Indonesia looking at acquiring submarine rescue ship, 3 new submarines

Requirements being identified for future submarine rescue ship. Photo c/o Defense Studies page.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) confirmed that it is looking at acquiring a submarine rescue ship, days after it lost one of its attack submarines in a sinking accident.

The TNI-AL’s Assistant for Planning and Budgeting Rear Admiral Muhammad Ali said that efforts are made to procure a submarine rescue ship, with the proposal to be forwarded to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for funding.

Despite operating submarines since the 1960s, the TNI-AL has not operated a submarine rescue vessel to support its fleet of submarines.

The service recently lost one of its Cakra-class diesel-electric submarine, the KRI Nanggala (402) with 53 officers and sailors lost with it. 

Plans are now underway to salvage the submarine, which was found more than 830 meters below sea level, north of Bali Island. Options are being assessed with aid of local and foreign specialized vessels.

In addition, the service is looking at acquiring 3 new submarines, and are talking to France’s Naval Group and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Engineering regarding offers.

Indonesia’s strategic planning suggests that the TNI-AL should have at least 12 submarines in its fleet. Currently, the TNI-AL only has 1 remaining Cakra-class submarine, and 3 Nagapasa-class submarines.

[1] Kumparan Business

[2] CNBC Indonesia

[3] Straits Times

Malaysia plans to acquire 13 more indigenous Fast Interceptor Crafts

 

One of the six active FIC of the RMN. Photo c/o Malaysian MOD.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced its plans to acquire at least 13 additional Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

The boats are expected to be worth more than MYR120 million (US$29.25 million) and will be used for border patrol.

Malaysian Senior Minister on Defence, Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob  was in RMN’s Lumut Naval Base in Perak  on 26 April 2021 to witness a demonstration of the new FIC’s capabilities.

According to the Senior Minister on Defence, the RMN has already received six units with a total worth of MYR80 million (US$19.50 million) which were delivered to the service on 19 March 2021 as part of the Operation Benteng (Op Benteng) to secure borders from illegal immigrants.

The FIC boats were built by Gading Marine Industry Sdn Bhd, and were assigned with the RMN’s Fast Combat Boat (FCB) Squadron and are able to provide surveillance and interdiction capabilities in littoral waters.

The new FIC, which are based on the G2000 FIC 18M design from Gading Marine, will be slightly larger than the CB-90 at 18 meters long and 4.6 meters wide, are equipped with an electro-optical tracking system (EOTS), and are powered by two MAN 1550 diesel engines propelling two Hamilton Jet HM 461 water jets.

The boats are expected to replace the RMN’s ageing fleet of Swedish-built CB-90 fast assault boats.

[1] Malaysian Ministry of Defence

[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

China holds 72nd navy anniversary, commissions new landing helicopter dock, cruiser, nuclear ballistic missile submarine

Chinese President Xi Jinping leads commissioning of 3 new major ships of the PLAN. Photo c/o Naval News.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) celebrated its 72nd founding anniversary at Yulin Naval Base in Hainan, with ceremonies held on 23 April 2021 and attended by Chinese President Xi Jin Ping.

The highlight of the anniversary includes the commissioning of three newly constructed major naval assets, specifically its first Type 075 Yushen-class landing helicopter dock (LHD), its third Type 055 Renhai-class guided missile destroyer (cruiser), and a Type 094 Jin-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

The new LHD was named Hainan, with hull number 31, was indigenously designed and built by Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. The ship brings in new capabilities to the PLAN in support of amphibious assault and naval aviation, being larger than previous amphibious assault ships in the PLAN and having full-length flight deck similar to a small aircraft carrier while retaining a floodable well deck for landing crafts and assault vehicles.

The new Renhai-class destroyer, named Dalian (105), was designed to act as the primary air defense escorts of aircraft carriers, and the class was actually designated as guided missile cruisers by the US Navy due to their size, and similar roles and capabilities as their own Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

The Jin-class SSBM, believed to be named Changzhen 18 (421) increases the naval nuclear weapons delivery of the People’s Liberation Army, with each submarine armed with 12 JL-2 (CSS-N-14) submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) which has a range of around 7,200 kilometers and can carry up to 8 nuclear warheads in multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV). 

 

[1] Jane’s

[2] Naval News

Indonesia’s missing submarine KRI Nanggala found and declared sunk, all hands lost

 

Photo taken by MV Swift Rescue shows one of the submarine's hull portion. Photo c/o BBC.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has confirmed that the search for the missing Cakra-class diesel-electric attack submarine KRI Nanggala (402) is over, as the submarine was found north of Bali Island, and declared sunk.

The submarine, which was declared missing on 21 April 2021 after failing to report after a torpedo exercise, was found 838 meters below sea level on 25 April 2021. 

All 53 officers and sailors aboard the submarine has also been declared dead.

Photos provided by Indonesian media outlets and taken by the Singaporean submarine rescue ship MV Swift Rescue, show the missing submarine broken into three major portions, and breach on several parts of the hull. The submarine was said to have a hull crush depth at around 500 meters.

The TNI-AL has ruled out an explosion, and believed that the submarine experienced a power outage and hull cracking.

Recommendation for the grounding of the remaining ship of the class, the KRI Cakra (401) has been made by members of the Indonesian legislative assembly until completion of a full investigation.

The Indonesian Navy had 2 Cakra-class diesel electric attack submarines built in Germany by Howaldtswerke, with both ships launched in September 1980, and commissioned with the TNI-AL in 1981.

KRI Nanggala had its latest major refit works completed by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in 2012, which improved its dividing depth and submerged speed slightly, while improving its combat systems.

[1] Detik News

[2] Straits Times

[3] The Jakarta Post

Indonesian submarine missing after failing to report back after drills

 

The Cakra-class (Type 209/1300) submarine KRI Nanggala (402). Photo c/o Nasional Tempo.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has confirmed that one of its Cakra-class submarine, the KRI Nanggala (402), has failed to report back after conducting training exercise on 21 April 2021.

The submarine has taken part in a torpedo drill in waters off North Bali, but has not reported back the results of the exercise, according to the TNI-AL’s Spokesman First Admiral Julius Widjojono.

The TNI-AL and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that 53 officers and sailors were onboard the submarine.

Assistance from neighbors Australia and Singapore has already been requested to search for the missing submarine, as both countries are equipped with submarine rescue vessels 

The TNI-AL has two Cakra-class diesel-electric attack submarines, which are Type 209/1300 models built in Germany by Howaldtswerke in Kiel, with KRI Nanggala joining the TNI-AL in 06 July 1981.

The KRI Nanggala completed a refit in 2011 by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), which included the replacement of batteries, overhaul of diesel engines, and modernization of its combat systems.

[1] Reuters

[2] Daily Express

Singapore’s Airbus A330 Multi-role Tanker Transports reach Full Operational Capability

 

The RSAF's A330 MRTT supporting RSAF fighters during training. Photo c/o CNA.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) led by Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen has marked the attainment of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status for the Airbus A330 Muti-role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The event was held on 20 April 2021 at RSAF’s Changi Air Base East, which included Min. Ng receiving brief on the overall capabilities of the A330 MRTT aircraft, and interacting and thanking  members of the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

Reaching the FOC milestone allows for the full use of the A330 MRTT’s capabilities to allow the support of RSAF’s overall requirements and improving its capabilities.

The aircraft is capable of conducting Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) and strategic airlift capabilities simultaneously. Compared to the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker that it is replacing, the new A330 MRTT has better endurance, and larger cargo and passenger capacity.

The A330 MRTT could carry up to 111,000 kilograms of fuel, or 20% more fuel than with the KC-135R. This is enough to fill the internal fuel tanks of up to 35 F-16 fighter aircraft.

The A330 MRTT can also conduct Tanker-to-Tanker Refuelling, which was not possible with the KC-135R. 

These new capabilities allows for better support of RSAF’s fighter aircraft, and more effective and flexible capabilities in meeting operational demands. It also enhances the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ability to contribute to International Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and Peace Support Operations.

The RSAF received its first A330 MRTT in 2018 and are operated by the 112 Squadron, with the fleet  based at the Changi Air Base East.

[1] Singapore Ministry of Defence

[2] Channel News Asia

Taiwan launches first new indigenous landing platform dock

Taiwan's new LPD. Photo c/o Naval News.

Taiwanese naval shipbuilder China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) launched the country’s first indigenously designed and built Landing Platform Dock (LPD).

The launching ceremonies held on 13 April 2021. And was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, which called the event another milestone for the country’s shipbuilding programme. 

The ship, named Yu Shan (1401) after Taiwan’s tallest mountain, had its keel laying ceremony only last June 2020.

The new LPD is 153 meters long, has an overall beam of 23 meters, a hull draught of 6 meters, and a full load displacement of 10,600 tons. It is estimated to cost around NT$4.6 billion (US$162 million).

The ship is expected to be delivered to the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) by April 2022, and will be used for amphibious operations and would also serve as a mobile hospital and platform for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

It would be able to carry amphibious assault vehicles, landing crafts, assorted vehicles and up to 673 fully equipped soldiers.

It would be armed with a 76mm naval gun, two Phalanx 20mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and two 8-cell launchers for TC-2N surface-to-air missiles.

The ROCN plans to acquire up to four LPDs to replace its ageing fleet of amphibious assault vessels consisting of two Newport-class landing ship tanks and an Anchorage-class landing ship dock.

[1] Naval News

[2] South China Morning Post

[3] Jane’s

Australia commissions first of two new Supply-class fleet replenishment vessels

 

The new replenishment vessel of the RAN, the HMAS Supply (II) (A 195). Photo c/o DOD.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has commissioned its first new Supply-class fleet replenishment vessel during ceremonies held on 10 April 2021 at Fleet Base East in Sydney, New South Wales.

The new ship, named HMAS Supply (A 195), is the second ship to use the same name.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ben Hissink said the ship’s 173 crew members were proud to serve on such a strategically important new platform.

The HMAS Supply, alongside its sistership NUSHIP Stalwart which is expected to also join the RAN very soon, will provide fuel, water, food, parts, and dry cargo for replenishment of Australian and regional partner ships while underway at sea, and to aid in humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) when called upon.

The ships are scheduled to replace the older fleet replenishment vessels HMAS Sirius and the former HMAS Success.

The HMAS Supply would begin its next phase of sea trials and integration into the RAN fleet.

The Supply-class was built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, and was based on the Cantabria-class supply vessels of the Spanish Navy. They are 174 meters long and displaces at around 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 maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles at 13 knots.

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

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Indonesia receives initial batch of AR-2 small diameter missiles from China

  

The AR-2 small diameter air-to-ground missile. Photo c/o CCTV News.

British defense media outlet Jane’s reported that they received information and images from sources confirming the delivery of Chinese-made AR-2 air-to-ground missiles for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

The missiles, which arrived at the TNI-AU’s Iswahyudi Air Force Base on 08 April 2021, are intended for the service’s fleet of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) CH-4B Rainbow medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV).

Aside from the missiles, the delivery also included an undisclosed number of missile pylons and rail launchers.

The AR-2 missile uses an internal guidance system for mid-course updates, while also using semi-active laser seeker for terminal homing. It has a range of around 8 kilometers weighs 20 kilograms, and carries a 5-kilogram armor piecing warhead.

The missile is ideal against light armored vehicles, bunkers, personnel and light structures.

The TNI-AU currently has six CH-4 UAVs, which made their first public debut in September 2019 as it joined the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Exercise Dharma Yudha.

The CH-4B has a maximum range between 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers, and can be operated via satellite link. It also has provisions for up to six munitions with a payload of up to 345 kilograms.  

In the Southeast Asian region, Myanmar also operates the type aside from Indonesia. 

[1] Jane’s

[2] Shephard Media

Australia looks at selling Sikorsky Black Hawk fleet, spares and support equipment

 

One of the Australian Army's S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter. Photo c/o Nigel Pittaway / Air International.

The Australian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has released a Request for Solutions (RFS) on 25 March 2021, with the intention of selling the Australian Army’s fleet of retired Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter fleet and all associated spares and equipment.

The Australian Army has started retiring its fleet of Black Hawk helicopters as they are replaced in service by the NHI Industries MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopter.

The Black Hawks will be fully replaced by the Taipan by December 2022.

The plan to sell the helicopters is still dependent to approvals by various US and Austraian government agencies, including US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

There are 29 S-70A-9 Black Hawks available, although it is expected that a maximum of between 25 to 27 units  are expected to be sold due to commitments to retain some, such as museum pieces. 

As of 05 March 2021, the Australian MOD has accounted 889,623 non-rotable and 12,390 rotable spare items with a total book value of A$47 million (US$35.8 million) and A$71 million (US$54.1 million), respectively.

The Australian Army S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopters were acquired starting in December 1987, and are similar to the US Army’s UH-60A Black Hawk variant. 

39 units were originally put into service, although 5 units have been lost in accidents over the years.

These units were assembled in Australia by Hawker De Havilland, and commissioned into service with the Royal Australian Air Force’s 9 Squadron in 1988 before the battlefield helicopter capability was transferred to the Australian Atmy in 1989.

[1] Australian Defence Magazine

[2] Scramble Magazine

Philippines aims to acquire additional Cyclone-class patrol boats from US Navy

 

Cyclone-class patrol vessels of the US Navy. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Philippine Navy (PN) confirmed its plans to acquire additional Cyclone-class littoral patrol vessels that are being gradually decommissioned by the US Navy.

The PN's Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo confirmed that the service is interested in acquiring several Cyclone-class patrol vessels as a stop-gap measure to replace recently-decommissioned warships.

While the PN plans to get at least 5 decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol vessels, this will all be dependent on the PN's Joint Visual Inspection Team's evaluation on the ship's seaworthiness and efficiency.

Vice Admiral Bacordo has also confirmed that a manifestation of interest was already sent to the Joint US Military Assistance Group - Philippines (JUSMAG) and the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) for the potential acquisition of decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol vessels.

The PN currently operates a single Cyclone-class patrol vessel, the former USS Cyclone (PC-1) which was transferred by the US in 2004 and is now called the BRP Gen. Mariano Alvaraz (PS-38). 

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the actual target for acquisition is actually higher than 5 units depending on the ship's conformance to the PN's requirement. The acquisition is a logical move considering the PN's experience in operating one of the ships for more than 15 years.

The US Navy has recently retired three ships of the class, the USS Zephyr (PC-8), USS Shamal (PC-13), and USS Tornado (PC-14), all of which were last assigned in Florida.

Most of the ships are forward-deployed in Manama, Bahrain and conducting maritime patrols and security operations on the Persian Gulf. No confirmation has been made yet on decommissioning dates of the remaining ships of the class.

The Cyclone-class first entered service with the US Navy in 1993, and are 55 meters long and displaces at 330 tons. They are armed with two Mk. 38 25mm autocannons, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, two 7.62mm machine guns, and two Mk. 19 40mm automatic grenade launchers.

The ships are also equipped with two Mk. 60 quadruple launchers for the BGM-176B Griffin short-range small surface-to-surface missile, and six FIM-92 Stinger man-portable surface-to-air missiles. But these missiles are not available in the Philippine Navy's BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez as these were upgrades made by the US Navy only a few years ago.




[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

South Korea launches first KF-X fighter prototype, officially named KF-21 Boramae

 

The KF-21 Boramae during the official rollout of its first working prototype. Photo c/o Airway1.

South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has officially rolled-out its first KF-X fighter prototype during ceremonies held on 09 April 2021 at KAI's headquarters at Sacheon.

South Korean President Moon Jae In and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto were present in the event, which also included the official naming of the aircraft as the KF-21 Boramae. The word "Boramae" means "hawk" in Korean.

During the event, flags of potential users were flashed which included Asia-Pacific countries like South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. These countries except for Malaysia are all users of KAI's T-50 Golden Eagle family of lead-in fighter trainer and light combat aircraft.

Eight prototypes, composed of 6 single seater and two twin-seater are expected to be produced and used for ground and flight trials, with an expected serial production starting in 2026. 

KAI hopes to be able to compete at least 40 aircraft by 2028, and a total of 120 aircraft by 2032.

South Korea intends to replace its ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom II and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters with the KF-21, while expecting a major windfall from the export market as well as a cheaper alternative to existing 4.5 and 5th generation fighters.

The new aircraft is slotted between the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and older Lockheed Martin F-16C/D and KF-16 Fighting Falcons.

The presence of Indonesia's defense minister also highlights Indonesia's continued participation in the project despite being delayed in its funding obligations to the project, citing financial difficulties.

Indonesia was suppose to pay 20% of the expected US$8 billion development costs, and is expected to acquire at least 50 units of the aircraft once production starts.

The new KF-21 Boramae will be powered by a pair of US-supplied General Electric F414-GE-400K engines, which is similar to the engines used in the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen NG and HAL Tejas Mk. 2.

Weapon delivery capability will be made in phases, with the first batch of aircraft called Block 1 only capable of air-to-air combat capability, with the improved Block 2 with air-to-air and air-to-ground capability coming in later. It is expected that current munitions will be compatible with the KF-21, as well as future homegrown-developed ones.




[1] AIN Online
[2] The Drive - The Warzone
[3] Defense News

Thailand receives delivery of 3 new Mil Mi-17V-5 medium helicopters

 

Two of the three new Mi-17V-5 helicopters of the RTA. Photo c/o Russian Embassy in Thailand.

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) received a delivery of three new Mil Mi-17V-5 medium multipurpose helicopters from Russia.

The helicopters were acquired by the RTA for support of military operations, and for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The new helicopters were handed over to the RTA on 26 March 2021 at U-Tapao Airbase, and was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Thailand Yu Tomikhin.

The RTA has been operating the Mi-17V-5 helicopter since 2011, with the three new helicopters joining seven other units with the RTA’s 41st Aviation Battalion based in Lopburi, and has been used for variety of missions over the past decade.

The Mil Mi-17V-5 is a variant of the successful Mil Mi-8 and Mil Mi-17 Hip medium helicopters and are currently offered by Russian Helicopters. 

In RTA service, these helicopters are used for heavier transport missions opposite smaller helicopters like the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, Bell 212, and several other utility and transport helicopters.




[1] Russian Embassy in Thailand
[2] Jane’s

South Korea aims to price new KF-X fighter at US$65 million per unit

KF-X prototype nearing completion in preparation for rollout by April 2021. Photo c/o KAI.

South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to set a competitive pricing for their upcoming new KF-X 4.5-generation stealth fighter to make it more marketable in the global fighter market.

According to KAI’s Chief Technology Officer Yoon Chong-ho, the company is aiming to bring down the unit price of the KF-X fighter to US$65 million, which is cheaper than current fighter aircraft available in the market.

This would be coupled with a minimal maintenance cost, allowing the KF-X a competitive edge in the global fighter export market.

In comparison, the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter from the US is priced higher than US$100 million, despite aiming to lower it to around US$80 million per unit. 

Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the new F-15EX Eagle, as well as European fighters like the Dassault Rafale and EF-2000 Eurofighter, are all currently priced higher than KF-X’s planned unit price.

KAI confirmed that development of the KF-X fighter was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to delays in delivery of key components from the US and Europe. But these have been remedied as of December 2020.

The company aims to roll-out its first flying prototype by April 2021 and start production for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by 2026.

The KF-X, also known as the F-33 “Boramae” (Hawk) in South Korea, is expected to replace the ROKAF’s fleet of McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom II and Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II legacy fighters.




[1] Korea Herald
[2] Defense Industry Daily

Australia starts retirement of Armidale-class large patrol boats

The HMAS Pirie (ACPB-89). Photo c/o ABC News.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has started decommissioning its Armidale-class large patrol boats, starting with HMAS Pirie (ACPB-87), which has been in service for 15 years.

The decommissioning was held on 02 April 2021 at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin, with RAN Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan addressing the ceremony.

HMAS Pirie is the first of two Armidale-class patrol boats scheduled for decommissioning this year, as the RAN starts its transition with the upcoming Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels as part of the RAN’s fleet recapitalization plans.

HMAS Pirie Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Sean Dalton said it had been a privilege bringing Pirie and her crew home for the last time.

“Pirie has sailed more than 426,000 nautical miles in her lifetime, travelling from as far east as Samoa, west to the Cocos Keeling Islands, south to the Bass Strait, and as far north as Qingdao, China,” Lieutenant Commander Dalton said.

Throughout her commission, Pirie conducted intercept and control of both foreign fishing vessels and suspected irregular entry vessels, along with regularly providing support to the civil community. She has also taken part in diplomatic, ceremonial and commemorative events with Australia’s regional partners.

HMAS Pirie was built by Austal and is the fifth ship of the class. It was commissioned into the RAN on July 2006. 




[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Jane’s

South Korea plans to acquire 36 more imported attack helicopters

 

ROAK AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters during manoeuvres. Photo c/o Military Leak.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has made known its intentions to acquired 36 more foreign-made attack helicopters for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).

The DAPA's Defense Project Promotion Committee revealed on 31 March 2021 that the new helicopters will be acquired under the second phase of the Large Attack Helicopter Project.

This project is meant to replace the ROKA's fleet of ageing Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters.

The budget is set at KRW3.17 trillion (US$2.81 billion), and could begin the procurement process by 2022, with a scheduled delivery completion by 2028.

A competitive bidding process would be conducted for the acquisition, and is expected to supplement the ROKA's current fleet of 36 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters acquired during the first phase of the project.

The first phase has a budget of US$1.6 billion, although DAPA officials mentioned that the budget increase was meant to cover the effects of inflation and additional equipment and facilities.

The requirement for improved air support capabilities to ground forces was intended to compensate the reduction of manpower of US Army forces in South Korea, and the South Korean military's takeover of wartime operational command from the US military.




[1] Jane's
[2] Flight Global
[3] Yonhap News Agency

Thailand receives two indigenous M36 Mk. II 36-meter patrol boats

 

New M36 patrol boats of the Royal Thai Navy, Tor 114 and Tor 115. Photo c/o AAG Thailand Defense Page.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received two new coastal patrol boats built by local company Marsun Shipyard Public Company Ltd. during ceremonies held on 29 March 2021 at Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi province.

The boats, with hull number Tor 114 and Tor 115, are based on Marsun's M36 Mk. II coastal patrol craft design. The patrol crafts had their keel laying ceremony on 08 June 2018, and were launched on 31 July 2020.

The new patrol crafts would be used for maritime surveillance, counter terrorism at sea and port, and maritime and fisheries protection.

The RTN already operates 3 other similar boats, Tor 111 to Tor 113, but these are based on the original M36 design.

The M36 Mk. II  has a MSI Defence Seahawk DS30 30mm cannon on remote weapon station as primary weapon, and two 0.50cal. heavy machine guns, compared to the manually-operated Denel GI-2 20mm cannon on the original M36 design.

The boats also have space for 13 special operators from the RTN's Naval Special Warfare Command.

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

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

The RTN claims that the procurement of locally-made patrol boats has allowed savings on cost compared to purchasing imported models, while also promoting the budding local shipbuilding industry.




[1] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page
[2] Marsun Shipyard

Indonesia, Japan sign defense cooperation agreement, export of up to 8 Mogami-class frigates

 

The second Mogami-class frigate for the JMSDF, the Kumano, during launching on November 2020. Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The Indonesian and Japanese governments has signed a defense cooperation agreement that allows the transfer and sale of Japanese defense equipment and technology to Indonesia, as part of a "Two plus two" meeting held in Tokyo on 30 March 2021.

This meeting and signing of agreement, attended by Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo, will strengthen the military ties of both countries amidst China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

Also discussed were their concerns of China's territorial claims and growing influence in the region, the potential sale of up to 8 Mogami-class guided missile frigates to the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), and concerns over violence in Myanmar.

Japan and Indonesia also agreed to actively participate in multinational military exercises, as well as for Japan to assist in developing Indonesian remote islands in the South China Sea.

This development is another milestone for Japan, which has been pursuing a greater export market for its defense equipment and technology after lifting a constitution-mandated arms export ban in 2014. 

Japan has signed similar agreements with the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, and is said to be pushing for a similar agreement with Thailand. So far, the Philippines was the first major defense export market of Japan with the sale of 4 air defense radars from Mitsubishi Electric for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The sale of Mogami-class frigates is a major topic in the meeting, with both countries looking at potentially selling 8 frigates. Four of the frigates would be built in Japan, while 4 more frigates can be built by Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL under a technology transfer agreement.

APDJ earlier reported that Indonesia was eyeing the Iver Huitfeldt-class large frigates from Denmark, and has shortlisted the 30FFX Mogami-class from Japan, the Dutch 10514 frigate from Damen, Italy's Bergamini-class (FREMM) from Fincantierri, and the Arrowhead 140 design from UK's Babcock International.

The Mogami-class frigates is currently being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Based on JMSDF's requirement, each Mogami-class frigate costs around US$450 million.

Japan is also expected to market the Mogami-class frigate to other Asian Pacific countries.




[1] Japan Today
[2] Asia Times
[3] The Diplomat

Myanmar building its fourth indigenous frigate

 

Myanmar Navy officers looking at the hull of frigate under construction. Photo c/o MWD Variety channel.

The Myanmar Navy was reported to be constructing a new frigate in its naval shipyard at Thanlyin.

The new frigate, temporary designated as the 135M, was designed and being built indigenously with technical assistance from China and North Korea.

The frigate design appears to be a new class, larger than its existing Kyan Sittha-class frigates, but will have improvements including a more stealthier external design and improved weapon systems.

The frigate is said to have a length of at least 135 meters, and a displacement of over 4,000 tons. In comparison, the Kyan Sittha-class which was also designed and built locally, is around 108 meters long and displaces at 3,000 tons.

The size is closer to the Type 054A frigate used by the People’s Liberation Army Navy. 

The frigate will also have a 16-cell vertical launching system (VLS) for anti-aircraft warfare and is expected to be equipped with Chinese-made surface-to-air missile systems.

The Myanmar Navy announced plans to build two or three new frigates as part of its modernization plan in 2017. 




[1] Shephard Media
[2] Dambiev Livejournal