Boeing to launch new Australian-made wingman-capable UCAV

The Boeing Airpower Teaming System UCAV. Photo c/o Boeing.

US aviation giant Boeing, together with the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) will be unveiling their new Airpower Teaming System (ATS) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) today, as Avalon Airshow 2019 in Australia officially opens.

The project is joint development between Boeing and the Australian DoD based on a 60:40 sharing agreement and is Boeing’s first major UAV development outside the US. Australia’s investment was confirmed to be at A$40 million.

The Australian-developed and made Boeing ATS is their offering for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) requirement for a “Loyal Wingman” UCAV requirement, and is also intended to be for export to friendly countries, without the need to go through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Based on initial information released by Boeing, the ATS UCAV will be around 38 feet (11.7 meters) long, has a designed range of 2,000 miles (3,700 kilometers), will be using a commercial turbofan engine similar to those used by business jets, and has a modular design to allow easy reconfiguration.

It is designed to benefit from low acquisition and sustainment cost, 

The ATS UCAV can be paired to a manned aircraft, including the RAAF’s current assets including the F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18E Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning & control aircraft. But it could also be flown from a ground-based control center, similar to other UAV and UCAV systems.

Initially, the development will focus on integrating surveillance and electronic warfare equipment unto the ATS UCAV.



[1] Boeing
[2] The Warzone
[3] The Guardian
[4] CNN

Philippines eyeing acquisition of fast patrol boats

The Shaldag V from Israel Shipyards is among those being considered by the PN. Photo c/o Israel Shipyards.

The Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad confirmed that they are looking at procuring up to 12 new fast patrol boats that could be used to secure the country’s southern borders for law enforcement and territorial defense requirements.

The plan will be in line with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent orders of fighting piracy and criminal activities in the high seas. The plan is being prepared for presentation to the president soon.

The new fleet is being proposed to replace its existing fleet of South Korean-made patrol boats, many of which were already retired. The PN currently operates the Tomas Batilo-class patrol boats, known before as the Chamsuri-class in Republic of Korea Navy service.

No specifications or budget information were provided, but initial information from the PN is for the new boats to have an endurance of around 7 to 10 days, and armed with precision weapons. 

Previous reports mentioned that the PN was eyeing offers from Israel, with the Shaldag V from Israel Shipyards and Super Dvora III from IAI-RAMTA among possible candidates. It was also mentioned before that the PN is interested in Indonesia’s KCR-60 from PT PAL. 



[1] Manila Bulletin
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine News Agency
[4] Jane’s Defence Industry

Indonesia signs contract for 5th and 6th KCR-60M fast attack crafts

The KRI Tombak (629), a KCR-60M Sampari-class fast attack craft of the TNI-AL. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL formally concluded a contract-signing ceremony recently to acquire two (2) KCR-60M fast attack crafts, which would be the 5th and 6th unit of the same ship to be ordered for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL). 

The deal was said to be worth IRP1.66 trillion (around US$119 million).

This part of a broader agreement made in December 2018 to acquire four (4) KCR-60M fast attack crafts from PT PAL for the TNI-AL. The formal contract signing for the other 2 ships expected to the the 7th and 8th units would be held in another ceremony although no date has been provided yet.  

It is expected that the construction for the 2 ships will take around 24 months, as the lead time for several components are expected to take at least 14 months. 

Local content and participation of homegrown companies is also being encouraged by the Indonesian government. It is also expected that Sweden’s Bofors, France’s MBDA and Denmark’s Terma will be supplying weapons and countermeasures for the ships. 



[1] Sindonews
[2] Jane’s Navy International
[3] Merdeka

India reveals Unmanned Wingman UCAV concept

HAL's Unmanned Wingman UCAV. Photo c/o NDTV.

As part of Aero India 2019, India’s Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. (HAL) unveiled its new Unammed Wingman concept unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

It is equipped with its own radar and sensors, and was designed to accompany and support manned attack aircraft, enabling the increase in weapon delivery capacity and proxy in high threat, heavily defended environment.

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Unmanned Wingman UCAV will be paired to a heavily modified SEPECAT Jaguar attack aircraft called the Jaguar Max, which will share data with the UCAVs through a data link and allow the pilot to get a comprehensive situational picture.

It is expected to 6 meters long, an endurance of up to 80 minutes, and a range of 800 kilometers, although it can be enlarged based on finalized requirements and will increase both range, endurance and carrying capacity.

The concept of an unmanned wingman UCAV was raised as the Indian Air Force faces shortfall on fighter aircraft availability and delays in its fighter acquisition programs. The use of UCAVs allow for a cheap force multiplier while also avoiding risks to Indian pilots operating in high contested airspace.

It is expected that the Unmanned Wingman UCAV will cost below US$5 million each, significantly cheaper than a manned fighter.



[1] NDTV
[2] IHS Jane’s
[3] Flight Global

Lockheed Martin offers re-branded F-16 fighter to India as F-21

The Lockheed Martin-Tata Advanced Systems F-21 fighter offered to the Indian Air Force. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin.

In a bid to differentiate from what Pakistan has in its arsenal, Lockheed Martin re-branded their F-16 Viper fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), calling it the F-21 and launching it at the recently concluded Aero India 2019 defense exhibition.

While the F-21 is basically an upgraded variant of the F-16, it has several features that can make the aircraft different not just from the F-16s used by arch-rival Pakistan, but also even from the latest F-16 variant being offered by the US globally, the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper.

The F-21 has similar features as the F-16 Block 70/72, including having the APG-83 AESA radar, the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AutoGCAS), the use of a Sniper targeting pod, conformal fuel tanks, an advanced helmet mounted cueing system, and the same data fusion capabilities.

But it also have new features including the use of a different and more advanced all-glass cockpit using only 2 screens, triple rail launchers, an Infra-red Seeking Tracker (IRST), a retractable aerial refuelling probe installed on the conformal fuel tanks to allow refuelling from existing drogue-equipped tankers of the IAF, and incorporating Indian-developed or joint US-Indian developed technologies. This is in addition to being made in India under the "Make In India" program of the Indian government, in cooperation with TATA Advanced Systems.

The Lockheed Martin F-21 is competing with other fighter aircraft models, including the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Block III, Saab JAS-39E Gripen NG, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, UAC MiG-35, and Sukhoi Su-35.



[1] Lockheed Martin
[2] The Economic Times
[3] Aerotime News Hub
[4] The NewsRep

Boeing in talks with Indian partners on proposed Super Hornet production in India

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet, as operated by the US Navy. Photo c/o Defense and Security Analysis @ Medium.

American aviation giant Boeing held talks with Hindustan Aerospace Industries (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) on a proposal to manufacture the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet in India under the “Make In India” program. 

This was confirmed by Boeing during the recently-concluded Aero India 2019 defense exhibition.

The proposal is to support Boeing’s push to offer the F/A-18E Super Hornet Block III fighter for the Indian Air Force (IAF) requirement for around 110 new fighters to replace ageing Russian-supplied fighters like the MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighters.

Boeing is currently competing with Lockheed Martin with their F-21 proposal based on a highly upgraded F-16V Viper, Saab JAS-39E Gripen NG, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Sukhoi Su-35 and RAC MiG-35 for the IAF requirement.

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is also being pitched for a requirement by the Indian Navy (IN) for 57 carrier-capable fighters, although both IAF and IN programs are separate and need not  be the same aircraft. It is competing with Dassault Rafale and Saab JAS-39M Maritime Gripen for this requirement.

The company also laid out their plans for marketing the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling tanker and a twin-engined Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft , while pitching for India to order additional AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, CH-47FI Chinook transport helicopters, and P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Boeing already has a footprint in India, as it supports current platforms like the P-8I Poseidon and C-17A Globemaster, while also plans to establish a rotorcraft support and training capabilities in India.



[1] The Economic Times
[2] Flight Global

Vietnam receives 2nd batch of Russian T-90S main battle tanks

Vietnam has received a total of 64 T-90S/SK main battle tanks from Russia based on an order made in 2016. Photo c/o Sputnik.

Vietnam received a second batch of T-90S main battle tanks from Russia last 21 February 2019, completing the order Vietnam made in 2016.

A first batch of 32 tanks was received by Vietnam in January 2019, and were painted in the three-color scheme used by the Vietnam People's Army (VPA). These tanks were made by Russia's Uralvagonzavod.

The Vietnam People's Army ordered a total of 64 T-90S main battle tanks and T-90SK command tanks in 2016, to boost its armored capabilities consisting mostly of ageing T-55 tanks. 

The tanks are seen equipped with the Shtora (Red Eyes) active anti-missile system, which disrupts the laser designator and rangefinder of incoming anti-tank missiles.



[1] Dambiev @ Livejournal
[2] IHS Jane's
[3] Defence Blog

Singapore introduces new variant of 120mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System

The 120mm SRAMS Mk. I. ST Engineering Land Systems launched the new Mk. II variant with improvements over the Mk. I. 

Singapore defense manufacturer ST Engineering Land Systems confirmed that they have completed the development and testing of a new Mk. II variant of their 120mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (SRAMS).

Compared to the original SRAMS Mk. I, it will have an all-electric 180 degree traverse and elevation hydraulic system. It retains but improved the system’s standard equipment including the use of a computerized Fire Control System.

Aside from the actual mortar system, ST Engineering Land Systems also introduced a new munition for the SRAMS 120mm mortar called the PM120 precision-guided mortar bomb (PGMB), with option warheads including the Extended Range High Explosive (ERHE), ER Infrared Red Phosphorous (IRRP), and ER Illuminating.
The new PM120 munition has a circular error probable of up to 10 meters accuracy.



[1] IHS Jane’s
[2] ST Engineering Land Systems

India displays HAL Dhruv Mk. III naval utility helicopter demonstrator

The HAL Dhruv Naval Utility Helicopter demonstrator displayed in Aero India 2019. Photo c/o Aviation Analysis Wing.

At the ongoing Aero India 2019 exhibition, India’s Hindustan Aerospace Limited (HAL) displayed a technology demonstrator naval variant of their Dhuruv Mk. III Advanced Light Helicopter, which they designated as the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH).

The  Dhruv NUH is still under development, and is said to be in the final stages with the prototype expected to proceed with its first flight this year.

The helicopter demonstrator features a new Automatic Rotor Blades Folding (ARBF) system, as well as a folding tail rotor section, both features important for ship-based operations for the helicopter to fit in usually tight hangar spaces in ships.

HAL is proposing the Dhruv Naval Utility Helicopter for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, and was designed to conduct various maritime missions including surveillance and targeting, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).



[1]  Aviation Analysis Wing
[2] IHS Jane’s
[3] Indian Defence Research Wing

India certifies HAL Tejas Mk. 1 LCA as “Combat Ready”

The HAL Tejas Mk.1 light combat aircraft. Photo c/o Economic Times India.

The Indian Air Force has certified the Hindustan Aerospace Industries (HAL) Tejas Mk.1 light combat aircraft as combat ready,

The IAF also received the “Release to Service Certificate”, which is equivalent to the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) approval from the aircraft’s designer, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In addition, DRDO also released the Drawing Applicability Lists (DAL) of the Tejas Mk.1 to HAL last 31 December 2018, which allows HAL to manufacture the Tejas Mk.1 in FOC configuration.

The IAF currently has an order for 40 aircraft, with the IAF receiving 10 aircraft operated by the No. 45 Squadron “The Flying Daggers” operating out of Sulur Air Force Station. The IAF is expected to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 83 additional Tejas Mk.1A LCA in addition to the 40 units ordered so far by the IAF.



[1] Times of India
[2] Times of India

India unveils Tejas Mk.2 medium fighter aircraft

A scale model of the HAL Tejas Mk.2 as displayed at Aero India 2019. Photo c/o IHS Jane's.

In the ongoing Aero India 2019, India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has unveiled a scale model of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Tejas Mk. 2 fighter.

The Tejas Mk.2 is now being considered by India as medium weight fighter, due to increase in size and weight compared to the original Tejas Mk.1 LCA, a greater range and endurance, as well as its increased capacity to carry munitions.

The Tejas Mk.2 is 1.35 meters longer, allowing for more fuel storage and space for a larger engine and additional equipment. The new Tejas variant will grow to 17,500 kilograms compared to the 13,500 kilograms on the original variant. 

Some of the observed changes include the addition of canard foreplanes behind the cockpit, an inflight refuelling probe, and using of a “smart cockpit” feature. The model also shows what appears to be long-range air-to-air missiles, and large stand-off missiles

The fighter is also expected to use a higher output General Electric GE-F414-INS6 engine with Full Authority Digital Electronics Control (FADEC) system. 

The new variant also features a locally-developed active electronic scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, missile approach warning system (MAWS).

It is being pitched by HAL as a replacement for the Dassault Mirage 2000 currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).



[1] Flight Global
[2] IHS Jane’s
[3] Air & Cosmos International
[4] Swarajya Magazine

Taiwan to produce upgraded Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missile

The Hsiung Feng II anti-ship cruise missile. Photo c/o Defense World.

The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has approved the production of an upgraded version of its indigenous Hsiung Feng II Block II anti-ship missiles. Among those considered for improvement are increase in its effective range, as well as having enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures, and improved guidance systems.

The prototype of the upgraded missile was test-fired in 2014, and development continued until around 2018. 

It is expected that mass production of the improved missile will be done by 2023 by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) under the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) “Thunder” Project.

Taiwanese defense analysts believe that the upgraded anti-ship missile would now have a range of approximately 250 kilometers, up from the estimate range of the current version at 160 kilometers.



[1] Liberty Times
[2] Defense World
[3] IHS Jane’s

Thailand reject calls to slash proposed defense budget and end conscription

M60 tanks of the Royal Thai Army during a Cobra Gold multilateral exercise. Photo c/o US Department of Defense. 

Proposals by Thailand’s opposition Pheu Thai party to cut the country’s defense budget and end conscription for military service has been opposed by the military government, even drawing on ultra-nationalist rhetoric to make its point.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, seconded by the Royal Thai Army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong defended the proposed US$7 billion defense budget for 2019, saying that it was meant to allow the Thai military to purchase new heavy weapons to replace their ageing assets.

The government also disagrees on removing conscription of Thai men into military service, citing that the threat of war is impossible to predict, while the military also serve other purposes during peacetime. 

The Thai military is being utilitzed for anti-narcotics, disaster response and relief, anti-smuggling, and border protection. Currently, Thailand conscripts around 100,000 Thai men who reaches the age of 21 that are not enrolled as students. The country remains one of the few countries in the world that still use conscription for military service.

The leaders of the Pheu Thai party wanted to slash around US$1 billion from the proposed defense budget and use the amount as seed capital to help young entrepreneurs.



[1] Straits Times
[2] Bangkok Post
[3] The Nation

Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade certified as fully operational

AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles of the JGSDF participating in amphibious landing operation exercises as part of Exercise Iron Fist 2019. Photo c/o Dvids.

The 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (1ARDB) of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) completed its participation in the recently concluded Exercise Iron Fist 2019 conducted in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California with the 1st Marine Division of the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The exercise participation also certified the 1ARDB as fully operational by the USMC.

While this is the 14th iteration of the exercise, the 2019 Exercise Iron Fist was the first time that the JGSDF brought their own amphibious assault vehicles. Aside from training on amphibious landing operations, the exercise also included training on advanced marksmanship, fire and manoeuvre assaults, amphibious reconnaissance, staff planning, logistical support, and fire support operations.

Exercise Iron Fist 2019 concluded last 9 February 2019.

Japan decided to create the 1ARDB as part of its long term security plan to improve its ability to defend the islands it control, especially those that are being contested by neighbors, while also improving its ability to respond to security challenges.



[1] US Marine Corps
[2] IHS Jane’s

Singapore launches first Invincible-class attack submarine

Launching of RSS Invincible at TKMS yard in Germany. Photo c/o ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

The Republic of Singapore Navy’s  (RSN) first Invincible-class diesel-electric attack submarine, the lead ship RSS Invincible, was launched last 18 February 2019 in a ceremony held at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel, Germany.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) also confirmed that the other 3 ships of the class will be named RSS Impeccable, RSS Illustrious and RSS Inimitable.

The Invincible-class submarine is based on TKMS’ Type 218SG design, which is a customized design based on RSN’s requirements. The 2,000-ton, 70-meter long RSS Invincible is expected to be delivered to the RSN by 2021, while the second submarine will be delivered in 2022. The other 2 submarines will be delivered from 2024.

The submarines were said to cost around US$800 million each, and are equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). It also benefits from high automation, requiring only 28 men to operate despite its size. 

The Invincible-class are the first brand new submarines of Singapore, and will replace the Challenger and Archer-classes of submarines currently operated by the RSN, which were all bought second hand from Sweden. 



[1] Straits Times
[2] Channel NewsAsi
[3] Naval Today

India orders 72,400 SIG Sauer rifles

The SIG716 7.62x51mm rifle. Photo c/o Defense News.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with American rifle manufacturer SIG Sauer for the supply and delivery of 72,600 new SIG716 7.62 x 51mm rifles for the Indian Army.

The contract is expected to be worth INR7 billion (US$98 million). It is expected that the delivery will be completed within 12 months under the MoD's Fast Track Procedure.

The rifles are expected to be distribute to front-line units of the Indian Army, and will replace the locally-developed INSAS 5.56 x 45mm rifle, which are being retired from service as the Indian Army found it inadequate despite just acquired in the 1990s.

India is still in the market for assault rifle to replace the INSAS rifle, with Russia's Kalashnikov also in the pipeline for acquisition of AK series of rifles.



[1] NDTV
[2] Times of India
[3] IHS Jane's

Philippines preparing work on new air base

A scale model of the PAF's development plan for the Lumbia Air Base. Photo c/o CDODev.com.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has started preparations to establish a new air force base in the country's southern region, as part of its full take-over of the old civilian Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao.

The airport will become the future home of the PAF's 15th Strike Wing, which is being relocated from its base in Danilo Atienza Air Base near Manila in Cavite City. The said base will be converted into a civilian small aircraft airport by the Philippine government in an effort to decongest its main international airport in Manila.

 Being a former civilian airport, the redevelopment involves the construction of several facilities including new hangars and maintenance structures, administrative and military buildings and structures, improvement of existing infrastructure to suit military aircraft operations, and increasing security and defensive capabilities.

The project will be undertaken under a Public Bidding, with a working budget of PHP974,549,400.00 (aroun US$18 million). It is unknown though it this would be for the entire development, or just a certain phase of a multi-phased program, as it was reported that the PAF has already started construction work on billeting facilities for the PAF personnel.

The 15th Strike Wing is the PAF's main unit providing air support and ground attack missions. It currently has attack aircraft like the Rockwell OV-10 Bronco and Marchetti SF-260TP light aircraft, and armed helicopters like the McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender and AgustaWestland AW109E Power. The unit is expected to receive the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano ordered in 2017 by December 2019, and Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters donated by the Jordanian government in 2017 by June 2019.



[1] Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] CDODev.com 

Australia delivers first 2 retired F/A-18 Hornet to Canada

An RAAF F/A-18A Hornet undergoing aerial refuelling during operations in Iraq. Photo c/o Flight Global.

Australia delivered the first two former Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) Boeing F/A-18A Hornet fighter aircraft to Canada, and will be displayed in 17 February 2019 at the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta.

The two fighters will still be needing preparation for RCAF service, and may only be ready for operation by summer.

This is as part of the $500 million deal for Australia to deliver 25 of their retired F/A-18A Hornet fighters as an interim measure to bolster the RCAF's air combat capability while Canada tries to secure a replacement for its ageing CF-18 Hornet fleet. 

The US government approved of the sale, which was said to have been secured in November 2018.

Eighteen of the fighters will be made operational, while seven units will be used as spares. Several more aircraft will be delivered by Australia within the year. The fighters will also be outfitted with equipment specifically used by the RCAF.

Currently, Canada is still undecided on its Hornet replacement, as several attempts to acquire a new fighter aircraft fell through, the latest being an attempt to buy the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing. This failed due to a trade battle between Canadian and American government on aviation trade.

Meanwhile, the RAAF is in the process of replacing its F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet with the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lighting II 5th generations stealth fighter. The RAAF received their first 2 F-35A for operational deployment in Australia in December 2018.



[1] Monteral Gazette
[2] CBC News
[3] Australian Aviation


 

Australia selects Raytheon for AEGIS system integration

The AEGIS combat management system, as used by the US Navy.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has selected Raytheon Australia, through a Limited Request for Tender, to supply the combat system integration support for the AEGIS combat management system for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The announcement was made on 15 February by Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne.

The US-made AEGIS system is being fitted in the current Hobart-class air warfare destroyers, and will also be fitted to the Hunter-class frigates under the SEA 5000 Future Frigate Program.

The agreement is scheduled to take effect starting mid-2019, and will allow Australia to have workforce continuity after their experience in integrating the AEGIS system to the Hobart-class frigates, which is now being made on the last ship HMAS Sydney.



[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] IHS Jane's

Vietnam to acquire UAVs, Trainer Aircraft, retired CG cutter from US

A Beechcraft T-6 Texan II advance trainer aircraft. US INDOPACOM chief confirmed that Vietnam is also acquiring the aircraft from the US. 

In the latest statement of US Indo-Pacific Command chief, Adm. Phil Davidson, confirmed that Vietnam is acquiring equipment from the US, including Boeing Insitu ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft, and a second decommissioned US Coast Guard (USCG) cutter.

No mention was made on the exact type of USCG cutter, but there were previous reports indicating Vietnam's desire to acquire a second Hamilton-class cutter for the Vietnamese Coast Guard.

The ScanEagle UAVs could alsp be coming from US military assistance under the Asia Pacific Maritime Security Initiative, which benefitted other countries with ScanEagle deliveries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

No previous reports were noted on the potential order for Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft, but it is expected to bolster the capabilities of the Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF).




[1] US Senate Committee on Armed Services
[2] Defense Industry Daily

Launch of first Type 218SG submarine for Singapore scheduled on 18 February 2019

A CGI of the Type 218SG submarine for the RSN. Photo c/o Singapore MINDEF.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) confirmed that the first of four Type 218SG large diesel-electric attack submarine will be launched on 18 February 2019 in Germany.

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen would personally officiate the launching ceremonies.

The submarines are being constructed in Germany by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), with an estimated cost of around  US$800 million for each submarine, and the first of the class is expected to be delivered to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) by 2021.

The Type 218SG were customized to suit Singapore’s needs, which was said to be the main reason for its selection over other offers from Sweden and France. They are equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, and are designed to stay longer underwater than the RSN’s current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines acquired second-hand from Sweden.

The submarines are 70 meters long, has a submerged displacement of 2,200 tons, and has a maximum underwater speed in excess of 15 knots.



[1] Straits Times
[2] Channel NewsAsia
[3] Singapore Ministry of Defence

China gets new Type 901 fast replenishment ship

A Type 901 fast replenishment ship of the PLA Navy. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) received a second Type 901 fast replenishment ship, which was reported to have been commissioned in December 2018.

The ship, with hull number 967, is believed to be named Chagan Hu.

The Type 901 fast replenishment ships are designed to provide support to aircraft carrier battle groups, which China plans to increase in numbers in the next decade. They can provide oil and aviation fuel via five liquid transfer stations, and also for replenishing munitions, food and stores using two solid supply transfer rigs.

The ship was built by Guangzhou Shipbuilding International, and are 240 meters long, displaces at 45,000 tons, can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, and are equipped with aviation facilities for at least two Z-8 medium helicopters.



[1] IHS Jane’s
[2] China Defense Blog

First Australian-made patrol boat for Papua New Guinea commissioned

The HMPNGS Ted Diro (401) durinf sea trials. Photo c/o Austal.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Maritime Element (PNGDF-ME) commissioned its first Guardian-class patrol boat on 1 February 2019, and was named HMPNGS Ted Diro (401).

The ship was built part of Australia’s commitment to enhance the maritime security capabilities of 13 of its immediate neighbours, mostly small island countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, as part of the Royal Australian Navy’s A$350 million SEA 3036 program. 21 patrol boats are to be donated as part of the program.
The Guardian-class is built by Australian shipbuilder Austal, with an overall length of 39.5 meters, a beam of 8 meters, powered by 2 Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, and has a top speed of 20 knots. It has a crew of 23 men, and was designed to allow a naval gun of up to 30mm calibre, and for port and starboard side 12.7mm heavy machine guns. 

Papua New Guinea is expected to receive four (4) Guardian-class patrol boats from Australia. Aside from the PNG, Twelve other countries are expected to receive similar patrol boats from Australia, composed of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Tuvalu is expected to receive the next Guardian-class patrol boat in April 2019, with Austal scheduled to deliver a patrol boat every four months.



[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Royal Australian Navy Daily
[3] IHS Jane’s

Philippines looking to acquire anti-drone directional jammers

An example of an anti-drone directional jammer. Photo c/o Technology Review page.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) is in the market for 9 sets of Shoulder-Fired Directional Jammers, with a budget of PHP33.75 million (US$0.65 million). These jammers would be used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against drones.

The acquisition was confirmed to be via a public bidding and is actually a re-bid after previous attempts by the DND to obtain a supplier since October 2018 failed.

Each set is to have two firing units and motorcycles to transport a pair of operators.

Based on our interview with Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, this acquisition was due in part of the lessons learned by the AFP during the Battle of Marawi against the Maute terrorist group in 2017.

During the conflict, the AFP encountered drones used by the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group, which were used to view the battle area to their advantage. These terrorist drones were mostly commercial-spec quadcopters fitted with high resolution cameras, and can be bought off-the-shelf.

The jammers are required to have an effective range of at least 1 kilometer.

The Philippine' Presidential Security Group was previously seen armed with anti-drone directional jammers used to secure the Philippine president and other important leaders during public events.



[1] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[2] MaxDefense Philippines