Taiwan receives second Tuo Chiang-class catamaran missile corvette, for commissioning soon

 

The Ta Chiang (619), which was handed over to the ROCN on 27 July 2021. Photo c/o Taiwan Military @ Twitter.

The Republic of China Navy (ROCN), also called the Taiwanese Navy, has formally received its second Tuo Chiang-class missile corvette.

The corvette, named Ta Chiang (619), was handed over to the ROCN during ceremonies held on 27 July 2021 at Lung Teh Shipbuilding's facility in Suao, Yilan County, with Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng presiding the event.

The new warship is an improved version of the Tuo Chiang-class, with improved stability and steath capabilities than the original design, with the first ship ROCS Tuo Chiang delivered to the ROCN in 2014.

It was launched on 15 December 2020, and is scheduled for commissioning with the ROCN by August 2021.

The Taiwanese Government plans to build 5 more of the improved Tuo Chiang-class missile corvettes, dubbed "aircraft carrier killers", by 2023.

The new corvettes, developed under the Hsun Hai Program, are also designed to provide a high-end, asymmetric platform to defend against amphibious assault ships and other larger capital ships.

The Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are armed with the Hsiung Feng II subsonic and Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles, Sky Sword II air defense missiles, a 76mm gun, a Phalanx CIWS, and two triple torpedo tubes.

It features a wave-piercing catamaran hull design, with waterjet propulsion, and a low radar cross section design.

It has a length of 60.4 meters, a displacement of 685 tons, a maximum speed of 30 knots, and an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles.

[1] Taiwan News
[2] Jane's
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Bangladesh receives first batch of 31 MaxxPro MRAP vehicles, 3 Metal Shark boats from US

 

One of the MaxxPro MRAPs delivered to Bangladesh, already painted in UN colors. Photo c/o Defence Technology of Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Army (BA) has received the first batch of 31 refurbished Navistar MaxxPro Dash DXM Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicles from the United States on May 2021.

The armored vehicles were the 50 vehicles ordered in 2019 for use by the Bangladesh Army in support of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations in Mali and Yemen.

Another 19 vehicles are scheduled for delivery to Bangladesh, with some of the vehicles to be delivered to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) for their own requirements.

The vehicles were formerly used by the US Army in the Middle East, and were considered Excess Defense Articles (EDA) and were refurbished for sale to the Bangladeshi Government.

The deal, worth around US$29 million, includes a US Military Assistance grant worth US$13 million for Bangladesh, as part of the US Government's commitment to assist friendly countries in improving their defense capabilities

Bangladesh has also requested for another batch of 50 MaxxPro MRAPs from the US which will cover fiscal years 2020 to 2022.

Aside from the MaxxPro MRAPs, the deal with the United States also includes the transfer of 7 brand new Metal Shark light boats, 3 of which were also delivered to Bangladesh Army on May 2021. 

Another 4 boats are scheduled for delivery by 3rd quarter of 2021, which would be used by the Bangladesh Army's Riverine Engineers Brigade





[1] Defence Technology of Bangladesh
[2] Army Recognition
[3] The Bangladesh Defence Analyst

Singapore unveils new VELOCE 15 mini VTOL fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

 

The VELOCE 15 UAV during presentations on 28 June 2021. Photo c/o The Straits Times.

The Singapore Army has unveiled its new VELOCE 15 (V15) mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), with hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability during a visit by Singapore's Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen at the Headquarters Sense and Strike unit at Mandai Hill Camp on 28 June 2021.

The new UAV is the first locally-developed hybrid VTOL fixed wing system, and was developed by the Singapore Army, DSO National Laboratories, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and ST Engineering.

According to the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the VELOCE 15 UAV can provide high-resolution live imagery, allowing the conduct of "last-mile aerial surveillance" in areas considered difficult for ground forces to deploy.

The new UAV is currently undergoing trials, and is slated to replace the Skyblade III as the Singapore Army's next-generation mini UAV to meet its tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements.

The ST Engineering Skyblade III was first developed in 2007, and entered service with the Singapore Army in 2009, becoming the service's primary airborne battlefield ISR asset.

The new VELOCE 15 UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 17.5 kilograms, a wingspan of 3.7 meters, and can fly up to 3 hours up to tactical altitudes between 300 to 2,000 feet above mean sea level.

The endurance and range is said to be 87% longer than the Skyblade III UAV.

It can be equipped with an under-nose electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) payload capable of providing high-resolution imagery for day and night operations in combat environment.

The UAV can provide a line-of-sight datalink radius of 15 kilometers from the ground control station, and can be transported and operated by two personnel, with only 10 minutes needed for assembly and flight preparations.





[1] ChannelNews Asia
[2] The Straits Times
[3] Jane's

Philippines' 1st of two 97-meter patrol vessel launched by Japanese shipbuilder

 

The new Multi-Role Response Vessel, with hull number 9701 before launching. Photo c/o MaxDefense Philippines.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. has launched the first of two 97-meter offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The ships will become the largest vessels of the PCG upon commissioning.

The launching ceremonies was held on 26 July 2021 at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's Shimonoseki shipyard in Japan, and was physically attended by the Philippine ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding President and CEO Mr. Toru Kitamura.

The project involving the construction of the 2 patrol vessels were under the 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) Acquisition Project, a part of the PCG's Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II (MSCIP Phase 2) which is financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The ship, with hull number 9701, has not been named yet, and was based on a modified Kunigami-class large patrol vessel used by the Japan Coast Guard.

It is expected to be delivered to the PCG by March 2022, with the second vessel with hull number 9702 also expected for delivery by May 2022.

They were acquired under a JPY16.455 billion (US$150 million) contract signed on December 2019 between the Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., which won a tender against other Japanese shipbuilders to supply the ships.

Despite the project's name calling for a 94-meter patrol vessel design, the final product is closer to 97 meters.

Answering Asia Pacific Defense Journal's queries, Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that based on the project's program, the constructed ship is 96.6 meters long, has a maximum width of 11.3 meters, and a draft of 4.3 meters.

It also confirmed that the ships are powered by two diesel engines with output of 6,600 kilowatts each, allowing a maximum speed of more than 24 knots, and a maximum range of more than 4,000 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The ship has a helicopter landing deck and a multi-purpose hangar for light to medium helicopters, and is capable of supporting the operation of the PCG's current fleet of Airbus H145 helicopter, and other future helicopters being eyed by the PCG for acquisition.

The new ships will be used to conduct maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations.




[1] Philippine Coast Guard
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Sri Lanka to revive and upgrade its remaining Kfir fighter fleet

 

Kfir fighter aircraft of the Sri Lankan Air Force. Photo c/o Key Aero.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a new contract worth US$50 million with Israeli defense company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the reviving and upgrade of its fleet of 5 Kfir multirole fighter aircraft.

The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) has 5 or 6 Kfir C2/C7/TC2 fighter aircraft operated by the No. 10 Squadron, but have been grounded and in need of modernization.

The program includes replacing the aircraft's basic avionics with advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics, as well as the transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishing the aircraft by SLAF personnel.

The upgrade works will also involve several local facilities as well as the SLAF itself, with the works expected to start within the year.

The replacement of avionics would bring the SLAF Kfir fleet to Block 60 standard, although the  acquisition and integration advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets, which would be acquired separately.

The Kfir is an all-weather, multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft developed by Israel's IAI, and is also currently in use by the Colombian Air Force and US private contractors.

The SLAF acquired a total of 15 Kfir fighter aircraft from Israel between 1996 to 2000, but suffered from high attrition rate with 7 fighters lost or destroyed, and 2 aircraft completely withdrawn from service and used as display and gate guard.




[1] Israel Aircraft Industries
[2] Jane's
[3] Air Force Technology

India receives first 2 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters, 10th P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft

 

One of the Indian Navy's first MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin through Swarajya.

The US Department of Defense (DOD) has confirmed that the Indian Navy has received its first two Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk multirole maritime combat helicopters from the US Navy, and its 10th P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft.

The ceremony was held for the formal handover of the two MH-60R helicopters on 16 July 2021 at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

Indian Ambassador to the US H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Navy Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh, US Navy Commander Naval Air Force Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, and senior leadership of Lockheed Martin were present during the ceremony and handover of documents.

The Indian Navy will receive a total of 24 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters from Sikorsky, which were ordered on February 2020 under a US Foreign Military Sales program worth around US$2.4 billion.

These helicopters are capable of anti submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and can be armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles in support of naval operations. 

The Indian Navy intends to deploy these new helicopters on their latest destroyers and frigates, and with their new aircraft carrier.

Presently, the first batch of Indian Navy air and ground crew are undergoing training in the US.

In addition, the Indian Navy also received its 10th P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft, which was delivered by American aviation company Boeing to the Indian Navy's base in Goa, India.

The aircraft is the second unit delivered under a contract for 4 additional aircraft signed by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2016.

The P-8I Neptune is the Indian Navy's variant of the US-made P-8 Poseidon, incorporating Indian Navy-specific equipment including local content.

India is one of the first countries outside the US to operate the P-8 Poseidon in the Indo-Pacific region, with the type introduced to the Indian Navy in 2013.

So far, the Indian Navy has surpassed 30,000 flight hours from its P-8I Neptune fleet, which are used for maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare missions, as well as disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

Boeing is also building a new Training Support & Data Handling Centre at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, as well as a secondary training center at the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology in Kochi, Kerala, under a training and support package contract signed with the Indian Government in 2019.

These ground-based facilities and training package will allow the Indian Navy to increase mission proficiency in a short time, reducing on-aircraft training time for increased aircraft availability.




[1] Naval News
[2] Business Standard India
[3] Naval Today

Vietnam's second Hamilton-class cutter donated by US arrives at homeport

 

CBS 8021 in Seattle, prior to its departure for Vietnam. Photo c/o US Embassy in Hanoi.

The second Hamilton-class high endurance cutter recevied by the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) from the US Government has arrived in its homeport in Vietnam.

This was announced by the US Embassy in Hanoi, mentioning that the arrival of the ship, with hull number CBS 8021 happened "earlier this month", with no specific time and date provided.

“The US government donated this ship to exemplify the strong maritime security cooperation between the two countries and to help ensure a rules-based order in the East Sea,” it said in a statement.

The ship, formerly the USCGC John Midgett (WHEC-726) of the US Coast Guard, was transferred to the VCG on August 2020 as part of US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program under a US$27 million security assistance grant from the US Government.

The ship was under maintenance since November 2020 with assistance from the US Coast Guard, in preparation for its service with the VCG.

CBS 8021 left its former homeport of Seattle, Washington in the US on 01 June 2021, after completion of outfitting of the ship and crew training.

In 2017, the US Government transferred another Hamilton-class high endurance cutter to the VCG, the former USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) under a US$24 million security grant.

Both cutters are the largest and most capable ships in the VCG service, which has expanded rapidly in response to growing maritime threats from China.

The US Government has fully lifted a ban on the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam, which allowed for cooperation and provision of assistance to support Vietnam's maritime security programs including the transfer of ships to the Vietnamese Government.




[1] US Embassy in Hanoi
[2] Hanoi Times
[3] Naval Post

Indonesia receives two more Bell 412EPI medium multi-role helicopters

 

Two Bell 412EPIs during ferrying from PTDI's facility to the TNI-AD's 11th Assault Squadron. Photo c/o PTDI.

Indonesian state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) confirmed on 21 July 2021, that they delivered two new Bell 412EPI medium multi-role helicopters to the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The helicopters are the forth and fifth helicopters out of a total of nine ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) under a US$183 million contract signed on December 2018.

All nine helicopters are built by Bell Helicopters Textron in the US, and are delivered to the PTDI for customizing according the TNI-AD’s requirements, including additional accessories and armaments like the M134D galting-type gun from American arms company Dillon Aero.

The helicopters will be operated by the 11th Assault Squadron of the TNI-AD’s Army Aviation Center, which received the first helicopter on December 2020, and the second and third units on February 2021.

Additional helicopters are expected to be delivered before the end of 2021, with the rest to be delivered in 2022.

The TNI-AD has been operating the Bell 412 family of medium helicopters for several years, and the Bell 412EPI is the latest variant to enter service. These new helicopters would be complementing the TNI-AD’s existing rotary assets.

The new Bell 412EPI is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin Pac engine, which has 13% more take-off power than the Bell 412EP.

It also increased the payload capacity to 5,534 kilograms, with a fuel capacity of 1,251 liters at a cruising speed of 235 kilometers per hour, and range of 687 kilometers for 4 hours when flying with a payload of 4,309 kilograms.




[1] PT Dirgantara Indonesia
[2] Jane’s 

Thailand plans to order 2 more T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea

 

RTAF T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers. Photo c/o RTAF.

Thailand has confirmed that it plans to acquire two more T-50TH Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Directorate of Operations made the announcement to purchase the additional aircraft, its 3rd order since 2015, which will increase the RTAF's total purchase to 14. 

The budget for the acquisition plan is around THB2.36 billion (US$72 million), will include the 2 new aircraft, spare parts, logistics support, and related tools and equipment.

Birtish defense media outlet Jane's reported that talks have been ongoing between RTAF and the KAI, and that the contract is expected to be signed between the Thai Government and KAI before the end of the year.

Originally the RTAF was planning to order 4 additional aircraft under the Thai Government's 2021 defense budget, but was pushed back to 2022 due to financing constraints brought by COVID-19 pandemic response.

This also brought down the number of aircraft to be ordered to just 2, and is said to be the final phase of its T-50TH acquisition program.

As part of the program's Phase 1, the RTAF ordered 4 aircraft in 2015 and were delivered in 2018, while Phase 2 involved the acquisition of 8 more aircraft, ordered in 2017 with 4 aircraft already delivered as of 2021.

Phase 3, worth US$52.5 million, involved the improvement of the T-50TH fleet by modifications of the aircraft's fire control radar system, radar warning receivers, and countermeasures, allowing for improved survivability.

The T-50TH fleet are operated by the RTAF's 401 Squadron, replacing the ageing L-39ZA Albatross advanced jet trainer / light attack aircraft which were transferred to 411 Squadron in 2017 and finally retired from service in 31 March 2021.



[1] Jane's
[2] Scramble Magazine

Indonesia orders 6 more T-50i Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers from South Korea

 

One of the TNI-AU's T-50i combat-capable lead-in fighter trainer aircraft. Photo c/o Aero Corner.

South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has confirmed on 20 July 2021 that it has been awarded a contract to supply and export another batch of T-50i lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD).

This would be the second order from Indonesia, after ordering 16 T-50i lead-in fighter trainers in 2011.

Six T-50i advanced jet trainers will be delivered to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) under a contract worth US$240 million.

The contract will start on 16 December 2021 upon release by the Indonesian MOD of the initial payment, and ending on 30 October 2024. KAI is expected to confirm the contract once it receives the initial payment for the Indonesian MOD.

The contract also includes a support and logistics package for aircraft operations for the new trainer jets.

The T-50i is the Indonesian variant of the T-50 Golden Eagle family of advanced trainers and light combat aircraft, which are also designed to have secondary combat roles and can be armed with bombs and short-range air-to-air missiles.

One of the TNI-AU's T-50i aircraft was involved in a deadly crash in 2015.

The T-50 Golden Eagle family are primarily used by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), and has been exported successfully to other countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq, and Thailand.




[1] Yonhap News Agency
[2] The Korea Herald
[3] Pulse - Maeil Business News Korea

Japan provides more details on development of new Offshore Patrol Vessel design

 

A CGI of the next-generation OPV for the JMSDF. Photo c/o Japan MOD ATLA through Jane's.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) has provided more details on the development of a next-generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) design for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The new OPVs will be used to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering, and coastal and near-offshore patrol missions.

A video was released by the MOD's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) on 01 July 2021 showing the new OPV, which will have a modular system that allows customization according to desired mission profiles.

It is expected that the new OPVs will be more capable than current models, and will have improvements on automation, modularity, adaptability and sustainability.

The new vessels will have less crew and will feature autonomous navigation systems, and advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Expected equipment will include medium and small caliber guns, and helicopter landing deck with a multipurpose hangar, and deck space for modular payloads and ISO containerization for mission modules.

The design also features reduced radar cross-section, as well as efficiency in fuel consumption plus easy maintenance.

According to British defense media outlet Jane's, Japanese shipbuilders Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (Mitsui E&C) are expected to compete for the project, as both companies have made their respective offerings and concept designs first seen in 2019.

Naval News reported in 2019 that Japan Marine United is also competing for the OPV program.

Jane's also reported that MHI disclosed in 2019 that their design will have a full-load displacement between 1,500 to 2,000 tons, will be between 85 to 100 meters long, with a width of 14 meters, and can attain a maximum speed of more than 25 knots.

According to Naval News during MAST Asia 2019 defense exhibition in Tokyo, Mitsui E&C's design will have a crew of only 23 officers and sailors, a length of 100 meters and a displacement of 2,000 tons, and will be powered by diesel engines allowing a maximum speed of more than 25 knots. 

The Japan MOD is expected to award the contract to a winning company by 2022, with a delivery expected to start after 3 years.




[1] Jane's
[2] Naval News

South Korea retires last MIM-23 HAWK SAM System, replaced with KM-SAM Cheongung

 

South Korean MIM-23 HAWK missile systems during drills. Photo c/o ROKAF.

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has ended the use of its last ageing MIM-23 Homing All-the-Way Killer (HAWK) surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, as the service inducts more of the locally-developed KM-SAM Cheongung Block 1 medium range SAM system.

The HAWK SAM system. including the AN/TSQ-73 command and control system, has been in service with the ROKAF's Air Defense Artillery Command since 1983, with Unit 2970 being the last unit operating the ageing American SAM system within the ROKAF.

It was reported that the system's automated fire control equipment will be displayed in a museum.

The KM-SAM Cheongung, which was meant to replace the HAWK SAM system, was developed in Russia by the Almaz Design Bureau with cooperation and assistance with South Korean companies Samsung Thales, LIG Nex1 and Doosan DST.

Localized development of the system was completed in 2011, with much of the work done in South Korea using indigenous subsystems and components.

KM-SAM Cheongung Block 1 production started in 2013, with the system being in service with the ROKAF Air Defense Artillery Command since 2015 as a medium-range anti-aircraft system.

Deliveries of the KM-SAM Cheongung Block 1 has been completed on April 2020, according to the South Korean Defense Acquisition  Program Administration

The Block 1 system has a reported maximum range of around 40 kilometers, with a top speed of Mach 4.5 and an intercept ceiling up to 20 kilometers.

A typical KM-SAM Block 1 battery is composed of for transporter erector launchers (TEL) each with 8 missiles, a command and control center, and a multi-function radar system. Each system uses an 8x8 platform truck transporter. 

A Block 2 system is under development for use as an anti-missile system.




[1] Jane's
[2] Yonhap News

Indonesia commissions third Teluk Bintuni-class tank landing ship

 

The KRI Teluk Youtefa (522), recently commissioned with the TNI-AL. Photo c/o Kompas.com / Rahel Narda.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has recently commissioned its third indigenously designed and built Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tank (LST).

According to the TNO-AL, the commissioning ceremony for the new ship, named the KRI Teluk Youtefa (522), was held on 12 July 2021 at the Tanjung Priok Naval Base in Jakarta.

The ship was launched in May 2019 by its shipbuilder PT Daya Radar Utama, and is part of a contract signed in January 2017 for 3 new Teluk Bintuni-class LSTs.

Its sisterships, the Teluk Palu (523) and Teluk Calang (524) are in advanced stages of construction and are expected to be handed over and commissioned with the TNI-AL within the year.

The Teluk Bintuni-class landing ship tank has a length of 120 meters, an overall beam of 18 meters, and a hull draught of 3 meters.

It is powered by two STX-MAN diesel engines, and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 15 knots, and a range of 7,200 nautical miles at 13.6 knots.

The ship is designed to support sealift operations for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AL) and Indonesian Marine Corps (Korps Marinir) to move armored vehicles, including up to 10 Leopard 2 main battle tanks, or 14 BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles. It can also carry up to 478 personnel.

The ships were also built with strong emphasis on national industry, with other Indonesian companies supplying their products or expertise including PT Krakatau Steel, PT Pindad, PT LEN, PT BNI and other supporting industries.




[1] Jane's
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal
[3] Kompas.com

Indonesia approves plan to acquire used submarine for interim measures

 

The Cakra-class submarine KRI Nanggala (402), which was lost in a fatal accident on April 2021. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Indonesian Government has approved a plan for the acquisition of at least one used diesel-electric attack submarine for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) to meet operational requirements.

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance has given the go-signal for the application of foreign loans worth up to US$600 million to finance the acquisition of used submarine from a still undisclosed country.

The project, reported by British defense media outlet Jane's, is called the Interim Readiness Submarine Class (IRSC) Programme, which will temporarily fill-in the gaps in the TNI-AL's submarine warfare capabilities left by the loss of one of its older submarines, and delays in the procurement of new submarines.

The TNI-AL was said to be looking for a submarine that displaces between 1,800 to 2,800 tons, and the number of units to be purchased could be higher than one submarine.

Currently, the TNI-AL has 4 diesel-electric attack submarines, composed of three new Nagapassa-class (DSME 1400) from South Korea, and one older Cakra-class (Type 209/1300) submarine.

A second Cakra-class submarine was lost in deadly accident in April 2021, taking with it the entire crew.

The service is currently discussing with different countries including France, Germany, South Korea and Russia for the potential acquisition of a fleet of new submarines, as the TNI-AL plans to have more than 10 submarines by the 2030s.





[1] Jane's

Australia receives first 2 of 4 new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters

 

One of the new CH-47F Chinook for the Australian Army, being unloaded from a USAF C-5 Galaxy heavy strategic airlifter. Photo c/o Australia DOD.

The Australian Army has received its first two new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters, part of an order for four new helicopters to improve the force's heavy lift battlefield aviation capabilities.

The two new helicopters arrived on 07 July 2021 at Townsville in Queensland, only three months after approving the acquisition.

The new helicopters were delivered by a US Air Force C-5 Galaxy strategic airlift aircraft.

Two more CH-47F Chinooks are expected to arrive in Australia by mid 2022.

The four new helicopters, expected to cost around A$595 million (US445 million), will increase the Australian Army's CH-47 Chinook fleet, their largest helicopter, from 10 to 14 aircraft.

Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton welcomed the arrival of the new helicopters, which were assigned with the 5th Aviation Regiment.

“The additional helicopters will strengthen Army’s airlift capability into the future and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations globally,” Mr Dutton said. 

Mr Dutton said being delivered just days before the beginning of Exercise Talisman Sabre - the largest bilateral combined training activity between the ADF and US military - highlighted the countries' excellent strategic working relationship.




[1] Australian Department of Defence

Philippines expects delivery of mine/IED clearing vehicles within 2021

The Armtrac 100-350 Mk. 2 IED-clearing vehicle. Photo c/o Armtrac Ltd.

The Philippine Army (PA) is expected to receive an initial delivery of mini/IED search and clearance vehicles from British company Armtrac Ltd. between 2021 and 2022.

The specialialized vehicles, locally called Vehicle-Mounted Mine Detectors (VMMD), were ordered by the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) on April 2021 through a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal between the Philippine and UK defense ministries.

The vehicles, based on the Armtrac 100-350 Mk. 2 mine clearing vehicles, costs around PHP110.4 million (US$2.15 million) for 4 vehicles and accessories, and are part of the Philippine Army’s acquisition of new Combat Engineering vehicles, which also included assault bridges and specialized engineering vehicles

The Armtrac 100-350 Mk.2 is a wheeled vehicle with an armored cabin, capable of carrying 2 operators, and can operate a vegetation cutter on the rear robotic arm to clear high vegetation on roadsides, and a IED/mine detector on the front robotic arm to detect the IEDs together with a paint marker to indicate the position.

The vehicle also has a small excavator bucket, fitted to the rear robotic arm to allow some excavation of earth for exposure of buried explosive ordnances.

This will be the first of its kind vehicle in the Philippine Army, which could also open opportunities for Armtrac to market their other mine clearing vehicle models more suitable in open field combat operations.

[1] Armtrac Ltd.

[2] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Thailand to purchase 5 new vehicle-mounted short-range Man-Portable Air Defense System

 

A Dzighit launching system with Igla-S MANPADS. Photo c/o Wikimedia Commons.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has made an announcement on their website posted on June 2021, declaring the winning tenderer for their requirement for 5 vehicle-mounted Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS).

The project was awarded to Thai company Datagate Co. Ltd., with a contact amount worth THB245.89 million (US$7.682 million), which is believed to supply either the Igla-S or the latest Verba MANPADS system, both from Russia.

Thai defense page AAG_Th believes that the MANPADS could be mounted on the Dzighit launching system. While no information is available yet on the vehicle platform to be used, it is believed that an indigenous armored vehicle would be used.

Datagate Co. Ltd. previously supplied the Thales Starstreak air defense system to the Royal Thai Army (RTA).

Based on the RTN's Project Terms of Reference, a budget of THB246 million was set for the acquisition of a MANPADS-type mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system, consisting of a launch pad equipped with 2 ready-to-fire missiles on a specialized 4x4 armored vehicle.

The new air defense system would be assigned with the RTN's Naval Air and Coastal Defense Command, which handles all ground-based anti-ship and air-defense assets of the service.

Datagate competed with another tenderer, China Vanguard Industry Corp. (CVIC), which offered the QW-18 Vanguard MANPADS, which is already in service with the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC).




[1] AAG_TH Thai Defense Page
[2] Army Recognition

Brunei introduces new Insitu Integrator unmanned aerial system

 

His Highness Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei getting briefed on the Insitu Integrator UAS. Photo c/o Infofoto through The Scoop.

The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) has unveiled its latest asset in the form of new Integrator unmanned aerial system (UAS) delivered by American company Insitu Inc.

The new Integrator UAS was presented to the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah as part of the 60th anniversary of the armed forces.

US Charge d’Affaires Emily Fleckner and Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation Commander Randall Jones were present in the ceremony and met with His Majesty the Sultan.

The Integrator UAS would allow the RBAF to have a more effective and integrated maritime security surveillance capability as part of maintaining peace and security in the region.

The Integrator, made by Insitu Inc, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company, is considered as one of the most versatile UAS in its class, with a modular design to suit mission requirements.

The Integrator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a length of 2.5 meters, a wingspan of 4.9 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 74.8 kilograms, and a maximum payload weight of 18 kilograms.

Sensor options may include an EO telescope with high-zoom day FMV, dual imager using MWIR/EO day and night FMV, ViDAR maritime surface search, laser designators and rangefinders, and others.

The Integrator UAV has an endurance of more than 24 hours, a maximum ceiling of 5,940 meters, and a maximum speed of more than 90 knots.

[1] US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam

[2] The Scoop

[3] Insitu Inc

Philippine C-130H Hercules transport aircraft crashes with 92 passengers and crew

 

The actual C-130H involved, with tail number 5125, photographed in the US in 2020 before delivery to the PAF. Photo c/o SBGrad.

A Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed on 04 July 2021 in Sulu province south of the country.

The aircraft, with tail number 5125, crashed while trying to land at the province's Jolo Airport. The aircraft was carrying 3 pilots, 5 crew members, and 84 passengers mostly personnel from the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division.

According to an initial report from the Department of National Defense (DND), 40 people were rescued and have been brought to medical facilities, while 17 bodies have been recovered. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as of this writing.

Initial information available from Philippine defense pages indicated that the aircraft was flying from Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, and missed the runway while landing at Jolo Airport. It tried to regain power but failed and crashed just outside the airport.

The C-130H Hercules aircraft involved was only delivered to the PAF last January 2021, as part of an acquisition for 2 refurbished C-130 aircraft partially funded by US Military Assistance grant.

The aircraft was previously used by the US Air Force and entered service first in 1987. It was later on converted into an MC-130W Combat Spear special operations aircraft and served with the US Special Operations Command until 2016.

The aircraft was refurbished and removed of US military-only equipment, and was transferred to the Philippine Air Force in 2020, and delivered on January 2021. It entered service with the PAF on 18 February 2021.

With the crash, the PAF is expected to ground its entire fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft, 2 of which are said to be currently operational. 2 other aircraft are undergoing maintenance, with one being serviced in Portugal.

The PAF's C-130 Hercules fleet are assigned with the 220th Airlift Wing's 222nd Airlift Squadron based in Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu province.




[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] Inquirer.net
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Myanmar believed to be interested in acquiring Russian Project 22160 patrol vessels

A Project 22160 patrol vessel operated by the Russian Navy. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

Myanmar is believed to be interested in acquiring patrol vessels from Russia, as part of expanded military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian news outlet Sputnik reported that a country from Southeast Asia was interested in acquiring an initial batch of two Project 22160 patrol vessels from Russia, plus another two ships to be built locally with technical assistance from Russia.

The country was not named by the head of Ak Bars Shipbuilding Renat Mistakhov, mentioning only that it came from an ASEAN-member country.

Myanmar news outlets believe that the said country could be Myanmar, which is also expanding its defense cooperation with Russia as the country's military chief and Chairman of the State Administration Council Gen. Ming Aung Hlaing visited Moscow and met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Russian Defense Min. Shoigu also noted that Myanmar is one of their "time-tested strategic partner and reliable ally in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region", while Gen. Hlaing said that "our (Myanmar) military has become one of the strongest in the region thanks to Russia".

Gen. Hlaing also confirmed that discussions were made on expanding cooperation on air defense issues, with plans to expand its air defense capabilities.

The Project 22160 patrol vessel is one of the newest designs from Russia and built by Ak Bars Group, which owns the Zelenodolsh Shipyard. They have sufficient space for arming of a variety of heavy weaponry including the Club-N / Kalibr anti-ship cruise missiles and the Palma anti-aircraft system.

The ships are 94 meters long, with a beam of 14 meters, and a displacement of around 1,700 tons. They are powered by 2 diesel engines and 2 gas turbine engines in CODAG configuration, enabling speeds of up to 30 knots, and a range of 6,000 miles.




[1] The Nation Pakistan
[2] Urdu Point