Japan commissions its first new Mogami-class frigate

 

The Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano (FFM-2). Photo c/o Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its first new Mogami-class frigate into service.

The new ship, named the JS Kumano (FFM-2) was commissioned at the same time as the delivery of the ship by its shipbuilder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on 22 March 2022.

The JS Kumano  is actually the second ship of the class but was the first to be delivered to the JMSDF, before the lead ship of the class, the future JS Mogami (FFM-1) which has been rescheduled to be delivered and commissioned with the JMSDF by April 2022.

It was assigned with the JMSDF's Mine Warfare Force based in Yokosuka Naval Base in Kanagawa.

The new Mogami-class frigates were designed with efficiency and high level of automation in mind, together with a more compact design for reduced construction cost,and stealthy hull and superstructure design for reduced cross-section against radar detection.

It has a length of 132.5 meters, a width of 16.3 meters, and has a crew of 90 officers and sailors.

The ship has a maximum speed of more than 30 knots, and powered by a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion configuration with two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine.

It is armed with a BAE Systems Mk.45 Mod 4 127mm naval gun, two Japan Steel Works RCWS for 12.7mm machine guns, a 16-cell Mk. 41 VLS, an 11-cell Raytheon SeaRAM CIWS, and two quadruple launchers for MHI Type 17 anti-ship missiles.

The Mogami-class are to replace the JMSDF's ageing fleet of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that have been in service since the late 1980s.




[1] Naval News
[2] Janes
[3] The Diplomat

Philippines unveils new ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers, M125A2 120mm Amored Mortar Carriers

Two of the Philippine Army's new ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers. Photo c/o Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army (PA) has presented its new artillery assets to the local press as part of the service’s 125th founding anniversary on 22 March 2022.

Among those showcased are the new Soltam ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer, and the M125A2 120mm Armored Mortar Carrier, both of which were delivered to the Philippine Army in late 2021.

Both artillery systems were acquired by the Philippine Army from Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, under two separate contracts.

The Philippine Army ordered 12 units of ATMOS 155mm SPH including other support vehicles and equipment, ammunition, logistics support and training in 2019 under a PHP2.386 billion (US$48 million) contract, with the systems to be assigned with the Philippine Army's Artillery Regiment.

Another order for 15 units of M125A2 120mm Armored Mortar Carriers equipped with the Soltam Cardom 120mm recoil mortar system was made also in 2019 under a PHP1.094 billion (US$22 million) deal, and will be assigned with the Philippine Army's Armor Division.

Both systems are expected to improve the indirect fire support capabilities of the Philippine Army, as it starts to transition from a counter-insurgency force to one that can address territorial defense.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the ATMOS 155mm SPH is the self-propelled artillery system in the Philippine Army in more than 60 years, as it previously operated World War 2-era M7 Priest 105mm self-propelled guns in the 1950s.

The Philippine Army also have 5 existing M113-based armored mortar carriers equipped with the 81mm variant of the Soltam Cardom recoil mortar system.




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] Philippine Army

Indonesia launches 2 new PC-60 patrol vessels

 

The 2 recently-launched PC-60 patrol vessels for the Indonesian Navy. Photo c/o Kompas.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has launched and named two new PC-60 coastal patrol vessels on 21 March 2022.

The launching and naming ceremonies were held at Indonesian shipbuilder PT Caputra Mitra Sejati’s yard in Banten, and was attended by the Chief of Staff of the TNI-AL Admiral Yudo Margono, and other officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) and TNI-AL.

The boats were named KRI Dorang (874) and KRI Bawal (875), were said to be proof of the Indonesian defense industry’s independence, and manifestation of a professional, modern and tough Indonesian Navy.

The PC-60 patrol vessels are 60 meters long, has a width of 8.50 meters, and displaces at around 440 to 520 tons.

They have a maximum speed of 24 knots, a cruising speed of 17 knots, and an economical speed of 15 knots which allows the ship to sail for 6 days with a crew of 46 active and 9 reserve personnel.

The ships are armed with a 40mm Oto Melara gun operated with a Fire Control System, as well as two manually-operated 12.7mm heavy machine guns.

Admiral Margono also confirmed that the ships can be armed with missiles during emergencies, as they have space and channels to allow these improvements.

Upon commissioning , KRI Dorang will be assigned with the Patrol Ship Unit (Satrol) of the TNI-AL’s Main Base (Lantamal) IX in Ambon, while KRI Bawal will be sent to Satrol Lantamal XIV in Sorong.




[1] Halaman Utama VOI
[2] Kompas
[3] Liputan 6

Australia selects Insitu Integrator tactical unmanned aerial vehicles

 

The Insitu Integrator. Photo c/o Insitu Pacific.

 

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has confirmed that it has selected Insitui Pacific to supply tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to the Australian Army under its LAND 129 Phase 3 project.

Insitu Pacific offered their Integrator tactical UAV to meet the Australian Army’s requirements, and 24 units will be delivered under a A$650 million (US$480 million) deal.

The package includes associated ground systems and integration services, and the local manufacture of the UAVs in Brisbane, Queensland.

Insitu Pacific competed against Textron Australia with its Aerosonde V4 UAV, with both companies shortlisted by the Australian DOD in 2020.

The Integrator UAV will provide the Australian Army will enhanced capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) gathering, and target acquisition for weapon systems across the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

With the UAVs being manufactured locally, the program would also assist in harnessing the Australia’s innovation and technology development, with investment worth A$56 million, and employment of up to 130 Australians.

Production was confirmed to have already started, with the UAVs expected to be delivered starting 2023, and end by 2024.

The Australian Army’s LAND 129 Phase 3 project aims to replace its fleet of AAI RQ-7B Shadow 200 Version 1 currently operated by the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment.

The RQ-7B Shadow 200 Version 1 was found to be obsolete for further use in the next few years, and even the US Army has started replacing them with a newer variant, the RQ-7 Shadow 200 Version 2, which the Australian Army found as not in line with their own requirements.

The Integrator uses a base UAV platform as the RQ-21 Blackjack in US military service, but will be integrated with indigenous systems, which involves companies including Ascent Vision Technologies Australia, Orbital UAV, Nova Systems Australia, LSM Advanced Composites, and Jayben Group.




[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Australian Defence Magazine
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Pakistan officially inducts J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighters into service

 

Some of the new J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighters inducted to the Pakistan Air Force. Photo c/o Janes.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has formally inducted the new Chengdu J-10C "Vigorous Dragon" fighter aircraft into its fleet, which will boost the air combat capabilities of the country.

The first six of the new fighters were delivered recently, and were officially inducted into service at the PAF's Minhas Kamra Airbase in Punjab, with the ceremony attended by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The new Chinese-made fighters were assigned with the PAF's No. 15 Squadron.

No exact quantity has been confirmed by Pakistan, although it was believed that the country ordered at least 25 units from China.

Pakistan is the second country in the world to operate the J-10, with China being the other country, whose People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) operating the aircraft.

The J-10C Vigorous Dragon is classified as a medium-weight, all-weather fighter aircraft, and can be equipped with a variety of 4th-generation ait-to-air missiles including the Chinee PL-10 short range missile, and the PL-15 beyond visual range missile.

It is also equipped with an Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

The PAF currently operates a variety of fighters including American-made F-16A/B/C/D Fighting Falcons, French Mirage III and Mirage V, and Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, and the Chinese-made F-7 Skybolt.




[1] Air Force Technology
[2] Flight Global
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal

Philippines confirms acquisition of 17 Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopters from Russia

A Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopter. Photo c/o Wikimedia Commons. 

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has confirmed to local media that it has signed a contract to purchase 16 new Mil Mi-17 Hip transport helicopters from Russia.

During an interview by the local press, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that a contract has been signed between the DND for the acquisition of 17 Mil Mi017 Hip helicopters on November 2021.

Also, the Philippine Government has released the payment for the initial deposit as agreed in the contract as of January 2022.

He also confirmed that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to receive the first batch of the helicopters in 24 months, which is around January 2024.

Questions arose on the possibility of delivery problems for the helicopters considering Russia being sanctioned by the United States under its Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), as well as economic and defense sanctions by major Western and Asia-Pacific countries for its invasion of Ukraine on February 2022.

Secretary Lorenzana confirmed that the deal with Russia will proceed as part of its contract obligations, as the contract has been signed 3 months before Russia invaded Ukraine.

The PAF has selected the Mil Mi-17 Hip for its heavy lift helicopter requirements with a budget of PHP12.8 billion (US$256 million). 

The Russian helicopter competed against other designs, specifically the larger American-made CH-47F Chinook from Boeing which was said to be far more expensive.

Philippine defense page Philippine Defense Resource confirmed that the initial deposit worth 15% of the contract price was released as early as May 2021, but the project encountered delays due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Once delivered, this would be the first major Russian-made aircraft in the PAF and the first major Russian-made defense equipment for the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Previously the AFP only operated a few donated transport trucks from URAL and GAZ, and AKM rifles donated by the Russian Government.

[1] Philippine News Agency

[2] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] ABC News

Japan commissions first new Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine

The JS Taigei (SS 513) during its first operational cruise. Photo c/o JMSDF.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its first new Taigei-class diese-electric attack submarine.

The submarine, named JS Taigei (SS 513), was formally commissioned during ceremonies held on 9 March 2022 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Kobe Shipyard.

“Taigei” means Great Whale in Nihonggo, with the lead submarine launched on 14 October 2020.

The new submarine will be assigned with the JMSDF’s Escort Division 4 homeported at Yokosuka Naval Base.

The main feature of this new submarine class is the use of lithium-ion batteries from Kyoto-based company GS Yuasa, replacing lead-acid batteries used in previous diesel-electric submarine models. 

It also features an improved and more compact electricity storage and supply system, allowing a longer time underwater without increasing the physical size of the submarine.

The submarine also has a new Combat Management System (CMS), an enhanced snorkel system with reduced cross-section signatures, and a new generation sonar system using fiber-optic array technology.

The Taigei-class will also use the JMSDF’s latest torpedo, the Type 18 which features improvements in propulsion, guidance system and data processing compared to the older Type 89 torpedo. It can also fire the UGM-84L Harpoon Block II submarine-launched anti-ship missile, which is also capable for use as a land attack munition.

The JMSDF is expected to have a total of 6 Taigei-class submarines, although there is a potential for the Japanese Government to increase these numbers depending on the security situation and policy of the country.

The second ship of the class, the Hakugei (SS 514) was launched by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) in October 2021, and is scheduled to be commissioned with the JMSDF by March 2023. Funding has also been allocated for 4 more submarines, two of which would constructed by MHI and the other two by KHI.

Standard dimensions include a displacement of 3,000 tons, length of 84 meters, a width of 9.1 meters, and a crew of 70 officers and sailors. 

[1] Naval News

[2] The Diplomat

Philippines receives first two T129B ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey

One of the T129B attack helicopter for the PAF during unloading from Turkish Air Force A400M transport aircraft. Photo c/o PTV News.

 The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that delivery of the first two T129B ATAK attack helicopters it ordered from Turkey has arrived on 09 March 2022.

The two helicopters were delivered with assistance from the Turkish Air Force (TAF), with its A400M Atlas transport aircraft arriving at Clark Air Base, north of Manila.

According to the PAF, the delivery also included Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) which is included as part of the PHP13.7 billion (US$275 million) contract signed between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and the Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) for six T129B attack helicopters.

The helicopters are expected to undergo acceptance inspections by the PAF before being put to service with the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing.

The T129B ATAK was selected during a competition for a dedicated attack helicopter requirement by the PAF, and competed against the Bell AH-1Z Viper, Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian, and other Russian and European models.

The delivery of these helicopters were originally expected to happen in 2021, but was dragged in export license issues between the United States and Turkish governments, as the T129’s engines are made by US-UK company LHTEC.

Four more helicopters are expected to be delivered by TAI from 2023 to 2024.

[1] Philippine Air Force

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Australia launches second of six Evolved Cape-class patrol boat

 

The 2nd Evolved Cape-class patrol boat during its launch. Photo c/o Austal.

Australian shipbuilder Austal Ltd. has launched the second Evolved Cape-class patrol boat bound for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The launching took place at Austal’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia on 4 March 2022, in the presence of Australian Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie MP, and Austal Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg.

The boat, with hull number 315, is the second of six boats ordered by the Australian Department of Defence under a A$324 million contract with Austal Ltd. on May 2020.

It will undergo final fitting and testing before delivery to the RAN later this year.

The first boat was launched last October 2021, and is scheduled to be delivered to the RAN by March 2022. Four more ships are in different levels of construction, and are scheduled to be delivered at a four-month interval up until 2023.

The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, together with the upcoming Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels, will be replacing the RAN’s fleet of Armidale-class patrol boats and will be used for border and fisheries protection, maritime law enforcement, and maritime defense missions.

The local construction of the new boats also provide long term direct and indirect jobs to thousands of Australians, and supporting the Australian defense and shipbuilding industry, and the country’s economy.

[1] Austal Ltd

[2] Defence Connect

[3] Naval Today

Indonesia starts construction of 3rd of 5 PC-60 patrol boats ordered in 2021

 

The PC-60 patrol boat. Photo c/o PT Caputra Mitra Sejati.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has ordered five new fast patrol boats based on the indigenous PC-60 design.

These new boats are expected to be assigned with the TNI-AL's Fleet 1 protecting the country's western region.

The first two boats have been awarded to PT Caputra Mitra Sejati based in Banten, and are expected to be launched in August 2022.

The third boat of the batch was awarded to Indonesian shipbuilder PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati based in Batam, and held its 1st Steel Cutting Ceremony on 04 March 2022.

Two more are still yet to be awarded to shipbuilders.

According to TNI-AL Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ahmad Heri Purwanto, the patrol boats are an important element in the TNI-AL's fleet, and also has strategic implications for the overall national defense posture.

He also stressed the economic value of the construction of these boats by local shipyards, which helps provide jobs for the shipyards and its workers.

The PC-60 is a derivative of the KCR-60 design but will only be armed with guns. 

It has a length of 60 meters, a draught of 2.72 meters and a beam of 8.5 meters. Powered by two MTU 20V400M73 diesel engines with an output of 3,200 kilowatts, the boat reaches a top speed of 24 knots and an endurance of 8 days at 17 knots cruising speed..

The PC-60 has a standard crew of 55 sailors and officers.

The boat is armed with a 40mm Oto Melara naval gun, and two 12.7mm FN Herstal heavy machine guns. It also has a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that can be used for visit, boat and search operations at sea.




[1] TV One News Indonesia
[2] GBP Aerospace & Defence
[3] Navy Recognition

Singapore acquires Orbiter 4 small surveillance UAV

 

The Orbiter 4 UAV. Photo c/o Aeronautics Group.

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) confirmed on 02 March 2022 that it has acquired the Orbiter 4 Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV).

The new assets were acquired for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), which will be utilized to improve ground situational awareness for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and other security forces.

The announcement did not include information on number of UAVs acquired, or the value of the deal.

The Orbiter 4 CR-UAV are manufactured by Israel’s Aeronautics Group, an can be employed independently or in collaboration with other UAVs of the SAF’s for surveillance operations from different altitudes.

The Orbiter 4 can be used in different operating environment, including in urban or confined areas in support of security operations as well as peacetime requirements.

The CR-UAV does not require runways and can be launched from catapult system, and recovered using a net, allowing for operations from ships or unprepared areas.

2 payloads of up to 12 kilograms in total can be carried, and may vary include a stabilised day and night infrared with laser designation, HDLite for photogrammetric mapping, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), Light Detection and Ranging Scanner (LIDAR), and Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR).

[1] Flight Global

[2] Yahoo! News

[3] Aeronautics Group

Thailand’s order for 8 Boeing AH-6i light attack helicopter confirmed

The AH-6 light attack helicopter. Photo c/o Boeing.

The US Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a contract worth US$103.7 million to American aerospace giant Boeing for the supply and delivery of AH-6i light attack helicopters.

These helicopters are earmarked for the Royal Thai Army (RTA), which requested 8 units under a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Works will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by 30 May 2025.

In 2019, the US State Department approved the sale of 8 AH-6i helicopters to Thailand, which will replace the RTA’s fleet of 7 Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters.

Also requested were AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and M299 Hellfire launchers, M260 rocket launchers, and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guided rockets.

The AH-6i is described by Boeing as a highly capable light attack and reconnaissance helicopter specifically designed with superior performance characteristics and flexible, easily configurable mission equipment ideal for Light Attack, Precision Attack, Anti-Armor, Close Combat Attack, Reconnaissance, Security & Escort, Troop Insertion and Extraction, and Combat Search and Rescue.

It is based on the MD-500 family of light military helicopters, with improvements in overall performance and capability.




[1] US Department of Defense
[2] Army Technology
[3] Australian Defence Magazine