South Korea to start series production of new KTSSM short range tactical ballistic missile

The KTSSM during tests. Photo c/o Global Security.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Project Administration (DAPA) has confirmed that it will start series production of the new indigenous Korean Tactical Surface to Surface Missile (MTSSM) system by late 2020.

DAPA released a statement of their approval to acquire at least 200 missiles, with a budget of around KRW320 billion (US$289 million), which will be delivered to the South Korean military starting 2022, and completed by 2025.

The new KTSSM was developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hanwha, was designed to allow precision strikes, with emphasis on destroying long range artillery systems hidden in underground tunnels, before they can be used against South Korea.

It also resembles the American MGM-140 ATACMS missile, although the Korean missile is much cheaper and has less range, but is said to be more accurate.

The missiles have an estimated range of at least 120 kilometers and can be launched from a static launching system, or a self-propelled mobile platform.

The KTSSM is a low-cost tactical ballistic missile, said to be costing less than half of the Hyunmoo-2 short range ballistic missile and can be operated by the Corps-level army units. It weighs around 1.5 tons, and is guided by GPS and/or Inertial Navigation System (INS).



[1] Jane’s
[2] Yonhap News

Thailand orders new Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack tactical UAVs from US

 

The RQ-11 Blackjack tactical UAV, this example with the US Marine Corps. Photo c/o Marine Corps Times.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has ordered the Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which are expected to arrive in 2021.

This was confirmed by the Joint US Military Advisory Group – Thailand (JUSMAG-T) in their social media page, as the RTN selects its personnel to undergo a training program with the system in the United States.

The RTN will be come the first user of the RQ-21 Blackjack UAV in Asia, which is only operated by the US Navy and US Marine Corps, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Netherlands Army, and the Polish Land Forces.

The RQ-21 Blackjack will be operated alongside the existing UAVs of the RTN, the Aeronautics Defense Orbiter 3B small tactical UAV and Schiebel S-100 Camcopter.

The RQ-21 Blackjack is a larger UAV compared to its more widely used stablemate, the ScanEagle series. It uses the same launching and recovery system as the ScanEagle, which makes it ideal for operation about small ships.

The RQ-21 Blackjack is powered by an 80hp engine, allowing cruising speed of 55 knots and a  maximum speed of around 90 knots, and a range of 50 nautical miles. It has an endurance of around 16 hours and a maximum flight ceiling of 19,500 feet.



[1] JUSMAG Thailand
[2] AAG Thai Defense Page

Philippines receives new ScanEagle 2 surveillance UAVs from US

ScanEagle 2 UAVs during handover to the Philippine Navy by the US government  photo c/o Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally received eight (8) new Insitu ScanEagle 2 tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provided by the United States government, during ceremonies held in Cavite Naval Base, south of Manila on 25 November 2020.

The UAVs were donated by the US as part of its Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Program aimed at improving the maritime capabilities of select countries through US government assistance.

The new UAVs were then handed over to the PN Naval Air Wing’s 71st Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron, which will use the new assets for maritime surveillance, with emphasis on disputed areas like the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea, and in shared borders with Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan.

The 8 ScanEagle 2 UAVs were valued at around US$14.79 million, which the US government says is part of their commitment to support the Philippine military’s modernization goals, and urgent maritime security, counter terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements.

The PN’s new UAVs will complement ScanEagle 2 UAVs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), which were also provided by the US government, in monitoring disputed areas that needs consistent attention, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Erick Kagaoan.



[1] US Embassy in the Philippines
[2] Philippine Navy

Philippines receives laser guided bombs, TOW anti tank missiles from US

Presentation of donated PGMs and missiles by the US to the Philippines. Photo c/o Philippines DFA.

The Philippine government received a donation of precision guided munitions and missiles from the US government worth US$18 million as part of its military assistance to the country.

Among those received by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from the US government led by US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Robert O’Brien on 23 November 2020 include the Raytheon GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II laser guided bomb guidance kits, and Raytheon BGM-71 Tube-laucnhed, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) anti-tank missiles.

Mr. O’Brien is the Philippines to discuss about regional security issues, particularly on China’s assertive behaviour.

The Philippine Air Force is expected to receive the GBU-49 laser guided bombs, as they have received similar shipments from the US government in the past. According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PAF has at least 4 types of aircraft capable of dropping the GBU-49 laser guided bomb.

The GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II is a combination of a guidance kit supplied by Raytheon, and a standard Mk. 82 500-lb unguided bomb.

While there is no word yet on which branch of service will receive the BGM-71 TOW missiles, it could either be the Philippine Army or Philippine Marine Corps, although MaxDefense Philippines mentioned that the Philippine Marine Corps has an existing request for TOW missiles for island defense, considering the ammunition supplied was the TOW-2A missile which is more suited to direct attack against reactive or thicker vehicle armor, or against structures and bunkers.

The TOW-2A missile can be fired from the TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) launcher which were also supplied to the Philippines, and the missile has a range of up to 3,750 meters.



[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Inquirer.net

Japan scheduled to retire its last frontline F-4 Phantom fighters

Specially painted F-4EJ Kai Phantom fighters mark the retirement of the type from frontline service. Photo c/o JASDF.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has started preparations to cease frontline operations of the remaining McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantom fighter aircraft from frontline service. This is after 48 years of operating the type since 1972.

The F-4EJ Kai Phantom fighters, flown by the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron based in Hyukari Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture, are to cease flying the type by next month.

The squadron was also the first squadron to operate the F-4EJ Phantom. The unit will move to Misawa Air Base and will shift to operating the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

With this development, only the JASDF’s Air Development and Test Wing will continue to fly the F-4EJ Phantom for testing, non-combat purposes.

The JASDF ordered a total of 140 F-4EJ Phantom fighters, which are based on US Air Force standard F-4E variant. 2 units were built by McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri are delivered in 1971, while the rest were built locally under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

A total of 6 squadrons were equipped with the F-4EJ, which most shifting to newer fighters like the F-15J Eagle and the Mitsubishi F-2.

The F-4EJ Kai Phantom, which are upgrade versions of the standard F-4EJ, were provided with updated equipment including AN/APG-66J pulse-Doppler radars, an AN/ASN-141 inertial navigation system, improved heads up display, and other avionics.

The improved variants were also made compatible to fire the indigenous ASM-2 anti-ship missile and AAM-3 air-to-air missiles, and the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)

[1] The Warzone

Japan launches its second new 30DX multi-mission frigate

 

The second ship of the class, the Kumano, being launched in Mitsui E&S' Tamano shipyard on 19 November 2020. Photo c/o The Japan Maritime Daily Photo Club.

The second new 30DX frigate bound for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) was launched by its Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&S) in its shipyard in Tamano on 19 November 2020.

The ship, which will be called the JS Kumano (FFM-2) once commissioned with the JMSDF, is actually the first ship of the class to be launched, after the first ship being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) encountered delays and is still undergoing drydock construction.

The future JS Kumano is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF by March 2022, and will still undergo major dockside fitout works and sea trials for another 1 year or so.

The 30DX is a next generation frigate-sized warship class being built for the JMSDF, with a target production of up to 22 ships over the next few years.

The 30DX would be undertaking patrols of Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secondary missions including overseas deployment, and will feature new technologies that would allow the reduction of crew by using modern automated systems. It will also be allowing modular systems and features a more compact design compared similar ships in the JMSDF.

The ships are expected to displace at around 5,500 tons, will be around 132.5 meters long, and will have a maximum speed of over 30 knots using a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) configuration with using a single Rolls Royce MT-30 gas turbine and two MAN 12V28/33D diesel engines.

The new frigates are expected to replace older destroyers and destroyer escorts of the JMSDF, including the Abukuma, Hatsuyuki, and Asagiri classes.

Weapons expected to be installed on the 30DX include a BAE Systems Mk. 45 127mm naval gun, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns in remote controlled weapon stations, two quadruple launchers for Type 17 anti-ship missiles, a SEARAM system, and a Mk. 41 vertical launching system, which appears to be fitted for but not with once the ships are delivered to the JMSDF.



[1] The Japan Maritime Daily Photo Club
[2] Naval News

Malaysia to start receiving new MD-530G light attack helicopters starting June 2021

 

An MD-530G in Malaysian Army colors. Photo c/o Defense Studies blog page.

The Malaysian Army is scheduled to start receiving the first batch of MD-530G light attack helicopters starting June 2021, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The helicopters will be delivered in batches, and would be undergoing evaluation and testing to check if they meet the end user's requirements before delivery.

According to Min. Sabri, a team from the Malaysian Army departed for the United States to conduct the evaluation and testing, which would be followed by another team to perform asset certification processing.

The project to acquire MD-530G light attack helicopters has been plagued with numerous corruption and political issues which has delayed the project by more than 2 years.

The helicopters are expected to be deployed in Sabah, in line with the Malaysian government's plan to expand its presence in its easternmost state, which is currently being claimed by the Philippines. Among those planned is the establishment of an air squadron in Sandakan.


[1] Free Malaysia Today
[2] Air Times

Indonesia receives, deploys first NASAMS 2 air defense system

 

A deployed NASAMS launching unit, for reference only. Photo c/o Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace.

Indonesia appears to have received its first Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System 2 (NASAMS 2) air defense missile system, which it ordered from Norway's Kongsberg Group in 2017.

Photos have surfaced from Indonesian defense pages showing a NASAMS 2 missile launchers possessed by elements of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), being prepared and armed and was said to be for deployment to the country's capital, Jakarta.

The first battery is expected to defend high-value government facilities, including the Istana Negara state palace, and the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) ordered two batteries of NASAMS from Kongsberg Group in a deal worth US$77 million. 

The system uses the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM medium range air defense missiles, similar to those already in use by the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). It also is compact enough to be carried by a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and can be installed on a mobile platform.

These are currently the most capable ground based air defense system of the TNI, and is capable of medium-range engagements of up to 60 kilometers.

The TNI plans to order additional units although this is still subject to the MOD's Minimum Essential Force modernization program plans.


[1] Kongsberg Group

Australia shortlists Insitu and Textron for Tactical UAV requirement

The Insitu RQ-21A (left) and the Textron Aerosonde V4 (right). Photo c/o ADBR.

Two out of four companies competing for the Australian Army's LAND 129 Phase 3 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (TUAS) has been shortlisted to continue in the next stages of the project.

The two companies were identified as Insitu Pacific, which offered their RQ-21A Integrator and ScanEagle 3 UAVs, and Textron Australia with their Aerosonde V4 UAV.

Both companies beat out Leidos Australia which offered the Aeronautics Defense Orbiter 4 from Israel, and Raytheon Australia-Schiebel Pacific team with the S-100 Camcopter.

The LAND 129 Phase 3 project aims to replace the Australian Army's fleet of AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200 Version 1 currently operated by the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment.

The RQ-7B Shadow 200 Version 1 was found to be obsolete for further use in the next few years, and even the US Army has started replacing them with a newer variant, the RQ-7 Shadow 200 Version 2, which the Australian Army found as not in line with their own requirements.

[1] ADBR 
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Rheinmetall unveils KF41 Lynx tracked infantry fighting vehicle offered to Australia

The KF41 as offered to the Australian Army's LAND 400 Phase 3 project. Photo c/o Rheinmetall. 

German tank manufacturer Rheinmetall has unveiled its offering to the Australian Army's future infantry fighting vehicle under the LAND 400 Phase 3 Mounted Close Combat Capability program, based on the KF41 Lynx tracked vehicle.

The program will be undergoing a 12-month Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) starting November 2020, wherein the shortlisted company's offerings will undergo testing and evaluation.

Rheinmetall was among the two companies shortlisted to compete for the project, which were required to provide three vehicles for the RMA. The other company competing for the project is South Korea's Hanwha Defense Systems with their Redback IFV.

Should the KF41 Lynx be selected, the vehicles would be manufactured locally at Rheinmetall Defence Australia's new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redback, Queensland.

Compared to standard KF41 Lynx armored vehicles produced in Germany, these vehicles designed for Australia contain a high percentage of local content to support the Australian defense industry.

The winning IFV, together with the ongoing program to deliver Rheinmetall's Boxer wheeled armored vehicles, would replace the Australian Army's fleet of Veitnam War-era M113 tracked armored personnel carriers.


[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Defence Connect
[3] Army Recognition

Philippines receives first batch of 5 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters

PAF S-70i Blackhawk helicopters at Clark Air Base, after being offloaded from an Antonov An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft. Photo c/o Philippines DND.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received the first shipment of five (5) Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters, which were made and delivered by Sikorsky's Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec.

The five helicopters arrived on 09 November 2020 and were brought in by an Antonov Airlines An-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft.

These helicopters are part of a deal for 16 units ordered under a US$241.4 million contract signed between the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) and Sikorsky-PZL Mielec, in 2018.

A sixth unit, also part of those scheduled for delivery within 2020, is also on the way to the Philippines after it was shipped separately through a commercial cargo vessel. The rest of the orders are scheduled to be delivered to the PAF within the 1st quarter of 2021.

Training of pilots and ground crew were reported to have been conducted in Sikorsky's facility in Florida, USA.

The S-70i Black Hawk are expected to complement and eventually replace the ageing fleet of Bell UH-1D/H Huey combat utility helicopters that are still in use with the PAF.  The PAF also has a few Bell 412EP and PZL Swidnik W-3A Sokol combat utility helicopters in its fleet. Additional helicopters are expected to be ordered by the PAF at a later date to completely replace all UH-1D/H Huey helicopters in its fleet.

Lockheed Martin, which Sikorsky and PLZ Mielec are a part of, succeeded in gaining the project after it was originally awarded to the Canadian Commercial Corporation for 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters.

But Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the contract with Canada after Canadian government officials questioned Pres. Duterte's human rights records and questioned the potential use of the Bell 412EPI helicopters.

Aside from Bell Helicopters, Sikorsky also competed with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which offered their KUH-1 Surion helicopter.


[1] Philippine Defense Resource
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] ABS-CBN News

 

Japan offers to export warships to Indonesia

 

The 30DX frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Japanese government is looking at potentially exporting destroyers and other warships to Indonesia, with negotiations already underway.

If this pushes through, it would become Japan’s largest defense equipment export, and help realize its initiatives to keep the Indo-Pacific region free and open.

This would also help increase Indonesia’s naval capabilities as it faces China’s expansion into the South China Sea, and into Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Natuna Islands.

The export of warships to Indonesia also sends a message to China of Japan’s intentions to bring stability in the region by improving the defense capabilities of China’s smaller neighbours. 

According to reports, Japan offered the 30FFM frigate from Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, with four to be constructed in Japan, and another four to be constructed in Indonesia through technology transfers. This is expected to be worth around JY300 billion (US$2.9 billion). 

Currently Japan’s defense equipment transfer policies are based on principles, which may affect the export of warships due to their capabilities to attack other ships. But there are ways to still allow this, including joint warship development with foreign countries like Indonesia.

Indonesia is currently looking at expanding the capabilities of its navy, with the Defense Ministry looking at potential acquisition of submarines and corvettes from France, destroyers from Denmark, and frigates from the Netherlands.

[1] Japan Times

[2] The Guam Daily Post

Tonga accepts second Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The second Guardian-class patrol boat for Tonga, the VOEA Ngahau Siliva (P302). Photo c/o Marine Link. 

The Tongan Maritime Force has received its second Guardian-class patrol boat, which were donated by the Australian government as part of the the latter's commitment to boost the maritime security capability of Pacific Island nations under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

The boat, which was named VOEA Ngahau Siliva (P302), was handed over by the Australian Department of Defence (DOD) to the Tongan government in ceremonies held in Henderson, Western Australia on 30 October 2020.

Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia, Her Royal Hightness Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, and Tonga Armed Forces Lt. Col. Tevita Siu Fifita accepted the boat.

As part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Program (SEA 3036) of the Australian DOD, Tonga will receive 2 Guardian-class patrol boats to replace the Pacific-class patrol boats currently serving the Tongan Maritime Force.

According to Australian Defence Minister Sen. Linda Reynolds, “Tonga’s second Guardian-class Patrol Boat is a considerable step up in Tonga’s maritime capability, and I have no doubt the vessel will admirably serve Tonga and the Pacific region in meeting their maritime security goals”

Tonga received its first Guardian-class patrol boat, named the VOEA Ngahau Koula (P301) on June 2019.

The Guardian-class patrol boat were built by Australian shipbuilder Austal, has an overall length of 39.5 meters, a beam of 8 meters, powered by 2 Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, and has a top speed of 20 knots. It has a crew of 23 men, and was designed to allow a naval gun of up to 30mm calibre, and for port and starboard side 12.7mm heavy machine guns.

[1] Jane's 
[2] Newcastle on Hunter

Malaysia's third Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship launched by Chinese shipbuilder

 

The 3rd Keris-class LMS, which is still unnamed. Photo c/o Royal Malaysian Navy through Naval News.

Chinese shipbuilder Wuchang Shipbuilding Industrial Group has launched the third Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) during ceremonies held on 30 October 2020.

The still unnamed ship is expected to undergo Harbor Acceptance Test phase soon, and a Sea Acceptance Test will proceed afterwards. The ship will be given a name on the ship's physical delivery ceremony scheduled on September 2021.

The Malaysian government ordered four (4) new Littoral Mission Ships from China Shipbuilding & Offshoire International Co. Ltd. in 2017, with Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd originally designated to receive technology and build the third and forth ships of the class.

This plan was changed by the succeeding government administration, which found it cheaper for Wuchang Shipbuilding to construct all 4 ships.

So far, Wuchang Shipbuilding has delivered the lead ship of the class, now commissioned with the RMN as the KD Keris (111), while the delivery of the second ship of the class has been delayed and not yet made.

The Keris-class are 68 meters long, 9.20 meters wide, has a maximum speed of 22 knots and a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles at 16 knots.

The are equipped with Chinese-made sensors and weapon systems including one 30mm CS/AN3 naval gun and two CS/LM6 12.7mm heavy machine guns, the SR2405A air and surface search radar, and OFC-3 electro-optical tracking system (EOTS).



[1] Naval News

Taiwan to potentially acquire 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System, 400 missiles

 

A Harpoon land based mobile launcher. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The US State Department has approved the sale of 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems to the government of Republic of China (Taiwan), which is expected to cost around US$2.4 billion.

The proposed deal, with each Harpoon launching system armed with 4 Harpoon anti-ship missiles for a total of 400 Harpoon missiles, also includes 25 truck-mounted radar systems, training missies, spare parts, support and training, is one of the largest defense deals between Taiwan and the US. 

According to the US State Department, Taiwan would be spending its money should it pursue with the deal. 

Despite being an older technology and the short range of only 67 nautical miles, the sheet quantity to cover a small area makes it an important acquisition to defend Taiwan from a possible invasion force from mainland China.

Taiwan already has a more capable coastal defense system using the indigenous Hsiung Feng II subsonic and Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles, but production rate has not been enough to meet Taiwan's requirements. The introduction of the Harpoon Coastal Defense System would speed up the establishment of an effective Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) system against China.

In addition to the Harpoons missiles, the US State Department also notified the US Congress on a potential sale of Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile Extended Range (SLAM-ER) missiles and HIMARS rocket systems, and reconnaissance pods which are expected to cost around US$1.8 billion, and could enable Taiwan to strike coastal targets in the Chinese mainland.



[1] Defense News
[2] Aviation Week
[3] Forbes