 2013 for eight of the aircraft. Contacted by AMR, a Boeing spokesperson described the AH-64E as possessing “the latest in technological advances in multiple disciplines, i.e. performance, drive train, digital integration, and has the ability to meet all of Indonesia’s attack helicopter requirements. The AH-64E’s low life cycle costs and reduced logistical footprint

will assist the Indonesian Army in sustaining this aircraft for the long-term.” According to the company’s spokesperson, “the AH-64E is ideally suited to operations within Indonesia as it has the ability to operate within a maritime environment, in mountainous terrain, and hot temperatures—all proven in recent combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

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Regional News and

Developments

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Japan successfully launches Mitsubishi H-IIA and IGS spy satellite On 1 February, Japan successfully launched a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket carrying a radar reconnaissance satellite. Liftoff took place from Pad 1 of the Yoshinobu Launch Complex (LA-Y) at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Centre, located on Tanegashima Island. The launch was successfully executed on schedule announced the JAXA. Four Japanese intelligencegathering satellites are currently in orbit; two optical satellites and two radar satellites. The satellite launched in February is the third in the Joho Shushu Eisei (JSE) series of second-generation radar

RoK offers FA-50 fighters deal to Peru The Republic of Korea (RoK) is looking to export $1 billion worth of the indigenously-built Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Golden Eagle multi-role combat aircraft to Peru. The country’s vice minister of defence Baek Seungjoo himself announced the possible deal on 3 February, according to RoK press reports. Both countries already enjoy a strong defence industrial relationship, especially through the KAI KT-1P turboprop trainer coproduction agreement signed in 2012 and valued at $200 million. The deal involves ten RoK KAI KT-1 trainers and the same number of KA-1 counterinsurgency variants. Following that agreement, four KT-1P training aircraft were delivered to the Fuerza Aérea del Perú (FAP/Peruvian Air Force), which will then manage the assembly of

spacecraft, commonly known as Information Gathering Satellites (IGS), operated by Japan’s Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Centre, and will serve as back-up and supplement the country’s two radar satellites, in the event one of the two spacecraft already in orbit suffering a malfunction. The Japanese IGS programme was initiated in August 1998 with the launch of the first satellite. This was Japan’s response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DRPK) attempted launch of a reconnaissance satellite, mounted on a medium-range ballistic missile. The DPRK rocket had flown over Japan, ending its course in the Pacific Ocean. It served as a worrying demonstration of North Korea’s ability to develop a rocket capable of

an additional 16 aircraft, partially using locally-sourced components. Looking to further bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations, the RoK has offered to sell Peru 24 FA-50s that will most likely serve to replace the FAP’s ageing fleet of Cessna O/A-37B Dragonfly counter-insurgency aircraft. The FA-50, the armed variant of the T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in jet trainer, was co-developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin. Capable of

striking Japan. The country’s first two IGS satellites, an optical imaging spacecraft and a radar imaging satellite, were launched simultaneously in March 2003 atop an H-IIA rocket. A second simultaneous launch was conducted later in 2003, but ended in failure after one of the H-IIA’s solid rocket motors failed to separate and marks, to date, the only catastrophic malfunction suffered by the H-IIA in its twenty-six flights. In 2006, the IGS launched and deployed a lone optical satellite and, later in 2007, a second radar spacecraft, along with a prototype secondgeneration optical satellite, followed. Japan began launching second-generation satellites in November 2009 with a fourth IGS Optical spacecraft. A further second-

generation optical spacecraft was launched in September 2011. The IGS’ first thirdgeneration optical imaging satellite is to be launched and commence orbit later this year. At the time of writing (April 2015) the H-IIA’s next launch is scheduled for launch at the end of April. It will carry an optical reconnaissance satellite for the IGS series, and two more missions are scheduled before the end of the year. The first will be carrying the country’s New X-ray Telescope (NeXT), also known as ASTRO-H, an international astronomical observatory. The second will be carrying Telstar12V, the first commercial communications satellite to be launched aboard a Japanese rocket.

reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.5, the FA-50 can be armed with precision-guided weapons such as the Boeing GBU-38/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and Textron CBU105 Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW) and carry a weapons load of up to 4.5 tonnes. It is considered the most advanced variant of the T-50 family and currently operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan

Udara (Indonesian Air Force), the Hukbóng Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) and the Iraqi Air Force. Peru, under the current administration of President Ollanta Humala, elected in 2011, has been undergoing an important and comprehensive defence modernisation and has shown great efforts to significantly develop and upgrade its capabilities. The country’s air force is particularly concerned by these efforts, and is looking to replace its ageing O/A-37B fleet it has acquired in batches from the United States since 1975. In 2009 the FAP had announced it had selected the Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano turboprop trainer/light strike aircraft as a replacement but the deal fell through. The FA-50 deal with the RoK is the FAP’s first credible and realistic tender for a new MRCA.

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Regional News and

Developments

a u s t r a l a s i a Australia donates LCH to Philippines Australia’s defence minister Kevin Andrews announced on 29 January that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was donating two recently decommissioned Balikpapak’ class heavy landing craft (LCH) to the Philippines. The RAN decommissioned the last three of its 364-tonne LCHs; HMAS Brunei, HMAS Labuan and HMAS Taraka; on 20 November 2014. All three vessels had been inducted into the RAN in 1973. Following decommission, the HMAS Labuan was donated to Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force Maritime Element. In a statement commenting on the decision, Mr. Andrews said that the Hukbóng Dagat

ng Pilipinas (Philippine Navy/PN) will receive the HMAS Tarakan and HMAS Brunei in May after the vessels have been refurbished with new navigation and safety equipment. He added that the ships would help the Philippines’ humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, which had proven insufficient when Typhoon Haiyan hit the country in 2013. “The landing craft will greatly improve the Philippines’ ability to respond to natural disasters by enabling heavy equipment and large amounts of aid to be moved to affected areas,” Mr. Andrews said. The statement also mentioned that Manila was considering purchasing the three other ships in the class, HMAS Wewak,

HMAS Balikpapan and HMAS Betano, which the RAN retired in December 2012. Beyond the humanitarian value of Australia’s donation to the Philippines, the military capabilities of these ships will obviously help Manila and the PN in its efforts to patrol and protect the sizeable archipelago, comprising 7107 islands, and the third longest coastline in the world after Canada and Indonesia. Australia is not the only Asia-Pacific country to donate vessels to the PN, which suffers from a fleet of ageing vessels. The RoK has pledged to donate at least one ‘Po Hang’ class corvette and two utility landing craft vessels to the its Filipino ally and Japan has also said it would offer Manila patrol vessels. In addition to the

Australian LCHs, the PN has said it intends to renew its fleet by acquiring at least two new-build frigates, as well as two Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSVs). Manila issued a tender, specifically calling for a platform capable of displacing at least 2000 tonnes. To date, six shipbuilders have expressed interest in the deal, including the RoK’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Daewoo, India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and Spain’s Navantia. The construction of the PN’s first SSV, manufactured by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL, began on 22 January. More details regarding these, and other, procurements can be found in this issue’s ‘Ships Don’t Lie’ naval directory.

Bell flaunts AH-1Z as maritime attack platform for Australia Bell Helicopter has been briefing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. The Australian Army is currently planning to upgrade its Airbus Helicopters EC-665ARH Tiger attack helicopters to a maritime configuration, enabling them to serve onboard the Royal Australian Navy’s two ‘Canberra’ class amphibious support ships. The Australian Army currently operates 22 EC665ARHs and, under Phase 3 of the Project AIR 87 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) procurement programme, is expected to decide whether it wishes to modernise these helicopters to operate from the flight deck of the ‘Canberra’ class. While Australia has yet to decide on the matter, Bell Helicopter has already started

promoting the AH-1Z as an alternative to the country’s Tiger gunships. Scott Clifton, global military business development manager for Bell Helicopter told AMR that, “given the design advantages of the AH-1Z … the ADF would directly benefit from a platform that can operate in any of the environments resident in Australia as well as be seamlessly integrated onboard the new amphibious ships.” These design advantages, Mr. Clifford explained, include “extra coatings to minimise corrosion as well as an airframe and engines designed to prevent corrosion.” Additionally, said Mr. Clifford, the AH-1Z does not require the ship to power down its systems during flight operations, as other non-marinised helicopters are required to do to avoid interference with the ship’s electronic warfare equipment. “Other helicopters. may be

able to operate in, or were designed for, a specific environment; the AH-1Z was designed to operate in the harshest environments on the planet and be able to do so for six-to-eight months, or longer, before returning to its home station.” The discussions with the ADF are still in a very informal stage and it is still too soon to say when a decision on a possible Australian AH1Z procurement might be made. Mr. Clifford said that Bell Helicopter’s aircraft has

“received positive feedback from many countries” and that “two international customers are within months of signing agreements with the US Government for the sale of AH-1Z and/or UH-1Y medium-lift utility helicopters and their associated training and support programmes. Additionally, there are another half-dozen international customers that have submitted letters regarding price and availability of the AH-1Z aircraft.”

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