Philippines set to procure Mil Mi-17 helicopters from Russia

Mil Mi-17 helicopter from Russia. Photo c/o Airplane Pictures.net.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign a contract for the procurement of 16 Mil Mi-17 medium helicopters worth Php12.5 billion (US$240 million) from Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport, as part of his visit to Moscow this week which includes meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As part of the deal, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will also get an additional helicopter for free. No mention was made on the exact variant of the Mi-17 that the PAF will be receiving

This will become the first major arms export of Russia to the Philippines, which traditionally get its arms supply from Western countries.

The medium helicopters will be the largest ever in PAF service, and will improve the PAF’s ability to provide mobility support during combat and peacetime operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The Philippines is also expecting the delivery of 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk it ordered from US aviation giant Lockheed Martin. The helicopters will be built by Sikorsky’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec and will start delivery by 2020.


[1] Business Mirror

US approves potential sale of Boeing AH-6i light attack helicopters to Thailand

The Boeing AH-6i Light attack helicopter.

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Thailand of eight (8) Boeing AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$400 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of the possible sale.

The Government of Thailand has requested to buy eight (8) AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopters; fifty (50) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; and two-hundred (200) Advance Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Rockets. Also included are ten (10) M134 Mini Guns, ten (10) M260 Rocket Launchers; ten (10) M299 Longbow Hellfire Launcher; ten (10) AN/APN-209 Radar Altimeter; eight (8) AN/APR-39(V)(4) four (4) GAU-19/B .50 Cal Machine Gun; five-hundred (500) Hydra 70 Rockets; twenty (20) AN/AVS-6 Night Vision Goggles; eight (8) WESCAM MX-10Di Cameras; ten (10) AN/APX-123 IFF; ten (10) AN/ARC 201E-VHF-FM; ten (10) AN/ARC-231 w/ MX-4027; ten (10) LN-251 Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (EGI); Aircrew Trainer (ACT); Pilot Desktop Trainer (PDT); Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT); contractor provided pilot and maintainer training peculiar ground support equipment; spares; publications; integrated product support; technical assistance; quality assurance team; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is US$400 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO ally in INDO-PACOM. Thailand is a strategic partner committed to contributing to regional security.

The proposed sale of the AH-6i helicopter will improve the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) light attack capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. These AH-6i helicopters will replace the RTA’s aging fleet of seven AH-IF Cobra helicopters. As part of a broader military modernization effort, these AH-6i helicopters will provide light attack reconnaissance for close air support to special operations forces, Stryker infantry soldiers and border guard units. Thailand will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The Us believes that the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor for the AH-6i is Boeing Company, Mesa, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any permanent additional U.S. Government or Contractor representatives to Thailand.

The notice of a potential sale does not mean the sale has been concluded, as this would be determine later on once Thailand makes the final decision to push through with the acquisition.



[1] US Defense Security Cooperating Agency

China launches first ever Type 075 amphibious assault ship

Launching of the first Type 075 amphibious assault ship of the PLAN in Shanghai. Photo c/o The Warzone.

China has launched its first 40,000-ton Type 075 amphibious assault ship on 25 September 2019 in ceremonies held in Hudong-Zhonhua yard in Shanghai.

The ship, classified as a helicopter landing dock, will enable the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to increase its capability and improve its ability to conduct amphibious and air assault operations from sea, especially on island assault operations.

It will carry more troops, transport and attack helicopters, and amphibious assault vehicles and landing crafts than its currently largest amphibious assault ship the Type 071. It is similar in purpose and feature to the US Navy’s Wasp-class assault ships, and is significantly larger than similar ships operated by other regional powers like Russia, Japan, Australia and South Korea.

The ship will still need to undergo fitting of combat systems, as well as many other systems and finishing inside the ship. This would take several more months before it can start any sea trials. It was noted by defense analysts that the ship was constructed at high speed, highlighting the ability of Chinese shipyards to produce large warships in such short time

The PLAN is expected to receive three such ships, with another one already started construction. 

The introduction of such ships means China is expected to increase its naval infantry and assault forces, which is a concern for several of China’s neighbors due to its recent actions and territorial disputes.

The Type 075 has a flight deck and helicopter hangar deck that could carry up to 30 helicopters of various models and sizes, and more than 1,000 marines and their equipment. It will also have its own landing craft air cushioned to allow movement of troops and equipment from ship to shore.

Weapon systems may include the H/PJ-11 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS), and FL-3000N point defense surface-to-air missiles.


[1] Economic Times
[2] South China Morning Post
[3] The Drive – The Warzone

Taiwan unveils new indigenous T-5 Brave Eagle advance jet trainer

The first T-5 Brave Eagle jet trainer prototype. Photo c/o Kyodo News.

Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) launched the first prototype of their newly developed T-5 Yong Ying “Brave Eagle” advance jet trainer in ceremonies held on 24 September 2019 in Taichung, central Taiwan.

The development of an advance jet trainer is a first for Taiwan, which previously had experience in developing a basic jet trainer, the AIDC AT-3 Tzu Chung and the F-CK-1 Ching Kuo light fighter in the past.

The launching of the jet trainer is expected to improve Taiwan’s indigenous aircraft development, with the project creating 1,200 jobs at home, and another 800 new jobs by 2021. The project has costed around NT$68.6 billion (US$2.2 billion) to date.

AIDC plans to start mass production of the new aircraft by 2023 and deliver orders until 2028.

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) plans to acquire at least 66 units of the new jet trainer to replace older AIDC AT-3 trainers and some of the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II light combat aircraft that are now used for training pilots.

The introduction of the new T-5 advance jet trainer will also simplify the training process. Currently ROCAF fighter pilot candidates will have to complete training from a primary propeller training aircraft into the AT-3 basic jet trainer, then to the F-5F Tiger II two-seat light fighter before proceeding to train on more advanced fighter aircraft like the F-16B Fighting Falcon.

The new T-5 would replace the AT-3 and F-5F, and pilots reaching proficiency with the new jet can proceed to train in more advanced two-seat fighter aircraft like the upcoming F-16D Block 70 Viper.


[1] Kyodo News
[2] South China Morning Post

Thailand may postpone acquisition of second frigate to fund second submarine

The HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471). A similar ship was planned for the RTN but may have to be delayed in favor of an S26T submarine from China. Photo c/o RTN.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is planning to postpone its plan to acquire a second brand new frigate from South Korea, and instead use the funding to allow the acquisition of a second S26T diesel-electric submarine from China.

The funds are expected to be released within the 2020 fiscal year.

The first S26T submarine is already under construction in China, and is expected to be delivered to the RTN by 2023. A second submarine is expected to cost around THB13.5 billion (US$442 million), and will be paid for in instalments spread over 7 years.

The RTN plans to have three (3) new submarines from China under a THB36 billion long term plan, and having them all delivered by 2030.

The RTN was also planning to build a second frigate similar to the recently delivered HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471), which was built by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). A second frigate is expected to cost around THB15 billion (US$491 million).

A decision is expected to be released before yearend.


[1] Bangkok Post

India successfully conducts user trials of Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile

An IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter launches an Astra BVRAAM during user trials in September 2019. Photo c/o IAF.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a pre-mass production user trial of the new indigenously-made and developed Astra Mk. 1 beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

The user test was conducted off the coast of Odisha and was fired by an IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter, and was said to have been made between 16 to 19 September 2019.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and IAF for the successful user trials, which is a first for India in terms of developing an air-to-air missile.

The Astra features a mid-course inertial guidance with terminal active radar homing, and is capable of engagements as short as 20 kilometers, up to a maximum of up to 80 kilometers. It is equipped with an electronic counter-countermeasures and has a 15 kilogram high explosive warhead.

Initially it has been integrated with the IAF’s main fighter the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, but will eventually be integrated with other air assets of the IAF including the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29, HAL Tejas, and Dassault Mirage 2000. Export of the missile is also being considered.


[1] The Economic Times
[2] India Today

Philippines to commission 3 fast boats, 4 amphibious assault vehicles

MPAC Mk.3 boats, similar to those for conmissioning with the PN today. These examples were delivered in 2018 under a separate contract. Photo c/o MaxDefense Philippines.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is scheduled to commission three (3) new Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk.3 fast boats and four (4) KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles in ceremonies scheduled 23 September 2019.

The ceremonies is expected to be attended by Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and top officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PN.

The MPAC Mk.3  were made by the joint venture of Taiwan’s Lung The Shipbuilding, and Filipino marine company Propmech Corporation, and will actually be the 4th batch acquired by the PN from the joint venture. It would be armed with the Rafael Spike-ER missiles fired from the Rafael Typhoon MLS-ER missile launchers, as well as a 12.7mm heavy machine guns mounted on the Rafael Mini Typhoon remote weapon stations, and two manually-operated 7.62mm GP machine guns.

The boats will be assigned with the PN’s Littoral Combat Force, which operate all littoral fleet assets.

The KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) are the last batch delivered by South Korea’s Hanwha Defense under a Php2.4 billion contract to supply eight (8) AAVs. The first batch of vehicles were delivered in May 2019 and commissioned by June 2019, while this second batch arrived in August 2019.

The vehicles will be assigned with the Philippine Marine Corps’ Armor Assault Battalion and join other armored vehicle assets of the PMC which includes the Cadillac Gage V-150 and V-300 Commando wheeled AVs and a few ageing LVTH-6 tracked AAVs.

The PN intends to acquire more MPACs and AAVs as part of the its Capability Upgrade Program although none has been programmed during the current phase covering years 2018 to 2023.



[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] PTV News

Philippines received last batch of KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles from South Korea

One of the first batch of KAAV-7A1 during Exercise DAGIT-PA 03 19. Photo c/o Rappler.

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) received the last four (4) units of KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles ordered from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense.

Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that the vehicles arrived in the last week of August 2019, and were immediately prepared for final tests and inspection in preparation of formal acceptance by September 2019.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) ordered eight (8) KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles from Hanwha Defense  in 2016 under a PHP2.423 billion (US$55.5 million) contract on behalf of the Philippine Navy (PN), which is the service branch in which the PMC is attached.

The initial batch of four (4) units were delivered by Hanwha Defense to the PMC on May 2019, and were formally accepted into service on June 2019. 

The first batch of vehicles conducted their first military exercise in the ongoing Joint Military Exercises of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dubbed Exercise DAGIT-PA 03 19, with the vehicles launched from the PN’s Tarlac-class landing platform dock. It is expected that all 8 KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles will be used in the upcoming PH-US Joint Military Exercise KAMANDAG 04 2019 which is scheduled in October 2019.

The KAAV-7A1 are Korean license-built copies of the BAE Systems AAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicle used by the US Marine Corps and other marine forces. It is equipped with a manned turret with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and 40mm automatic grenade launcher.



[1] Inquirer.net
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] PTV News

Australia shortlists Rhinemetall and Hanwha for infantry fighting vehicle requirement

The Rhinemetall Lynx and Hanwha Redback IFVs. Photo c/o Australian Defence Magazine.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has announced that they have shortlisted the proposals for the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) project for the Australian Army (AA), which is part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 Project.

Germany’s Rhinemetall Defence and South Korea’s Hanwha Defense remains in the competition with the Lynx KF41 and the AS21 Redback IFV, respectively. Offers from General Dynamics Land Systems with the Ajax AFV, and BAE Systems Hagglunds with the CV90 IFV has been taken out.

The two shortlisted proposals will then under the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) phase of the evaluation, wherein both will have to provide test vehicles within 12 months.

The Hanwha Defense AS21 Redback has a crew of 3 and can host 8 dismount troops, has a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour, cross country speed of 40 kilometers per hour, and an operational range of 500 kilometers. It is armed with a 40mm autocannon with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. w 
Meanwhile the Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41: The Lynx KF41 has a crew of 3 and can carry up to 9 troops,  have a maximum road speed of 70km/h, and a maximum rrange of more than 500 kilometres, with is armed with a Lance 2.0 30-35mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and other close-in weapons systems.

Requirements released by the MOD during the Request for Tender (RFT) are for the vehicles to be able to carry 6 dismounts, ability to be deployed with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Canberra-class landing helicopter dock, and ability to be airlifted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III strategic airlifters.

It also requires a manned turret instead of unmanned ones, 

The LAND 400 Phase 3 project aims to replace the AA’s fleet of M113AS4 armored personnel carriers, and is expected to be worth between A$10-15 billion (US$7 to 10.4 billion). A decision is expected to be reached by the Australian DOD by 2022.


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

Keel laid for first S26T diesel-electric submarine for Thailand

The S26T submarine scale model. Photo c/o Reddit

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Chinese shipbuilder Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd held the keel laying ceremony for the RTN’s first S26T diesel-electric submarine.

The ceremonies was held in Wuchang Shipybuilding’s yard in Wuhan, China on 5 September 2019, and was attended by top officials of the RTN as well as from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The event takes place almost one year after the First Steel Cutting ceremony, which was held on 4 September 2018.

The Thai government approved the acquisition of the first S26T submarine in April 2017, and signed a contract on May 2017 with China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation in a deal worth THB13.5 billion (US$411 million). 

The submarine is expected to be delivered to the RTN by 2023.

The S26T was based on the Type 039B Yuan-class submarine operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It is expected to displace at around 2,600 tons, has a top speed of 18 knots, and a submerged endurance of up to 20 days. 

It will be armed with up to 16 torpedoes, and up to 30 mines.

While the RTN has only ordered one unit, the service intends to order another unit and has requested for funds from the Thai government to support the program. The second unit is expected to cost less than the first one.


[1] AAG_Th Journal Thai Defense Page
[2] Thai Armed Force Defense Page:

Indonesia tests CH-4B Cai Hong UCAV in latest combined military exercises

A CH-4 UAV as photographed in Indonesia. Photo c/o Airspace Review.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has conducted demonstration flights of the CH-4 Cai Hong medium altitude high endurance unmanned  combat aerial vehicle (MALE UCAV) made by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

At least two (2) CH-4 UAVs arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia on 30 August 2019 for a series of demonstration flights, and later on joined in combined military exercises with the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) dubbed “Dharma Yudha 2019” from 9 to 12 September 2019 in Situbondo, East Java.

During the exercises, the CH-4 UAV were controlled from Surabaya, and conducted bombing runs from 15,000 feet in Situbondo exercise area with high precision.

The TNI-AU has plans to acquire up to six (6) new unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) as part of the Strategic Plan Second Stage



[1] Antara News
[2] Airspace Review (Angkasa Review)

India commissions first 8 Boeing AH-64E(I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters

One of the AH-64E(I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters of the IAF. Photo c/o Zeenews India.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) commissioned the first 8 units of Boeing AH-64E(I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters during ceremonies held at Pathankot Air Force Station near the border with Pakistan on 3 September 2019.

The helicopters will be operated by the IAF’s 125 “Gladiators” Helicopter Squadron.

This first batch is part of a larger order for 22 units in a contract worth US$2.02 billion and signed in 2015. The rest of the helicopters will be delivered by 2020.

The IAF plans to operate 2 squadrons of 10 helicopters each, with 1 squadron each assigned near the borders with Pakistan and China. 2 units will be held as reserves in case of accidents or combat losses.

Compared to the standard AH-64E Apache Guardian, the AH-64E(I), with “I” standing for India, has Indian-specific enhancements to suit operations according to IAF needs. Initial outputs from the IAF says the Apache Guardians are superior to their existing fleet of Russian-made Mi-35 Hind combat helicopters in terms of electronic warfare, surveillance and detection, and weapon systems.

India has ordered another 8 units of Apache Guardians in 2018, this time for the Indian Army.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] News18 India

Bangladesh receives fast patrol boats ordered from Indonesian boatbuilder

One of the X-12 combat crafts for the Bangladesh Navy. Photo c/o North Sea Boats.

The Bangladesh Navy (BN) has recently received full delivery of sixteen (16) fast patrol boats from Indonesian boatbuilder North Sea Boats / PT Lundin Industries.

The boats are expected to be commissioned with the BN by third week of September 2019.

The boats are based on the company’s X-12 combat craft design, which are 11.7 meters long and was designed to carry a crew of 3 and seats for 8 troops for ship-boarding or insertion requirements.

The boats are armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on top of the superstructure, and additional gun mounts for 12.7mm or 7.62mm machine guns, or 40mm grenade launchers at the aft deck. It also has integrated navigation and communication system.

It is powered by two diesel engines and waterjets allowing the boat a maximum speed of 37 knots, and a maximum range of 300 nautical miles at 30 knots cruising speed.



[1] North Sea Boats
[2] Nautic Expo

Australia receives 10th Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

The RAAF's 10th P-8A Poseidon MPA. Photo c/o Scramble Magazine.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) received its 10th Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft on 29 August 2019.

The aircraft with serial number A47-010 arrived at its new homebase in RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, and will join other similar aircraft with the 11 Squadron, 92 Wing.

The Australian government has committed to equip the RAAF with at least fifteen (15) P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft. So far, twelve (12) have been ordered although another three are on option.

The P-8A Poseidon is poised to fully replace the ageing fleet of Lockheed AP-3C Orion that have been in service with the RAAF for several decades.


[1] Scramble Magazine

Cambodia receives donated wheeled armored vehicles from China

Some of the Tiger armored vehicles being unloaded from trucks. Photo c/o Bao Dat Viet.

The Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) received several Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Tiger 4x4 wheeled light armored vehicles donated by China.

The delivery was part of China’s commitment to support the Cambodian government including defense and security cooperation, and strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

The armored vehicles can be armed with either a general purpose or heavy machine gun, or an automatic grenade launcher, and can carry a crew of 2 and up to 9 passengers.

The vehicle has a combat weight of 6.5 tons and is protected to small arms fire up to 7.62mm.

The Tiger is powered by a Cummins diesel engine and can run up to a maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour with a range of 600 kilometers.


[1] Bao Dat Viet
[2] Army Recognition

Thailand signs Construction Agreement with China for export variant of Type 071 LPD

A photo from the agreement signing between Thailand and China. Photo c/o Thai Armed Force page.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has signed a Construction Agreement with China for the construction of an export variant of the Type 071 large landing platform dock (LPD), in a ceremony held in Beiijing on 9 September 2019.

The ship is said to cost THB4 billion (US$130 million), and will become one of the RTN’s largest ships.

The acquisition of a Type 071 LPD from China would help ease the burden to the RTN’s sole LPD, the HTMS Angthong, which was bought from ST Engineering Marine based on the Endurance-class LPD design for THB4.9 billion.

China State Shipbuilding Corporation previously displayed and offered the Type 071 to the RTN, even showing off a scale model showing the ship able to operate three Sikorsky MH-60S  Seahawk naval utility helicopters.


[1] Thai Armed Force Defense Page
[2] Bangkok Post
[3] Chinese Military Review

Philippines receives first batch of Hermes 450 UAVs from Israel

An Elbit Systems Hermes 450 UAV, this example with the Brazilian armed forces.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) was said to have received the first batch of Elbit Systems Hermes 450 medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the two (2) Hermes 450 UAVs arrived in late August 2019, and were seen conducting flight tests in an airbase south of Manila in early September 2019. The UAVs will be operated by the PAF’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing.

A total of 4 Hermes 450 UAVs were ordered as part of a larger deal worth Php8.47 billion (US$163 million) that includes the delivery of 9 larger Hermes 900 UAVs under the PAF’s Unmanned Aerial Systems project.

MaxDefense Philippines mentioned that the other 2 Hermes 450 UAVs, as well as an initial batch of Hermes 900 UAVs may arrive either late 2019 or early 2020. 

The Elbit Systems Hermes 450 has a range of 300 kilometres and an endurance of up to 20 hours. It can carry sensor and surveillance payloads of up to 150 kilograms total. It is currently in service or in order by more than a dozen other countries including Israel.

The Hermes 450 is currently the most capable and largest UAV in service with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which has several small UAVs in service prior to the arrival of the Hermes 450.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Israel Defense

Russia offers to replace Malaysia’s ageing MiG-29 fighters, S-61 helicopters

The Russian MiG-35 Fulcrum-F fighter. Photo c/o Free Malaysia Today.

The Russian government has offered to replace ageing aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin’s close aid and Rostec State Corporation’s international cooperation and regional policy director Dr. Victor Kladov mentioning his discussion with Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahatir Mohammad on several matters.

Among those offered by Dr. Kladov during his meetings were to buy-back the RMAF’s fleet of operational and grounded MiG-29N/NUB Fulcrum fighters bought in the mid-1990s, and replacing them with two squadrons of the newer MiG-35 Fulcrum-F fighters. 

The MiG-35 Fulcrum-F are 4++ Generation fighter aircraft, which uses improved engines and fly-by-wire avionics, advanced computer systems and weapon systems compared to the 4th generation MiG-29 Fulcrum.

Another offer made by the Russian side was to replace the RMAF’s fleet of Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters with the newer generation Mil Mi-171 helicopter.

Russia sees an advantage for the RMAF in terms of maintenance and logistics, as well as optimizing economies of scale via bulk purchases with purchasing products from Russian Helicopters, since the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Fire and Rescue Department are also expected to order other Russian Helicopters  products including the Ansat, the Mil Mi-8/17, and the Kamov Ka-32A11DC helicopters.


[1] New Straits Times
[2] Free Malaysia Today

Myanmar shows interest on the export version of Sukhoi Su-57 5th gen fighter

The export variant of the Sukhoi Su-57 was displayed in MAKS 2019 Airshow recently. Photo c/o IHS Markit.

At the sidelines of the recently concluded MAKS 2019 Airshow near Moscow, Russia, the Myanmar Ambassador to Russia mentioned that the country is interested in acquiring more Russian fighters for the Myanmar Air Force (MAF), including the new Sukhoi Su-57 5th generation fighter that was on display.

The ambassador also confirmed that negotiations are underway for the acquisition of Russian fighters, which may include follow-on orders for more Sukhoi Su-30 fighters and Yak-130 advance trainers. MAF has an existing order for 6 new Sukhoi Su-30 fighters, while also operating a few MiG-29 fighters and Yak-130 advance armed trainers.

Any acquisition will still be subject to Russia’s approval of any request to purchase, especially for the advanced Su-57 which still has to find an export market.


[1] RIA Novosti

Malaysia likely to cancel deal to acquire MD-530G helicopters, surplus M109A5 SPH

An M1095 155mm SPH.

The Malaysian government is said to be poised to cancel two major defense deals the previous administration entered in a few years ago.

These are the acquisition of brand new MD-530G light combat helicopters from MD Helicopters, and transfer of surplus M109A5 Paladin 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers from the US stocks.

Asia Pacific Defense Journal previously reported on irregularities in the deal to acquire six (6) MD-530G helicopters, as the deposit intended for the helicopters were said to have not been paid to MD Helicopters, withholding deliveries that should have started in 2017.

According to Malaysia Defence, the government may have decided not to pursue the deal and cancel the contract.

The same is true for the deal to acquire several surplus M109A5 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers from US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) which was contract signed on April 2018. Malaysia Defence was said to have received the information from an unnamed high ranking official from the Malaysia Armed Forces (MAF)

The current administration of Prime Minister Mahatir Mohammad has been checking every deal entered by the previous administration of former Prime Minister Najib Razak due to issues of corruption and irregularities, leading to cancellation of several deals including those for defense procurement.

[1] Malaysia Defence
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Indonesia launches 7th Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tank

Indonesian officials during the launching of KRI Teluk Calang (524). Photo c/o Indo Maritim.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Daya Radar Utama (PT DRU) launched the 7th Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tank for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) in its shipyard in Lampung on 19 August 2019.

The ship, named Teluk Calang (524), is expected to be delivered to the TNI-AL in a few months time, joining other similar ships to replace older ships. Asia Pacific Defense Journal just reported earlier today that the TNI-AL has retired 2 old landing ship tanks on 15 August 2019.

The launch was attended by various officials from PT DRU, TNI-AL, and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). 

The ship is designed to support sealift operations for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AL) and Indonesian Marine Corps (Korps Marinir) to move armored vehicles, including up to 10 Leopard 2 main battle tanks, or 14 BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles. It can also carry up to 478 personnel.

Aside from the launching, the event also involved the ship naming of two other Teluk Bintuni-class ships, the ship temporarily designated as AT-5 was named as KRI Yousefa Bay (522), while AT-6 was named KRI Teluk Palu (523). KRI Yousefa Bat was launched on 16 May 2019, 

The Teluk Bintuni-class has a length of 120 meters, a maximum beam of 18 meters, and has a maximum speed of 16 knots.


[1] Indo Maritim

Indonesia decommissions two ex-US Navy Landing Ship Tanks

KRI Teluk Bone (511). Photo c/o Indomiliter forum.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) retired two of its few remaining World War II-era landing ship tanks, the KRI Teluk Ratai (509) and KRI Teluk Bone (511) during ceremonies held in Kommando Armada II base in Surabaya on 15 August 2019.

The two ships were formerly US Navy landing ship tanks built in the 1940s. The KRI Teluk Ratai (509) being formerly the LST-542-class landing ship tank USS LST-678, which was later on converted to the self-propelled barracks ship USS Presque Isle (APB-44) and jointed the TNI-AL in 1967. The KRI Teluk Bone (509) was formerly the LST-542-class landing ship tank USS Iredell County (LST-839), and was transferred to the TNI-AL in 1970.

Both ships were actively involved in almost every military operations of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), providing military sealift capability. It has also been used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations despite exceeding its maximum lift cycle.

It appears though that the TNI-AL still has one similar ship in service although plans have been made for its retirement together with several other ships soon.


[1] Komando Lintas Laut Militer
[2] Navsource Online

Samoa receives Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The Guardian-class patrol boat Nafanua II. Photo c/o Brian Scott / Marine Traffic.com.

The Australian government handed over a new Guardian-class patrol boat to the Samoan government during ceremonies held in Henderson, Western Australia on 16 August 2019.

The boat, built by Australian shipbuilder Austal, was named Nafanua II and was accepted by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minster Fiame Naomi Nata’afa and Commissioner of Police Mr. Fuivaili’ili Egon Keil.

The decades-long commitment to maritime security is part of the Australian Government’s $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program. One component is the handover of the new vessels, with the first three being delivered to Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Tonga. Several other Pacific island countries will receive the same type of boats in the next few years.

The Guardian-class patrol boat has 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.


[1] Australian Department of Defence

Landing platform dock for Myanmar launched

The UMS Moattama as seen in Busan on August 2019. Photo c/o Less Credible Defense.

South Korean shipbuilder Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering has launched the landing platform dock (LPD) it is building for the Myanmar Navy (MN) in their shipyard in Busan, South Korea.

The event was low key  and may have been made as early as July 2019 based on the ship’s appearance and readiness as it appears on photos taken a month later.

The ship, said to be named UMS Moattama with hull number 1501, is expected to be delivered to the MN in a few months and could enter service before year end.

The UMS Moattama was based on the Makassar-class design used by Dae Sun for the LPDs ordered by Indonesia and Peru. It is expected to be at least 125 meters long, and a beam of 22 meters. It is also expected to be able to accommodate at least two Mi-17 medium helicopters in its flight deck.

Myanmar joins other navies in the ASEAN region that operate LPD-type ships including Indonesia and the Philippines which operate ships based on the Makassar-class, and Singapore and Thailand which both operate ships based on the Endurance-class design.

[1] Jane's Navy International
[2] Less Credible Defense