Indonesia signs contract with Naval Group for new Scorpene Evolved attack submarines

 

A CGI of the Scorpene Evolved submarine. Photo c/o Naval Group.

On 28 March 2024, Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has signed a contract with French naval shipbuilder Naval Group for the Indonesia Navy’s (TNI-AL) new submarine construction program.

PT PAL has been selected by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver two new diesel-electric submarines to the Indonesian Navy, and the company already have an existing Strategic Partnership Agreement with Naval Group since 2022.

With the contract signed, it signifies the selection of Naval Group’s Scorpene Evolved diesel-electric attack submarine design to be built by PT PAL in its submarine shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia, in close coordination with Naval Group.

The deal also involves transfer of technology and know-how to allow the local construction of the submarines, which is a major factor in the Indonesian Government’s policy of defense self-sufficiency under its Defend ID Program.

Naval Group’s Scorpene Evolved submarine is a variant of its proven Scorpene diesel-electric submarine designed for shallow-water operations, and will feature use of lithium-ion batteries instead of previous-generation lead acid batteries to generate more power and efficiency, resulting to longer submerged period, longer operating duration, high operational tempo, faster battery charging, less battery space requirements, reduced battery maintenance downtime, and longer battery life.

Indonesia will also use locally-manufactured subsystems, allowing for local content and participation of Indonesian enterprises in the submarines’ manufacturing and life cycle.

The final configuration of the Indonesian submarines are not yet made public although they are expected to have standard weaponry that includes 6 torpedo tubes for firing heavyweight torpedoes and mines, and will use the Naval Group SUBTICS combat management system.

Naval Group competed against other submarine builders including Hanwha Ocean of South Korea, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany, as well as offers from Turkey and Italy.

Indonesia currently has 4 active submarines, composed of three Nagapasa-class (Improved Chang Bogo-class/Type 209-1400) commissioned between 2017 and 2021, and a Cakra-class submarine (Type 209-1300) commissioned in 1981.

[1] Naval Group

[2] Naval News

[3] The Jakarta Post

Indonesia signs contract with Fincantieri for 2 new multipurpose offshore patrol vessels

 

The Italian Navy's Francesco Morosini (P431), a PPA in Light configuration. Photo c/o Decode39.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has confirmed on 28 March 2024 that it signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the delivery of two new Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) Thaon di Revel-class Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels to the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The contract worth €1.18 billion (US$1.27 billion) and involves two PPA ships already being constructed by Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano in Italy for the Italian Navy.

This will allow Fincantieri to deliver the ships faster to the Indonesian Navy, with the consent of the Italian Navy and Italian Government.

Both ships would be diverted and fitted to the requirements of the Indonesian Navy, with Fincantieri acting as prime contractor which will coordinate with other industrial partners.

It is now yet clear though which of the ships will be diverted for Indonesia. There are currently three ships under construction for the Italian Navy that are scheduled for commissioning between October 2024 and August 2026.

This will depend on when the contract is finalized considering Indonesia’s unusual procurement process where signing a contract does not immediately constitute a confirmed sale. 

Funding is believed to be an issue as there have been previous reports of the Indonesian Government still trying to find ways to fund an earlier contract with Fincantieri for the supply and delivery of six FREMM-class large frigates and two refurbished Maestrale-class light frigates. 

It is still unclear if Indonesia will prioritize this new contract for two PPA ships, although this might depend on the availability of funding.

The base PPA offshore patrol vessel are 143 meters long, has a crew of 170 officers and sailors, and capable of speeds of more than 32 knots and powered in Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) configuration plus an electric propulsion system.

The Italian Navy has three configurations for their PPA ships with a varying degree of capability, although all have a common weapons configuration that includes an Oto Melara 127mm/64 Vulcano main gun, an Oto Melara 76mm/62 Strales secondary gun, and two Oto Melara RCWS with an Oerlikon KBA B06 25mm autocannon

The full configuration has allocation for two 8-cell DCNS SYLVER A50 VLS for 16 MBDA Aster 30 Block 1NT surface-to-air missiles, eight launchers for the MBDA Teseo MK2/E anti-ship missiles, and two triple WASS B515/3 torpedo launchers for the Black Arrow 324mm lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes.

The Indonesian Navy might opt to revise the configuration for their ships and not necessarily follow the configurations set for the Italian Navy, and could even re-categorize the ships as frigates considering its extensive anti-air and anti-submarine warfare potential that even exceeds comparatively-sized frigates in the Indo-Pacific region.

[1] Fincantieri

[2] Defense News

[3] Janes

Philippines formally inducts first batch of new ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, Guarani 6x6 APCs

 

Some of the Sabrah light tanks and new 6x6 APCs during the handover and induction ceremony last 05 March 2024. Photo c/o PIA Tarlac.

The Philippine Army (PA) formally received and inducted new armored vehicles  into its arsenal last 05 March 2024 as it continues to modernize its forces.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV led the ceremonies together with executives from Israeli defense company  Elbit Systems, which delivered the armored vehicles as part of the Philippine Army’s Light Tank and Wheeled APC projects.

Among those inducted during ceremonies held at the Armor Division’s headquarters in Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac province were nine ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, an ASCOD 2 Command Post Vehicle, five VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 armored personnel carriers, and a tractor head truck.

Also held was the unveiling of markers on the division’s new Maintenance Yard for the VBTP-MR Guarani armored vehicles, a new mess hall and the new Armor Museum.

The new Sabrah light tanks are the first actual tanks in service with the Philippine Army for decades, as it retired its last M41 Bulldog light tanks in the 1980s. It was built by General Dynamics European Land Systems’ Spanish subsidiary Santa Barbara Sistermas and features Elbit Systems’ Sabrah light tank system which includes a 105mm tank gun and turret, command and control, communications, fire control and sighting systems from the Israeli company.

Meanwhile the VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carriers were built by Italian company Iveco’s Brazilian subsidiary Iveco Latin America, and features Elbit-supplied equipment including a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on an RCWS, command and control, communications, and other equipment. 

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the Sabrah light tank and Guarani APCs were originally meant for the strategic 1st Brigade Combat Team’s attached armored component, and the Philippine Army is expected to order more armored vehicles to fill-up the armored components of the soon to be formed 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams. 

Brazilian defense page Technologia & Defesa also confirmed that the Philippines is negotiating for another batch of 28 Guarani 6x6 armored vehicles.

[1] Philippine Army   

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Technologia & Defesa

Indonesia receives new medium tanks, armored and tactical vehicles

 

Some of the 10 Harimau medium tanks prior to handover to the TNI-AD. Photo c/o PT Pindad.

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) received 52 new tactical vehicles manufactured by Indonesian defense company PT Pindad.

The vehicles were handed over by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to the Indonesian Army on 28 February 2024, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto witnessing the event at the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters in Jakarta.

Among those handed over to the Indonesian Army are 10 Harimau medium tanks, 3 Badak 6x6 fire support vehicles, 10 Pandur 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles, 12 Anoa 6x6 armored personnel carriers, 7 Komodo armored light tactical vehicles, and 10 Maung 4x4 utility vehicles.

These vehicles were all developed locally, mostly with international support, as part of Indonesia’s drive to have a self-sufficient defense industry.

The Harimau (Tiger) medium tank was developed with Turkey’s FNSS and is armed with a 105mm tank gun. The Pandur 8x8 wheeled IFV is a license copy of the Pandur 8x8 from Czech defense company Excalibur Army.

The Anoa 6x6 armored vehicle is said to be developed with assistance from France’s Renault based on the  Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB), while the Komodo was also developed with French assistance and is based on the Renault Sherpa light tactical vehicle.

The Badak 6x6 iwas also derived from the Anoa but with changes to allow mounting a 90mm gun turret, while the Maung is a  locally-developed 4x4 utility vehicle based on PT Pindad’s experience in military vehicle development, and using civilian off-the-shelf parts from either Toyota or Isuzu.

PT Pindad has been marketing these vehicles also for export, with the Harimau light tank competing in the Philippines for their light tank requirement, and has received interest from Bangladesh as well.

[1]  PT Pindad

[2] Portal Bandung Timur

Singapore to procure 8 new F-35A Lightning II 5th-generation fighters

 

F-35A Lightning II fighters, these examples in service woth the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o Australian DoD.

Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen has announced on 28 February 2024 that the country will be procuring 8 new F-35A Lightning II 5th-generation fighter aircraft for the Repbulic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), which are expected to be delivered by 2030.

The announcement was made during parliamentary debates on Singapore’s defence budget, citing that the F-35 has become a proven platform, while economies of scale from massive orders from the United States and other countries has allowed it to be more affordable than before.

Singapore already confirmed an order for 12 of the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capable F-35B Lightning II in 2020, making the total procurement of F-35 fighter aircraft by the city state to 20 aircraft.

The F-35A is the standard conventional take-off and landing variant of the F-35 serries of 5th generation fighter aircraft developed by American defense giant Lockheed Martin, and will have greater endurance and higher payload capacity than its STOVL counterpart.

Dr. Ng did not disclose the price Singapore will be paying for the new fighters, but mentioned that it is similar in cost to the RSAF’s existing F-15SG Strike Eagle twin-engine fighters. 

He also said that the lower cost of the F-35A compared to years before created a “window of opportunity” that makes it attractive to procure at this time.

The F-35A and B Lightning II are expected to replace the RSAF’s fleet of F-16C/D Fighting Falcon single-engine fighters, which it has been operating since the late 1990s, and are targeted to start retirement from service by the 2030s.

Singapore is the first country in Southeast Asia to have 5th generation fighter aircraft, keeping the RSAF’s status as the most advanced in the region.

In addition, Singapore announced that its defense budget for 2024-2025 financial year will reach S$20.2 billion (around US$15 billion), or 2.5% higher than the previous year. While the budget increased, the share of defese spending as a percentage of Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) remains at 3%.

[1] The Straits Times

[2] Channel News Asia

[3] MediaCorp Today

Singapore announces plans to replace Heron 1, Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicles

 

A Heron 1 UAV. Photo c/o Janes.

The Chief of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Major General Kelvin Khong announced that the service is already looking ahead with plans to replace its fleet of Heron 1 and Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicles in the future as part of its modernization efforts.

The Elbit System Hermes 450 and  IAI Heron 1 UAVs, which provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to the RSAF and Singapore Armed Forces as a whole, have been in service since 2007 and 2012, respectively.

The Heron 1 reached Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2017, while the Hermes 450 reached FOC in 2022. 

No information on the timeline and potential replacement for these UAVs were provided, although it is expected that they would be larger and more capable than both existing UAV models, and may even have firepower delivery capabilities.

There have been reports back in 2022 that the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) ordered up to 12 new Hermes 900 UAVs from Elbit Systems in a deal believed to be worth US$300 million. 

If confirmed, the Hermes 900 might not be replacements for both the Heron 1 and Hermes 450 but are most likely to complement them in operating over the far edges of Singapore’s Sea Lane of Communications (SLC). 

[1] Janes

[2] Alert 5

Brunei inducts into service its first two C-295MW transport aircraft

One of the RBAirF's C-295MW aircraft. Photo x/o Airbus Defence.

The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) has inducted the first two Airbus C-295MW tactical transport aircraft into service on 16 February 2024.

These are the same aircraft that arrived in BRAirF’s Air Movement Centre at Rimba Air Base on 24 January 2024.

The aircraft is an important addition to its small fleet, allowing the Royal Brunei Armed Forces to conduct combat and non-combat missions including tactical air troop and cargo transport, paratrooper platform, airdrop operations, VIP transport,  and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuations.

The aircraft will also help in supporting operations of the Royal Brunei Air Force within the region.

Two more aircraft are expected to arrive soon, as part of a contract signed between Brunei’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Airbus Defence and Space last 02 December 2022.

The four aircraft will replace a single Indonesian-made CN-235M-110M transport aircraft that the RBAirF has been operating since 1997, while the larger aircraft and four-fold number also boosting the operational capabilities of the service and the entire Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

[1] Airbus Defence

[2] Janes

Australian Hunter-class frigate to proceed after surviving future fleet review

 

A scale model of the Hunter-class frigate. Photo c/o Defence Connect.

The Australian Government completed a stringent review of their planned future naval fleet, with the troubled Hunter-class frigate project escaping a call for it to be axed due to problems during its implementation.

At least six of the ships are expected to be built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and could potentially open for more ships to be built depending on the outcome of the “Future Navy” plan that is scheduled to be unveiled this month.

Under the “Future Navy” plan, the emphasis on “continuous naval shipbuilding” could benefit the Hunter-class frigate, which originally called for nine ships to be built.

Aside from replacing the RAN’s ageing ANZAC-class frigates, the new Hunter-class could fill in future requirements including for calls for more Tier 1 surface combatants, with some speculating that up to 16 ships might be built including as potential replacements to the current Hobart-class air warfare destroyers.

The Hunter-class are based on the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship designed by BAE Systems, with modifications made to suit the Royal Australian Navy’s requirements. The ships will be built in South Australia by ASC Shipbuilding under supervision by BAE Systems Australia.

Due to these Australian-specified requirements, the ship’s dimensions and weight, as well as the cost to construct and sustain the ship have increased, which has become a reason for the project to be scrutinized by a team led by former US Navy Admiral William Hilarides.

It is believed that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may have personally advocated the project with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the best option to compliment the upcoming AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

To counter calls that the current design of the Hunter-class frigates lack firepower with only having 32-cells of vertical launching systems (VLS), BAE Systems has unveiled a modified version which has 96-cells using Mk. 41 and the Mk.57 Peripheral Vertical Launch System (PVLS), and at the expense of the ship’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities including the loss of its towed array sonar and its mission bay.

The up-armed version of the Hunter-class could be implemented starting on the fourth ship of the class, subject to the Australian Department of Defence’s decision.

[1] ABC News

[2] The Eurasian Times

Thailand to request funding for initial batch of new fighter aircraft

 

The F-16 Block 70/72 Viper is among those beong considered by the RTAF. Photo c/o Lockheed Martin.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) was reported to be raising a request for funding with the Thai Government for the acquisition of an initial batch of  4 fighter aircraft.

The new fighters are needed to start the gradual replacement of ageing fighter aircraft, with the American F-16 Block 70/72 Viper or F-35A Lightning II, and Swedish JAS-39E/F Gripen being considered, according to the RTAF Commander in Chief Air Chief Marshall Punpakdee Pattanakul.

A budget of THB19 billion (US$538 million) is eyed for request in the next fiscal year 2025, with the selected manufacturer required to offer a reciprocal counter-trade proposal to offset the cost.

ACM Pattanakul mentioned but did not confirm that Sweden’s JAS-39E/F Gripen may offer a better offset package than its American competitor, and this would be evaluated further by the RTAF’s selection committee.

The RTAF is expected to not have any issues should it select the F-16 Viper or JAS-39E/F Gripen, as it already operate earlier versions of both types for several years and has established supply chains with both the US and Sweden to sustain both aircraft models.

The indication of interest in the F-35A Lightning II is also a sign that the RTAF has not given up on its sights in the 5th-generation American fighter, which was reported months ago to have been rejected by the US Government. 

[1] Bangkok Post

[2] BNN Bloomberg

[3] Venture Capital Post

Indonesia begins construction of second Bung Karno-class indigenous corvette

 

TNI-AL and shipyard officials during the first steel cutting ceremony. Photo c/o TNI-AL.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati has reached the First Steel Cutting milestone for the second Bung Karno-class corvette it is constructing for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), with the ceremony held on 25 January 2024 at the shipbuilder’s yard in Batam, Riau Islands.

The Indonesian Navy’s Chief of Logistics Rear Admiral Eko Sunarjanto led the ceremonies together with officials from the Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati, and stressed the importance of the construction of the new corvette in maintaining and securing the country’s sovereignty and interests, and supporting the Indonesian indigenous shipbuilding and defense industries.

It remains to be seen as to what the final fit-out and primary role of the ship would be, as the first ship of the class, the KRI Bung Karno (369), was built  as a Presidential Corvette, mixing VVIP facilities, command and control, and limited combat systems for self-defense and offshore patrol missions.

So far, the ship has been built with spaces for Fitted For But Not With (FFBNW) equipment, with no timelines publicly announced on when these capabilities would be installed. The ship is expected to be launched before the end of the year.

It is believed that the ship will be armed with a 76mm main gun, two twin anti-ship missile launchers, and two short-range air defense system (SHORAD) launchers.

The basic Bung Karno-class ship has a crew of 55 officers and seamen, a length of 73 meters, a beam of 12 meters, and displaces at around 650 tonnes. 

It is powered by two diesel engines delivering maximum out of 4,000KW, enabling the ship to reach a maximum speed of 24 knots.

It has a helicopter landing deck for a medium-sized naval helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicles, and can carry rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) for support and ship-boarding operations. 

[1] Indonesian Navy

[2] GBP Aerospace and Defence

Keel laying & first steel cutting milestones reached for new Philippine LPDs

 

A scale model of PT PAL's LPD for the Philippine Navy. Photo c/o Asian Defence Journal.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL held simultaneous ceremonies marking the milestones in the construction of two new Landing Platform Docks (LPD) for the Philippine Navy (PN).

On 15 January 2024, the shipbuilder held the Keel Laying Ceremony for the first LPD, and also the First Steel Cutting Ceremony for the second LPD, with officials from the Philippine Navy led by its Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina Jamoralin, PT PAL CEO Dr. Kaharuddin Djenod, and Indonesian Government present to witness the event.

The new LPDs are being built as part of the Philippine Navy’s Landing Docks Acquisition Project, which aims to increase the amphibious and logistics capability of the Philippine Navy as a follow-on to an earlier order for two similar ships, now commissioned with the P{N as the Tarlac-class.

The ships will be 124 meters long,  21.8 meters wide, displaces at around 7,200 tonnes, and has a maximum speed of 16 knots powered by two marine diesel engines. 

It has a helicopter deck for two medium helicopters, and a hangar for one naval helicopter. It also has a welldeck that can fit two small landing crafts utility (LCU) or two of the Philippine Navy’s own Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) .

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the ships will have fitted for but not with (FFBNW) allocation for defensive weapon systems that may include a main and secondary guns, as well as a potential allocation for short-range air defense systems (SHORADS) or close-in weapon systems (CIWS).

PT PAL is expected to launch the first ship before the end of 2024, and deliver the ship to the Philippine Navy by 2025. The second ship is expected to be launched by early or mid 2025 and delivered by late 2025 or early 2026.

[1] PT PAL Indonesia

[2] Philippine Defense Resource

Indonesia shows interest to acquire Chinese YJ-12E coastal defense missile system

 

The YJ-12B, variant used by the PLAN. Photo c/o China Military.

Indonesia was reported to have shown interest in acquiring the Chinese-made YJ-12E coastal anti-ship missile system to fulfill its requirement for a coastal defense missile capability for the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL).

The YJ-12E is the export variant of the YJ-12B used by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which in turn is the land-based variant of the YJ-12 series of supersonic anti-ship missiles.

It is capable of carrying a warhead between 250 kilograms capable of disabling a 5,000-ton ship, and has a maximum range of around 290 kilometers guided by BeiDou and updated by data-link with an active radar seeker for terminal guidance, and a maximum speed of Mach 3 during terminal flight phase.

The missiles are carried by the Wanshan WS-2600 5x5 heavy truck, with up to 3 missiles carried by the missile firing unit.

There are reports that the YJ-12E was certified by the Indonesian Navy’s Research and Development Service for possible acquisition and even local production.

Previously Indonesia announced plans to procure the Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship missile, which will include Transfer of Technology to allow for local production by Indonesian companies. 

But no forward movement were noted since the announcement, believed to be due to Ukraine now being at war with Russia since February 2022 making it difficult to export the missile.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) previously made public its plans to procure coastal missile defense systems and deploy them in different parts of the country to defend against external naval threats.

Some Indonesian analysts see the interest on the Chinese-made YJ-12E as a surprise since it is regarded that the threat from China is seen as the reason why Indonesia is building its naval defense capabilities. China has overlapping claims over parts of the Natuna Island’s Exclusive Economic Zone as part their so-called 9-Dash / 10-Dash Line claims, with Chinese naval and coast guard ships occasionally seen in the area and regarded as a threat to Indonesian sovereignty.

[1] Indomiliter

[2] Yoursay Indonesia

Indonesia delays procurement of ex-Qatari Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft

A QEAF Mirage 2000-5 fighter. Photo c/o Defense Mirror.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed that it would be delaying the planned procurement of twelve refurbished Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft from Qatar.

Indonesian MOD Spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed in a TV interview that the procurement has been postponed due to budget constraints, as the funding request for the fighters was not approved by the Ministry of Finance.

Instead, the MOD will focus on upgrading the Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI-AU) existing fighter fleet which includes the American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the Russian-made Su-27 and Su-30 Flanker aircraft.

Indonesia announced in June 2023 that it will be procuring at least 12 French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft that were retired by the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), composed on 9 Mirage 2000-5EDA single-seat and 3 Mirage 2000-5DDA twin-seat aircraft brokered by Czech defense company Excalibur International

The aircraft were suppose to be delivered to the TNI-AU in 2 years, and will be used to familiarize TNI-AU pilots and ground crew on French-made aircraft in preparation for the arrival of the Dassault Rafale, and fill a gap on the TNI-AU’s air defense capability due to the retirement of the F-5E/F Tiger II fleet, and the diminishing capability and quantity of its Hawk 209 light combat aircraft fleet.

The Indonesian MOD mentioned that the ex-Qatari Mirage 2000-5 still has around 70% of airframe lifespan left, but were retired early due to the introduction of new fighters by the QEAF. 

Indonesia previously made several announcements to procure new and used fighters for the TNI-AU, but so far the deal to acquire 42 brand new Dassault Rafale fighters pushed through.

Discussions are still underway for the planned procurement of F-15EX Eagle II fighters from the US, as well as the final quantity of KF-21 Boramae fighers to be procured under a joint
program with South Korea. 

[1] Reuters

[2] The Diplomat

[3] Asian Military Review