Vietnam requests for third Hamilton-class high endurance cutter from US

The USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724), which is expected to be transferred to the Vietnam Coast Guard. Photo c/o Seapower Magazine.

The recent visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Vietnam on 25 August 2021 confirmed that the Vietnamese Government has requested for a third Hamilton-class high endurance cutter.

According to Vice Pres. Harris, the US Government under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has endorsed the transfer of a third Hamilton-class cutter to help the Vietnam improve its maritime security capabilities.

The ship is expected to be the former USCGC Douglas Munro (WHEC-724), which was decommissioned from US Coast Guard service on 24 April 2021.

Should the transfer be realized, the ship is expected to be operated by the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).

The VCG operates two other Hamilton-class cutters transferred by the US Government, with the first ship formerly the USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) now named CSB-8020 and transferred in 2017, and the former USCGC John Midgett (WHEC-726), now named CSB-8021 and transferred in 2021.

The Hamilton-class cutters are highly sought-after ships despite their advanced age due to their versatility, long range and high endurance, and very capable platform proven to be able to operate in all-weather and high sea states.

Aside from the Vietnam Coast Guard, other users of former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class ships include the Bangladesh Navy, Nigerian Navy, Philippine Navy, and the Sri Lankan Navy.

If Vietnam passes the chance to receive the ship, it is expected that other naval services would be interested in taking them in.

It was reported that the Philippine Navy might be interested in taking in another ship of the class, the former USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717) although no confirmation has been made.




[1] Jane’s
[2] Vietnam Times

India commissions seventh and final Vikram-class offshore patrol vessel

The ICGS Vigraha (39). Photo c/o Zee News.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned its seventh and final Vikram-class offshore patrol vessel on 28 August 2021.

The commissioning of the new ship, named ICGS Vigraha (39), was led by Indian Defence Minister Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Chennai, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Shri M.K. Stalin, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravene, together with top officials from the Indian Coast Guard including Director General Indian Coast Guard Shri K Natarajan.

According to a press release by the Indian Ministry of Defence, the ship will be based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on the country’s eastern seaboard under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).

The Vikram-class were designed by Indian shipbuilder and defense company Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding Ltd, and built in the company’s Kattupalli Shipyard in Chennai.

The ships are 98 meters long, 15 meters wide, and displaces 2,150 tons. It has a total crew of 11 officers and 110 sailors.

It is powered by two 9,100-kilowatt diesel engines which allows the ship to reach a maximum speed of 26 knots, with a range of 5,000 nautical miles at economical speed.

The vessels are armed with a 40mm Bofors L60 gun, and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns in Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS).

They are also equipped with an integrated bridge system, integrated platform management system, automated power management system, and external fire-fighting system.

It can also accommodate a twin-engine helicopter, and four high speed rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) for VBSS. It also has a pollution response equipment which can help in containing oil spills at sea.




[1] Naval News
[2] Hindustan Times
[3] India Today

Indonesia starts construction of two new indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessels

The 90-meter OPV design from PT Daya Radar Utama, as shown on their video. Photo c/o PT Daya Radar Utama.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Daya Radar Utama has started construction of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The first steel cutting ceremony for the two new ships was held on 26 August 2021 at PT Daya Radar Utama’s facility in Lampung province, and was attended by top officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD), National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian Navy and PT Daya Radar Utama.

One of the ships was described as a “90-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel”, while other was described only as an “Offshore Patrol Vessel”. This could mean that both ships are not of the same class and may differ in size and design.

The Indonesian MOD said the new OPVs are meant to strengthen Indonesia’s naval capabilities and fulfil gaps in its patrol assets.

The OPV will fill a gap between its patrol boats under the Patrol Ship Unit, and its corvette and frigate combat vessels under its Escort Ship Unit.

According to TNI official, the construction of new ships was also said to be a form of promoting the national defense industry, encourage the recovery of the national economy, and increase the capacity and expertise of the Indonesian shipbuilding industry to construct warships.

The 90-meter OPV is expected to follow PT Daya Radar Utama’s previous design releases, which has a length of 90 meters, a width of 13.5 meters, and is powered by four 7,280-kilowatt diesel engines capable of propelling the ship to a maximum speed of around 28 knots.

It is also expected to have a crew of 94 personnel.

Based on design photos and videos from PT Daya Radar Utama, the 90-meter OPV will be armed with a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid naval gun, a 35mm Rheinmetall Millennium Gun close-in weapon system (CIWS), and two quadruple launchers for MBDA MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles.

The weapons are said to be for procurement at a later date, with the OPVs being Fitted for but not with (FFBNW).

It has a helicopter deck and hangar for a naval helicopter, and has two stern ramps for Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) for Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

No details have been made available on the design of the second OPV, but French defense news outlet Naval News mentioned that it could potentially be a 60-meter design, and has a different weapon and sensor fit-out and without a helicopter operations facility. 




[1] Naval News
[2] Naval Today
[3] Indomiliter

India to import 70,000 new AK-203 7.62mm assault rifles from Russia

The Kalashnikov AK-203 7.62x39mm assault rifle, this example with an optional attached grenade launcher. Photo c/o Russia Beyond.

The Indian Army will be purchase 70,000 off-the-shelf Kalashnikov AK-203 7.62x39mm assault rifles from Russia, with the deal already signed on 19 August 2021, and the first tranche of payment being prepared.

The procurement of the rifles was reported to be part of an emergency purchase program to meet the urgent operational requirements of the Indian Army.

There is an existing program to procure around 770,000 new AK-203 assault rifles, with at least 100,000 units are to be procured imported from Russia, while the rest will be license-produced by the Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL) at Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh as part of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia.

India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) holds 50.5 percent of shares in the IRRPL, while Kalashnikov Group holds 42 percent, and Russian state-owned arms export agency Rosoboronexport holding the remaining 7.5 percent.

The 70,000 assault rifles from Russia will be part of the 100,000 units committed as part of earlier agreements.

The AK-203 is the latest variant of the AK family of Russian assault rifles, and retains most of the original AK-47’s benefits including robust mechanics and simplicity of operation, and has been subjected to testing under extreme heat and cold.

It now boasts of better ergonomics, accuracy and rate of fire, as well as improved versatility with a Picatinny rail pre-installed on the new rifles, allowing for the installation of rifle accessories including optics, laser designators, lighting and others.

The AK-203, together with the SIG Sauer SIG716 7.62x51mm rifle,  will be replacing the unpopular Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56x45mm assault rifle, which was said to be having issues when operating at high altitudes.




[1] Financial Express
[2] Economic Times
[3] Jane’s

Philippines to purchase new 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapons for Marines

 

A light machine gun providing fire suppression during operations. Photo c/o Weaponsystems.net.

The Philippine Navy (PN) is in the process of acquiring new 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) for the Philippine Marine Corps, with the acquisition tender already ongoing.

The procurement, with a budget of PHP100 million (US$2 million) is being done through public bidding, with the tender closing on 24 August 2021. Delivery is expected to be completed within 300 calendar days from release of the project's Notice to Prceed (NTP).

According to Philippine defense page Philippine Defense Resource, the requirement for 160 units of new 5.56mm light machine guns with reflex optic sights, plus several 200-round box magazines and 30-round STANAG M16 magazines and other accessories.

The project specifications also mentioned that the SAWs should have rail interface per MIL STD 1913 or Picatinny Rail, with a gas-operated, rotating bolt operating system, striker-fired firing pin firing mechanism, and air cooled design.

The specifications also mentioned the weight of the new SAW to be between 6.0 kilograms to 8.16 kilograms, and an overall length between 800 millimetres to 1,041.40 millimetres.

It was mentioned also that the quantity was only enough to re-arm the Philippine Marine Corps' Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG) or a standard Marine Battalion.

Currently the PMC has 1 Assault Armor Battalion and 12 Marine Rifle Battalions, utilizing the M60E3/E4 7.62mm light machine gun which is considered heavier and longer than the specified new 5.56mm SAW.

Aside from the M60E3/E4, the Philippine Marine Corps also operate the newer M60E6, as well as the FN Herstal Minimi 5.56mm SAW, both of which are operated by the MARSOG.

Another Philippine defense page, MaxDefense Philippines, believes that the IWI Negev NG5 from Israel is spot-on the technical specifications of the 5.56mm SAW acquisition project




[1] Philippine Defense Resource
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

Indonesia launches second Klewang-class 63-meter stealth trimaran fast attack craft

 

The Golok (688) during launching on 21 August 2021. 

The Indonesian shipbuilder North Sea Boats (PT Lundin Industry) has launched the second Klewang-class stealth trimaran fast attack craft being built for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The ship, which will become the future KRI Golok (688) once commissioned with the TNI-AL, was based on North Sea Boat's X3K wave-piercing stealth catamaran design, and was launched on 21 August 2021 at North Sea Boat's shipbuilding facility in Banyuwangi, East Java.

TNI-AL Chief of Staff Admiral Yudo Margono was present during the launching and naming  ceremonies.

The ship was built as a replacement to the first ship of the class, the Klewang (625), which was destroyed by a fire before it was commissioned to the TNI-AL in 2012.

Due to experience with the destruction of the Klewang, North Sea Boats have made improvements in the ship design and materials used for construction, which now feature carbon fiber composite that is said to be fire resistant.

The use of composite materials for the hull construction allows for a high specific strength, light weight, and excellent fatigue-resistance and corrosion-resistance.

The ship is 63 meters long, has a maximum width of 16 meters, a displacement of 245 tons, and a crew of 30 officers and sailors.

It is powered by four 1,800-horsepower MAP V12 diesel engines, allowing a speed of more than 28 knots, a cruising speed of 16 knots, and a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles at 16 knots.

In 2019, PT Lundin and Saab entered an agreement to supply the combat systems, sensors and weapons for the original boat, but it remains to be seen if this would continue with the second ship of the class.

At the moment, it was announced the ship would be armed with a 30mm autocannon, and 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and will have an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) as standard equipment.




[1] Naval News
[2] PT Lundin Industry
[3] Kompas TV

Philippines orders K745 Blue Shark ASW torpedoes from Korea, soft kill decoys from France, South Africa

 

A ship of the Republic of Korea Navy firing a K745 Blue Shark torpedo during exercises. Photo c/o Defense of the Republic of the Philippines forum.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has awarded a deal to acquire new anti-submarine torpedoes to South Korean defense company LIG Nex1, which will supply their K745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes to the Philippine Navy (PN).

No quantity was mentioned but the deal was reported to cost around PHP722.3 million (US$15 million).

The Philippine Navy has preferred the K745 Blue Shark torpedoes for use on its two South Korean-made Jose Rizal-class general purpose light frigates as the type is the standard anti-submarine weapon of the PN's AgustaWestland AW-159 Wildcat naval helicopters that will be operating from the frigates.

This would allow commonality for both the frigates and its complementing naval helicopters.

Thee DND is acquiring the torpedoes through Direct Negotiation with LIG Nex1 under a Government-to-Government (G2G) acquisition process supported by the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The K745 Blue Shark lightweight anti-submarine torpedo was originally developed for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) by South Korea's Agency of Defense Development (ADD)  and was later on offered for export to other countries, with the Philippine Navy its the first export customer in 2019.

It has a reported range of around 19 kilometers, a maximum speed of 45 knots, and has a warhead capable of penetrating up to 1.5 meters thick steel.

It is guided by an acoustic homing seeker capable of passive or active homing, as well as an internal navigation system (INS).

Aside from torpedoes, the DND has also awarded the acquisition of 130mm chaffs to South Africa’s Rheinmetall Denel Munitions, which is expected to deliver the Rheinmetall Bullfighter 130mm RF/IR decoy.

The DND has also awarded a deal to acquire 130mm acoustic anti-torpedo decoys to France’s Naval Group, which reportedly offered the CANTO torpedo countermeasures.

Both decoys will also be used by the Jose Rizal-class frigates, which are equipped with the Terma C-Guard countermeasure launching systems.




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

South Korea commissions first KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class attack submarine

 

The ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho (SS-083). Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has commissioned its first Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric attack submarine.

The ship, named ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho (SS-083) and built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), was commissioned during ceremonies held on 13 August 2021 at DSME's Okpo shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.

The submarine, which had its first steel cutting in 2014 and was launched in 2018, is expected to be deployed by the ROKN by August 2022, as it undergoes a year of evaluations.

The Dosan Ahn Changho-class is a new generation of diesel-electric attack submarines in the 3,000-ton class, and was the last phase of the KSS-III program which envisions the development and construction of submarines for the ROKN for 25 years from 1994 to 2029.

The development and construction of the Dosan Ahn Changho-class has propelled South Korea as the 8th country in the world that was able to produce a submarine with a 3,000-ton displacement.

The Dosan Ahn Changho is the lead ship of the KSS-III Batch 1 submarines, and was development jointly by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and DSME. Local companies including STX Engine, Hanwha Systems, and LIG Nex1, as well as international companies like BMT, Babcok, Indra, Safran and ECA Group are among those involved in development and supply of important subsystems.

The KSS Batch 1 submarines have a length of 83.5 meters, a width of 9.6 meters, a draft of 7.7 meters, and standard displacement of 3,360 tons. It will have a crew of 50 officers and sailors.

It has a maximum submerged speed of 20 knots, and a cruising range at economic speed of 10,000 nautical miles.

They are equipped with eight 533mm torpedo tubes and six Vertical Launching System (VLS) tubes, which can accommodate the Cheon Ryong submarine-launched cruising missile with a range of 1,500 kilometers.

Two more submarines are under construction, with the second vessel named Ahn Moo (SS-085) being constructed by DSME and launched on 10 November 2020, and the third vessel named Yi Dongnyeong (SS-086)  under construction by HHI, with the keel laying held on 30 June 2017.




[1] KBS World
[2] Naval News
[3] Navy Recognition

Taiwan gets US approval for potential purchase of 40 M109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers, precision munition kits

An M109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzer. Photo c/o Asia Times.

The US State Department has approved the potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of 155mm M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and related services and equipment, with an estimated cost of US$750 million.

This is the first weapons package for Taiwan that was approved by the administration of US President Joe Biden, with the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanking the US Government for its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA) has announced that Taiwan requested to purchase 40 155mm M109A6 Paladin medium self-propelled howitzer systems, 20 M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASV), 1 Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), 5 M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicles, 1,698 multi-option Precision Guidance Kits (PGK), as well as several other support equipment and services, machine guns, spare and repair parts, communication systems, and logistics support.

The proposed sale of the M109A6 Paladin to Taiwan will contribute to the modernization of the Republic of China Army’s (ROCA) self-propelled howitzer fleet, and enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats.

This also allows for further enhancing of interoperability with military forces of the United States and allies.

BAE Systems will be the prime contractor for the proposed sale, although no agreement has been reached yet, which would be made once negotiations are completed between the US and Taiwanese Governments.

The ROCA is an existing operator of the M109 self-propelled artillery system, although it uses the older M109A3 and M109A5. It also operates several M88A1 Hercules armored recovery vehicles.

The foreign ministry of the People’s Republic of China, which considers Taiwan as a renegade province, has voiced out its opposition to the proposed sale of artillery systems and had lodged “stern representations” with the United States Government.




[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] Reuters
[3] Taiwan News

Vietnam receives its first Dutch-designed, indigenously-built submarine rescue ship

The Yet Kieu (927) during its launch in 2019. Photo c/o Infonet Vietnam.

The Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) has received its first indigenously-built MSSARS 9316-class multi-purpose submarine rescue ship.

A ceremony was held on 30 July 2021 at the state-owned Factory Z189 of the General Department of Defense Industry in Hai Phong, with the presence of the Chief of the VPN Rear Admiral Tran Tranh Nghiem, Deputy Director of the General Department of Defense Industry Major General Luong Thanh Chuong, and representatives from Dutch shipbuilder Damen Group.

The ship, named the Yet Kieu (927), was designed by Damen Group based on its Rescue Gear MSSARS 9316 design, but was built locally as part of the deal between the Dutch shipbuilder and the Vietnamese Government.

The ship started construction in 2018 and followed strict process under the close supervision of Damen Group and Lloyd’s Register.

It was launched on 03 December 2019. But it took more than a year to complete it fit out works and installation of rescue equipment.

The Yet Kieu has a displacement of 3,950 tons, a length of 93.11 meters, a maximum width of 15.99 meters, a height of 7.20 meters, and a maximum draught of 4.25 meters.

It is equipped with a modern propulsion system that allows a maximum speed of 16 knots, an endurance of 30 days, an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles, and can withstand up to level-9 waves and level-12 winds.

The ship is equipped with to allow for submarine search and rescue missions, surveying and exploring underwater objects and features, and perform other assigned tasks. It also has medical, lifesaving equipment.

The VPN was in need of a new submarine rescue ship to support its fleet of 6 Project 636 Kilo-class diesel electric submarines from Russia. The need for such asset was further emphasized with the recent fatal accident involving a Cakra-class submarine of the Indonesian Navy this year.




[1] People’s Army Newspaper
[2] VietDefense
[3] Damen Group

Vanuatu receives its Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

  

The RVS Takuare (03), a Guardian-class patrol boat built for the Vanuatu Police's Maritime Wing. Photo c/o Austal.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has handed-over a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Vanuatu Government, given as donation by the Australian Government.

The new patrol boat, named the RVS Takuare (03), was received by the Vanuatu High Commissioner to Australia Mr. Samson Fare, and attended by Australian officials led by Defense Industry Minister Melissa Price.

Australian and Vanuatu high officials were also following the ceremonies online.

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 RVS Takuare is the 12th Guardian-class patrol boat delivered by Australian shipbuilder Austal, and will be operated by the Vanuatu Police's Maritime Wing, and will replace the older Pacific-class patrol boat RVS Tukoro.

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 Vanuatu, 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, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, 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] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Naval Technology

Thailand gets US approval for sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles, but no funding available

A Javelin anti-tank missile during exercises. Photo c/o US Army.

The US State Department has made an approval for a possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Government of Thailand for FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles and related equipment, with an estimated cost of US$83.5 million.

According to the press release by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US State Department has notified the US Congress of the potential deal in which the Thai Government has requested for the sale of 300 FGM-148 Javelin fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missiles, and 50 Javelin Command Launch Units (CLU).

Also included are Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers, missile simulation rounds, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Technical Assistance, and several other items, spares, services, and logistics support.

The new missiles are expected to replace the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA) obsolete 106mm Recoilless Rifles which were acquired since the Vietnam War era.

The missiles would improve the RTA’s light anti-tank capabilities and maintain force posture, while also enhancing interoperability with US forces during training and combat operations.

Thailand is considered a Major US Non-NATO Ally in the Southeast Asia region, and a strategic partner committed to contributing to regional security.

The release of an approval does not constitute a sale, and be dependent on the Thai Government’s the Thai and US Governments are expected to fine-tune the deal during succeeding negotiations and discussions.

According to a report from The Bangkok Post, the initial tranche funding for the acquisition of new Javelin missiles under fiscal year 2022 has been put on hold by the Thai Government, as it cuts spending on defense to allow the financing on COVID-19 pandemic expenses.

The report also said that the RTA planned to finance the acquisition by instalment from 2022 to 2024. The cut on funding for 2022 was not objected by the RTA and will be re-submitted for funding request proposals starting 2023 instead.




[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] The Bangkok Post