South Korea orders 3rd batch of K806 and K8080 wheeled armored vehicles

 

A convoy of K808 armored vehicles of the Republic of Korea Army. Photo credits to ROKA.

South Korea's Hyundai Rotem has announced on 29 September 2020 that it received a contract to supply a third batch of K806 and K808 wheeled armored vehicles for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).

The contract, worth KRW407.7 billion (US$348.6 million), was awarded to Hyundai Rotem by the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), with the vehicles to be delivered by 2023.

No specific quantity was mentioned in the announcement.although it was reported by British defense media outlet Jane's that the ROKA needs at least 100 units of the K806 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles, and at least 500 units of the larger K808 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles.

So far, DAPA has ordered the first batch in 2016 worth KRW26.9 billion, with deliveries completed in 2018, while a second batch was ordered in 2017 worth KRW412.9 billion, with deliveries to be completed this year.

The K806 and K808 series of wheeled armored vehicles was developed by Hyundai Rotem to replace older tracked armored vehicles in service with the ROKA. Both models are equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun  with a one-man protected weapon station, and have central tire inflation system and run-flat tires.

The K806 was designed for mobile strike and reconnaissance missions. Meanwhile the K808 was designed for troop deployment in front line areas, and is capable of amphibious operations, with a maximum speed on water at 10 kilometers per hour. It can also be equipped with larger weapon systems, including 30mm guns and air defense systems.

[1] The Korea Herald
[2] Jane's
[3[ Aju Business Daily

Thailand signs up for 12 new Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft

 

The T-6C Texan II, this example is the company demonstrator unit. Photo c/o Alan Wilson

American aviation company Textron Aviation Defense has announced that it has secured a deal worth US$162 million to supply 12 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop trainers for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). 

The deal includes an Integrated Training System the covers a mission planning and debrief system, ground-based training system for the pilots and maintenance teams, ground support equipment spare parts, and other essentials.



The Thailand-specified aircraft are to be called T-6TH, and may include certain features that may be different to other T-6 variants. 

The aircraft are expected to be delivered to the RTAF starting late 2022, with the first 2 aircraft built in the US and to be flown to Thailand, while the other 10 units will arrive in crates and will be assembled and tested locally.

Training of RTAF air and ground crew will start in 2022.

The aircraft are expected to replace the Pilatus PC-9 in RTAF service, as part of the RTAF's 10-year Purchase and Development Plan. The same plan also calls for a replacement for the RTAF's fleet of Aero L-39ZA/ART Albatross light attack aircraft, with the Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine being eyed due to its commonality with the T-6TH trainer aircraft fleet.

This order confirms Thailand as the 11th export customer of the aircraft, and the first in Southeast Asia. Vietnam was also reported to be interested in the T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft to replace older models.

[1] AIN Online
[2] Scramble Magazine

India starts construction of first locally-built Project 11356 frigate

A Project 11356 frigate of the Russian Navy. The Indian Navy will use mostly Indian subsystems, replacing Russian ones. Photo c/o Royal Navy through Navy Recognition.

Indian shipbuilder Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) conducted its first steel cutting ceremony for the first locally-made Project 11356 frigate for the Indian Navy (IN).

Indian Navy Vice Chief of Staff Adm. G Ashok Kumar led the steel cutting rites held on 21 September 2020.

The local construction of the Project 11356 frigate is part of a larger deal with Russia that included the transfer and completion by Russia’s Yantar Shipyard of two incomplete Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates originally bound for the Russian Navy, and the construction of two new ships in India by GSL.

Due to Russia’s inability to import gas turbine engines for the two incomplete hulls from Ukraine, India will order the engines on behalf of Russia.

The frigates are said to be the largest surface combatant to be built by GSL, allowing it to join other Indian naval shipbuilders and reinforcing India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Compared to the Russian Admiral Grigorovich-class, the new frigates for the Indian Navy will be using a huge percentage of locally-made subsystems, including a 76mm naval gun, Brahmos anti-ship cruise missile launchers, two 30mm anti-aircraft guns, torpedo launchers and rocket launchers.

Other Indian subsystems will include the combat management system, sonar system and electronic warfare system.


[1] Naval News

Philippines to negotiate transfer of 21 UH-1H Huey utility helicopters from South Korea

A UH-1H Huey helicopter of the Republic of Korea Army. Photo c/o Kayak J.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has confirmed that it is planning to negotiate with the South Korean Ministry of Defense (MOD) for the possible transfer of 21 surplus Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters.

PAF Air Mobility Command chief Maj. Gen. Simeon Felix announced this plan during the 58th founding anniversary of the PAF 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on 24 September 2020.

While negotiations are ongoing with the South Korean government, there is still a need for US government approval since the helicopters were originally sourced from the US. It is expected that US government approval will be granted.

The PAF is expected to send a team from the Technical Working Group to South Korea to inspect the helicopters.

The helicopters were previously with the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), which retired its entire UH-1H Huey helicopter fleet last 31 July 2020 after 52 years of service. The ROKA is replacing them with the locally-developed KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter.

South Korean defense sites reported that the South Korean government has considered transferring some of the helicopters to the Philippines.

The PAF continues to operate the Bell UH-1 Huey family, despite deliveries of 16 new Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters from Poland, and negotiations for larger Mil Mi-171 helicopters from Russia. It currently operates the UH-1H and UH-1D models, working together with newer Bell 412EP helicopters acquired a few years ago.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Inquirer.net

Australia reaches milestone as it receives its 30th F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter

The 30th F-35A Lightning II JSF of the RAAF. Photo c/o Australian DOD.

Australia reached a milestone in its F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program, as it recently accepted its 30th F-35A 5th generation fighter from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is currently replacing its legacy F/A-18A/B Hornet fighters with the F-35A Lightning II, with a total of 72 units ordered under the A$17 billion (US$12 billion) AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program.

The F-35A Lightning II is believed to be the core of several development changes in the RAAF, and the entire Australian Defence Force (ADF) due to its technological capabilities, including advanced network-centric sensors and communication suite and lethal strike capabilities.

As explained by RAAF F-35A Air Vehicle Lead Squadron Leader Brook Porter, each jet undergoes significant work involving checks at Lockheed Martin's production line in Texas, and several flight tests and in depth pre-acceptance process to make sure each aircraft meets RAAF requirements.

This development came after the RAAF successfully completed Exercise Lightning Storm, wherein several major air assets of the RAAF particularly the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft, F/A-18A Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, KC-30A aerial refueling tankers and Hawk lead-in fighter trainers combined in operations with the F-35A Lightning II.


[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Australian Aviation

Philippines receives new Gulfstream G280 command and control aircraft

The PAF received the new Gulfstream G280 jet aircraft on 21 September 2020, and delivered medical supplies to Davao City for its inaugural flight. Photo c/o Philippine Air Force.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially received a new Gulfstream G280 jet aircraft which will be used as a command and control aircraft, during ceremonies held on 21 September 2020 at Clark Air Base north of Manila.

The aircraft was acquired from the United States through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and was funded through the AFP Modernization Program’s Horizon 2 phase covering years 2018 to 2022. 

Its primary purpose is to transport senior government and military leaders especially during crisis, and as a aerial command post for command and control operations.

The aircraft will be joining the PAF’s 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, and can also be used for a variety of missions including presidential transport, medical evacuation, high altitude atmospheric research, and surveillance missions.

As its first flight as a PAF asset, the new aircraft transported medical supplies and PPE f
The new Gulfstream G280 aircraft is expected to complement the service’s Fokker F28 Fellowship transport aircraft.


[1] Armed Forces of the Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Philippine Air Force

Palau receives Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The PSS President HI Remeliik II at Austal's yard in Western Australia. Photo c/ Wikipedia.

The Government of the Republic of Palau has received a new Guardian-class patrol boat donated by the Government of Australia.

The patrol boat, which was named PSS President HI Remeliik II, was accepted by Palau Marine Law Enforcement Commanding Officer Lt.Cdr. Emerson Nobuo during ceremonies held in Henderson, Western Australia, with Australian Minister of Defence Linda Reynolds. 

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Alex Hawke, and Minister for Defence Industry Melissas Price were also present.

This is part of Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program, which provided similar boats to several Pacific island nations and partners to deepen its relations and assist in securing their maritime borders.

Minister Reynolds said, "Australia and Palau have worked closely to prepare for the delivery of the new vessel, which represents a significant boost to Palau's maritime capability and to the region's maritime security." 

The PSS President HI Remeliik II is the seventh Guardian-class patrol boat delivered by Australian shipbuilder Austal under the program. It would be replacing an older patrol boat, the Pacific-class patrol boat PSS President HI Remeliik which was also provided by Australia in 1996.

Aside from building up the maritime capability of recipient countries, the program also helps in supporting 400 direct and indirect Australian jobs.


[1] Australian Department of Defence

Philippines get deliveries of A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft

One of the A-29B Super Tucanos for the PAF. Photo c/o VietDefense.

Four (4) A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft bound for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) arrived on 19 September 2020 at Clark Air Base, Pampanga province, completing its delivery transit flight that started in Brazil.

Two more aircraft are scheduled to arrive in the Philippines at a later date after encountering clearance issues in one of the transit stops.

The aircraft were delivered by Brazilian aviation company Embraer, and were flown in to the Philippines by Embraer's pilots.

Transit stops were made in Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Portugal, Malta, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam.

The aircraft were supposed to be delivered in 2 batches starting in late 2019, but encountered delays which was further extended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aircraft were ordered by the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) in 2017 after Embraer was selected to supply for the Close Air Support Aircraft Project of the PAF that has been undergoing selection and negotiations since 2014.

Embraer's A-29B Super Tucano beat other competitors including Beechcraft's AT-6C Wolverine, Korea Aerospace Industries KA-1 Woongbi, and the Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA.

Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that the aircraft will be assigned with the PAF's 15th Strike Wing, specifically the 16th Attack Squadron which currently flies the Aermacchi SF-260TP armed trainers.

The PAF is reported to have an option to order 18 more A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, to allow the total replacement of its existing light attack aircraft including the SF-260TP armed trainers and the Rockwell OV-10 Bronco of the 17th Attack Squadron.


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

Bangladesh receives third former British C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

The 3rd C-130J Super Hercules for the Bangladesh Air Force, as it arrive in Dhaka on 17 September 2020. Photo c/o Dhaka Tribune.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) received its third Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, which was delivered by British company Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.

The aircraft arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 17 September 2020 after conducting fuel stops in Cairo, Egypt, and Muscat, Oman.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Defence (MOD) purchased five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the British Ministry of Defence, the aircraft being former Royal Air Force (RAF) Hercules C5 transport aircraft that were overhauled and restored by Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and includes modifications including avionics upgrade, and provisions for a medical evacuation and passenger transport.

The Hercules C5 was prematurely retired from RAF service, which were delivered only starting 1999, as the service moves up to the larger Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft.

The BAF received the first C-130J Super Hercules on August 2019, and the second aircraft on May 2020. The forth and fifth aircraft are expected to arrive in 2021.

The C-130J Super Hercules are currently the BAF's most modern transport aircraft, with the service also employing the older C-130B/E Hercules it acquired from the US, as well as the smaller Antonov An-32.


[1] Scramble Magazine
[2] Dhaka Tribune
[3] Royal Air Force

Thailand eyes acquisition of 12 new 105mm towed howitzers

L119 105mm towed howitzers of the Royal Thai Army. Photo c/o AAG_Th Thai Defense page.

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) was reported to have published a new document stating its plan to procure twelve (12) new 105mm towed howitzers.

The model was not mentioned but it was said to be sourced from United Defense Technology Co. Ltd., and has a budget of THB834.4 million (US$26.7 million) spread across Fiscal Years 2020 to 2022.

The towed howitzers are to include two (2) fire control systems, tools and other supporting equipment. It is expected to equip 2 batteries, each with its own fire control system.

The new artillery pieces are expected to complement other artillery systems in the RTA, and probably replace older models including the US-made M101 105mm towed howitzer.

The RTA previously acquired the BAE Systems L119 105 towed howitzer, and was granted rights to assemble the system in Thailand through the Defence and Military Energy Industry Center in 2006.

The RTA also has other 105mm towed howitzer models in its arsenal, including the GIAT Industries LG1 which were former assets of the Singapore Army (SA), and OTO Melara Mod. 56 105mm pack howitzers. The RTA also upgrade most of its M101 towed howitzers using barrels used in the GIAT LG1.


[1] AAG_TH Thai Defense Page

Malaysia starts evaluation of offers for Littoral Missions Ship Batch 2

An offshore patrol vessel design from German shipbuilder Fassmer. Photo c/o Fassmer.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has started evaluating offers for its planned acquisition of a second batch of Littoral Mission Ship (LMS).

British defense media outlet Jane’s confirmed from their sources that the RMN has received 5 offers, which includes Germany’s Fassmer, American shipbuilder Swiftships, Dutch shipbuilder Damen, a joint venture between Malaysian company Destini and Damen, and another Malaysian company Preston. 
Fassmer offered a 70.2-meter design, while Swiftships offered a 70.7-meter long, 11.3-meter wide patrol vessel design based on their current line-up that can be armed with a 40mm cannon. 

Preston offered a 70-meter patrol vessel design.

Damen reportedly offered the Stan Patrol 6811 design, which is an lengthened version of  their existing Stan Patrol 6211 large patrol boat. This is separate from an offer by the joint venture of Destini and Damen using an 83 meter patrol vessel similar to the offshore patrol vessel ordered by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). 

The RMN has awarded a contract to China Shipbuilder & Offshore International Co. Ltd. to build the first batch of four (4) Littoral Mission Ship based on a 68-metere design. The first ship, the KD Keris (111), was commissioned with the RMN on January 2020, while the second ship, Sundang (112) was launched in China on July 2019.

All 4 ships of the Keris-class are expected to be commissioned with the RMN by late 2021.

Under its 15-to-5 Transformation Program, the RMN plans to have 18 Littoral Mission Ship, although the decision to look for a new design for the second batch of LMS means the RMN itself is diverting from its original plan to only have 5 classes of ships in its inventory.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Malaysian Defence

Australia’s 3rd Arufara-class offshore patrol vessel reaches keel laying milestone

Lürssen's PV80 design used for the RAN's Arufara-class OPV project. Photo c/o Reddit.

German shipbuilder Lurssen and its Australian partner Civmec has reached a milestone in naval construction as it has laid the keel for the third Arufara-class offshore patrol vessel that it is building for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The ship, which will be named HMAS Pilbara once in service with the RAN, is the first ship of the class being built by Civmec through its partnership with Lurssen under the Australian Maritime Shipbuilding and Export Group (AMSEG) company based in Henderson, Western Australia. 

The first two ships of the class were built for Lurssen by ASC Pty Ltd’s Osborne Naval Shipyard.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) ordered 12 new offshore patrol vessels to be built in Australia, under the SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel project. German shipbuilder Lurssen won the project and has offered the company’s PV80 design as basis for the project.

According to Australian Minister of Defence Industry Melissa Price, the project has created around 400 jobs in Perth area, involved more than 300 businesses across the Australian supply chain, and has achieved more than 60% local industry content.

The first ship of the class is expected to be delivered and commissioned to the RAN by 2021.


[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Civmec
[3] Royal Australian Navy

India brings in first 5 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft into service

3 Dassault Rafale fighters, part of the 5 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally inducted the first five (5) Dassault Rafale 4.5-generation fighter aircraft it acquired from France, during ceremonies held at Ambala Air Base on 10 September 2020.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Florency Parly led the ceremonies attended by several high officials of the Indian military. The induction event also led to a bilateral meeting between the French and Indian defense ministries.

The aircraft were assigned with the IAF's 17 Squadron "Golden Arrows", which previously operated MiG-21 fighters before the squadron was inactivated in 2016.

Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned during the event that these new Rafale fighter aircraft would be used to strengthen their defense especially near borders where tensions are ongoing, refering to the common border between India and China in Ladakh.

The Dassault Rafale fighters are currently India's most modern fighter aircraft in service, and plans to purchase more units are planned.

The Indian government signed a government-to-government deal with France for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft worth INR590 billion (US$8.95 billion), signed on September 2016.

The first five Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in India on 27 July 2020, after flying from the French city of Bordeaux to India's Ambala Air Base after stopping over in Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

The IAF is continuing the modernization of its fighter fleet, as the Indian government continues its plans to acquire more than  100 new fighters, while ordering more locally-made Tejas light fighters and license-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and awaiting another separate order of 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia.

These new fighters will replace most of the IAF's older Soviet-era fighters including the recently retired MiG-27 Flogger, and the upgraded MiG-21 Bison.


[1] India Today
[2] Times of India
[3] India.com

Australia selects Hanwha K9 Thunder for 155mm SPH requirement

The K9 SPH and K10 AARV. Photo c/o Asian Military Review.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) announced on 3 September 2020, that they have selected the offer from Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) to supply 155mm self-propelled howitzers and armored ammunition resupply vehicles under its LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobility Fires Project.

HDA will build and supply 30 modified versions of the K9 Thunder 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers, and 15 K10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles, as well as other support systems and equipment, which will all be built locally in Geelong, Victoria. 

Maintenance works will also be done in the same facility throughout its life cycle, allowing the creation of 350 new jobs.

The Australian DOD has allocated up to A$1.3 billion (US$940 million) for the project, and is planning for a second batch of artillery systems under the LAND 8116 Phase 2 project later in the decade.

These vehicles, which would be redesignated in Australian Army service, with the K9 becoming the AS9 Huntsman 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and the K10 becoming the AS10 Huntsman armoured ammunition resupply vehicle (AARV). These vehicles would be paired to the Kongsberg ODIN Fire Control System.

The AS9 Huntsman 155mm SPH will weigh around 50 tons, and is armed with a 155mm/52 caliber howitzer with future-proof design to allow upcoming and future 155mm ammunition systems. It has a capacity of 42 rounds and modular charge systems.

The AS10 Huntsman AARV uses the same chassis as the AS9 SPH, and can hold up to 104 round of 155mm ammunition and charge systems. It can directly resupply the AS9 SPH through a highly computerized system.

Both the AS9 and AS10 vehicles would receive enhanced armor protection compared to the base K9 and K10 vehicles.

The Kongsberg ODIN fire control system, will be providing target and firing solution information to the Huntsman Artillery System's C4 hub called the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

The K9 Thunder family of self-propelled artillery system is one of the most successful in the world, with over 1,300 vehicles in service with the Republic of Korea Army, and other major export markets including India, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Turkey and Poland adding more than 600 vehicles.


[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Asian Defence Journal
[3] Asian Military Review

Philippines to acquire 5 new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

A Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules, this example from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Photo c/o Australian Aviation.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has confirmed in a budget hearing with the country's Congress, that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is planning to procure five (5) new Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

The procurement, expected to be worth Php37 billion (US$747 million), was said to have already been approved by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last May 2020, and is still awaiting for initial funding worth 15% of the project cost, or around Php5.5 billion, which the PAF is planning to schedule starting 2021.

According to PAF chief Lt. Gen. Allan Paredes, the arrival of 5 new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft will allow the PAF to transport 1 rapid deployment battalion at one stroke, while also provide sufficient capability to ferry personnel, equipment and supplies during disasters.

The PAF currently has 4 legacy C-130 Hercules transport aircraft in its inventory, although only 2 are operational. which includes a C-130T undergoing maintenance in Portugal, and a C-130B also under maintenance in the PAF's base in Cebu province.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PAF is actually eyeing the C-130J-30 stretched variant of the Super Hercules, which is 15 feet longer than the standard C-130J that provides additional space for 2 more standard pallets, or additional space for passengers or paratroopers.

Also as part of a separate project, the PAF is also expecting delivery of two refurbished C-130H Hercules which it acquired from the United States, with assistance from the US government. The delivery has already encountered delays, with the first unit expected to be delivered to the PAF before the end of 2020, and the second aircraft by 2021.


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

Indonesia proposes receiving foreign credit for defense acquisitions worth US$20 billion

Indonesia plans to purchase at least 24 new F-16 Viper fighter aircraft from the US. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has made a proposal to accept foreign credit and assistance programs for defense acquisitions between 2020 to 2024 that could be worth up to US$20 billion.

The said proposal was already forwarded by the MOD, as approved by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, to the Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning as of July 2020.

 The proposal is set to boost the Indonesian Armed Forces’s (TNI) ability to fund projects in the 2020-2024 timeframe despite the Indonesian economy’s downturn due to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Defense budget for fiscal year 2020 was already reduced by IDR9 trillion (US$580 million), although the Indonesian government has approved a plan to increase the defense budget again in 2021.

Even before COVID-19, the Indonesian government is already trying to find ways to allow funds to be provided to the TNI’s modernization program, considering the high funding requirement of the incoming projects. 

Programs expected to be needing funding includes the acquisition of Iver Huitfeld-class frigates and possible additional Martadinata-class frigates for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), around 24 new Lockheed Martin F-16 Viper fighter aircraft and other fighter aircraft and UAV programs for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), and for attack and transport helicopters for the Indonesian Army (TNi-AD).

Indonesia aims to build up its defense capability amidst China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, and its constant breach of Indonesian sovereignty over the Natuna Islands and its exclusive economic zone.


[1] Jane’s

Singapore’s first Invincible-class submarine begins sea trials

The first Type 218SG submarine at TKMS yard in Germany. Photo c/o Stephen Gergs.

The first Type 218SG Invincible-class air independent propulsion (AIP) capable diesel electric submarine for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has started initial shallow water trials, as confirmed by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to British defense media outlet Jane’s.

The first ship of the class, which is expected to be named RSS Invincible once commissioned with the RSN, had its shallow water sea trials conducted off the coast of Germany and is believed to have started in August 2020. The sea trials will continue, with the deep-sea trials commencing later on.

The pioneer crew of the submarine has also started their training in Germany.

The Invincible-class were ordered by MINDEF under two separate contracts with German naval shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), with the first two submarines ordered in 2013 and a follow-on two submarines ordered in 2017. They displace at around 2,200 tons submerged, and are 70 meters long.

The submarines were based on a custom-designed version of the Type 218 submarine from TKMS, and uses technology and experienced gained in building the Type 214, Type 216, and Dolphin 2-class submarines.

The first submarine was launched by TKMS in February 2019, and has been undergoing final fitout works until 2020.

The Invincible-class were designed to operate in shallow and tropical waters like those found around Singapore, and has longer endurance and higher payload than most other diesel-electric submarine designs from Europe.

The submarines are expected to be the most modern in Southeast Asia, and will replace the RSN’s current fleet of two Challenger-class (ex-Sjoormen-class) and two Archer-class (ex-Vastergotland-class) submarines, both class of which were acquired second-hand from Sweden.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Naval News

Malaysia to acquire new wheeled APCs for UN peacekeeping battalion in Lebanon

Some of the Condor APC of the Malaysian Army, assigned with the MALBATT 850-7 in Lebanon. Photo c/o Defense Studies blog page.

Malaysia is preparing for a tender to be opened for the acquisition of new wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) for its United Nations peacekeeping unit assigned in Lebanon.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), 12 companies presented their products to the Malaysian Army to replace the 24 Condor 4x4 wheeled APCs used by the Malaysian Battalion 850-7 (MALBATT 850-7) which is assigned with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Another 20 to 30 new APCs are also eyed for the Malaysian Army’s Ready Battalion which is also used for emergency UN peacekeeping deployments.

No decision has been reached if the vehicle to be selected is a 4x4 or 6x6 model.

It was also said that the Condor APCs used by MALBATT 850-7 won’t be shipped back to Malaysia, and that the replacement of these vehicles are needed due to their age.

The Malaysian Army started receiving the first of 460 units of Condor APC, which were built by German company Hernschel Wehrtechnik GmbH (now part of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles) in late 1981. 

The Malaysian Army is said to still have more than 200 vehicles in active service.
It is also expected that the cost of the acquisition of new armored vehicles will be reimbursed with the United Nations


[1] Berita Harian

Thailand delays acquisition of 2 additional submarines from China

The Type 039 Yuan-class subamrine, used as the basis for the S26T for the RTN. Photo c/o Defpost.

The Thai government has announced that it is delaying the acquisition a second and third attack submarines worth THB22.5 billion (US$720 million) from China, with the 7-year funding program said to be pushed back to 2022.

This is after public backlash as the country’s opposition raised the timing of the purchase when the country’s economy has gone down due COVID-19 pandemic effects.

In the original plan, the Thai government was supposed to allocate more than THB3 billion to the project under fiscal year 2021 as initial payment .

The Thai government said that it will re-negotiate with China to move the procurement to 2022, which also means pushing back the planned delivery date beyond 2024.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has already ordered one submarine based on the Yuan-class diesel-electric attack submarine of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN), designated as the S26T, in a deal signed in 2017.

The two additional submarines are part of the plan to order a total of three submarines as part of Thailand’s defense strategy as its neighbours like Myanmar have started adding submarines into its fleet.


[1] Nikkei Asian Review
[2] CNA

Thaland expected to select Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer and AT-6 Wolverine attack aircraft

The AT-6 Wolverine light attack aircraft from Beechcraft. Photo c/o Beechcraft.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is expected to select the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine and T-6C Texan II aircraft for its next generation requirement for a light attack aircraft and trainer aircraft, respectively.

This was after the RTAF made a presentation at a recent annual symposium highlighting T-6TH and AT-6TH in its planned purchase and development roadmap, obviously referring the T-6 Texan and AT-6 Wolverine aircraft from Beechcraft.

The "TH" designation may refer to a Thai variant that includes RTAF-specific modifications, which may include the installation of the local Link-K tactical data link, integration of Diehl Defense IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, specific smart munitions, and other subsystems.

If successful, Thailand will become the first export customer of the AT-6 Wolverine, on top of Beechcraft beating other offers including the Pilatus PC-21, Korea Aerospace Industries KT-1 Wongbee, and Turkish Aerospace Industries Hurkus B.

The RTAF has prioritized the acquisition of a new trainer aircraft to replace its existing fleet of Pilatus PC-9, with previous acquisition roadmaps showing an allocated budget of THB5.2 billion (US$164.3 million) for fiscal years 2020 to 2023.

A separate Light Attack Aircraft project, preferably related to the selected trainer aircraft, was planned for implementation in two phases between fiscal years 2021 to 2023, and 2022 to 2024, with a budget for an initial aircraft worth THB4.5 billion.



[1] AIN Online
[2] Thai Armed Force Defense page