Thailand prepares prototype 8x8 armored vehicle for Thai Marines

The Panus R600 8x8 AAPC. Photo c/o Sompong Nondhasa/Battlefield Defense Magazine Thailand..

Thailand's Panus Assembly Co. Ltd. revealed their prototype 8x8 armored vehicle being developed for the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) called the Panus R600.

The vehicle is being developed in cooperation with Thailand's Defense Technology Institute (DTI) to fill a requirement for 8x8 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carriers (AAPC) for the RTMC.

The prototype vehicle, which would be an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant, will be armed with 30mm gun mounted on ASELSAN's NEFER  unmanned turret system.

The Panus R600 will powered by a 600-horsepower diesel engine from Cummins. It will also have two waterjet propulsion systems for traveling over water.

Aside from the IFV with 30mm gun variant, the company also sees the development of other variants including fire support, anti-tank, and engineering vehicles. 



[1] Sompong Nondhasa-Battlefield Defense Magazine
[2] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page

Philippines plans to acquire Mil Mi-171 helicopters from Russia

The Mil Mi-171Sh medium assault helicopter.

Philippine officials from the Department of National Defense (DND) attending the Army 2019 defense exhibition in Kubinka, Russia confirmed of plans to acquire the Russian Helicopters Mil M-171 helicopter for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

This was despite the type not chosen in an earlier helicopter acquisition project of the PAF, which was awarded to Sikorsky’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec to deliver the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel USec. Raymundo DV Elefante told Sputnik News that they are trying to close a deal to purchase the Mil Mi-171 helicopters from Russia within the year and was considered a priority project by the DND.

In April, Sputnik also reported that Philippine Defense Undersecretary for National Defense USec. Cardozo Luna is considering the purchase of between 16 to 17 Mi-171 helicopters from Russia.

The helicopters are eyed for use not just for combat support operations, but also in support of the government’s disaster relief operations. The PAF faces shortage in available helicopters, as it continues to use the Vietnam-era Bell UH-1D/H Huey as its standard helicopter despite previous deliveries of a few Bell 412EP helicopters.

If this pushes through, this would be the first time the PAF would be operating Russian-made helicopters.



[1] UrduPoint
[2] Sputnik News
[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Malaysia having troubles with MD-530G attack helicopter acquisition

An MD-530G as part of the flying demonstrations during LIMA 2015. Photo c/o Flight Global.

Two years after passing the deadline for the delivery of the first batch of MD Helicopters MD-530G Little Bird light attack helicopters, the Malaysian Army (MA) still has none of the said helicopters and it appears that there’s nothing coming soon.

This is despite the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) already paying more than MYR112.65 million (US$26.5 million) as initial payment for the order of six (6) helicopters worth MYR300 million (US$70 million) since 2016 through direct negotiations with MD Helicopters’s local agent.

Based on the contract, two (2) helicopters will be delivered by July 2017, and the rest by 2018.

The MINDEF has submitted a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as former MINDEF officials have been implicated in possible corruption and irresponsible management and governance of the project, including having a contract that was said to be not in the best interest of the country.

It only took four months from submission of proposal, which took place during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2015 (LIMA 2015) to contract signing, which is irregular based on MINDEF’s reports.

The local company representing MD Helicopters was reported to have close ties to a “very senior MINDEF official. It was also found that the company has also been cut out of contract with MD Helicopters by the time the deal with the MOD was signed.  

Another issue raised was the increase in pricing, as originally the offer for the helicopters made in 2015 was worth US$60 million, and three months later it was revised to US$70 million.

It is still unclear if an actual order was indeed made, or if deliveries will be made by MD Helicopters, since the deal is already flawed before MD Helicopters was even involved.



[1] Bernama News
[2] The Edge Markets
[3] Free Malaysia Today

Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC

The Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC prototype underwent further refinement towards having a near-production model for final approval. Photo c/o RTA Research and Development Office.

Thailand’s Defense Technology Institute (DTI), Thailand unveils near-production model of Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC together with Preecha Thavorn Industrial Company Ltd. revealed the upgraded version of its Black Widow Spider (BWS) 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) being developed for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) last 16 June 2019. 

The vehicle underwent improvements compared to the prototype that was released in 2015, as integration of the near-final systems have been made, including involvement of Thai companies.qqqqq

Theppon Aeromotics Industry Co. Ltd. designed and supplied the vehicle’s electrical systems, Israel’s Elbit Systems supplied the vehicle’s Battlefield Management System (BMS), and Datagate Co. Ltd supplied the anti-heat screen protection system.

The Black Widow Spider 8x8 APC can carry 12 soldiers including the 3-man crew, and can run a maximum speed of 100 km/h with a maximum range of 600 kilometers. It is fully amphibious and has two propellers mounted at the rear of the vehicle, allowing it speeds of up to 8 km/h. 

The vehicle is protected to Level 4 STANAG 4569, and can be armed with either a 1-man turret from ST Engineering Land Systems with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher, or Elbit Systems’ UT30 Mk.2 unmanned turret armed with a 30mm cannon.



[1] Royal Thai Army Research and Development Office
[2] AAG_th Thai Defense Page
[3] Army Recognition

India approves purchase of 10 more P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft

A P-8I Neptune of the Indian Navy. Photo c/o Boeing.

The Indian Navy (IN) is expected to receive another batch of Boeing P-8I Neptune long range maritime patrol aircraft after the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the procurement of 10 units for US$3 billion.

Reports from Jane's Defence Weekly confirmed that the acquisition of the platform would be made via Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) with Boeing, while weapons, sensors and associated equipment would be acquired through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The P-8I Neptune is the Indian Navy version of the P-8A Poseidon used by the US Navy and several other countries. It features an Telephonics APS-143 OceanEye aft radar and a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) which are not present on standard P-8A aircraft. 

It also uses data links and other equipment from India's Bharat Electronic Ltd (BEL).

The IN has been operating eight (8) P-8I Neptune since 2013, and would not have any issues accepting the aircraft. These aircraft are used to patrol the vast Indian Ocean, while being deployed outside its normal area of operations in several occassions.



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Deccan Herald

Malaysia receives proposal from Japan's Mitsui for future Multi-Role Support Ship

Mitsui E&S' proposal for the RMN's Multi-Role Support Ship. Photo c/o Naval News.

As part of their participation at MAST Asia 2019 defense exhibition, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) unveiled its proposed design for the future Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) requirement of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

Mitsui E&S' MRSS design has a length of 160 meters, a breadth of 24 meters, and a displacement of 13,000 tons. It allows for the transport of 500 troops, 16 main battle tanks, 6 armored vehicles, and an ambulance. 

It also has a flight deck and hangar for 2 medium helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It also has a well deck capable of accommodating 2 landing crafts.

The RMN is looking to acquire the first 2 ships within the 2021-2025 timeframe, and a third ship by around 2035.

Aside from Mitsui E&S, other possible suppliers include Damen from the Netherlands, PT PAL of Indonesia, France's Naval Group, Turkey's TIAS, China's CSOC, and a South Korean shipbuilder.


[1] Naval News

Philippines receives FA-50 simulator for FA-50 LCA

The exterior of the FA-50 Flight Simulator. Photo c/o Naver News.

To support their fleet of FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has inaugurated its new FA-50PH Flight Simulator facility at the 5th Fighter Wing's base in Basa Air Base, Pampanga province on 14 June 2019.

The flight simulator was supplied by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the same manufacturer of the FA-50PH LCA in a deal worth Php362.9 million (US$7.8 million) in November 2017.

The event was graces by Philippine Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Amb. Dong Man-han.

According to the Philippine Air Force, "the FA-50PH Flight Simulator is a ground-based simulation training system that can help improve the operational capability of real aircraft through systematic flight training and tactical mission training programs, providing the appropriate training environment for pilots by simulating scenarios similar to actual flight operations". 

Both the FA-50PH Flight Simulator with Facility and ILS Project is part of the Horizon 1 phase of the AFP Modernization Program.



[1] Philippine Air Force
[2] Naver News Korea
[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Tonga receives Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

An example of a Guardian class patrol boat. Photo c/o Austal.

The Tongan Royal Navy formally received a Guardian-class patrol boat from the Australian government on 21 June 2019.

The boat, named Ngahau Koula, was received in Western Ausralia by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala.

It would replace one of the three Pacific-class patrol boats also granted by Australia almost 30 years ago.

The Guardian-class was granted as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (SEA3036) project under the Pacific Maritime Security Program. 12 countries including the Kingdom of Tonga would receive a total of 21 patrol boats from Australia.

Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu each received a Guardian class patrol boat last year and this April, respectively.


[1]  Australian Department of Defence

Indonesia orders CL-515 amphibious aircraft from Canada's Viking Air

The Viking Canadair CL-515 amphibious aircraft. Photo c/o Viking Air.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a contract with Canada's Viking Air for the supply and delivery of six (6) new Viking Canadair CL-515 amphibious aircraft.

The deal also includes the delivery of a refurbished Canadair CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter amphibious aircraft.

The aircraft will be used for emergency services, with four (4) of the CL-515 to be configured to "First-Responder" Multi-Mission Configurations, while the other two (2) would be configured for Optimized Aerial Firefighting configuration.

It is expected that the first aircraft would be delivered to the Indonesian government by 2024.

It is expected that the aircraft would be operated by the Indonesian Air Force.



[1] Airmed and Rescue Magazine
[2] Flight Global
[3] Jane's Defence Weekly

Bangladesh orders more surplus ex-RAF C-130J Super Hercules

A RAF C-130J Super Hercules C5, similar to what the BAF will be acquiring. Photo c/o Royal Air Force.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will be receiving additional surplus Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, on top of the two units it ordered earlier from the UK's Ministry of Defence.

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (Marshall ADG) will undertake the support contract for the former Royal Air Force aircraft, which are designated as the "short bodied" C5 in RAF service, and are being replaced by the "extended body" variant of the Super Hercules called the C4.

The arrival of new transport aircraft would allow the BAF to improve its overall airlift and logistics capability, while allowing the BAF to retire older C-130B Hercules it acquired second hand from the US in 2004 and is expected to become the most capable airlift asset of the BAF.

Marshall ADG will also modify these Super Hercules to allow medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to allow support of UN peacekeeping missions.




[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Marshall ADG

Mitsui shows proposed Offshore Patrol Vessel for Japan

Mitsui E&S' OPV design offered to the JMSDF. Photo c/o Naval News.

As part of the ongoing Maritime/Air Systems Technologies Asia 2019 (MAST Asia 2019) in Chiba, Japan, Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) unveiled its proposed Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) design to fulfil a requirement for 12 new ships for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). 

The new OPVs are intended for surveillance, coastal patrol and intelligence gathering, and is expected to be awarded by Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) by 2022.

The ship features stealthy design with sleek angles with minimal radar cross section and features a highly autonomous digitized system that allows for low crewing requirements of only 23 sailors. It also has a 360 degrees panoramic bridge design, and an autonomous manoeuvring system.

It has a length of 100 meters, displacing 2,000 tons, and is powered by two diesel engines allowing a maximum speed in excess of 25 knots.

The design also includes aviation facility including a hangar and flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), and stern ramp for at least 2 unmanned surface vehicles (USV)

Mitsui E&S is competing with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Japan Marine United (JMU).



[1] Naval News

Japan plans early warning satellites to detect ballistic missiles

JAXA's ALOS-3 satellite. Photo c/o JAXA.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is considering the possible deployment of early warning satellites to detect ballistic missile launches.

JAXA is planning to study and conduct experiments and tests involving the installation of two-wavelength infrared (IR) sensors, which would be then installed on an Advanced Optical Satellite-3 (ALOS-3) by 2020.

The tests will then be conducted until 2024, wherein the Japanese government will decide if it would launch an actual early warning satellite into orbit.

The ALOS-3 satellite is an earth observation satellite built in Japan, and can be launched into space by the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H2A rocket.




[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] United Press International

Philippines opens tender for 2 new Landing Platform Docks

Philippine Navy Tarlac-class LPD BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) in Hawaii for RIMPAC 2018. Photo c/o US Navy.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) released an invitation to bidders for a new tender for two (2) new Landing Platform Docks (LPD) for the Philippine Navy (PN).

The budget for the ships is Php5.56 billion (US$107.5 million), which was described to allow improved amphibious operations capability, transport and logistics, and sea basing capabilities.

Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines detailed the project’s technical requirements, while also explaining that the deal includes the supply of two complementing Landing Craft Utilities (LCU) and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) for each LPD.

Each ship is expected to be at least 120 meters long, with a displacement not less than 7,200 tons, capable of operating at sea state 6, a maximum speed of at least 16 knots powered by two diesel engines, and a maximum range of at least 8,000 nautical miles. 

The ship should also have a hangar for 1 and flight deck for two 10-ton medium helicopters, accommodation for a marine battalion of 500 men and space for at least 8 amphibious assault vehicles, and can carry two existing missile-armed assault boats of the Philippine Navy.

It was expected that Indonesian state-owned shipyard PT PAL and Dutch shipbuilder Damen would be leading the tender, although offers were said to have been made from Indian and South Korean shipbuilders. PT PAL previously delivered an earlier batch of LPDs to the PN, subsequently named as the Tarlac-class.

The new LPDs are expected to replace the remaining World War II-era Landing Ship Tanks (LST) still in service with the PN, as it moves to retire all legacy ships by 2020.



[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Jane’s 360

Philippines orders various UAVs from Israel

The Skylark 1-LEX tactical mini UAV from Elbit Systems.

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded a contract to Israel's Elbit Systems Ltd. for the supply of various models of Unmanned Aerial Systems for the Philippine Army (PA) in a deal worth PHP8 billion (US$154 million).

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the contract signed in early June 2019 involves the order for "several hundreds" of Elbit's THOR multirotor mini UAV, "several dozens" of the Skylark 1-LEX mini UAV, several Skylark 3 light UAVs, and an unspecified number of the Hermes 450 medium altitude long endurance UAV.

The UAVs are acquired as part of a larger C4ISTAR requirements of the PA, which aims to improve the battlespace situational awareness and targetting systems.

In a separate development, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is also awaiting for Elbit Systems to deliver an earlier order for large Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 UAVs which eill be used for maritime and battlefield surveillance. The first batch are expected to arrive by 2019, and will continue delivery until 2021.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Globes Business News

Sri Lanka commissions former USCG Hamilton-class cutter

The SLNS Gajabahu (P 626). Photo c/o Sri Lankan Navy.

The Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) has formally commissioned the former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter USCGC Sherman, which it received from the US government as a grant.

The ship, now named SLNS Gajabahu (P 626) entered service on 6 June 2019 at services held in Colombo port and attended by the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. 

The former USCGC Sherman was handed over to the SLN on 27 August 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and arrived in Sri Lanka on 12 May 2019.

The ship will be used for patrol and surveillance missions in deep seas around Sri Lanka, while also providing maritime security and search & rescue operations.

She is currently the largest ship in service with the SLN, and will have a crew of 133, including 22 officers. It has a full-load displacement of 3,353 tonnes, an overall beam of 13.1 m, a draught of 6.1 m, and is armed with a 76mm Oto Melara naval gun.

The ship is expected to patrol the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and provide additional security for ships from all nations passing the busy sea-lanes of the Indian Ocean.

The ship is the second former USCG cutter it received from the US, after the former USCGC Courageous, which was granted to Sri Lanka in 2004. 



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Colombo Gazette
[3] Colombo Page

Indonesia assigns 2 AS565MBe Panther for anti-submarine warfare

One of the ASW-capable AS565MBe Panther of the TNI-AL. Photo c/o Pinterest.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) assigned two (2) of the Airbus Helicopters AS565MBe Panther helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) out of the eleven (11) it ordered.

The nine (9) other units will be used for naval utility operations to replace the aging fleet of BO-105 helicopters, while still having the options to be converted to ASW-capable helicopters in the future.

The TNI-AL ordered 11 Panther helicopters through state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in 2014. They were delivered in basic configurstion by Airbus Helicopters to PTDI, with the later assigned to install mission equipment and final fit-out and finishing works.

It is expected that the two ASW-equipped Panther helicopters will be assigned to the two new Martadinata-class (SIGMA 10514) frigates, each of which can carry a single helicopter.



[1] Jane's Navy International

Thailand orders M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon from Norway

The latest variant of M72 LAW from NAMMO Raufoss AS of Norway. Photo c/o Army Recognition.

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) ordered several 66mm rocket launchers, said to be variants of the M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW) from Norwegian defense company NAMMO Raufoss AS.

NAMMO Raufoss AS was declared the winner in the tender to deliver 400 of the said rocket launchers in a deal worth THB39,139,100.00 (US$1.25 million).

In a separste but related contract, NAMMO Raufoss AS was also selected to supply the RTA with rocket trainer systems worth THB33,990,281.33 (US$1.09 million).

The M72 LAW is a portable, one-short 6mm unguided anti-tank weapon available since the 1960s and is still in production with NAMMO Raufoss AS in their facilities in Norway and in the US. 

The RTA has been using the M72 LAW for several decades and is one of its standard infantry assault weapons used against bunkers and lightly armored vehicles.



[1] Royal Thai Army Procurement
[2] Royal Thai Army Procurement
[3] AAG_th Thai Defense Page

Singapore introduces new Hunter tracked armored fighting vehicle

The Hunter AFV. Photo c/o IHS Markit.

The Singapore Army (SA) has revealed the new name of their Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV), now called the Hunter AFV, with the first vehicle placed into service and appeared in the SA Armoured Formation’s 50th Anniversary parade on 11 June 2019.

The vehicle has been in development since 2006 by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in cooperation with ST Engineering Land Systems. 

The Hunter will replace the ageing M113A2 Ultra tracked armored personnel carriers in service since the 1970s, and will be complementing the smaller Bionix II infantry fighting vehicles. 

Limited information were provided by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) although it known that the baseline version of the Hunter AFV will have a length of 6.9 meters, a width of 3.4 meters, and an overall height of 3.4 meters. It has a crew of three comprising of a driver seated on the front left, while the gunner and commander will be seated side-by-side immediately behind the powerpack. The Hunter AFV can carry up to eight (8) fully-equipped dismounts on its rear troop compartment.

The vehicle is armed with a 30mm autocannon with armour piercing and high explosive ammunition, mounted on a Rafael Samson unmanned turret. It will also have 2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun, plus 76mm smoke grenade launchers.



The vehicle prides of having a fully digitized integrated combat cockpit, allowing the commander and gunner to operate the vehicle using a common set of controls. The vehicle als has an enhanced C4 system using the new Army Tactical Engagement and Information System (ARTEMIS) supporting networked warfighting capabilities.

It also has an enhanced all-round surveillance system through cameras mounted on the vehicle’s exterior, allowing a 360-degree field of vision for the crew. A laser warning system (LWS) also provides early warning if the vehicle is targeted.



[1] Singapore Ministry of Defence
[2] Jane’s International Defence Review
[3] Channel NewsAsia

Sri Lanka receives refurbished Jiangwei I-class frigate from China

The former PLAN frigate Tongling now carries the pennant number P625. Photo c/o Sri Lankan Navy

The Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) has formally received a refurbished Jiangwei I-class (Type 053H2G) frigate from the Chinese government on 5 June 2019 at Shanghai Zhonghua Shipyard in China attended by the SLN’s Chief of Staff Rear Adm. Nishantha Ulugetenna.

Previously known as the frigate Tongling (542) of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and first commissioned in 1994, the ship now carries the pennant number P625 which indicates the intention to use it as a patrol vessel rather than a frigate. It is expected to receive its new name once it is formally commissioned with the SLN.

The ship will be sailing for Sri Lanka on 14 June 2019, and is expected to arrive before the end of the month.

The ship’s hand-over was part of an US$18 million arms procurement deal signed between the Chinese and Sri Lankan governments in 2016.

The Jianwei I-class frigate has a length of 111.7 meters, a beam of 12.4 meters, a full-load displacement of 2,300 tons, and a crew of 110 officers and sailors. 

Initial photos showed that the 6-cell HQ-61 surface-to-air missile system appears to have been removed, and is expected to also not have the 6 box launchers for the YJ-83 anti-ship missiles.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Naval Today
[3] The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

South Korea completes upgrade of Chang Bogo-class submarine Na Dae Yong

ROKS Na Dae Yong (SS-069) of the ROKN. Photo c/o Wikimedia Commons.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) received the upgraded Chang Bogo-class (Type 209/1200) submarine ROKS Na Dae Yong (SS-069) from South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

The handover took place on 10 June 2019 in DSME’s Okpo shipyard in Geoje Island, completing a 2-year long upgrade of the submarine.

In a statement released on 10 June 2019, the Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) confirmed that the submarine has been retrofitted with a new Combat Management System, a towed-array sonar, and improved target detection and tracking capability.

DAPA official Choi Hoe-gyeong said that “Its testing and evaluation showed that the new version bears the key target-detecting and combat functions required to carry out underwater warfare in a more effective manner”, wherein the employment of indigenous technology will improve the South Korean military’s readiness posture.

The Chang Bogo-class submarine was acquired under the KSS-I diesel electric submarine program of the ROKN. The submarine is 55.9 meters long, has a beam of 6.2 meters, and has a displacement of around 1,200 tons. The ROKS Na Dae Yong was commissioned to the ROKN in November 2000.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Korea Times

India orders 100 more SPICE 2000 bomb guidance kits from Israel

The SPICE 2000 kit on a 2000-lb gravity bomb. Photo c/o Economic Times India.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) made a follow-on order for 100 units of SPICE 2000 bomb guidance kits. Under an INR3 billion (US$43.3 million) deal with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

SPICE stands for "Smart Precise Impact Cost Effective".

The deal, said to be signed on 6 June 2019, will be delivered within three months and would be used by the IAF's upgraded fleet of Mirage 2000H fighter aircraft.

Rafael's SPICE allows the conversion of standard Mark 84 and BLU-109 series of 2000-lb gravity bombs into stand-off autonomous munitions. It can be dropped from high altitudes 60 kilometers away from its intended target, and is equipped with an  Inertial Navigation System (INS) guided by Global Positioning System (GPS). 

The IAF has been using the SPICE 2000 since 2015, and it was used in an airstrike conducted in February 2019 against terrorists targets in Balakot in Kashmir, which led to sair skirmishes with the Pakistan Air Force.

The airstrike was said to be effective and a proof of SPICE 2000's capabilities, which led to this new order from the IAF.



[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Business Today India

New Zealand commissions new hydrographic vessel

The HMNZS Manawanui (A 09). Photo c/o RNZN.

The Royal News Zealand Navy (RNZN) commissioned its new hydrographic and diving support ship, the HMNZS Manawanui (A 09).

The commissioning ceremony was held on 7 June 2019 at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leading the event.

The ship is not brand new, and was formerly a Norway-based offshore support vessel  supporting offshore oil and gas industry and was first commissioning in 2003 as the MV Edda Fonn.

It was then procured by the New Zealand government under a NZ$103 million (US$67.3 million) deal to fulfill operational gaps in the RNZN's diving support and maritime survey capability left by the retirement of the hydrographic ship HMNZS Resolution in 2012, and the diving tender HMNZS Manawanui in 2018.

It was then fitted out in Denmark according to RNZN requirements, before sailing to New Zealand.

The ship is 84.7 meters long, an overall beam of 18 meters, draught of 6.3 meters, displacement of 5,700 tons. It is powered by four diesel-electric engines capable of propelling the ship to a maximum speed of 13 knots.

It is equipped with a 100-ton salvage crane, a diving chamber and a helicopter flight deck.

[1] Jane's Defence Weekly
[2] Navy Recognition

India starts receiving proposals for Naval Utility Helicopter procurement

The navalized version of HAL's Dhuruv light helicopter. Photo c/o Defense Update.

India has started the process of entertaining proposals for their upcoming Naval Utility Helicopter procurement for the Indian Navy ,with three helicopter manufacturers submitting proposals while also receiving proposals from eight local companies to becoming strategic partners.

The project, which is expected to be worth INR220 billion (US$3.18 billion) for 111 units of naval utility helicopters. The winning model will replace the ageing Chetak helicopters built by Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

The three foreign manufacturers include Airbus Helicopters, which is offering their H145M and AS565 Panther helicopters, Lockheed Martin with the Sikorsky S-76, and Russian Helicopters with the Kamov Ka-226T Hoodlum. At the same time, Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. (HAL) also made a proposal offering a navalized version of their Dhuruv light helicopter.

Previously Bell Helicopters also made known its interest with their Bell 412, but it appears that they have not yet submitted a formal proposal.

Under the “Make in India” policy of the Indian government, the requirement calls for the local manufacture of at least 95 of the helicopters. This is where the local strategic partners will become relevant. 



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Flight Global
[3] Naval Technology