Singapore, India signs bilateral submarine rescue agreement

 

The INS Nireekshak (A15) submarine rescue ship of the Indian Navy. Photo c/o Shipspotting.com.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Indian Navy (IN) signed a bilateral submarine rescue agreement as part of the 5th India-Singapore defence minister's dialogue held on 20 January 2021 via online video conference.

The agreement, called the Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation Implementing Agreement, would establish a mutual assistance between both naval services in case of underwater emergencies involving their submarine fleets.

According to Singapore's Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen, the agreement will allow both navies to extend submarine rescue assistance, while also allow the conduct of bilateral rescue exercises, and familiarization visits to improve interoperability and proficiency in submarine rescue operations.

The Indian Navy has a 70-meter submarine rescue vessel, the INS Nireekshak (A15), which supports the services' fleet of  submarines including an Akula-class nuclear powered attack submarine, the Kalvari (French Scorpene), Sindhughosh (Russian Kilo), and Shishumar (German Type 209) class of diesel electric attack submarines.

The Nireekshak (15) is equipped with a six-man recompression chamber, and space for 2 DSAR-650L deep-submersible rescue vehicles (DSRV).

Meanwhile, the Republic of Singapore Navy has an 84-meter submarine rescue ship, the Swift Rescue, capable of conducting intervention and hyperbaric  rescue operations. It supports the RSN's fleet of Challenger (Swedish Sjoormen) and Archer (Swedish Vastergotland) class submarines, and is expected to support its upcoming Invincible (German Type 218SG) class submarines.

[1] Jane's

Singapore creates new naval unit, returns retired Fearless-class as Sentinel-class response vessels

 

Sea assets of the new Maritime Security and Response Flotilla. Photo c/o Republic of Singapore Navy.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has inaugurated a new naval unit called the Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF), during ceremonies held at Changi Naval Base on 26 January 2021.

The new unit will be protecting Singapore’s territorial waters, and respond to expanded maritime security threats and incidents which have grown in scale and complexity over time. 

Among those identified threats by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) were sea robbery, and intrusions into Singapore territorial waters.

The MSRF will be receiving new Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRV) in the future, as these ships are still in the concept design stage, with emphasis on operating at sea a few weeks, lean manning requirements, and modular capabilities. 

In the meantime, the MSRF will receive four (4) Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRV) and two (2) Maritime Security and Response Tugboats (MSRT) as its initial sea assets. The first two Sentinel-class ships, the MSRV Sentinel and MSRV Guardian, were declared operational on 26 January 2021, while two more ships, the MSRV Protector and MSRV Bastion will be commissioned in the next few months.

The Sentinel-class were formerly Fearless-class patrol vessels of the RSN, which were decommissioned after being replaced with the new Independence-class Littoral Missions Vessels. The ships were refurbished and improved to suit their new mission and fitted with new equipment.

The Sentinel-class retained the Oto Melara 76mm naval gun of the Fearless-class, but were re-equipped with a 25mm Typhoon remote controlled weapon station, 7.62mm machine guns, Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) and Laser Dazzler System, improved bridge ballistic protection, and fenders to enable them to go alongside vessels of interest quickly.

[1] Pioneer – Singapore MINDEF

[2] Channel News Asia 

[3] Naval News

Malaysia to receive 3 new Maritime Operations Helicopters from Italy's Leonardo

The Leonardo AW139. Photo c/o EDR Magazine.

 

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is expected to receive three (3) new Maritime Operations Helicopter, which are planned to enter service between 2022 to 2024.

According to RMN chief Adm. Reza Sany, the RMN signed a contract with Italian defense giant Leonardo last 20 September 2020. While no mention was made on the helicopter model to be delivered, there were several previous reports pointing to the Leonardo AW139.

No mention was made regarding the value of the contract, but previous statements by Adm. Reza Sany mentioned it at RM220 million (US$54.3 million) for the project.

According to reports from last year, the helicopters will be assigned with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to be used for utility roles.

The delivery of the first helicopter is expected to be by 30 October 2022, the second helicopter by 31 May 2023, and the third helicopter by 28 February 2024.

The RMN was also reported to be looking to acquire additional Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters between 2022 to 2025 to beef up its current fleet.

Currently, the RMN has six (6) Westland Super Lynx 300 ASW helicopters that are embarked on different ships of the RMN.




[1] Bernama
[2] Malaysian Defence
[3] Shephard Media

South Korea successfully tests Sniper targeting pod on FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft

 

An FA-50 test aircraft carrying a Sniper advanced targeting pod. Photo c/o Military Leak.

South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has successfully tested the Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (Sniper ATP) with the FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft.

The Sniper ATP underwent both ground and flight testing with the FA-50, which paves the way for the system to be airworthy certified with the FA-50 aircraft. KAI is expected to obtain the Certification of Airworthiness (COA) from Aircraft Certification Authority to approve the Sniper ATP to be operated on FA-50 light combat aircraft.

During the test, a long range guided munition was able to hit a target with guidance from a Sniper ATP mounted on an FA-50 aircraft, which shows the ability for the targeting pod and the aircraft to interact and work together.

KAI and Lockheed Martin has been testing the Sniper ATP with the FA-50 aircraft since 2019, with the flight testing being the last phase of the testing process prior to COA application.

Once the COA is secured, this would allow KAI and Lockheed Martin to install and integrated with new build and existing FA-50 platforms, including those used by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), and other international air forces including Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, and Thailand, and for other future markets.

So far, there were indications from the ROKAF, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to consider the Sniper ATP for their own requirements.

The Lockheed Martin Sniper ATP is one of the most prolific targeting pods in use, which allows aircraft to improve its air-to-ground capabilities. The Sniper ATP uses high resolution imagery for precision targeting as well as non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

It can support the employment of laser-guided and GPS-guided precision munitions against multiple fixed and moving targets, and has been type certified with the the F-2, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, Harrier and Typhoon fighter aircraft, the A-10 attack aircraft, and the B-1 and B-52 bombers.




[1] Military Leak

Myanmar to acquire Pantsir-S1 air defense system, Orlan-10E UAVs from Russia

 

The Pantsir-S1 air defense system from Russia. Photo c/o Israeli Firepower.

The Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) will be receiving an unspecified number of Pantsir-S1 short range air defense system,  Orlan-10E small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and radar locating systems from Russia.

Press reports from Russian and Myanmar reported that Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu signed an agreement with the Myanmar government as part of his official visit to the country on 22 January 2021.

It is believed that Myanmar would be getting at least 2 batteries or 12 firing vehicles of Pantsir-S1, which is used for point air defense to defend ground units and fixed installations against low and extremely low flying supersonic and subsonic aerial threats and precision munitions.

The Pantsir-S1 has an effective range of around 20 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of 8 kilometers , wherein it can use its two 2A38M 30mm cannons and 12 ready-to-fire 57E6 short range surface-to-air missiles.

Meanwhile, the Orlan-10E is a catapult-launched small surveillance UAV that could be used for aerial reconnaissance, aerial imagery and 3D mapping using sensors.

The UAV itself has  a maximum takeoff weight around 15 kilograms, an endurance of up to 16 hours, and a range of up to 140 kilometers.

Myanmar is a traditional buyer of Russian weapon systems, with Myanmar relying on Russian arms, the most recent was the purchase of Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter aircraft for the Myanmar Air Force (MAF).




[1] Army Recognition
[2] New Defence Order Strategy
[3] Myanmar Defence Review

Philippines to start the upgrade of 3 Del Pilar-class frigates within 2021

 

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with Hanwha Systems CEO Jang Sik Won during signing of contract for Del Pilar-class upgrade project in 2019. Photo c/o Inquirer.net.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to proceed with the upgrade works of its three (3) Del Pilar-class frigates within the year, with South Korean defense contractor Hanwha Systems spearheading the work.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, all 3 frigates have its 3-dimensional mapping completed, and are scheduled to undergo final inspections by Hanwha Systems by February 2021.

Hanwha Systems and the Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) signed the Del Pilar-class Frigate Upgrade Project's contract on 30 August 2019. This was after winning a tender for the project after lowest bidder Ultra Electronics failed to meet certain tender requirements.

Among those expected to be installed are the Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management Systems (CMS) from Hanwha Systems, and a new hull-mounted sonar and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system.

MaxDefense Philippines believe the new sonar will come from Wartsila ELAC Nautik, although this could possibly change due to Wartsila’s divestment in ELAC Nautik, and the division’s change of ownership in 2020. It is also believed that the ESM would be supplied by Israel’s Elbit Systems.

In addition, the US Navy Naval Sea Systems Command and the US Coast Guard will be installing new air and surface search radar systems from Saab, and electro-optical tracking systems from FLIR Systems. Hanwha Systems will integrate both system to their new CMS, together with all other existing subsystems.

The upgrade works will be done one at a time, to allow at least 1 ship to be fully operational. Replying to our query, MaxDefense Philippines believes that the first ship of the class, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15) may undergo the upgrade works first since it is currently non-operational as it waits for new parts for its damaged propeller shaft that are also scheduled for delivery within 2021.

The Del Pilar-class frigates were previously Hamilton-class high endurance cutters of the US Coast Guard, which were transferred to the Philippines between 2011 and 2016. 




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Naval News

South Korea progresses on development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles

 

A submarine-launched ballistic missile, file.photo for reference only.

The South Korean government was reported to be progressing the development of conventional-warhead submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), with underwater tests expected to take place within the year. 

This is despite the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) refusing to confirm the reports.

The SLBM is believed to be based on the country’s existing Hyeonmu-2B truck-launched ballistic missile, which has a maximum range of around 500 kilometers.

South Korean press reported that the SLBM development is undertaken by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), with ejection tests conducted on land and completed in 2020. This milestone allows developers to move to the next stages, which include underwater launch tests.

No confirmation has been made if the underwater tests would be conducted using an actual submarine or a submersible test barge.

The SLBMs are expected to deployed aboard the upcoming KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric submarines of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), which are in the 3,000-ton class and have  the capability to carry and launch a specified number of SLBMs using vertical launching systems (VLS).

The race for SLBM development has been ongoing between South Korea and is rival North Korea, with the North Koreans claiming success of their SLBM tests as early as 2016. The North Korean military has also displayed the said SLBM in a military parade held recently in Pyongyang.




[1] Jane’s
[2] Korea Herald

Philippines to acquire 12,412 new Taurus T4 5.56x45mm rifles from Brazil

 

The Taurus T4 5.56 x 45mm rifle. Photo c/o Infodefesa.com.

The Philippine Army (PA) has selected the Taurus T4 5.56 x 45mm automatic rifle from Brazilian arms manufacturer Taurus Armas, to fulfil a requirement for more than 12,000 new rifles.

Taurus Armas announced on 13 January 2021 that they were awarded the project to supply 12,412 new M4-type/AR-15 based rifles for the Philippine Army worth US$7.3 million, or around US$590.78 per unit.

The deal allows Taurus Armas to strengthen its foothold in the Asian market, as it also bids to win an ongoing tender in India for up to 500,000 new Close Quarter Battle (CQB) rifles.

Once the new rifles are delivered, the Philippine Army will become the first military branch outside Brazil to use the T4 rifle. Currently the T4 is in use by the Brazilian military and police force, as well as foreign police organizations.

The Taurus T4 rifle passed rigorous qualification tests as specified by Philippine Army in their requirements, which was said to be among the most demanding in the world.

Taurus Armas has also designated its Philippine partner and Taurus distributor, Trust Trade, to provide aftersales support for the rifles, including technical assistance and spare parts support. Trust Trade was also previously involved in the supply of around 20,000 units of Taurus 9mm striker fired pistols to the Philippine National Police.

According to Philippine Defense Resource, the Philippine Army currently uses the M4 and M4A1 variants made by Colt, Lewis Machine & Tool, Remington, SIG Sauer, and rebuilds made by the Philippines' Government Arsenal using M16 rifles built locally by Elisco Tool Manufacturing Co.




[1] Taurus Armas
[2] Tecnodefesa Brazil
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Australia selects Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter from 2025

 

A CGI of what the AH-64E Apache Guardian in Australian Army colours. Photo c/o Vertical Magazine.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as the next Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) of the Australian Army (AA) under its LAND 4503 program.

Defence Minister Sen. Linda Reynolds confirmed this on 15 January 2021, while also stating that the new helicopters will replace the existing Airbus Tiger ARH starting 2025.

The Airbus Tiger ARH are plagued with problems in most of its operational service with the Australian Army.

29 helicopters are to be acquired under a program that is expected to cost around A$4.5 billion (US$3.6 billion).

According to Min. Reynolds, the Apache is the most lethal, most survivable, and less risky option that meets all requirements on capability, through life support, security and certification, as well as proven ability, maturity, and an off-the-shelf operating system.

The Apache Guardians will be equipped with fully-developed mission systems including the Link 16 tactical data link network, and advanced satellite communication systems that are superior to those found in the Australian Army's Tiger ARH.

The new helicopters can also connect with and control armed drones through its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) system.

The Apache is currently in service with dozens of countries including the US Army and the UK British Army, and most of Australia's partners and regional neighbours including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. This benefits for interoperability, economies of scale, and shared logistics.

Australia evaluated the Apache Guardian along with other options including the Bell AH-1Z Viper, which is being used by the US Marine Corps which regularly deploys to Australia, and is designed for maritime use. 

[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Vertical Magazine
[3] The Strategist

Australia accepts first new Supply-class replenishment vessel from Navantia

 

The NUSHIP Supply (A195). Photo c/o Navantia.

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has completed the pre-delivery tests of the first Supply-class replenishment vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and confirmed that the RAN has formally accepted the ship which allows for its final delivery.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed on 8 January 2021, that the new ship, to be named as HMAS Supply (II) (A195) once commissioned with the RAN, is being readied to join the RAN soon. 

The ship will be the second ship to enter RAN with the same name, and will replace the former HMAS Success (II) which was retired in June 2019.

The new ship arrived in Australia on October 2020 for its delivery cruise and final fit-out works and testing, after completing its sea acceptance trials in Spain on August 2020.

The RAN ordered 2 ships under a A$642 million (US$500 million) contract with Navantia on May 2016 under the Project SEA 1654 Phase 3 Maritime Operational Support Capability program.

The second ship of the class, which would be named HMAS Stalwart (III) (A304) once commissioned with the RAN, was launched on August 2019 and will undergo sea acceptance trials soon, prior to delivery to the RAN which is scheduled to be completed within 2021. 

The future HMAS Stalwart (III) will replace the RAN’s existing replenishment vessel HMAS Sirius, which will be retired in 2021.

The Supply-class replenishment vessels were based on the Cantabria-class ships of the Spanish Navy. They are 174 meters long, a displacement of 19,500 tons.

They are powered by 2 MAN 18V 32/40 diesel engines allowing the ship to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 13 knots.

The new ships would be armed with a 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS), two 25mm Rafael Typhoon remote weapon stations, and four manually-operated 12.7mm heavy machine guns.




[1] Jane’s
[2] Navantia
[3] Royal Australian Navy

South Korea showcases its revised light aircraft carrier conceptual design

The latest CGI of the ROKN's planned light aircraft carrier under the LPX-II program. Photo c/o ROKN.

A revised concept design was released by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on 03 January 2021, for their future light aircraft carrier, which is undergoing advanced design phase and being acquired under its LPX-II program.

The new design features a twin island layout, and does not have a ski-ramp which was seen in earlier designs of the ship. 

While the ship was based on the Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship of the ROKN, the new light aircraft carrier will be longer and heavier, and will not feature a well dock, which will allow the storage of more aircraft, ammunition and fuel to support sustained fixed and rotary-wing naval aviation operations.

It draws some design elements from the UK Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which also feature twin island towers and lack of launch ramp found on large amphibious assault ships of the US Navy.

The CGI released by the ROKN also showed the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) Joint Strike Fighters, and Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters. Both aircraft are being acquired by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) under separate projects.

The latest conceptual design is still subject to possible changes during the basic and detailed design phases.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has also started bringing in institutions and companies to take part in the development process of the light aircraft carrier, including development of core technologies.

The development of a new aircraft carrier comes as the South Korean government shifts its strategic doctrine to operate beyond its shores and immediate surroundings, with importance given on power projection and protection of the country's access to sea lines of communications.




[1] Jane's
[2] Defence Connect

South Korea commissions its second Daegu-class guided missile frigate

 

The ROKS Gyeongnam (FFG-819). Photo c/o Naval News.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has commissioned its second Daegu-class guided missile frigate into service on 04 January 2020.

The new frigate, commissioned as the ROKS Gyeongnam (FFG-819), follows the lead ship ROKS Daegu which was commissioned to the ROKN on March 2018.

The ROKS Gyeongnam was built by built by South Korean naval shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and was launched on 21 June 2019.

The ROKN has ordered a total of eight (8) ships, with the third and forth ships, named Seoul and Donghae, respectively, being built by another shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The ships were also launched on November 2019 and April 2020, respectively.

The Daegu-class were built under the ROKN's FFX Batch II Program, are are improved versions of the Incheon-class frigates built under the FFX Batch I Program.

The frigates displaces at 3,600 tons full load, are 122 meters long and 14 meters wide, and are powered by four MTU 12V 4000 M53B diesel engines and a Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbine in Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG) configuration.

This hybrid propulsion system allows a maximum speed of 30 knots, and reduces underwater radiated noise which helps in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

The frigates are also armed with a 127mm Mk. 45 Mod 4 naval gun, a 20mm Phalanx Block 1B close in weapon system, eight SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship missiles and two triple torpedo tubes, and a 16-cell Korean Vertical Launching System (K-VLS) capable of firing the Korean Surface to Air Anti-Missile (K-SAAM) air defense missile, the Hong Sang Eo anti-submarine rocket, and the SSM-701K Haeryong land attack cruise missiles.



[1] Naval News
[2] Jane's

Pakistan completes final 14 units of two-seat JF-17B Thunder fighters, announces production of Block III variant

The PAC's new JF-17B Thunder two-seat fighter aircraft during roll-out ceremonies held at PAC's Kamra facility on 30 December 2020.

 

The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has completed the last 14 units out of a total 26 units of two-seat JF-17B Block II Thunder fight aircraft bound for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which were handed over during ceremonies held on PAC's Karma facility on 30 December 2020.

The PAF ordered the aircraft in late 2017, and will be operated mostly as operational conversion trainers, although it could also be used for tactical combat roles.

The PAF also announced that PAC has officially launched the production of its latest Block III variant of the JF-17 Thunder, with the first 2 units built by PAC's development and production partner Chengdu Aircraft Industries Group (CAIG), and being tested by Chinese and Pakistani pilots since December 2019.

The new Block III JF-17 Thunder which will feature new avionics and sensors including the KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar from China Electronic Technology Group, an enhanced electronic warfare system, improvements in payload capability and compatibility with more munition types that increases the aircraft's stand-off range and overall combat capability.

It is expected that the PAF will integrate the new KLJ-7A AESA radar to the 26 new JF-17B Block II two-seat fighters, and there is possibility that the same could be done to the PAF's older fleet of Block I and Block II JF-17A single-seat fighters.

The PAF has a requirement for 50 Block III JF-17 fighters over the next 3 years, with PAC expected to produce the aircraft and have a flying aircraft ready for testing by the 3rd quarter of 2021.



[1] Jane's
[2] DAWN

India prepares to order 56 new Airbus C-295 transport aircraft within the year

 

The C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus. Photo c/o Business Day.

India is expected to sign a contract worth US$2.5 billion within the year to purchase 56 new C-295 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 

According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the project was reportedly undergoing financial approval stage, and the contract is expected to be signed within 2021.

The aircraft, which is from Airbus Defense and Space, will replace the IAF's existing fleet of ageing Avro 748 transport aircraft, which has been in service since the 1960s.

According to Indian officials, the C-295 is also expected to support the IAF's fleet of Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, which is also being eyed for replacement in the near future, with the C-295 being considered as a natural replacement.

As part of the Make-in-India initiative of the Indian government, the project would be a collaboration between Airbus and Indian aviation company Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), which would build majority of the aircraft in India.

Under the collaboration, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft, built in their facility in Spain, in flyaway condition. The aircraft would be delivered to the IAF within the next 2 years. The rest, covering 40 aircraft, would be assembled in India by TASL and to be delivered to the IAF spread through another 8 years.

The Airbus C-295 is one of the world's most successful propeller-driven medium tactical transport aircraft, which was developed from the Spanish-Indonesian CN-235 transport aircraft, but with a stretched fuselage, improved avionics, and more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turbine engines. 

It was designed to operate even from short, unprepared runways, and carry out a variety of missions in all-weather conditions.



[1] Hindustan Times
[2] Air Force Technology
[3] Times of India

Indonesia receives its first Bell 412EPI army assault helicopter

 

First of nine Bell 412EPI helicopter for the TNI-AD Army Aviation Center was delivered by PTDI on 29 December 2020. Photo c/o PTDI.

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) has started receiving new Bell 412EPI combat utility helicopters it ordered Bell Helicopters through state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

The first Bell 412EPI was delivered to the TNI-AD on 29 December 2020, and is part of a IDR258 billion (US$183 million) contract signed by on December 2018 for 9 new Bell 412EPI helicopters.

8 more helicopters are scheduled for delivery to the TNI-AD by 2021.

Despite the TNI-AD's Army Aviation Command being a long-time operator of the Bell 412 helicopter family, this unit is the first Bell 412EPI in its inventory. 

The new variant features a more powerful engine, with two Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin Pac turboshaft engines, allowing for 15% greater take-off power than the older Bell 412EP. It also features updated avionics and electronic systems.

All 9 helicopters will be assembled by PTDI in Indonesia, with major airframe parts shipped by Bell Helicopters. PTDI will also install the helicopter's additional accessories specified by the TNI-AD.

PTDI is also in-charge of coordinating the delivery and installing the helicopter's weapon systems including door-mounted machine guns and ammunition ordered through state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad.

In addition, PTDI will provide the training for pilots and mechanics, technical publications and spare parts, as well as logistics support for the helicopters.

PTDI has an existing Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Bell Helicopters since 1982, with both companies completing more than 70 helicopters under the partnership, with 63 of them being Bell 412 helicopters. PTDI also manufactures components under license for the Bell 412 helicopter.



[1] PT Dirgantara Indonesia
[2] Indonesian Aerospace

Philippines signs contract for FNSS Sharpshooter turrets, Kunduz amphibious armored combat earthmovers

 

The FNSS Kunduz showing its amphibious capability. Photo c/o EDR Magazine Online.

Turkish defense company FNSS Defence Systems confirmed that they have signed contracts with the Philippine government for the supply and delivery of one-man turrets for integration and installation on armored vehicles, and the Kunduz amphibious armored combat earthmovers (AACE) for the Philippine Army (PA).

According to FNSS, the contract for the One-Man Turrets was signed on August 2020 under the Turkey-Philippines Defense Industry Cooperation Agreement, and involves the supply and installation of unspecified number of state-of-the-art turrets for armored vehicles.

The turrets are expected to be fully integrated to PA armored vehicles by October 2021, and the training and logistics support would be completed by December 2021.

While information was limited, Philippine defense website Philippine Defense Resource reported that the project involves the supply of the BAE Systems Sharpshooter manned turret, which is built under license by FNSS and is similar to those delivered by FNSS to Malaysia a few years ago.

The turrets are said to be for mounting on the PA's few ACV-300 tracked armored personnel carriers, which were delivered by FNSS to the PA in 2010. This would allow the conversion of the vehicles into proper infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) with day/night capability.

FNSS also confirmed that another contract was signed with the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) on November 2020, involving the supply and delivery of the FNSS Kunduz AACE.

The vehicles will be built in FNSS' facilities in Turkey, and are expected to be fully delivered by March 2023, with acceptance tests to be conducted in Turkey and the Philippines.

The Kunduz AACE is the only amphibious armored combat earthmover in the market, and would improve the combat engineering capabilities of the PA. 

Philippine Defense Resource confirmed that at least 6 vehicles were eyed by the PA as it acquires new Combat Engineering Equipment as part of its modernization program.



[1] European Defence Review
[2] Philippine Defense Review
[3] Anadolu Agency

Australian F-35A Lightning II JSF reaches Initial Operational Capability milestone

 

An F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter of the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o Defence Connect.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reached a new milestone recently, as its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter reached Initial Operational Capability on 28 December 2020.

This would allow the RAAF to deploy the F-35A fighter aircraft in operations after completing a series of testing, and assessment of aircraft and system performance for the last 2 years.

One squadron of the F-35A is now considered operational, while another squadron is dedicated to provide Australia-based training program for new pilots and crew.

The F-35A Lightning II JSF will join the RAAF's existing fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler, and for a few more years, the outgoing F/A-18A/B "Classic" Hornet, in providing air combat and strike capabilities.

Challenges were met in ferrying F-35A fighter aircraft from the US mainland to Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in travel, as well as affecting the production's logistics, and in other requirements prior to delivery of the aircraft.

The Australian defense industry will provide support to the new fighter aircraft, while also benefiting from the program in providing livelihood to Australian businesses and supporting the generation of local jobs.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the Australian government's contribution to the F-35 program has included 50 Australian companies, including component production and technical support, are sharing A$2.7 billion worth of contracts. 

Australia ordered a total of 72 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, with the order expected to be fully delivered to the RAAF by 2024. The aircraft will replace the F/A-18A/B "Classic" Hornet, which has been in service since 1985 and has already started its gradual exit from RAAF service.



[1] Australian Department of Defence

Australia to order 2 additional Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

 

A P-8A Poseidon of the RAAF together with a Hobart-class air defense destroyer of the RAN. Photo c/o Australian Department of Defence.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed that it would be ordering two (2) more P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, which will increase its fleet to 14 aircraft.

The acquisition will be done through the Cooperative Program between Australia and the US Navy.

Funding has been approved for the planned acquisition, in addition to funding for the sustainment of the MQ-4C Triton long range surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to Australian Defense Minister Senator Linda Reynolds, the plan is part of a wider A$270 billion (US$208 billion) investment in defense by the incumbent government over the next decade which includes providing Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) uses the P-8A Poseidon for maritime and overland surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), support in search and rescue, and soon will also be equipped to do anti-surface warfare (ASuW).

This is through an existing program to equip the RAAF's P-8A fleet with the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) which allows it to strike adversary surface vessels at stand-off ranges.

The Australian government also has an ongoing deal with Boeing Defence Australia, with the later investing in facilities worth over A$1 billion (US$770 million), while also providing jobs to Australians in supporting Boeing aircraft with the Australian Defence Force including the P-8A Poseidon.

 In addition, its Cooperative Program with the US Navy allows for the sharing of technical expertise and project costs, as well as development of military technology for both parties.



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