Philippines formalizes order for new fixed and mobile air surveillance radar systems

PAF personnel inspecting a J/FPS-3 radar site in Japan during project inspections in 2019. Photo c/o DND.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has formalized its order for new fixed and mobile air defense and surveillance radars from Japan.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract with Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (MELCO) during ceremonies held on 14 August 2020 in Manila. The Notice to Proceed was also released in favor of MELCO on the same day.

The project is a milestone for Japan, as this is their first export of a complete defense system to another country since they lifted a ban to export arms and weapon systems in 2014.

MELCO was awarded the project in March 2020, beating offers from Israel and the United States.

The contract, worth US$103.5 million negotiated under a Government-to-Government deal between the two countries, involves the supply of three (3) J/FPS-3ME long range active electronically scanned array (AESA) fixed radar systems, and one (1) J/TPS-P14ME long range mobile radar system for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The PAF intends to deploy these new radars in the southern and northeastern seaboards of the country.

The project is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Horizon 2 moderization phase which covers 2018 to 2022. The radars will be delivered to the PAF starting 2022.

In addition to selling the radars to the Philippines, the Japanese government has also agreed to assist the PAF in improving its electronic warfare and communications capability, as well as improving its air defense system and doctrines.

Japan has also expressed its desire to work with its Philippine counterparts in monitoring Chinese military air traffic in the Bashi Channel, which is used by China for passage to the Western Pacific region.

 The new radars would be important in improving the Philippines' ability to detect aircraft entering the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone (PADIZ) and airspace above its exclusive economic zone, considering it previously lacked sufficient capability due to dilapidation of its air defense system over the past few decades.


[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] Japan Times
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Taiwan orders 21 more CM-34 Clouded Leopard wheeled IFVs

A CM-34 IFV during trials. Photo c/o Snafu! Blog.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) confirmed that they have ordered 21 more CM-34 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles for the Republic of China Army (ROCA).

The CM-34 IFV is based on the CM-32 Clouded Leopard family of wheeled armored vehicles, which are locally developed based on a design from Ireland’s Timoney Technology Ltd.

The 21 units are on top of the 284 units already acquiring by the ROCA from an order made in 2018.

These new vehicles, which are armed with a stabilised 30mm Mk. 44 Bushmaster cannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun in a manned turret, will be assigned with the ROCA’s Military Police Command. This brings the total order to 305 vehicles.

The MOD expects the completion of the delivery of all orders by 2023. So far, 32 units were handed over to the ROCA in 2019, and another 54 units expected to be completed before the end of 2020.

The ROCA also operates the CM-32 command vehicle, and the CM-33 armored personnel carrier, with over 650 units ordered between both models.


[1] Jane’s

Singapore to increase Chinook helicopter deployment in Australia

One of the new CH-47F Chinook bound for Singapore, being tested in Boeing's facility in Ridley, USA. Photo c/o Scram

The governments of Australia and Singapore has reached an agreement for the expansion of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) deployment of CH-47 Chinook heavy transport helicopters at the Australian Army’s Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey, Queensland.

The RSAF will be deploying its new Boeing CH-47F Chinook to the facility, with up to ten (10) units believed to be calling the Oakey facility as its home.

Currently, five (5) older model CH-47D Chinooks are stationed in Oakey and are being used for training, and the new CH-47F Chinooks are expected to be used for conversion training as the RSAF shifts to the new model. 

It is not yet clear what the RSAF will do with the deployed CH-47D helicopters considering the acquisition of the new CH-47F was meant to replace the older Chinook variant.

The deployment of RSAF helicopters in the Australian Army facility was agreed upon in 1996, with up to 16 helicopters allowed to be deployed at any given time. 

The expanded footprint at Oakey is supported by a facilities improvement that allows for the refurbishing of existing RSAF helicopter training facilities, new support logistics and maintenance facilities, and improvement of airfield infrastructures. 

The project was started in January 2017 and was completed on August 2019 at a cost of around A$57.7 million (US$41 million).

Singapore ordered 16 new CH-47F Chinook helicopters from American aviation giant Boeing, to eventually replace the older CH-47D Chinooks in RSAF inventory.


[1] Australia Defence Magazine
[2] AIN Publications

Australia to develop multi-platform Airborne Electronic Warfare capabilities with US

The RAAF recently ordered 4 EW aircraft using Gulfsteam G550 business jet as a platform.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has announced that it has made a six-year agreement with the US Department of Defense to cooperate and develop an Airborne Multi-Platform Electronic Warfare (AMPEW) capability.

The primary objective of the collaboration is developing technologies to decrease aircrew cognitive workload, and automate the Command and Control of manned and unmanned electronic warfare system in stand-in and stand-off ranges.

According to Royal Australian Air Force Head of Air Force Capbility, Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts AM,  “The AMPEW Project Arrangement establishes a cooperative project to jointly design, develop, test, and demonstrate dynamic multi-platform electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare resource allocation management (EMW RAM) tools and decision aids”.

This is through jointly design, develop, test and demonstrate dynamic multi-platform electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare resource allocation management (EMW RAM) tools and decision aids.

The project arrangement will serve as the mechanism on which Australia and the US Navy will execute the EMW RAM Coalition Warfare Program Project and Future Naval Capability. Groups involved in both countries include the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division Office of Naval Research, and Naval Air Systems Command of the US Navy; the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Defence Scient and Technology Group, and industry entities from both countries.


[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Defence Connect

India approves procurement of 106 new indigenous HTT-40 trainer aircraft

The HAL HTT-40 turboprop trainer aircraft. 

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the plan to acquire an initial order of 70 new Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40 (HTT-40) from Indian aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), once it complete certification.

36 more HTT-40 are expected to be ordered once the IAF operationalizes the first lot of orders, bringing the total to 106  aircraft with an expected cost of INR47.7 billion (US$636 million).

The HTT-40 is an indigenously designed and built turboprop basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), and is meant to replace the ageing HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainer aircraft while supplementing the Pilatus PC-7 Mk. II. 

The new aircraft is an all-metal tandem seat trainer powered by 1,100hp Honeywell Garret TPE331-12B turboprop engine, allowing a maximum speed of 400 kilometers per hour, a maximum range of 1,000 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 6,000 meters.

The development of the HTT-40 experienced years of delays, but has now reached advanced stages of development and is expected to start serial production by late 2020.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Financial Express India

South Korea to build their first F-35B-capable light aircraft carrier

The latest CGI of the LPX-II light aircraft carrier for the ROKN. Photo c/o ROKN.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense (MOD) confirmed earlier speculations that the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will be having its first light aircraft carrier after deciding to change the design of their LPX-II amphibious assault ship program.

The LPX-II will now be different to the earlier LPX program, which eventually became the Dokdo-class landing helicopter dock (LHD), as the LPX-II will not have amphibious support capabilities and will focus purely on air operations.

The design will be designated as the flagship of the ROKN’s Mobile Force, and will be focused on operating the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which are short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capable, as well as transport and attack helicopters.

South Korean naval shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was awarded a contract in 2019 to design, with the conceptual design expected to be released by late this year.

It is expected to have a displacement of around 30,000 tons, and reach up to 40,000 tons at full load. The program is also planned for immediate implementation, with the program expected to be completed before the end of the decade.

The F-35Bs will be acquired separately and operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), with 20 units planned on top of the conventional F-35A variants already on order.

The decision to acquire an aircraft carrier signals the ROKN’s intention to operate further from home, and expand its reach to as far as the Indian Ocean.


[1] Naval News
[2] The Drive
[3] CNN World News

Philippines’ second new frigate encounters delivery delays due to COVID-19

Frigate Antonio Luna (FF-151) during launching on November 2019. Photo c/o Yonhap News Agency.

The second Jose Rizal-class frigate bound for the Philippine Navy (PN) will be delivered later than expected.

This was confirmed to the local media by the PN’s Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo, who mentioned that they are now expecting for the second frigate, the Antonio Luna (FF-151), to be delivered to them by either January or February 2021.

Originally the frigate was scheduled for delivery to the PN on October 2020, but Vice Adm. Bacordo mentioned that COVID-19 has made delivery at that date impossible.

The Antonio Luna is built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and was launched in November 2019. The frigate has started undergoing sea trials in South Korea.

The first ship of the class, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), was already commissioned with the PN in July 2020, and is currently on its way to participate in it first international exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020.

The Jose Rizal-class frigates are 107.5 meters long, has a beam of 13.8 meters, displaces at 2,600 tons, and are the PN’s first missile-armed major surface warfare assets. They are armed with an Oto Melara Super Rapid 76mm gun, a 30mm secondary gun, two twin launchers for MBDA Mistral very short range air defense missiles, 2 twin launchers for LIG Nex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missiles, and two triple torpedo launchers. 

The frigates also have space for future 8-cell vertical launching system (VLS) and a close-in weapon system (CIWS), which will be acquired separately.


[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] GMA News

Malaysia considers options to resolve delays on Littoral Combat Ship program

Launching of 1st ship of the class, the Maharaja Lela (2501) in 2017. The ship remains uncompleted. Photo c/o RMN.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has started to consider options on salvaging the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), as delays continue to hamper completion of even 1 ship.

According to Defense Minister Datuk Sari Ismail Sabri Yaacob, none of the six LCS vessesls ordered from Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNSSB) has been completed, and has logged a delay of 31.1 months for the entire project.

He also said that the MINDEF would not provide additional funding to the project anymore, and would only allow the use of the remaining contract ceiling should additional funding be needed.

Among the options of MINDEF that will be presented to the Cabinet are:

1. Appointing France's Naval Group (NG), which is currently the design authority of the project, as a rescue contractor through a deed of assignment with BNSSB, and using the remaining contract ceiling to complete the construction of the first 2 ships;

2. Allow the project to continue with BNSSB, while using the remaining contract ceiling to complete the first 2 ships;

3. Cancel the contract with BNSSB, and allow MINDEF to make efforts to save the project.

An option to save BNSSB from debt is also out of the options, although the Malaysian government is willing to pay for the design rights. It would also claim the completed blocks of ships and all equipment purchased by BNSSB using government funding.

So far, LCS 1 is 59.79% complete, LCS 2 at 48.09%, LCS 3 at 43.75%, LCS 4 at 36.49%, LCS 5 at 20%, and LCS 6 has not been started.

The LCS is planned to be the most capable surface warfare assets of the RMN, equivalent to frigates and will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including the Kongsberg Naval Strike anti-ship missiles and MBDA VL-Mica air defense missiles.

The ship will displace at around 3,100 tons, has a length of 111 meters, a beam of 16 meters, and are powered by 4 MTU diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration allowing a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.


[1] Bernama
[2] Jane's

South Korea reveals its new indigenous AESA radar prototype for the KF-X fighter

Unveiling the new AESA radar by Hanwha, Elta, and ADD on 7 August 2020.

South Korea has revealed a new indigenous Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar prototype that will be used on the Korea Experimental Fighter (KF-X) program for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The new radar, which is being developed by South Korean company Hanwha Systems in collaboration with Israeli defense company IAI-Elta Systems, and the South Korean government's Agency for Defense Development (ADD), was shown to the public in a ceremony held on 7 August 2020.

IAI-Elta Systems is also expected to assist in the testing and integration phase of the new radar, which is said to be capable of detecting and tracking up to 1,000 targets simultaneously.

The prototype will undergo several more performance and installation tests before being integrated to the KF-X prototype for further testing. The KF-X aircraft prototype itself is also expected to be launched on April 2021.

Once integrated with the KF-X prototype, testing may take 5 more years before development phase can be completed.

South Korea decided to build its own AESA radar after the United States refused to transfer core technologies for AESA fighter radars.

The new AESA radar could also be used as an alternative for the ROKAF's other fighter aircraft.


[1] Jane's





 

Australia's first Supply-class fleet replenishment vessel conducts pre-delivery sea trials

The NUSHIP Supply (A 195) undergoing sea trials off the coast of Ferrol, Spain. Photo c/ o Navantia.

The new auxiliary oiler replenishment vessel bound for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the first ship of the Supply-class fleet replenishment vesses NUSHIP Supply (A 195), has started sea trials in Spain.

The ship was built by Spanish naval shipbuilder Navantia at their Ferrol Shipyard, and is based on the Cantabria-class design originally built for the Spanish Navy.

The first sea trial, with 135 men on board, conducted a 3-day, 2-night test of the ship. Several more sea trials are expected until the ship passes all quality requirements and the RAN satisfied before delivery.

The ship is expected to sail to Australia for delivery by 23 August 2020, and arrive in Australia by 28 September 2020. The ship will continue undergoing fit-out of additional equipment including defensive weapon systems, communications and combat systems suite in Australia between October to December 2020.

Navantia is also commissed by the RAN to provide support for the ship's entre maintenance life cycle.

The ship, which will be named HMAS Supply (A 195) once in RAN service by late 2020, is replacing the former replenishment oil HMAS Success (OR 304) which was retired in 2019.

Another ship of the class built by Navantia is undergoing final fit-out works, and is expected to be named as HMAS Stalwart (A 304) once commissioned with the RAN in 2021.

The Supply-class replenishment ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.

In addition to replenishment, the vessels can be used to combat against environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support for the armed forces, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations following a natural disaster.


[1] Navantia
[2] Royal Australian Navy[3] Australian Naval Institute

Thailand eyes upgrade and improvement works on 2 Chao Phraya-class frigates

HTMS Chao Phraya (FFG-455) of the Royal Thai Navy. 

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is reportedly eyeing the upgrade works for 2 of their 4 Chao Phraya-class frigates, which are now more than 25 years old but is still regarded as an important asset to the fleet.

The 4 frigates of the class, the HTMS Chao Phraya (FFG-455), HTMS Bangpakong (FFG-456), HTMS Kraburi (FFG-457) and HTMS Saiburi (FFG-458), were built in China as the Type 053HT based on the Type 053H2 frigate of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Thailand ordered in 1991 and commissioned to the RTN in 1995, with the ships having Thai-specific modifications compared to the original Chinese design.

Of the 4 ships, HTMS Chao Phraya and HTMS Bangpakong, both of which has no helicopter flight deck facilities, are said to be the ones planned for upgrade, to keep up with the technology of its newer fleet assets.

Upgrade works may include replacing the Chinese 100mm naval gun with a 76/62mm automatic gun, replacing the 37mm secondary guns with 30mm guns in remote weapon stations.

Also planned for replacement as the combat management system and surveillance systems, as well as integrating a new tactical data link and electronic support measures  to allow better performance in command and control ,target detection and tracking, communication, integration with the existing combat network, and weapons control.

No timeline has been set although it is expected to happen soon considering the RTN has been phasing in new platforms  to improve its overall operational capability and availability.


[1] AAG-Th Thai Defense Page
[2] Naval Recognition

Bangladesh Navy sailors injured in Beirut explosion, warship damaged

Inured Bangladesh Navy sailors after the explosion in Beirut. Photo c/o Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh Navy (BN) suffered from the ammonium nitrate explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, with 2 of its sailors confirmed killed, and 21 other sailors injured.

The BN Castle-class corvette BNS Bijoy (F35) was docked at Beirut port as part of the UN Peacekeeping Force when the explosion happened. 

The warship sustained damage, although it is unconfirmed how much damage the navy ship sustained, and is currently being assessed.

The injured navy personnel were brought to the American University of Beirut Medical Centre and Hamoud Hospital, one of which was said to be in critical condition. 

The BNS Bijoy has been part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2018 and is in-charge of stopping the illegal entry of weapons and explosives in Lebanon.

The BNS Bijoy is a former UK Royal Navy Castle-class offshore patrol vessel, transferred to Bangladesh in April 2010. It was modified in Bangladesh service and is equipped with a 76mm AK-176 main gun, two Oerlikon 20mm guns, and 2 twin C-704 anti-ship missile launchers.


[1] The Business Standard Bangladesh
[2] The Daily Star

Thailand launches two new indigenous coastal patrol boats

One of the new M36 Mk.III patrol boats bound for the RTN. Photo c/o RTN.

Thai boatbuilder Marsun Public Company Ltd has launched two new indigenously designed and built coastal patrol boats for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in ceremonies held in the company’s shipyard in Samut Prakan province on 31 July 2020.

The boats, based on Marsun’s M36 Mk. III patrol boat design and called the Tor 111-class, were given the hull numbers 114 and 115, and are the 4th and 5th boats of the class.

The RTN currently operates 3 more units, with hull numbers 111, 112 and 113. 

Improvements were made on these new patrol boats compared to earlier sisterships, as it now uses a 30mm gun mounted on a remote controlled weapon station, unlike earlier models that has a 20mm manually operated Denel Land Systems GI-2 gun.

It is also armed with two .50-caliber heavy machine guns.

The boats have enough spaces for 13 special operators from the RTN’s Naval Special Warfare Command.

Both patrol boats are expected to be delivered and commissioned to the RTN by August 2020.

The M36 Mk. III patrol boats are 36 meters long, has a beam of 7.60 meters, and is powered by 3 Cummins diesel engines, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of more than 27 knots, and a range of 1,200 nautical miles.

The aluminium-hull boats has a crew of 28 officers and sailors


[1] Royal Thai Navy
[2] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page
[3] Marsun Public Company Ltd

Philippines receives US approval for potential sale of riverine boats, weapons and equipment

A Riverine Assault Boat of the US Navy. Photo c/o The Drive.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has posted a notice stating that the US State Department has approved the potential US Foreign Military Sales (US FMS) of riverine boats, firearms and other equipement for the Philippine Army (PA), in a deal estimated to be worth US$126 million.

The US Congress has been notified of the potential sale for their approval.

Among those included in the deal are 36 9-meter Scout Boats, 36 10-meter Assault Boats, 18 16-meter Light Support Boats, 36 units of Forward Looking Infra-Red FLIR 280HD, 24 units M2A1 .50 caliber heavy machine guns, 36 M134D 7.62x51mm gatling guns, and 156 units M240B 7.62x51mm machine guns.

Also included are 399 AN/PVS-14 Night Vission Goggles and AN/PEQ-15 IR Lasers, 102 handheld Thermal Imager Scopes, 210 units AN/PAS-13 heavy Thermal Weapon Sights, 90 units Harris Falcon III RF-7850M vehicle radios, 270 units Harris Falcon III RF-7850S handheld radios, spare parts, safety and rescue equipment, training, technical services and assistance, logistics and other related elements.

The sale is in support of US foreign policy and national security by assisting and improving the capabilities of a strategic partner and ally like the Philippines in promoting stability, peace and progress.

The equipment would help the PA in meeting present and future threats by improving its ability to operate and control both inland and coastal waterways in the southern Philippines.

Willand Marine Inc. of Anaheim, California is the principle contractor for the Scout and Assault Boats, while the contractor for the Light Support Boats would be determined through open competition contract. 

No offset agreements was proposed although it would be defined in negotiations between the Philippine government and the contractors.

The PA currently has a requirement for Riverine Operations Equipment which includes the acquisition of Scout, Assault and Support Boats and equipment, as part of its Horizon 2 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP) running until 2022.

It has recently received delivery of the first batch of Riverine Light Boats, of which 52 units were said to have been ordered.


[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

Indonesia looks at potential acquisition of German Bremen-class frigate as interim solution

The German Navy frigate Lübeck during Exercise UNITAS Gold in 2009. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence (MOD) is reportedly interested in acquiring Germany's only in-service Bremen-class (Type 122) frigate, to meet a requirement for an Interim Readiness Frigate (IRF) for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

According to British defense media Jane's, it has received a copy of documents recommending the procurement of the Bremen-class frigate Lübeck (F214) as indicated in a letter of guidance from the Indonesian MOD.

The said letter indicates plans to temporarily fill operational gaps in the TNI-AL, to meet the Indonesian Armed Forces' Minimum Essential Force modernization program.

Being an interim solution, the acquisition of the used Bremen-class frigate, which the German Navy plans to retire in 2021, the TNI-AL is still pursuing the acquisition of 2 new large frigates based on Denmark's Iver Huitfeldt-class design. No timeline has been confirmed though on the purchase of the new frigates.

The TNI-AL plans to replace its ageing fleet of 6 Ahmad Yani-class frigates, which are former Van Speijk-class frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy transferred to the TNI-AL in 1986. One of the frigates has been retired. 

The service has started replacing them with the Martadinata-class frigates based of Dutch shipbuilder Damen's SIGMA 10514 design, two of which are already in service. So far, the TNI-AL has not ordered additional Martadinata-class frigates.

The Bremen-class frigates were commissioned by the German Navy starting in 1982, with the last ship of the class, the Lübeck (F214) commissioned in March 1990. It has a length of 130.5 meters, a beam of 14.6 meters, and a displacement of 3,680 tons.

The ship is equipped with an Oto Melara 76/62mm naval gun, 2 Rheinmetall MLG27 27mm autocannons, an 8-cell box launcher for Sea Sparrow air defense missiles, 2 quadruple launchers for RGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and two twin Mark 32 324mm torpedo launchers.

The frigate also has a hangar and a helicopter landing deck to allow the embarkation of 2 naval helicopters.

[1] Jane's
[2] Indomiliter Defense Forum

New Zealand commissions new replenishment vessel, its largest ship ever.

The HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11). Photo c/o Royal New Zealand Navy.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has commissioned its Polar-class new auxiliary replenishment vessel, the HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11) during ceremonies held on 29 July 2020 at Davenport Naval Base in Auckland.

The new ship was built by South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and was delivered to the RNZN on June 2020. It is expected to reach full operational capability by 2021.

The ship is considered the fist naval ship to use the Enviroship concept, with a wave-piercing hull for efficiency and reduced fuel consumption, and is designed with a strengthened bow for Antarctic operations.

The ship has complement of 64 officers and sailors, and can also accommodate additional crew including 11 flight staff, 14 trainees, 8 mission team members, and a VIP passenger.

The HMNZS Aotearoa can carry up to 8,000 tons of diesel fuel, 1,550 tons of aviation fuel, and 250 tons of fresh water for resupply missions.

It can also accommodate up to 14 standard 20-foot containers in single stack, or up to 22 containers double stacked for ammunition, food and supplies, while also capable of producing fresh water of up to 100 tons per day.

The ship would be equipped with a Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) to defend against anti-ship missiles and low flying aircraft. She would also be equipped with two Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations, one each at the port and starboard sides for self-defense against fast moving surface threats.

The ship has a displacement of 26,000 tons, a length of 173.2 meters, and a width of 24.5 meters. It is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce Bergen B33:45L9P diesel engines supplemented by 2 electric power take in motors, in Combined Diesel-Electric and Diesel (CODLAD) configuration, enabling a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 6,750 nautical miles.


[1] Stuff New Zealand
[2] Navy Recognition