Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore to receive new batch of JDAM smart bombs

 

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Photo c/o Boeing.

The US Department of Defense has issued a contract award to American company Boeing Co. for the supply and delivery of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), as well as testing and integration works for Laser JDAMs.

The contract is worth US$600 million and is covered by US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for several countries, including three from Southeast Asia namely Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The other countries included are Israel and Turkey.

No quantities or delivery timeframes were provided as the contract is for an indefinite quantity and delivery. 

The JDAM is a low-cost guidance kit that allows the conversion of free-fall bombs to become accurately guided smart munitions.

All three Southeast Asian countries are JDAM users, and this new contract is expected to have no effect in the balance of power in the region.

[1] US Department of Defense

New Zealand naval hydrographic ship sinks off Samoa

 

The HMNZS Manawanui (A09) as it starts to tilt before sinking. Photo c/o Radio New Zealand.

A ship of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) was reported to have ran aground, caught fire and sank off Samoa on earlier today 06 October 2024.

The specialist diving and hydrographic ship HMNZS Manawanui (A09), was conducting reef survey off the southern coast of Upolu when it ran aground after hitting a reef.

The ship then caught fire, with heavy black smoke seen as the ship started to tilt and sink under heavy waves.

Its crew of 78 officers, sailors, passengers and other personnel evacuated the ship by life crafts and reached the shore for safety, some after being assisted by responding ships.

The New Zealand Defence Force sent a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the situation and assist in relieving the ship's crew.

The HMNZS Manawanui was originally built in 2003 Myklebust Verft and operated by Østensjø Rederi as a survey vessel supporting the Norwegian oil and gas industry.

The ship was then acquired by the New Zealand Government in 2018 to replace two older ships, with the conversion and acquisition costing NZ$147 million and the ship commissioned with the Royal New Zealand Navy by 2019.

It was 84.7 meters long, displacing around 5,700 tonnes full load, and propelled by four diesel engines allowing a maximum speed of 13 knots and a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles.




[1] New Zealand Defence Force
[2] Radio New Zealand
[3] The Canberra Times

Singapore commissions two new Invincible-class Type 218SG submarines

 

The RSS Impeccable. Photo c/o The Straits Times.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has brought the first two new Invincible-class deisel0-electric attack submarines into service.

The two submarines were named RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, were commissioned to service with the RSN on 24 September 2024, with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wang, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, and Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen leading the ceremony held at the Changi Naval Base.

The two new submarines are considered the most modern and most capable in Southeast Asia, have a high level of automation, and are custom-designed to meet the RSN’s ergonmonics and mission requirements as well as operations in shallow and busy waters.

Both submarines were built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel, Germany, and are based on the shipyard’s new Type 218SG design, which in turn were derived from the Type 214 and Type 212 diesel-electrric submarines in service with the German Navy and dozens of other countries.

The submarines are equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system which allows it to operate underwater longer than other conventional submarines, and is believed to be equipped with eight forward-firing 533mm and two 650mm torpedo tubes.

It also features a Combat Management System developed jointly by Germany’s Atlass Elektronic and Singapore’s ST Electronics, while its high automation allows the submarine to be crewed by one 28 sailors and officers, and space for a special forces detachment.

Two more Invincible-class submarines are in different levels of construction in Germany, with both the Illustrious and Inimitable already launched as of 2024.

[1] Channel News Asia

[2] Naval News

[3] The Straits Times

Australia’s first Arufara-class offshore patrol vessel begins sea trials

 

The NUSHIP Arufara (203) spotted during its sea trials. Photo c/o Trevor Powell through Naval News.

The first ship of the Arufara-class offshore patrol vessels being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) began its Builder’s Sea Trials (BST) phase, after almost 2 years of delay due to design issues related to its structural fire protection.

The NUSHIP Arufara (203) was spotted at sea by local ship spotters, and was confirmed to have started the sea trials on 26 August 2024 off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, before returning on 27 August 2024. It again left port on 29 August for another round of trials, according to a report by the Australian Defence Magazine.

The NUSHIP Arufara was launched on 16 December 2021 by its builder Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. It was based on a design by German shipbuilder Lurssen based on the Darussalam-class patrol vessels built for the Royal Brunei Navy.

The Australian Ministry of Defence has maintained that NUSHIP Arufara will be commissioned with the Royal Australian Navy within 2024, as the decommissioning of its predecessor, the Armidale-class large patrol boats, proceeded despite the unavailability of the Arufara-class to replace them.

Analysts are doubtful though on the ability to meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) status, as it was reported by the Australian National Audit Office that it will take at least 37 weeks before IOC status can be achieved. 

There has been no posted updates for the other ships of the class, including the second ship NUSHIP Eyre (204) which was originally scheduled to undergo its Builder’s Sea Trials by 2023.

[1] Australian Defence Magazine

[2] Naval News

Philippines offered 10 new KF-21 Block 1 Boramae, 12 FA-50 Block 20 Fighting Eagle fighters

 

The KF-21 Boramae (left) and FA-50 Fighting Eagle (right), both made by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Photo c/o ROKAF.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) was said to have been offered new KF-21 Block 1 Boramae multirole fighters as well as new FA-50 Block 20 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft to meet both its initial requirement for a new multirole fighter and a second squadron of light combat aircraft, respectively.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, quoting an interview in South Korea of an official from  South Korean aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said that KAI is very much interested in meeting both the Multirole Fighter and Light Combat Aircraft requirements of the PAF, which are among those planned for procurement under the “Re-Horizon 3” phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

According to the report, 10 KF-21 Boramae fighters in Block 1 configuration were offered for an initial batch of Multirole Fighters, originally budgeted at PHP61.3 billion (US$1.1 billion) for 12 fighter aircraft.

The budget was said to be originally based on Swedish defense company Saab’s original offer to sell between 12 to 14 new-build, older generation JAS-39C/D Gripen, which Saab already partially built as part of a Swedish Government initiative to bridge the production gap until the new generation JAS-39E/F Gripen variant is ready for serial production.

Previous statements from the PAF and the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) pointed out to Saab’s Gripen and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 Viper as among those shortlisted, although there are reports that KAI’s KF-21 Boramae, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the Eurofighter Consortium’s EF-2000 Typhoon, as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s Tejas Mk. 1A are being re-looked as part of a bigger effort to procure 40 new multirole fighters.

A second squadron of FA-50 Fighting Eagle LCAs in Block 20 configuration was also offered to meet a separate requirement, although KAI is said to be marketing this as a cheaper alternative to give the PAF a much needed boost while efforts to address funding and selection issues of the Multirole Fighter program are underway.

Aside from procurement of new FA-50s, KAI also offered to upgrade all 12 of the PAF’s existing fleet of older variant FA-50PH aircraft to a certain degree. MaxDefense Philippines reported that due to funding issues, a Block 20 upgrade is not being pursued although the PAF wanted integration of a new 300-gallon external fuel tank, the Sniper advanced targeting pod, as well as the latest variant of the US-made Data Link 16.

KAI has not yet released more information to confirm these reports, although another KAI official was interviewed in the Philippines by news blogger 101 Talk Radio that Block 2 was offered and not Block 1. Should this be the case, it is expected that KAI can only deliver the KF-21 Boramae beyond 2028 and not meet the requirements of the PAF.

[1] MaxDefense Philippines

[2] Mason_8718 @ Twitter (X)

[3] 101 Talk Radio

Singapore to receive lead ship of new Invincible-class Type 218SG submarine

 

The submarine being loaded to a civilian cargo vessel in Germany. Photo c/o Warship Porn.

The lead ship of the new Type 218SG Invincible-class diesel-electric submarine built for the Republic of Singapore Navy, has departed Germany and will be heading to Singapore.

The submarine, which will become the future RSS Invincible, was seen being loaded to a civilian chartered cargo vessel MV Rolldock Star  on 4 July 2024, and the cargo vessel departed Germany on 18 July 2024.

In an unusual move, the submarine was covered with stacks of commercial shipping containers, which is believed to hide it from pirates and terrorists especially in the Red Sea.

While being the first ship of its class, the future RSS Invincible will become the second unit to be delivered after the second submarine of the class, the future RSS Impeccable was delivered to Singapore on July 2023.  

The future RSS Invincible stayed longer in Germany for use as a training platform for the intended operators of the submarines.

The submarine was built by German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and was launched on February 2019, and underwent portside and sea trails before being used as a training platform.

It is expected to be commissioned into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy by late 2024.

[1] Warship Porn

[2] Warship Cam

Japan launches ninth, commissions sixth Mogami-class multi-mission frigate

Launching of Natori (FFM-9) at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard. Photo c/o MHI.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has reached new milestones in their Mogami-class multi-mission frigate programme over the past few days, as the sixth ship of the class was commissioned into service, while the ninth ship of the class was launched.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)  has delivered the sixth Mogami-class frigate to JMSDF on 20 June 2024, with the JMSDF naming the ship as the JS Agano (FFM-6), and commissioning it on the same day.

The ship was launched by MHI’s Nagaski shipyard in December 2022 and was named after the Agano River found in Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan.

The new frigate will be assigned with the JMSDF’s Maizuru Naval Base in the Kansai region

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the ninth Mogami-class frigate on 24 June 2024, also in their Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works.

The ship was named Natori (FFM-9) , after the Natori River in the Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan, and is the second ship to bear the same name after  a light cruiser of the Imperioal Japanese Navy.

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] Naval News

[3] Janes

Philippines receives first batch of 32-unit S-70i Black Hawk helicopter order

 

One of the S-70i Black Hawl helicopters for the PAF being unloaded from the An-124-100 transport aircraft. Photo c/o Polish Embassy in the Philippines.

The Polish subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, PZL Mielec, has successfully delivered the first batch of five Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force on 16 June 2024.

The helicopters were delivered by an Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan civilian heavy transport aircraft and were flown from PZL Mielec’s facility in Poland to Clark Air Base in the Philippines.

An order for 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in combat utility variant was made in 2021 by the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) as part of a PHP31.75 billion (US$577.3 million) contract with PZL Mielec. This project is part of the Philippines’ military modernization program under its Horizon 2 phase covering years 2018 to 2022.

The DND previously announced that PZL Mielec will deliver 5 units in 2023 and 10 units each for   2024 and 2025, and the remaining 7 units by 2026, although this could have been pushed back by at least 1 year.

The Philippine Air Force already received an initial 16 units of the S-70i Black Hawks from 2020 to 2021, although one was involved in fatal crash. The PAF also has an older S-70A-5 Black Hawk helicopter used as a Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter and was part of an order in the mid-1980s. 

Upon completion of delivery of all 32 helicopters, the PAF is expected to be largest operator of Polish-built S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in the world, and it is expected that the PAF as well as other branch services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines may order additional helicopters in various configurations including Search and Rescue (SAR), VVIP, Special Operations variants, and additional Combat Utility helicopters.

[1] MaxDefense Philippines

[2] Inquirer

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Malaysia selects Turkish MILGEM corvette for its LMS Batch 2 project

Infrographic on LMS Batch 2 project . Photo c/o Malaysia MINDEF.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the its Turkish counterpart for the basis of Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement of defense systems, as well as signing a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) with the its Turkish shipbuilder STM selection and procurement of Turksih-built corvettes  for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) under its Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch 2 program.

The signing ceremonies were held on 10 June 2024 in Ankara, Turkey with Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Khaled Nordin and Turkish Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Gorgun leading the even, together with officials from STM and the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The ships selected are based on the Turkish Navy’s MILGEM program using the Ada-class corvette as basis, and will be modified to suit the RMN’s requirements. 

These are far more improved to the LMS Batch 1 ships acquired by the Malaysian MINDEF from China, which resulted to the Keris-class patrol vessels.

Delivery of all three ships to the RMN are expected to be within 42 months, and will include supply of products from Turkish defense companies including Aselsan, Roketsan, and Havelsan, etc.

It is expected that the ships will be 99.6 meters long, has a maximum beam of 14.42 meters, and a draft of 3.94 meters, and a displacement of around 2,500 tonnes.

It would be powered by four marine diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration allowing a maximum speed of 26 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots, and a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The ships will have heavier weapons that the LMS Batch 1 Keris-class, which will now include a 76mm naval gun, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns using the Aselsan STAMP remote-controlled weapon station, two quadruple launchers of Roketsan Atmaca anti-ship missiles, a 30mm Aselsan SMASH autocannon,  and a 4-cell VLS with 16 South Korean K-SAAM Haegung surface-to-air missiles quadpacked per cell.

[1] Malaysian MINDEF

[2] Naval News

[3} Janes

Korean shipbuilder launches first of two new corvettes for the Philippines

 

Launch of new corvette, the future BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06). Photo c/o HD HHI.

South Korean naval shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) held the launching ceremony for the first of two new large corvettes built for the Philippine Navy.

The ceremony was held on 18 June 2024 at HD HHI’s shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., leading representation from the Philippines, with Philippine Special Envoy to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mrs. Monica Prieto-Teodoro leading the christening on the ship.

Republic of Korea Navy Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Vice Admiral Kang Dong-Gil and South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration Deputy Director Mr. Kang Hwan-Seok, as well as officials from HD HHI were also present.

The ship, which will be named the BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06) once commissioned with the Philippine Navy, is 118.4 meters long, has a maximum breadth of 14.9 meters, and displaces at around 3,200 tons. 

The ship is powered by four MTU-STX diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration allowing the ship to achieve a cruising speed of 15 knots, a maximum speed of more than 25 knots, and a maximum range at cruising speed of 4,500 nautical miles. 

It will be equipped with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, two quadruple launchers for LIG Nex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles launched from Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), two triple torpedo tube launchers, a gun-based close-in weapon system.

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, French-made VL MICA short-range surface-to-air missiles from MBDA was selected by the Philippine Navy, potentially launched from two 8 or 12-cell VLS launchers. 

It also appears that the Philippine Navy selected the Turkish-made Gokdeniz 35mm CIWS, and potentially a 30mm SMASH remote-controlled secondary naval gun, both from Aselsan, which are installed at the hangar superstructure deck.

MaxDefense Philippines also confirmed that the ship is equipped with the Hanwha Systems Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management System, an IAI EL/M-2258 ALPHA air/surface search 3D AESA radar, Hensoldt Sharpeye Mk. II navigation/secondary surface search radar, Selex NA-25X fire control radar, Safran Paseo XLR electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) system, a hull mounted sonar, and fitted for but not with a Towed Array Sonar.

The future BRP Miguel Malvar is schedule to undergo sea trials and complete fitting works prior to its delivery to the Philippine Navy which is scheduled by either late 2024 or early 2025. 

The second ship of the class, which is expected to be named as the future BRP Diego Silang (FF-07) is under construction and is expected to be launched by December 2024.

[1] Korea Times

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Vanuatu receives Australian-funded landing craft

 

The RVS Sokomanu. Photo c/o Auatralian High Commission in Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Police Maritime Wing (PMW) has received a landing craft that was paid for by the Australian Government as part of its Defence Cooperation Program.

The landing craft, which was built in 2017 by a Malaysian shipbuilder, was acquired by the Australian Government from French company Peschaud International for A$7.18 million and will be named RVS Sokomanu after Vanuatu’s first president Ati George Sokomanu, who served between 1984 and 1989.

The new landing craft would enable the Vanuatu PMW to conduct sea transport operations, including provided support for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, 

The ship is expected to sail from Singapore to Vanuatu with a composite crew of Vanuatu PMW personnel and civilian Filipino sailors, and is expected to arrive at Port Vila on 26 June 2024.

According to a report by the Australian Defence Magazine, Vanuatu Police personnel have been training with the ship since March 2023,  initially by embedding a Vanuatu PMW officer with the landing craft team of the Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra.

Australia also provided training for the ship’s future crew members, with schooling also provided in Vanuatu but paid for by Australia.

The ship is 47 meters long, with a beam of 10.9 meters and a draft of 3.2 meters, with a maximum cargo capacity of 450 tonnes and is equipped with a 30-tonne deck crane. The ship is the largest ever operated by the Vanuatu PMW.

[1] Australian Defence Magazine

[2] Australian High Commission, Vanuatu

Australia cancels plan to fit Collins-class submarines with Tomahawk cruise missiles

 

A Tomahawk missile launched from a US subamrine. Photo c/o US DoD.

The Australian Government will not be pushing through with plans to arm its ageing Collins-class attack submarines with American-made Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles.

This was after advice from both the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) and the US Government stating it is not value for money to modify the submarines to allow the equipping and firing of the Tomahawk cruise missiles from its torpedo tubes.

It was found that not only is this proposed solution costly, but it will also take time to complete and would not give the Royal Australian Navy the capabilities it need until new nuclear-powered attack submarines become online in the early 2030s.

The US Government also confirmed that Raytheon, which manufactures the Tomahawk missile, already shut down production of torpedo-fired variants of the missile, with no plans to reopen the production line.

The plan to arm the Collins-class submarines with Tomahawk missiles were originally part of the plan to extend the service life of the Collins-class submarines by another 10 years through a Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program, which is scheduled to start in 2026.

Despite this setback, the Royal Australian Navy will still have the capability to fire Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles, which will be fitted on its Hobart-class destroyers, while there are feasibility studies ongoing proposing to have the upcoming Hunter-class frigates fitted with them as well.

[1] Australian Financial Review

[2] The Australian

Japan commissions fifth Mogami-class multi-mission frigate

 

The JS Yahagi (FFM-5). Photo c/o MilitaryPorn @ Reddit.

Japanese naval shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has formally handed over the fifth Mogami-class multi-mission frigate to the  Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) on 21 May 2024.

This was immediately followed by the ship’s commissioning with the JMSDF as the JS Yahagi (FFM-5), and was assigned with the Escort Division 14 based in Maizuru Naval Base in Kyoto Prefecture.

The JS Yahagi was launched by MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard on 23 June 2022, and was named after the Yahagi River in Central Japan.

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 Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, both of which have been in service since the late 1980s.

[1] Naval News

[2] Baird Maritime

Malaysia provides insight on revised naval “15 to 5” Transformation Roadmap

 

A screenshot of the RMN's revised 15-to-5 Transformation Roadmap. Photo c/o Malaysian Defence.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) released information providing an insight on its planned revision of its “15 to 5” Transformation Roadmap.

The original program was meant to reduce the number of ship types in the RMN’s fleet from 15 types to just 5 types, which was envisioned to provide improved efficiency in sustaining the ships, and reduced cost and simplifying maintenance.

The new plan, which is now called the RMN Organizational Restructuring 2024 or Re-Org24 not only includes changes in their asset procurement plans but also in re-organizing  and overhaul of existing units, establishment of new units including  the RMN Warfare and Doctrine Centre, among other changes.

This will allow the RMN to maintain strong maritime defense and deterrence capabilities and be at par with its regional peers.

Re-Org24 also coincides with the 90th founding anniversary of the RMN, which unfortunately was jolted by the loss of two naval helicopters and 10 personnel in a fatal accident in the skies above the RMN’s Lumut Naval Base.

Based on the information graphics displayed by the RMN at DSA 2024, the RMN plans to maintain 20,000 uniformed personnel, and maintain a fleet of 12 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) or light frigates, 18 Littoral Missions Ships(LMS) or corvettes, 18 Patrol Vessels (PV), 4 Submarines, 3 Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), as well as a variety of force multipliers including naval helicopters, land and ship-based drones, and small coastal patrol boats.

The plan also includes maintaining a fleet of 4 Mine Counter-Measures Vessels (MCMV) and 2 Hydrographic ships, both of which were not originally part of the original 15-to-5 Transformation Roadmap. It was previously indicated that mine warfare and hydrographic missions will be conducted by the Patrol Vessels using containerized mission modules that can be removed or installed from the ships when needed.

The Littoral Combat Ships will be Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW), Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW) capability, as well as capability for land attack. Meanwhile the Littoral Missions Ships would have ASuW and EW capabilities only. 

The Multi-Role Support Ships will have amphibious capabilities and could be used for strategic sealift and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations. The ships will  have hangar and landing deck space for 2 helicopters, and well as a floodable well deck for 2 landing crafts, as well as cargo space for 20 combat vehicles.

So far, the RMN has recently continued the construction of the first batch of Littoral Combat Ships based on an upsized variant of Naval Group’s Gowind-class corvette, although the number was reduced from 6 to 5. 

It has also selected Turkey’s Ada-class corvette as the basis for its second batch of Littoral Missions Ship , with negotiations ongoing between Malaysian and Turkish authorities.

[1] Malaysian Defence

[2] The Sun

Philippines adds last two T129B ATAK attack helicopters into service

 

Ceremonial pouring of champagne on one of the new T129Bs of the PAF. Photo c/o 15th Strike Wing. 

The Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing has formally inducted the last batch of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters, as part of an acquisition of six units from Turkish Aerospace Industries.

A simple ceremony was held last 17 May 2024 at the PAF’s Maj. Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite, and attended by the PAF Air Combat Command chief Major General Araus Robert Musico and 15th Strike Wing commander Brigadier General Juliano Llanares.

The two attack helicopters with tail numbers  1505 and 1506 were delivered to the Philippines on December 2023, but underwent post-delivery testing and were used for further training of pilots at Clark Air Base prior to formal induction.

The T129Bs  are expected to provide enhanced combat capabilities for the PAF, including  addressing capability gaps identified in urban warfare.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) awarded the PHP13.728 billion (US$284.8 million) contract for the Attack Helicopter Acquisition Project to Turkish Aerospace Industries in 2020, which calls for the delivery of six T129B ATAK attack helicopters.

The first batch of two helicopters were delivered on September 2021, and were operated together with older McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender and Leonardo AW109E Power light armed helicopters of the unit.

The PAF has made an indication to acquire additional units to fill a complete squadron, with TAI confirming back in 2023 that talks have started between them and the DND.

[1] 15th Strike Wing, Philippine Air Force

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Philippine Defense Resource

Thailand to recommend continuing stalled submarine project with China

A Type 039 submarine, which will be used as basis for the S26T submarine for Thailand. Photo x/o Military and Commercial Technology.

The defense ministries of both Thailand and China have reached an agreement to continue with the stalled acquisition of the S26T diesel-electric attack submarine for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) after reaching an agreement to use Chinese-made diesel engines.

This is after China failed to secure the use of marine diesel engines from German manufacturer MTU for use on Chinese Type 039A-derived S26T submarine bound for Thailand.

Due to this failure by shipbuilder China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to meet contractual obligations, the Royal Thai Navy recommended to scrap the submarine deal and instead offset it by instead procuring a Chinese-made frigate.

The latest agreement, which was reportedly reached last 14 May 2024 in a meeting held at the Thai Defense Ministry, means the project will proceed instead of replacing the project with the acquisition of a Chinese-made frigate.

According to reports from Thailand, negotiators on the Thai side led by General Somsak Rungsita from the Thai Ministry of Defense, while the Chinese side includes representatives from the CSSC, the Bureau of Military Equipment and Technology Cooperation, and the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Both parties agreed that replacing the S26T submarine with a frigate does not benefit the Royal Thai Navy, while also confirming that China cannot entirely return the payments already made by the Thai Government for the submarine due to expenses already incurred for its design and acquisition of parts and materials.

The two parties also mentioned that maintaining very good bilateral ties between the two countries was also a reason for continuing with the submarine deal, and instead the Chinese negotiators will recommend an offset package worth hundreds of millions of Baht by providing additional support systems including a training simulator for the RTN, as well as insurance and training for the RTN’s personnel, and China purchasing Thai agricultural products as part of payments for the submarine.

The Thai defense ministry will submit the recommendation to the Thai Cabinet to amend the original contract, which will include allowing the use of the Chinese-made CHD620 marine diesel engine, as well as extending the delivery period for another 1,200 days.

[1] The Nation Thailand

[2] Naval News

Malaysia receives US approval for potential sale of Sniper Targeting Pods

 

Sniper ATP targeting pod installed on an F/A-18 Super Hornet. Photo c/o EDR Magazine.

(Press release by Defense Security Cooperation Agency)

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2024 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Malaysia of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods and related equipment for an estimated cost of $80 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Malaysia has requested to buy ten (10) AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods. Also included are technical data and publications; personnel training; software and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $80 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key partner that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve Malaysia’s capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing its current F/A-18D platform with a common targeting pod. This proposed sale will also mitigate future obsolescence concerns and allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to meet future operational requirements. Malaysia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Orlando, FL, and The Boeing Company, located in St. Louis, MO. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Malaysia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

China conducts first sea trials of new Type 003 aircraft carrier Fujian

 

The Fujian during sea trials. Photo c/o The Aviationist.

China has commenced the initial sea trials for its new Type 003 aircraft carrier last 01 May 2024, as reported by Chinese state-owned media outlet Xinhua.

The aircraft carrier, which was named Fujian (18) after the Chinese southern province, left the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shangai around 8:00am local time, with the sea trials meant to test the reliability and stability of the ship’s propulsion and electrical systems.

The aircraft carrier would become the most capable in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet once it is commissioned, and will feature a Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) system employing Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) which is a first for the service.

The ship was launched on June 2022, and is undergoing a series of dockside testing prior to the initial sea trials. 

The ship is reported to have a length of around 316 meters and a full load displacement of around 80,000 tonnes, and is expected to be home to Chinese-made carrier-based fighter aircraft like the J-15 Flanker and J-35 Gyrfalcon.

[1] CNN

[2] South China Morning Post

[3] The War Zone

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