Vietnam unveils indigenously-converted 130mm self-propelled gun

 

The PTH130-K225B during testing. Photo c/o QPVN through VietDefense.

Vietnam's Military Technical Institute has unveiled its newly-developed 130mm self-propelled gun system, which was televised on the country's QPVN military channel.

The new system called the PTH130-K225B 130mm self-propelled gun was designed for use by the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).

The system was based on the Soviet-era M-46 130mm towed field gun, and mounted on a KrAZ-255 6x6 truck.

The M-46 gun has a maximum range of around 27 kilometers.

According to Vietnamese defense page VietDefense, the new PTH130-K225B is very similar to Cuba's own Jupiter V self-propelled gun system, which uses the same gun and platform combination, and could be a sign of development under an existing Cuba-Vietnam military cooperation.

Vietnam has been developing solutions that allow older towed howitzers to be mounted on trucks to create self-propelled systems.

This includes previous programs to install older M101 105mm towed howitzers on Ural trucks.and M548 tracked cargo vehicles.




[1] VietDefense
[2] QPVN

Indonesia formally receives, commissions two new indigenous Teluk Bintuni-class Landing Ships Tank

 

The two new Teluk Bintuni-class LSTs, the KRI Teluk Weda and KRI Teluk Wondama. Photo c/o Indonesian Ministry of Defence.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has formally received two new indigenously-designed and built Teluk Bintuni-class Landing Ships Tank (LST) on 26 October 2021.

The ships, named KRI Teluk Weda (526) and KRI Teluk Wondama (527), were built by PT  Bandar Abadi Shipbuilders and Drydocks, and was launched in the company's Batam facility with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto leading the event.

Also present were the Director of PT Bandar Abadi, Maslina Simanjuntak, Head of the Defence Facilities Agency of Ministry of Defence Yusuk Jauhari, and several other high ranking officers from the TNI-AL and the Indonesian Armed Force (TNI).

The name Teluk Weda (Wada Bay) was taken from the name of a bay located in Central Halmahera, Central Weda District, North Maluku., while the name Teluk Wondama (Wondama Bay) was taken from the name of the Bay in the Bird's Head area of ​​Papua Island.

The Teluk Bintuni-class have an overall length of 117 meters,  a width of 16.40 meters, a height of 7.80 meters, with a maximum speed of 16 knots, also has an endurance of 20 days and a crew of 111 crew.

In addition, these two tank transports are capable of carrying 367 troops, 15 units of BMP-3F Tanks and one helicopter.

The construction of the two ships was completed by PT Bandar Abadi in just 25 months or five months faster than the specified time of 30 months.

The commissioning of the two new landing ships tank is expected to fulfill the government's efforts to encourage the independence of the domestic defence industry, while reducing dependence on the foreign defence industry.




[1] Indonesian Ministry of Defence

Australia launches its first Evolved Cape-class patrol boat

The first Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, with hull number 314, being launched. Photo c/o Defence Connect.

Australian shipbuilder Austal has launched the first Evolved Cape-class patrol boat being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The first boat with hull number 314, was launched at Austal’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australian on 22 September 2021.

Under a A$350 million (US$262 million) contract, Austal will deliver 6 Evolved Cape-class patrol boats to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with the first ship expected to be handed-over by early 2022.

Austal confirmed that the five other ships of the class are in different phases of construction and will be delivered as per schedule.

The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are improved versions of the Cape-class patrol boats built by Austal for the Australian Border Force, with improvements in operational capability, crew habitability, and enlarged crew capacity.

The RAN has ordered these boats as interim platforms to replace some of its Armidale-class patrol boats that will be retiring  within the next few years, to bridge the gap until the Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels are fully operational.

The ships are 58 meters long, has a crew of 32 officers and sailors, has a top speed of 26 knots,  a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles, and an endurance of up to 28 days. The ship can safely operate up to Sea State 4.

Currently, the RAN has two Cape-class patrol vessels chartered from the National Australia Bank, to complement the Armidale-class patrol boats following availability issues.




[1] Australia Department of Defence
[2] Naval News
[3] Jane’s

Australia may potentially keep Collins-class submarines running until 2050

A Collins-class submarine with an MH-60R naval helicopter. Photo c/o RAN.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) may potentially need to keep its Collins-class diesel-electric attack submarines to operate up to 2050.

This is while RAN waits for the introduction of new nuclear-powered attack submarines using American and British technology, committed as part of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) treaty.

When asked if the Collins-class would continue to operate in 2040 or 2050, RAN’s Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Mike Noonan confirmed that it potentially could during a Senate inquiry on the country’s submarine program.

This means that another round of upgrade works could be needed, as the recently-approved program to upgrade the submarines are only good to extend their service life for another 10 years, or only until the around 2038.

Aside from these development, Vice Adm. Noonan also confirmed that US and British nuclear-powered attack submarines might be based in Australia, to help develop the RAN and the Australian defence industry’s understanding on naval nuclear technology.

But this would mean adjustments in the country’s legislations are needed, to allow the operation, docking, and maintenance of nuclear-powered ships in the country.

Aside from issues within Australia, tt was already confirmed by the New Zealand Government that nuclear-powered submarines that will be operated by the RAN are not allowed to enter or dock in New Zealand.

Australia terminated a deal with France’s Naval Group to build 6 Attack-class diesel-electric submarines, which are based on the Shortfin Barracuda design, and there are reports that Australia already spent at least A$2.3 billion up until the contract was terminated.




[1] ABC News
[2] Australia Financial Review

Thailand retires last Ratcharit-class fast attack missile craft

The Ratcharit-class missile attack craft HTMS Ratcharit (FAC-321).

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) retired its last Ratcharit-class fast attack missile craft after serving more than 41 years.

The former HTMS Ratcharit (FAC-321), the lead ship of the class, was commissioned with the RTN on 10 August 1979, and was decommissioned from service on 30 September 2021.

Two other ships of the class, the former HTMS Witthayakom (FAC-322) and HTMS Udomet (FAC-323) were retired earlier after announcement to retire the class was made in 2016.

The class were built by Singapore Technologies Marine, and were the second class of missile-capable fast attack crafts of the RTN.

The boats were armed with the MM38 Exocet anti-ship missile, with four missiles available as its primary weapon.

It also has an Oto Melara 76mm Compact naval gun, and a 40mm/70 dual-purpose gun.

The Ratcharit-class is the last missile-armed fast attack craft in the RTN, with newer models now only equipped with guns. The smallest ship in the RTN with anti-ship missiles are now the offshore patrol vessels, with the latest Krabi-class OPV armed with the RGM-84 Harpoon missile from the US.




[1] AAG_Th Thai Defence Page

Papua New Guinea commissions second Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia

The HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap (402). Photo c/o Royal Australian Navy.

The Maritime Element of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has commissioned its second Guardian-class patrol boat.

The boat, named HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap (402), was received by the PNGDF from the Australian Government on March 2021, and was commissioned on 13 October 2021 at the Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, with the ceremony attended by Australia’s Head of Mission, and the PNGDF’s Deputy Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara.

The ship, named after former PNGDF Commander Brigadier General Rochus Lokinap (retired), was gifted by the Australian Government to the PNGDF as part of its commitment under the A$350 million SEA 3036 Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Project of the Pacific Maritime Security Program, which involves delivering 4 new Guardian-class patrol boats to the PNGDF, and 17 more to 11 other Pacific island nations.

These boats would be used for border patrols and policing, search and rescue, and other missions to support of the recipient governments.

The project not only improves the maritime security capability of the said nations, but also allows the creating of 200 direct jobs and 200 indirect jobs within Australia.

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.

It has a crew of 23 men, and was designed to allow a naval gun of up to 30mm calibre, and for port and starboard side 12.7mm heavy machine guns.




[1] Royal Australian Navy
[2] Navy Recognition
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

South Korea unveils new indigenous next-generation basic trainer aircraft , unmanned FA-50 & LAH concepts

The four-engined electric-powered variant of the new Next Generation Basic Trainer. Photo c/o KAI.

As part of the ongoing Seoul International Aerospace  ADEX 2021 South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has unveiled its new "next generation basic trainer" (NBT) aircraft, which is expected to supersede the current ones used by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The new aircraft will be available in two options: one with a standard single turboprop engine, and another with four electric-powered propellers.

The new aircraft is 11.6 meters long, has a wingspan of  11.2 meters, and is expected to be oriented towards preparing pilots to fly the more advanced T-50 Golden Eagle family of advanced trainers and light combat aircraft, and eventually to the upcoming KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft.

The aircraft is also expected to have a large digital glass cockpit, benefiting from technology from the KF-21 development.

A ground-based flight simulator is also being developed to support the aircraft and the new training curriculum of the ROKAF.

Not much details have been provided on the new aircraft yet, including details if KAI would totally replace the current KT-1 Woongbi, or how the ROKAF will integrate the new aircraft into service.

Also, KAI has unveiled its proposed unmanned variant of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, which could be utilized for combat operations, or work in coordination with manned aircraft including the new KF-21 fighter.

It is expected that KAI would provide more details on these developments, including several others like the new unmanned Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) program, the NI-500VT surveillance UAV, and the Korean Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (K-UCAV) projects.




[1] Korea Aerospace Industries
[2] Korea Aerospace Industries

Philippines adds 5 new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, 4 ScanEagle 2 UAVs to its fleet

 

Some of the newly inducted S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. Photo c/o Philippines DND.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally received and inducted into service 5 new Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters, as well as 4 new Insitu ScanEagle 2 small surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles.

A ceremony was held on 13 October 2021 with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana leading the event, together with officials from Lockheed Martin, as well as the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command  Admiral John Aquilino, and US Charge d'Affaires Heather Variava.

The new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters were acquired by the PAF as part of a contract signed with Lockheed Martin for 16 helicopters. 

Lockheed Martin's Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, built and delivered the helicopters.

Including these newly inducted units, a total of 11 helicopters have been delivered, but 1 was destroyed in a fatal crash last June 2021 that was attributed to bad weather and human error.

The helicopters are operated by the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

The ScanEagle 2 UAVs were donated by the US Government as part of its commitments under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative program.

The UAVs are said to be worth PHP20 million and will provide additional capabilities in providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as in support of counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The PAF currently has 6 ScanEagle 2 UAVs also provided by the US Government under the same program, and are flown by the PAF's 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing.

The ScanEagle 2 UAV has a maximum payload of 5 kilograms consisting of camera and sensors, has a cruising speed of 60 knots, and flight ceiling of 20,000 feet.

It can be launched and recovered from land or from naval vessels using a specialized launching equipment.




[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] MaxDefense Philippines

Thailand shows interest in F-35A Lightning II as potential replacement of ageing F-16 fighters

 

F-35A Lightning JSF, these examples with the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o ADBR.

The Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has commented that the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) could be a potential replacement for the service's ageing fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.

According to a report by Shephard Media, RTAF Air Chief Marshall Napadej Thupatemi was commented as saying on his interest in looking at the F-35A Lightning II fighter.

He believes that, given an adequate budget, a stealthy fighter like the F-35 can meet the future requirements of the RTAF to maintain the country's status of being of the region's most capable air combat force.

The Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon, which have been in service with the RTAF since 1988, are expected to be replaced by a new fighter in the next 10 years. 

The RTAF currently has a small fleet of Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen fighters from Sweden, although sizeable order has been made to allow for additional squadrons to be armed with the aircraft.

Currently, the RTAF has no existing fighter acquisition program, although it has been actively replacing its fleet of light combat aircraft with the new T-50TH Golden Eagle from South Korea.

In Southeast Asia, only Singapore has a confirmed program to acquire the F-35 Lightning II JSF, with 4 units of the short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B variant ordered, with options for more units to be ordered in the near future.




[1] Thai Armed Force Defense Page
[2] Shephard Media

Philippines receives Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missiles to arm frigates

 

A CGI of a Simbad-RC missile launcher firing a Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missile. Photo c/o MBDA.

The Philippine Navy (PN) confirmed that it has received delivery of Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missiles.

The missiles arrived at Subic Bay port on 08 October 2021, and will be used to arm the PN's 2 Jose Rizal-class frigates, both of which are armed with two MBDA Simbad-RC missile launchers.

The missiles, manufactured by MBDA, was acquired under a contract worth PHP639.3 million (US$12.6 million) under the PN's Frigate Lot 2B - Surface to Air Missile Project.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PN is scheduled to formally accept the missiles from MBDA on 13 October 2021, after the PN's Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee has completed inspection and assessment of the goods delivered.

The Mistral-3 is the latest variant of the successful Mistral family of short range surface-to-air missiles. 

It can be used to defend against a variety of air threats including incoming anti-ship missiles, and low flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

It has also been tested and certified for use against fast moving surface targets like fast boats and unmanned surface vehicles. 

The Mistral-3 has a maximum effective range of  7 kilometers, and has a full imaging seeker providing high resistance to infra-red countermeasures, and the ability to engage low IR signature targets.

It has a 3-kilogram warhead with a laser proximity fuse.

The Simbad-RC - Mistral-3 combo will be the Jose Rizal-class' primary air defense system until the ships are installed with longer-ranged, vertical launching system-launched air defense system, which are designed for the frigates but will be acquired separately.

It will also complement a future close-in weapon system (CIWS), which is also programmed for acquisition in the near future.




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

Philippines acquires utility military trucks from Chinese, Russian manufacturers

 

The Dongfeng EQ1093 medium troop carrier truck. Photo c/o Dongfeng Motors.

The Philippine Army (PA) has ordered and received 70 trucks from Chinese manufacturers to meet its demand for more motorized assets.

The 70 trucks, divided into three types including 49 Light Troop Carriers, 18 Medium Troop Carriers and 3 Field Ambulances, were bought through a public bidding process conducted by the PA in late 2020.

The PA confirmed that the trucks were delivered to them on July 2021, composed on 49 Beijing Auto Works BJ2022 light trucks, 18 Dongfeng EQ2098 medium trucks, and 3 Sinotruk Howo light duty trucks,

These trucks will undergo technical inspections to see if it met the technical specifications and requirements of the PA.

The Chinese trucks were supplied by a local company, Jinyi Import and Export Trading Co. Inc., which competed with local companies supplying trucks from Russia and South Korea.

The Philippine Army is traditionally buying its trucks from South Korea's Kia Motors through Government-to-Government (G2G) transactions. 

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines mentioned in one of its reports that EURO-4 emissions compliance became an issue with Kia's military trucks.

In a separate but related news, the Philippine Army also awarded a separate contract to another local company to supply light troop carrier trucks from Russia.

The winning company, ConEquip Philippines, is the local supplier of GAZ and Ural trucks. They previously supplied trucks from both brands to the Philippine National Police's elite Special Action Force unit.

According to MaxDefense Philippines, 90 trucks, believed to be GAZ's Sadko NEXT light trucks, will be delivered to the Philippine Army before yearend.

In terms of size and capacity, the GAZ Sadko NEXT will be slotted between the Philippine Army's existing fleet of Kia KM450 4x4 light trucks and KM250 6x6 medium trucks.




[1] Philippine Defense Resource
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] Inquirer.net
 

Indonesia selects Terma to supply Electronic Warfare systems, countermeasure systems

 

Terma C-Flex combat system. Photo c/o Terma.

Danish defense company Terma announced on 29 September 2021 that they received a contract to supply Electronic Warfare systems to the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) on 31 August 2021.

The system involves integration with Terma's C-Flex Patrol system.

According to Terma's press release, "the company will provide an Electronic Warfare (EW) solution for 6 vessels, which will allow the TNI-AL to capture, compile and utilize EW data across multiple ships, but also bring in commonality in design and future expansion potential."

"Terma will also be in close cooperation with a UK EW data management specialist which will provide a shore station for ESM data processing, storage and dissemination."

"The combination of these system solutions will allow the TNI-AL to establish a fully functional ESM database for their fleet."

No mention was made on which ships will be provided with the new EW systems,

In a separate development, Terma also received an award on 29 September 2021 to upgrade the existing C-Guard systems on the TNI-AL's Diponegoro-class corvettes, which will allow Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities to be included.

The contract is a follow-on program from a previous upgrade made in 2019.

Terma also announced the establishment of a new Service and Operations Office in Surabaya, Indonesia, which will support all Terma-awarded programs in the country, and further consolidate the company's position in relevance.




[1] Naval News
[2] Jane's
[3] Navy Recognition

Malaysia to receive new Oshkosh heavy tactical trucks from US

 

M1120A4 HEMTT trucks with A-kit unarmored cab. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

American truck manufacturer Oshkosh Defense LLC, was recently awarded a contract by the US Department of Defense (DOD) with a US$16,708,584.00 worth of contract to supply heavy trucks to three countries, including Malaysia.

The other countries to receive the trucks are Iraq and Lebanon.

The trucks include the M1120A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT), M977A4 HEMTT load handling system, the M977A4 HEMTT cargo truck, the M978A4 HEMTT fuel servicing truck (tanker), and M1070A1 Heavy Equipment Transporter trucks.

It remains to be seen on which specific trucks will the Malaysian Army receive, and how many of each, as no breakdown was provided by the US DOD.

The trucks will be built in Oshkosh Defense's facility in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

It is expected that the completion date of the contract will be on 31 January 2022.

The HEMTT truck series are the US Army's standard heavy truck platform, and are used in a variety of logistics and support roles.

It is an 8x8 platform, 10-ton tactical truck, and has been in service with the US Army since 1982 as a replacement for the M520 Goer truck.

The latest variants of the HEMTT have the A4 suffix.

This will be the first time the Malaysian Army will be operating the HEMTT family of trucks.




[1] US Department of Defense
[2] Army Recognition