Bangladesh receives two new Shadhinota-class Type C13B corvettes from China

The 2 new corvettes for the Bangladesh Navy as they arrive during delivery from China. Photo c/o The Independent.

The Bangladesh Navy (BN) received the last two Shadhinota-class corvettes it ordered from China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company in 2015, with the ships formally received on 28 March 2019, and arrived at Chittogram Naval Jetty in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 27 April 2019.

The ships, the future BNS Sangram (F 113) and BNS Prottasha (F 114) were built by Chinese shipbuilder Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group. Sangram was launched on February 2018, while Prottasha was launched on April 2018.

No date was provided on the scheduled commissioning of the corvettes to the BN.

The Shadhinota-class corvettes were based on the Type C13B design, which in turn was based on the Type 056 corvettes used by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). They are 90 meters long, with a beam of 11 meters, and a draught of 4.4 meters. The ships have a full load displacement of 1,330 tons, and a maximum speed of 25 knots. 

The ships are armed with a 76mm H/PJ-26 naval main gun, two 30mm H/PJ-17-1 machine gun systems, four C-802 (YJ-83) anti-ship cruise missiles, and an FL-3000N 8-cell close-in weapon system missile launcher for the HHQ-10 short-range surface-to-air missile.

Based on observations made by defense publications, the two new ships appear to have a different radar compared to its two earlier sisterships BNS Shadhinota (F 111) and BNS Prottoy (F 112), most likely the SR2410C 3D multifunction phase-array radar. But like its sisterships, the new corvettes lack anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, as they come without sonar or ASW weapons.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2]  Dhaka Tribune 
[3] The Independent (Bangladesh)

Malaysia to introduce NBC variant of AV-8 Gempita 8x8 armored vehicle

The AV-8 Gempita AENBCRV variant for the Malaysian Army. Photo c/o FNSS.

The Malaysian Army (MA) is set to introduce a new variant of their AV-8 Gempita (Thunder) 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle called the Armoured Engineer Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (AENBCRV). Four (4) units are believed ordered by the MA as part of a total buy of 257 units of different variants.

The vehicle was developed by Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer FNSS and Malaysia’s DRB HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (DEFTECH), and is expected to enter service with the MA within the first half of 2019.

The AV-8 AENBCRV will be fitted with Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection equipment and systems, which enables it to detect and classify chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear agents to alert military units and civilians of potential dangers.

The AV-8 AENBCRV recently passed the final stages of qualification process including a Land Performance Test and CBRN Systems tests done in Turkey, while Endurance tests were done in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Army has been operating the AV-8 Gempita since 2014. Variants ordered by the MA include the AFV30 variant equipped with a Denel GI30 30mm gun mounted on a Denel LCT30 turret; the IFV25 variant armed with a Bushmaster 25mm gun mounted on a Sharpshooter turret; an APC variant armed with a 12.7mm remote weapon station; the LCT30 anti-tank variant with 4 ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank guided missiles, a mortar carrier variant with a 120mm self-loading mortar. 

Other non-combat variants include a Command vehicle, armored ambulance, armored recovery vehicle, armored surveillance vehicle with battlefield radars, maintenance vehicles, signal intelligence vehicles, and the upcoming AENBCRV variant.



[1] FNSS
[2] Malaysia Defence
[3] Army Recoginition

New Zealand’s new fleet support replenishment vessel launched in South Korea

The future HMNZS Aotearoa as it was launched at HHI's yard in Ulsan, South Korea. Photo c/o HHI.

The brand new fleet replenishment vessel built for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), the future HMNZS Aotearoa was launched on 24 April 2019 in South Korea.

The ship was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in their naval shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.

The ship will continue dockside fit-out works and is expected to be delivered to the RNZN by 2020. 

The future HMNZS Aotearoa is 173 meters long and is to be the largest vessel operated by the RNZN. Aside from supporting the RNZN fleet, it will be capable of operations in the Antarctic to support New Zealand’s Antarctic bases. 

The ship was ordered under a US$323 million contract signed in 2016 as part of New Zealand’s Maritime Sustainment Capability programme to replace the ageing fleet replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Yonhap News

China officially displays first new Type 055 large destroyer during 70th Anniversary review

The Nanchang (101) leading a flotilla of PLAN ships as part of the naval review commemorating the 70th anniversary of the PLAN. Photo c/o Jane's.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) showcased their first new Type 055 Renhai-class large guided missile destroyer / cruiser, as part of a fleet review held to commemorate the PLAN's 70th founding anniversary.

The ship, called Nanchang (101), is the first ship of its class, is still undergoing sea trials and is expected to become the largest surface combatant of the PLAN that is not an aircraft carrier, and its premier escort ship class for future carrier battle groups. The class is considered as a guided missile cruiser by the US Department of Defense.

The Type 055 Renhai-class, including the Nanchang, are around 180 meters long, around 20 meters wide, a draft of around 6.6 meters, and has an estimated displacement of around 13,000 tons - heavier than the US Navy's Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

The ship is powered by four (4) QC-280 gas turbine engines in Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration, allowing the ship to a sprint to a maximum speed of 30 knots. 

The Type 055 will be armed with a total of 112 vertical launching systems (VLS) allowing the use of a variety of medium and long-range surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles,

The Type 055’s main armament consists of two cell blocks consisting of a total of 112 vertical launch systems (VLS) capable of firing medium- to long-range surface-to-air [SAM] like the HHQ-9, anti-ship cruise missiles like the YJ-18 missile, and land-attack cruise missiles like the CJ-10 missile. It is also armed with HQ-10 missile launcher and H/PJ-14 close-in weapon system (CIWS) for self-defense, and an H/PJ-38 130mm naval gun.

The ship was also designed to allow a future anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems, as well as lasers and railguns.

The PLAN confirmed that they ordered six (6) ships being constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd. and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company, with ship number 2 already being prepared for sea trials.


[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Navy Recognition
[3] The Diplomat

Myanmar confirms assembly of ordered Sukhoi Su-30 from Russia

Myanmar will receive 6 Su-30SME from Russia as part of an order made in 2018. Photo of Malaysian Su-30MKM for representation only, c/o Aviation Week.

Myanmar's armed forces chief Gen. Min Aung Hliang confirmed that Russia has already started assembly of the six (6) Sukhoi Su-30SME large multi-role fighter aircraft that were ordered in 2018 for the Myanmar Air Force (MAF).

This was made during his visit to Moscow recently.

Once delivered, the Sukhoi Su-30 would be the MAF's main fighter aircraft, which are mostly composed of Russian and Chinese-supplied fighters like the MiG-29 and JF-17.

Myanmar would become the forth country in Southeast Asia to operate the Sukhoi Su-30 family, with the others being Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The Su-30SME ordered by Myanmar will have similarities with Malaysia's Su-30MKM.

[1] Sputnik News

[2] Aviation Week

China receives all Sukhoi Su-35 fighters ordered from Russia

Sukhoi Su-35 multi-role fighters of the PLAAF escorting a H-6K bomber near Taiwan on May 2018. Photo c/o Associated Press.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) received all 24 units of Sukhoi Su-35S “Flanker-E” multi-role fighter aircraft it ordered from Russia, based on reports from the Russian Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation.

China ordered 24 aircraft in a contract worth US$2.5 billion that was signed in 2015, and is the first export customer of the 4++ generation twin-engine long range fighter aircraft.

Its Ministry of National Defense (MND) previously confirmed that the first batch of Sukhoi Su-35 fighters entered service with the PLAAF as of April 2018.

 Aside from the aircraft, the PLAAF also received spare engines, support equipment, and training programs.

The PLAAF also reported that their Su-35 fleet will receive a full armaments suite from Russia, including the R-27 (AA-10 Alamo), R-73 (AA-11 Archer), and RVV family of air-to-air missiles, as well as the Kh-35E (AS-20 Kayak) anti-ship cruise missile.



[1] TASS
[2] The Diplomat
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Indonesia orders additional BMP-3F and BT-3F from Russia

BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicled of the Indonesian Marines.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) through the Defence Facility Agency signed a contract with Rosoboronexport of Russia last 22 April 2019 for the procurement of BMP-3F amphibious infantry fighting vehicles and BT-3F amphibious armored personnel carriers for the Indonesian Marine Corps (Korps Marinir) under the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) Phase 2 covering 2015 to 2019.

The Indonesian Marines is scheduled to receive 22 new BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles under a US$108 million contract, and 21 BT-3F armored personnel carriers under a separate US$67.2 million contract. 

The service already operates 54 BMP-3F from 2 previous orders. Meanwhile it is their first time to operate the BT-3F. No specific dates were provided on when Rosoboronexport is required to deliver the products.

It also appears that the funds to finance the procurement will come from foreign loans, most likely from Russia.

The BT-3F is Russia’s latest ampihibious tracked armored personnel carrier from Concern Tractor Plant, and was intended to replace the ageing MT-LB series. It was only unveiled by Russia in 2016, and is based on the BMP-3 platform, which allows commonality to the Indonesian Marines’ BMP-3F fleet. It is armed with a PKTM 7.62mm machine gun mounted on a DPV-T remote weapon station.

The BMP-3F is Indonesian Marines’ foremost armored vehicle, and was also made by Concern Tractor Plant. It is equipped with a 10mm semi-automatic 2A70 gun/missile launcher, a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, a coaxial PKTM 7.62mm machine gun, and two other bow-mounted PKTM 7.62mm machine guns. The vehicle also has an 81mm smoke grenade launcher for protection.



[1] Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia
[2] Army Technology – BT3-F
[3] Army Technology – BMP-3F

Philippines eyes upgrade of ACV-300 APCs to Infantry Fighting Vehicles

An ACV-300 (ACV-15) in IFV variant with the BAE-FNSS Sharpshooter 1-man turret and M242 Bushmaster 25mm gun. Photo c/o FNSS.

The Philippine Army (PA) plans to convert its small fleet of FNSS ACV-300 Advanced Armored Personnel Carriers (AAPC) to Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), with the installation of a manned turret with a medium-calibre cannon.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PA has a fleet of six (6) FNSS ACV-300 (now marketed by FNSS as the ACV-15) armed with manually-operated 12.7mm M2 heavy machine guns, which are the first recipients of the upgrade worth Php288 million (around US$5.55 million). 

The procurement is expected to done via a Public Bidding, with Turkish defense company FNSS expected to participate.

The Philippine Army operates a few Infantry Fighting Vehicles in its fleet, with the the remainder of the FMC AIFV similar to the Dutch YPR-765 acquired in the late 1970s, around four (4) GKN Simba 4x4 IFVs armed with a 25mm Bushmaster M242 guns, and four (4) M113A2 IFVs equipped with the 25mm Bushmaster M242 gun on Elbit Systems UT25 unmanned turrets.

[1] MaxDefense Philippines

India launches third Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer

The INS Imphal, as it was launched at Mazagon Dock Shipyard's facility on 20 April 2019. Photo c/o The Hindu.

The Indian Navy (IN) launched the third ship of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyer, the INS Imphal, on 20 April 2019.

The destroyer is expected to be commissioned with the Indian Navy by 2021.

During launching, the ship was still missing its superstructure, which will be fitted later on as part of post-launch dockside works.

The INS Imphal was named after the capital city of Manipur, in line with the Indian Navy's naming standard of using cities to name destroyers and aircraft carriers.

The ship will be 163 meters long and will have a width of 17.4 meters, and will be displacing at 7,300 tons. It will be powered by four (4) gas turbine engines, allowing the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The ship will also be fitted to allow the operation of two (2) multi-role naval helicopters, and will feature a stealthy design through its hull design and use of radar-transparent deck fittings.



[1] NDTV
[2] Times of India

Indonesia orders Pandur II 8x8 armored vehicles for local production

The Pandur II Cobra 8x8 with the 30mm Bushmaster Mk.44 autocannon on an Elbit Systems UT30 Mk.II unmanned turret.

As part of a several defense deals signed on 12 April 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed an US$80 million contract with state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad for the production and delivery of an initial batch of 22 Pandur II 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The Pandur II vehicles will be license-built by PT PAL under an agreement with Excalibur Army, a company under the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), and will be called Cobra. PT PAL will deliver all vehicles within three years.

The vehicles will be armed with a Bushmaster Mk. 44 30mm autocannon mounted on an Elbit Systems UT30 Mk. II unmanned turret supplied through its Brazilian subsidiary Ares. It will also have
a co-axial and a hatch-mounted 7.62mm machine guns.

The TNI-AD plans to purchase up to 250 units of the Pandur II / Cobra armored vehicles to replace some of its ageing mechanized assets.

PT Pindad has been marketing the Pandur II to the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) since 2017, and has showcased several variants of the vehicle including the IFV variant, an armored personnel carrier armed with the Ares REMAX 12.7mm RCWS based on the Elbit Systems ORCWS, and a fire support vehicle / tank destroyer variant with a 105mm tank gun on a Belgian CMI Defence CMI-3105HP Cockerill turret.  



[1] Shephard Media
[2] Army Recognition

New Zealand Replenishment Ship for launching by South Korean shipbuilder soon

The HMNZS Aotearoa while under construction in HHI's yard in South Korea. Photo c/o RNZN.

The HMNZS Aotearoa (A11), a replenishment tanker being constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) under a US$493 million contract, is nearing its launching date, which is expected to happen within April 2019.

The ship is considered as the largest ship ever constructed for the RNZN, and will provide logistics support to New Zealand and coalition maritime, land, and air units. It is expected that the ship will be commissioned with the RNZN by early 2020.

The ship is capable of providing fuel resupply to ships, as well as supplying dry goods, water, ammunition, and spare parts.

The HMNZS Aotearoa has a crew of 64, features a wave-piercing hull, and will be 173.2 meters long and displaces at 26,000 tons. It is capable of operations in the Antarctic with ice-strengthened hull and considerations of winter operations. 
It can carry twelve 20-foot shipping containers, aviation and marine fuel tanks, a dual all-electric replenishment at sea rigs, and high capacity freshwater generation plants.

It will have facilities to carry helicopters of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) including the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite naval helicopter and the NH Industries NH90 medium helicopter.



[1] Naval Today
[2] Royal New Zealand Navy

Malaysia’s first Littoral Mission Ship launched by Chinese shipbuilder

The first LMS of the RMN, KD Keris (111) during launch in Wuhan, China. Photo c/o RMN.

The first Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) was launched on 15 April 2019 by the Chinese shipbuilder Wuchang Shipbuilding at Wuhan, China.

The first ship of the class was named KD Keris (111), and was named in honor of an earlier ship class with the same name. Usually the name of the first ship of the class is carried over as the name of the entire ship class.

The launch was said to be a record for the RMN, as the launching only came after 6 months since its keel laying, and is expected to undergo tests and sea trials prior to hand-over to the RMN.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ordered four Littoral Mission Ships from China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Co. Ltd. (CSOIC) based on a 69-meter long design. Originally the first two ships are to built in China by Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, while the remaining two ships will be built in Malaysia by Boustead Naval Shipyard. But changes made recently reduced the contract price from MYR1.17 billion (US$286.1 million) to MYR1.04 billion (US$256.8 million) but will have all four ships constructed by Wuchang Shipyard, and may also not include technology transfer.

The RMN plans to acquire up to 18 units of the class as part of their 15-to-5 Fleet Modernization Plan.

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] Jane’s Navy International
[2] Malaysia Defence
[3] Air Times

Indonesia signs for initial batch of Harimau medium tanks

The FNSS-PT Pindad Harimau (Kaplan) medium tank at IndoDefence 2018.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed a contract with state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad to supply and deliver an initial batch of Harimau (Tiger) medium tanks for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The contract, which was signed last 12 April 2019, is worth around US$135 million and would cover for the purchase of between 18 to 20 Harimau medium tanks, the quantity still dependent on the final equipment fit-out as specified by the TNI-AD.

PT Pindad is required to deliver all tanks within 3 years’ time.

The Harimau is the result of cooperation between Indonesia’s PT Pindad and Turkey’s FNSS under the Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) project and is called the Kaplan in Turkey. The platform is a newly developed tracked armored vehicle armed with a CMI Defence 150mm tank gun on a CMI-3105HP turret system. It uses an automatic loader system for 12 NATO-standard 105mm tank rounds, with another 30 rounds stored within the tank.

Indonesia is looking at acquiring up to 400 tanks, and is eyeing export to friendly countries, with Bangladesh and the Philippines among the possible export markets.



[1] Army Recognition
[2] Ahval News

Philippines signs defense cooperation agreement with Croatia

The defense ministries of the Philippines and Croatia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation in Split, Croatia on 11 April 2019, with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krsticevic representing both sides.

The MOU seeks the strengthening of bilateral defense relations between both countries, specifically to cooperate in defense and security policies, military education, training and capacity building, military equipment, logistics and maintenance, defense industry and technology, and other areas agreed upon by both parties.

With the agreement in place, both parties are expected to conduct people-to-people exchanges, workshops and on-the-job trainings, and exchanges in information, documentation and materials.

Croatia is part of the European Union, and has a robust defense industry despite its small size.

While in Croatia, Sec. Lorenzana also attended the Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace (ASDA) Exhibition and Conference 2019, which is Croatia’s largest defense expo displaying local and international defense products and services.



[1] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[2] Philippine News Agency

Indonesia expands small munitions production, plans medium calibre munition production

PT Pindad's munition line. Photo c/o PT Pindad.

Indonesian state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad has inaugurated a new munitions production facility, which will increase its production capacity to keep up with the demand.

PT Pindad confirmed that the facility costs almost IDR400 billion (US$30 million), and will increase the production capacity of small arms munition by up to 66%.

The current production facilities of PT Pindad allows the production of small arms munitions including 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 12.7mm, mortar and grenade rounds

In a separate program, PT Pindad also disclosed plans to construct new facilities by 2020 to allow the production of medium calibre munitions, specifically 20mm, 25mm, 30mm and 40mm armor piercing, smoke, illumination, training, and anti-personnel munitions.

The plan is to gain proficiency in producing medium calibre munitions and be able to supply local and export markets, while also preparing for the capability to produce larger calibre munitions in the future.



[1] Jane’s Defence Industry
[2] Antara News
[3] PT Pindad

Indonesia orders 3 more Type 209/1400 diesel electric submarines from South Korea

The KRI Nagapasa (403) of the TNI-AL. Photo c/o DSME.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth US$1.02 billion with South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) on 12 April 2019 for the purchase of three (3) brand new submarines for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The contract was signed in Bandung, Indonesia, and is a follow-on order to an earlier order of three (3) modified Type 209/1400 (Chang Bogo-class) submarines for the TNI-AL in 2011.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL is expected to take a bigger share on the construction of the submarines, after successfully taking part in the local assembly of the 3rd submarine ordered in 2011, which are now called the Nagapasa-class in TNI-AL service.

For this new deal, it is expected that PT PAL will built 2 of the 6 modules of the 1st submarine, with the rest built by DSME in South Korea. PT PAL will then build 4 modules and the rest by DSME, while the 3rd submarine may be built completed by PT PAL.

Indonesia previously indicated a need for more than 10 submarines to protect its waters and exclusive economic zones. Currently it has 2 older German-built Type 209/1300 submarines, and 2 new South Korean-built Nagapasa-class submarines, with the third one launched on 11 April 2019 and will be ready for service within the year.


[1] Yonhap News Agency
[2] Naval Today
[3] Jane's Navy International

Australia receives 8th P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft

A Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft of the RAAF. Photo c/o RAAF.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received its 8th Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft in the US, boosting the service's maritime patrol, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities further.

The aircraft is currently undergoing verification and validation flying in the US, and will be brought home to Australia by mid-June 2019.

It is the designated long-term fatigue management aircraft, and is equipped with diagnostic equipment

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon replaces the ageing fleet of Lockheed AP-3C Orion turboprop maritime patrol aircraft. Up to 15 aircraft are planned.

The fleet are based in RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, together with other surveillance and intelligence support aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles of the RAAF.



[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Jane's Defence Weekly
[3] Royal Australian Air Force

Indonesia launches third Nagapasa-class diesel electric submarine

Launching of KRI Alugoro (405) at PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya. Photo c/o Antara.

Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL launched on 11 April 2019 the third ship of the Nagapasa-class diesel-electric submarine for the Indoensian Navy (TNI-AL), the KRI Alugoro (405), in their yard in Surabaya.

The launching schedule was moved 1 day earlier to accommodate VIP guests to grace the event. 

The KRI Alugoro is the first submarine to be assembled locally by PT PAL, and by any Indonesian shipyard in general. The Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu also declared that Indonesia can now build submarines, and is the only ASEAN country to do so.

The Nagapasa-class is a derivative of the South Korean Chang Bogo-class, which is turn is a Korean derivative of the German Type 209/1400 diesel electric submarine. The KRI Alugoro is part of a US$1.1 billion deal between South Korea and Indonesia to supply and build 3 submarines for the TNI-AL. Part of the deal includes technology transfer, and the local assembly of the 3rd submarine.

Indonesia now hopes that they could export submarines in the future.



[1] Jakarta Greater Military Forum
[2] The Diplomat
[3] Jane’s Navy International

Australia receives second batch of 2 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters

One of the new F-35A of the RAAF. Photo c/o Australia DoD.

  
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received its second batch of 2 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.  

The aircraft, with serial numbers A35-011 and A35-012, brings the total number of F-35 aircraft in Australia to four. 

The new fighters will be assigned with Number 3 Squadron in RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales.  

Australia is expected to receive a total of eight F-35A fighters in 2019, out of the total 72 units ordered for the program.   



[1] Australian Department of Defence 

India approves plan to procure 464 T-90MS main battle tanks from Russia

The T-90MS main battle tank from Russia.

The Indian government has approved a proposed plan to procure 464 units of Russian-made T-90MS main battle tanks for the Indian Army, which is expected to cost around INR134.48 billion (US$1.93 billion).

These tanks are expected to be deployed to armored units near the border with arch-rival Pakistan.

A contract between the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Russia’s Rosoboronexport is expected to be signed within the year, and may include “Make In India” clauses allowing production of certain parts, and assembly of imported kits from Russia’s Uralvagonzavod to be made in India’s Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi near Chennai.

The Indian Army already has 18 regiments equipped with the T-90S “Bhishma” tanks, all are deployed opposite Pakistan. The purchase of 464 more units will add 10 more regiments.



[1] India Today
[2] Business Standard
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Japan F-35A Lightning II crashed at sea, grounds fleet

A F-35A Lightning II JSF bound for the JASDF.

One of the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) crashed at sea off Northern Japan.

The aircraft, from the 302nd Fighter Squadron based in Misawa Air Base, was last reported to be around 84 miles east of Misawa over the Pacific.

Search efforts are underway, with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) sending ships in the area with hopes to find the sole missing pilot.

The JASDF only activated the first combat ready F-35A squadron 11 days ago, after the 302nd Fighter Squadron transition to the type after operating the McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai Phantom II for several decades.

The remaining 12 F-35A fighters in service with the JASDF have been grounded until investigations can determine the cause of the accident.

This would be the 2nd crash involving an F-35, which has only started distribution to combat units of several air arms only starting last year. On September 2018, an F-35B from the US Marines crashed in South Carolina, and was found to be due to faulty fuel tubes.



[1] Asahi Shinbun
[2] CNN
[3] CBC News

Philippines ties-up with Korean firms for production of force protection equipment, rifle magazines

The proposed factory for Force Protection Equipment between Government Arsenal and Samyang Comtech. Photo c/o Government Arsenal.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND), through its arms production agency Government Arsenal (GA), started the convert one of its factories into manufacturing facility for force protection equipment (FPE) including body armor and kevlar helmets. It also started building a new factory to house the manufacturing of rifle magazines.

The force protection equipment factory is undertaken through a co-production agreement with South Korea’s Samyang Comtech Co. Ltd.. Meanwhile the rifle magazines factory is being undertaken under a co-production agreement with Bu Heung Precision Co. Ltd., also from South Korea.

The factories are all built within GA’s facility in Fort Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan province northwest of Manila.

GA and Samyang Comtech expects an annual production of up to 20,000 FPEs, while GA and Bu Hueng Precision’s rifle magazine production will focus on 30-round 5.56mm STANAG magazines. Both ventures eye supplying the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all other armed agencies of the Philippine government.

As part of the agreement, both South Korean companies will eventually transfer the production technology to GA, to boost its self-reliance capability as part of its revived Self Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) Program.



[1] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[2] Manila Bulletin
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Tuvalu receives its Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The Te Mataili II patrol boat as seen from Austal's shipyard in Fremantle, Australia. Photo c/o Ship Spotting by Brian Wayne Scott.

The Tuvalu government received its Guardian-class steel-hulled patrol boat to help secure its maritime borders. The boat will be operated by the Tuvalu Police Force’s Maritime Surveillance Unit.

The boat, named the Te Mataili II, was gifted by the Australian government as part of their Pacific Maritime Security Program – Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement project and part of the Royal Australian Navy’s A$350 million SEA 3036 program. 

The project is Australia’s commitment to enhance the maritime security capabilities of 13 of its immediate neighbours of mostly small island countries in the Pacific, plus Timor-Leste. 21 patrol boats are to be donated as part of the program.

As part of the agreement, the Tuvalu government will return the original patrol boat gifted to them by Australia, the Te Mataili, for recycling once the new Guardian-class patrol boat becomes operational.

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.

Tuvalu was the second country to receive the Guardian-class, with the Te Mataili II being the second ship of the class.

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



[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Philippines reclassifies frigates into offshore patrol vessels despite planned upgrades

Two of the Del Pilar-class ships during maneuvers with a US Navy destroyer. Photo c/o US Navy.

The Philippine Navy (PN) reclassified their only class of frigates into offshore patrol vessels, to better reflect their capabilities and purpose.

The Del Pilar-class ships, which were in previously US Coast Guard high endurance cutters of the Hamilton-class, were downgraded to offshore patrol vessels due to their lack of capabilities in surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-aircraft warfare (AAW). The ships also lack an electronic warfare (EW) capability, which is now becoming standard in modern frigates.

The ships of the class are now using a reclassified hull number, with BRP Gregorio del Pilar changed from FF-15 to PS-15, BRP Ramon Alcaraz from FF-16 to PS-16, and BRP Andres Bonifacio from FF-17 to PS-17. In Philippine Navy classification, “PS” is used to identify offshore patrol vessels and corvettes, while “FF” is used to identify frigates.

The ships of the class lack the necessary sensors and weapons to allow for combat in medium to high intensity conflicts, although an upgrade program is on the way.

In a separate report, the tender for the sensor upgrade for the ships of the class had been completed, although the Department of National Defense (DND) has not formally released information on the winning proponent.

The ships are slated to receive a new combat management system, hull mounted sonar, and electronic support measures system from the winning proponent, while also getting a new 3D air/surface search surveillance radar and EO/IR fire control camera acquired from US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs.

Two of the ships are also scheduled to receive a pair of BAE Systems Mk. 38 Mod.2 25mm machine gun systems acquired also under US FMS program.



[1] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[2] Manila Bulletin
[3] MaxDefense Philippines