Japan gets approval to upgrade 98 F-15J Eagle fighters to Japanese Super Interceptor variant

One of the F-15J Eagle fighter of the JASDF. Photo c/o The Drive.

Japan has been given approval by the United States government to proceed with an upgrade program for their existing fleet of F-15J Eagle air superiority fighter, the US State Department announced on 29 October 2019, and noted by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The upgrade to the new Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) configuration will cover 98 of Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) 156 Boeing-Mitsubishi F-15J single-seat fighters, and is expected to cost at around US$4.5 billion through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program although a Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) component is also included in the program.

Part of the program is the sale and supply of 103 Raytheon APG-82(v)1 AESA radar, 116 Honeywell Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) Mission System Computers, 101 BAE Systems AN/ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS), as well as the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), ARC-210 radio, and other munitions, equipment, spares, repair works and other related services.

The new radar is similar to those found in the new Boeing F-15X fighter being acquired by the US Air Force (USAF), and is the same radar used for the upgrade works on the USAF’s existing F-15E Strike Eagles and Israeli Air Force’s F-15I Ra’am.

The upgrade supports previous reports on Japan’s plan to continue using their F-15 Eagle fleet for many more years to come, as a partner with the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and until a new replacement comes into service. 

The upgrade will also allow Japan to improve its air defense capability, while opening to the possibility of multirole capability including possible integration to air-to-ground capabilities, and acceptance of US and other Western-made munitions.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[3] The Drive – The Warzone

Indonesia plans to acquire two squadrons of F-16 Block 72 Viper

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) plans to acquire 2 squadrons worth of new Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 72 Viper fighter aircraft as part of its Strategic Plan 2020 to 2024.

This was announced by the TNI-AU’s Chief of Staff, Marshal Yuyu Sutsina in Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Riau on 28 October 2019.

Marshall Sutsina mentioned that Indonesia still relies on the F-16 for its air defense requirements and believes that it will continue to do so in the future. The TNI-AU equipped with 33 of the aircraft in different variants making it the most prolific fighter aircraft in its fleet. These fighters are currently based in Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Riau, and Iswashjudi Air Base in East Java.

He also mentioned that the high volume of aircraft and the numerous global users, plus its reliability makes it a very good aircraft.

The F-16 Block 70/72 Viper is the latest variant of the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon line of single-engine multirole fighter from the US, and is also offered to several regional air forces. Indonesia is said to be the first air arm in the ASEAN region to operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon, receiving their first F-16B Block 15 aircraft in 1989.

Indonesia is also in the process of acquiring the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35, with 11 units under negotiations with Russia.



[1] Antara News
[2] Jakarta Globe

Australia decommissions final Adelaide-class frigate

The HMAS Melbourne (FFG-05). Photo c/o RAN.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has decommissioned its last operational Adelaide-class guided missile frigate, the HMAS Melbourne (FFG-05) in ceremonies held on 26 October 2019 at the RAN’s base in Garden Island, Sydney.

The ship prides itself of 27 years of distinguished service to Australia’s maritime security operations including deployments to the Middle East 8 times, and earning battle honors for serving in East Timor and Persian Gulf.

Prior to retirement, the HMAS Melbourne completed a four-month deployment through North Asia, including enforcing United Nations Security Council resolution sanctions against North Korea.

The HMAS Melbourne was built by Australian Marine Engineering Consolidated in their shipyard in Williamstown in Melbourne, and was laid down in July 1985, launched in May 1989, and commissioned into service with the RAN in 15 February 1992.

She was the 5th ship of the class, and was built based on a modified version of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate design used by the US Navy. The Adelaide-class were the RAN’s foremost air defense asset until the introduction of the Hobart-class air warfare destroyers.

No decision has been made on its final disposition although there were previous reports that Chile was interested in purchasing her to replace older Dutch-made air defense frigates in service with the Chilean Navy.


[1] ADBR 
[2] 9News
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

South Korea unveils new diesel-electric submarine design for export market

The new DSME2000 submarine design from DSME. Photo c/o IHS Jane's.

As part of International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2019 in Busan, South Korea, South Korean naval shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) has unveiled a new diesel-electric submarine design which it intends to sell into the export market, especially Southeast Asia and South America.

The design, called the DSME2000, benefits from the technology used on the KSS-III indigenous submarine program which resulted to the Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric attack submarine for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

The new design also benefited from the recent success on the export of Improved Chang Bogo-class submarines for the Indonesian Navy which has been South Korea’s only export market for submarines so far.

The new DSME2000 is larger than the Chang Bogo-class (based on German Type 209/1400 design) and the Son Won Il-class (based on German Type 214 design) used by the ROKN with both designs displacing less than 2,000 tons, but smaller than the Dosan Ahn Changho-class which displaces at more than 3,500 tons.

The DSME2000 displaces at 2,000 tons, is 71.1 meters long and has a diameter of 6.5 meters. Using  lithium-ion batteries  and an AC propulsion electric motor, it has a maximum submerged speed of 20 knots and maximum surfaced speed of 10 knots. It also has a maximum range of 10,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. Total crew space is good for up to 40 officers and sailors including Special Forces guests.

It will have 8 torpedo tubes and up to 16 torpedoes, although this can be mixed with mines and submarine-launched anti-ship missiles. 

The submarine will also have a mast sensor suite that includes radar, optronics, electronic support measures (ESM), satellite communication (SATCOM), and up to two communication retractable masts. It will also have a Cylindrical Hydrophone Array, an Intercept Detection and Ranging Sonar, Own Noise Analysis, Flank Array Sonar, Passive Ranging Sonar, Active Operation Sonar, and Towed Array Sonar.


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

Philippines tendering for tank-based armored vehicle launched bridges

The Hyundai Rotem K1 AVLB. Photo c/o Hoochoo & Sultang blog page.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has started the tender for the acquisition of Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridges (AVLBs) for the Philippine Army (PA).

These are part of a larger Combat Engineering Equipment project which will provide the PA with support equipment for combat engineering use.

If delivered, this would be the first time the PA will have such asset. The PA only has standard construction and roadworks equipment as part of its Engineering units.

It was specified that the platform vehicle would be based on a tracked tank chassis, and the bridge itself would have a span of 18 meters and a load capacity based on NATO STANAG Military Load Classification MLC 50.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, these acquisitions were part of the lessons learned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during its military operation against ISIS-inspired terrorists during the Battle of Marawi in 2017. The PA realized the importance of combat engineering to support military operations, especially when bridges were under enemy control or within the range of enemy fire.

MaxDefense Philippines also pointed that the acquisition of tank-based AVLBs could be a sign of the PA's preparation to acquire main battle tanks in the near future.

If all goes well, the tender submissions by interested proponents would be opened on 13 November 2019, with deliveries expected to start within one (1) year after the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is released.


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

Indonesia continues negotiation to acquire C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

A C-130J Super Hercules of the Roya New Zealand Air Force.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that they are looking to procure the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from the US government, and is also interested in having industrial cooperation to support the aircraft.

This was among the topics discussed between the Indonesian MOD Secretary General Agus Stiadji and US acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Christopher Johnston in Jakarta on 22 October 2019.

The Indonesian MOD, on behalf of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has shown interest in the C-130J Super Hercules to improve the service’s air transport capability and replacing legacy assets, mostly older C-130B Hercules aircraft that are in service since the 1960s.

An initial procurement of at least five (5) aircraft is planned, although more units will be needed to completely replace legacy units. The TNI-AU currently operates a fleet of up to 20 aircraft, all mixed variants of the older C-130 Hercules forming its heavy tactical airlift capability.
The TNI-AU has also showed interest to procure the larger Airbus A400M Grizzly, although nothing has been made since it was announced in 2017.

[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly

South Korea’s Kia Motors launch new tactical military truck models

The latest Kia MTV trucks were displayed in Seoul International ADEX 2019. Photo c/o IHS Jane's.

As part of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2019, South Korean automotive company Kia Motors recently launched its new line of tactical military 2 ½-ton and 5-ton trucks called the Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTV) that they intend to market to the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) as replacement to its existing trucks.

The new design uses a cab-over-engine (COE) configuration unlike Kia’s existing KM250 and KM500 trucks which uses the conventional configuration of the engine being in front with a bonneted cab.

The vehicles will also have STANAG 4569 Level 2 armored protection in the cabin and side walls in the rear cargo area to protect the driver and passengers from small arms and shrapnel.

The trucks will benefit also from newer engine technology, and will be using the same 7-liter Kia diesel engine powering the latest Pavise commercial trucks from mother company Hyundai Motors.

The Kia MTV can also be configured as a troop or cargo carrier, support vehicle, command post, and other roles, and can fit inside a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules heavy airlift aircraft.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly

First steel cutting held for Indonesia’s two additional Teluk Bintuni-class Landing Ship Tank

The first ship of the class KRI Teluk Bintuni (520) during sea trials. Two more ships of the class had their first steel cutting recently. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The first steel cutting ceremony was held for the 8th and 9th unit of the Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tank for the Indonesian Navy during ceremonies held on 18 October 2019 at Indonesian shipbuilder PT Bandar Abadi’s yard in Batam.

This is the first time PT Bandar Abadi has constructed the ships of the class, as earlier sisterships were built by another shipyard, PT Daya Radar Utama.

The two ships, temporarily designated as AT-8 and AT-9, were acquired as part of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Minimum Essential Force Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2019. 

The contract for the ships were signed on February 2019, and is expected to cost around IDR360 billion (US$25.6 million) and was financed through a domestic loan

It will be used for transporting equipment of the Indonesian Army {TNI-AD) including heavy tanks, and could also be used as a transport asset during peacetime operations.

The Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tanks are 117 meters long, 16.4 meters wide, and has a draft of 3.0 meters. It has a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a maximum range of 6,240 nautical miles at 13 knots cruising speed.


[1] Kumparan
[2] Navy Recognition

South Korea unveils next generation KAAV-II amphibious assault vehicle

The scale model of the KAAV-II as displayed during Seoul International ADEX 2019. Photo c/o Shephard Media.

As part of the recently concluded Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2019, South Korea’s Hanwha Defense presented a scale model of its next generation Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle II (KAAV-II).

Hanwha is currently developing the vehicle to meet a future requirement from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), and is expected to replace the current KAAV based on the BAE Systems AAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicle.

South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) is also assisting Hanwha Defense in the vehicle development, with the first stage “Exploratory Development Stage” is expected to be completed by September 2022, and prototypes released for testing.

Second stage “System Development Stage” using information taken from the prototypes, is expected to commence from 2023 to 2028, before serial production at Hanwha’s Changwon facility to take place by 2029.

The vehicle will feature locally-manufactured and developed parts and subsystems, although major components will be initially imported until Korean industries can come up with a local alternative. This includes Germany’s MTU providing the propulsion engine, Canada’s Kinetics Drive Solutions for the transmission, rubber tracks from Canada’s Soucy Track, 

The KAAV-II was designed to have a crew of three, and carry up to twenty one marines. It will have a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour on land, and 25 kilometers per hour (13.5 knots) on water. It will have a maximum range of 480 kilometers on a single fuel tank, and will have a designed endurance of 2 hours over water.

The scale model features an unmanned turret armed with a 40mm cased telescopic autocannon being developed by South Korea’s S&T Motiv, which will include munitions for the gun.



[1] Jane’s Defence Industry
[2] Naval News
[3] Shephard Media

Cambodia looking at acquiring additional L-39 Albatross trainer jets

An Aero L-39 Albatross, this example with the Czech Air Force. Photo c/o Air Recognition.

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced during his state visit to the Czech Republic that the Cambodian government is looking to improve the capabilities of the Royal Cambodian Air Force (RCAF) including the acquisition of additional Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross trainer jets.

This was confirmed by Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who also confirmed that discussions were made on the export of other military equipment to Cambodia.

The RCAF already acquired six (6) L-39 Albatross trainer jets, which it uses for air patrols and border security, and an additional 3 or 4 more units are planned to further improve the RCAF’s capabilities.

The earlier L-39s were bought in 1996 and will require upgrades soon.



[1] Phnom Penh Post
[2] Jane’s Defence Industry

New Zealand retires two inshore patrol vessels in preparation for wider offshore roles

The HMNZS Rotoiti (foreground) and HMNZS Pukaki (background) in 2010. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has recently decommissioned two of its 55-meter, 340-ton Lake-class inshore patrol vessels ion 17 October 2019, after only 10 years of service.

This is in preparation for a wider offshore role and integration of larger offshore patrol vessels in the near future.

The ships, the HMNZS Rotoiti (P3569) and HMNZS Pukaki (P3568), were acquired as part of the RNSN’s Project Protector together with two more sisterships, two offshore patrol vessels and a multirole vessel.

The ships were found to be unsuitable for deployment on heavy seas, which requires the RNZN to instead acquire larger offshore patrol vessels under the Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel Program which will be started soon.

No word was made on how to dispose the ships, although it is highly likely to be offered for sale to friendly countries. Two more ships of the class are expected to be decommissioned soon for the same reasons as the first two.

The ships are lightly armed with only three (3) 12.7mm heavy machine guns. But these ships are able to conduct operations of up to Sea State 5 and survive conditions up to Sea State 8. It has a maximum speed of 25 knots, and a patrol speed of 16 knots. Maximum range can reach up to 3,000 nautical miles at patrol speed.



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

South Korea unveils full-size mock up of KF-X fighter aircraft

The full size mock up of the KF-X fighter as displayed during Seoul ADEX 2019. Photo c/o AIN Online.

As part of the ongoing Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2019, South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) unveiled a full-size mock-up of the KF-X fighter, while also releasing some new details on the aircraft.

Information released by KAI mentioned that the aircraft will have a range of 2,900 kilometers, a maximum take-off weight of around 25.6 tons, and a maximum payload of 7.7 tons. It will have 10 weapons stations and is to be integrated to allow the use of MBDA Meteor and Diehl IRIS-T ait-to-air missiles. It will also have an M61 Vulcan 20mm gatling gun mounted internally.

It will have a 8” x 20” glass touchscreen cockpit display, while South Korean company LIGNex1 will produce several equipment including the heads-up display, electronic countermeasures, and communication systems. It will also feature a local datalink also from LIGNex1 while development to allow NATO-standard datalinks like the Link 16 will continue even after the first production models come out.

Hanwha Defense will provide a license-built F414 turbofan engine from General Electric, and will also manufacture the control actuators, landing gears, and other equipment. Hanwha will also provide the aircraft’s infrared search and track system, and an AESA radar co-developed with Israel’s Elta Systems with a 110-kilometer range. 

KAI will produce the KF-X in its facility in Sacheon, and is expected to have a working prototype by early 2021, conduct the first flight by 2022, and start serial production by 2026.

Despite issues regarding financing, the Indonesian government through its state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) continues to be a minor partner in the KF-X program. Originally Indonesia was supposed to cover 20% of the KF-X program’s development cost, but is now trying to renegotiate on its financial commitments with fellow partners KAI and the South Korean government who committed to pay for 20% and 60% of the costs, respectively.


[1] Air International Online
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Transfer of used Type 053H3 Jiangwei II frigates to Bangladesh almost ready

One of the Type 053H3 frigates bound for the BN. This one already have its hull number painted. Photo c/o Jane's Defence Weekly.

China appears to be getting ready to transfer two decommissioned Type 053H3 Jiangwei II-class frigates formerly used by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to the Bangladesh Navy (BN).

The two ships, the former Lianyungang (522) and Putian (523), are believed to have completed overhaul works at Shenjia Shipyard in Shanghai, with the hull numbers already painted on the ships. The ships also appear to retain most of its previous weapons and sensors systems including the anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile launchers.

The ships are expected to be named BNS Umar Farooq (F 16) and either BNS Abu Ubaida or BNS Khalid Bin Walid (F 19) once they are commissioned with the BN. Hand-over is expected to happen by November 2019 according to Bangladeshi defense pages.

Bangladesh and China agreed on the sale of the two retired frigates, the former Lianyungang (522) and Putian (523) in 2017 to enhance the BN’s capabilities. The ships were commissioned to the PLAN on January 1998 and June 1999, respectively, and were retired only recently as more new Type 054A frigates come online to replace them.



[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Defence Technology of Bangladesh Defense Page
[3] Bangladesh Defence and Security Analysis

South Korea shows upgraded Surion helicopter for export, naval attack variant for local requirement

The upgraded KUH-1E Surion for the export market. Photo c/o AIN Online.

During the ongoing Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2019, South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) display their improved and upgraded Surion KUH-1E helicopter for the export market.

The upgrades include new avionics using the Garmin G5000 for improved flight handling, upgraded cabin doors, an added bulkhead to strengthen the airframe to carry stub wings for external fuel tanks and /or weapons.

The allowance for weapons capability will allow the Surion to be used as a gunship, with Hellfire and Spike LR/ER air-to-ground missiles, gunpods, and rocket launchers. 

The proposed naval attack variant for the Korean Marines.  Photo c/o Jane's Defence Weekly.

Another new variant showed in ADEX 2019 is a scale model of a ship-based naval attack helicopter being proposed for to meet requirements of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC). 

It was loosely based on the existing MUH-1 Marineon variant of the Surion family, with enlarged foldable wing stubs and six hardpoints for air-to-ground missiles, rocket launchers, and gunpods while also carrying a chin-mounted 20mm Gatling cannon and a nose-mounted FLIR sensor turret for targeting. 

The ROKMC is looking at acquiring 24 units to be operated from their current and future amphibious assault ships.


[1] Air International Online
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly

South Korea awards contract to construct first KDX-III Batch 2 AEGIS destroyer

A CGI of the KDX-III Batch 2 as released by DAPA. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has awarded a KRW676.6 billion (US$565 million) contract to homegrown shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to conduct the detailed design and construction of the first Batch 2 ship of the Sejong the Great-class guided missile destroyer for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

A total of three (3) ships are planned under this new sub-class, which will feature improvements over the Batch 1 ships of the class including a slightly larger hull, an updated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability with more powerful sonar systems, and better overall performance.

Like the Batch 1 ships, the new Batch 2 will also have the Aegis combat system, updated to enable the application of the SM-3 missiles for ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability,

The new ship will be 170 meters long, 21 meters wide, and displaces at 8,100 tons.

The first ship is expected to be delivered to the ROKN by November 2024.



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

Elbit signs contract to supply network unmanned aerial vehicles solution for Philippines

The Thor VTOL UAV. Photo c/o Elbit Systems Ltd.

Israeli defense company Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on 6 October 2019 that they signed a US$153 million contract to supply a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a Southeast Asian army which they did not name. 

The contract is for a comprehensive, multi-layered array of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), composed of more than a thousand THOR Multi-Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) mini-UAS, scores of Skylark LEX, Skylark 3 and Hermes 450 tactical UAS as well as Universal Ground Control Stations. 

The contract will be performed over a 22-month period.

A report made by Asia Pacific Defense Journal (APDJ) a few months back on UAVs for the Philippine Army matches with this contract announcement. Further confirmation from defense news outlet Jane’s Defence Weekly and Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines also confirmed the receiver.

Elbit Systems President & CEO  Bezhalel Machlis, Elbit Systems President & CEO commented: “This contract award underlines our competitive edge as armies increasingly view multi-layered UAS solutions as key to providing superior intelligence while maintaining a high level of operational flexibility.”



[1] Elbit Systems Ltd.
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

South Korea looking at possible building and operating nuclear-powered submarines

The ROKN's Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine could be the stepping stone for their future nuclear submarine design.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) disclosed on 10 October 2019 that it is looking at the possibility of constructing and operating nuclear-powered submarines, and has already a task force headed by a commander-level official studying this option.

Korean media reported that ROKN Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Sim Seung Seob was quoted saying nuclear-powered submarines are the most effective in detecting and destroyiung North Korea’s ballistic missile submarines (SSBMs) as it is capable of carrying out operations underwater for a longer period of time compared to conventional powered submarines.

The ROKN was also quick to mention that the presence of such task force studying the nuclear submarine option does necessarily mean it would be pushed for its immediate approval.

South Korea currently has 10 conventional-powered submarines, far less than North Korea which has around 70, although South Korea’s submarines are modern and more capable than the mostly Cold War-era submarines of its northern rival.  

South Korea is also surrounded by nuclear powers like North Korea, Russia, and China, and fellow US-ally Japan. It is expected that these countries would be upset on a decision to have nuclear powered submarines.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Channel NewsAsia
[3] The Straits Times

India receives its first Rafale multirole fighter from France’s Dassault

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defense Minister Florence Parly with the first Rafael fighter for India. Photo c/o AFP.

French aviation giant Dassault Aviation has handed over the first Rafale twin-engine multirole fighter to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Dassault’ facility in Bordeaux-Mérignac on 8 October 2019.

India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh led the acceptance of the aircraft, a tandem-seater with tail number RB001, which is the first of 36 ordered by the Indian government on September 2016 under a EUR7.9 billion (USD8.78 billion) contract.

Min. Singh mentioned that the Rafale fighter would enhance the IAF’s capabilities and strengthen India’s relations with France.

The second Rafale fighter for India, a tandem-seater with tail number RB002, was also seen recently conducting flight tests

The IAF is expected to assign the Rafales to their 17 “Golden Arrow” Squadron, which was recently reactivated on 10 September after the unit was deactivated in 2011 after retiring the unit’s MiG-21 Fishbed. The unit will be based in Ambala Air Force Station near the border with Pakistan. Another squadron is set to receive the Rafales and will be stationed near the Chinese border.


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

Philippines activates new aviation, rocket artillery, missile units

Philippine Army Cessna light aircraft of the Army Aviation Regiment (Prov.). Photo c/o Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army (PA) activated new units on 3 October 2019, in anticipation of the arrival of new assets to fulfil new roles.

APDJ was able to ask leading Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines for comments on the new units.

First is the upgrading of the Army Aviation “Bagwis” Battalion into the Army Aviation Regiment (Provisional) (AAvnR (P)), as the PA expects to increase the number of aviation assets in its fleet. Currently the PA operates only a handful of light fixed wing trainer and observation aircraft, and is in the process of having helicopters and new fixed wing aircraft. MaxDefense Philippines confirmed to APDJ that the PA is in the process of ordering its first helicopters for training and medical evacuation, while also looking to acquire light attack helicopters and command & control aircraft.

MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that the PA is eyeing the Robinson R-44 Raven for its training requirements, and the Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk for its medical evacuation and rescue helicopters.

The activation of the 2nd Multiple Launch Rocket System Battery (2MLRS Bty) is in anticipation on the delivery of South Korea K136 Kooryong MLRS systems, which was reported in APDJ before. The Philippines is expecting to receive 4 batteries of surplus K136 MLRS from the Republic of Korea Army, 3 batteries are for the PA, and 1 battery for the Philippine Marine Corps. MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that delivery for these should happen anytime soon.

Another new unit, the 1st Land Based Missiel System Battery (1LBMS Bty) was also activated and will be one of the units involved in operating and maintaining new tactical surface-to-surface missile systems. MaxDefense Philippines mentioned that the Philippine Army is already in the negotiation stage with the Indian government on the possible acquisition of the BrahMos land-based anti-ship and land attack missile system, which allows the PA to fire at naval or land targets more than 250 kilometers away.

The PA is currently modernizing its forces, with new assets coming in to replace older assets, as well as adding new capability to meet growing security challenges from terrorists and aggressive neighbours like China. 


[1] Philippine Army
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Thailand selects S-100 Camcopter VTOL UAV for naval use

The Schiebel S-100 Camcopter. Photo c/o Armada International.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has selected Austrian aviation company Schiebel Aircraft GmbH to possibly supply their S-100 Camcopter vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle system.

A notice made by the RTN’s procurement office mentioned that Schiebel Aircraft was selected under a THB266.6 million (US$8.7 million) deal for one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Once delivered, the S-100 can be operated from ships with limited flight deck space, giving ships a bigger view of its surroundings and improving its surveillance capabilities. The S-100 can also be used to assist in targeting for long range anti-ship missiles launched from the host ship.

The S-100 has a range of up to 200 kilometers, can operate day and night and under adverse weather conditions, and can be operated automatically via pre-programmed GPS waypoints, or manually using a pilot control unit.

The acquisition may only be a test-buy to see how the S-100 will perform with the RTN. Once proven to be valuable, it is expected that the RTN would order more units.


[1] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page
[2] Schiebel

Indonesia displays new equipment in Armed Forces anniversary

A Chinese CH-4B UCAV. A similar one was flown by the TNI-AU as part of the TNI anniversary. 

The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) displayed several of their new assets during its founding 74th founding anniversary on 5 October 2019. This year the parade will be held in Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in the capital city Jakarta.

It is usual for the TNI to display new assets during the TNI anniversary parade, as it has been doing for several years.

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) showed its Chaiseri First Win 2 mine-resistant, ambush protected (MRAP) armored vehicle for the first time. Indonesian observers noted that the vehicle is with the TNI-AD’s Special Forces unit. No quantity or details are available at the moment, although the Thailand-made Chaiser First Win is a 4x4 MRAP in the 13-ton category that can accommodate up to 10 troops.

Next is a locally-developed Swamp/Air Boat from Indonesian company PT Mega Perkasa Engineering. The flat-bottom airboat can carry up to 7 troops and is capable of operating from shallow water or swamp areas. The boats displayed also appears to be with Special Forces units.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) showed its new ILSV 4x4 armored vehicle, which is used by the KOPASKA frogman unit. These are also locally made by Indonesian company PT Jala Berikat Nusantara Perkasa.

Another one from the Indonesian Marines (MARINIR) is their new Type 90B 122mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) made by Chinese arms company NORINCO. This new system will complement their existing RM-70 MLRS systems from the Czech Republic. No specific quantity was mentioned although previous reports says the MARINIR has at least 4 units in service.

Also showing in the parade is the CH-4B unmanned aerial combat vehicle ((UCAV) of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) which was recently used in the recently conclude TNI Exercise Dharma Yudha 2019.

[1] Airspace Review

Philippines sees French submarine offer fit for their requirements

A Scorpene-class submarine of the Royal Malaysian Navy. A derivative of this the type is being considered by the Philippine Navy. Photo c/o LIMA website.

The chief of the Philippine Navy (PN) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad confirmed to local media that the submarine offer made by France is the best fit to their requirements.

This was after he also confirmed in a legislative hearing on defense budget that they are interested in France's submarine offer and is looking to have its first submarines delivered to the PN by 2027.

France is one of the countries that offered to sell submarines and development the submarine capability of the PN. Other countries with similar offers include Russia, South Korea, and Germany.

In an interview by APDJ with Filipino defense analyst Max Montero of MaxDefense Philippines, he confirmed that France's Naval Group has submitted one of the most comprehensive offers to the Philippine Navy that includes financing through soft loan with assistance of the French government,  supply and delivery of new Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines, development of technical competency and experience of Philippine Navy crew and officers, design and development of submarine basing, support and training facilities, and logistics support.

Similar offers were said to have been offered by South Korea, but the PN's technical teams has rated the French offer higher in their evaluations. According to Mr. Montero, "the point that the (Vice Adm.) Empedrad already confirmed that the French offer fits their requirement only means that they have evaluated all offers and has rated them accordingly, short of an official confirmation of selection".

The Philippine Navy is one of the major navies in the ASEAN region without submarines. Regional peers like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam all operate submarines, while Thailand and Myanmar are on the way of having one or more in the near future.

Scorpene-class is Naval Group's foremost diesel-electric attack submarine that is offered for export, with Malaysia, India, Brazil Chile only among those that operate the type.


[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Manila Bulletin

Thailand commissions second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel

The HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (OPV-552) during its commissioning. Photo c/ o Royal Thai Navy.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has commissioned its second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in ceremonies held at Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi province on 27 September 2019.

The ship, named HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (OPV-552), is based on the River-class OPV design by BAE Systems for the UK Royal Navy.

Launching to commissioning was noted to be quick since the ship was recently launched only last August 2019.

The Krabi-class has a length of 90.5 meters, a beam of 13.5 meters, and draught at 3.5 meters. It reaches a maximum speed of 25 knots and maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles at 15 knots.

The ship is armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, two MSI Defence 30mm remote weapon systems, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and four Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The RTN is planning to build more ships of the class although no timetable was provided on additional orders as the service is more focused on its submarine, frigate, and landing platform dock projects.


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