Myanmar to receive refurbished Kilo-class submarine from India

The INS Sindhuvir, which is to be transferred to the Myanmar Navy. Photo c/o Economic Times.

The Myanmar Navy (MN) is set to receive a refurbished Kilo-class diesel electric attack submarine from India.

The submarine INS Sindhuvir, built in Russia and acquired by India in the 1980s, is currently being refurbished and refitted with Indian-made systems at Hindustan Shipyards Ltd.

It is expected that the submarine will be delivered to the MN within the year, after securing approval from the Russian government.

Myanmar will use the submarine to train for its future submarine fleet, which Myanmar has been planning to have as its neighbors like Bangladesh and Thailand start to operate submarines.

It is believed that Myanmar used a Line of Credit (LOC) extended by India for acquiring defense related products.

Myanmar is expected to be the 5th country in Southeast Asia to operate submarines in its fleet after Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. 


[1] Economic Times India

India receives first four AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters

The AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian of the Indian Air Force. Photo c/o Air International Online.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first four Boeing AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters, which arrived at the IAF’s Hindon Air Force Station near New Delhi on 27 July 2019.

The helicopters will be assembled by Boeing technicians before ferrying the helicopters to Pathankot Air Force Station close to the Pakistani border where it will be formally accepted into service.

The IAF ordered 22 AH-64E (I) attack helicopters in 2015 under a combined Direct Commercial Sales and US Foreign Military Sales programs worth US$2.02 billion deal, to equip two squadrons of 10 helicopters each. While one squadron will assigned near the Pakistani border, the other squadron will be located near India’s border with China. The other 2 helicopters will be held as reserves in case of accidents or combat losses.

Another four units are expected to arrive in India by 3 August 2019, while the rest of the order are expected to be delivered by 2020.

The Apache Guardians will replace older Soviet-era Mil Mi-25 and Mi-35 combat helicopters in IAF service.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Economic Times – India Times
[3] The Diplomat

Philippines considers Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine for submarine program

A Scorpene-class diesel electric attack submarine. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The Philippines Secretary of National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana confirmed in an interview with the local media that the Philippine Navy (PN) has included the Scorpene-class diesel electric submarine of French shipyard Naval Group as one of the platforms being considered for its Submarine acquisition program. 

A team from the Department of National Defense (DND) led by Sec. Lorenzana will be visiting 5 European countries including France, and is scheduled to visit the Naval Group’s facilities and look at their submarine production and technology.

The Scorpene-class is available in four standard variants: a standard conventional diesel-electric variant called the CM-2000, a variant with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system called the AM-2000, a downsized coastal patrol variant called the CA-2000, and an enlarged variant which is currently used by the Brazilian Navy called the S-BR variant.

The PN has been finding ways to secure funding for the acquisition of 2 or 3 new diesel-electric attack submarines, and is open to securing soft loans as part of a government-to-government negotiation with the submarine builder’s government of origin. 

Other countries that made their pitch to help fund and supply submarines were Russia, South Korea, and Germany.

It is believed that the PN is after the standard CM-2000 variant, which has a displacement of around 1,565 tons, a length of 61.7 meters, a beam of 6.2 meters, and a draft of 5.8 meters. The CM-2000 variant has a maximum speed of 20 knots while submerged, and 12 knots when surfaced. It has a maximum range of 6,500 nautical miles at 8 knots and surfaced, or 550 nautical miles at 5 knots when submerged.

The entire class has a standard fit of six 533mm torpedo tubes for a mix on heavyweight torpedoes, mines, and the MBDA SM39 Exocet anti-ship missile.

The Scorpene-class is currently in service with the Chilean Navy, Indian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, and is being built for the Brazilian Navy.


[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Naval Technology

Indonesia commissions fourth Sampari-class (KCR-60M) fast missile craft

The Sampari-class missile craft KRI Kerambit (627). Photo c/o Lancer Defense.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) formally commissioned its fourth Sampari-class fast missile craft (KCR-60M), named KRI Kerambit (627) on 25 July 2019.

The ship was built by state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero), and had its first steel cutting ceremony on February 2017, and was launched on 27 February 2018.

Ceremonies were held in Surabaya, Indonesia, with the ship assigned to the TNI-AL’s First Fleet Command (Komando Armada I) 

The ship has an overall length of 59.8 meters, a beam of 8.1 meters, and a hull draught of 2.6 meters. Propelled by two MTU 20V 4000 M73L diesel engines, it can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots, and has a maximum range of 2,400 nautical miles at 20 knots.

The KRI Kerambit is considered part of the first batch of the class, equipped with Chinese-made radars including the SR-47AG search radar and TR-47C fire control radar. 

The ship is armed with a Bofors 40mm gun and two Denel Vektor GI-2 G12 20mm guns, and four CAIC C-705 anti-ship cruise missiles.


[1] Jane’s Navy International
[2]  Naval News

South Korea approves plan for new assault aircraft carrier with F-35B fighters

The new LPX-II ship would be larger and twice as heavy as the LPX-I Dokdo-class ships (above). Photo c/o Shephard Media.

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) has approved a request made by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) for a new aircraft-carrying assault ship under the Next Generation Large Transport Ship "LPX-II" project.

The ship is expected to be in service with the ROKN by the late 2020s.

The new ship would be capable of carrying up to 3,000 marines and 20 armored vehicles. But it would also be the first ship in the ROKN to carry up to 16 to 20 of Lockheed Martin's F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, or helicopters depending on deployment requirements and mix.

The ship is expected to be larger and twice a heavy than the exisiting 14,500-ton Dokdo-class Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) constructed under the LPX-I program. And at 30,000 tons displacement, the LPX-II ship is seen to be larger than Japan's Izumo-class multi-purpose operations destroyers.

It will benefit from being designed at the start to operate the F-35B, probably speculations on plans for the ROKN to retrofit the Dokdo-class to allow F-35B operations.

South Korea's decision comes as Japan announced plans to retrofit their two Izumo-class aviation destoyers to operate F-35B stealth fighters, and as China builds its second and third aircraft carriers. This may also put pressure for Australia to retrofit their two Canberra-class landing helicopter docks (LHD) to also allow F-35B operations.



[1] Naval News
[2] Defense News
[3] Defence Connect

Philippines looking at acquiring Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopter

The latest model of the Chinook, the CH-47F. Photo c/o US Army.

The Philippines’ ambassador to the US Amb. Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed to local media that the US is offering Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said this is in addition to previous offers by the US for other helicopters including the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk, 16 units of which were ordered early this year under a Php12.67 billion (US$240 million) deal.

Amb. Romualdez believes that the Philippines will benefit on having Chinooks for disaster relief operations and moving troops, supplies, and equipment. He also confirmed that the AFP in general prefer American-made weapon systems because of interoperability reasons.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines mentioned that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has an existing requirement for at least three (3) heavy lift helicopters which is being pushed to be included in the 2nd List of Horizon 2 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Project. The PAF was said to prefer the Chinook over other heavy lift helicopter models from Europe and Russia.

The 2nd List refers to additional projects being proposed for implementation on top of the earlier Php300 billion (US$5.88 billion) Horizon 2 phase projects approved by Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for implementation last June 2018. This new phase would be dependent on availability of funds raised from government revenues.


[1] ABS-CBN News
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

First two Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles for Australia arrives

The Boxer 8x8 armored reconnaissance vehicle. Photo c/o Australian DoD.

Germany's Rhinemetall Defence delivered the first 2 of 25 units of German-made Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles for the Australian Army (AA).

The delivery was reported by Jane's to have happened in mid-July 2019.

As part of the AU$3.3 billion (US$2.4 billiom) contract with the Australian Department of Defence under the Project LAND 400 Phase 2, Rhinemetall Defence will deliver 25 Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles made at their plant in Germany, while 186 units will be built in Australia by Rhinemetall Defence Australia (RDA).

Of the 25 German-built vehicles, 13 are reconnaissance platforms while 12 are MPV variants.

RDA will deliver all 211 Boxer 8x8 vehicles of all variants by 2026, which will replace the ASLAV 8x8 vehicles of the AA.


[1] Jane's Defence Weekly

Philippines receives shipment of Russian RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade launchers

An RPG-7V2 rocket propelled grenade launcher. Photo c/o Techapeek.

The Philippine Army (PA) recently received a shipment of several hundreds of RPG-7V2 rocket propelled grenade launchers and associated ammunition and accessories from Russia.

This was disclosed by Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines. No date was provided on the shipment arrival although MaxDefense mentioned that it arrived within July 2019.

Based on previous reports, the PA requires at least 744 rocket propelled grenade launchers under its Rocket Launcher Light (Phase 2) project to augment their current inventory, as they continue to replace the aging M67 90mm recoilless rifle used as heavy weapons by infantry units.

Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported on 2017 that Russia’s Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) worth Php408 million (US$8 million) to supply RPG-7 rocket propelled launchers and ammunition to the PA. The RPGs are expected to be from Russian arms manufacturer Bazalt.

The PA currently operates a Bulgarian variant of the RPG-7 called the ATGL-L from Arsenal JS Co. acquired under the Rocket Launcher Light (Phase 1) project, as well as small numbers of Chinese-made Type 69 RPGs from NORINCO donated by the Chinese government.

These were used during the Battle of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, satisfying the PA's need while complementing the M67 recoilless rifles.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] TASS Russian News Agency
[3] MaxDefense Philippines

China retires three Jianghu II-class frigates, Type 906 supply ship

The Jianghu II-class frigate Jinhua (534). Photo c/o China Defense blog.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) retired three (3) of their older frigates on 13 July 2019, and also retired a supply ship on 15 July 2019.

The frigates are all assigned with the PLAN’s South Sea Fleet in charge of operating in

The frigates, all ships of the Type 053H1 Jianghu-II class are the Taizhou (533), Jinhua (534), and Linfen (545), all made in Hudong and were commissioned in June and December 1982, and September 1987, respectively.

The supply ship was a 156-meter long Type 904 Dayun-class, which was unnamed in reports.

The frigates are commonly equipped with two 100mm naval guns, four twin 37mm anti-aircraft guns, two Type 81 (copy of RBU-1200) 5-tube anti-submarine warfare rocket launchers, two Type 62 anti-submarine mortar launchers, and two depth charge racks. They are also armed with six SY-1 anti-ship missiles.

The PLAN is progressively replacing the older frigates with the new Type 054A frigates. It is also  building newer variants of the Type 906 supply ship called the Type 906B which are larger than earlier variants.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] China Defense Blog

Indonesia appropriates budget for two new hydrographic survey ships

KRI Spica (934), one of the latest survey ships of the TNI-AL built by OCEA. Photo c/o Baird Maritime.

The Indonesian government has allocated an additional IDR2.04 trillion (US$143 million) to the country’s 2019 defense budget for the acquisition of two (2) new hydrographic survey ships for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The two ships can be quickly modified for use as a submarine rescue platform if needed, and are expected for delivery within the 2020-2024 timeframe.

Not much details were provided although the ships are expected to be at around 90 meters long.

Indonesia has been planning to replace its former Royal Navy Hecla-class survey ship KRI Dewa Kembar (932) acquired from the United Kingdom in 1986 and now more than 50 years old.


[1] Jane’s Navy International
[2] Naval News

Japan launches second Maya-class AEGIS destroyer

The Haguru as it was launched from JMU's facility in Yokohama. Photo c/o JMSDF.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) led on 17 July 2019 the launching of its second Maya-class AEGIS guided missile destroyer being built by Japan Marine United (JMU) in their shipyard in Yokohama.

The ship, which will be named the future JS Haguru (DDG-180), follows the launching of its sistership Maya (DDG-179) on July 2018. The future JS Haguru is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF by mid 2021.

The Maya-class destroyers are larger, improved versions of the earlier Atago-class, and will have Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability.

It will be eighth ship of the JMSDF to have the AEGIS combat system, with the Maya-class equipped with the Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B radar system and the latest version of the AEGIS Baseline J7 combat system which is equivalent to the US Navy's AEGIS Baseline 9/BMD 5.1 standard.

The ship will be armed with the SM-3 Block IIA as well as the SM-6 anti-ballistic missile interceptors. It will also have the SM-2 Standard and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launched from the 96 Mk.41 VLS systems.

It would be powered by an improved Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas Turbine (CODLAG) propulsion system, a departure from the usual Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) found on earlier JMSDF destroyer classes.

Another feature is the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) which allows real-time sharing of sensor data on air targets including enemy aircraft and cruise missiles among CEC-equipped ships. Currently CEC is present on US Navy ships, and the Hobart-class destroyers of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The larger size of the ship also provide allowances for future capabilities including the use of rail gun and laser weapons that are still under development.



[1] The Diplomat
[2] Naval Today

Philippines largest coast guard ship launched in France

The future BRP Gabriela Silang (8301) offshore patrol vessel during its launching. Photo c/o DOTr.

The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) largest ship was launched on 17 July 2019 by French shipbuilder Ocea Maritime Safety and Security in their shipyard in Les Sables d'olonne, France.

The ship, which will be named Gabriela Silang (8301), was based on Ocea's 84-meter OPV-270 design. It is now considered as the largest aluminium offshore patrol vessel in the world, and is also the largest ship Ocea has produced. 

Once in service, the ship would be used for maritime security and safety missions, including patrols of the Philippines vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The offshore patrol vessel will be equipped with a Mission Management System that integrates surveillance, detection and communication capabilities for situational awareness.

It will have a crew of 40 officers and sailors, an endurance of up to 5 weeks and a maximum range of 8,000nautical miles at 12 knots. lt is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion systerm that alows a

maximum speed of 22 knots. It also has a helideck and hangar for a 5-ton class helicopter.

The ship is also equipped with a telescopic davit to launch two 9.2-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and will have spaces for castaways, offenders, wounded, divers, and special forces.

Training of the PCG crew is expected to start on September 2019 and will end in the last week of October 2019 as the ship is expected to sail for its delivery to the Philippines. 

The ship is expected to arrive in the Philippines by the first week of December 2019, and could be commissioned before the end of the year.

[1] Ocea SSM

[2] CNN Philippines

Myanmar receives initial delivery of Indian-made torpedoes

The TAL Shyena lightweight torpedoes. Photo c/o Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

IHS Jane’s reported that India made an initial delivery on early July 2019 of their indigenous Shyena advanced lightweight torpedoes to Myanmar, which is part of a US$37.9 million deal made by the two countries in 2017.

The torpedoes will be used by the Myanmar Navy (MN).

The Advance Light Torpedo (TAL) Shyena anti-submarine torpedo was designed by Naval Science and Technology Laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It was first introduced to the Indian Navy (IN) in 2012, and is 2.75 meters long, weighs 220 kilograms, has a 50-kilogram explosive warhead, and can be launched from ships or aircraft.

It is electrically-propelled with a range of 7 kilometers at a maximum speed of 33 knots, with a passive or active acoustic homing guidance system.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Livefist Defence India
[3] Zee News

New Zealand eyed for Hunter-class frigate export by Australia

The Hunter-class frigate for the RAN. Photo c/o RAN.

New Zealand is eyed as a potential customer for the Hunter-class frigate program to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ANZAC-class frigates late in the next decade. 

This was confirmed by BAE Systems Australia, which was awarded a AU$35 billion (US$25 billion) contract by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) to deliver nine (9) Hunter-class frigates to the Royal Australian Navy under the SEA 5000 programme, including transfer of technology and skills to Australia. 

This was after FmBAE Managing Director for Naval Ships Steve Timms was quoted that New Zealand is interested in the company’s Type 26 frigate, which was the base design used for the Hunter-class. 

The report also mentioned that New Zealand may be interested in two or three ships. The RNZN currently operates two ANZAC-class frigates, which are planned for replacement by 2030.

BAE Systems Australia also believe that the Australian government should consider exporting the design to close allies and develop Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry. 


[1] Jane’s Defence Industry
[2] Financial Times
[3] The Telegraph

Vietnam shows interest in Russia’s Projects 11356 and 22356 Frigates

A Project 11356 frigate of the Russian Navy. Photo c/o WeapoNews website.

The Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) has started discussions with Russian state-owned arms export agency Rosoboronexport on a possible acquisition of larger warships than the current Project 11661E Gepard 3.9 class frigates, four (4) ships which are active in its arsenal.

Interest was made on the export version of the Russian Navy’s Project 11356 Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates (Krivak IV), and also to the larger Project 22356 Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates. Both designs are larger and more capable than the VPN’s Gepard 3.9 class.

Sources from Vietnam believe that the VPN is interested in at least 2 new ships.

Currently the Project 11356 has been exported to India, with 2 ships being built in Russia allocated for the Indian Navy, while also granting license production to produce 2 more frigates in India. The ship has a length of 125 meters, a full displacement weight of 4,000 tons, has a maximum speed of 30 knots powered by 4 gas turbines engines in Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration.

The Project 22356 is the export version of the Project 22350 being used by the Russian Navy. It has a length of 135 meters, a full displacement of 4,750 tons, and a maximum speed of 30 knots powered by 2 diesel and 2 gas turbine engines in Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) configuration.

Both ship designs can be configured according to the end user’s requirements, although basic weapon configuration for Project 11356 include a 100mm A-190 naval gun, two 4-cell UKSK VLS for Yakhont or Kalibr anti-ship cruise missiles, two 12-cell VLS for 9M317M surface to air missiles, two AK-630 close-in weapon systems, a launcher for 8 Igla-S or Verba VSHORAD missiels, two twin 533mm torpedo tubes, and an RBU-6000 anti-submarine warfare rocket launcher.

Meanwhile the Project 22356 has a 130mm A-192M naval gun, five 8-cell UKSK VLS for Yakhont or Kalibr anti-ship cruise missiles, two 16-cell Redut VLS for a variety of surface-to-air missile models including the 9M96 series or quad-packed 9M100 missiles, two Kashtan CIWS, and two quadruple 330mm torpedo tubes.


[1] Dat Viet Newspaper

Malaysia's second Keris-class Littoral Missions Ship launched in China

The Sundang, RMN's second Keris-class littoral mission ship. Photo c/o RMN through Naval Today.

   
The second Keris-class littoral mission ship (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) was launched in China on 12 July 2019.

The ship, named Sundang (112), was built and launched by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) in their shipyard in Wuhan, China under a MYR1.17 billion (US$265 million) contract signed on March 2017.

Originally, 2 ships will be built in China while the other 2 ships will be built in Malaysia by Boustead Naval Shipyard. But this was revised by the new government leadership and instead will have all 4 ships built in China to save on costs.

The first ship, named Keris, is expected to be be delivered to the RMN by December 2019. All four ships are scheduled to be delivered to the RMN by 2021.

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] Naval Today
[2] Malaysia Defence

Philippines prepares limited tender for 2 new 94-meter patrol vessels from Japan

The Japan Coast Guard Kunigami-class large patrol vessels. Photo c/o Chuck Hill's blog.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has started preparing for the limited tender to construct and deliver two (2) new 94-meter patrol vessels from Japanese shipbuilders, as part of the agency’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II programme.

The funds for these vessels will be provided via development soft loan from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Among the agreements with the loan is  to allow only Japanese shipbuilders to supply the ships.

According to the report of MaxDefense Philippines, Japan Marine United (JMU), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) are competing for the project, which would be based on the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class large patrol vessel.

Delivery is expected to be made starting 2021, should the project be finalized within the year.

The ships will be around 94 meters long, 11.5 meters wide, weighs around 2,300 tons, can run a maximum of 24 knots and powered by 2 diesel engines with allocation for a possible use of electric drive motors. It will have a range of around 4,000 nautical miles and an endurance of more than 15 days. 

It would have a helicopter landing deck and hangar for a medium helicopter, and two 8-meter boats lowered by davit cranes. 

The PCG also required for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to be included in the ship.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Manila Bulletin

First steel cutting for Indonesia’s second Semarang-class LPD-based hospital ship

PT PAL and TNI-AL officials during the First Steel Cutting ceremonies for the new Semarang-class LPD-based Hospital Ship. Photo c/o PT PAL's Facebook page.

Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has started the construction work for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) new hospital ship, which is based on the Semarang-class landing platform dock.

The ceremonies for the first steel cutting was held on 9 July 2019 in PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya, East Java, and attended by high officials from the Indonesian Ministry of State Owned Enterprises (BUMN), PT PAL and TNI-AL.

The ship will be used for both military and peacetime purposes as a floating hospital, with clinics and emergency services, operating facilities, in-patient care, and other medical facilities. It is expected that the ship will be delivered to the TNI-AL by October 2021.

The Semarang-class landing platform dock was derived from the Tarlac-class designed and delivered for the Philippine Navy. It is around 124 meters long, has a maximum speed of 16 knots and is powered by two 2,920-kilowatt diesel engines. It has a helicopter landing deck for 2 medium helicopters, and a hangar for 1 helicopter.


[1] PT PAL Facebook Page
[2] Tribun News

India seeks 18 more Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, eyes 20 more MiG-29UPG fighters

IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters.

Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) on 8 July 2019 confirmed that they are processing an Indian Air Force (IAF) request to acquire 18 additional Sukhoi Su-30MKI multi-role fighters, which will be assembled in India.

These additional fighter aircraft will add to the existing 250 similar aircraft already in service with IAF. Of that number, more than 200 units were assembled in India by Hindustan Aerospace Industries (HAL) plant in Nashik, Western India, with components and parts for 222 units provided by Russia. 

Before this order, the IAF intends to have a total of 272 Su-30MKI fighters in 13 squadrons by 2021, and the additional order increases the total to 290 units in 14 squadrons.

According to report by IHS Jane’s, the indigenous content of locally-assembled Su-30MKI fighters are said to reach 50%, although Russia still provides the major components including powerpack, titanium blocks and forging, aluminium and steel plates, and other major and standard components.

In addition to 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters, FSMTC confirms that there is also another request from the IAF for 20 additional MiG-29UPG multi-role fighters, although no further information was provided on this.


[1] TASS – Russian News Agency
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[3] The Diplomat

Australia releases RFI for new armed reconnaissance helicopters to replace Tiger

The Airbus Tiger ARH of the Australian Army, which is planned for replacement in the next decade. Photo c/o Australia National Audit Office.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) has released a Request for Information (RFI) for 29 new armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army under the Land 4503 programme.

The requirement calls for a “proven and mature, off-the-shelf” models, which reduces risks on the project after the prolonged delays that the DoD encountered on the Eurocopter (now Airbus) Tiger ARH fleet.

The new helicopter are required to fit the C-17A Globemaster strategic airlifter for transport to deployment area, and can operate from a landing helicopter dock vessel. 

The new helicopters are also required to be able to work together with an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), which is most likely the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper which will introduced to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) soon.

Five of the new helicopters would be used for training, while the other 24 units will be equipping two combat squadrons based on a single location, with the first squadron reaching Initial Operational Capability levels by 2026, and Fill Operational Capability by 2028.

It is expected that the possible competitors for the project include the Boeing AH-64E Apache, Bell AH-1Z Viper, and the Airbus Tiger Mk. III which is the latest variant of the Tiger and has combat experiences in Mali and Afghanistan.


[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[3] Scramble Magazine

Thailand in the market for new lightweight 155mm field howitzer

An M777 155mm ultra lightweight howitzer used by the US Marines. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) released a requirement for a new lightweight 155mm howitzer to enhance the firepower of rapid deployment and air mobile forces.

The requirement is for it to weight less than 8,000 kilograms, can be moved by aircraft without the need for disassembly, capable of firing rounds up to 30 kilometers away, the barrel can be elevated up to 45 degrees to less than 0 degree, and has a rate of fire of 3 rounds per minute or more.

The requirement also calls for the new field howitzer to be compatible with the RTA’s existing communications and fire control systems, and can be fired manually or through an automated system supported by an electric generator and inverter for power supply.

The model to be purchased should be a proven one, in service with the origin’s armed forces and other foreign armed forces, and is supportable for at least 20 years.

It is believed that the RTA is eyeing the BAE Systems M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer, which is currently in service with its ally the US Army and US Marine Corps, as well as other countries including Australia, Canada, India, and Saudi Arabia.

Thailand was introduced to the M777 howitzer during previous Cobra Gold exercises with the US, wherein it was deployed quickly and can be carried by helicopters. The RTA has a large fleet of helicopters including the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-17 Hip that could carry lightweight howitzers into the combat area.


[1] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page

Indonesia inaugurates new air base in Batam’s Hang Nadim Airport

It was proposed to build a shelter suitable for at least 4 F-16 fighters of the TNI-AU in Hang Nadim Airport complex. Photo c/o Asian Defense News page.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) a new air base within the Hang Nadim International Airport complex in Batam Island, to maintain airspace security and defense in the region, as well as maintaining the increase flight operations of the air force from the airport.

TNI-AU Chief of Staff Marshal Yuyu Sutisna led the inauguration rights on 4 July 2019, and appointed Lt. Col. Urip Widodo was the air base’s first commander.

The airport experienced increased flight operations tempo from air force aircraft, which reached 596 sorties including surveillance, navigation training, VIP and VVIP flights, and support for TNI-AU  exercises such as the Angkasa Yudha and Tutuka.

It was also reported last year that shelters for TNI-AU aircraft will built in cooperation with the Batam Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) in preparation for Indonesia’s take-over of the Riau Island province’s Flight Information Region (FIR) from Singapore this year.

Singapore has been overseeing flight information over the air space above Riau Islands including Batam Island since 1946.


[1] Indonesian Air Force News
[2] Straits Times

New Zealand to start first phase of Protected Mobility program

The Thales Australia Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. Photo c/o Army Recognition.

Q
The New Zealand Defense Minister revealed plans to procure a new fleet of High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles with a budget of NZ$18.6 million (US$12.3 million), and up to 43 units of Protected Vehicles Medium.  This are part of the first phase of procurement of vehicles to replace existing ageing assets in the New Zealand Army (NZA) under the Defence Capability Plan 2019.

According to Defense Min. Ron Mark, they are considering the Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicle to fill the requirement of the High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles, and is looking at the possibility of adapting the Thales Australia Bushmaster armored vehicle for the Protected Vehicles Medium requirement.

The High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles based on the Polaris MZRZ will replace quad bikes and other small vehicles to improve mobility and safety of rapidly deployable mobile force. 

The Protected Vehicles Medium will replace ageing Pinzgauers and Unimogs, which are said to be ageing and lacking adequate protection against current threats.

The New Zealand government is looking at working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other related suppliers to fill the requirement on the Protected Vehicles Medium.


[1] Beehive – New Zealand Government

Singapore to build new large-scale urban operations smart training centre

An infographic of the proposed SAFTI City. Photo c/o Singapore MINDEF.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is expected to have a new 88-hectare urban operations training centre, which will be called SAFTI City.

The decision to build an urban operations training centre stemmed from evaluation by the SAF and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) that the chances of fighting future conflicts in urban areas, including homeland defence, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping operations has gone up compared to jungle operations.

The project, part of a larger SG$900 million (US$660 million) program to improve the SAF’s training facilities, will be jointly developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Singapore Army.

Phase 1 of the SAFTI City project, sizeable enough for a brigade-level training, will feature 70 mock buildings including three 12-storey structures, high and low-rise interconnected buildings and underground structures including a mock subway and subway station with decommissioned trains, a bus interchange with mock buses, multiple road networks and dense building structures which can be reconfigured to a different layout. It is estimated to cost around US$295 million to build.

The training complex will also use smart simulation technologies, including the use of blast and smoke generators, and mobile targets with shoot-back capabilities to enhance realism and effectiveness of the training environment.

Video cameras and battlefield instrumentation will be used to track the trainee’s real-time actions and evaluate individual and team performance using a data analytic system.

Phase 1 of SAFTI City is expected to open by 2023.

MINDEF cited Marawi conflict in the Philippines in 2017, wherein Philippine security forces suffered casualties from terrorist snipers and lack of of familiarity in massive urban warfare operation. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has requested the SAF for assistance in urban operations training, and has also been using SAF’s current urban training facilities to improve its capabilities.

The SAF is also building a joint training facilitiy with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Queensland, Australia which includes urban and open field warfare operations.


[1] Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)
[2] Straits Times
[3] Jane’s International Defence Review