Philippine lawmaker seeks to speed up naval upgrade program

 

The Philippine Navy's Desired Force Mix program. Photo c/o GlobalSecurity.org.

A Philippine lawmaker has urged to immediately expedite the acquisition of more frigates and corvettes for the Philippine Navy (PN), as China continues its aggressive incursion in the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Representative Johnny Pimentel, who currently chairs the Philippines’ Lower House of Representatives Committee on Strategic Intelligence, said that the Department of National Defense (DND) should push forward its plans to acquire 4 more frigates and 12 corvettes as soon as possible, rather than waiting for several more years.

Rep. Pimentel was referring to the PN’s own Desired Force Mix strategy, which calls for the service’s massive upgrade that includes having a total of 6 frigates and 12 corvettes acquired or under construction by 2028.

The PN currently has 2 new Jose Rizal-class frigates and a single Pohang-class corvette, all coming from South Korea.

Rep. Pimentel mentioned that the House of Representatives is welcome to allocate more funds for the acquisition of new naval assets.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that they are currently in the process of acquiring 2 new corvettes and 6 new offshore patrol vessels, while previous reports confirmed that the PN is also in the process of negotiating for more used Pohang-class corvettes formerly with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

The PN leadership was also in France as negotiations are ongoing for the acquisition of 2 new submarines, potentially from France’s Naval Group.

Sec. Lorenzana confirmed that the military modernization program is behind schedule due to COVID-19 pandemic affecting the government’s finances and the country’s economy.




[1] Inquirer.net
[2] Foreign Policy Research Institute
[3] Global Security

Australia selects Saab 9LV Combat System for new Mine Warfare & Hydrographic Vessels

 

RAN's upcoming Mine Warfare vessels will also use Lurssen's OPV80 design similar to the Arufare-class OPVs. Photo c/o Lurssen.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) confirmed that they have selected Saab’s 9LV next generation combat management system (CMS) for its new class of Mine Warfare and Hydrographic Survey Vessels for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

This would be the fifth and sixth class of ships in the RAN to use Saab’s CMS, after the ANZAC-class frigates, Canberra-class landing helicopter docks, the Supply-class replenishment vessels, and the upcoming Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels. 

Saab will also be involved in interfacing works for the upcoming Hunter-class frigates and the existing Hobart-class destroyers of the RAN.

The new Mine Warfare Vessels, which will use the Lurssen OPV80 design also used on the the Arufara-class OPVs, are acquired under the Project SEA 1905 Maritime Mine Countermeasure Program, and are expected to start replacing the Huon-class mine warfare vessels of the RAN starting in mid-2020s. 

The new hydrographic survey vessels will replace the existing Leeuwin-class ships under the Project SEA 2400 Phase 1 Hydrographic Data Collection Capability Program.

Saab’s 9LV Combat Management System is among the most widely used globally, with over 200 warships operating the system, with many more in the pipeline. 




[1] ADBR
[2] Australian Defence Magazine

Japan commissions 12th Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine

 

The JS Toryu (SS-512), newest Soryu-class submarine of the JMSDF. Photo c/o JMSDF.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its 12th Soryu-class diesel-electric attack submarine, during ceremonies held on 24 March 2021 in Kobe, Japan and attended by State Minister for Defense Yasuhide Nakayama.

The new submarine, named the JS Toryu (SS-512), was built at the Kobe Works facility of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The ship’s name “Toryu” means “Fighting Dragon” in Nihonggo.

While the submarine is the 12th ship of the class, it is the 6th Soryu-class submarine built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with the rest built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

This specific submarine is one of only two Soryu-class submarines fitted with with lithium-ion batteries, which is said to store more energy than lead-acid batteries mounted on ten of the submarines of the class.

The JS Toryu had its keel laid in January 2017, and was launched on 06 November 2019.

The Soryu-class submarines are 84 meters long, has a beam of 9.1 meters, and a displacement of 2,950 tons surfaced and 4,100 tons submerged. 

They are armed with six 533mm bow mounted torpedo tubes which employs the Japanese Type 89 heavyweight torpedo and the American UGM-84C Harpoon submarine-launched anti-ship missiles. 

They are powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25 diesel generators, four Kawasaki Kockums V4-275R Stirling air-independent propulsion (AIP) engines, in addition to the lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. This allows the submarine to be propelled to a maximum speed of 12 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged.




[1] Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
[2] Navy Recognition
[3] Naval News

Philippines confirms plans to acquire 18 more A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft

A-29B Super Tucano aircraft bound to the Philippines, as seen in Embraer's facility in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Photo c/o Embraer.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed in their official publication that they are looking have at least 24 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft in their fleet.

According to the PAF’s Flight Path publication, the goal is for the service to acquire 12 more Super Tucano aircraft by 2022, and 6 more aircraft afterwards to reach a total of 24 Super Tucanos by 2024. 

Currently the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing operates 6 A-29B Super Tucano aircraft delivered by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer S.A. under a PHP5 billion (US$104 million) deal.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PAF intends to replace its existing and ageing fixed wing light attack aircraft operated by 2 squadrons, which currently operate the Rockwell OV-10A/C Bronco and the Aermacchi SF-260TP aircraft.

Both the OV-10 and SF-260 are in need of immediate replacement due to their advanced age and obsolescence. 

No contract has been confirmed yet for additional aircraft, but Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana previously mentioned of working with their Brazilian counterparts and Embraer for the potential acquisition of additional aircraft.

The A-29B Super Tucano is a turboprop-powered light attack aircraft and is currently in service with more than a dozen air arms globally. It is equipped with two internal 12.7mm heavy machine guns in its wings, and can be armed with a variety of standard and smart munitions, and missiles.




[1] Philippine Air Force Flight Path official publication
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Japan commissions second Maya-class AEGIS guided missile destroyer

 

The Maya-class AEGIS destroyer JS Haguro (DDG-180). Photo c/o JMSDF.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its second and final Maya-class AEGIS guided missile destroyer, during ceremonies held at Japan Marine United’s Isogo shipyard in Yokohama on 19 March 2021.

Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo was present and led the ceremonies.

The ship, named the JS Haguro (DDG-180) and built by Japan Marine United (JMU), joined the JMSDF’s Escort Flotilla 4 based in Sasebo. It was named after Mt. Haguro in the Yamagata Prefecture in Japan.

The Maya-class is an improvement of the JMSDF’s Atago-class guided missile destroyers, featuring the latest Aegis Baseline 9 system, compared to the Atago-class’ Aegis Baseline 7. 

It was also built to include Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability from the start, unlike other Aegis-equipped ships in the JMSDF that underwent modifications to gain such capability.

The Maya-class is also around 5 meters longer than the Atago-class at 170 meters, and has a width of 21 meters, a standard displacement of 8,200 tons, and a full-load displacement of around 10,250 tons. 

As part of the Aegis combat system, the ship is equipped with a Lockheed Martin/Raytheon AN/SPY-1D(V) phased array radar and the Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B X-band high resolution fire control radar. 

It also has the American-developed Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system that allows the ship to be part of a larger system of sensors and weapons platforms to share surveillance and targeting data.

Weapons include a BAE Systems Mk.45 Mod.4 127mm naval gun, two Phalanx 20mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS), Type 17 anti-ship cruise missiles, 96 cells of Mk.41 vertical launching systems (VLS) for SM-2ER Block IIIB, SM-3 Block IIA and SM-6 air defense missiles, and Type 07 anti-submarine rockets. 

It will also be equipped with two Type 68 triple torpedo tubes capable of lauching the US Mk.46 and Japanese Type 73 anti-submarine torpedoes.




[1] Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
[2] Naval News
[3] Navy Recognition

Indonesia shortlists frigate designs as follow-on to Martadinata-class

 

A Bergamini-class (FREMM) frigate of the Italian Navy, which was among those said tl be shortlisted for an Indonesian requirement. Photo c/o Italian Navy.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) was reported to have shortlisted 4 frigate designs, as it plans to procure additional frigates as a follow-on to the Martadinata-class of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

According to British defense press Jane’s, the four designs shortlisted were the SIGMA 10514 design from Dutch shipbuilder Damen, the 30FFM design from Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, the Bergamini-class (FREMM) from Italian shipbuilder Fincantierri, and the Arrowhead 140 design from a British consortium led by Babcock International.

Currently, the TNI-AL’s Martadinata-class frigates are its most capable surface warfare ships, which were based on the SIGMA 10514 design from Damen, and built locally by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL.

The new frigates, together with the two existing Martadinata-class frigates, will replace the entire Ahmad Yani-class (Van Speijk-class) frigates of the TNI-AL, which are already operating beyond their service lives and were built more than 55 years ago.

Three ships are planned for construction, and are expected to be better equipped than the current Martadinata-class.

The Indonesian MOD has previously been looking at acquiring two large frigates based on the Iver Huitfeldt-class design of the Royal Danish Navy. A Preliminary Contract has been signed between the Indonesian MOD and Danish Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) in 2020.

It is still being confirmed if the plan to build two Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate is separate from this new frigate program.




[1] Jane’s
[2] Orissa International

Papua New Guinea receives second Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The PNGDF patrol boat, to be named HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap (402). Photo c/o Austal.

Australian shipbuilder Austal has delivered the ninth Guardian-class patrol boat to the Australian Department of Defence (DOD), which in turn was handed-over to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

The boat, which will be named the HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap (402), and will be the PNGDF’s second Guardian-class patrol boat provided by the Australian government. The vessel is named after Brigadier General Rochus Lokinap, former Commander of the PNGDF from 1987 to 1992.

A certificate signing ceremony was held at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in  Western Australia, attended by Western Australia’s Senior Military Officer Air Commodore Fiona Dowse, and the future captain of the HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap, Sub Lieutenant Terrence Mugugia.

Under the Australian government’s Pacifc Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project, the Australian government will deliver 21 new Guardian-class patrol boats worth A$335 million to 12 Pacific nations including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Micronesia, Tonga, Somolon Islands, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Timor Leste by 2023.

Papua New Guinea is scheduled to receive 4 new boats.

These boats would be used for border patrols and policing, search and rescue, and other missions to support of the recipient governments. 

The project not only improves the maritime security capability of the said nations, but also allows the creating of 200 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs within Australia.

The Guardian-class are steel-hulled monohull patrol boats that made extensive use of commercial off the shelf parts for easy maintenance. They have a length of 39.5 meters, a beam of 8 meters, and draft of 2.5 meters.

The boats are powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines allowing a speed of more than 20 knots, and a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.




[1] Austal
[2] Naval Technology

Philippines commissions second Jose Rizal-class frigate

 

The BRP Antonio Luna, second Jose Rizal-class frigate of the PN. Photo c/o Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy (PN) has commissioned its second Jose Rizal-class frigate during ceremonies held on 19 March 2021 in Manila’s South Harbor, 

The ceremony was attended by the Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, South Korean ambassador to the Philippines Kim In-Chul, Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo and other military and defense officials.

The ship, which was commissioned as the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), was assigned with the PN’s Offshore Combat Force, which is in charge of offshore-capable combat and patrol vessels.

The BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) was designed and built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and was delivered to the Philippines on 05 February 2021. 

It conducted pre-commissioning tests and inspections from February to March 2021, before it was deemed acceptable for commissioning.

The Jose Rizal-class frigates are the PN’s premier fighting ships, and are 107.5 meters long, has a beam of 13.8 meters, and a draft of 6.9 meters, and with a displacement of around 2,600 tons.

It is armed with an Oto Melara Super Rapid 76mm naval gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, two twin launchers for SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles, two twin Simbad-RC short range surface to air missiles, two triple torpedo tubes, and several heavy machine guns.

The ships also have allocated space for a Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), and an 8-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS).

The frigates were acquired under the Horizon 1 phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP Modernization Program covering the years 2013-2017. 

The Philippine Navy is said to be in talks for 2 new corvettes with HHI, with the shipbuilder offering  an improved version of the Jose Rizal-class frigate.




[1] Philippine Navy
[2] Philippine Defense Resource

Indonesia receives third Nagapasa-class diesel-electric attack submarine

 

The submarine Alugoro (405). Photo c/o Naval News.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has received its third Nagapasa-class diesel-electric attack submarine built by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL in cooperation with South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

The event took place at PT PAL's Surabaya shipyard on 17 March 2021. Among those who attended the ceremonies were Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) head Kang Eun-Ho, Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto, TNI-AL Chief of Staff Admiral Yuno Margono, DSME Vice President Park Doo-Seon, and other officials of the TNI, TNI-AL, Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD), and government agencies.

The submarine, named the Alugoro (405), was an important milestone for the Indonesian shipbuilding industry as it was the first submarine built in Indonesia, and the first submarine built in Southeast Asia.

The first two ships of the class, the KRI Nagapasa (403) and the KRI Ardadedali (404) were built by DSME in South Korea, and were delivered in 2017 and 2018, respectively. 

As part of a US$1.02 billion contract between the Indonesian MOD and DSME, 2 submarines will be built by DSME, while PT PAL would be receiving technology transfer to allow the construction of the third Nagapasa-class submarine using sections built by DSME and PT PAL. 

The Nagapasa-class is based on DSME's DSME-1400 Improved Chang Bogo submarine design, which is a derivative of the German Type  209/1400 submarine design from Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

The Nagapasa-class have a length of 61.3 meters, a beam of 6.3 meters, and a draft of 5.5 meters. It displaces at 1,400 tons.

It is powered by four MTU 12V493 diesel generators allowing a speed of 21.5 knots submerged and 11 knots surfaced.

It has 8 torpedo tubes capable of firing the Black Shark heavy torpedoes, and submarine-launched mines.




[1] Naval News
[2] PT PAL 
[3] Yonhap News

Vietnam launches fourth locally-built RoRo 5612 landing craft

  

The new RoRo 5612 for the VPN, with hull number 529. Photo c/o VietDefense defense page.

Vietnamese shipbuilder Song Thu Corporation has launched the fourth Damen RoRo 5612 landing craft built for the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN).

The ship, with hull number 529, was launched in Song Thu’s facility in Da Nang on 12 March 2021, and is actually the first ship of the class ordered directly by the VPN from the shipbuilder under a contract signed on December 2019.

Three other ships of the class were originally built by Song Thu Corporation for the Venezuelan government, but were not delivered due to payment issues. These ships were then procured and absorbed by the VPN.

These ships are expected to improve the VPN’s amphibious, transport, and logistics capabilities, including supplying Vietnamese outposts in the Spratly Islands.

The RoRo 5612 landing craft was designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen, and has an overall length of 57.27 meters, a beam of 12 meters, and a maximum draft of 2.75 meters. It displaces at around 600 tons, and has a maximum displacement of 1,480 tons at full load.

It is powered by 2 MTU 12V2000 M61/1A diesel engines producing 1,610 brake horsepower at 1,800 rpm,  and has a maximum speed of around 12 knots.

The RoRo 5612 has a crew of 16 officers and sailors.




[1] VietDefense
[2] Navy Recognition

India commissions third Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarine

 

The INS Karanj (S23) during commissioming on 10 March 2021. 

The Indian Navy has commissioned its third Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarine as part of its Project 75I Program.

The submarine, which was named as the INS Karanj (S23), was commissioned on 10 March 2021 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai. 

Former Indian Navy Chief of Naval Staff retired Admiral VS Shekhawat, the former commander of an earlier Soviet Foxtrot-class attack submarine with the same name and was used during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, led the commissioning of the new submarine.

The new submarine follows the commissioning of its sisterships, the INS Kalvari in December 2017 and the INS Khanderi in September2019.

Other sisterships, the Vela (S24) and Vagir (S25) are now undergoing sea trials, while the Vagsheer (S26) is in advanced stage of outfitting.

The submarines are based on the French Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine from Naval Group, and are considered as one of the most advanced conventional powered submarine in the world. 

The Kalvari-class are being built by Mazagon Dock in Mumbai with technical assistance from Naval Group, which transferred technology on the submarine design and construction as part of the Indian government’s “Make in India” program.

They are armed with six torpedo tubes, which can fire up to 18 heavy torpedoes, SM-39 Exocet submarine-launched anti-ship missiles, and mines.

It is also equipped with a permanent magnetic synchronous motor, allowing for quiet operations. 




[1] Naval News
[2] The Indian Express
[3] The Economic Times India

Philippines expected to receive more excess defense articles from United States

 

Philippine Army and US Marine units during Balikatan 2019 joint exercises. Photo c/o US Department of Defense.

The United States government has offered to provide the Philippines several new and excess defense articles as part of a proposed military aid, as negotiations on the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) continues.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte previously said that US government should pay or provide more military aid to the Philippines for its use of Philippine military facilities.

He also compared that the military aid provided by the US government to other countries like Pakistan, Egypt and Israel are far higher than what the Philippines receive annually.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed that the US government has provided a list of proposed military aid to the Philippines, which he believes would be sufficient enough for Pres. Duterte to agree on keeping the VFA agreement.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the US has already several military aid proposed to the Philippine Department of Defense (DND), many of which were requested by the Armed Forces of the Philippines since a few years ago. 

The Philippine Army already received an offer from the US for the transfer of several Sikorsky Black Hawk combat utility helicopters and Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters back in 2019, and was scheduled to inspect them in 2020. Additional helicopters and land vehicles were also requested from the US.

MaxDefense Philippines also revealed that the Philippine Navy also requested for several ships and aircraft from the US including new ScanEagle 2 UAVs, surplus Beechcraft TC-12 Heron twin engine aircraft, and some ships and boats which the page declined to name.

The page also revealed that the US also offered surplus F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft should the Philippine Air Force select the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 Viper for its Multi-Role Fighter requirements. 

The PAF was also said to have requested for additional C-130 Hercules transport aircraft on top of ongoing deliveries as part of an earlier agreement, and other fixed wing and rotary aircraft which the page declined also to identify.




[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] Inquirer.net
[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Australia’s Loyal Wingman UAV makes first flight, to build more prototypes

The Loyal Wingman UAV during first flight test on 27 February 2021. Photo c/o Boeing Australia.

The Australian aviation industry reached a milestone as the Boeing Australia Airpower Teaming System “Loyal Wingman” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has taken its first flight in Woomera Range Complex in South Australia on 27 February 2021.

The UAV took off under its own power, and flew under a pre-determined route in different speed and altitude, before landing on its own. 

While the flight was made autonomously, a human pilot supervisor was on the ground to check the entire flight. While the aircraft was designed to use artificial intelligence, the flight test did not prioritize this capability.

The UAV, a joint venture between Boeing Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), is the first Australian-designed and built military aircraft in over 50 years.

The first flight was made within just 3 years after Boeing Australia agreed to design and build the UAVs with the RAAF.

With the successful test flight, the RAAF signed another contract with Boeing Australia worth $115 million to build 3 more Loyal Wingman UAVs 

The Airpower Teaming System was designed to be a force multiplier system that uses artificial intelligence and work as a smart team with existing military aircraft to complement and extend airborne missions.

The Loyal Wingman UAV is 38 feet long, has a wingspoan of 24 feet, and features a removal nose designed to carry specific mission-specific sensors and subsystems. The UAV has a maximum range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] CNet

[3] Flight Global

Philippines interested in acquiring 2 more 84-m Offshore Patrol Vessel from France

 

BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) of the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo c/o OCEA.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced its intentions to acquire two (2) additional 84-meter offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from French shipbuilder OCEA.

The announcement was made at an online press briefing by the PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia on 03 March 2021.

The acquisition of additional OPVs would allow the PCG to expand its operations in its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which includes conducting maritime security patrols, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.

Currently, the PCG already has one 84-meter OPV, the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) which is based on OCEA’s OPV-270 design, and was delivered to the PCG in 2020 and costs around PHP5.6 billion (US$108 million).

The PCG admits that 1 large OPV is not enough to patrol the country’s vast EEZ and territorial waters, so additional vessels would be beneficial for the service. Currently the BRP Gabriela Silang is being used for COVID-19 related operations.

It features an all-aluminium hull construction, and is considered the largest aluminium-hull vessel in the world with a length of 84 meters.

It has a maximum speed of more than 20 knots, a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 15 knots, and an endurance of up to 5 weeks of operation.

It also features a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system allowing lower fuel consumption and maintenance cost, a helicopter deck and hangar for a light or medium helicopter, two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) for shipboarding, and a hyperbaric chamber.

Aside from the French ships, the PCG has two more offshore patrol vessels in construction in Japan, based on the Japan Coast Guard Kunigami-class 94-meter OPV being built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.

[1] Inquirer.net

[2] Naval News

Singapore or India believed to be the latest buyer of the Hermes 900 MALE UAV from Israel

 

The Hermes 900 MALE UAV from Elbit Systems. Photo c/o Aviation International News.

Singapore or India are believed to be the latest buyer of the Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial system (MALE UAS) from Israel's Elbit Systems, after the company announced on 02 March 2021 that it received a contract from an undisclosed customer to supply and deliver the unmanned aircraft.

The contract also requires Elbit Systems to provide maintenance and support services for the Hermes 900.

The said contract, worth around US$300 million, was said to have been signed with an Asian country with close ties to Israel, and will become the 12th country to use the Hermes 900 UAS.

Israeli defense news page IsraelDefense did not name the country it believes as the unnamed customer. But its article's details points out to Singapore as customer.

It reported that the undisclosed country plans to replace its 3rd squadron of UAVs consisting of IAI Searcher, also from Israel, with the new and more capable Hermes 900.

The competition for the replacement was said to have been started almost a decade ago, with Elbit Systems and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) competing, with US company General Atomics dropped due to government decision.

IsraelDefense also believes that the contract might cover up to 12 Hermes 900 UAVs including their command and control systems, plus maintenance and support for a number of years.

Other sources believe that India could be the undisclosed country, considering Elbit Systems has a joint production ties with India's Adani Group, forming the Adani Elbit Unammed Aerial Vehicles Complex inaugurated in India in 2018. 

The facility was planned to be the first outside Israel that is capable of manufacturing the Hermes 900 UAV, as well as other UAVs in Elbit System's product line up including the smaller Hermes 450 UAV.

The Hermes 900 is Elbit Systems' premier surveillance UAV, with a payload capacity of 300 kilograms, a service ceiling of 9,100 meters (30,000 feet), a cruise speed of 112 kilometers per hour (60 knots), and an endurance of 36 hours at cruise speed.

It was also reported that the Hermes 900 can be configured to allow it for attack missions.

Before this contract, Elbit Systems' recent contract for Hermes 900 UAVs was with the Canadian government for a single Hermes 900 to be used for monitoring and detecting oil spill, environmental surveys, and monitoring Canada's Arctic region.

In Asia, the Philippines is the only major user, with the Elbit Systems in the process of competing an order of 9 units for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) by 2021.




[1] Elbit Systems
[2] Israel Defense
[3] Eurasian Times

Indonesia launches 2 new Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tanks

 

The Teluk Weda (527) and Teluk Wondama (527) during launching on 27 February 2021. Photo c/o PT Bandar Abadi through Jane's.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Bandar Abadi has launched two new Teluk Bintuni-class landing ships-tank (LST) built for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) during launching and ship naming ceremonies held in Batam on 27 February 2021.

The two new ships, previously designated as AT-8 and AT-9 during construction, were named as Teluk Weda (526) and Teluk Wondama (527), respectively.

Teluk Weda (Weda Bay) was named after a bay located in Weda Tengah in North Maluku, while Teluk Wondama (Wondama Bay) was named from a bay in Papua.

The two ships were built under a contract worth IDR360 billion (US$25.2 million) signed between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) and PT Bandar Abadi in April 2019.

The ships are to replace older amphibious assault vessels, and were also meant to improve the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) ability to move troops, armored vehicles and suppliers around the country.

The Teluk Bintuni-class were designed locally and have been built by several shipbuilders including PT Bandar Abadi. It is 120 meters long, has a beam of 18 meters, and are powered by two marine diesel engines allowing a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 7,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.

It has space sufficient for 368 troops and up to 15 BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles through a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ramp, and has a helicopter landing deck allowed for 10-ton class helicopters.

It also has allowance for deployment of up to four landing craft -vehicle and personnel (LCVP) on its deck.




[1] Indonesian National Armed Forces
[2] Jane's

Malaysia activates first batch of 6 ScanEagle UAVs received from US security grant

 

ScanEagle 2 UAVs of the RMN. Photo c/o The Borneo Post.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has activated its first batch of ScanEagle 2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during ceremonies held in Sepanggar Naval Base on 06 March 2021.

The activation of the ScanEagle 2 UAS, operated by the 601 Squadron, was attended by RMN Chief Admiral Tan Sir Mohd Reza Mohd Sany, who mentioned that the operaton of the new UAS will open a new chapter in the dimension and doctrines, and pave the way for the use of UAS technology within the military in the future.

The RMN's 601 Squadron is the first squadron within the Malaysian Armed Forces to operate unmanned aerial systems, and is considered a monumental event.

The RMN was slated to receive 12 new Boeing Insitu ScanEagle 2 unmanned aerial vehicles from the US government, provided as part of their Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Program aimed at improving the maritime capabilities of select countries through US government assistance.

The first batch of 6 ScanEagle UAVs, together with 2 launchers, 2 skyhook recovery systems, and 3 ground control stations were delivered in 2020, while another batch of the same quantity are expected to arrive in Malaysia by either late 2021 or early 2022.

The RMN plans to use these new UAVs aboard ships, but in the meantime further training would be made including flying them over land.




[1] The Borneo Post

Philippines signs Implementing Arrangement with India to allow acquisition of Brahmos coastal defense missile systems

 

A Brahmos Coastal Defense System mobile launch unit, armed with the Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missiles, and also equipped with tracking radar system. Photo c/o Ommanorama.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed an Implementing Arrangement, which would allow the Philippines to procure defense materiel and equipment from India through Government-to-Government process.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Raymundo Elefante and Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Amb. Shambu S. Kumaran represented both countries during the signing ceremony held on 02 March 2021 in Manila. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was also present in the event.

The agreement will be the legal framework for procurement of Indian defense equipment by the Philippines, being the guide on policies and procedures in defense procurement through Government to Government modality.

India has been offering its Brahmos Coastal Defence System to the Philippines, which is the land-based  variant of the Indian-Russian PJ-10 Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missile system developed by Brahmos Aerospace.

This is to meet requirements by both the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy for land-based anti-ship missile systems to be used for Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) on important maritime chokepoints, and to defend the Philippine mainland from intruding naval forces.

Sec. Lorenzana was quoted during the event that the Philippines will be buying Brahmos missiles, without providing further details. But it was reported by both Indian and Philippine press that an agreement is nearing completing for the procurement of the Brahmos CDS.

This would make the Philippines the first export market for the Brahmos missiles.

India was also reported to have offered a US$100 million credit line to the Philippines for acquisition of Indian-made defense equipment, although there is no confirmation if the Philippine government will make use of it. Previous statements from the Philippines DND mentioned that it would be using its own funds to pay for the missile systems.

Aside from the Brahmos missiles, India has also offered fighter jets, helicopters, naval ships, naval combat systems, radars and air defense missiles to the Philippines, as it continues the modernization of its military in wake of Chinese aggressive expansion and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.




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

Malaysia gets offers for Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Airbus, PAL Aerospace-De Havilland Canada

 

A CGI of the Dash-8 P-4 maritime patrol aircraft from PAL Aerospace and De Havilland Canada. Photo c/o De Havilland Canada.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been offered several maritime patrol aircraft models to meet the requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), including offers from Airbus Defence and Space and the partnership between PAL Aerospace and De Havilland Canada.

Airbus confirmed its participation in a tender for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for the RMAF, with the Airbus C295MPA, which was being touted as the best combination of value and capability.

According to Airbus, the C295MPA offers the lowest risk and the best acquisition, operating and life cycle costs in its category.

The aircraft is equipped with a fully integrated tactical system (FITS) integrating the controls and displays of mission sensors.

Another offer made was from Canada’s PAL Aerospace, which is working together with De Havilland Canada (DHC) in pursuing the development of a Dash 8 P-4 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and offering it to the RMAF for its MPA requirement.

The platform is based on DHC’s successful Dash 8-400 aircraft, with PAL Aerospace providing the mission systems and integrating it with the platform.

According to DHC, the Dash 8-400 aircraft has high efficiency but low impact on the environment, while having high productivity and jet-like performance, making it a versatile and formidable special mission aircraft. 

Aside from the offerings from Airbus and PAL Aerospace-DHC, other potential competitors for the RMAF’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft project are Leonardo’s ATR-72MPA, Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon, the PTDI CN-235MPA and Kawasaki’s P-1.




[1] Bernama
[2] De Havilland Canada