Philippines expects delivery of last batch of Hermes 900 MALE UAVs before yearend

A Hermes 900 MALE UAV. The PAF ordered 9 units in 3 systems.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed in their quarterly newsletter that they are expecting the delivery of the last batch of six (6) Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (MALE UAV) from Israel’s Elbit Systems before the end of 2020.

The 6 UAVs are divided into 2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), each with 3 UAVs, ground control stations, ground terminals and support equipment. 

The PAF acquired 4 Unmanned Aerial Systems from Elbit Systems, with 3 systems based on the Hermes 900 and 1 system based on the Hermes 450, under its Unmanned Aerial Systems project. The Hermes 900 are currently the largest and most advanced UAVs with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed with photos posted in September 2019 that at least 2 Hermes 450 UAVs were delivered, with another posted photo on November 2019 confirming that at least 2 of the Hermes 900 UAVs were already delivered.

Elbit Systems also previously confirmed that they have delivered a maritime patrol variant of the Hermes 900 that has capability to deploy droppable payload for rescue at sea to an undisclosed Southeast Asian country. It is expected to be the Philippines since it is the only country in the region that ordered the Hermes 900.

The Elbit Systems Hermes 900 UAV has a length of 8.3 meters, a wingspan of 15 meters, a gross weight of 1,100 kilograms, and is powered by a Rotax 914 piston engine capable of providing the UAV with a cruise speed of 70 miles per hour, a maximum speed of up to 140 miles per hour, and an endurance of up to 36 hours with a maximum service ceiling of 9,100 meters.

[1] Jane’s
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Vietnam launches third locally-made large landing craft

Launching of landing craft with hull number 528. Photo c/o Kien Thuc.net.

Vietnamese shipbuilder Song Thu Corporation has launched the third indigenous roll-on/roll-off large landing craft it built for the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). 

The ceremony was held on 22 June 2020 in the company’s shipyard in Da Nang. The landing craft is based on Dutch shipbuilder Damen’s RoRo 5612 amphibious ship design.

It was given the hull number 528, in line with the hull numbering of its sisterships, which were originally built for the Venezuelan Army, but was turned over to the VPN after they failed to pay for the ships.

The new landing crafts are expected to improve the amphibious transport, logistics and mobility capability of the Vietnamese Armed Forces, with emphasis on transporting trucks and light armored vehicles of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), as well as shipping containers, goods and passengers including armed troops.

A fourth ship of the class is also under construction by Song Thu Corporation.

The ship has an overall length of 57.27 meters, a beam of 12 meters, a maximum draft of 2.75 meters. It displaces at around 600 tons, and has a maximum displacement of 1,480 full load. It is powered by 2 diesel engines and has a maximum speed of around 12 knots.


[1] Kien Thuc

Thailand develops new hand-launched T-Eagle III mini unmanned aerial system

The T-Eagle III UAV during tests. Photo c/o Komchadluek.net.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has developed a new man portable, mini hand-launched Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition requirements.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is powered by a low-noise electric motor, and is designed to be lightweight for easy of carrying during  patrol and reconnaissance missions.

The UAV can be equipped with a payload of up to 3 kilograms, including a stabilized night-capable camera with video feeding option. It can fly for a duration of up to 90 minutes, with an operational range of 10 kilometers, and a maximum operating ceiling of 3,000 feet.

Also developed with UAS are the UAS’ flight control system and ground control station, with the UAS allowing for an autonomous flight setting using pre-set coordinates.

The RTA’s Equipment Standardization Committee has so far provided certification to the T-Eagle III UAS, which confirms that it meets RTA standards and requirements.

It remains to be confirmed if the RTA ha already placed an order for the UAS.

[1] Komchadluek

Cambodia receives delivery of 290 military trucks from China

Cambodian military officials inspecting the new trucks from China. Photo c/o Khmer Times.

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Cambodia National Police (CNP) formally received the delivery of 290 military trucks the Cambodian government acquired from China.

The vehicles arrived in the country last week aboard a cargo vessel, and were said to have been ordered last year, paid for through fundraising efforts by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The RCAF’s Deputy Commander and Royal Cambodian Army Chief Lt. Gen.  Hun Manet said that the trucks were acquired without the government spending its own funds and were purchased using donated money from private companies and citizens.

The trucks are intended to modernize the mobility of the military and police forces, and would be helpful during natural disasters and emergencies including response against COVID-19 pandemic, as well as bringing home Cambodian migrant workers waiting at the border with Thailand.

Out of 290 trucks, the CNP received 40 trucks, the Military Police received 7 trucks, while the Prime Minister’s Bodyguard Unit received 20 trucks. 

Based on the photos from the event, the trucks delivered were Genlyon brand, which is a product of Chinese automotive company SAIC Iveco Hongyan, a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation, the City of Chongqing government, and Italian truck manufacturer IVECO, using the IVECO Stralis as its design and technology base.



[1] Khmer Times
[2] SAIC IVECO Hongyan

Keel laid for Taiwan’s first indigenous landing platform dock

A scale model of the Taiwanese LPD. Photo c/o Naval News.

Taiwanese shipbuilder China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) laid the keel of the first indigenous landing platform dock (LPD) on 9 June 2020.

Among those present were the Commander of the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) Admiral Liu Zhibin, and CSBC Chairman Zheng Wenlong.

The 10,600-ton ships were ordered with CSBC under a contract worth NT$4.6 billion (US$156 million) for the construction of the first ship,  as part of the ROCN’s Hongyun Project which costs NT$18 billion (US$610 million).

The ROCN is expecting the first ship to be delivered to them by April 2022.

The new LPD will provide the ROCN and the Republic of China Marine Corps (ROCMC) with enahcned amphibious capabilities, with a secondary role as a hospital ship and for humanitarian relief. It was designed to carry amphibious assault vehicles, landing crafts, trucks and armored vehicles, and up to 673 fully-equpped soldiers.

The ships will be armed with a variety of defensive guns and missile systems. Based on the scale model of the ship, it will probably be armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, two Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and TC-2N surface-to-air missiles. It is also expected for the ship to be armed with the Hsiung Feng II or III anti-ship missiles.


[1] Naval News
[2] Baird Maritime

Bangladesh, Philippines in talks with KAI for possible order of KT-1 Woongbi trainers

The KAI KT-1 Woongbi. Photo c/o Doo Ho Kim.

The diplomats of Bangladesh and the Philippines to South Korea confirmed that there are ongoing discussions with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on potential sale of the company’s KT-1 Woongbi turboprop trainer aircraft.

In a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Abida Islam confirmed her country is considering the KT-1 aircraft for requirements of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), but has not confirmed the exact quantity and will still be dependent on the price. 

Based on the Bangladesh government's previous announcements on planned procurements, the BAF plans to acquire 24 primary trainer aircraft.

Meanwhile, Philippines chargé d’affaires Christian De Jesus confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Philippine government on the possible purchase of the KT-1 for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed to APDJ that the PAF is looking 12 new trainer aircraft to eventually replace its existing SIAI Marchetti S.211 basic jet trainers which first saw service in the early 1990s. The KT-1 is said to be among those contending for the project, and is competing against other models including the Aero Vodochody L-39NG and the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II.

The Philippines already operates the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle lead-in trainer / light combat aircraft, and previously considered the KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter, before deciding to go with another model.

Currently the KT-1 Woongbi is in service with the air forces of South Korea, Indonesia, Peru, and Turkey. 


[1] Korea JoongAng Daily
[2] United News of Bangladesh
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

Malaysia and Indonesia to receive new air defense mobile radars from US government

The Lockheed Martin TPS-77 mobile surveillance radar.

The US government will be donating three (3) solid-state long range mobile surveillance radars to the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia, under a contract notice dated 9 June 2020 between the US government and   Lockheed Martin worth US$77 million.

There is no definite confirmation on how the distribution will be, although its expected that one of the countries could receive 2 radars.

The radars will enable long range air and maritime surveillance missions for both countries.

It is expected that Lockheed Martin’s TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar was the radar selected for the grant, which meets the objectives to provide a secure interoperable Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence and Sensors systems supporting US Joint Air Operations to US Foreign Military Sales customers.

The TPS-77 MRR is Lockheed Martin’s latest version of its long range surveillance radar products, incorporating Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology for ultra low power consumption and high reliability.

Delivery is expected to be completed within 48 months from contract award. 


[1] Shephard Media
[2] Malaysia Defence
[3] US System for Awards Management

Sikorsky to propose Armed Blackhawk helicopter to meet Philippines requirements

The Sikorsky S-70i Armed Blackhawk. Photo c/o Sikorsky PZL Mielec.

American helicopter company Sikorsky is set to make a proposal based on their S-70i Armed Blackhawk to meet attack helicopter requirements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

This was disclosed by Sikorsky’s regional executive Jon Rudy, with the Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) offer relying on commonality with the PAF’s upcoming fleet of S-70i Blackhawk, 16 units of which were ordered for the PAF’s Combat Utility Helicopter requirements.

According to Sikorsky, a 100% baseline commonality between the S-70i Blackhawk and Armed Blackhawk will provide economies of scale with regards to support, training and logistics. 

If needed, the Armed Blackhawks can also be reconfigured for other missions including air transport and humanitarian relief.

The S-70i Armed Blackhawks will be produced by Sikorsky’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec, which also builds the Blackhawks for delivery to the PAF. Should the PAF select the Armed Blackhawk, Sikorsky believes they can start delivery by June 2022, with the rest to be delivered in 2023.

The Armed Blackhawk will be equipped with a helmet targeting system, and the same combat loadout as attack helicopters, with up to 16 Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, or in a mix with other munition options including guided and unguided rockets, and forward-firing guns, plus pintle-mounted guns on the sides.

The PAF has previously selected the T129 ATAK attack helicopter from Turkish Aerospace Industries, but US government export restrictions has dragged a contract signing with the Philippines Department of National Defense (DND)

Boeing and Bell Helicopters are also pitching their attack helicopters, with the AH-64E Apache Guardian and AH-1Z Viper, respectively, competing with the Armed Blackhawk under a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) proposal.


[1] Flight Global
[2] Jane’s

Indonesia receives more ASTROS II multiple-launch rocket systems

One of the new ASTROS II MLRS launcher truck delivered on 12 June 2020. Photo c/o Military Leak.

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) received more Brazilian-made Artillery Saturation Rocket System II (ASTROS II) multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS), which arrived by sea in Jakarta on 12 June 2020.

According to multiple Indonesian defense pages, 27 units of the ASTROS II Mk. 6, capable of firing the SS-60 and SS-80 300mm rockets, or the larger, longer-ranged SS-150 450mm rockets.

Also delivered were ammunition and supporting equipment for the MLRS fleet, although it was unspecified which rocket variant were delivered.

This new batch of ASTROS II adds to 36 units already in service with the TNI-AD since 2015. 

The ASTROS II is developed by Brazil’s Avibras Industria Aeroespecial (Avibras), and features a modular design that allows the use of different rocket calibers ranging from 127mm to 450mm. It uses a Tectran VBT-2028 6x6 all-terrain vehicle as mobility platform.

A typical ASTROS II battery consists of 6 mobile rocket launcher trucks, 6 rocket resupply ttrucks, and a radar-equipped command and control vehicle.


[1] Military Leak Defense Page
[2] Defense Studies Defense Page

Australia releases RFI for potential replacement for BAE Hawk 127 LIFTs

A BAE Hawk 127 LIFT of the RAAF. Photo c/o Australian Aviation.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) through the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) has released a Request for Information (RFI) that points to a potential replacement of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of BAE Hawk 127 lead in fighter trainers.

The RFI requires submissions to be made by 31 July 2020, which seeks “information about these technologies while providing industry an opportunity to engage early on the capability lifecycle as it considers options that may contribute towards the next generation of LIF capability”.

Information will be used for planning and deciding on a course of action on the future of the RAAF’s Lead in Fighter Training System capability, and not necessarily on procuring any platform or system.

Currently the RAAF operates 33 BAE Hawk 127s since 1999, and was considered for a possible update that includes replacing its Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871 engines that has been experiencing stress and difficulty in sustaining.

The engine issue has led to grounding issues on the entire fleet for safety reasons, affecting operational training requirements.

The Hawk 127s are also lacking in terms of integrating it with existing and future platforms like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and other platforms.

Among those considered as potential contenders should a replacement platform be decided as course of action are the Korean Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle, Saab-Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, Leonardo M-346 Master, and Textron Scorpion, as well as a new variant of the BAE Hawk

BAE is also expected to propose a program to refurbish and modernize the existing Hawk 127 fleet.


[1] ADBR
[2] Australian Aviation

Indonesia prepares for potential contract to build a new Iver Huitfedlt-variant frigate

An Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate of the Royal Danish Navy.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has started preparations for the potential construction of a new large frigate, signing a preamble contract with proponents involved in the project for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The preamble contract was signed with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL, and Indonesian agent for Danish shipbuilder Odennse Maritime Technology (OMT) PT Sinar Kokoh Persada. 

OMT has promoted their Ivan Huitfeldt-class frigate as the basis for Indonesian’s new large frigate requirements, with the Indonesian MOD agreeing it to be the best solution among several choices considered.

According to British defense media outlet Jane’s, part of the preamble contract are the agreements on workshare and distribution should the actual shipbuilding contract be made.

The TNI-AL has raised the requirement for 2 large frigates, with OMT’s design beating out Dutch shipbuilder Damen with their new OMEGA large frigate design.

While the Indonesian variant is expected to have a different exterior design, subsystem layout and sensor and weapon systems fit, the basic design features are expected to be similar to the Royal Danish Navy’s variant.

The Iver Huitfeldt-class displaces at 6,500 tons full load, and is propelled by four MTU 20V 8000 M70 diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration, allowing a maximum speed of 28 knots, and a maximum range of 9,300 nautical miles at 18 knots.

It has space allocation for four Mk. 41 8-cell VLS, two Mk. 56 12-cell VLS, up to 16 Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles,  2 OTO Melara 76mm guns, a 35mm Oerlikon Millenium naval gun, and two triple lightweight torpedo launchers.

It also has a hangar and helicopter deck for medium-sized military helicopters.

Once built, it would become the largest surface combatant in Southeast Asia, not counting Thailand's aircraft carrier.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Naval News

Philippines to acquire 3 additional medium tactical transport aircraft

One of the PAF's C-295M aircraft. Credits to source.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) plans to purchase 3 additional medium tactical transport aircraft as it continues to build up its air transport capabilities.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the Department of National Defense (DND) has prioritized the acquisition of 3 new medium tactical transport aircraft for fiscal year 2020, with a budget of Php5.288 billion (US$105.7 million).

These aircraft are expected to be assigned with the PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing based in Benito Ebuen Air Base in the central Philippines.

The PAF is currently operating four (4) Airbus-CASA C-295M aircraft, and is expected to order more under this new plan, although it was mentioned that Indonesia’s PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is also trying to swing the PAF to look into their smaller CN-235-220, which is the basis for development of the C-295M.

Aside from additional medium tactical transport aircraft, the PAF is also waiting for the delivery of a refurbished Lockheed C-130 Hercules from the US, and apparently also possibly getting a second aircraft.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently in the process of modernizing its forces, and is currently in the Horizon 2 phase of its program, covering the years 2018 to 2022. 


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Inquirer.net
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Taiwan’s new indigenous T-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer conducts first flight

The T-5 Brave Eagle during its maiden flight. Photo c/o Taiwan MND.

Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), together with the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) conducted the maiden flight of their T-5 Brave Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer prototype on 10 June 2020.

This was announced by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) on the same day, was conducted from Ching Chuan Kang Air Base near Taichung, and took 20 minutes.

More test flights are to be conducted over 3 days after being cleared of pre-flight dynamic and static tests. An official test flight will be held on 22 June 2020 on the same air base.

The T-5 Brave Eagle, previously known as the Blue Magpie, was developed under a joint program between the National Chun-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, AIDC, and ROCAF. It was first introduced in September 2019, and will be built for the ROCAF to replace its existing fleet of AIDC AT-3 trainers by 20206.

AIDC and ROCAF are also planning to develop a light fighter variant that would replace the ROCAF’s fleet of Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters.

The T-5 Brave Eagle was developed after Taiwan decided to drop a previous plan to acquire the Leonardo M-346 Master.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Flight Global

New replenishment tanker for New Zealand on the way home for delivery

The replenishment ship Aotearoa (A 11). Photo c/o HHI.

The new replenishment tanker ordered by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has left South Korea and is on the way home for delivery.

The ship, which will be commissioned with the RNZN as the HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11), left Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on 10 June 2020, with the departure ceremony attended by the New Zealand’s Ambassador to South Korea Am. Philippe Turner, as well as officials from the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). 

The 26,000-ton ship was escorted out of South Korean waters by the ROKN Cheongji-class logistics support ship ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58).

The new ship, which also featured an ice-strengthened hull for operations in Antarctic waters, will replace the fleet oiler HMNZS Endeavour (A11), which was retired from RNZN service in December 2017.

The Aoetearoa (A 11) is 173.2 meters long, has a beam of 24.5 meters, and is equipped with a flight deck and hangar for medium helicopters. 

It is capable of carrying 8,000 tons of diesel fuel, 1,550 tons of aviation-grade fuel, and 250 tons of fresh water, and is equipped with two replenishment-at-sea (RAS) masts.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Hyundai Heavy Industries

Thailand to procure Kalashnikov AK-201 assault rifles for paramilitary unit

The AK-201 rifle. Photo c/o Kalashnikov Concern.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) announced that it is planning to acquire 500 units of the Kalashnikov AK-201 5.56mm rifles from Russia.

The rifles will be equipping the Paramilitary Marine Regiment assigned with the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) Eastern Area Task Force.

The RTN has allocated a budget of THB45 million (US$1.4 million) for the acquisition of the AK-201 5.56x45mm rifles, or an average of THB90,000 per unit. The rifles will be supplied by a local company, H&P Milspec Company Ltd.

The AK-201 5.56x45mm rifle is part of the AK-200 series rifle family from Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern, and is an improvement over the AK-100 series rifles which is itself derived from the AK-74 assault rifle used by the Russian military. 

Most improvements are on the accessories and mounting systems which include Picatinny rails, adjustable buttstock, a new pistol grip and new flash hider.

Thailand’s Paramilitary units, called the Thahan Phran are auxiliary units of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and RTMC and is involved in border patrols and counter insurgency operations.


[1] AAG_TH Journal Thai Defence Page
[2] GlobalSecurity

New Zealand to order five new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

A C-130J of the French Air Force, for photo reference only. Photo from Air Force Technology.

The New Zealand government confirmed that they are purchasing five (5) new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from American aviation giant Lockheed Martin.

The new aircraft would replace ageing assets of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), which consists of older C-130H Hercules.

The project, worth NZ$1.521 billion (US$998 million)  and undertaken under US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, would include a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure, as well as additional spare parts, training, logistics support and other requirements to support the RNZAF’s smooth transition to the new aircraft.

The aircraft will have a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the older Hercules aircraft, and would be fitted with special capabilities including satellite communications and electro-optical/infra-red camera which can be used for surveillance missions.

The RNZAF expects the first C-130J Super Hercules to be delivered by 2024, with the deliveries completed by 2025 which would also allow the phase retirement of the older C-130H Hercules.

The RNZAF is also looking at replacing their fleet of 2 Boeing 757 jet transport aircraft which are reaching the end of their service life this decade.


[1] Beehive - New Zealand Government

Philippine Navy plans to acquire shore-based anti-ship missile batteries

The Brahmos mobile missile launcher.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is interested in having their own shore-base anti-ship missile systems and is eyeing the Indian Brahmos coastal defence system for the requirement.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines reported that aside from the Philippine Army (PA) which earlier announced its intentions to acquire two (2) batteries of the Brahmos land-based missile system, the PN is planning to acquire three (3) batteries to enable an area defense/area denial (A2/AD) capability to protect the country’s territories.

Delays in final negotiations have been reported due to COVID-19-related restrictions, although the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines was positive that negotiations will continue once restrictions ease up on both sides.

Currently the export version of the surface-to-surface version of the Brahmos anti-ship cruise missile has a maximum range of 290 kilometers, although India has announced that improvements have been made to allow a maximum range of 500 kilometers.

Confirmation is still needed if the PN and PA are getting the improved variants, due to potential MTCR restrictions.

The Brahmos anti-ship and land-attack missiles were developed as part of cooperation between India and Russia, and flies at supersonic speed to defeat hard-kill ship defences while providing maximum damage due to its kinetic energy. 

Each Brahmos coastal defense battery consists of 3 or 4 mobile missile launchers, with 3 ready-to-fire Brahmos missiles each, and supported by command and control, support, and surveillance systems.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] The EurAsian Times

Japan orders first batch of UH-X helicopters

The Subaru-Bell UH-X for the JGSDF. Photo c/o Subaru Corp.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has  awarded a JPY14.3 billion (US$131.6 million) contract to Subaru Corporation to supply and deliver six (6) new UH-X multirole helicopters for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

According to Jane’s, the contract was signed on 19 March 2020, with the delivery expected to start by 2022 and be completed by January 2023.

The Subaru UH-X is based on the new Subaru - Bell Helicopter’s 412EPX commercial helicopter model, with modifications made to suite JGSDF requirements and specifications. 

The Subaru UH-X is bound to replace the JGSDF’s ageing fleet of Bell UH-1J Huey helicopters, which were also license-produced by Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru Corp.’s predecessor).  The JGSDF currently operates more than 120 UH-1J helicopters.

Previous announcements by the Japanese MOD suggests the requirement for around 150 new UH-Xs to be procured over the next two decades. The helicopters will be used for a variety of missions including troop transport, search and rescue, disaster relief.  


[1] Jane’s
[2] Army Technology

India to order 156 new BMP-2 armored vehicles as Abhay FICV development stalls

A BMP-2 Sarath infantry combat vehicle of the Indian Army. Photo from India Ministry of I&B.

The Indian Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) confirmed with British defense media Jane’s that the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) is expected to order up to 156 new BMP-2 Sarath tracked amphibious armored vehicles for the Indian Army.

The vehicles are expected to be worth INR11.25 billion (US$148 million), and will be built under license by OFB’s Medak facility in Southern India, which has been building license built BMP-2s since 1987.

Delivery is expected to be made within 24 months from confirmation of order, and would cover for the delays in the development and production of the Abhay Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) project. The Abhay FICV was suppose to replace the BMP-2 Sarath as the Indian Army’s main mechanized combat vehicle.

The BMP-2 Sarath is an Indian-spec model of the Soviet BMP-2 armored vehicle, and weighs around 14.3 tons and operated by a 3-man crew. It also has space for 7 fully equipped troops.

The vehicle is armed with a 2A32 30mm fully stabilized cannon, with a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun. A 9Sh119M1 missile launcher is mounted on the turret, capable of firing the 9M113 Konkurs anti-tank missile.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Financial Express