Indonesia continues improvement works on PT-76 light amphibious tanks

The PT-76M of the Indonesian Marine Corps. Photo c/o Garuda Militer website.

The Indonesian Marine Corps (MARINIR) continues to the upgrade works on their Soviet-era PT-76 light amphibious tanks, with the upgrades covering weapons and powerplant improvement upgrade.

Indonesian company PT Lumindo Artha Sejati contracted to do the work, with the improved tanks designated as PT-76M, with “M” 

The PT-76’s 76.2mm gun was replaced with a new John Cockerill Mk. III 90mm NATO cannon with a new fire control system, while the original Soviet 7.62mm co-axial machine guns was replaced by the FN MAG 7.62x51mm machine gun. 

Also, the original engine was replaced with a new Detroit Diesel 6V-92T diesel engine, coupled to the original transmission.

A new 24V alternator, cooling and electrical system, and modifications on the vehicle’s fuel, exhaust hull and top deck were also included in the upgrade works.

The new 90mm gun can fire a wide variety of ammunition including Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds, while the new fire control system allows day and night operation and improved accuracy. 

The tank will also be fitted with a new solid-state all-electric gun/turret stabilization and power control system.


[1] Indomiliter
[2] Army Recognition

India commissions second Tejas LCA fighter squadron

The HAL Tejas MK.1 FOC Light Combat Aircraft. Photo c/o David Oliver through Asian Military Review.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commissioned a second fighter squadron that will operate the indigenous HAL Tejas Mk. 1 light combat aircraft (LCA).

The squadron, the IAF’s No. 18 “Flying Bullets” Squadron based in Sulur Air Force Station in Tami Nadu, held the activation ceremonies on 27 May 2020.

The squadron is set to receive 4 more Tejas LCA fighter aircraft soon, once the production aircraft completes pre-operational testing phase. A total of 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) Tejas Mk. 1 fighters consisting of 16 single-seat and 4 twin-seat trainer variant were ordered by the IAF. 

The FOC Tejas Mk.1 which has Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) capability, aerial refuelling capability, and improve flight performance compared to earlier Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) Tejas Mk. 1 fighters operated by the No. 45 “Flying Daggers” Squadron.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Economic Times India

Vietnam showcases localized copy of Russian Uran-E anti-ship missile

The VCM-01 missile. Photo c/o QPVN.

Vietnamese media reported earlier this week that the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense’s  Shipyard Z189 has started production of a localized copy of the Russian 3K24E Uran-E anti-ship cruise missile.

The copy, designated as the “VCM-01”, will use locally made components including electronics from state-owned Viettel Military Industries and Telecoms Group. Vietnamese defense page VIetDefense reported that the VCM-01 is the new designation of the KCT-15 missile after the participation of Viettel Group.

In August 2019, Vietnam displayed what appears to be a land-based quadruple launcher for the KCT-15 missile, which is being finalized for mass production for the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAV). The land-based missile system will be mounted on a Russian Kamaz or Ural truck.

Vietnam has also started negotiations with the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) for the potential sale of the SSE-750K turbojet engines, which powers the South Korean  SSM-700K Haeseong (C-Star) anti-ship missile and SSM-750K Sea Dragon land-attack missile.

This is potentially to provide the powerplant for the VCM-01 missile, and other potential missile developments of Vietnam.


[1] Military Armed Forces
[2] QPVN
[3] VietDefense

Taiwan gets approval for potential sale of US Mk.48 heavyweight torpedoes

The Mk.48 torpedo.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of eighteen (18) Mark 48 Mod. 6 Advanced Technology Heavyweight Torpedoes and related equipment to the Republic of China (Taiwan), with an estimated cost of US$180 million.

According to the US Defense Secuirty Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the torpedoes will be procured from US Navy stocks, which will include spare parts, support and testing equipment, training, logistics support, and other items.

A sale would further sour relations between the US and China which is deteriorating due to Covid-19 related issues, and between Taiwan and China as re-elected Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen strongly rejected China’s calls for reunification. The Chinese government has earlier called the potential sale “useless”.

Taiwan currently operates two World War 2-era Hai Shih-class (former US Navy Tench-class) submarines, and two 1980s-era Chien Lung-class from the Netherlands. Taiwan is also in the process of constructing a prototype submarine for a future Indigenous Defense Submarine to replace the existing models.


[1] US DSCA
[2] Naval News
[3] Nikkei Asian Review

New Jose Rizal-class frigate arrives in Philippines, for commissioning on June 2020

The frigate Jose Rizal. Photo c/o PN.

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) delivered the first Jose Rizal-class frigate for the Philippine Navy (PN), with the ship departing HHI’s shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on 18 May 2020, and arriving in Subic Port in the Philippines on 23 May 2020.

The ship, the Jose Rizal (FF-150), is expected to be the first guided-missile frigate of the PN.

HHI claims that the delivery took place 4 months earlier than scheduled, despite COVID-19 pandemic affecting the schedule. Further training of PN personnel under supervision by Korean technicians will continue in the Philippines, as part of the agreed arrangements between the PN and HHI.

According to the PN, the Jose Rizal was met at sea by air and naval assets of the PN, and escorted to Subic Bay where the ship is currently anchored while the crew of 61 PN officers and sailors, and more than 30 Korean technicians are undergoing quarantine as part of COVID-19 safety procedures.

The ship will then undergo technical and acceptance inspection by the PN, and is tentatively scheduled for commissioning with the PN’s Offshore Combat Force on 19 June 2020, which is the 159th birth anniversary of its name sake, Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Its sistership, the Antonio Luna, is scheduled for delivery before the end of the year. But there could be potential delays due to COVID-19 restrictions.

It was reported that HHI requested the delivery of the frigate to proceed despite not meeting the requirement of having the ship’s combat management system to be compatible with the Tactical Data Link-16. According to reports, the US Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) is yet to conduct conformity test with the Hanwha Systems Naval Shield Intergrated Combat Management System by 2021 after delays. 

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) has stepped up to provide guarantee to the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) and PN that Link-16 compatibility is being pursued and will happen at a later date.

The Jose Rizal-class frigates are 107.5 meters long, and is powered by 4 diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration, attaining a maximum speed of over 25 knots, and a maximum range of 4,500 nautical miles at cruising speed.

It is armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun, a 30mm gun on an Aselsan SMASH mount, two twin LIG Nex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missiles, two twin Simbad-RC launchers for MBDA Mistral short range air defense missiles, and two triple torpedo tubes. The ship has space for an 8-cell vertical launching system (VLS) which will be procured and installed separately.


[1] Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy
[2] MaxDefense Philippines – Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Philippine Daily Inquirer

Taiwan looks at acquiring MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicles

The MQ-9 Reaper, this example is operated by the USAF.

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) (Taiwanese Air Force) is looking at requesting for the sale of  General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from the United States government, as it moves to improve its combat capability using UAVs.

It is expected that the cost will reach around US$166 million for 4 units including all ground and support equipment, training, logistics support, and spares.

This plan appears to be in addition to the ongoing development of home-grown UAVs for surveillance and combat roles in the same category as the American Reaper.

Taiwan is currently developing the Teng Yun medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV, which is similar in size to the MQ-9, but has encountered problems with developing a local powerplant which was unable to reach desired performance levels.

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper has 7 hardpoints that can carry a total of up to 1,000 kilograms of munitions and sensor pods, including the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile, Paveway II laser guided bombs, or the GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) smart bombs.


[1] Shephard Media
[2] The National Interest

Australia commissions 3rd and final Hobart-class air warfare destroyer

The HMAS Sydney (V) (DDG 42). Photo c/o RAN.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has finally commissioned its third and final Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer, the HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) during ceremonies held off the coast of New South Wales on 18 May 2020.

The commissioning also marks the end of the Australian government’s Air Warfare Destroyer Program, and marks the success of the Australian Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Adm. Michael Noonan led the commissioning ceremonies, with the ship being the fifth to bear the same name. 

The Hobart-class are the RAN’s most capable warships, replacing the Adelaide-class frigates in the air warfare role. The ships are equipped with the Aegis Combat System to enable it to provide air defense to accompanying ships and to nearby land forces and infrastructure, in addition to providing self-defense against missiles and aircraft.

The ship design were based on Spanish shipbuilder Navantia’s F100 air warfare frigate design, are 147.2 meters long, 18.6 meters wide, and displaces at around 7,000 tons. The ships are powered by 2 General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and 2 Caterpillar Bravo diesel engines in Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) configuration, allowing speeds of over 28 knots and a range of over 5,000 nautical miles.

The Hobart-class destroyers are armed with a Mk.45 127mm naval gun, a 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon system, two 25mm guns in Typhoon mounts, two quadruple launchers for Harpoon Block II anti-ship cruise missiles, and a 48-cell Mk. 41 vertical launching system (VLS) for RIM-66 Standard 2 and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM).

The ships also have helicopter facilities for a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk multirole naval helicopter, and VTOL unmanned aerial vehicles.


[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Naval News

Philippines to soon receive delivery of first Jose Rizal-class frigate

The frigate Jose Rizal (FF-150) bound for the Philippine Navy. Photo c/o HHI.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to receive its first Jose Rizal-class frigate, the future BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), as the ship left Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) facilities in Ulsan, South Korea on 18 May 2020.

The ship is expected to arrive in Subic Bay in Zambales province in the Philippines, where it will undergo technical and acceptance inspections by the PN, which is a requirement prior to commissioning the ship. 

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines noted that there are still works that may need to be done in the Philippines prior to commissioning the ship, mostly related to integration of the ship’s surveillance and combat systems, as well on the Combat Management System.

No date has been provided yet on when the ship will be commissioned.

The frigate is the first missile-armed major surface combatant of the PN, which used to only operate gun-armed warships except for a few assault boats armed with short range missiles.

The  Jose Rizal-class were built by HHI under a contract signed in October 2016, and are based on HHI’s HDF-2500 design which was derived from the Incheon-class frigates built for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). 

The ships are 107.5 meters long, displaces at around 2,600 tons, are powered by four (4) diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration, allowing a maximum speed in excess of 25 knots, and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.

The are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun, a 30mm gun mounted on an ASELSAN Smash remote weapon system, 2 twin launchers for LIG Nex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles, two twin Simbad-RC launchers for MBDA Mistral short range air defense missiles, and two triple torpedo tubes. It also has space for an 8-cell vertical launching system and a close-in weapon system (CIWS).


[1] Jane’s 
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Naval News

Thailand orders 8 Harpoon Block II anti-ship cruise missiles

A Harpoon Block II missile launched from an ANZAC-class frigate of the Royal Australian Navy. Photo c/o RAN.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces is scheduled to receive eight (8) new Boeing RGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship cruise missiles, as announced by the US Department of Defense (DOD) in their contracts awarding notices.

The missiles are part of a block contract worth US$656.98 million, covering Harpoon Block II missiles and support equipment for several countries including Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and several other countries.

Thailand is an existing user of the Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and the US government does not see any problem for the country’s military to absorb the new missiles.

It is expected that the missiles will be used to equip the Royal Thai Navy’s new frigate, the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej (FFG-471).

The RGM-84L Harpoon Block II has a maximum range of 150 nautical miles (278 kilometers)< and flys at a speed of around 850 kilometers per hour, capable of carrying a 220 kilogram penetration high explosive blast warhead.


[1] US Department of Defense
[2] Bangkok Post

Vietnamese T-90S/SK main battle tanks fitted with Shtora-1 active protection system

VPA T-90 tanks with Shtora-1 APS. Photo c/o QPVN through VietDefense.

A rare view of the new T-90S/SK main battle tanks of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) confirmed that the tanks are equipped with the Shtora-1 active protection system (APS).

The vehicles were from the VPA’s 201st Tank Brigade, which received the T-90 main battle tanks from Russia under a contract signed between Russia and Vietnam in 2016.

The Shtora-1 APS is an electro-optical jammer disrupts the laser designator and laser rangefinders of anti-tank missiles with semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOC) command guidance system.  It can be operated in either fully-automatic or semi-automatic modes, continuously for up to six hours.

The VPA started receiving the T-90S/SK main battle tanks from December 2018. 64 units were delivered, including the SK Command variant, with deliveries completed by 2019.

The T-90s are currently their most modern tanks, as the VPA’s other tanks are mostly older model Soviet T-62, T-54/55 and World War II-era T-34s, as well as Chinese Type 59. Vietnam has made it intentions known in the past to acquire more T-90 tanks in the future to replace older models.


[1] VietDefense
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly

Indonesia receives more M3 amphibious rigs, TREVA-15 recovery vehicle

The M3 amphibious bridging rig. Indonesia ordered 18 units from Excalibur Army.

Indonesia received delivery of another batch of M3 amphibious rigs and a Tatra Recovery Vehicle-15 (TREVA-15) tactical recovery vehicle from Czech Republic’s Excalibur Army, as part of a larger deal signed by the two countries.

Three (3) M3 amphibious pontoon vehicles, and a TREVA-15 recovery vehicle arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia recently, which will be used to provide combat support to the armored and mechanized forces of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The M3 bridging rigs, which was originally developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), are able to support most heavy armored vehicles including the Leopard 2 main battle tanks which are in service with the TNI-AD.

The TNI-AD is expected a total of 18 M3 amphibious rigs, as well as several other support vehicles including the two (2) TREVA-15. It is expected that Excalibur Army will complete the delivery of all ordered vehicles before yearend.


[1] Defense Studies Blogs
[2] Alutsista Indonesia

First batch of Bell-Boeing MV-22 Ospreys for JGSDF arrive in Japan

Two MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft for JGSDF arrived in Japan. Photo c/o Scramble Magazine.

The first two (2) units of Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft for the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) arrived in Japan through the US Marine Corp’s (USMC) Air Station Iwakuni. 

The aircraft, with serial numbers 91701 and 91705, arrived on 8 May 2020, and will be inspected first by USMC personnel before the aircraft are handed over to the JGSDF.

This batch is part of an initial order of five (5) units made in 2015 under a US$332.5 million deal. Two more aircraft, with serial numbers 91702 and 91703 are being used to train JGSDF personnel at the USMC Air Station New River in North Carolina.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) previously announced its intention to purchase 17 units with an estimated worth exceeding US$3 billion. So far, 3 batches of  four (4) aircraft each have been ordered to complete the total of 17 aircraft.

Japan has so far been the only export market for the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, although other countries have shown interest in it including South Korea and India.


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

Japan to acquire more Type 19 mobile howtizers, Type 16 tank destroyers

The Type 16 tank destroyers leading columns of JGSDF armored vehicles.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) confirmed that they will purchase additional Type 19 155mm/52cal Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers and Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles, to further enhance the capabilities of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

Seven (7) Type 19 SPH are planned for procurement under a JPY4.7 billion (US$$44 million) program, and are to replace some of the service’s FH-70 155mm towed howitzers. 

The Type 19 is made by Japan Steel Works, and will be connected by networked battlefield management system, and will allow for shoot-and-scoot tactics that the FH70 cannot do. It uses a MAN HX 8x8 military truck and has a crew of 5 men. 

33 Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are also planned for procurement under a JPY23.7 billion (US$221 million) program. The vehicles are essentially 105mm wheeled tank destroyers and can be moved rapidly by air due to its lightweight and compact size. 

It uses an 8x8 platform, with a frontal armor protection against 20mm rounds, and side armored protection against 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds. It weighs around 26 tons and armed with a 105mm rifled tank gun.

The JGSDF has a total order of 142 Type 16 MCVs since 2016, with some of them already in service and unveiled to the public during the Fuji Firepower annual demonstration last August 2019.


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

Philippines formally orders Elbit ATMOS 155mm Self Propelled Howitzers

The Elbit ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer system. Photo c/o Elbit Systems.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has formally ordered the ATMOS 15mm Self-Propelled Howitzer system from Israel’s Elbit Systems, which would fill-in artillery requirements of the Philippine Army.

A Notice to Proceed was released by the DND in April 2020, although the contract was said to have been signed as early as January 2020. Delivery is expected to be completed within 2 years.

The Philippine Army has a requirement for an initial batch of at least 2 batteries worth of 155mm self-propelled howitzers under its Horizon 2 modernization phase. More units are expected in succeeding programs.

Elbit Systems has been offering the ATMOS 155mm/52 caliber Self-Propelled Howitzer system to the Philippine Army since 2013 and was selected under a Government-to-Government procurement process between the Philippines DND and Israeli Ministry of Defense.

The artillery system has a maximum range of around 40 kilometers, or more using specialized munitions, and has an rate of fire of around 8 rounds per minute. It also can fire its first round within 30 seconds from movement, of 6 rounds within 110 seconds from movement. It remains to be seen if the Philippine Army version will be using a 6x6 or 8x8 truck system.

The Elbit ATMOS system is in use with the Royal Thai Army,  Cameroonian Army, Azerbaijani Army, and was also selected for the Israeli Army, while the Polish Army is introducing a licensed copy called the AHS Kryl.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines – Philippine Defense Resource
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[3] Elbit Systems

Australia unveils first Boeing “Loyal Wingman” Airpower Teaming System prototype

The Loyal Wingman ATS prototype. Photo c/o Boeing.

Boeing Australia has unveiled the first prototype of the “Loyal Wingman” Airpower Teaming System (ATS) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during ceremonies on 5 May 2020.

Three (3) prototypes are expected to be built by Boeing for testing and development under the RAAF’s DEF6014 Phase 1 Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program. It is considered Boeing’s first clean-sheet aircraft development outside the United States, and Australia’s first military aircraft built in Australia in the last 50 years.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calls the event “a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation. The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies in the future”.

The Loyal Wingman ATS will allow availability of additional platforms to conduct missions, while also allowing pilot safety by assigning the lower-cost aircraft for risky missions.

Instead of being remote controlled, the 11.5-meter long Loyal Wingman ATS will be using artificial intelligence (AI) and will be semi-autonomous to assist both manned and remotely-controlled unmanned aircraft. It will have an operational range of more than 3,000 kilometers, will have a reconfigurable nose section with mission-specific sensors and payload, and open-architecture payload intefaces to allow easy role changing to meet evolving mission requirements.

Once operational, the Loyal Wingman is expected to be paired with RAAF pre-dominantly Boeing-made aircraft like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-7 Wedgetail early warning & control aircraft, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

Two more prototypes are expected to be unveiled by Boeing soon.


[1] Australian Aviation
[2] Jane’s International Defence Review
[3] Defense Web TV

Philippines receives offer from Boeing for AH-6i Light Attack Helicopters

The Boeing AH-6i Light Attack Helicopter. Photo c/o Monch.

American aviation giant Boeing confirmed that they made an offer to the Philippine Army (PA) with their AH-6i Light Attack Helicopter to meet a potential demand for the type in its modernization plans.

This offer is different from the one related to US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on potential sale of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian, which are earmarked for the Philippine Air Force.

The PA has expressed its interest in having a small fleet of armed helicopters as part of its program to enhance the overall capability of the service. Currently, the PA has no helicopters in its fleet, and only has a few light trainer and liaison aircraft with its recently formed Army Aviation Regiment.

In an email reply by Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, it confirmed that there are several aircraft acquisition programs in line with the Philippine Army, which also includes a small fleet of Light Attack Helicopters where the Boeing AH-6i fits, then there is also a requirement for Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter specifying larger attack helicopters. 

MaxDefense Philippines also pointed out that Boeing previously offered the AH-6i to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in 2018 for its Attack Helicopter project, but did not meet the finalized specifications as the PAF was looking for a twin-engine light helicopter model, before it again shifted to going with larger attack helicopters.

The Boeing AH-6i are small lightly armed helicopters that are far more affordable compared to larger conversional attack helicopters. It can be used for a variety of missions including close air support, anti-tank and anti-bunker, and limited reconnaissance and surveillance roles. 

The AH-6i can be armed with rocket launchers and gun pods, and missiles including the AGM-114 Hellfire II anti-tank missile or FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles.

The helicopters are in service with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and were ordered by the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Royal Thai Army.


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

South Korea’s 4th FFX-II Daegu-class frigate launched

Two Daegu-class frigates, one of which is the Donghae (822). Photo c/o ROKN.

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has launched the fourth Daegu-class guided-missile frigate for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), with the event taking place on 29 April 2020 at HHI’s main naval shipbuilding facility in Ulsan.

The ship, named Donghae (822), is expected to be handed over to the ROKN by late 2021.

Four more ships of the class are expected to be completed, all of which are in different state of construction and planning.

The Daegu-class were developed under the ROKN’s FFX-II program as an improvement from the earlier Incheon-class frigates. HHI and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) share the production of the entire class, with HHI building the third, fourth, seventh and eighth ships, while DSME was assigned to build the first, second, fifth, and sixth ships.

The ships are 122.1 meters long, 14 meters wide, with a standard displacement of 2,800 tons and a full-load displacement of 3,650 tons.

They are powered by a Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbine engine and two Leonardo DRS permanent magnet motors driven by MTU 12V4000 diesel generators in Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas (CODLOG) configuration. This enables the ship to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots.

The Daegu-class are armed with a  BAE Systems 127mm Mk.46 Mod.4 naval gun, one 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS), eight SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship cruise missiles, six anti-submarine torpedo tubes, and a 16-cell K-VLS vertical launching system with the K-SAAM medium range air defense missiles, the SSM-700K Haeryong land attack missiles, and the K-ASROC anti-submarine rocket.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weeky
[2] Naval News

Australia awards contract for six new evolved Cape-class patrol boats

A CGI of the new Cape-class patrol boats for the RAN. Photo c/o Austal.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) announced that it has awarded a contract to design and build six new Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The project, worth A$350 million (US$225 million), will be led by Australian shipbuilder Austal. The shipbuilder itself confirmed on 1 May 2020 that it received a A$324 million contract for the designing and building six (6) new patrol boats that will be based on an improved version of the existing Cape-class patrol boats currently in service with the RAN and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

It is said to be the largest contract Austal received from the Australian government in its 30-year history.

Construction is to take place at Austal's Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia, and delivery for all six ships is scheduled to take place between September 2021 and mid-2023.

The RAN currently operates two leased Cape-class patrol boats, complementing its existing fleet of Armidale-class patrol boats that have encountered availability issues after one of the ships of class was prematurely decommissioned due to a fire accident.

It still remains to be seen if the RAN will continue operating the two leased Cape-class patrol boats, or return them to Austal once the new patrol boats are in service.

According to Austal, the new evolved Cape-class patrol boats will have larger crew capacity and improved crew provisions. It is also expected to improve on performance and efficiency based on Austal's experience in building two similar ships for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.

Proposals have been made by Austal to replace the Armidale-class with the new Cape-class ships. Originally the larger Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels currently under construction were supposed to replace the RAN's Armidale-class patrol boats, but this new patrol boat program goes in line with previous proposals made by Austal to replace the Armidale-class with the new Cape-class ships instead for inshore patrols.


[1] Austal
[2] Jane's Defence Weekly

Philippines gets US State Dept. approval for potential sale of Bell AH-1Z or Boeing AH-64E attack helos

The Bell AH-1Z Viper which is among those being considered by the PAF.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of either the Bell AH-1Z Viper or Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and has notified the US Congress of the decision.

The PAF has been looking at both models as part of its acquisition of new attack helicopters to replace the ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender light armed helicopters. 

The packaging for both helicopters were different, with the Bell offer for 6 Vipers potentially costing US$450 million, while Boeing’s package potentially costing US$1.5 billion. Upon inspection, Boeing provided for more inclusions especially on munitions.  These packages can be adjusted upon the request of the Philippine government once final negotiations take place.

An approval for both helicopter models allow for a faster negotiation and deal closure once the PAF has decided on the attack helicopter model it would acquire. Previous reports point to the Bell AH-1Z Viper as the more preferred model due to its lower cost, and because of the PAF’s interest in also acquiring excess AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters at a later date to beef up its combat fleet.

Originally the PAF was after the Turkish-made T129 ATAK made by Turkish Aircraft Industries, but it has been plagued with issues on getting US export license for certain components including the engine and avionics. This could have prompted the PAF to look for alternatives.

The PAF currently flies 2 ex-Jordanian Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, 8 AgustaWestland AW-109E and around 16 McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender light armed helicopters.


[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[3] Philippine Defense Resource