Japan declares F-35A Lightning II fully operational

An F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter flying near Japan's Mt. Fuji during a promotion of the aircraft to the Japanese government. Photo c/o Flight Global.

The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) has fully activated its first squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters with the 302nd Fighter Squadron on 29 March 2019. 

The 302nd transitioned from the McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantom Kai to the F-35A Lightning II, and is assigned under the 3rd Air Wing at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan.

Japan joins a growing number of air arms with fully operational squadrons including the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Israeli Air Force, and Italian Air Force.



[1] Flight Global
[2] Jane's Defence Weekly

Malaysian frigates to undergo Combat Management System replacement

The Royal Malaysian Navy Lekiu-class frigate KD Jebat (F 29).

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be installing a new locally-developed Combat Management System (CMS) made by Malaysia's TCM Innovations Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of T7 Global Bhd. to replace the current one.

The new CMS, called Vibrant 1 was co-developed by Marine Crest Technology and T7 Global Bhd., in cooperation with India's C2C-DB Systems Pvt Ltd., which provided the base software.

The selection was made after a tender was made by Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard to supply and install a new CMS for the RMN. 

The first ship to receive the new CMS is the Lekiu-class frigate KD Jebat (F 29), although it is expected that the other ship of the class KD Lekiu will follow soon. The Lekiu-class uses the BAE Systems Nautis CMS, which is already near obsolescence. 



[1] New Straits Times
[2] Malaysian Defence

Australia confims purchase of second MQ-4C Triton high altitude long endurance UAV

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton HALE UAV of the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o Department of Defence.

Australia confirmed that it has committed to purchase a second Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high altitude, long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, out of its planned acquisition of six units.

The purchase would be made under a cooperative program with the US Navy.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will use the MQ-4C Triton to complement the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft fleet in maritime surveillance and electronic intelligence. Like the Poseidon, the Triton will be based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia, although it would be deployed on forward bases where the could be required.

The RAAF plans to receive a total of 6 MQ-4C Tritons by 2025 under the Project AIR 7000 Phase 1B. It was designed to allow the RAAF to undetake enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. It will be used for a wide variety of tasks including maritime defense, and combating human smuggling and exploitation of maritime resources.


[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Australian Aviation
[3] Jane's Defence Weekly 

Vietnam receives complete delivery of T-90S/SK main battle tanks from Russia

A Russian Army T-90 main battle tank.

Russia confirmed that they completed delivery of 64 T-90S/SK main battle tanks to Vietnam, which corroborated with earlier confirmation from the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) that they received two shipments of the T-90 tanks.

Vietnam ordered the tanks in 2016, and was said to have been delivered in accordance to the original schedule.

The first batch of tanks arrived on December 2018, and the second bath on February 2019. 

These tanks will replace older tanks in the VPA including Chinese-made Type 59 and several Soviet T-54 tanks that did not undergo VPA's upgrade program for the type.

It is expected that these tanks will be assigned on army units facing China in the northernmost part of the country, as the T-90S/SK are currently the most modern tank in VPA service.

The T-90S and SK variants are equipped with the Kontakt-5 explosve reactive armor, and a turret mounted missile countermeasures system. The SK variant is a Command version of the T-90S.



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Defence Blog

Philippines receives full delivery of military construction equipment from China

Heavy construction equipment made by China's Sany Heavy Industries were distributed to the engineering units of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Photo c/o Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received the full delivery of various heavy construction equipment it purchased from China, which were formally distributed to the different engineering units of the various services branches.

The AFP's Civil Engineering Equipment acquisition was done through a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal between the governments of the Philippines and China, in a deal worth PHP1.5 billion (US$28 million) as part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program covering the years 2019 to 2023.

The heavy construction equipment, which includes cranes, dozers, backhoes, and various trucks and machinery were supplied by China's Sany Heavy Industries.

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) also confirmed that China will be providing a military aid worth PHP1 billion (US$19.2 million), with the DND opting to receive a deployable bridge, water desalination and purification equipment, and ground-penetrating radar.



[1] CNN Philippines
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine Daily Inquirer

India inducts first 4 Boeing CH-47FI Chinooks

One of the IAF's CH-47FI Chinook during tests in the US.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally inducted the first four (4) units of Boeing CH-47FI Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, during ceremonies on 25 March 2019 in Northern India.

A total of fifteen (15) units were ordered by India in 2015 under a US$1.1 billion deal, with the rest of the helicopters expected to be completely delivered to the IAF by March 2020. These helicopters will replace the Soviet-era Mil Mi-26 "Halo" heavy-lift helicopter which has been in service with the IAF since the 1980s.

The CH-47FI (for India) is a variant of the new CH-47F Chinook helicopter, with Indian-specific enhancements as part of the IAF's program to increase local content in its aircraft fleet.

The first 4 aircraft were delivered to India in February 2019, and were assembled in India before being ferried to Chandigahr Air Base, north of New Delhi.


[1] The Economic Times
[2] Jane's Defence Weekly
[3] Business Today

Australia's third Hobart-class AEGIS destroyer to enter operation capability earlier than planned

A Hobart-class destroyer of the RAN together with an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer of the US Navy. Photo c/o Seaforces website.

The third and final Hobart-class air warfare destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will be reach operational capability earlier than planned.

This was after a technical upgrade to allow the destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG-42) to integrate and accommodate the RAN's new fleet of Sikorsky MH-60R naval helicopter will be made while the ship is still being built.

The new Sikorsky MH-60R replaced its older variant Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk as the primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare naval helicopter of the RAN.

This fast-tracked process will allow the ship to be 12 months advance in its program to reach operational capability, which allows efficiency and cost savings for the program, as well as providing the RAN with an immediate capability as it retires its Adelaide-class frigates, which are being replaced by the Hobart-class.

The rest of the Hobart-class, which includes the HMAS Hobart (DDG-39) and HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) will also undergo a similar structural upgrade at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.



[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Jane's Navy International
[2] Defence Connect

Malaysian Sukhoi Su-30MKM fleet undergoes life-extension upgrade program locally

One of the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft of the RMAF. Photo c/o Reddit.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKM fleet of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) started undergoing Preventive and Restoration Work, as the Russian-made fighter fleet enters 10 years of operation.

At least 1 of the 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters of the RMAF completed the life-extension upgrade program recently, which was done locally by Sukhoi's local partner, Aerospace Technology Systems Corp. (ATSC). Two other Su-30MKM are undergoing similar upgrade works, with the rest of the fleet scheduled to receive a similar upgrade at a later date.

The RMAF will formally accept aircraft, with military registration number M52-11 on 26 March 2019, and will debut at Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2019 (LIMA 2019) which opens this week.

Conducting the life-extension program locally has allowed for cost savings for the RMAF compared to sending the aircraft for a similar upgrade program outside the country.

ATSC was formed as part of a deal between the Malaysian government, and Russia's Rosoboronexport and Russian Aircraft Corporation to support Russian-made aircraft in service with the Malaysian armed forces, which includes the MiG-29N/NUB fleet, and now the Sukhoi Su-30MKM. 



[1] New Straits Times
[2] FlightGlobal

Indonesia may receive Sukhoi Su-35 from Russia by 2019

Russia's Sukhoi Su-35 fighter.

In an interview with Russia's TASS, Indonesia's Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi confirmed that the Sukhoi Su-35 fighters ordered from Russia may be delivered starting 2019.

The ambassador also confirmed that the agreement for the purchase of the twin-engined fighters were already signed, and that delays happened due to the scheme to implement the deal is new to them, as it involves counter-trade for Indonesian agricultural products.

Upon asking about the pressure from the US government regarding the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) policy, the ambassador confirmed that Indonesia did get pressured, although it is a matter of national interests that prompted them to proceed with the deal.

Russia's Deputy Director for Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Petukhov also believes that threats of sanctions or issues on politics won't affect the delivery of the Sukhoi Su-35 fighters to Indonesia.

As part of the deal, Russia will supply 11 brand new Sukhoi Su-35 "Flanker E" fighters to Indonesia Russia and Indonesia are also expected to be involved in other defense and technical cooperation deals in the future.


[1] TASS
[2] TASS

Philippines defense ministry takes control of state-owned aerospace company

Airframe works on a BN-2 Islander aircraft of the Philippine Navy, undertaken by PADC. Photo c/o PADC.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) was formally given the task of taking administrative control of the state-owned aviation company Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC), which was previously under the control of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. 78 ordering the transfer of PADC to the DND “to address emerging internal and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards to defense equipment, and promote the transfer of technology from neighboring countries”.

The said executive order was signed on 15 March 2019 with immediate effect.

The r was one of Southeast Asia’s first aviation companies, created in September 1973 and mandated to undertake activities and development projects for the aviation and aerospace industry. 

It was involved in several self-reliance projects from the 1970s to the 1980s, including the assembly of the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander light aircraft and Messerchmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Bo-105 light helicopters for the Philippine government.

It also provided aviation services to the government and private sectors, including maintenance works, while also developing a few aircraft on its own



[1] Manila Buleltin
[2] Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippines recieve Bell UH-1 spare parts from Japan

A door gunner of a PAF UH-1H Huey looks out before taking off for another mission. 

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received spare parts, tools, and equipment worth around PHP2.5 billion (US$48 million) for the Bell UH-1 Huey utility helicopter.

These parts were donated as part od Japan's commitment to assist the defense and humanitarian assistance capabilities of the Philippine military.

The Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) already retired its Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters, and the parts to support the type has become redundant. Donating it to the Philippines will not strengthen its relations and image with the Philippines, but also allow space for parts storage to be used for newer JGSDF aircraft.

The PAF confirmed that the parts wpuld enable it to bring back up at least five (5) mothballed UH-1H Huey helicopters, while aslo allowing them to support the UH-1H fleet for several more years until a replacement becomes available.



[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] Manila Bulletin

India offers Tejas - Brahmos NG combo to Malaysia

A promotional poster of the Tejas - BrahMos NG combo, similar to what displayed in LIMA 2019 exhibition in Malaysia. Photo c/o Financial Express.

India will be bringing in their Tejas Mk.1 light combat aircraft made by Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. to the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2019. 

This is to strengthen its offer to meet the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) requirement for Light Combat Aircraft, which is expected to be for 12 new aircraft. 

At the same time, India has offered to supply the Brahmos NG air-launched anti-ship cruise missile designed for use for the Tejas and other fighter aircraft.

Brahmos NG is smaller than the standard Brahmos A supersonic missile, which can only be carried by large fighters like India's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet.

The Tejas Mk.1 can carry two of the new Brahmos NG missiles.


[1] The Defenstar

Malaysia changes contract conditions on Littoral Mission Ship construction

CGI of the RMN's Littoral Mission Ship. Photo c/o Malaysia Defence.

As part of reforms initiated by the current Malaysian government to review contracts signed with China or Chinese companies, the contract for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) was revised to reduce cost.

Due to the revision, Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard will not build the last two ships of the class, and will instead all four ships will be built by Wuchang Shipbuilding, through China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. 

This allows for the reduction of the total cost of the project from MYR1.17 billion (US$286.1 million) to MYR1.048 billion (US$256.8 million). This also means technology transfer requirements may be affected or removed from the deal.

The Chinese-made LMS are 68.8 meters long, with a beam of 9 meters and draft of 2.8 meters. It displaces at 700 tons full load, and with a maximum speed of 22 knots and range of 2,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

It is armed with a 20mm or 30mm remote-controlled naval gun and two manually-operated 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounts. Further up-arming can be done but is currently not among the RMN’s urgent requirement.



[1] Malaysia Defence
[2] Jane’s Navy International
[3] Baird Maritime

Japan commissions its 10th Soryu-class attack submarine

JS Shoryu (SS-510) during its commissioning ceremony last 18 March 2019. Photo c/o KHI.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) recently commissioned its latest Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine.

The JS Shoryu (SS-510) was commissioned on 18 March 2019 in ceremonies held in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It was then assigned to the JMSDF's Submarine Flotilla 1 based in Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The ship is the 10th Soryu-class submarine and was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industires in Kobe. Shoryu means “Soaring Dragon” in Japanese.

It was estimated that the total cost to acquire the submarine is around JPY56 billion (US$502 million).

The JMSDF’s 84-meter long, 2,950 ton  Soryu-class are considered as the world’s largest conventionally-powered submarine, and are equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), enabling them to stay submerged for extended periods of time. 

It has a crew of 65 men, and has a maximum speed of 20 knots.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Naval New
[3] Naval Today

Taiwan requests for possible sale of M1A2X Abrams main battle tanks from US

The M1A2 SEPV3, now known as the M1A2C.

The government of the Republic of China (ROC, more known as Taiwan) requested for the possible sale of 108 M1A2X Abrams main battle tanks.

It is expected that a decision will be made by the US government within 120 days after the request date. No confirmation was made on the exact date when the formal request was submitted.

Taiwanese sources are confident that the US government will approve the sale request, as it aims to replace its ageing fleet of M48-based CM-11 Brave tiger medium tanks used by the Republic of China Army (ROCA).

Should the request be approved, the ROCA plans to equip 2 armored battalions with the Sixth Army Corps based in Northern Taiwan. Taiwan will need more than 500 new tanks for parity with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The M1A2X is a variant of the latest M1A2C (previously called the M1A2 SEP V3) currently in production, with improvements over older models based on learnings from operations in the Middle East. 

Upgrades include increased electrical power, a Vehicle Health Management System, a new auxiliary power unit (APU), an integrated counter-improvised explosive device protection, and an embedded training and an ammunition data link.



[1] Taiwan News
[2] Defence Blog

Australia to acquire electronic warfare aircraft on modified G550 jet

The MC-55A Peregrine EW aircraft will look similar to the G550-based AEWC aircraft used by the Republic of Singapore Air Force uses. Photo c/o AIN Online.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) announced on 18 March 2019 that they are planning to acquire four modified Gulfstream G550 business jets as an airborne electronic warfare platform.

The new aircraft will be designated as the MC-55A Peregrine, and will be operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

According to Australian Defense Minister Christopher Pyne, the new aircraft will be intergrated to the Australian Defence Force’s joint warfighting network, and will be a crucial link between platforms like the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, the E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, the EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, and the navy’s surface combatants,amphibious assault ships and ground assets.

It was estimated that the project will cost around A$2.46 billion (US$1.7 billion), which will include A$257 million to be spent on new facilities in its future base at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. These investments are expected to benefit Australian companies and workforce.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency identified the prime contractor to be L3 Technologies, and will be a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal between the US and Australian governments.

RAAF Base Edinburgh is being propped to become a “Super Base”, with the RAAF’s fleet of Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft already based there, and is being prepared to base the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton surveillance UAVs and General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper armed UAVs.



[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Flight Global
[3] Australian Aviation

Philippines recieves two more AD-STAR air defense radars from Israel

The IAI Elta Systems ELM-2288 AD-STAR multi-mission radar. 

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received two more ELM-2288-ER AD-STAR Extended Range air defense and surveillance radars it ordered from Israel's IAI Elta Systems in 2015.

These were acquired under a PHP2.62 billion (US$57 million) government to government deal between the Philippines and Israeli defense ministries.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the two radars arrived in January 2019 and were immediately sent to two radar facilities of the PAF facing the western seaboard of the country.

One unit was delivered by IAI Elta Systems to the PAF last year, and an ELM-2106NG tactical air defense radar was received by the PAF in 2017.

The PAF is said to be in need of 5 more long range air defense radars, which is programmed in the next phase of the PAFs "Horizon 2" modernization, which covers 2019 to 2023. 

The ELM-2288-ER is the extended range variant of the AD-STAR 3D  multi-mission radar, which has an instrumented range of 480 kilometers.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] IAI Elta Systems Ltd

Japan to arm F-35s with Joint Strike Missile

CGI of F-35 Lightning II JSF firing the Joint Strike Missiles. Photo c/o Kongsberg.

The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) signed a contract with Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to supply and deliver an initial quantity of their Joint Strike Missile (JSM). These would arm the JASDF's future fleet of F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

Kongsberg announced this update on their website on 11 March 2019. No further details were provided on contract details, quantity, delivery schedule and inclusions.

The Joint Strike Missile is a 5th ait-to-land and air-to-sea target missile, and is currently the only one that of its kind that fits inside the F-35's internal munitions compartment. This allows the JSM to be carried without reducing the stealth features of the F-35.

It was developed starting in 2008, and was completed in 2018. the JSM has a maximum range of up to 500 kilometers. It has an advanced missile planning system, a highly accurate navigation system that allows for a low altitude flight profile, and a automatic target recognition using an advanced imaging infrared seeker.



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Shephard Media
[3] Flight Global

Indonesia eyes Iver Huitfeldt class variant for future large frigate program

A derivative of Denmark's Iver Huitfeldt-class is said to be the frontrunner for Indonesia's requirement for two new large frigates. Photo c/o Frontline Defence.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence (MOD) has indicated that a variant of the Danish-designed Iver Huitfeldt-class air defense frigates as the frontrunner for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) program to purchase 2 new frigates as part of the second phase of the country's Minimum Essential Force (MEF) modernization program.

The project is worth US$720 million for 2 new frigates with more capabilities than its recently commissioned Martadinata-class frigates designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen in cooperation with Indonesian state-owned shipyard PT PAL.

The decision comes after defense industry cooperation agreement signed between Denmark's Odense Marine Technology and the TNI-AL's Naval Design Center.

The second phase of MEF covers 2015 to 2019, and so far no decision has been made by the MOD and TNI-AL, although it is expected that a decision would be made to keep up with the program.

So far, Odense Marine Technology's competitor includes Damen, which introduced its Omega frigate in last year's IndoDefence exhibition.

Indonesia is currently looking at acquiring warships at more than 130 meters long, capable of operations beyond the country's borders and exclusive economic zone.



[1] Jane's Navy International
[2] Navy Recognition
[3] Jakarta Greater

Hyundai to launch first Philippine frigate in May

A scale model of the Hyundai HDF-2600 frigate, which is where the Jose Rizal-class frigate was based on. Photo c/o Wikipedia. 

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is scheduled to launch the first of the Jose Rizal-class frigates for the Philippine Navy (PN), the BRP Jose Rizal on May 2019.

This was confirmed by the Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during an interview with the local military-owned radio network. 

Vice Adm. Empedrad also confirmed that Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana will join him in the launching ceremonies, which is scheduled sometime between 17 and 19 of May 2019. Immediately after the launch of BRP Jose Rizal, HHI will also proceed with the keel laying ceremonies for the second ship of the class, the BRP Antonio Luna.

The PN expects the delivery of BRP Jose Rizal by the first half of 2020, with the BRP Antonio Luna following 6 months later.

The Jose Rizal-class was derived from HHI’s FFX-I Incheon-class frigates used by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), called the HDF-2600. It displaces around 2,600 tons, is around 107 meters long, and will be the first major surface combatants of the PN armed with missiles.



[1] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[2] Naval Technology

Japan launches 3rd 6,500-ton Shikishima-class coast guard patrol vessel

The Reimei (PLH-33) during its launch. Photo c/o Mitsubishi Heavy Industries through Jane's 360.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) recently launched the third Shikishima-class patrol vessel large with helicopter (PLH) for the Japan Coast Guard in ceremonies held on 8 March 2019.

The ship, named Reimei (PLH-33) was laid down on 7 June 2017, and is scheduled for commissioning by 2020. 

According to the Japan Coast Guard spokeperson’s interview with Jane’s Navy International, the ship and its helicopter costs a total of around JPY30 billion (US$270 million), and is to be used in multi-role requirements including maritime patrol and surveillance, search and rescue, and 

It displaces at 6,500 tons, has a length of 150 meters and a beam of 17 meters, and can accommodate a helicopter with a flight deck and hangar. 



[1] Jane’s Navy International

Indonesia confirms acquisition of C-130J Super Hercules, expects delivery completed by 2020

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules as operated by the US military. 

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) confirmed that they ordered six American-made Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, and is expecting the start of deliveries this year, and all aircraft delivered by 2020. 

This is after reports from as late as  IndoDefence 2018 last November stating that no contract has been signed yet between Lockheed Martin and Indonesian authorities.

This was confirmed by the TNI’s Air Force information Agency head to Indonesian defense page Angkasa Review last 8 March 2019.

It was also mentioned that the TNI-AU’s 31st Air Squadron based in Jakarta will receive the new aircraft, with the older fleet of C-130B/H variants operated by other squadrons.

Indonesia has been planning to acquire a fleet of new transport aircraft as its fleet of legacy C-130B/H Hercules has taken a huge toll after losing five of their C-130s to disastrous crashes from 2000 to 2016, including one that was recently donated by Australia.

Based on Lockheed Martin’s previous confirmation, the deal with Indonesia would be a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) instead of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

It is also expected that Indonesia may have follow-on orders in the future, as it continues to improve and update its ageing transport fleet. Indonesia operates around 20 legacy Hercules tactical transport aircraft, with the first one joining the TNI-AU in the 1960s.



[1] Angkasa Review
[2] Jane’s Defence Industry
[3] Defense News

Philippines to purchase Mistral missiles for new frigate's SHORAD requirement

A CGI of the MBDA Simbad-RC firing a Mistral surface-to-air missile. Photo c/o MBDA.

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) has issued a Notice of Award to French company MBDA to supply and deliver Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) missiles for the Philippine Navy (PN) new frigates, as confirmed by Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines based on DND documents. 

The deal is worth €10.69 million, and was procured via a negotiated deal with MBDA. No mention was made on the quantity and delivery period. 

The award provided by the DND did not indicate the type of missile to be acquired, but previous reports on the PN's new frigates confirmed it to be the MBDA's Mistral surface-to-air missile. These would be fired from MBDA's Simbad-RC twin mount remote firing system that will be installed by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on the PN's new Jose Rizal-class frigates.

Each frigate will be equipped with two Simbad-RC launchers, with each carrying two ready-to-fire missiles that can be used against low level aircraft or sea skimming anti-ship missiles. Reloading can be done manually.



[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Competition for Australia's M113 replacement has 4 competitors

Three of the confrmed contenders for the LAND 400 Phase 3 project, from left to right: the BAE Systems CV90, Hanwha Systems AS21 Redback, and Rhinemetall Lynx KF41. Photo c/o Defence Connect.

The Australian Department of Defence's (DoD) LAND 400 Phase 3 project to replace the Australian Army (AA) fleet of ageing M113AS4 tracked armored personnel carriers will have four foreign companies contending to supply up to 450 armored vehices for the Australian Army.

Aside from General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) with their Ajax armored fighting vehicle, and Hanwha Systems with the AS21 Redback IFV, two other companies namely Rhinemetall Defence with their Lynx KF41 IFV, and BAE Systems CV90.

The LAND 400 Phase 3 is expected to be worth between A$10-15 billion (US$7-10.5 billion) for the supply, delivery, and support for up to 450 new tracked infantry fighting vehicles for mounted close combat capability.

The GDLS' Ajax is based on the vehicle of the same name that is being built for the British Army. It was in turn based on an upgraded version of the ASCOD IFV made for the armies of Austria and Spain.

The Hanwha Systems AS21 Redback is a development based on the K21 IFV used by the Republic of Korea Army, with improvements in ballistic and mine protection, as well as having a larger internal space.

The BAE Systems CV90 is a proven produce that is already in service with Sweden and several other European countries.

The Rhinemetall Lynx KF41 is a new development from Germany intended for the export market, with the US, Australia, Czech Republic and Qatar among those considering the design.

Part of the project is for the winning contender to set-up a factory in Australia to build the winning armored vehicle design.

In 2018, another phase of the project called LAND 400 Phase 2 was awarded to Rhinemetal for the supply of Boxer wheeled armored vehicles. 



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Defence Connect
[3] Australian Defence Magazine