Malaysia plans to replace ageing C-130 fleet by 2040, eyes latest C-130J Super Hercules

 

A RMAF C-130H Hercules. Photo c/o Coconuts KL.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has started planning for the eventual replacement of its ageing fleet of Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.

The service is looking at the latest variant of the Hercules family of aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin as the potential replacement among several other candidates, although a final selection is too early to be determined at this point.

According to the RMAF, the C-130J Super Hercules share several components with the older C-130H Hercules, which makes it easier to transition to in terms of logistics and support.

The RMAF currently has 10 C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft, with several of them being the C-130H-30 stretched variants, and 4 KC-130H aerial refuelling tankers in service with the 20 Squadron based in Subang.

The program to acquire new replacements for the C-130H Hercules is expected to be forwarded by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for funding under the 14th Malaysia Plan between 2040 and 2045.

This means the RMAF will continue to pursue ways to keep the current fleet relevant for another 15-20 years.

The RMAF also has 4 newer and larger Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft, which also doubles as aerial refuelling tankers. 

The A400M, acquired in 2015, complement the C-130H fleet in providing transport and logistics support to the RMAF and the entire Malaysian Armed Forces.

Also supporting the RMAF's C-130 fleet are the smaller Airbus-PTDI CN-235M tactical transport aircraft.




[1] Utusan Malaysia

Australia to acquire Tomahawk cruise missiles & other missile systems, develop new hypersonic missiles

 

A Tomahawk cruise missile launched by a US Navy destroyer. Photo c/o ASPI Strategist.

As part of the expanded relations between Australia and the United States through the AUKUS trilateral alliance agreement, it was confirmed that Australia will be acquiring several new precision missile capabilities for all services of its armed forces.

The AUKUS will prioritize the consultation on Australia's acquisition of new missile capabiities over the next 18 months.

Among those included in the planned acquisition will be the RGM-109 Tomahawk ship-launched cruise missiles.

The missiles, made by US defense company Raytheon, are to be fitted to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) three Hobart-class air defense destroyers. 

The Tomahwak missile will improve the RAN's capability to conduct long range land attack and anti-ship capabilities, and provide a new anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) deterrence that could be deployed in strategic areas against potential opposition forces. 

Also, the Australian Government also announced that it plans to acquire the AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) air-launched cruise missiles, which would arm the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fleet of Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

While the RAAF already operates the original AGM-158A JASSM, the new Extended Range variant will allow launching fighters to strike targets up to 900 kilometers away.

While already announced before, it was again reconfirmed that the RAAF will also get the Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) to arm the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in anti-ship role, and probably the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The Australian Army is also slated to receive a new precision guided strike missile although it was not named. 

It is expected to be able to strike targets up to 400 kilomters away.

These new capabilities are said to enhance Australia's ability to deter and respond to security challenges.

Australia also a has an ongoing project to locally produce precision guided munitions under its Sovereign Guided Weapons Manufacturing Enterprise project, which is being accelerated as the country prepares for the acquisition of new Medium-Range Ground Based Air Defense capabilities.

The United States is also collaborating with Australia in the development of next-generation hypersonic missiles, capable of flying faster than existing missiles, and reducing reaction time of enemy forces from incoming missile strike.




[1] Naval News
[2] Australian Defence Magazine 
[3] The Drive - The War Zone

Vietnam prepares to procure 2nd ground observation satellite

Vietnam is preparing to procure a second ground observation satellite, eyeing IAI-Airbus offer similar to the one used by the Peruvian Space Agency. Photo c/o Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).

Vietnam is in the market for a military spy satellite, with two groups vying to win the contract expected to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Vietnamese satellite project, called the 2nd Earth Observation Optical Satellite Project of Vietnam, aims to launch a second Vietnam Natural Resources, Environment and Disaster Monitoring Satellite (VNREDSat-2).

The satellite is expected to include military and civilian components, and has a requirement to have a resolution of up to 50 centimeters.

Israel Defense, a leading online defense publication in Israel, reported that a team composed of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Airbus, was said to have been selected by the Vietnamese Government.

The IAI-Airbus team competed against an offer made by Thales.

The French Government is said to be brokering a deal between Airbus and Thales to allow splitting the contract for both defense giants.

Vietnam has an existing satellite called the VNREDSat-1, which was supplied by Airbus and was launched into space using VEGA boosters from the Kourou launch site in French Guyana on May 2013.




[1] Israel Defense
[2] Space Tech Asia
[3] Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

Indonesian shipbuilder buys Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigate design, license to build 2 ships

The Arrowhead-140 frigate design from UK's Babcock. Photo c/o Naval News.

As part of the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021 defense exhibition in London, British defense company Babcock has announced that a deal has been reached to sell the Arrowhead-140 frigate design license to Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero).

The license includes the PT PAL enabling to build 2 Arrowhead-140 frigates for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), with modification specific to their requirements.

Babcock will provide support to PT PAL to works related to the Arrowhead-140 frigate.

Babcock CEO David Lockwood signed the agreement with PT PAL CEO Kaharuddin Djenod aboard the HMS Argyll, and was witnessed by Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and UK Defence Secretary Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.

Mr. Lockwood said that the product is a readily transferrable designthat can be tailored to the customer’s needs as part of their portfolio, and that the frigates being built in Indonesia by the local workforce will contribute to social and economic value of its sovereign shipbuilding community.

Min. Wallace said that the deal signals the strength of the two country’s defense relationship, with their naval forces to operate a similar frigate design in the future and working closely together to protect their mutual interests around the world.

The Arrowhead-140 design was selected by the Royal Navy as the basis for the its Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, while also shortlisted with the Polish Navy’s Miecznik (Swordfish) frigate program.

Indonesia is currently on a massive shopping of frigates, with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence recently signing a deal with Italy's Fincantieri to build 6 FREMM large frigates including 2 ships locally also with PT PAL, and 2 refurbished Maestrale-class frigates formerly with the Italian Navy.

It also has an ongoing discussion with the Japanese Ministry of Defense to potentially procure up to 8 frigates based on the Mogami-class designed for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

These procurements were pushed as Indonesia faces increased maritime and sovereignty threats with an increasingly-aggressive China claiming parts of the Indonesian 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone in the Natuna Islands as part of its so-called 9-Dash Line claims in the South China Sea.




[1] Naval News
[2] Shephard Media
[3] Marine Link

Australia to build new nuclear-powered submarines with US, UK technology, may potentially scrap submarine deal with France

A Virginia-class nuclear submarine of the US Navy. Photo c/o Defence Connect.

The United States of America and United Kingdom has announced on 16 September 2021 that they will assist in building new nuclear submarines for Australia, as part of a new defense alliance between the three countries.

The new defense pact, confirmed during a joint virtual media conference by US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, is proposed to be called the AUKUS alliance and will be formed in response to the increasingly complex security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The design and construction of new nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is among the priority projects of the proposed alliance, allowing Australia to augment US naval presence and capabilities in the region as US policies are being focused in the Indo-Pacific region.

Although no announcement has been made yet, this new submarine program might and is expected to replace the controversial A$90 billion (US$66 billion) submarine deal with France, which has been struck in 2016 but has hit cost overruns and has not moved forward according to Australia’s desired schedule and programming.

France’s Naval Group has proposed the construction of 12 Attack-class conventional-powered submarines based on the Barracuda Shortfin diesel-electric submarine design, to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s existing fleet of Collins-class submarines.

The Barracuda Shortfin was derived from the French Navy’s Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine design.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison clarified that, while the new submarines will be nuclear powered, Australia is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, and will only focus on military nuclear propulsion systems and civilian nuclear technology from the US and UK.

The new submarines will be built in Adelaide, South Australia, and would make Australia one of only a handful of countries with nuclear-powered submarine technology and construction capability.

Over the next 18 months, the US and UK will dispatch technical and strategic teams to help Australia identify the pathway to acquire nuclear submarines and technology.

The US is particular in sharing nuclear submarine technology and has only done so in 1958 when it shared technology to the United Kingdom.




[1] 9 News
[2] ABC News
[3] CNN

Vietnam raises interest in procuring improved Gepard 3.9-class frigates from Russia

One of Vietnam's Gepard 3.9 frigate. Photo c/o Medium.com.

The Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) has been quoted on Vietnam’s interest in acquiring more Russian-made Project 11661 Gepard-class frigates to beef up its fleet.

Russian FSMTC Director Dmitry Shugaev said Vietnam is very much interested in acquiring additional Project 11661 Gepard 3.9 frigates, with technical consultations ongoing between Russia and Vietnam, and plans to hold important contract negotiations after agreeing on technical conditions.

No quantity has been confirmed yet, but previous reports suggest that the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) is interested in at least 2 more frigates.

Vietnam is said to be interested in improved version of the frigate, with a more advanced air defense system.

Currently, the VPN’s four Gepard 3.9 frigates are equipped with the Palma short-range anti-aircraft and close-in weapon system (CIWS), as well as two AK-630M-06 six-barrelled 30mm automatic gun. Both systems are capable only of short or very short-range engagements against fast moving targets.

Previous reports suggest that Russia’s Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation is modifying the design of the Gepard 3.9 frigate to enhance its firepower, with increased size and displacement to allow for the deployment of vertically-launched cruise missiles.

APDJ also reported in July 2019 that Vietnam was also looking at the Project 11356 Admiral Grigorovich-class and Project 22356 Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates, both of which are larger, more capable and more expensive than the Project 11661 Gepard-class frigate design.

Currently, the Russian Navy operates two Project 11661 Gepard-class frigates, while the Vietnam People’s Navy operate four Project 11661E Gepard 3.9 frigates.




[1] Sputnik Vietnam
[2] Naval News
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Indonesia to receive Bushmaster MRAPs as donation, improves defense cooperation with Australia

 

The Bushmaster 4x4 Protected Mobility Vehicle built by Thales Australia. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Australian Government has committed to donate 15 Thales Australia Bushmaster 4x4 Protected Mobility Vehicles to the Indonesian Government.

These vehicles, considered as Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and made in Australia, will be used by the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) for United Nations Peacekeeping missions.

This commitment was made by Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton during the Australia-Indonesia 2+2 Meeting between the two country’s Foreign Affairs and Defence ministries held in Jakarta on 09 September 2021.

According to Min. Dutton, the Bushmaster vehicles can protect personnel from the threat of bomb explosions and firearms attack.

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto also expressed his interest to discuss the possibility of procuring more Bushmaster armored vehicles in the future.

The TNI-AD currently operates a handful of Bushmaster armored vehicles, which are used by its Special Operations Command (KOPASSUS).

Aside from Australia and Indonesia, the Bushmaster PMV is also used by The Netherlands, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom.

Australian and Dutch Bushmaster vehicles have been used in Afghanistan and has been proven to provide protection to its crew and passengers, after being involved in ambushes and attacks from Taliban forces in numerous occassions.

In addition, Indonesian company PT Pindad and Thales Australia has jointly developed a new armored vehicle based on the Bushmaster called the Sanca, and was ordered by the TNI-AD for deployment with UN peacekeeping units and KOPASSUS.

Also discussed during the 2+2 Meeting were on plans to improving military training commitments with Indonesia including potentially having Indonesian troops train on Australian soil, issues related to countering terrorism and violent extremism, working together on cyber issues, and assisting the economic and social development of Pacific island nations.




[1] The Guardian
[2] ABC News
[3] Anadolu Agency

South Korea launches its sixth Daegu-class frigate under FFX-II program

 

The 6th Daegu-class frigate for the ROKN, named Pohang (825) and is scheduled for delivery in early 2023. Photo c/o ROKN.

South Korean naval shipbuilder Daewook Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has launched the sixth FFX-II Daegu-class guided missile frigate for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

The launching ceremony was held on 08 September 2021 at DSME's Okpo shipyard, and was attended by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Gen. Won In-cheol, and the ROKN's Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Boo Suk-jong.

The frigate, to be named ROKS Pohang (FFG-825) once commissioned with the ROKN, is scheduled for delivery in early 2023 after completing trial requirements.

The ship was said to be have improved detection and attack capabilities against surface and submarine targets, with enhanced anti-submarine capabilities.

A total of 8 ships are being constructed under the ROKN's FFX-II program, which are built by DSME and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). 

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] Navy Recognition 

Malaysia prepares tender to procure up to 400 new 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles

 

Hyundai Rotem's K806, one of the competitors for the Malaysian Army requirement for new 6x6 armored vehicles. Photo c/o Defence Security Asia.

The Malaysian Army is preparing to open an international tender for the procurement of 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles to replace older models in its inventory.

The acquisition, dubbed the Next Generation Wheeled Armoured Vehicle project, aims to procure 400 new 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles to replace its fleet of Belgian-made SIBMAS 6x6 and German-made Condor 4x4 armored vehicles.

The Condor Armored Personnel Carrier were built by Germany's Henschel Wehrtechnik GmbH, while the SIBMAS 6x6, built by Belgium's BN Constructions Ferroviaires et Metalliques and armed with 90mm Cockerill low-pressure cannon, have been in service with the Malaysian Army since 1981.

The Condor is being used as an armored personnel carrier, while the SIBMAS are used as fire support vehicles supporting infantry units.

The new vehicle is expected to become the most numerous armored vehicle in Malaysian Army's inventory.

It is expected that Turkey's FNSS, Indonesia's PT Pindad, General Dynamic Land Systems Canada, and South Korea's Hyundai Rotem would be participating in the tender.

FNSS is potentially offering their PARS II 6x6 vehicle, while PTT Pindad is expected to offer their Anoa 6x6 vehicle.

General Dynamics Land Systems Canada may also proceed with a 6x6 version of their successful LAV series of vehicles, while Hyundai Rotem may offer the new K806 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle.

The requirement from the Malaysian Government may require local production of the vehicles, in which Turkey's FNSS currently has advantage due to their recent completion of producing the PARS 8x8 armored vehicles, known locally as the AV8 Gempita by Malaysian partner DefTech.

Hyundai Rotem has also opened to the possibility of local production, and has confirmed that they are participating in the tender with the K806 wheeled armored vehicle. The K806 was designed and built for the Republic of Korea Army, and is also being offered for export to other countries.

Aside from the requirement for 400 new 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles, the Malaysian Army is also expected to tender for 36 new 4x4 armored vehicles, which could be for requirements by the service's United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.




[1] Asiae
[2] Defence Security Asia

Thailand to acquire 8x8 and 4x4 armored vehicles for naval transport requirements

The Panus R600, one of the competing offers for the 8x8 armored vehicle requirement. Photo c/o Shephard Media.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was reported to have released a requirement for the acquisition of two types of armored vehicles.

The requirement includes the acquisition of two 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles, and six 4x4 armored vehicles for the RTN’s Naval Transportation Department.

Competing for the 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle are local companies Panus Assembly Co. which manufactures the R600 8x8 armored personnel carrier, and Preecha Thavorn Industry with their Black Widow Spider 8x8 amphibious APC.

Based on the Terms of Reference (TOR) from the RTN, the budget for two 8x8 armored vehicles is THB99.99 million (US$3.07 million), or around THB49.95 million (US$1.54 million) per vehicle.

The vehicles are expected to carry 18 crew and passengers, have amphibious capabilities, has a top speed of at least 110 kilometers per hour, and 12 kilometers per hour on water.

It shall also have NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection, and weigh at least 21,000 kilograms, at least 9,000 millimetres long, and 3,400 millimetre’s wide.

Meanwhile it is believed that Chaiseri Metal & Rubber Co. Ltd. would be suppling their First Win II 4x4 armored vehicle for the requirement for 4x4 armored vehicles, while other companies like Nantatrade Co Ltd and Siam Panich Ltd Partnership are expected to participate as well.

Requirement for the 4x4 vehicles include having a budget of THB99.99 million (US$3.07 million) for 6 vehicles, or around THB16.65 million (US$512,600) each, can carry a total of 10 crew and passengers, powered by a diesel engine and having a load capacity of 2,000 kilograms.

It shall also have NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection, and V-shape hull with explosion protection meeting STANAG 4569 Level 3b/4a requirements.

Not much details have been made available, but it is expected that the vehicles would be used in support of security operations by the RTN.




[1] AAG_Th Thai Defense Page
[2] Royal Thai Navy

Philippines finalizes order for naval weapon systems from Israel's Rafael for upcoming new fast attack crafts

 

A Spike NLOS missile launched from the Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher during tests. Photo c/o Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Co. Ltd. (Rafael) has announced that it secured a contract worth almost US$80 million for the supply a comprehensive naval warfare systems suite for a navy of an undisclosed country in Southeast Asia.

The equipment are to be installed on Shaldag V fast attack crafts being built by Israel Shipyards for the Southeast Asian country, and will be completed within 3 years.

The contract includes the supply of Combat Management Systems (CMS), Typhoon and Mini Typhoon remote operating weapon systems (RCWS), Naval Spike missiles, Sea-Com Internal Communications Systems, and BNet tactical data link, plus other components and full maintenance and support services.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that the naval warfare systems from Rafael are actually for the Philippine Navy (PN), which has a contract with Israel Shipyards for the supply of nine Shaldag V fast attack crafts, and also awarded a contract to Rafael for the combat systems.

It says that Rafael was declared the winning supplier, with an offer worth US$79.38 million for the Philippine Navy's Fast Attack Interdiction Craft - Missile Capable Lot 2 Weapon Systems project.

Rafael received the Notice of Award on January 2021, while Israel Shipyards also took a separate project lot worth US$127.9 million to supply 8 Shaldag V fast attack crafts, as well as technology transfer to allow local production of the boat at the Philippine Navy's shipyard. An extra boat was said to have been included by Israel Shipyards in the deal.

It is expected that all boats would be equipped with one Typhoon RCWS with 30mm Bushmaster II gun, and two Mini Typhoon RCWS with 12.7mm heavy machine guns. At least 4 of the boats will also have the Spike MLS-NLOS missile launcher with Spike NLOS missiles.

Rafael's Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missile will provide the Shaldag V boats with extended precision capabilities, and is capable of destroying small fast moving boats, shore targets like bunkers and armored vehicles, and damage larger ships.

The Philippine Navy already operates the Mini Typhoon RCWS mounts and Typhoon MLS-ER with the shorter ranged Spike-ER missiles on 3 of their Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC), while Rafael is also under contract to supply similar weapon systems to 3 more MPACs




[1] Rafael Advanced Defense Systems 
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Jane's