Philippines orders two new landing platforms dock from Indonesia’s PT PAL

 

Model of 123m LPD from PT PAL offered to the Philippine Navy. Photo c/o MaxDefense Philippines.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has signed a contract with Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero) for the supply and delivery of two new landing platforms dock (LPD) for the Philippine Navy (PN).

The contract worth PHP5.56  billion (US$107 million) was signed in Manila on 24 June 2022 by Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PT PAL Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Willgo Zainar, and witnessed by Philippine Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia,  PT PAL Corporate Secretary Mr. Rariya Budi Harta, General Manager of Marketing & Ship Sales Mr. Aris Wacana Putra, and other Philippine military and defense officials.

PT PAL offered a 123-meter LPD design, which is an improved version of the Tarlac-class LPD that PT PAL delivered to the Philippine Navy a few years ago.

The same design was featured by PT PAL in the recently concluded Philippine Marine Expo 2022 in Manila, and has a total length of 123 meters, a height of 21 meters, a displacement of 7,200 tons, and a cruising endurance of 30 days.

It would be powered by two marine diesel engines that allows a cruising speed of 13 knots, a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a maximum range of more than 9,300 nautical miles.

Allocation for future weapons and sensor systems are included in the design, which will be procured and installed later on by the Philippine Navy.

PT PAL noted that this is the second time that they will be exporting LPDs for the ASEAN market, and is touted as a measure of trust by the Philippine Government on the Indonesian shipyard’s ability to provide quality naval ships.

The DND is procuring these LPDs under the Landing Docks Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy, which also includes a small landing crafts utility (LCU) and two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) to come with each of the ships. 

Delays have plagued the project due to several failed public biddings which pitted PT PAL with other shipbuilders from countries including South Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, and India.

[1] PT PAL 

[2] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Japan launches fifth Mogami-class stealth multirole frigate

The frigate Yahagi (FFM-5) during launching by MHI. Photo c/o Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the fifth ship of the Mogami-class frigate built for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The ship, named Yahagi (FFM-5) was launched on 23 June 2022 at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.

It was named after the Yahagi river in Chubu region, in line with Japanese ship naming conventions.

Previously, an Agano-class cruiser with the Imperial Japanese Navy held the same, which was sunk together with the battleship Yamato during Operation Ten-Go just months before the end of World War 2.

MHI is expected to continue works on the ship, as works on the final fittings and equipment will still need to be done, as well as testing and sea trials in preparation for its hand-over and commissioning the JMSDF by December 2023.

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.

Its sensors include the Mitsubishi Electric OPY-2 multifunctional radar, Mitsubishi Electric OAX-3 EO/IR sensors, Hitachi OQQ-11 anti-mine sonar, and NEC OQQ-25 anti-submarine sonar suite that includes a hull mounted system and a towed-array sonar system.

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] Overt Defense
[3] Japan Maritime Self Defense Force

Philippines signs up order for 6 new 94-meter offshore patrol vessels from South Korean shipbuilder

 

CGI of the new 2,400-ton OPV for the Philippine Navy from Hyundai Heavy Industries. Photo c/o Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has signed a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the construction and delivery of six new offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy (PN).

The contract signing, worth KRW744.9 billion (PHP30 billion / US$580 million) was held on 27 June 2022 in Manila, with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Naval & Special Ship Business Unit Nam Sang-hoon, and in the presence of South Korean ambassador to the Philippines Kim In-cheol, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Andres Centino, PN Acting Flag Officer in Command Rear Admiral Caesar Valencia, and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE, parent company of HHI) President Ka Sang-hoon.

The acquisition of new offshore patrol vessels was among the priority projects of the Philippine Navy's modernization under its Horizon 2 phase, covering the years 2018 to 2022.

Based on the photo released by KSOE, the design was based on their HDP-1500 Neo OPV, but was enlarged to meet PN requirements.

The ship is said to have a displacement of 2,400 tons, a length of 94.4 meters, a width of 14.3 meters, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a maximum range of 5,500 nautical miles.

The increase in size and performance is significant on the new ship design compared to the original HDP-1500 Neo OPV design which has a displacement of 1,700 tons, a length of 81 meters, a width of 13.1 meters, and a maximum speed of 21 knots.

It also appears to be armed with a 76mm main gun, a remote controlled weapon station carrying a 30mm secondary gun, and two MBDA Simbad-RC missile launchers for the MBDA Mistral short range surface-to-air missiles.

According to the DND, the contract includes technology transfer particularly on Human Engineering Operators and Training, Technical Publications, and Manual, as well as Design Ownership that allows the license manufacture of the OPV's design for exclusive use of the Philippine Government.

No dates were provided on the target delivery dates to the Philippine Navy although it was expected by defense analysts to have the first ship delivered by 2024.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel project of the Philippine Navy was originally earmarked for awarding to Australian shipbuilder Austal, but delays on the project increased the price of Austal's proposal. This prompted for the re-negotiation of the project with other shipbuilders including Turkey's ASFAT, Dutch shipbuilder Damen Group, and other shipbuilders from Thailand and India.




[1] Philippines Department of National Defense
[2] FN News Korea
[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Australia confirms impending delivery of final two CH-47F Chinook helicopters

 

One of the CH-47F Chinook helicopters of the Australian Army. Photo c/o Australian Army.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has confirmed that it is expecting the delivery of two additional Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters from the United States, as part of an expedited sale for 4 new helicopters by the US Government in 2021.

This delivery is part of a program worth A$595 million that aims to improve the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) heavy lift battlefield aviation capabilities.

The first 2 helicopters were delivered in July 2021, and the last 2 helicopters are expected to arrive by mid-2022.

The introduction of additional helicopters will provide the ADF with additional lift capability, as well as strengthen the Australian Army’s ability to support operations globally.

The Australian Army Aviation Command already operates 12 CH-47F Chinook helicopters operated by its C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment based in Townsville, Queensland.

Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, said that the Chinook have been instrumental in recent peacetime and humanitarian missions including Operation Bushfire Assist in 2019-2020, Operation Tonga Assist in 2022, and Operation Queensland / New South Wales Flood Assist in 2022.

Aside from the procurement of additional helicopters, the Australian defense industry will be playing a key role in supporting the Chinook fleet, with investments to the Australian economy by around A$69.5 million over the next 20 years.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Army Technology

Australian F-35 fleet continues to grow, reaches 50 aircraft

 

2 more F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft arrived in Australia on May 2022. Photo c/o RAAF.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has confirmed that they continuously receive new deliveries of new F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from American defense company Lockheed Martin, with two more aircraft arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown last May 2022.

Out of 72 aircraft ordered by the Australian Department of Defence under its AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B Program, at least 50 aircraft have been delivered to the RAAF.

The RAAF’s No. 3 Squadron has been responsible in bringing in these aircraft from the United States mainland to Australia, crossing over the Pacific Ocean.

Aside from additional new assets and improved capabilities, the RAAF has also acknowledged the skill improvements and increased competency of its personnel 

At the same time, the RAAF’s F-35 fleet continue its integration with the US Armed Forces, including participation at Exercise Black Flag 22-1 that allowed RAAF and US Air Force to enhance their combined capabilities against a peer adversary, progressing in integrated tactical procedures against advanced air-to-air threats.

So far, the RAAF reports that its F-35 fleet have clocked in excess of 15,000 flight hours and reached initial operational capability, which can be considered as combat capable.

Australia is expected to receive further deliveries smoothly and reach the complete delivery and full operationalization of all 72 aircraft by 2023, with the potential for additional orders to increase the fleet to a total of 100 aircraft.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Australian Aviation

Malaysia receives first CN-235 converted to Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

 

CN-235-220M number M44-05 during tests after MSA conversion. Photo c/o Abdeil I R through Defense Studies page.

Reports have come up stating that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has received its first CN-235-220M medium tactical transport aircraft that was converted as a Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA).

The CN-235-220M number M44-05 was reported to have arrived at the RMAF’s Kuching Air Base in Sarawak state on 17 June 2022, and was one of three RMAF CN-235 that were sent to Indonesian aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in September 2020 for rework to a MSA variant.

The program to convert the CN-235 transport aircraft to MSA variants were financed by the US Government under its Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) Program, which aims to improve the maritime surveillance capabilities of partner nations.

PTDI worked in cooperation with US company Integrated Surveillance and Defense Inc. (ISD), which supplied and integrated the Mission Management System for the three aircraft.

Among those installed as part of the MSA conversion include a new surface search radar installed at the bottom of the aircraft fuselage, and is capable of detecting small tagets up to 200 nautical miles.

The aircraft also has a new Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) under its nose, and was also integrated with a new Automatic Identification System (AIS), and an automatic tracking system to identify ships.

As part of the delivery of the converted aircraft, PTDI has submitted the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to Malaysian authorities, which is required for the conversion work that provides Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to modify the aircraft from its original design.

Two more aircraft are still with PTDI, and are already delayed in their delivery to the RMAF.

Malaysia plans to have at least six Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, and has a separate program to acquire new aircraft to meet its requirements.

[1] Defence Security Asia

Indonesia successfully tests ScanEagle 2 UAV operation from frigate

 

ScanEagle 2 UAV being set-up on frigate KRI Abdul  Halim Perdanakusuma (355). Photo c/o TNI-AL Koarmada II.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has successfully integrated and launched the ScanEagle 2 surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from one of its Ahmad Yani-class frigate.

The TNI-AL confirmed that the frigate KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusama (355) received the ScanEagle UAV’s catapult and recovery system that allowed its operation, and has successfully carried out Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) conducted at the Madura Strait.

The ScanEagle SAT procedures included pre-flight briefing, GSE set-up, pre-flight system check, drone launch, flight operation and recovery.

The ScanEagle UAV was able to fly as far as 50 nautical miles from the ship, with an altitude of 6,000 feet for 5 hours, with tests conducted in both day and night conditions.

The TNI-AL received several ScanEagle 2 UAVs from the United States Government as part of its Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) Program which aims to improve the maritime capabilities of partner nations.

The TNI-AL said that the ScanEagle UAV can be used to improve their maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and is an important move to modernize the naval forces.

The success of integrating the ScanEagle 2 UAV into the KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusama could be used as a catalyst for more TNI-AL ships to be equipped with similar capabilities.

[1] Indonesian Navy 2nd Fleet Command

Elbit Systems displays Sabrah Light Tank System for Philippines

The Sabrah light tank system on ASCOD 2 platform. Photo c/o Army Recognition through MaxDefense Philippines.

Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has unveiled its Sabrah light tank system at the Eurosatory 2022 defense exhibition in Paris, France.

The Sabrah light tank system is scheduled for delivery to the Philippine Army, which is the launch customer for the new system to fulfill its requirements for a mixed fleet of tracked and wheeled light tanks.

The Sabrah turret design was said to benefit from experience of Elbit Systems and Israeli Army’s Merkava Directorate Tank Program Administration (MANTAK) in developing combat-proven vehicles.

The Sabrah turret, which can be configured for manned or unmanned operation, can also be configured to use either a 105mm or 120mm NATO-compatible tank gun, and also features an automatic loader, and other products from Elbit Systems including the Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS) gunner sight, a panoramic day/night stabilised sights, the Iron Vision helmet-mounted display, a fire control system, the Torch-X command and control system, and the Iron Fist active protection system.

The display features the Sabrah turret mounted on a General Dynamics European Land Systems (GLDELS) ASCOD 2 / Pizarro 2 platform, and is believed to be how the Philippine Army tracked light tank may look.

The Philippine Army light tank project will also have the Sabrah light tank system installed on the Excalibur Army Pandur 2 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) signed a US$172.2 million contract with Elbit Systems to deliver 30 vehicles consisting of 28 tracked and wheeled light tanks, a command vehicle and a recovery vehicle to fulfill its Light Tank requirements.

Philippine Defense Resource also reported that Elbit Systems will also deliver 2 wheeled armored vehicles,105mm tank ammunition rounds, 3 tank transporters and 5 sniper detection systems.

The first batch of tanks are expected to be delivered to the Philippine Army by late 2022.

[1] Shephard Media

[2] Army Recognition

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Philippines commissions second and final Magbanua-class patrol vessel, plans to acquire more

 

The BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) during commissioning ceremonies on 12 June 2022. Photo c/o PCG.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned its second and final Magbanua-class 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV).

The commissioning of the ship, named BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) was held in Manila on 12 June 2022, as part of the country's 124th Independence Day celebrations, and was attended by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Consul General to the Philippines Okajima Hiroyuki.

The ship, together with its sistership BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) are currently the Philippine Coast Guard's largest sea assets, and were acquired as part of the Department of Transportation's Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase II in cooperation with the Japanese Government.

The ship, based on a variant of the Japan Coast Guard's Kunigami-class patrol vessel, was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan, and was arrived in the Philippines on 01 June 2022.

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

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

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

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

PCG Deputy Commander for Operations Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante remarked during a visit by executives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on 14 June 2022 that it plans to acquire more Magbanua-class MRRVs from Japan.




[1] Philippine Coast Guard
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] GMA News

Indonesia starts construction of new Presidential ship

First steel cutting is shown during the ceremonies on 09 June 2022. Photo c/o TV One News.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Karimun Anugerah Sejati (KAS) has started the construction of a new Presidential Ship for the Indonesian Government.

The First Steel Cutting and Keel Laying Ceremony was held on the shipbuilder’s facility in Tanjunguncang on 09 June 2022, with Indonesian Navy Logistics Assistant to the Chief of Naval Staff Read Admiral Puguh Santoso and PT KAS Director Franky Sucipto leading the event.

The new ship would be named KRI Bung Karno once it is commissioned with the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), and would replace an older ship, the KRI Barakuda which is already more than 30 years old and was deemed obsolete.

Rear Admiral Puguh Santoso highlighted the local shipbuilding industry’s importance in Indonesia’s self-reliance program and progress, while also reminded the shipbuilder to keep the quality high to ensure a successful project.

The ship will be mainly used in service of the President of the Republic of Indonesia as the official sea transport ship, and can be used to host other VIPs during official functions. The ship can also be used during emergencies as a mobile command post at sea.

Aside from VVIP-related duties, the KRI Bung Karno will also be used by the TNI-AL for other purposes including maritime patrol and logistics support.

The KRI Bung Karno is 73 meters long, and will be powered by two 4,000KW diesel engines allowing a cruising speed of 16 knots and a maximum speed of 24 knots.

It will also be armed with a 40mm main gun, and 20mm secondary guns for self-defense.




[1] Batampos
[2] TV One News
[3] SPost Indonesia

Philippines to receive first two Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts by September 2022

First Shaldag Mk V boat for the Philippine Navy prior to finalising. Photo c/o Inquirer.net.

he Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to receive the first two Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts it ordered from an Israeli shipbuilder by September 2022.

This was confirmed by a report by local media outlet Philippine Daily Inquirer, which r76eceived its information directly from the Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy ordered nine Shaldag Mk. V fast attack crafts from Israel Shipyards under a Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement process with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

All boats will be armed with 30mm autocannon on a Typhoon remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) from Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., as well as 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns.

At least four boats would also be equipped with a Typhoon MLS-NLOS missile launcher that can fire the Spike NLOS surface-to-surface missile with an effective range of around 20 kilometers, and also made by Rafael. 

According to reports, five of the boats will be built by Israel Shipyards in their yard in Haifa, Israel, while four boats will be built by the Philippine Navy’s Cavite Naval Yard under a technology transfer agreement between the two parties.

Israel Shipyards is expected to deliver the rest of the boats in different batches that will span until 2025.

These Shaldag Mk. V boats will replace the Tomas Batilo-class fast attack crafts that were acquired second-hand from South Korea in the early 1990s. The Tomas Batilo-class are formerly Chamsuri-class patrol boats of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

[1] Inquirer.net

2] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] MaxDefense Philippines

Philippines awards tender for 2 new LPDs to Indonesian shipbuilder

123m LPD submitted by PT PAL to Philippine Navy. Photo c/o PT PAL.

 

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) was reported to have awarded a tender for the construction and delivery of two new Landing Platform Docks (LPD) for the Philippine Navy (PN) to Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero).

A contract between the DND and PT PAL is expected to be signed within June 2022.

This was earlier reported by Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, and confirmed by media outlet Philippine Daily Inquirer in its report dated 10 June 2022.

The new LPDs have been under public tender since 2019, but has encountered several bidding failures due to a variety of reasons. 

According to Philippine Defense Resource, aside from PT PAL, other shipbuilders competing for the project includes South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), India’s Larsen & Tourbro (L&T), and a joint venture of local shipbuilder Megaship Builders and Indonesian shipbuilder PT Batamec.

Other shipbuilders believed to have made offers to supply new LPDs to the Philippine Navy include Turkey’s ASFAT, Dutch shipbuilder Damen Group, and another European shipbuilder.

According to the technical requirements released by the DND, the LPDs are at least 120 meters long, has a maximum speed of at least 16 knots, a maximum displacement of at least 7,200 tons, powered by 2 diesel engines and has a maximum range of at least 9,000 nautical miles, and has a helicopter landing deck capacity for at least two 10-ton naval helicopters, and a hangar for one 10-ton helicopter.

The Philippine Navy currently has two Tarlac-class LPDs operational and were also built by PT PAL, although it has expressed to acquire more LPDs to replace World War 2-era landing ship tanks (LST) that are scheduled for decommissioning soon.

PT PAL previously released a design that it has offered to the Philippine Navy, which is 123 meters long and is said to be an improved version of the Tarlac-class, addressing design issues from the original ships.

[1] Inquirer.net

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Thailand to procure 9 refurbished UH-60A Blackhawk general purpose helicopters

 

A UH-60 Blackhawk of the RTA. Photo c/o AAG Thai Defense Page.

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) plans to procure additional refurbished UH-60A Blackhawk general purpose helicopters, including related equipment and the construction of 2 aircraft hangars.

The RTA’s Transportation Department has posted a notice on its website regarding the planned procurement under the General Purpose Helicopter Procurement Project Phase 2, with a budget of THB3,179,999,999.16 (US$93.3 million).

The RTA’s Army Aviation Center based on Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Camp at Lotburi province will be operating these helicopters, which already operate different variants of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

These includes 9 UH-60L and 3 UH-60M that were procured brand new from Sikorsky Helicopters, and 3 refurbished UH-60A helicopters that were declared Excess Defense Articles (EDA) and were formerly with the US Army before undergoing refurbishing.

The 3 current refurbished UH-60A helicopters were delivered to the RTA in 2020.

The  additional helicopters for procurement are needed to replace older helicopters that have been retired from service, particularly the Bell UH-1H Huey helicopters.

It is expected that the helicopters will also be coming from US EDA stocks, rehabilitated and refurbished to suit RTA requirements.




[1] Royal Thai Army 
[2] AAG Thai Defense Page

Cambodia receives PHL-03 & Type 90B MLRS, SH1 155mm SPH, trucks from China

 

SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzers delivered to the Royal Cambodian Army as seen in a Cambodian city. Photo c/o Khmer Military News.

The Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) appears to have receive the PHL-03 300mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), Type 90B 122mm MLRS, and SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzer systems from China.

These were confirmed by videos and photographs emerging online on 25 May 2022, showing new military vehicles at Sihanoukville Port.

Among those identified in the videos and photos are at least 6 PHL-03 300mm multiple launch rocket launcher vehicles, 2 Wanshan WS2400 transport trucks, 2 Wanshan WS2500 ammunition loading vehicles, and 6 Norinco SH1 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

Also reportedly seen were unspecified numbers of Type 90B 122mm MLRS, Xiaolong JL3 4x4 tactical vehicles, BeiBen 2629 supply trucks and battery command post trucks.

All these new weapon systems were manufactured by Chinese state-owned arms manufacturer Norinco

These new artillery systems would improve the Royal Cambodian Army’s overall capability, with the service believed to not have similar systems in its current inventory.

While the RCA has other MLRS in its inventory, the PHL-03 fire a larger rocket with a range beyond 130 kilometers. Meanwhile the SH1 self-propelled howitzer is the first of its kind with the RCA.

According to reports from the Khmer Times, the new assets are stored in the RCA’s Artillery Headquarters in Kampong Speu province, and will be used for live firing exercise with the People’s Liberation Army in the future.




[1] Khmer Times
[2] Shephard Media
[3] Army Recognition