AMR-NOVEMBER 2012

VOLUME 20/ISSUE 7

NOVEMBER 2012 US$15

ASIA PACIFIC’S LARGEST CIRCULATED DEFENCE MAGAZINE

BLOS COMMS INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS CHINA SHARPENS TEETH RECONNAISSANCE PLATFORMS

INDONESIA DEFENCE PROFILE ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE REGIONAL ATTACK HELICOPTERS

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2012 VOLUME 20 / ISSUE 7

10 Front Cover Photo:

Whether the troops involved are a headquarters staff in theatre, discussing progress with a national leader back home via broadband satcom or a small patrol communicating intelligence from an Afghan Wadi to higher echelons of command over a High Frequency radio, the need for signals to reach their intended recipient securely and irrespective of the distance involved and intervening terrain is vital © DoD

Indonesia’s Military Modernization Dzirhan Mahadzir In the last few years, Indonesia has been working towards the expansion and modernisation of its armed forces towards a goal of reaching a Minimum Essential Force in 2024

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Rotary Wing Strike & Multi-role Attack

David Oliver Afghanistan has been the defining factor in rotary wing air warfare for more than a decade but future demand for new aircraft types is likely to focus less on less role-specific platforms and more on multi-mission capability where the attack/reconnaissance/scout helicopter will be in the ascendancy

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Tom Withington The proliferation of both conventional and nuclear submarines around the AsiaPacific area is prompting a corresponding investment into Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) technology by countries throughout this region

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Renaissance and Light Armour Vehicles

Adam Baddeley Whether relying on speed and a low profile to carry out the ground reconnaissance mission or a more muscular, well armed approach, militaries have a range of design options to populate force structures

Anti-Submarine Warfare: Regional Capabilities

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Somewhere Over The Horizon...

Adam Baddeley Maintaining links between disparate forces either on another continent or in a nearby valley demands BLOS Communications with Satcom and High Frequency meeting that demand

CHINA - THE DRAGON’S TEETH SHARPEN

Infantry Support Weapons

Gordon Arthur In its 2012 defence budget, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) raised spending by 11.2 percent to $106.4 billion. The dragon is indeed sharpening its teeth but to what end?

Adam Baddeley When Close Air Support, artillery and direct fire AFVs are busy elsewhere and small arms are simply not enough, the infantry must call on their own support weapons to carry the day

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Index of Advertisers

AGUSTAWESTLAND AM GENERAL CASSIDIAN EUROCOPTER GSA IDEF IDEX IMDEX ITT EXELIS KAMAN KONGSBERG LAAD LIMA NEXTER PAC KAMRA PAKISTAN ORDNANCE FACTORIES RAYTHEON ROSOBORONEXPORT SEOUL AIRSHOW SINGAPORE AIRSHOW TELEPHONICS TRIJICON

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Editorial

T

he title 'Of A Tale of Two Carriers' could best describe the strategic dynamic between China and India at the moment, in the press at least, with China's progress inevitably fitting the assumed narrative of a top down, highly efficient China while the Dickensian and bumbling India (albeit with Russian help) having failed yet again. This is wrong and unfair.

The Chinese carrier, the Liaoning was commissioned at its homeport of Dalian on September 25th with the country's senior leadership in attendance and the Ship's urbane and telegenic Captain, sent to UK to study at its top military staff colleges, conducted interviews in English for a global audience. It transmits an image of a modern navy and country. In response analysts rolled out comparisons with the US capability and waxed lyrical about what it all meant; one carrier apparently means the world.

In contrast, shortly before this seven of the eight of boilers of the INS Vikramaditya’s overheated high-speed trials in the Barents Sea delaying its entry into service from December this year to late next. The event has prompted not a little soul searching in the Indian press, belabouring the failure even suggesting that the firebricks that apparently failed were supplied by China.

China's trials of its carrier have not been without incident but its tribulations have been undertaken without the benefit of a free press and democratic scrutiny of budgets and progress. Furthermore, the associated support structure for one Chinese carrier, let alone several more is absent; for example the first Type 052D missile destroyer touted as the 'Aegis' of the PLAN has only just been launched and has yet to be commissioned.

Unlike its neighbour, India has continuously operated both fixed wing and VSTOL carriers for over fifty years, the first commissioned in 1961 and continues to do so today – something the Royal Navy can't lay claim to. New carriers are also planned, the next Vikrant class carrier having its keel laid in 2009. This has built up the means and ways to support a carrier battle group, officers at all levels have served either on carriers or with them, up to and including the most senior leadership. Further understanding of carrier operations can also be obtained from other carrier operators world wide, not least the US. Once again, many have opted to accept style over substance in the China versus India carrier progress stakes but the reality is quite different.

Adam Baddeley, Editor

USA (West/South West)/Brazil Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc. Tel: +1 (858) 759 3557 Email: blackrockmedia@cox.net

Editor: Adam Baddeley E-mail: adam@baddeley.net Publishing Office: Chairman: J.S. Uberoi Media Transasia Ltd, Room No. 1205-1206, Hollywood Centre 233, Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933 Operations Office: President: Egasith Chotpakditrakul Sr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal Mehta Deputy Manager Marketing: Tarun Malviya Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul Bali Designer: Amal Mourya Production Manager: Kanda Thanakornwongskul Group Circulation Manager: Porames Chinwongs Media Transasia Thailand Ltd. 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoeynue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.

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Helicopters

RotaRy Wing StRike & Multi-Role attack

It is ironic that the battlefields of Southeast Asia were the operational birthplace of the combat helicopter. One of the most successful weapons systems of the Vietnam conflict was the twoseat dedicated gunship development of the ubiquitous “Huey”, the AH-1 Cobra, variants of which are still operated by the armed forces of Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and Thailand.

by David Oliver

The ubiquitous Mi-17 such as this Afghan example, is the region’s multi-mission platform of choice (c) David Oliver

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| AsiAn MilitAry review |

Helicopters

In its fire support role the heavily armed Mi-17 can be a formidable weapon (c) David Oliver

a

nother conflict in the region, saw the emergence of another iconic battlefield helicopter when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979. The aircraft that became a symbol pf Soviet air power in the conflict was the Mi-24 ‘Hind’, at the time the world’s most formidable helicopter gunship, christened the ‘Devil’s Chariot’ by the India’s indigenous HAL Light Combat Aircraft is under development for both the Army and Air Force (c) HAL

Mujaheddin. With a speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h), the ‘Hind’ was armed with cannon, rockets and laser-guided anti-tank missiles, and could carry eight fully equipped assault troops. Unlike the Cobra, the ‘Hind’ is still in production more than forty years after its first flight, and is in service with the air arms of Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Few Asia Pacific nations can afford the latest generation of pure attack helicopters, namely the AgustaWestland T129, Eurocopter Tiger, Mil Mi-28N and the Boeing AH-64D Apache. The latter has been sold to Japan, Singapore and Taiwan and has been downselected by India, and the Tiger delivered to Australia.

The latter has suffered a series of problems that have delayed its full operational capability.

The Australian Army’s fleet of Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) returned to regular training activities

| noveMber 2012 |

The ‘Hind’ is still in production more than forty years after its first flight following the lifting of a temporary suspension that began in June 2012. The suspension was put in place as a safety measure following the precautionary landing of an aircraft at the Shoalwater Bay training area on 25 June when fumes were detected in the cockpit. An investigation determined that the source of the detected fumes was a faulty capacitor in the power supply module in a cockpit Multi Function Display (MFD). The suspension was lifted after the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority received a detailed assessment and recommendation to resume flying operations from the Technical Airworthiness Authority.

The AH-64, T129 and Tiger are competing for South Korea, Malaysia and

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Helicopters

South Korea is developing and armed variant of the KAI’s multirole Surion for the South Korean Army (c) (KAI)

Pakistan’s requirements for new attack helicopters while Japan, India and China are developing indigenous designs.

Japan was the first to produce a twinengine tandem two-seat armed scout helicopter, the Kawasaki OH-1 almost twenty years ago. Since 1993, only 30 have been delivered to the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) although it is reported to have a requirement for more than 100. A decade later, India launched its Light Attack Helicopter project although the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) produced prototype did not take to the air until 2009 designated the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Also a twin-engine tandem two-seat design, the Indian Air Force has a requirement for 65 LCHs and the Army 114 although it is not expected to enter service before 2016 at the earliest.

Developed in a parallel timeframe as the LCH, was China’s Changhe Z-10, a twin-engine tandem two-seat attack helicopter that resembles the AW129. Its protracted development is manly due to delays in the delivery of the locally produced WZ-9 turboshaft engine and only a small number of development aircraft have flown to date powered by Western engines.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)

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Aviation has had to rely on an armed version of the Harbin Z-9, a Chinese development of the Eurocopter AS 365N Dauphin 2. The Z-9WZ armed reconnaissance helicopter is in service with the PLA’s 4th Helicopter Regiment based at Tongzhou, a satellite town of Beijing. Armed with a Type 23-2 23 mm cannon, 58 mmm and 70 mm rockets, HJ-8A anti-tank missiles and TY-90 IR-

The AH-64, T129 and Tiger are competing for South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan’s requirements for new attack helicopters guided short-range air-to-air missiles, the regiment’s 12 Z-9WZ helicopters serve alongside a number of Mi-17 and Mi-171 multirole helicopters imported from Russia.

More than 500 variants of the Mi8/17 ‘Hip’ are currently operated by a

| AsiAn MilitAry review |

dozen armed forces in the Asia Pacific region and still more are on order. The ubiquitous ‘Hip’ is a truly multirole helicopter capable a undertaking armed reconnaissance, fire support, CSAR, Casevac, and assault troop transport roles in the hot and high conditions.

One of the largest fleets is operated by the Indian Air Force which is in the process of taking delivery of 80 Mi-17-V5 helicopters under a $1.34 billion contract signed in 2008. Initially the new helicopters were deployed to Bagdorga near the Chinese border although most of them will be based at Bhatinda in the Punjab, and Srinagar and Jammu in Kashmir.

With its excellent ‘hot and high’ performance, the helicopters will be operated by the IAF to aid movement of Indian Army troops and for special forces deployment, logistics, search and rescue operations and for casualty evacuation.

In its MEDEVAC and SAR roles the Mi17 is equipped is equipped with Russian SLG-300 rescue hoist and scoop and can accommodate 12 stretchers, and seats for a medical team with its medical kit.

The last of the 80 helicopters being produced by the Kazan Helicopter Plant are scheduled to be delivered by early 2014, and India has made the decision to acquire an additional 71 Mi-17-V5

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medium utility helicopters for the Air Force and Border Security Force to replace the older Mi-8 and Mi-17 variants and the HAL Cheetah, a licence-built Aerospatiale Lama.

In July 2012, Russia’s Rosoboronexport announced an order from Sri Lanka for another 14 Mi-171 helicopters to be built at the Ulan-Ude plant. The SLAF started operating Mi-17s in 1993, and the current fleet of 13 aircraft equips No. 6 Helicopter Squadron at Anuradhapura in northcentral Sri Lanka. The additional buy is part of a $300 million 10-year loan from Russia to buy equipment for Sri Lanka’s military.

Several utility helicopter types are capable of taking on an effective fire support role including the Sikorsky S-70/ UH-60 Black Hawk. In addition to the Brunei Ministry of Defence's recent order for 12 S-70i Black Hawks for 2014 delivery with options for an additional 10 aircraft, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Thailand for four Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $235 million. Equipped with an External Stores Support System (ESSS) the Black Hawk can carry up to 16 Hellfire antiarmour missiles, and rocket and gun pods.

The Korean Army operates more than 100 UH-60P Black Hawks and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing an armed version of its medium multirole Surion helicopter as a possible replacement for some of them. Several other battlefield utility helicopter types attempting to make a breakthrough in the market include the Z-15, China’s military variant of the EC 175, AgustaWestland’s duo, the AW139M and AW149, and the PZL-Swidnik W-3WA Sokol, now an AgustaWestland subsidiary. The Philippines cancelled a contract for seven W-3 Sokols in 2010 although eight are in the process of being delivered to the Philippines Air Force during 2012. The helicopters will be based on the main island of Luzon while Filipino pilots and mechanics are trained by the supplier, Poland's PZL-Swidnik SA. In June 2012 Japan revealed that Kawasaki Heavy Industries had won a competition to develop a battlefield utility helicopter to replace the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force’s fleet of some 140 UH-1H/Js. The twin-engine 5 tonne UH-X will use an uprated development of the OH-1’s Mitsubishi TS1 turboshaft

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More than 500 variants of the MD 500 Defender are in service in the region with new versions coming on the market (c) JGSDF

engine and drive train, four-blade main rotor and a similar fenestron-type tail rotor. Development is planned to be completed by mid-2018.

Several countries have acquired armed

More than 500 variants of the Mi-8/17 ‘Hip’ are currently operated by a dozen armed forces in the Asia Pacific region and still more are on order versions of Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) with the AgustaWestland AW109LUH selected by Malaysia and New Zealand.

Capable of being armed with 12.7 mm or 20 mm gun pods, 70 mm rocket launchers, Tube-launched Optically tracked Wireguided (TOW) anti-tank missiles, and airto-air missiles. The AW109LUH was the first choice of the Philippines Air Force for 10 attack helicopters to provide air cover for Philippine forces conducting counterterrorism and insurgency operations.

However, due to availability issues, the PAF decided to order four Eurocopter AS 550B3

| AsiAn MilitAry review |

Fennecs for delivery before the end of 2012.

The Fennec has had limited success in the Asia Pacific region with small number ordered by the Thailand and Pakistan armies although Eurocopter is confident of winning the protracted Indian contract for 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters with the AS 550B3. Eurocopter is also aggressively marketing armed scout versions of its EC 135 and EC 145 light and medium twin-engine multipurpose 3/3.5 tonne helicopters, the EC 365 and EC 645. The former has been ordered for the Iraq Army, armed with the ATE/Eurocopter Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS) comprising 12.7 mm machine gun pod, 20 mm cannon pod, 70 mm unguided or semi-active laser-guided rockets or Ingwe anti-armour missiles, and retractable pintle-mount for machine guns can be installed on both sides of the cabin.

The EC 645 is a development of the US Army’s UH-72A Lakota utility helicopter that is being proposed for the US Army’s Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) requirement.

Equipped with SAWS, the EC 645 is fitted with a mission computer, an EO system with TV and IR cameras and laser rangefinder with laser designator and a targeting system with helmet-mounted sight and display.

For those nations who want a dedicated attack helicopter but cannot afford the Apache or Tiger, the latest reincarnation

Helicopters The Indonesian Army is one of several Asia Pacific air arms that operate the latest version of the fifty-year old Mi-24 “Hind’ (c) Rostvertol

of the OH-6 is an attractive option. First flown almost 50 years ago, the Hughes OH-6A Cayuse light military helicopter won the US Army’s Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) competition in May 1965, with more than 1,400 delivered during the Vietnam war. Since then MD 500E/530E Defender light attack/scout helicopters derived from the OH-6A have been acquired by militaries worldwide.

More than 500 are currently in service in the Asia Pacific region with the JGSDF and South Korean Army operating the largest fleets.

The longevity of the combat-proven design and flexible mission configuration has encouraged two companies to offer new military variants which may be potential competitors for the US Amy AAS competition. The Boeing AH-6i is an export version of the AH-6 relaunched in 2008.

MD Helicopters will build the airframe while mission integration will be carried out by Boeing, Mesa. It will feature an integrated digital cockpit based on Apache AH-64D Block III displays and software. Weapons options include Hellfire anti-armour missiles, 2.75 in rockets, 7.62 mm minigun, GAU-19A 50-caliber Gatling gun, or FN Herstal HPM400LC 50-calibre gun pod. Mission avionics include EO/IR cameras, laser range finder, laser pointer and designator capability.

It competitor is the MD 540F launched at 'Quad A' 2012. The helicopter combines the airframe of the 530F with a strengthened landing gear of the commercial 600N, and like the AH-6i,

will be powered by a single 600 shp RollsRoyce 250-C30 turboshaft engine driving a six blade main rotor. The prototype was fitted with a Garmin digital glass cockpit with Elbit Systems multi-function colour displays with a HDTS slaved to L-3 Wescam MX-10 EO/IR turret.

Weapons systems options include guns, rockets and missiles mounted on the Cantine Advanced Lightweight Weapons Platform and the Mace stub wing.

Potential customers for these light attack helicopters include all the current MD Defender operators which includes the Philippines whose small fleet of MD 530MGs need to the upgraded and refurbished, and Afghanistan. The US Army have awarded MD Helicopters a $186 million Rotary Wing Primary Training Aircraft contract to supply up to 54 MD 530Fs for the Afghan Air Force of which six were delivered in 2011. The MD 540F would be a logical choice for an advanced light scout/attack helicopter for Afghanistan in the future.

Afghanistan has been the defining factor in rotary wing air warfare for more than a decade but future demand for new aircraft types is likely to focus less on less role-specific platforms and more on multi-mission capability where the attack/reconnaissance/scout helicopter will be in the ascendancy.

AMR

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

INDONESIA’S MILITARY MODERNIZATION In the last few years, Indonesia has been working towards the expansion and modernisation of its armed forces towards a goal of reaching a Minimum Essential Force (MEF) in 2024, however it should be noted that what constitutes a Minimum Essential Force in terms of numbers and strength have not been clearly defined though the Presidential Directive No.7 of 2008 which established the MEF concept defined it as, “a force level that can guarantee the attainment of immediate strategic defense interests, where the procurement priority is given to the improvement of minimum defence strength and/or the replacement of outdated main weapon systems/equipments.”

by Dzirhan Mahadzir

O

ver the years though, it should be noted that Indonesia’s Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and senior Indonesian military officers have made statements as to the numbers of weapon systems and platforms that would meet the MEF requirement. However some of the numbers stated by Indonesia seem unlikely to be attainable given the finances involved. For instance, Defence Minister Purnomo in 2010 stated that Indonesia would be interested in buying up to 180 Sukhoi fighters, a somewhat unfeasible number given the finances involved and the fact that it took almost a decade for Indonesia to procure the ten Sukhoi fighters it currently operates.

Still though it is clear that Indonesia is embarking on an extensive modernisation effort with funding backed by an enthusiastic Parliament, in September the Indonesian government committed 99 trillion rupiahs ($11.2 billion) to spend on defense equipment until 2014 but the Indonesian Parliament in October added an additional 57 trillion rupiah for a total of 156 trillion rupiah ($16.2 billion) and a number of procurements have already

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been announced or are ongoing as part of the modernization efforts. These include the construction of three new submarines, the purchase and upgrade of secondhand F-16s from the United States, trainer aircraft from Brazil and South Korea, the purchase of surplus Leopard 2 tanks and Marder AFVs from Germany, MLRS systems from Brazil and Caesar artillery systems from France among others.

Despite this spending though, Jakarta has been keen to play down such purchases, stating that they are part of a long overdue modernisation of the Indonesian Armed Forces and to a large extent this is the case given the spending squeeze on Indonesia’s military for the better part of a decade following the Asian economic crisis of 1997 and the need for the Indonesian military to recover from the embargoes on military sales and support placed upon Indonesia over East Timor.

Army Until recently this year, much of Indonesia’s modernisation efforts have been focused towards improving its Navy and Air Force with only minimal purchases made for the Army in the

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form of the indigenously developed and produced Anoa 6x6 of which 158 were ordered in 2008 with 120 delivered by 2012 and an additional 31 ordered in 2012, the delivery of the final three Mi-35 helicopters (out of a five helicopters order) in 2010 and an order made in 2010 for 22 K-21 IFVs from South Korea. However in late 2011, Indonesia moved towards acquiring a Main Battle Tank capability.

Initially Indonesia planned to acquire 100 surplus Leopard 2s from Holland but opposition and delays by the Dutch Parliament in approving the deal led to Indonesia to pull out from the deal and turning to Germany to supply the tanks.

A total of 103 Leopard 2s, 50 Marder IFVs and 10 support vehicles are being

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

purchased with an initial delivery of 44 Leopards and Marders in November this year. Also ongoing is a modernisation programme of Indonesia’s AMX-13 light tank, PT Pindad of Indonesia was

One key programme is the Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) 10514 or missile destroyer awarded a contract in September 2011 to carry out work on 12 tanks as an initial beginning with additional tanks to be upgraded subsequently. No details of the modernisation has been revealed

but pictures on the internet reveal an upgunning to a 105mm gun for the tank.

Indonesia had around 275 AMX-13s in its inventory though the actual number operational is likely half that number.

In addition, it was revealed in September this year that Indonesia had ordered 37 Caesar 155mm artillery systems from France and this was followed by news in October this year that Indonesia has ordered 45 Astros II MLRS systems from Brazil, this order provides a significant boost to the Army’s heavy artillery capabilities which had consisted only of eight 155mm towed FH2000s along with a large number of towed 105mm guns. The next key procurement for the Army centers upon the purchase

| NOVEMBER 2012 |

The 6 x 6 Anoa AFV, manufactured by Indonesia’s PT Pindad has been steadily entering service with the Indonesian Army and PT Pindad is now seeking foreign buyers, this example was renamed the Rimau and painted in UN colors as part of a marketing campaign for Malaysia’s requirement for 36 6x6 vehicles for UN missions © Dzirhan Mahadzir

of at least eight attack helicopters, initially this was expected to be the AH-64D Apache as in September, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton revealed that the US government had notified Congress of the potential sale of the helicopters,however it appears that Indonesia is reconsidering its options due to concerns on the price of the helicopters. Indonesian media reports state that the cost per unit had risen to

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REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

The Astros II MLRS system seen in Malaysian service, Indonesia revealed this year that it had ordered 45 launchers © Dzirhan Mahadzir

$30 million from the initial offer price of $25 million to Indonesia. Reportedly Indonesia is considering other alternate helicopters in the form of the AH-1 Super Cobra or an armed version of the UH-60 Blackhawk.

Navy Given its vast maritime of roughly six million square kilometers, it is not surprising that a strong emphasis has been placed upon expanding and modernising the Indonesian Navy. Still,

the numbers posed by the MEF seems to be beyond Indonesia’s financial capabilities, with a requirement for around 300 ships of various classes and at least 12 submarines. With Indonesia’s current fleet standing around 115 ships of various types, including two submarines and an additional three submarines being built, Indonesia would have to carry out an extensive ship building and purchase programme to meet the MEF goal, an unlikely prospect given the costs, particularly for frigates, corvettes and submarines. Coupled to this is also the matter of Indonesia’s aging fleet, some of which date back as far as the Second World War, which further adds to the burden of modernizing and expanding the Navy. Since the commissioning of the four Sigma class corvettes from 2007-2009 and the four Makassar class LPDs from 2007 to 2011, the Indonesian Navy has only commissioned a number of locally manufactured small patrol and attack

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REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

A number of Indonesia’s fast attack craft like the FPB-57 class KRI Todak are built locally in Indonesia, Indonesia’s new KCR-40 and KCR60 FACs are also similarly being built locally © Jin Khoo

craft, part of it due to budget constraints which preclude the purchase of large surface ships, but also due to the need to modernise and upgrade existing ships in the inventory. Both the Cakra class submarines underwent overhaul and upgrades to their combat and weapon

systems in South Korea with KRI Cakra going through the process in 2006 while the KRI Nanggala completed the process earlier this year. Indonesia confirmed in August this year that an order had been made with South Korea for three submarines with the final submarine to

be built in Indonesia. Upgrades were also made to the six Ahmad Yani class frigates with the Harpoon missile systems replaced. There is some uncertainty over the harpoon system replacement, the KRI Oswald Siahaan, from its public firings last year and this year, clearly carries the Russian Yakhont missile systems but pictures of its sister ships indicate replacement launchers that are too small to carry the Yakhont but instead appears to match the Chinese C-802 system.

Given the cost of new ships, it is not surprising that Indonesia has opted in most cases to have ships domestically built, the final two Makassar class ships were built at the PT PAL shipyards in Surabaya and a number of domestic naval shipbuilding efforts are ongoing. One key programme is the Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) 10514 or missile destroyer, a much delayed programme once known as the Korvet

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INDODEFENCE 2012 7 - 10 November 2012 JIExpo Kemayoran Jakarta INDONESIA

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

Indonesia is considering purchase of Boeing’s AH-64 Apache Longbow but the final price of the helicopters are a stumbling block © Dzirhan Mahadzir

Nasional (National Corvette) programme.

Although classed by Indonesia as a destroyer, the ship concerned is actually a frigate to be built jointly by Holland’s Damen Schelde and Indonesia’s PT PAL based on Schelde’s Sigma 10514 design.

A contract was signed in June this year for one ship with the ship scheduled to be completed in 2017. The cost of the ship is $220 million and includes transfer of technology to PT PAL which would enable future local manufacture of additional ships. No details have been released on the ship’s armament and capabilities but anti-submarine, antisurface and anti-air capabilities have been listed as requirements for it. At the same time the Indonesia Navy plans to procure the three Nakhoda Ragam OPVs that were built for but then rejected by Brunei. Navy Chief Admiral Soeparno stated that the Indonesian Navy plans to obtain the three ships in the 2013-2014 timeframe at a cost of $380 million though the Indonesian Parliamentary Committee overseeing defence has opposed the plan.

Another indigenous programme ongoing is the Kapal Cepat Rudal (KCR – Fast Missile Boat) programme, this consists of three designs, the 40m KCR-40 built by PT Palindo, the 60m KCR-60 built

by PT PAL and the 63m Stealth Trimaran KCR built by PT Lundin, both the KCR 40 and KCR 60 designs are to carry the Chinese C-705 missile and Indonesia is in discussion with China on licensed manufacturing of the C-705 for domestic use. Manufacturer PT Lundin stated that the Trimaran KCR could be equipped with any type of SSM systems though it is

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likely that Indonesia planned to equipped it with C-705s. A target of 14 KCRs by 2014 and 44 by 2024 to meet the MEF has been set though currently two KCR40s have been built and commissioned out of an order of four with the third to be delivered this year while three KCR-60s are being constructed. However the KCR Trimaran program received a setback when the KRI Klewang, the first of a four ship order, was extensively gutted in a ship fire on 29th

In 2010, Indonesia also ordered eight Embraer Super Tucano aircraft to replace its OV-10 Broncos September at the Banyuwangi naval port, East Java while undergoing maintenance checks by manufacturer PT Lundin. The KRI Klewang had only been launched at the end of August and was to have undergone a series of sea trials throughout October prior to full acceptance by the Indonesian Navy. Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Soeparno however has told the Indonesian media that the Navy is committed to the programme and will continue towards fulfilling the four ship orders which would include a replacement for the KRI Klewang though a revision would be made as to the construction material of the ship which was thought to be inadequate against fire.

Air Force

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

Of the three services, Indonesia’s Air Force was the hardest hit by financial constraints and the impact of sanctions over East Timor and recent years have seen a stepped effort by Indonesia to improve its Air Force. Indonesia ordered six Sukhois Su-30s in 2011 to add to its current mixed fleet of 10 Su-27/Su-30s though questions still abound as to the armaments for the aircraft as no evidence indicate that the Sukhois are equipped with air to air weapons and Indonesia has not publicly confirmed as to any orders made for such. The Air Force also received a further boost with the offer of 24 surplus F-16s from the United States though Indonesia will pay up to $750 million for the upgrades and overhaul of these aircraft. The United States has been said to also have offered in August this year additional surplus F-16s to Indonesia though the Indonesian Defence Ministry, which disclosed the offer, declined to state how many aircraft had been offered.

Indonesia is targeting some 180 combat aircraft by 2024 as its MEF goal though it is unlikely that such a number will be reached though Indonesia has initiated efforts that will allow it to reach half that target number. First off was a deal for 16 KAI TA-50 Eagles signed in 2011 and prior to this in July 2010, Indonesia had agreed with South Korea to participate in South Korea’s KFX fighter programme in which Indonesia will contribute 20 percent of the funding for the programme and purchase 50 of the aircraft produced.

In 2010, Indonesia also ordered eight Embraer Super Tucano aircraft to replace its OV-10 Broncos, four aircraft arrived in Indonesia in September this year and the remaining four will be delivered in January 2014. A second order for eight aircraft was made in July this year with deliveries scheduled in 2014.

Combat aircraft are not the only focus of Indonesia’s Air Force, given the archipelagic nature of Indonesia The Stealth Trimaran KCR KRI Klewang, despite the loss of the ship to fire before it began sea trials, the Indonesian Navy remains committed to the four ship programme © PT Lundin

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REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

Indonesia’s Sukhoi Su-27s and Su-30s are seen here with RAAF F/A-18s during exercise Pitch Black © RAAF

and it’s proneness to natural disasters, improvements of the Air Force's transport capabilities has also been a priority. Indonesia and Australia signed an agreement in July this year that will see the transfer of four RAAF C-130H to Indonesia with reports indicating that Australia could sell an additional six C-130Hs that it will also phase out of service. Indonesia also bolstered its airlift capability this year via an order for nine Airbus C-295s in February, two of the aircraft having since been delivered and the final three aircraft will be manufactured locally by PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Given the local manufacture of the final three aircraft, it is expected that Indonesia is looking towards additional orders of the aircraft. One possibility also is the AEW and C version of the C-295

total of 103 Leopard 2s, 50 Marder IFVs and 10 support vehicles are being purchased with an initial delivery of 44 Leopards and Marders in November this year being marketed by airbus, a capability which Indonesia currently lacks.six Sukhois Su-30s in 2011 to add to its current mixed fleet of 10 Su-27/Su-30s though questions still abound as to the

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle seen at the Singapore Airshow, Indonesia ordered 16 of these in 2011 © Dzirhan Mahadzir

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| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

armaments for the aircraft as no evidence indicate that the Sukhois are equipped with air to air weapons and Indonesia has not publicly confirmed as to any orders made for such. The Air Force also received a further boost with the offer of 24 surplus F-16s from the United States though Indonesia will pay up to $750 million for the upgrades and overhaul of these aircraft. The United States has been said to also have offered in August this year additional surplus F-16s to Indonesia though the Indonesian Defence Ministry, which disclosed the offer, declined to state how many aircraft had been offered.

Indonesia is targeting some 180 combat aircraft by 2024 as its MEF goal though it is unlikely that such a number will be reached though Indonesia has initiated efforts that will allow it to reach half that target number. First off was a deal for 16 KAI TA-50 Eagles signed in 2011 and prior to this in July 2010, Indonesia had agreed with South Korea to participate in South Korea’s KFX fighter programme in which Indonesia will contribute 20 percent of the funding for the programme and purchase 50 of the aircraft produced.

In 2010, Indonesia also ordered eight Embraer Super Tucano aircraft to replace its OV-10 Broncos, four aircraft arrived in Indonesia in September this year and the remaining four will be delivered in January 2014. A second order for eight aircraft was made in July this year with deliveries scheduled in 2014.

Combat aircraft are not the only focus of Indonesia’s Air Force, given the archipelagic nature of Indonesia and it’s proneness to natural disasters, improvements of the Air Force's transport capabilities has also been a priority. Indonesia and Australia signed an agreement in July this year that will see the transfer of four RAAF C-130H to Indonesia with reports indicating that Australia could sell an additional six C-130Hs that it will also phase out of service. Indonesia also bolstered its airlift capability this year via an order for nine Airbus C-295s in February, two of the aircraft having since been delivered and the final three aircraft will be manufactured locally by PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Given the local manufacture of the final three aircraft, it is expected that Indonesia is looking towards additional orders of the aircraft.

One possibility also is the AEW and C version of the C-295 being marketed by airbus, a capability which Indonesia AMR currently lacks.

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GROUND RECONNAISSANCE PLATFORMS

While high altitude special mission aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other advanced Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms have grabbed the limelight, an enduring reality on the battlefield today and for many years to come will be the use of medium and lightweight tracked and wheeled reconnaissance vehicles, acting as the eyes and ears of manoeuvre forces. These platforms will take on the task of scouting ahead, investigating areas of interest and accurately marking targets or enemy concentrations and transmitting that over the network across echelons of command, populating the common operation picture with critical situational awareness that simply can’t be achieved any other way.

by Adam Baddeley

P

latforms tasked with undertaking this have been largely divided into two categories; one is what might have been termed 'scout cars' many years ago; light armoured vehicles that emphasise speed and mobility over protection and heavy armament to conduct their missions and larger better protected 6x6, 8x8 or tracked designs employing medium calibre cannon and in some cases anti-tank ordnance.

Recon Special Forces have long placed an emphasis on speed for protection rather than armour in conducting operations and missions, many of which. The US Special Operations Command Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.1 programme competition has prompted a number of solutions to appear over the past few months. The GMV 1.1 requirement is for a vehicle with scalable armour protection

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according to near, high speed with the ability to be carried via a CH-47 helicopter and equipped with an advanced C4ISR systems with nearly 1300 vehicles required replacing the legacy modified HMMWVs. Northrop Grumman launched its solution for the GMV 1.1, the Medium Assault Vehicles – Light (MAV-L)at AUSA in October, developed with partners BAE Systems and Pratt and Miller Engineering.

The design has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 5.8 tonnes with a payload of two tonnes and has been shown to offer speeds of 60Mph over cross country trials.

The MAV-L is not alone, one of the most recent offerings in this field is the Special Purpose All-Terrain Vehicle (S-ATV) developed by Oshkosh Defense.

The solution is equipped with the TAK-4 independent suspension system, used on the successful M-ATV and implemented on number of other platforms.

Other offerings include that of General

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

Dynamics OTS and Flyer Defense LLC, offering the latter's Flyer Advanced Light Strike Vehicle. Navistar, SAIC and Indigen Armor have developed the Non-Standard Tactical Truck (NSTT) platform. Another Light Armoured Vehicle in this category was the Spectre from General Dynamics Land Systems offered in a Widetrack configuration which can be carried by a CH-47 and has a scalable armour package.

The vehicle has a combat weight of 4.7 tonnes and is powered by a 3.2L g CYL Turbo Diesel which runs on JP8 fuel and has a scalable open architecture. HDT Storm's Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle has a turning circle of just 6.1m and has a gross vehicle weight of 3.65 tonnes and at

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Renault’s Sherpa family includes a number of variants including this Special Forces version © Renault

maximum load can reach 60mph in under 15 seconds and has a maximum speed of 161Kmph and has range of 563km.

Polaris Defence recently unveiled their Amour Concept Demonstrator, developed with M9 Defense and designed to provide high levels of protection but at a 40 percent reduction in weight over what is in service today. Features include a aluminium exo-skeleton, a seamless composite V-hull with crew capsule protection to STANAG IIII and Door protection to STANAG III+ with an number of areas using a steel - composite hybrid material. Polaris also had their MRZ2 and MRZR 4 ultra-light tactical vehicle on show aimed at airmobile or

special operations forces.

Beyond the world of special forces the next generation scout vehicles for the US Army will be met in part by the Joint Light Tactual Vehicle (JLTV) programme, the potential HMMWV replacement, currently at the Engineering Manufacturing Development stages with teams lead by AM General, Lockheed martin and Oshkosh being awarded contracts for the 27 month effort.

To meet the requirement of JLTV, a number of light armoured vehicle designs have emerged. Oshkosh's L-ATV Light combines features of the M-ATV, notably its protection levels and the use of its TAK-4 based AK-4i intelligent independent suspension system to provide 508 mm of wheel travel as well as new features such as an optional ProPulse hybrid diesel-electric drive train kit generating on-board and export power.

AM General's Blast Resistant Vehicle Offroad (BRV-O) and BAE Systems-

| NOVEMBER 2012 |

Northrop Grumman's Valanx solution are two more. Another, Navistar's Saratoga has a reported payload of over 3.3 tonnes and is designed both to meet JLTV and other global requirements.

The requirement of France's military throughout the Cold War and continuing today for light armoured vehicles, has produced an enviable range of platforms suitable for the scout and reconnaissance role and for the future this will be sustained through requirements for the Army's Scorpion programme the acronym for the Synergie du Contact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l'Inforvalorisation which has established the Army's requirement for the Véhicule Blindé d'Aide a l'Engagement. This has prompted a number of designs including the Panhard Crab and 8-10 tonne, low profile - 1.8m high platform - housing a crew of three in a highly protected platform. In the reconnaissance role a package of a 25mm cannon in a Remote

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HDT Storm’s Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle has a turning circle of just 6.1m and has a gross vehicle weight of 3.65 tonnes © AJB

Weapon Station which also carries the Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile is envisaged. At its launch at Eurosatory 2012 it was equipped with a 25mm ATK Bushmaster M242 equipped CTI turret although it can support up to 30mm weapons. Protection wise, it has

a STANAG 4569 2/3 versus mines – the design incorporates a triple floor but eschews a V shaped hull and can reach up to STANAG Level 4 with uparmouring against small arms.

Today however, France's Véhicule Blindé Léger (VBL) remains in widespread

service including several militaries in the region. The four wheeled, Panhard vehicle is capable of high road speeds and can traverse rivers with an amphibious speed of 5.4Kmph. Protection is limited to small arms, artillery fragments, mines and also includes NBC protection. The latest version is the Mk 2, equipped with a 130Hp Steyr engine. France also continues to use the PVP Petit Véhicule Protegé. Another vehicle, the Panhard VBR has payload of 2.5 tonnes and is powered by an MTU 325hp engine, capable of propelling the vehicles to a top speed of 110kmph.

Outside of widespread use by the French Army but a design that is gaining adherents elsewhere is the Sherpa developed by Renault Truck Defence which is a family of vehicles which includes a light scout variant which can be operated with a RWS and active protection systems including the IMI Bright Arrow systems designed to defeat Panhard General Defense’s SPHINX or Secret Project for High Intensity and New Conflicts is a 6x6 platform equipped with the CTAI 40 mm Cased Telescoped Cannon and Ammunition © AJB

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RPG and ATGWs. A growing number of countries have adopted Iveco LMV also knowns as Lince by its launch customer Italy who now operates roughly 1400 of these vehicles.

Other users include Austria, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Norway, Russia, Spain and the UK. The latest version has been strengthened and equipped to house a Remote Weapon Station and additional sensors with a reconnaissance platform variant also being developed A key light vehicle operated in the reconnaissance role is the Jackal 2, a Supacat design for high mobility weapons platform requirements. The systems uses an air-bag suspension system to improve cross country performance with speeds of 89kmph in British service with 129kmph on roads. The vehicle is equipped with a mix of 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns and the Heckler and Koch Grenade Machine Gun. The UK's Coyote tactical support vehicle (TSV light) is based on a 6x6 derivative of the Jackal 2. The UK has also fielded the General Dynamics Land Systems Foxhound vehicle, known by the company as the Ocelot, in Afghanistan from June, taking over from the many of the roles formerly undertaken by

Turkey’s Cobra design has moved through a number of variants in recent years with some versions having a gross vehicle weight of over 11 tonnes the Panther, a version of the Iveco LMV. A total of 325 of the vehicles have been ordered by the UK MoD with the design heavily focused on IED and mine protection. The company is also developing a reconnaissance version of the vehicle along with other variants.

In South Africa, BAE Land Systems OMC's RG32M is the latest version of the RG32 family which has been widely operated in Afghanistan and Iraq with users in the counter-mine IED stretching further back to operations in Bosnia.

The General Dynamics Eagle I and Eagle II are other examples of light reconnaissance vehicle. The vehicles have

Hatehof’s Zibar family is designed to overcome difficult terrain © Hatehof

been acquired by the Swiss military and those of Denmark, the latter vehicles operating as reconnaissance vehicles for armoured formations. The Eagle IV is large but still 4x4 vehicle built around the chassis of the Duro vehicle which includes a Cummins ISBe 5.9l engine, has allowed for its payload to be increased while still allowing two vehicles to be transported in a single C-130. The increased payload has resulted in acquisition by the German armed forces which deployed with it to Afghanistan 2009 as has Denmark who acquired the vehicle to replace its Eagle 1

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RECONN

V E H I C L E S

The Eagle IV is a large but still 4x4 vehicle built around the chassis of the Duro vehicle (c) AJB

vehicles. A version of the Eagle was also been linked to a JLTV bid Germany and the Netherlands have each opted for lighter vehicles for their reconnaissance needs via the Fennek with over 300 vehicles planned for the Germans and 410 ordered by the Netherlands with the first vehicle being delivered in 2003.

The vehicles are in a range of options from reconnaissance, combat engineer, anti-tank, combat engineer and joint fire support. The reconnaissance capability is provided via a mast mounted payload which includes a high-capability thermal imager, daylight camera and laser range finder. Both countries have deployed the vehicle to Afghanistan where they have been attacked with both RPGs and mines with the protection systems keeping casualties to a minimum with the design having high levels of survivability.

Turkey's Cobra design has moved through a number of variants in recent

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Northrop Grumman launched its solution for the USOCOM’s GMV 1.1, the Medium Assault Vehicles – Light at AUSA in October years with some versions having a gross vehicle weight of over 11 tonnes and armoured protection, new engine and other features have been added. In the region, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan and the Philippines have all acquired the vehicles with the design also attending Bridex in Brunei in 2011.

The reconnaissance version has a number of target acquisition and

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

surveillance solution both electro-optic and radar based in mast mounted payloads.

In Australia, the Land 121 Phase 4 programme opted for a local design, Thales Australia Hawkei awarding the firm work to proceed to develop several prototypes for further testing by the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) via a June 2012 award. The internal architectures can support a number of advanced sensors suitable to a forward reconnaissance role although the ADF requirement is for patrol and utility vehicle variants,.

Hunter Killers In contrast to lighter vehicles, a number of other militaries require a higher level of offensive capability such as a 3040mm cannon or larger main gun akin to those of earlier Main Battle Tanks while retaining high levels of manoeuvrability

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A total of 1400 Iveco LMVs are in Italian service alone with many others in service with other militaries © AJB

Rheinmetall’s AMPV can be equipped with number of reconnaissance payloads (c)A JB

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and still being able to conduct the core reconnaissance task. Their task, in addition to the scout reconnaissance mission they are also given additional tasks such as screening and flanking which demand offensive fore power.

Historically there were a large number of these type of vehicle the previous generation including the Panhard AML, Sagaie and Cascavel but successors are thin on the ground. For the next generation of reconnaissance vehicles, the UK is opting for the UK Scout Specialist Vehicle (Scout SC) based on the Austro-Spanish developed General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems ASCOD vehicle and armed with a CTAI International 40mm Case Telescope Armament System (CTAS) and MTU-Renk powerpack..

General Dynamics won the contract to supply the vehicles in in a £500 million award announced in July 2010 for the demonstration and qualification phase of the programme. The trials vehicle is currently scheduled to begin user testing in January 2013.

Nexter's AMX 10RC armoured reconnaissance vehicle, represents France continuing coincidence in medium weight vehicle in the reconnaissance roles with 256 vehicles recently concluding an upgrade covering enhanced protection new BMS and other features to extended its service life. The turret is equipped with a Nexter ML 105 turret with 105mm NATO standard gun. Performance wise its has an unrefueled range of 1000Km with speeds of 85kmph on radars and is also amphibious.

France's replacement for the AMX-10RC is the Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat or Reconnaissance Tracked Armoured Vehicle weighing roughly 17-18 tonnes conducting a range of Surveillance and Target Acquisition missions across the spectrum of conflict. The vehicle will replace the French Army's Nexter Systems AMX 10 RCR and Panhard General Defense ERC 90 Sagaie vehicles.

A solution for this has been developed

by Nexter under a government contract.

To meet the EBRC requirement, Panhard General Defense have shown its SPHINX or Secret Project for High Intensity and New Conflicts 6x6 armoured car, also equipped with the CTAI 40 mm Cased Telescoped AMR Cannon and Ammunition.

Infantry

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nstead, troops on the ground are seeking what they have always done, namely equipment that gives either individual soldiers or two man teams the ability to engage enemies with volume suppressive fire and explosive effects against targets either beyond the range of 5.56mm small arms or invulnerable to their effects. The target set that they must now engage is also expanding beyond

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the need to defeat infantry and armour seen during the Cold War to engaging bunkers and similar fortifications in the field. Operations in Iraq and particularly Afghanistan have driven a number of these innovations while simultaneously pressing industry and others to deliver these new capabilities in lighter and more compact form factors. This has been done with some success with the Asia Pacific region undoubtedly looking with interest

| AsiAn MilitAry review |

A number of M240B machine guns will be replaced by the significantly lighter M240L in US service Š DoD

at what might be applied to their force structures in time.

Suppressive Fire The entry level engagement to infantry support capability is the general purpose machine gun, manportable and firing 7.62x51mm or similar rounds out to 600-

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Infantry Support WeaponS The wisdom of a small patrol, platoon or even company of infantry relying exclusively on their ability to call upon scarce artillery, air support, rocket or other long range fires to support their mission, is poor.

by Adam Baddeley

800m, doubling the effective range of rounds fired from the squad or more likely the platoon with the larger rounds enabling greater lethality including against targets in cover. While such weapons are not new, the demands of recent theatres have nonetheless seen innovations in existing designs as well as new solutions.

To address weight requirements, the US Army decides to keep its FN MAG design, the M240B although investing

in a refinement of the design. The resulting M240L incorporates titanium to reduce the weight of the base weapon by 2.3-2.5Kg while retaining the same reliability and operational characteristics of its earlier brethren. Heckler and Koch have developed the HK121 to meet the requirements for the 7.62×51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun, initially focusing on Germany’s plans to field a replacement for the MG42 derived MG3. Visually the weapon resembles the company’s own 5.56mm MG4 light machine gun. Another lightweight 7.62mm weapon is IWI’s NEGEV NG7 launched in March at India’s Defexpo and selected for use by the Israel Defence Force. The design is based on the NEGEV 5.56mm LMG. Rather than only provide suppressive automatic fire, the NG7 can also be fired in semi automatic mode to make it more suitable for individual CQB (Close Quarter Battle) operations when necessary. The weapon, which can use a number of different magazines including Box and Assault drum has a cyclic rate of fire of up to 1150 rpm.

Moving up the calibre ladder, the next step is the truly venerable M2 which itself has seen recent change with new competitors snapping at its heels. The 12.7mm M2's great leap forward has been the M2A1 with Quick Change Barrel (QCB) developed by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GD ATP) which eases operation in the field, introduces improved safety features

| noveMber 2012 |

and performance including a 95 percent reduction in muzzle flash with the First Unit Equipped taking place in 2011.

Other efforts to lighten the 12.7mm load have been less successful with the US Army’s XM806 Caliber .50 Machine Gun cancelled in 2012 although the prototypes weighed approximately one-half of an M2 with recoil reduced by 60 percent. Given that innovation has rarely delivered significant improvement in capability, the .388 calibre Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) launched

by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GD ATP), earlier this year is noteworthy. It has managed to squeeze a quart into a pint pot with very little spillage in delivering on the goal of giving the dismounted user a bipod mounted machine gun with the lethality of a 12.7mm round but at the weight associated with conventional 7.62mm weapons. GD ATP opted for the use of .338 Norma Magnum round which has a stated effective range of 1700m using with recoil mitigation the felt recoil of 7.62mm firing weapons a 1.24m weapon weighing 10.9Kg. Grenade Launchers The 40mm Low Velocity (LV) Grenade in either a dedicated weapon or an Underbarrel Grenade Launcher Design has been around since the Vietnam War although some militaries have been late to provide this force multiplier to their infantry.

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Though being replaced by the M320A1 the M203 will continue in US service for many years to come © DoD

While the M203 predominates today, the M320 is the US Army's chosen successor for its 40mm underbarrrel needs.

A development of the H&K AG36, a key differentiator between it and the M203 is the introduction of a side loading rather than pump action breech which allows for longer and thus more capable rounds in terms of range and payloads although in practice these are likely to remain low velocity projectiles. The system also features day/night sighting system. The M203 family lives on in US service via the M203A2 Grenade Launcher offering quick attach advantages and M203 Day-Night Sight enabling improvement in accuracy.

Underbarrel solutions in the region include the ST Kinetics 3GL, a 3-shot under-barrel grenade launcher developed with Metal Storm. The Arsenal Underbarrel Grenade Launcher UBGL1, weighs 2.1kg. Another Bulgarian offering is the Arcus 40A4 EGLM which weighs 1.55Kg without the grenade with the weapon using 40 x 46 mm NATO compatible Low Velocity Grenades and supports a rate of fire of six rounds per minute. India’s ARDE has recently fired the breech loading 40mm Under Barrel

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Grenade Launcher with the Indian Army where it is being used with both INSAS and AK-47 assault rifles with a maximum range of 400m. From Serbia’s Zastava is the BGA 30 and BGA 40 designs, using the same calibre grenade but each designed for attachment to different calibre assault rifles. Both have a rnage of up to 350m in direct fire mode and 200 to 300m in indirect mode.

While the above weapons all use LV rounds, new innovations are extending the range of existing systems. One IWI’s 7.62x51mm NEGEV NG7 was launched in March at India’s Defexpo © IWI

| AsiAn MilitAry review |

example is the ST Kinetics Low Velocity Extended Range Ammunition (LV ER), launched in 2010, offering 40mm rounds with a 30 percent shorter flight time and 50 percent longer range and because of their flatter trajectory, results in better accuracy against point targets such as windows or doors. Beyond that Medium Velocity rounds which could double both the effective range of indirect and direct fire are on the cusp of entering widespread service with designs from suppliers including MEI and Rheinmetall.

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The 60mm M224A1, issued to US troops for the first time last year has seen its weight reduced by 4Kg © DoD

A genuinely innovative solution in terms of grenade launchers is the XM25 Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System (ISAAS), which as its name suggests allows operators to shoulder the weapon and quickly fire an airburst round against targets in defilade – behind a wall, in ditch or similar. The user quickly lasers the target and with flick of a switch, programmes the detonation point to a short distance behind the target and fires.

The 25mm round it fires can reach out to 700m. The weapon is currently in its EMD phase and will continue to remain there until 2014 although a full rate production decision is due in late 2013. The XM25 is produced by Alliant Techsystems, working with H&K and L-3 Communications/ Brashear and weighs 5.7Kg. A more conventional dedicated solution already in service is the Milkor USA semiautomatic MGL-140 with thousands now acquired by the US Marine Corps from 2006 and known as the M32. The weapon fires a user defined mix of standard

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Infantry

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The Soviet era RPG-7 and its myriad derivatives will remain a fixture on the battlefield for decades to come © DoD

40x46 mm Low Velocity grenades used by the M203 and M320 from a six round ‘revolver’ cylinder. Without ammunition, the MGL-140 weighs 5.9 kg.

Longer ranges and high rates of fire can be achieved via Grenade Machine Guns such as the MK19 which has a cyclic rate of fire of between 325 to 375 rounds per minute and can engage area targets at 2.2km and which will continue in service for some years to come with a requirement to replace it having not yet been established. Different targets sets such as the engagement of slow moving helicopters and lightly armoured vehicles are also possible. A number of additional tripod mounted systems are

available with the region also making its contribution. These include the ST Kinetics 40AGL and 40LWAGL, Heckler and Koch GMG and Mk 47 Mod 0 or Striker 40 the latter thus far used by the US Special forces. These larger tripod mounted designs are also able to host more capable fire control systems and airburst solutions.

Mortars While the ability to engage targets at distance and in cover with high explosive and airburst rounds is self evident, the role of mortars is supplying sustained illumination at night cannot be overlooked particularly as new generation rounds such as Infrared Illumination (IR) generating ‘light’ that is only visible through the use of night vision devices.

While the term Commando has been applied to many mortar larger calibres purportedly for the small tactical units, 60mm and smaller has been the upper limit in reality. In Afghanistan, the UK initially attempted to replace its elderly L9A1 51mm infantry mortars with the AG36 UBGL. While the 40mm round could engage targets it was found that it could not meet all the tasks formerly undertaken by the L9A1. In response to demand from the field the UK was forced to reissue the withdrawn mortars but with their effective service life was curtailed by the rate at finite stocks of Infantry support weapons have to be able to be carried in all weathers, altitudes and conditions, placing an emphasis on reducing weight © DoD

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now discontinued ammunition was exhausted. Still requiring a similar capability, the UK adopted the 60mm Hirtenburger M6-640 and M6-895 mortars through a combination of Urgent Operational Requirements and other procurements which began entering service in 2008. Rheinmetall’s hand held 52mm FLY-K mortar is unusual in that it is ’silent’ using a novel closed combustion chamber to limit noise and visual cues when launched. Currently the preserve of special forces, the weapon system is now being offered to a wider market. The launcher weighs 4.5 kg and can hit targets at over 700m with maximum rate of fire of a round every two seconds. When the round detonates it is able to achieve a lethal effect out to 16m.

The current US 60mm mortar is the M224 LWCMS (Lightweight Company Mortar System) which entered service in the late 1970s. As with many weapon systems the experience of the weapon has seen a desire for lighter weight solution.

This has prompted the M224A1, issued to US troops for the first time last year which has seen a 20 percent reduction in overall weight which represents a 4Kg saving.

This was achieved by the substitution of steel for materials such as Steel and Kevlar and a rationalisation of parts.

Bunker Busting A number of countries have sought to provide a lightweight shoulder launched antipersonnel and bunker busting capability to troops in the field. This has typically seen exiting Anti-tank weapons initially used in this role, withdrawn both for reasons of cost and weight and lighter weapons with a multi-purpose warheads substituted.

To meet its requirements in this area, the UK opted to replace the 7.5kg AT-4CS Interim Light Armour Weapon (ILAW) a throwaway launcher that UK forces had been using in Afghanistan with the Nammo Talley L72A9 Light AntiStructures Missile (LASM). Independently of this, Nammo Talley are also finalising their M72 ASM FFE (Anti-Structure Munition – Fire from Enclosure).

Other solutions lack the same disposability but offer greater capability.

Raytheon and Nammo Talley are working towards acceptance of the Serpent Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) II solution

Infantry

S y S t e m S

Rafael’s Matador MP uses a fin stabilized, free flight High Explosive Squash Head warhead to defeat a range of targets and can be fired from an enclosed space Š Rafael

a replacement for the original SMAW which was fielded from the 1980s by the US Marine Corps. The weapon originally provided a bunker buster capability

firing two varieties of HE round to defeat reinforced strongpoints as well as light and medium armoured vehicles. New ammunition has been fielded since it

entered service notably the SMAW/ Novel Explosive a thermobaric round used from 2004 in Iraq.

The Serpent is expected to begin final testing, early next year and move to production from mid 2013. The Serpent is destined to fire all existing SMAW rounds but also fire new ammunition from an enclosed position.

The SMAW was essentially the Israel Military Industries B300 which has a range of 400m. Since then IMI has developed the Shipon which improves the warhead and extends the range by 50 percent to 600m.

Another solution in the field is the single shot Matador (RGW-90) WB, developed

by Rafael and Dynabit Nobel Defence fire-and-forget, anti-material, assault weapon system able to hit targets from 20 to 120 meters utilising an Explosively Formed Ring warhead to blow holes in walls and similar to allow infantry a new AmR means of entering a building.

ASW

ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE: REGIONAL CAPABILITIES The proliferation of both conventional and nuclear submarines around the Asia-Pacific area is prompting a corresponding investment into Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) technology by countries throughout this region. This investment is taking the form of the acquisition and upgrades of sea and air platforms which are able to hunt down and engage sub-surface threats.

by Tom Withington

A

ustralia, for example, is purchasing new maritime patrol aircraft with ASW capabilities and is planning to acquire a new class of conventional hunter-killer submarines (SSKs), while purchasing new ASW surface combatants to upgrade its exist competencies in this regard.

New Zealand is modernising its airborne ASW platforms while, like Australia, Bangladesh is planning an SSK procurement and a surface ASW enhancement. Major subsurface and subsurface ASW improvements are ongoing in China, India, Indonesia, Japan,

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the Republic of Korea and Pakistan, while Singapore is in the process of acquiring new conventional submarines to perform, among other missions, ASW. In terms of air platforms, Australia is expected to purchase the Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plans to acquire up to eight P-8A platforms as a replacement for its legacy Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion MPAs in the 2017/18 timeframe with the Orion expected to retire by 2019. The full complement of Poseidons should be operational with the RAAF by 2020 following Australia’s formal pledge to participate

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

in the P-8A programme in October with an $81.1 million initial financial commitment. Along with Australia, India is also acquiring the Poseidon, locally designating its variant as the P-8I. On the surface, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has a requirement for up to eight new ASW frigates. These ships will replace the existing eight ‘ANZAC’ class frigates operated by the force. Under the waves, hostile submarines will be countered with the twelve SSKs that the RAN will purchase as a replacement of its existing six ‘Collins’ class boats.

The Collins class submarines carry a Thales Scylla bow and distributed

ASW

sonar array, plus a SHORT-TAS towed sonar produced by the same company along with a Thales intercept array. Up to 22 Mk.48 Mod.7 torpedoes can be accommodated and launched through the boats’ six 533mm tubes. The Mk.48 Mod.7can operate at depths greater than 1,200 feet and at speeds in excess of 28 knots across a range of up to 50 kilometres.

The replacement of the Collins boats will occur in circa 2025. Under the terms of the Collins class replacement, the Australian government plans to acquire a total of twelve new submarines; at a stroke doubling the size of the existing Collins fleet. The new submarine is expected

to weigh around 4,000 tonnes and be equipped to deliver torpedoes, as well as land attack and anti-shipping missiles.

Construction is expected to occur at a shipyard in Australia and, once built, the boats are expected to remain in service until at least 2070. Construction of the new vessels could start in circa 2017, with a planned service entry for 2030.

Australia’s neighbour New Zealand may perform an eventual improvement of its ASW capabilities via the upgrade or replacement of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Kaman SH-2GNZ Super Seasprite maritime support helicopters.

Away from Australasia, Bangladesh

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A US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is seen here delivering a torpedo. India and Australia have both opted to purchase this aircraft in a bid to enhance their ASW capabilities (c) US Navy

is planning some modest development of its ASW capabilities via the planned acquisition of two SSKs although no timetable has been mooted for this purchase and Bangladesh does not currently operate any submarines. On the surface, the country plans to field two Chinese-built Type-053 frigates. These ships possess an ASW equipment fit in the form of a hull-mounted multifunction sonar fitted to the Type-053H variant, and

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ASW

The Indian Navy has purchased six ‘Scorpene’ class conventional hunter-killer submarines from the French shipbuilder DCNS. In total, the force plans to acquire a further twelve SSKs (c) Wikimedia Commons

a reconnaissance and communications sonar, alongside the mediumfrequency system which adorns to Type-053H2 design. It is unknown which specification of Type-053 frigate Bangladesh wishes to acquire.

Some of the most intensive investment into ASW competence is being conducted

by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). As regards the PLAN surface fleet, the force is inducting two modified Type-052C destroyers which will supplement the two ships already equipping the fleet. In terms of ASW equipment these ships are outfitted with two 324mm torpedo tubes capable of launching Yu-7 and ET-52 light torpedoes. Submarine detection is provided by a hull-mounted SJD-8/9 sonar, itself based on the Thales DUBV-23 system. Kamov Ka-27 maritime support helicopters which can be accommodated by the Type-052C ships supplementing the vessel’s ASW apparatus with their dipping sonar. The Type-052C destroyers

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are being supplemented by the PLAN’s Type-054A frigates which have tubes for YU-7 lightweight torpedoes, and an MGK-335 medium-frequency active and passive sonar.

Bangladesh is planning some modest development of its ASW capabilities via the planned acquisition of two SSKs Significantly, the PLAN is extensively improving its subsurface ASW forces.

Its efforts to this end include the procurement of Type-093 ‘Shang’ class nuclear-powered hunter-killer boats (SSNs), and Type-039A ‘Yuan’ class SSKs; three of which are thought to have

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entered service, with two additional boats still to equip the fleet. The Type093 design has six torpedo tubes which may have a diameter of either 533mm or 650mm. The Type-039A submarines can deploy 533mm YU-4 passive acoustic homing torpedoes and YU-6 wire-guided torpedoes designed to intercept other boats. Moreover, the SSK fleet is being enhanced via the addition of the Type041 ‘Qing’ class hunter-killers of which a single example may have been completed.

These vessels are thought to be equipped with six torpedo tubes capable firing YU-6 or electrically-powered YU-8 variants of the former torpedo.

China’s powerful neighbour India is, likewise, enhancing its ASW forces beyond the P-8I Poseidon aircraft discussed above. Its Navy currently has three ‘Kolkata’ class destroyers under construction. The first ship of the class, the INS Kolkata, was commissioned in September this year with the INS Kochi and INS Chennai due to commission in

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Sensors are integrated into the tactical system (C2) at different levels, onboard the Mine Hunting Vessels and represent a new strategy in MCM operations.

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ASW

The Republic of Korea Navy’s Lee Sunsin SSK comprises part of the ‘Chang Bogo’ class of diesel-electric hunter-killer submarines. These vessels are being supplemented by six ‘Son Won-II’ class boats (c) Wikimedia Commons

June 2013 and March 2014 respectively.

The ASW outfit of these ships include a Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) HUMSA-NG (Hull Mounted Sonar Advanced-New Generation) mediumrange active/passive sonar and BEL Nagin active towed sonar. The HUMSA sonar provides short- and long-range

South Korea’s Incheon class frigates are expected to provide the Republic of Korea Navy with a new series of multipurpose vessels which can perform a range of missions including ASW

Kolkata class ships will outfit the Indian Navy following a governmental decision in January 2011. These new vessels will be upgraded versions of the existing ships with design features to reduce the types’ radar cross section, infra-red and

The single ‘Archer’ class submarine currently equipping the Republic of Singapore Navy. This will soon be supplemented by a second Archer boat which will replace the two ‘Challenger’ class vessels that the Navy currently operates (c) Wikimedia Commons

surveillance, and can be programmed to examine a specific segment of the ocean with sonar operation at any frequency possible. The HUMSA-NG adds lower frequency transducers to the overall HUMSA architecture. Four additional

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acoustic signatures.

In addition to the Kolkata destroyers, the Indian Navy is taking delivery of three ‘Talwar’ class ships beyond the three vessels that it already has in service.

For anti-submarine warfare these ships

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

ASW

Atlas Elektronik build a number of sonar systems which can be installed directly onboard a newbuild vessel or alternatively mounted on a ships’ helicopter deck as and when required for the ASW mission (c) Atlas Elektronik

are equipped with four 533mm torpedo tubes and a HUMSA sonar (see above).

There are conflicting reports as to the type of towed array used by the vessels and whether this equipment is of a Russian or French design. The ‘Shivalik’ class of frigates is being enhanced alongside the Talwar class. Presently, the Indian Navy operates a single Shivalik ship, with a further two under construction. HUMSA sonar equips these vessels along with a Thales Sintra towed array and torpedo launchers. One of the most significant investments being made into the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine capabilities is via the procurement of the ‘Kamorta’ class corvettes; four of which are expected to equip the Indian Navy by 2014. ASW weapons carried by these vessels include two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, a HUMSA sonar and six torpedo tubes.

In terms of the submarine fleet, the Indian Navy has gained a single Russian ‘Akula’ class SSN from Russia which has been renamed the INS Chakra and which will serve with the Navy under the terms of a ten-year lease. The conventional fleet is being overhauled via the purchased six ‘Scorpene’ class SSKs which have been designed by the French shipbuilder DCNS. The first boat of the class should be commissioned by 2015, with the last entering service in circa 2019. Over the long term, India wishes

to acquire around 18 SSKs, including the six Scorpene examples, with a further twelve submarines in two tranches of six planned for acquisition. However, these other vessels will not necessarily be the same design as the Scorpene.

Much like India, the Indonesian Navy

is to upgrade its ASW potential via the procurement of new submarines. The force has ordered three Type-209 SSKs from Daewoo in South Korea with the delivery of all three boats occurring by 2018. The last submarine will be constructed locally, with the first two units being built in South Korea. For the surface fleet the Indonesian Navy is acquiring a fifth ‘Diponegoro’ class corvette, which is based on the Dutch Sigma corvette design constructed by Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. A Thales UMS 4132 Kingklip hull-mounted medium-frequency active/passive sonar equips these vessels which are equipped with two torpedo tubes. The Kingklip sonar has been designed by Thales to provide a multipurpose system which, due to its compact construction, can adorn small-sized vessels and be used for ASW, along with self-protection. Japan is performing a similar ASW enhancement of its surface and subsurface with the construction two ‘Akizuki’ class destroyers, and plans for a further two vessels all of which are equipped with two triple 324mm torpedo tubes. Six 533mm torpedo tubes, meanwhile, outfit the ‘Soryu’ class SSKs entering service with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force. These carry bow, flank and towed array sonars.

South Korea’s Incheon class frigates

Thales’ CAPTAS-2 sonar s a low-frequency active and passive variable depth sonar for use against quiet submarines. Over 30 CAPTAS systems have already been ordered in various versions by a number of navies around the world (c) Thales Underwater Systems

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ASW

Thales Underwater Systems has developed the FLASH (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) which is a dipping sonar for use by helicopters.

It is equipping the Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters of the US Navy (c) Thales Underwater Systems

are expected to provide the Republic of Korea Navy with a new series of multipurpose vessels which can perform a range of missions including ASW. A total of 24 vessels may equip the class. One ship, the eponymous vessel, has been launched although details are thin on the ground regarding the ASW subsystems carried by this frigate. Regarding submarines, the Republic of Korea Navy is obtaining six ‘Son Won-II’ class SSKs and has launched a programme to develop a new submarine displacing up to 4,000 tonnes.

Anti-submarine warfare investment is flowing into the Navy in Pakistan with the construction of a fourth ‘Zulfiquar’ class frigate. For ASW missions, these vessels can accommodate CY-family antisubmarine rockets while a Harbin Z-9EC ASW helicopter carries a low-frequency dipping sonar and torpedoes. The frigate can also launch torpedoes from its pair of three-cell ET-52C launchers. Furthermore the modernisation of the Pakistan Navy’s

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three ‘Khalid’ class SSKs is ongoing.

These boats are being upgraded with the addition of a MESMA Air Independent Propulsion System to enhance their endurance.

Like Pakistan, Singapore is undertaking a significant enhancement of its ASW abilities via the overhaul of its SSK fleet. Currently, the Republic of

Over the long term, India wishes to acquire around 18 SSKs Singapore Navy (RSN) operates a single ‘Archer’ class SSK and four ‘Challenger’ class boats. The Archer class submarines are in fact ex-Royal Swedish Navy (RSN) ‘Västergötland’ class vessel, of which the RSN will acquire a total fleet size of two.

These boats are outfitted with six 533mm torpedo tubes. They will eventually

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replace the two ‘’Challenger’ class SSKs operated by the RSN. The Challenger boats are ex-‘Sjöormen’ vessels which also furnished the Royal Swedish Navy.

The ‘Archer’ class will bring a qualitative improvement in the ASW capabilities of the RSN’s subsurface fleet. Whereas the Challenger submarines were equipped with four 533mm torpedo tubes, this increases to six onboard the Archers.

The overall enhancement of maritime power in the Asia-Pacific regions, as this article has illustrated, has prompted a number of navies to greatly enhance their ASW performance both above and below the waves, and onboard their fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. This recapitalisation is being driven by fleet obsolescence and regional rivalries, particularly around the South China Sea where a number of maritime and territorial disputes continue to fester. This wholesale modernisation of ASW capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region shows no signs of abating.

AMR

BLOS C O M M S

SOMEWHERE OVER THE HORIZON

Establishing Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) links is of critical importance for all military operations and missions today allowing it to overcome terrain and distance that would defeat conventional, terrestrially anchored communication relays. As the battlefield becomes characterised by highly capable units but ones which have relatively small numbers of personnel and are also themselves small in number, they will demand more access to BLOS communications in order to exchange information with higher tactical echelons and in the field.

by Adam Baddeley

H

igh Frequency (HF) has been a well established medium to do this for many years with the advent of Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) and other standards allowing ease of use in the field and contribution to data networks although it remains a largely voice oriented frequency.

HF however can never hope to compete with the data throughput associated with satellite communications and by opting for non-terrestrial relays in space.

High Frequency HF networks are sometimes called the 'Poor Man’s Satcom’. While there is some truth to that it might be better to describe it as the 'Smart Man's Satcom' with access to the frequency being achieved at little or no cost with the ionosphere, via which communications at this frequency operate, being universally access anywhere in the would rather than being dependent of the availability of leased satcom.

India is a major operator at this frequency. Both the Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) have to effectively buy HF sets from Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) because of the need to use a national encryption solution which only BEL is in a position to provide. The

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BSF have a requirement to be interoperable with the Indian Army because of their role and so have to buy from BEL who license produce an early Tadiran HF radio. Other paramilitary organisations have significant HF requirements. NonBSF paramilitary forces buy from the so called ‘Indian Rate Contract’. This works by the setting of a requirement for the radio which companies have to meet. If a radio is a compliant then companies submit a unit cost. The lowest cost sets the rate for period of the last twelve months although the current arrangement has been extended and is now four years long and delivers an estimated two to three thousand radios per year. The next step is to move from analogue to a digital design.

The current HF radio in ROK service is the PRC-950K from Huneed. There are no plans to replace the current radio in Korean service but Huneed and ADD developed the PRC-950KEC, a new digital version and for export. The earlier PRC-950KE has been sold to a number of countries including Indonesia. Indonesia firm Len is developing the Alkom Fiscor-100 HF/ SSB frequency hopping solution with a a modest data throughput with certification now underway.

A radio supplier to number of militaries in the region such as Pakistan, Bangladesh

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BLOS C O M M S

Indonesian firm Len is developing the Alkom Fiscor-100 HF/SSB frequency hopping solution with a a modest data throughput with certification now underway Š AJB

and Indonesia is Aselsan, a company which is also developing a new HF Software Defined Radio (SDR) family. At IDEF in May, Aselsan showed several new HF SDRs based on the PRC-9661 SDRs. The ARC-9681H is a 150W airborne radio, primarily for rotary wing aircraft including Turkey's ATAK programme.

Flight tests and certification in 2013. The SRC-9671 is a 150W naval implementation in a 19� rackmount, can take 400W PA deliveries end 2012. Deliveries of PRC9661H manpack start in 2012 and is part of the 2008 contract for the PRC-9661 family.

An important improvement in HF performance has come with Harris' new RF-7800H-MP High Frequency manpack set which operates at 1.5-60MHz The launch customer has now received the first radios. The radio is designed to be 20 percent smaller and lighter than the current PRC-150(C) and RF-5800H-MP both Falcon II. In contrast to the narrow band only Falcon II, the new Falcon III HF set is designed to offer broadband

The current HF radio in ROK service is the PRC-950K from Huneed communications moving from the current limit on the current company sets of 9.6Kbps at 3kHz up to 120 Kbps at 24 kHz. The next step will be to obtain a US sponsor to enable the radio to have Type 1 capability via Sierra II encryption module. In the air, Rockwell Collins are working with Harris to develop a certification standard for broadband HF Joint Interoperability Test Command.

Codan recently released their new Envoy radio; an HF Software Defined Radio (SDR). Whether for fixed or vehicular implementations the radio has the same form factor. A 2G ALE capable radio it supports data throughput at 6Kps as well as voice. A key feature of the radio is an intuitive Man Machine Interface, made to look like a small mobile phone allowing the user to operate the Envoy's feature in an intuitive manner in way that they are already familiar with and present options to them in a range of different languages.

The company has also recently added 3G ALE to its 2110M military manpack.

Codan has undertaken both voice and data

| NOVEMBER 2012 |

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BLOS C O M M S

Manpack to Timor in 2008 and recently implemented a strategic HF programme in Vietnam supporting both fixed PTP but some manpacks as well.

Datron chose DSA 2012 in Malaysia to launch the PR7700H HF manpack for naval and fixed installations which supports 2G ALE and Link 11.

Deliveries of the PRC-9661H manpack started in 2012 and is part of a 2008 contract for the PRC-9661 family Š AJB

demonstration of interoperability between Harris RF5800H-MP and Codan NGT and 2110 manpack allowing a link between the AFP and the Philippines Police.

Barrett Communications offers a number of HF solutions. The 2090 manpack

is equipped with a fully automatic antenna tuner allowing the deployment of a full range of whip and static antennas. Barrett Communications have a range of CNR and other implementations of HF radios.

The company sold the Sold PRC-2040 HF The PR7700H HF manpack, also designed for naval and fixed installations supports 2G ALE and Link 11 Š AJB

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| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

Satcom Whether the satcom feed is via a military satellite or civil-own protected satellite or leased transponders on a commercial bird the demand in the region is growing prompted by a increased number of overseas deployments as well as a desire to access tactical backhaul.

A major increase in capability in the region will be through the launch of the US satellite Wideband Global SATCOM 6 (WGS-6). Australia is funding the fielding of an additional WGS satellite via an agreement signed in 2007. The WGS is designed to provide X and Ka band communications, providing wideband links to joint users. Under the arrangement, Australia has been able to access the wider WGS network, the first satellite launching in 2007 a total of ten either in service or ordered, with a tenth satellite beginning production in 2010 and the first due to be launched next year. A similar approach has been offered to other US Allies as well as other forms of access with Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and New Zealand also signing up. This is not the first time Australia has invested in its own satellite having previously funded a payload of the Optus C1 communications satellite which the WGS will replace.

Israel has been a source of satellite communications platforms for a number of years. Israel Aerospace Industries for example has produced a a number of communications satellites for commercial and military uses such as the AMOS design with the company offering multibeam operations as well as dual band and wideband capabilities. On the ground, a recent addition from Elbit Systems has been the InterSKY 4M, ELSAT 2100 satcom on-the-move (SOTM) terminal first seen at June at Eurosatory which supports downlink speeds of up to 50Mbps and uplink rates of 10Mbps.

The use of commercial satcom is all pervasive and as demands for it increase, so the cost increases particularly when bandwidth needs to be surged to meet contingencies. One solution to reduce cost has been for multiple countries to come together to pool resources. This has been

BLOS C O M M S

difficult to achieve. A recent effort in this are has been via the European Defence Agency (EDA) who has recently signed an agreement with Astrium Services to provide commercial satcom services in C, Ka and Ku to France, Italy, Poland, Romania, and the UK, working with a range of commercial satcom providers.

Each of the five buys into the arrangement and can then obtain a ten percent reduction in the cost of satcom relative to what they were paying when acquiring commercial satcom independently.

Satcom On The Move (SOTM) capabilities are also entering the regions with ITT Exelis winning a contract to supply its Global Network on the MoveActive Distribution solution to the US Army 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea after it was successfully deployed with the 4th Infantry Division while it was deployed to Iraq in 2011. The Kuband system supports the Digital Video Broadcast SATCOM Second Generation (DVBS2) standard via a Viasat Linkway S2 modem and allows Ethernet connectivity providing IP interoperability across a range of terrestrial; links when required.

Harris recently launched the new X-, Ku-, and Ka-band flyaway Seeker Triband

Tampa Microwave’s acquisition by Thales has given the former access to highly compact tactical satellite communications terminal technology (c)A JB

BLOS C O M M S

Thales have supplied satcom solutions to a number of countries and are building new family of solutions with common components. In the air, its has developed the Antares range of terminals including the Antares-H a three-axis parabolic terminal supports throughput in the hundreds of kbps, the UAVs oriented two-axis Antares-P supports 20Mbps throughput in 2012.

The Iridium network is widely used primarily for voice and situational awareness data. Gilat Satcom's Dynamic Relay System or DRS is designed to connect to standard Iridium satphone allowing it to connect into HF/VHF or UHF Combat Net Radio networks and provide ad hoc networking link over Iridium allowing both bi directional relay and store and forward modes.

Codan recently released their new Envoy radio; an HF Software Defined Radio

Cassidian’s AirPatrol airborne satcom terminal was launched at Farnborough © AJB

VSAT terminal, the design uses innovative design features to allow for the 1.3m Seeker to fit into the same volume as a 0.9m solution developed by others and is designed for one man set up and operation within ten

minutes. Users can opt between iDirect Evolution or custom ruggedised LinkWay modems and supports throughput of 2-8Mbps. Others in the Seeker family range in size between .5m to 3.8m.

Elbit’s ELSAT-2000 SOTM solution © Elbit Systems

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| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) solution which operates with the INSAT-3C satellite features embedded encryption and authentication and AMBE technology to improve voice quality. The MSS suitcase system which weighs 8 kg with battery handset and laptop and operates from 2.5GHz to 2.69GHz. Gilat's new SR200 Ku-band terminal supports a 2Mbps downlink in a dedciated SOTM design which has been adopted by Mexico in the border control arena using the SatMex 5. The system uses an active phased array antenna for active two way communication. The system has been tested over Israel AMOS-3 satellite using a 3Mbps spot beam to link to a patrolling UGV. The company is also working with Eutelsat to certify to terminal for use on the company's satellites.

Rockwell Collins' acquisition of Swe-Dish brought the Communicase Technology of CCT solution into its portfolio. Ass its name suggest the CCT family are designs to be flyaway terminal which can fit in very compact form factors.

The CCT90 is a .9m terminal which supports throughput of up to 10Mbps using the ND SATCOM SkyWAN with user being able to switch between multiple modes using a cassette approach in less AMR than three minutes.

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

Dragon’s environment China’s economy is dependent on exports, as well as imports of vital raw materials like minerals and oil. Approximately 90 percent of trade is seaborne and China has historically relied on a Western-led security umbrella to ensure safe passage along these arterial routes …but no longer. Interestingly, the current conflict in Syria reflects China’s position vis-àvis oil imports and arms exports. Beijing has steadfastly refused to support UN

46

resolutions against Syria so as not to jeopardise its strategic relationship with Iran, its largest Middle East arms market and a major oil supplier.

Taiwan has never departed from the crosshairs of Chinese strategic thinking, and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has carefully developed the capacity to ‘liberate’ this ‘renegade province’ by force. For example, some 1,200 DF-11, DF-15 and DF-21 missiles are currently aimed at Taiwan. Fortunately, relations

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

The Chengdu J-10A fighter is China’s most modern truly indigenous fighter in PLAAF service. It has also been fielded by the PLAN (c) Gordon Arthur

between the Chinese neighbours have warmed since the 2008 election of President Ma Ying-jeou. China is extremely wary of the US and its major presence in the Western Pacific.

Furthermore, the US is Taiwan’s solitary ally, as demonstrated via substantial arms packages. In addition, China has

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

CHINA - THE DRAGON’S TEETH SHARPEN

In its 2012 defence budget, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) raised spending by 11.2 percent to $106.4 billion. This figure means Chinese expenditure has doubled since 2006, and is extrapolated to double again by 2015. However, this is merely the official budget, and many believe spending could actually be up to 50 percent higher.

In a recent Defence White Paper, Japan highlights intensified activities by Chinese naval forces: “These moves, together with the lack of transparency in its military affairs and security issues, are a matter of concern.”

The dragon is indeed sharpening its teeth… and to what end?

by Gordon Arthur

long-standing tensions with India, Japan and Vietnam. To deal with these ‘threats’, China maintains a standing force of around 2.255 million personnel.

Perhaps the US provides the best example of how China’s military expansion is being viewed with concern.

President Barack Obama announced a “strategic pivot” towards Asia, which will see 60 percent of naval assets assigned to the Pacific and a new AirSea Battle Concept. Additionally, the

Pentagon’s 2011 ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the PRC’ report to Congress claimed China’s rapid military development was “potentially destabilising to regional military balances.”

The PLA’s expanding reach was seen in its first operational deployment of a naval vessel into the Mediterranean during last year’s evacuation of nationals from Libya. The multinational counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden has also presented China a golden opportunity to establish an Indian Ocean foothold. The first naval escort group departed in December 2008, and task forces have maintained a continual presence there. Commercial ports built

by China in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka could offer future support bases for Chinese naval ships

| NOVEMBER 2012 |

plying the Indian Ocean. Pakistan is a vital strategic partner, and the Muslim country is a major client of Chinese arms.

Dragon’s fins Grabbing international headlines have been numerous territorial confrontations in the South China and East China Seas. Whether they involve Japan, the Philippines or Vietnam, the common denominator in all of them is China. The Philippines had a serious standoff over Scarborough Shoal west of Palawan, while the Senkaku/ Diaoyu Islands have long been a thorn in the side of Sino-Japanese relations.

Several factors are driving these conflicts, the most important being China’s increasingly assertive territorial claims. For example, it claims almost the entire South China Sea, overriding competing bids from Brunei, Malaysia,

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REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

This Type 052C destroyer was seen in Hong Kong earlier this year on its way home after completing a counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden (c) Gordon Arthur

the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Its latest action in June was to nominate Sansha as the administrative centre for the Paracel and Spratly Islands. In a follow-up move, the Central Military Commission approved a military garrison that “will be responsible for Sansha area national-defence mobilisation and reserve forces activities”. In such territorial disputes, China does not use PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels as this would constitute a publicrelations disaster. Instead it employs China Marine Surveillance vessels, part of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA). This organisation currently operates 400+ law enforcement vessels, and the director announced in June that 36 new patrol vessels would be built over the next two years.

Other factors in these ‘maritimeterritory grabs’ are the preponderance of undersea gas/oil deposits. In May, China announced a platform had begun pumping oil 320km south of Hong Kong. Of 1,380 oil wells in the South China Sea, this was China’s first.

Fisheries are another concern. China is the world’s largest seafood consumer, but due to widespread overfishing and pollution, coastal waters cannot sustain the country’s fishing-boat fleets. This causes fishermen to roam further afield to achieve their quotas, and this has led to spiteful clashes in disputed waters.

China is not a traditional maritime power, but this is changing fast as it seeks a blue-water navy. PLAN vessels now make regular forays beyond the so-called first island chain. For example, Japanese patrol aircraft spotted three warships crossing the Osumi Strait in April. A month later, Japan identified a rotary-winged unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating from the stern of a Chinese frigate.

The PLAN boasts the world’s largest diesel-electric submarine fleet. China presently has some 60 submarines, and the fleet is rapidly modernising. One reason why the South China Sea features so highly in Chinese thinking is that submarines can more quickly access deep-sea trenches there compared to the shallow continental shelf further north.

Consequently, a large underground submarine base has been established on Hainan Island. The Type 095 SSN should enter service by 2015, with up to five boats expected. Meanwhile, the dieselelectric Type 041 Yuan class employs airindependent propulsion (AIP).

There seems to be no end to the number and types of advanced warships entering the PLAN. The overall tonnage of new-generation warships such as the Type 052C air defence destroyer and 054A frigate now equals or exceeds that of Japan. China has commenced construction of its sixth 052C and fourteenth 054A vessels. There are reports of a new 10,000-ton Type 052D destroyer in development too. An extensive new class is the Type 056 corvette to patrol coastal waters and enforce territorial claims. A second corvette was launched in June and at least four more are currently under construction. China is also forming a fleet of approximately 80 catamaran-hulled Type 022 fast attack craft. Last year, the first photographic evidence emerged of a linear towedarray sonar system on a Chinese warship.

One of the most anticipated events of 2012 is the commissioning of China’s first aircraft carrier. The ex-Soviet Varyag had completed ten sea trials up till August. However, a serious challenge is sourcing aircraft arresting wires for the carrier, with only the USA and Russia possessing requisite technologies. This first carrier will be treated as a training vessel even though it possesses a full

An 8x8 transporter erector launcher (TEL) carries a DF-15B short-range ballistic missile.

China fired several DF-15s in the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis (c) Gordon Arthur

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| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

combat capability. Additionally, China is developing indigenous conventionally powered carrier designs that will no doubt bear a strong resemblance to the Varyag. The first could be afloat by 2014.

It is predicted the initial carriers will go to the South Sea Fleet, as signalled by the modern flotillas being built up there. However, China has a very steep learning curve in store as it operates carriers and air wings for the first time.

China is rapidly developing its amphibious-warfare forces, with work concentrating on 18,000-ton Type 071 landing platform docks (LPD), with the fourth in class now being built. Four new Zubr-class hovercraft are under

Taiwan has never departed from the crosshairs of Chinese strategic thinking construction and a 22,000-ton future helicopter carrier design known as the Type 081 is set to burst onto the scenes.

Maritime domination requires control of airspace too, and the PLAN Air Force (PLANAF) is receiving one new J-10A and one J-16 (a copy of the Su-30MKK2) regiments per year, as well as one JH-7A regiment every 2-3 years. Official photos of the J-15 carrier-borne fighter (a copy of the Su-33) were unveiled in April, and pilot training is occurring at two centres in Xian and Huludao. The J-15 is unlikely to enter service before 2014. Furthermore, the PLANAF began receiving new J-11B fighters to replace old J-8 craft last year.

In 2011, images appeared showing a new Y-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

A revolutionary ‘carrier killer’ ballistic missile is being termed a “game-changer”.

REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

These special forces personnel were part of a PLAN escort task force that deployed to waters off Somalia for counter-piracy operations (c) Gordon Arthur

The US says the 2,000km-range antiaccess/area-denial DF-21D anti-ship missile, which can be fired from mobile launchers, may already be in production and up to 80 weapons could be available by 2015. However, progress is not so positive concerning the JL-2 submarinelaunched ballistic missile. The Type 094 SSBN has been awaiting missiles since 2009 and it appears unlikely that a JL-2 has even been test-fired yet.

Dragon’s wings China stunned the world when a Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter achieved its maiden flight on 11 January 2011. On 16 May this year a second J-20 performed its first flight. The J-20 will be powered by indigenous WS10 engines with thrust vector control (TVC) nozzles since Russia declined to supply Saturn 117S engines. However, perfecting these engines remains a serious challenge. By 2020, China may have 50 J-20s in service.

Meanwhile, 200+ J-10 fighters have been fielded to date, plus the upgraded J-10B

with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is under development.

Modern J-10 and J-11 fighters can fire more capable weapons like the 100km-range SD-10 air-to-air missile.

Furthermore, China unveiled the CM802AKG air-to-ground land attack cruise missile (LACM) in 2010, which is credited with a 220km range.

The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) has also fielded two new airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platforms in recent years. The KJ-2000 is based on an Il76MD airframe, while the smaller KJ200 derives from the Shaanxi Y-8. Four KJ-2000s were commissioned in 2006-07 equipped with indigenous AESA radar.

Because of a dearth of airframes, China simultaneously developed the KJ-200.

However, the PLAAF faces multiple challenges in gaining maximum benefit from its AEW&C assets, one problem being that only the most modern fighters have digital data-links.

Another significant platform is the H-6K bomber that entered service in

2009 and constitutes China’s first ever strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This aircraft carries six under-wing DH-10A cruise missiles with a 2,000km range. Despite these advances, China is still short of transport aircraft, air-to-air refuellers and helicopters.

Russia recently completed delivery of 34 Mi-171 helicopters, while China is still ironing out kinks in its WZ-10 attack helicopter. The military relies heavily on utility helicopters such as the Z-8 and Eurocopter-licensed Z-9. The 7-ton Z-15 represents stage two of China’s domestic helicopter programme, a design jointly developed as the Eurocopter EC175.

China has revealed a number of UAV designs, although few have entered service. The WJ-600 is operated by the PLAAF and satellite photos have revealed

For all its spectacular growth, China remains dependent on foreign technology, particularly from Russia large hangars in Guangdong and Beijing for the BZK-005, a high-altitude longendurance (HALE) craft. The even larger, developmental Xianglong HALE system is probably destined for maritime surveillance. It will be the “Chinese Global Hawk”; its expected range of 7,000km is sufficient to reach Guam.

New surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems such as the HQ-9 and HQ16 have entered service, although these are not regarded as effective as Russian weapons. China is expanding its capabilities in space too. In January 2007 it used a direct-ascent anti-satellite

China has been rolling out a plethora of new armoured vehicles. This is a ZSL92B (Type 92B) 6x6 IFV armed with a 30mm cannon (c) Gordon Arthur

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REGIONAL M I L I T A R Y

Commercial ports built by China in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka could offer future support bases for Chinese naval ships

PLA special forces of the Hong Kong Garrison participate in a counterterrorism drill. China is a relative newcomer to special operations forces (c) Gordon Arthur

weapon against a redundant weather satellite, thus sending a not-so-discrete message to the USA. The country is also establishing its BeiDou-2 GPS network, the system becoming operational last December with ten satellites in orbit.

By 2020, China will have 35 satellites offering a truly global network. The country is also developing groundbased, mid-course missile interception technology, the first test occurring in January 2010. This prototypical system will offer China its first ballistic-missile defence (BMD) capability.

The dragon’s legs Key watchwords

for

the

PLA

are “informationalisation” and “mechanisation” and great effort is being invested in improving the quality of recruits and officers. The PLA has been receiving new armoured vehicles at a rapid rate, including ZBD09 8x8 and ZSL92B 6x6 vehicles.

Tracked vehicles are similarly being updated with NORINCO’s ZBD97 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and ZTZ99A1 main battle tank (MBT). The latter features significant advances in explosive reactive armour (ERA) protection. The latest developmental version is the ZTZ99A2 with improved ERA, new panoramic commander ’s sight, upgraded fire control system,

Due to insufficient numbers, the KJ-200 AEW&C aircraft (pictured here) and larger KJ-2000 are yet to have a major impact on PLAAF strategy (c) Gordon Arthur

| NOVEMBER 2012 |

digital battlefield management system and active protection system. However, numerically the backbone of PLA armoured divisions is the Type 96 MBT. Meanwhile, amphibious forces have been receiving ZBD2000-family vehicles.

Artillery is also improving with new systems such as the PLZ05 155mm selfpropelled howitzer and PHL03 300mm multiple-launch rocket system. The Second Artillery Corps (SAC) oversees China’s missile arsenal, and its potent DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is capable of despatching a 1,000kT-yield warhead to Washington DC. On 24 July China tested a DF-41, an ICBM with a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) warhead. In March 2011, Taiwan claimed China had deployed a new 1,000km-range DF-16 intermediaterange ballistic missile possessing faster re-entry speed and multiple warheads.

Recent photos have emerged of a navalised version of the Tomahawk-like DH-10 LACM too.

For all its spectacular growth, China remains dependent on foreign technology, particularly from Russia.

A well-travelled path is reverse engineering (i.e. copying), even though this is causing unprecedented protests from Russia. China has requested Su35 fighters and S-400 SAM systems, but Moscow would be foolhardy if it succumbed to the temptation to sell its most advanced technology. China also harnesses dual-use technology transfer in the form of joint ventures, and it is widely accused of state-sponsored espionage and cyber-warfare. President Hu Jintao, who steps down this year, has experienced difficulty in reining in increasingly outspoken military leaders who encroach upon political affairs.

Indeed, a more confident Chinese military has become less reticent about AMR baring sharper teeth!

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REGIONAL NEWS AND

DEVELOPMENTS

India is to deploy a squadron of Su30MKIs along the border with Pakistan at its base at Sirsa in Haryana © DoD

ASIA PACIFIC PROCUREMENT UPDATE

South Asia

The Indian military is mulling a plan to establish three joint commands with responsibility for space, cyber security and special options and is due to be formally discussed in October. India has decided to deploy two armoured brigades to the Line of Control in the area around Chushul as part of 14 Corps with the second brigade to be based at Ladakh.

The Army is lobbying for these two units to be equipped with T-90MS MBT. India is expected to issue a formal request to acquire 145 BAE Systems M777A1 Ultra Light Howitzers shortly in a Rs3,000 crore deal in October and are noteworthy for bringing the first new artillery ordnance inducted into the Indian Army in 26 years.

India is to deploy a squadron of Su30MKI along its border with Pakistan at its base at Sirsa in Haryana. Planned for December, the deployment will be the first for the type in the area with other squadrons being based in the east of the country and in Chabua, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. India will acquire a total of 272 Sukhois by 2017. The Indian Air Force has announced that the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-2 will operate an indigenously designed and developed Active Electronically Scanned Array

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radar when the aircraft enters service in 2014. Delhi is planning to acquire two second hand Mirage 2000 from France.

Earlier this year the Indian Air Force lost two aircraft due to accidents taking its fleet to 49. In 2012 India also signed a deal to upgrade 51 of the aircraft. Work on the Indian Air Force’s Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project will begin in Pune in October. The programme is being undertaken by Tata Power in a contract awarded in April 2011 covering 26 bases which includes the provision of new Instrument Landing Systems.

Financial bids for India’s requirement for heavy lift helicopters have been opened. The bids are for the Boeing Chinook CH-47F and the Russian Mi-26.

India has stopped a procurement of 16 helicopters for the Coast Guard worth $200 million after it was found that one of the two bid was non-compliant. India is expected to restart the programme with adjusted specification in 2013.

The INS Trikand began dock trials at the Yantar Shipyard on September 15th which will continue until January with delivery to the Indian Navy in 2015. The INS Vikramaditya due to have been delivered to the Indian Navy in December had had this pushed back until at least October

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

after a number of its boilers blew during high speed testing in the Barents Sea. The US and Bangladesh have completed the second annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise based at Naval Base Issa Khan in Chittagong. The ships involved included BNS Banganhandu, BNS Sangu and BNS Nirbhoy, together with US Navy ships USS Decatur and salvage ship USNS Safeguard.

The Indian Air Force has issued a Request For Proposal for 20 additional Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT).

The AJT aircraft, built under license

by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd are being earmarked for the IAF’s now disbanded Surya Kiran aerobatics team which formerly flew the Kiran Mk-II aircraft. The new aerobatics unit might be expected to be reformed in 2015.

Pakistan has tested its Hatf-7 missile, also referred to as the Babur. The nuclear capable, low-level cruise missile is design to be able to engage land and naval targets with a range of 700km.

Over a period of a week India test fired an Agni-III for a fifth time and the longer range, 3000km Agni-IV missiles off the coast of Odisha carried out by the Army and the Defence Research a n d D e v e l o p m e n t O rg a n i s a t i o n .

REGIONAL NEWS AND

DEVELOPMENTS

South East Asia The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is reported to be considering an offer to lease 18 JAS39 Gripen aircraft to meet its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft fighter requirements RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud .

Two Airbus Military C295 transport aircraft have been delivered to Indonesia.

The aircraft were ordered in February under a contract with Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia for nine aircraft. All aircraft are due to be ordered in Summer 2014.The US has agreed to sell Indonesia eight AH-64D Apache attack helicopters although the latter has yet to sign a contract for the aircraft. The cost if the deal goes ahead will be $1.4 billion. The agreement was announced during the third regular US-Indonesia joint commission meeting. Two Airbus Military C295 transport aircraft have been delivered to Indonesia. The aircraft were ordered in February under a contract with Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia for nine aircraft.

All aircraft are due to be ordered in Summer 2014. Indonesia’s PT Dirgantara

Indonesia has been awarded a contract for nine CN 295 aircraft and six EC 725 helicopters for the Air Force as well as 25 Bell 412 EP helicopters for the Army.

Senior Banglaeshi Military officers have travelled to Hanoi to improve bi-lateral defence ties including in the area of peacekeeping operations and personnel trialling.

The Royal Thai Air Force has signed a contract with EADS Eurocopter for four twin engined EC725 medium search and rescue (SAR) helicopters with an undisclosed but estimated pictures of $200 million. Deliveries are scheduled for 2015. Eurocopter has previously sold eight AS550-C3 Fennec light scout and utility helicopters to Thailand’s Army in 2011.

Saab has been awarded a $83.1 million contract from the Royal Thai Navy to provide further upgrades to the frigates HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin to support interoperability with Royal Thai Air Force Gripens and other aircraft. Thailand’s Government has given the go-ahead for the $1 billion procurement of two new or second hand, 4000 ton frigates to replace

the ex-US Knox class HTMS Phutthayodfa Chulalok and HTMS Phutthalertla Napalai,due to be decommissioned by the RTN in 2015. Amongst the options though to under consideration are China’s Type 054A Jiangkai II and second hand Bremen-class F122 frigates from Germany.

Indonesia’s planned purchase of 103 Leopard 2A6 tanks, 50 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles and 10 support vehicles from Germany is due to be completed in October. Indonesia has launched the KRI Klewang, an all composite trimaran design, to be armed with AsuW misiles and cannon. The ship was built by PT Lundin Industry shipyard in Banyuwangi, East Java. Shortly after, a fire broke out damaging the vessel.

The Philippines Senate and the House of Representatives has ratified the AFP Modernization Act which allocates P75 billion on 39 defence projects over the next five years. The Philippines plans to add Harpoon anti-ship missile to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz ships recently acquired from the US. Both are former US Coast Guard ships.

The Royal Malaysian Air force is considering the lease of 18 Gripens © AJB

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REGIONAL NEWS AND

DEVELOPMENTS

South Korea has requested a potential acquisition of 36 AH-1Z Cobra and 36 AH-64D Apache helicopters from the US © DoD

East Asia China commissioned its first aircraft carrier on September 25th. The Liaoning named after the province containing its homeport of Dalian. Described as a milestone in Chinese defence, the move is probably better described as a stepping stone with the ex-Varyag now being used as a means to develop doctrine and expertise in carrier operations to inform the design and production of indigenous designs which some believe could be built from next year.

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited China’s naval base at Qinqdao in the east of the country, the first time a US official had been allowed access to the site. Eastern fleet commander ViceAdm. Tian Zhong was in attendance to discuss China participation in RIMPAC 2014. Moldova’s Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta has visited Beijing in order to discuss improved defence cooperation between the two countries.

Pictures of a new Chinese Shenyang ‘stealth fighter ’ have been published, somewhat akin in appearance to

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the F-22 Raptor. Inevitably there is a considerable speculation about the balance such as whether it is the F-60/J-31 designed for export market, a competitor developed by AVIC Shenyang Aircraft against the Chengdu J-20, or an option for a new carrier aircraft to replace or supplement the Su-33/J-15.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has published details of a request from South Korea for the potential purchases of 36 AH-1Z Cobra Attack Helicopters an estimated cost of $2.6 billion and was equipped with Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles and 36 AH64D Apache Longbow Block III Attack Helicopters equipped with Hellfire and Stinger missiles and valued at $3.6 billion. Cobham have been selected to provide ACP51/53 Digital Audio Control System, RT-5000 transceiver and C-5000 radio controller communication systems for the Korean National Police Agency’s (KNPA) new Surion utility helicopter.

Korea has commissioned the its third KDX-3 destroyers the ROKS Seo-ae

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

Ryu Seong-ryong, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The Republic of Korea Navy has selected Elbit Systems SAR and Data Links’ AN/PRC-648 SAR Personal Locator Beacon (SPLB) for its Cospas-Sarsat Personal Locator Beacon requirements. South Korea has sent two destroyers to Vladivostok as part of a two day business effort in the region.

Taiwan has opted to cancel plans to acquire a second Raytheon advanced early warning radar. The first, acquired in 2003 has cost an estimated $1.4 billion with costs have risen throughout the programme.

Taiwan’s Navy has outlined plans to procure six locally built minehunters at a unit cost of $200 million and totalling $1.2 billion over the next twelve years beginning next year.

Japan and the US have agreed to to site a second Early Warning Radar in the country but decided to say where and the radar would be based or when work would begin. The first Army Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance system, or AN-TPY-2, is located in Shariki on the northern part of Honshu island.

REGIONAL NEWS AND

DEVELOPMENTS

Australia’s Department of Defence announced that small fire broke out in an undisclosed Collins class submarine © DoD

Australasia The Royal Australian Air Force is cutting back on flights of its 71 F/A-18 A/B aircraft which entered service in the mid 1980s due to concerns about unexpectedly high structural fatigue. Maintenance costs are expected to rose to A$214 million annually by 2018 up from A$170 today.

The Hornets are planned to be replaced after 2002 by the F-35. Australia plans to acquire 100 JSF in a A$13.2 billion deal.

Australia plans to convert the first six of twelve F/A-18F Super Hornets to the EA-18G Growler electronic attack configuration beginning in 2015 with the other six, out of a total fleet of 24 aircraft taking place early next decade.

Rheinmetall is preparing to bid for training and simulation contract linked to Australia’s Land 121 programme for tactical vehicles through its local subsidiary; Rheinmetall Simulation Australia. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia is bidding to supply

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part of the Land 121 requirement.

Exercise Singaroo between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) took place in September and was the sixteenth in the series, Participants included the RSS Stalwart Formidable-class frigate, the Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Valiant and an F-50 maritime patrol aircraft. The RAN sent an ANZAC-class frigate, HMAS Warramunga, the HMAS Dechaineux submarine and several aircraft.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr and Defense Minister Stephen Smith have agreed to improve defence co-operation including technology transfer with Japan after a meeting with their counterparts in September. The move is part of a wider ranging policy of improving relations with a number of countries in the region including India, Southeast Asian countries and South Korea.

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

There is increasing speculation that Australia is going to order a fourth Hobart class destroyer. The plans are expected to be included in the 2013 Defence White Paper. Under current plans, work on the Anti Air Warfare class destroyers completes in 2019. This leaves a gap in major naval shipbuilding until 2025 when the Future Submarine programme begins. The cost of an additional destroyer has been put at A$2 billion.

The problems with the Royal Australian Navy’s Choules support ship have been found to be more extensive than first thought. Investigations into the propulsion transformers have found premature ageing across all systems.

Australia’s Department of Defence has reported that a small fire broke out on board one of its six Collins class submarines while the the boat was at sea on September 15th.

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