Thailand receives 3 units of VN16 amphibious assault vehicles ordered from China

 

VN16 vehicles being unloaded in an undisclosed Thai port. Photo c/o AAG_Th Thai Defense page.

According to photos that surfaced from Thai social media pages, it appears that the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) has received its first batch of amphibious assault vehicles ordered from China.

Photos from social media show at least three Norinco VN16 tracked amphibious assault vehicles were unloaded in an undisclosed port in Thailand.

Also among those in the photo were officials wearing uniforms of the Royal Thai Marine Corps and Royal Thai Navy. as the vehicles were unloaded from a cargo ship.

One of the vehicles were reportedly spotted with a description document attached on the vehicle identifying it as Amphibious Armored Assault Vehicle VN16, for delivery to the Thai Marines Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province.

The VN16 is an export variant of the Norinco ZTD-05 amphibious fighting vehicle built for the People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps (PLANMC).

The vehicle is armed with a 105mm low-recoil rifled gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun, and a QJC-88 12.7mm heavy machine gun. This allows the vehicle to operate as an amphibious light tank.

Thailand has signed a deal with Chinese defense company Norinco, for the three amphibious assault vehicles under a contract worth THB398,143,400 (US$12.6 million) on September 2020.

A second batch of vehicles are expected to be ordered by the Thai government by 2022.

The new VN16 amphibious assault vehicles are said to be a replacement to the RTMC's fleet of five Type 69-II main battle tanks, which has long been retired after the service failed to acquired their replacement in the late 1990s due to the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997.

The Royal Thai Marine Corps will be the second export user of the type, with the Venezuelan Bolivarian Marine Corps operating the Vn16 and a 30mm autocannon-armed variant called the VN18 in service since 2015.




[1] AAG_TH Thai Defense Page

Singapore starts receiving new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters from Boeing

 

One of the RSAF's new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopter. Photo c/o RSAF.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has started receiving brand new CH-47F heavy lift helicopters it has ordered from American aviation company Boeing in November 2016.

The first batch of new helicopters was delivered to the RSAF's Helicopter Detachment based in Oakey, Australia, which is used as a training base for helicopter pilots to maximize the wide airspace and terrain of the region.

The new helicopters will be replacing the older CH-47D Chinook helicopters that are in service with the RSAF since 1994.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) did not disclose the number of new CH-47F helicopters ordered

10 new CH-47F Chinooks are expected to be based in Australia, where the RSAF currently has 5 CH-47D based in the detachment since 2018.

The RSAF describes the new CH-47F Chinook as "an advanced helicopter with fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, and advanced cargo-handling capabilities".

The helicopters are also equipped with enhanced self-protection suite and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system.

The helicopters, together with the acquisition of new Airbus H225M medium lift helicopters, are part of the RSAF's modernization program aimed at replacing ageing CH-47D Chinook and AS332M Super Puma helicopters, respectively.

The new CH-47Fs and H225M helicopters are used for combat operations, but can also be used for search and rescue (SAR), aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in both local and international theatres.




[1] Republic of Singapore Air Force
[2] Jane's
[3] Australian Defence Magazine

Philippines in discussions with South Korea for DSME-1400 diesel-electric attack submarine package

 

An example of a DSME-1400 submarine, this one with the Indonesian Navy.

Officials from the Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has met with officials from the South Korean government and shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to discuss regarding the South Korean offer for submarines for the Philippine Navy (PN).

DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisitions ASec. Jesus Rey Avila visited the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Submarine Force Command to discuss on the transfer of technical know-how on submarine operations to the PN, restarting the International Submarine Education and Training Program (ISETP) for PN officers, and other issues including those related to submarines under the Navy-to-Navy talks.

The visit also includes the ROKN's submarine facilities and training venues. 

ASec. Avila also visited DSME's shipbuilding facilities related to submarine construction, and met with DSME officials on its offer to provide a Total Solution Program for the PN's Submarine Acquisition Project, which includes the delivery of DSME-1400PN small diesel-electric attack submarines, technical and logistics support, training, and maintenance.

A meeting was also held between ASec. Avila and officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Korean Export-Import Bank to discuss on the soft-loan financing package being offered for the submarine solution.

The Philippine Navy has announced plans to acquire at least 2 submarines to be ordered under its Horizon 2 modernization phase covering years 2018 to 2022. More submarines are planned on succeeding programs beyond 2022.

South Korea is among the countries providing an offer to the Philippine Navy, competing with offers from France, Russia and Turkey.

Last March 2021, the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo visited the French Navy and Naval Group to discuss about a packaged solution offer based on the Scorpene-class submarine.

In April 2021, Vice Adm. Bacorodo visited Turkish shipbuilder ASFAT Inc. and discussed about offerings to the Philippine Navy including existing offers for the Submarine Acquisition Program based on an improved variant of the Reis-class (Type 214) submarine.

This was followed 2 weeks later by a visit by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana to the Turkish Ministry of Defense and shipbuilder ASFAT, which also touched the submarine offer by the Turkish government.




[1] Jane's
[2] Naval News
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Indonesian shipbuilder launches indigenous auxiliary hydrographic ship

Launch of PC-40M hydrographic vessel for TNI-AL. Photo c/o TNI.

Indoensian shipbuilder PT Karimun Anugerah Sejaterah has recently launched a new 40-meter hydro-oceanographic auxiliary ship for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The ship, with hull number 935 following the TNI-AL’s hull numbering system for hydrographic and oceanographic research vessels, was launched on 25 May 2021 at the shipbuilder’s facility in Batam, Riau Islands, and attended by the TNI-AL’s Logistics Assistant Rear Admiral Puguh Santoso.

The new vessel is the first of its kind built in Indonesia, as similar ships built or being built for the TNI-AL are all acquired from shipbuilders outside the country.

Also present were the TNI-AL’s Head of Navy Procurement Service First Admiral Maman Rohman, and PT Karimun Anugrah Sejahtera’s Director Jacky Sucipto.

The vessel was constructed based on an existing fast patrol boat design,  with a length of 45.5 meters, a width of 7.9 meters, and a displacement of 220 tons.

It also has a designed endurance of 6 days, and has a maximum speed of 24 knots.

The TNI-AL’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Yudo Margono sent his statements, wherein he sees the local construction of the vessel as a solution to reduce dependence on foreign-made assets, and improving the development of Indonesia’s defense industry and technology in line with the country’s national interests.

[1] Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut
[2] Harian Haluan

Second Supply-class replenishment vessel starts delivery sail to Australia

 

NUSHIP Stalwart being prepared for departure from Ferrol. Photo c/o Navantia.

The second Supply-class auxiliary replenishment vessel built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has started its delivery cruise from Spain to Australia.

The ship, NUSHIP Stalwart, was readied for departure by its Spanish builder Navantia, and departed the company’s Ferrol Shipyard on 20 May 2021.

The Australian Ambassador to Spain Amb. Sophia McIntyre, together with Navantia’s President Mr. Ricardo Dominguez, and Director of Navantia Ferrol Shipyard Mr. Eduardo Dobarro, were present during the new ship’s departure ceremonies. 

The ship is expected to reach its future homeport in Australia, HMAS Sterling in Western Australia, within 30 days from departure. 

NUSHIP Stalwart will then undergo its final fit-out works, including the installation and testing of combat systems, communication systems, and other logistics-related areas, before final acceptance by the RAN.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has awarded a contract to Navantia for the construction and delivery of 2 new replenishment vessels on May 2016, with Navantia based on the Cantabria-class design used by the Spanish Navy.

They are 174 meters long and displaces at around 19,500 tons, and 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.

Navantia delivered the first ship of the class in 2020, and was commissioned as HMAS Supply on April 2021.

NUSHIP Stalwart is expected to be commissioned with the RAN as the HMAS Stalwart by early 2022.




[1] Navantia
[2] Naval Technology

Philippines to receive first 2 T129B ATAK attack helicopters before yearend

 

The TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopter.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to receive its first batch of two new T129B ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) before the end of 2021.

According to the Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines also reported on 23 May 2021 that the Philippine Air Force is expected to receive the first batch of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters on or before November 2021, in time for the founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on December 2021.

It also mentioned that the second batch of two helicopters are scheduled for delivery by 2022, and the final batch of two helicopters are to be delivered by 2023.

In addition, a social media post from the Philippine Air Force on 22 May 2021 mentioned that the service is sending pilots and technicians to Turkey for training from May to August 2021 to prepare in operating the new attack helicopters.

The Philippines Department of National Defense reportedly signed the contract to acquire six T129B ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries in 2020, but the deal was affected by the failure by TAI to secure an export license from the US Government for American-made LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines.

Reports from Turkish media outlets mentioned that TAI’s Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Communications Tamer Ozman made a confirmation that the US State Department has recently approved the export license for the LHTEC engines for T129 helicopters for the Philippines, and that paperwork was already released.

So far, the US and Turkish Governments has not made any comment or statements to support TAI’s claims.

The Philippine Air Force has allocated PHP13.8 billion (US$276 million) for the acquisition of six attack helicopters as part of its modernization program between 2018 to 2022. 

Other options considered were the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian and the Bell AH-1Z Viper, both of which were said to be more expensive than the TAI T129B ATAK.

The Philippines also received an offer for Turkey to finance additional helicopters, believed to be between 6 to 18 more units, as the PAF pushes to replaces its ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender light attack helicopters.




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Daily Sabah
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Japan looking at providing financing framework for defense exports

 

Japanese defense companies participate in a defense exhibition. Photo c/o The Diplomat.

The Japanese Government was reported to be considering a formal system that will provide financing to support the export of defense systems and equipment.

According to reports by British defense media outlet Jane’s, the Japanese Government could be looking at providing low-interest loans to countries to allow them to purchase Japanese defense products.

The state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is eyed to provide loans to export customers, while the Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) would provide support for the loans.

Japan has only started exporting defense materiel recently, as part of easing of restrictions in arms exports and transfer to other countries. 

While Japan has been exporting parts and subcomponents for weapon systems from other countries, it has only allowed the export of complete systems in the past few years.

The Philippines was reportedly the first country to acquire Japanese defense systems, ordering 4 air defense and surveillance radar systems for its air force. 

Other Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand have shown interest in Japanese defense equipment as well, with Indonesia is close discussions for the potential joint construction of frigates for the Indonesian Navy.

Japan has been pushing forward to improve its defense relations with international partners, especially with Southeast Asian partners. 

This includes the export and transfer of defense equipment, which was outlined in the “Defense of Japan 2020” White Paper released by the Japanese Government.

[1] Jane’s

South Korea plans to develop new indigenous multi-role transport aircraft

 

CGI of KAI's proposed transport aircraft design. Photo c/o KAI, through Jane's.

South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is planning to develop a new indigenous multi-role transport aircraft for the South Korean military as well as for the export market.

KAI released a promotional video as part of its presence in the Aerospace Conference 2021 held from 11 to 13 May 2021 in Seoul, South Korea, which included a computer generated image (CGI) of a proposed multi-role jet transport aircraft design.

The aircraft appears to be similar in size to the Embraer KC-390 and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, and will have a twin-jet engine configuration.

KAI envisions the new aircraft to be used for troop and cargo transport, support of Special Forces operations, and launching small satellite-carrying rockets into space.

Other potential missions using a derivative of the aircraft platform includes maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, aerial refuelling tanker, and as a gunship with air-to-surface missiles.

The design could also be used as basis for a commercial platform with seating capacity of up to 100.

KAI Chief Executive Officer Ahn Hyun-ho made an earlier announcement last April 2021 that the company is preparing to submit proposals to the South Korean military on the development of a medium transport aircraft.

Should the South Korean government support the program, KAI expects the development to start by late 2025, with the aircraft ready for serial production by 2031.

The South Korean military currently operates a variety of transport aircraft in different roles, including the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules, and the Airbus-PTDI CN-235. 

It also currently has the Airbus A330 MRTT for aerial refuelling roles, as well as the Lockheed P-3C Orion and Boeing P-8A Poseidon for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles. 

[1] Jane’s

[2] Defense News

Philippines finalizes deal with Israel Shipyards for Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts

 

The Shaldag Mk. V fast attack craft. Photo c/o Israel Shipyards.

Israel Shipyards has confirmed in an announcement that it has been awarded a tender to supply its Shaldag Mk. V fast patrol boats for an East Asian country, which is believed to be the Philippines.

In a statement released by the company, an agreement was signed between Israel Shipyards, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and the customer, for the supply of the Shaldag Mk. V fast patrol boats.

The agreement also includes transfer of knowledge and training on the construction and maintenance of the patrol boats, as well as upgrading of the customer’s shipyard related to the project.

Asia Pacific Defense Journal previously reported last February 2021 that the Philippines has released a Notice of Award for the Philippine Navy’s Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile Capable (FAIC-M) Lot 1 project, which involves the supply of 9 Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts worth Php6.161 billion (US$127.9 million).

The project also has a Lot 2 involving the supply of weapon systems and missiles, which was being finalized with another Israeli company, Rafael Advanced Systems.

The Shaldag Mk. V has a length of 32.7 meters, a beam of 6.2 meters, displaces at around 95 tons, and is powered by diesel engines capable of providing a maximum speed of above 40 knots, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

The Philippine Navy’s Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile Capable project was first raised in early 2019 with a budget of Php10 billion, which will replace the service’s recently retired Tomas Batilo-class fast attack crafts. But the project’s implementation was delayed by a year due to COVID 19 pandemic issues.

The Tomas Batilo-class fast attack crafts are former Chamsuri-class transferred from South Korea and have been in service since the late 1970s with  the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), before entering service with the PN in the early to mid-1990s.

[1] Israel Defense

[2] Jane’s

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Taiwan successfully test fires AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles locally for the first time

ROCAF F-16s with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Photo c/o Taiwan government/The War Zone.

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) has successfully test-fired the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in local conditions for the first time.

The test was conducted on 10 May 2021 in south-eastern Taiwan by two newly-upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16B Fighting Falcon fighters upgraded to F-16D Block 70 Viper standards, while supported by two other similar fighters as back-up.

Two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles were launched, one missile from each aircraft, and both have successfully hit the target drones.

The US Government has previously prevented the ROCAF from conducting local tests of the AMRAAM missile due to concerns on China’s potential reactions. 

According to a report by The Warzone, another reason was due to the missile’s sensitive nature, and the US Government trying to avoid leak of measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) on the missile’s capability to China. 

An approval to conduct the test locally was given to Taiwan due to serious incursions by Chinese military aircraft to Taiwan’s south-western airspace, and the situation in the South China Sea.

All AIM-120 AMRAAM tests conducted by the ROCAF were previously in the US, while ROCAF F-16 pilots are trained on the missile using simulators. 

Previously, Taiwan’s possession of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile was even limited as the US Government. The ROCAF was only able to order the missile in 2000, but under arrangements that the missiles would be stored in US facilities in Guam, and would only be delivered to the ROCAF when actual combat occurs.

This was changed in 2002 when China started tests of the Russian R-77 (AA-12 Adder) medium range air-to-air missile. 

Currently, Taiwan only has a small stock of AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, with the ROCAF relying heavily on the older AIM-7 Sparrow missile. Only the ROCAF’s fleet of F-16 fighters are capable of firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM, with the French Mirage 2000 using the MBDA MICA missile, while the F-CK-1 Ching Kuo fighter using the indigenous Tien Chien 2 missile.

The modernization of the ROCAF’s F-16A/B Block 20 fighters to C/D Block 70 standard, as well as the approval to test fire the AIM-120 AMRAAM locally, are said to be signs of the US Government’s support to Taiwan as tensions with China arises.

[1] The Drive – The War Zone

[2] Liberty Times

Solomon Islands receive 2nd Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

 

The 2nd Guardian-class patrol boat for the Solomon Islands, the RSIPV Taro (06). Photo c/o Austal.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has gifted a second Guardian-class patrol boat to the Solomon Islands Government.

The new patrol boat, named the RSIPV Taro (06), was received by the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia Mr. Robert Sisilo, and attended by Australian Parliament Member Mr. Vince Connelly, and Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, Head of Navy Engineering of the Royal Australian Navy.

The transfer of the patrol boat are among the commitments under Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project, as part of Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program involving several Pacific island nations.

The RSIPV Taro is the 10th Guardian-class patrol boat delivered by Australian shipbuilder Austal, and will be operated by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

A sistership, the RSIVP Gizo (05), was delivered to the RSIPF on November 2019.

The boat was named after Taro Island, the capital of Choiseul Province in northwest of the Solomon Islands archipelago.

Austal confirmed that they are on track to deliver all 21 Guardian-class patrol boats by the end of 2023, which is part of contract worth A$335 million (US$263 million) awarded in April 2018.

Aside from the Solomon Islands, 11 other nations are to receive similar boats from the Australian Government through to 2023, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Micronesia, Tonga, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Timor Leste.

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

Philippines looks at another Hamilton-class cutter, but will choose Cyclone-class littoral boats if given a choice

 

The Hamilton-class cutter USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717), retired from US Coast Guard service in 2020. Photo c/o Robert Etchell

The Philippine Navy (PN) was reported to be interested in acquiring an additional former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class high endurance cutter, as well as at least five Cyclone-class littoral patrol vessels from the US Government.

In a report from Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippine Navy is scheduled to conduct Joint Visual Inspection (JVI) of the former US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717), which retired from service in 2020.

The PN was also expected to receive approval for transferring the ship from the US Government, and could be provided as a grant under US Military Assistance to the Philippines. The PN is still expected to shell out for other expenses related to the transfer of the ship.

The Philippine Navy currently operates three Hamilton-class cutters, known collectively as the Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, acquired between 2011 to 2017.

The PN previously spent at least US$10-15 million for each of the ships to pay for repairs, spare parts, crew deployment and training expenses, ammunition, logistics support and other expenses.

The service has also confirmed its interest in acquiring Cyclone-class littoral patrol ships being gradually retired by the US Navy. 

The US Navy recently retired three ships of the class, the former USS Zephyr (PC-8), the USS Shamal (PC-13, and USS Tornado (PC-14).

So far, the US Government has confirmed that the former USS Tornado could be offered for transfer or sale to a friendly country, while the USS Zephyr and USS Shamal could be scrapped.

The Philippine Navy operates a single Cyclone-class patrol ship, the former USS Cyclone (PC-1) now known as the BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), which was transferred to the PN in 2004.

When asked by the Philippine News Agency, the PN's Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, the service would rather acquire several Cyclone-class patrol ships than a Hamilton-class cutter.

Acquiring more Cyclone-class patrol ships was needed to replace recently-retired legacy patrol vessels of the Philippine Navy, most of which were World War 2-era ships acquired from the US Government between 1948 to the late 1970s.

Should the transfer push through, the additional Cyclone-class patrol ships would be assigned with the PN's Littoral Combat Force. 

The PN is positive that the US Government would approve their request to allow the transfer of the ships, as well as retaining its weapon systems.




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine News Agency
[3] Seapower Magazine

Indonesia plans to have 10 attack submarines by 2029

 

Some of the Indonesian Navy's submarines. Photo c/o ABC News.

The Indonesia Navy (TNI-AL) has set a target to have at least 10 diesel-electric attack submarines by 2029.

According to Indonesian parliament member Dave Laksono, senior military officials presented their plan with members of the parliament, with the plan to have 10 submarines.

Currently, the TNI-AL has 4 submarines in the fleet, after the loss of one of its submarine, KRI Nanggala (402) last April 2021.

Military and defense officials also discussed about the sinking of KRI Nanggala, as well as reporting on the current condition of military equipment of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).

No confirmation was made on where the submarines would be acquired, or if the additional submarines to acquired are brand new or used. 

But the target would also depend on the capability of the country to finance the acquisition, as the COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked the government's budget and funding capacity.

The TNI-AL currently has 3 Nagapasa-class submarines built by South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), and 1 Cakra-class submarine in service since 1981 and built in Germany. Both classes were based on Germany's Type 209 submarine design.

Previous reports indicated that the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has been in discussion with French and German submarine builders, while also having previous discussion with the Russian and South Korean governments regarding submarine acquisition plans.

France was said to have offered an enlarged variant of the Scorpene-class design from French naval shipbuilder Naval Group.

Germany was said to have offered the Type 214 design from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.




[1] Anadolu Agency
[2] Nuclear Threat Initiative

Australia approved to purchase 4 new Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters

 

CH-47F Chinook helicopters, these examples from Georgia Army National Guard. Photo c/o Flight International.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of four Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters to the Australian government through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with an estimated cost of US$259 million.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the potential sale includes four CH-47F Cargo helicopters with customer-unique modifications, eight T55-GFA-714A aircraft turbine engines, five AN/AA-57 Common Missile Warning System, eight Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) / Inertial Navigation System (INS/EGI).

Also include are mission equipment, communications and navigation equipment, spare parts and components, special tools and testing equipment, publications and technical manuals, US government and contractor engineering, maintenance, technical and logistical support services, and other related elements.

The proposed sale is expected to improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats. Increase operational capabilities, strengthen homeland defense and promote military cooperation.

The Boeing CH-47F Chinook is the latest variant of the Chinook military helicopter family, with updates on avionics, a redesigned ramp and rear rotor pylon, and new countermeasures to defeat incoming missiles.

The Australian Army is expected to be the end-user of these new helicopters, which currently operates 10 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, replacing the older CH-47D Chinook which served in Afghanistan. 

The CH,47F Chinook helicopters were also used in supporting bushfire operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

Boeing Defence Australia recently won a 12-month contract extension to support the Australian Army’s fleet of CH-47F Chinook.

[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

[2] Defence Blog

[3] Australian Aviation

Fifth Daegu-class guided missile frigate for South Korea launched

 

Launching of frigate Daejeon (823). Photo c/o DSME.

South Korean naval shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) launched the fifth Daegu-class guided missile frigate ordered for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

The ship, named Daejeon (823), was launched on 03 May 2021 at DSME’s Okpo shipyard, and will proceed to dockside fit-out works, with sea trials scheduled afterwards. The Daejeon is expected to be delivered to the ROKN by 2022. 

DSME received an order for four ships of the class, with the other four awarded to another South Korean shipyard, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The first two ships of the class built by DSME, the ROKS Daegu (FFG-818) and ROKS Gyeongnam (FFG-819), joined the ROKN on March 2018 and January 2021, respectively. The sixth ship of the class is also being built by DSME.

HHI has built the third and fourth ships, named Seoul (821) and Donghae (822), and were 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 3,650 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

[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Australia approved to acquire latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, support vehicle fleet

The M1A2 SEPv3, called the M1A2C in the US Army. Photo c/o US Army through Defence Blog.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of Heavy Armored Combat Systems to the Australian government under a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program estimated to be worth US$1.685 billion.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has also notified the US Congress of the possible sale.

The request made by Australia includes 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks, 29 M1150 Assault Breacher vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, 6 M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles, and 122 AGT1500 gas turbine engines.

The deal also includes the development of a unique armor package, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP), Driver’s Vision Enhancer, mission equipment and special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, system and engine spare parts, technical data, publications, Modified Work Orders/Engineering Change Proposals, US government and contractor technical and logistics assistance, quality assurance teams, transportation services, program management, New Equipment Training, and other related equipment of logistical and program support.

According to the DSCA, this proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the Australian Army, for homeland defense and deter regional threats.

The new tanks will replace the Australian Army’s existing fleet of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, without changes in the force structure of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. 

The additional M88A2 will allow for improved recovery support, while the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle and M1074 Joint Assault Bridges are new capabilities to increase the effectiveness and survivability of the combat engineering units to support the armored fleet.

The project to improve the armored capabilities are part of the Australian Army’s LAND 907 Phase 2 program.

[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

[2] Defence Blog

[3] Defense News

Indonesia eyed for transfer of two Island-class cutters from US Coast Guard

 

The USCGC Adak (WPB-1333). Photo c/o Wikimedia Commons.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has formally informed the US Congress of plans to transfer two US Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats to the Indonesian government.

DSCA provided the information to US Congress on 02 April 2021, which involves the Island-class cutters USCGC Adak (WPB-1333) and USCGC Aquidneck (WPB-1332) as part of the US government’s assistance under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) program.

The program aims to boost the maritime capabilities of Indo-Pacific countries as they face an increasing threat and assertiveness from China.  

A formal offer would be made by the US government by May 2021, following 30-day period after the US Congress was notified of the proposed transfer.

It is expected that should the Indonesian government accept the cutters, these would be assigned with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA).

The USCGC Adak is still in service with the US Coast Guard and is based in Bahrain, but is scheduled for decommissioning in July 2021.

The USCGC Aquidneck and USCGC Adak were commissioned to the US Coast Guard in 1989, and are armed with a Mk. 38 25mm chain gun, five .50-caliber heavy machine guns, and various small arms. They displace at 164 tons, are 34 meters long, and has a beam of 6.4 meters wide. 

The boats are powered by 2 Paxman Valenta diesel engines allowing a maximum speed of more than 30 knots, and a range of 9,900 miles at cruising speed.

But there are groups trying to stop the transfer of USCGC Adak due to its historic value, being involved in evacuation of New York City residents following the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.

Historical Society has called to stop the transfer of the USCGC Adak to Indonesia, and instead convert it into a memorial and museum in Tampa Bay, Florida. The group was willing to pay for the ship’s transfer from Bahrain to the US mainland, while a petition supporting the plan has been ongoing and already have 7,600 people signed.

Indonesian experts believe that Indonesia would be better-off buying new patrol boats, as retrofitting used patrol boats would also be expensive, and also believes that Indonesia is less willing to accept Indo-Pacific MSI program funding from the US government due to national pride.

The US Indo-Pacific MSI Program has already benefited several Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Malaysia recently operationalized ScanEagle 2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) received from the program, while Vietnam is in the process of transferring two Hamilton-class high endurance cutters. 

[1] South China Morning Post

[2] Kumparan Bisnis