Philippines receives two Cyclone-class patrol vessels from the US

 

The Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Renato David receives a symbolic token representing the Cyclone-class ships. Photo c/o Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy has received two recently-decommissioned Cyclone-class patrol ships from the US Government.

This was confirmed by both the US Department of Defense and the Philippine Navy during the decommissioning ceremonies of the USS Monsson (PC-4) and USS Chinook (PC-9) in Naval Support Activity Bahrain on 26 March 2023.

The Philippine Navy’s Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Renato David led the Philippine Navy contingent in Bahrain to witness the decommissioning of the ships from the US Navy, and formally receive the ships. 

It was confirmed by the Philippine Navy that both ships are scheduled to arrive in the Philippines by May 2023, and will undergo a 60-day reactivation and maintenance works that will allow the Philippine Navy to configure the ships to their requirements and standards prior to commissioning and deployment to operational areas.

No information has been provided yet on when the ships are scheduled to be commissioned with the Philippine Navy, this could be sometime around July 2023.

The Philippine Navy is no stranger to the Cyclone-class, operating a single sistership, the former USS Cyclone (PC-1) since 2004. The service has been studying the acquisition of additional Cyclone-class patrol ships since the US Navy announced plans to retire the entire class, with plans to take in between two to five ships depending on availability and prevailing conditions of the ships.

The Cyclone-class patrol ships are 55 meters long, has a maximum width of 7.6 meters, and a displacement of around 335 tons. It is powered by four Paxman Valenta diesel engines allowing a range of 2,500 nautical miles at 12 knots, and a maximum speed of 35 knots.

They are armed with two Mk. 38 25mm autocannon, two Mk. 19 40mm automatic grenade launchers, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and two 7.62 machine guns. 

It can also be armed with a FIM-82 Stinger man-portable very short range air defense system, and are equipped with two Mk.60 quadruple launchers for the BGM-176 Griffin small surface-to-surface missiles. It was not confirmed if these missiles were removed prior to transferring the ships to the Philippine Navy.




[1] US Naval Forces Central Command
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
[3] PTV News

Singapore to develop and build new 10,000-ton Multi-Role Combat Vessel

A CGI of the planned Multi-Role Combat Vessel for the RSN. Photo c/o DSTA.

Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has started preparations in developing and building a new class of 10,000-tonne Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) to replace its ageing Victory-class corvettes from 2028 onwards.

DSTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sweden’s Saab, as part of the sidelines of the Singapore Defence Technology Summit on 22 March 2023.

As part of the MOU between DSTA and Saab, both parties will co-develop and design the new Multi-Role Combat Vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and will include the development of technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to meet requirements for high digitalization of the new ships.

Saab will also provide technical assistance by providing work attachment and internship to Singaporeans with regards to surface ship design, naval and digital technology, repair of composite structures, radar overhaul, and other technical competencies.

In a separate announcement, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) confirmed that its subsidiary ST Marine Engineering Ltd has been awarded a contract by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the detailed design and construction of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels for the RSN.

Defense media outlet Naval News reported that Saab will be acting as the project’s prime contractor, and the project will use the Iver Huitfeldt / Absalon-class design from Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology (OMT).

Naval News reported that that the ships are expected to have a displacement of around 10,000 tons at full load, and will be equipped with an advanced electric propulsion system, and could be equipped with the Thales Sea Fire radar, MBDA ASTER and VL Mica surface-to-air missiles, and will be designed to use mission containerized modules.

The ships are also designed to act as motherships for smaller manned and unmanned surface, subsurface, and air systems, with a wide spectrum of missions to maximize combat effectiveness.

Once in service with the RSN, these new MRCVs could become the largest surface combatants of any navy in Southeast Asia.




[1] Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency
[2[ Naval News
[3] Shephard Media

Philippines looking at options for new 105mm towed howitzer to replace M101s

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A Nexter LG1 Mk. III 105mm towed howitzer in action. Photo c/o Nexter.

The Philippine Army (PA) has been reported to be studying its options and preparing for the acquisition of new 105mm towed howitzers to replace its ageing M101s.

In a post made by Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippine Army’s Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner together with other senior leaders discussing about the selections being considered to replace the M101 105mm towed howitzer.

The photos from the Philippine Army presentation shows the M119A3 from the United States, the MKEK Boran from Turkiye, and the Nexter LG1 Mk. 3 from France.

Not much information can be seen from the said presentation, although MaxDefense Philippines did confirm that a replacement for the M101 has long been requested by the Philippine Army, but was never given priority due to other pressing needs.

The report also confirmed that representatives from MKEK and Nexter already met with Philippine Army leaders and officials from its Technical Working Groups to provide more information about the Boran and the LG1 Mk. 3, respectively.

All three options are modern 105mm towed howitzers that are in use by their country of origin as well as export markets, can be  combined with digital fire control systems and sightings, are lightweight, and can be transport by air or slinged on a helicopter.

All three howitzers also have a maximum effective range of around 17 kilometers using standard base bleed propellants.

There has been no confirmation on when the procurement process would start, but the Philippine Army has an ongoing modernization program that runs until 2028, and possibly extending over the 2030s.




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Army Recognition

Malaysia to lease four Black Hawk multi-role helicopters to replace S-61 Nuri

 

A Black Hawk multi-role helicopter. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Chief of the Malaysian Army, General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain has confirmed on 11 March 2023 that the Malaysian Army is scheduled to receive four Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters.

This announcement was made during the 28th Army Commander’s Appreciation Parade and the 28th Anniversary of the Army Aviation (PUTD) at Kem Mahkota in Kluang, Johor.

The helicopter’s acquisition is said to be with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is in the Seal of Acceptance phase, and are expected to be arriving with the Malaysian Army by May or June 2023.

The Black Hawk helicopters are being brought in to replace the ageing Sikorksy S-61 Nuri, which the Malaysian Army started to retire from service.

Due to the nature and speed of the acquisition and delivery, it is believed that the Black Hawk helicopters are not being purchased for the Malaysian Army, and could be leased from a service provider.

Purchasing helicopters, even directly from the manufacturer requires a longer delivery lead time and more time-intensive process and approvals from the exporting country’s government and other authorities.

The replacement of the S-61 Nuri has been deemed to be urgent, and it is believed that the 4 Black Hawk helicopters are only stop-gap measures as the Malaysian Ministry of Defence looks for a more permanent solution.

Once delivered, these Black Hawk helicopters will be operated by the Malaysian Army Aviation Regiment’s 882 Squadron.




[1] Air Times News
[2] Air Times News
[3] Malaysian Defence

Japan receives US approval to acquire 5 new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft

 

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft. Photo c/o US Navy.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) for the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

The package is expected to be worth US$1.381 billion, with the US Congress already notified of the potential sale.

Among those included in the package aside from the five E-2D aircraft are twelve (12) T56-A-427A Engines (10 installed, 2 spares); six (6) Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (5 installed, 1 spare); five (5) APY-9 Radars (installed); five (5) AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Control and Display Systems (installed); twelve (12) LN-251 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems with Embedded Airborne Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code Receiver (10 installed, 2 spares); and six (6) ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures Systems (5 installed and 1 spare). 

Also included are aircraft ancillary equipment; modifications; spare and repair parts; support equipment; publications and technical documentation; software; personal protective equipment; personnel training and training equipment; ferry services; U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support

The E-2D aircraft are expected to give Japan the ability to effectively provide situational awareness of air and naval activities in the Pacific region, and to augment its existing fleet of E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft.

Northrop Grumman is expected to be the principal contractor for the project, should Japan proceed with procuring these aircraft. 

Changes could still happen to the contents of the package as well as the contract price depending on negotiations between the US and Japanese governments, as well as on the inclusions in the package.




[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Australia gets US approval for sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles, AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles

  

An AGM-88G AARGM-ER missile fired from a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet. Photo c/o Naval Air Systems Command.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the possible sale of 255 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missile systems to the Government of Australia.

The package, estimated to be worth US$60.18 million, will also include 5 fly-to-buy missiles, technical assistance form the Tactical Air Ground Missile (TAGM) Project Office, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The Javelin missiles are meant to provide the Australian Army with improved anti-armor capability against current and future threats.

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles and Defense, which forms the Javelin Joint Venture, are expected to be the prime contractors of the project, should Australia proceeds with its implementation.

In addition, the US State Department also approved the possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) to the Government of Australia.

The package is expected to be worth around US$506 million and includes 63 AARGM-ER missiles, 20 AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs). Also included are AGM-88G AARGM-ER Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, component parts and support equipment, Repair of Repairables, Classified and Unclassified software, classified and unclassified training and publications, transportation, US Government and Contractor engineering support, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The sale of AARGM-ER missiles would improve the Royal Australian Air Force’s ability to suppress and destroy land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses, and improve the survivability of Australian tactical aircraft.

Northrop Grumman Information Systems is expected to be the prime contractor for this project, should Australia proceed with its implementation.




[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Philippines to procure Cukurova Defence 4X4X4 fast armored backhoe loaders

 

The 4X4X4 fast armored backhoe loader, which the Philippine Army is expected to finalize order soon. Photo c/o Cukurova Defence.

The Philippine Army (PA) is expected to formalize an order for 4 armored backhoe loaders from Turkish company Cukurova Defence, as part of efforts to improve the service's combat engineering capabilities.

The acquisition of armored backhoe loaders are part of the Philippine Army's modernization program  between 2018 to 2022 under its Combat Engineering Equipment Project.

Filipino defense page Philippine Defense Resource has confirmed that the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) has released a Notice of Award to a joint venture between Cukurova Makina of Turkey and Filipino company Safer PH Innovations on 29 December 2022, and a contract is expected to be signed soon once funding allocations have been provided by the Philippine Government.

The 4X4X4 fast armored backhoe loader is Cukurova Defence's product that fits the requirements of the project, and is believed to be the company's first export to the Philippines.

The vehicle was designed with armored layers to protect its crew against mines, explosions and small arms fire while doing engineering work in high threat environments that includes clearing roads and areas, assisting in construction work, or creating obstacles to slow down an attacking enemy.

It is powered by a Cummins QSB diesel engine, and is also equipped with run-flat tires designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured and enable the vehicle to continue moving at a reduced speed of 15 kilometers per hour.




[1] Philippine Defense Resource
[2] Cukurova Defence
[3] Philippines Department of National Defense

Australia may buy up to 5 American Virginia-class nuclear submarines, participate in UK's SSN(R) future nuclear submarine program

 

The lead ship of the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines, the USS Virginia (SSN-774). Photo c/o US Navy.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, together with United States President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak are expected to announce on 14 March 2023 the plans for Australia's A$200 billion future submarine force program as part of the AUKUS Alliance's meeting in San Diego, California.

According to leaked information gathered by international media from US and UK sources, Australia may purchase at least 3 second-hand Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines from the US Government, with an option for 2 more submarines.

These submarines are expected to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by the early 2030s.

As part of the deal, the US Navy will also forward-deploy their own nuclear submarines in Australia, and would allow access and training for future nuclear submarine crew from the Royal Australian Navy while assisting in Australia's own defense requirements in the absence of capable platforms to immediately replace the RAN's ageing fleet of Collins-class diesel-electric attack submarines.
 
Also part of the plan will be for Australia to join in the United Kingdom's ongoing Submersible Ship Nuclear (Replacement) or SSN(R) program which aims to design and construct a new class of nuclear attack submarines for the Royal Navy to replace the current Astute-class in the 2040s.

While Australia is not expected to benefit from a local submarine construction program with the purchase of second-hand American nuclear submarines, it is said that Australian shipyards and defense companies may get a chance to participate in supplying components for the construction of new Virginia-class submarines to assist American manufacturers and suppliers to speed up construction, as submarines for the US Navy are reportedly experiencing construction delays.

In participating with the design and construction of new nuclear submarines in partnership with the United Kingdom, Australian shipbuilders would benefit in local submarine construction in the 2030s.
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The information will yet to be confirmed as Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to announce Australia's plans on 14 March 2023.

If these are correct, the Australian Government says that its future submarine plans is expected to provide up to 20,000 jobs for Australians, technology transfer allowing Australia access to naval nuclear and submarine technology, and long term maintenance and sustainment contracts, in addition to improved naval defense capabilities for the country.




[1] The Sydney Morning Herald
[2] The Guardian
[3] ABC News

Brunei to receive two retired Fearless-class patrol vessels from Singapore

 

The former RSS Gallant (97) before it was retired by the Republic of Singapore Navy in 2020. Photo c/o Singapore MINDEF.

Brunei is scheduled to receive two used Fearless-class patrol vessels from Singapore, as part of close defense relations between the two countries.

The ships are being gifted by the Singapore Government for the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), as the service appears to be in need of additional patrol vessels to increase its presence within its Exclusive Economic Zone.

The process of transferring the two ships is already underway, with the two ships already identified by a report by British defense media outlet Janes as the former ships of the Republic of Singapore Navy, the  RSS Gallant (97) and RSS Brave (95) which were retired on December 2020 and August 2019, respectively.

Once in service with the Royal Brunei Navy, these two ships will be renamed as the KDB As-Siddiq and KDB Al-Faruq, respectively.

The Fearless-class of the Republic of Singapore Navy was a class of 12 patrol vessels that were built by Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering, now known as ST Engineering Marine, and have been in service from October 1996 to December 2020 when they were replaced by the new and larger Independence-class littoral missions vessels.

They are 55 meters long and have a displacement of around 500 tonnes, and are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Compact naval gun, a Typhoon 25mm remote controlled weapon station, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and some of the ships are armed with Mistral very short range air defense system and EuroTorp A244/S torpedoes.

While all ships have been decommissioned, four of the ships have been reworked and recommissioned as the Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV) for use to secure the country's internal waters.

Singapore has not announced plans on the final disposition of the 5 remaining ships which are currently stored.




[1] Janes
[2] Naval Technology
[3] Singapore Ministry of Defence

Japan commissions fourth Mogami-class multi-purpose frigate

 

The Mogami-class frigate, JS Mikuma (FFM-4). Photo c/o Naval News.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - Maritime Systems Co. has delivered the fourth Mogami-class multi-purpose frigates for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on 07 March 2023.

The ship was later commissioned with the JMSDF as the JS Mikuma (FFM-4), named after the Mikuma River located at the Oita Prefecture. It also shares its name with a heavy cruiser of the Imperial Japanese Navy commissioned in 1935.

The commissioning also marks its final departure from the Nagasaki Shipyard to its assignment with the JMSDF's 13th Escort Division based in Sasebo Naval Base in Nagasaki Prefecture.

The JS Mogami was launched on 10 December 2021, and joins three other sisterships, the JS Mogami (FFM-1), JS Kumano (FFM-2) and JS Noshiro (FFM-3) all of which were commissioned with the JMSDF in 2022.

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] Traffic News Japan
[3] Japan Maritime Self Defense Force

South Korea receives sixth Daegu-class FFX-II frigate

 

The Daegu-class frigate ROKS Pohang (FFG-825). Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has delivered the sixth Daegu-class guided missile frigate to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on 28 February 2023.

The ship, which was named the ROKS Pohang (FFG-825), was delivered to the ROKN at the DSME's Okpo Shipyard, as confirmed by the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The ship was launched by DSME on September 2021, and will be replacing the older Ulsan-class frigates that are in the process of retirement from ROKN service.

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

Indonesia receives first new C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

 

The new C-130J Super Hercules for TNI-AU ipon arrival in Jakarta on 06 March 2023. Photo c/o Detik News.

The first of five C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) arrived in Jakarta on 06 March 2023.

The aircraft, with tail number A-1339 arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, and was given a traditional water salute upon arrival. 

TNI-AU Deputy Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshall Marsdya Agustinus Gustaf Brugman was also present and lead the arrival ceremonies.

The new aircraft was flown by two pilots from the Indonesian Air Force namely Lt. Col. Pnb Anjoe Manik and Lt. Col. Alfonsus, accompanied by other TNI-AU personnel.

The aircraft started its journey from Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia on 28 February 2023, and had several technical stops along the way including in Monterey in California, Honolulu in Hawaii,  Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Guam, before finally arriving in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The aircraft is expected to be assigned with the Squadron 31 based at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta, which will see its legacy C-130H Hercules aircraft transferred to Squadron 32 based in Abdu Rachman Saleh Airbase in Malang to replace the older C-130B Hercules.

Lockheed Martin has previously confirmed that it will deliver the rest of the ordered aircraft sometime between July and October in 2023, and another aircraft by January 2024.

The TNI-AU sent a total of 48 personnel to the US including 12 pilots to train to fly and maintain the new C-130J Super Hercules.




[1] Kompas
[2] Detik News

Philippines pushes forward with acquisition of three C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

 

A C-130J-30 Super Hercules of the US Air Force. Photo c/o Scramble Magazine.

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has moved closer to finalize a deal with American defense company Lockheed Martin for the procurement of three new C-130J Super Hercules heavy tactical transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Based on a report released by the DND, it has released a Notice of Award (NOA) in favour of Lockheed Martin as of 29 December 2022. 

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the issuance of a NOA allows the finalization of a contract between the DND and Lockheed Martin, which is expected to be signed once all parties are in agreement and the financial backing for the initial payment is secured. 

So far, the Philippine Government has released the initial funding worth 15% of the project which was already released as early as June 2022.

MaxDefense Philippines also confirmed that the procurement will be through Direct Contract Sales and not through US Foreign Military Sales.

The Philippine Air Force originally requested for 5 new C-130J-30 stretched version of the C-130J Super Hercules, but COVID pandemic expenses has taken a toll on the country’s financial capabilities and funding was only provide for 3 aircraft.

It is expected that the contract will  include an option for the DND to order another 2 units at a later date.

The procurement of new C-130J Super Hercules was included in the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under its so-called Horizon 2 phase which covers 2018 to 2022, as part of efforts to recapitalize the PAF’s transport fleet.

Currently the PAF has a fleet of several legacy-model C-130 Hercules including a lone C-130B, a C-130H, and two C-130Ts procured from the US as Excess Defense Articles. A C-130H delivered by the US through EDA in 2021 fatally crashed on the same year, and another C-130H is expected to be delivered by the US within 2023. A third C-130H is said to be negotiated and could be delivered by 2024.

The Philippines will be the second operator of the C-130J Super Hercules in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, which is expecting to receive its first new build aircraft in 2023.




[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Philippine Defense Resource 
[3] Asia Pacific Defense Journal