Malaysia to upgrade Lekiu-class frigates’ anti-ship missile systems

 

The Naval Strike Missile from Kongsberg Defense. Photo c/o Kongsberg.

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is planning to replace the anti-ship missile system aboard their two Lekiu-class frigates as part of modernization efforts.

The ships, the KD Lekiu (FFG30) and KD Jebat (FFG29) currently have the MBDA MM40 Exocet Block 2 anti-ship missiles, which have been in service since 1999 when both ships entered service with the RMN.

No information was confirmed but British defense media outlet Janes, through its sources, believe that the RMN would select the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM), which are the same as those scheduled for installation in the upcoming Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ships (LCS).

Due to the delay on the construction of the new LCS, the missiles and launchers intended for them will be installed on the older frigates instead.

The Naval Strike Missile is touted as more technologically advanced than other existing subsonic anti-ship missiles in the global market due to its maneuverability that allows for high survivability against enemy defenses, as well as improved stealth capabilities.

The missiles would also allow commonality considering the RMN already selected the Naval Strike Missile for its future combat ships.

[1] Janes

[2] GBP Aerospace and Defence

Vietnam closer to acquire K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers from South Korea

 

The K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzer. Photo c/o Hanwha Defense.

Vietnam is reportedly close to signing a deal with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Co. for the export of as much as 30 units of the K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers.

This was reported by South Korean media outlets on 21 January 2025, citing industry sources familiar with the transaction indicating that both sides are already in the final stages of negotiations worth around KRW400 billion (US$276 million).

Each K9 Thunder howitzer unit is estimated to be between KRW14 to 20 billion each, which means between 20 to 30 units could be acquired.

Officials from Vietnam’s Defense Ministry lead by Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang visited Hanwha’s facility in South Korea on February 2023, including inspecting the production facility where the K9 Thunder is built, as well as a Republic of Korea Army unit operating the said artillery system.

This was further reinforced when Vietnamese military personnel underwent training on operating and firing the K9 Thunder used by the Republic of Korea Army on November 2024.

Should Vietnam finalize the deal, it would become the 11th country to acquire the highly successful K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers after South Korea, Australia, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, India, Norway, Poland, Romania and Turkey.

It will also Vietnam’s first purchase of a major South Korean-made weapon system.

[1] The Korea Economic Daily

[2] The Korea Herald

Indonesian shipbuilder launches new multipurpose ship for Indonesian armed forces

 

Launching of new MDV for the TNI. Photo c/o PT Terafulk Megantara Design.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Noahtu Shipyard launched a new 65-meter Multipurpose Disaster Vessel (MDV) being built for the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in their Jakarta shipyard last 16 January 2025.

The ship was designed by Indonesian marine consultant PT Terafulk Megantara Design based in Surabaya, and will be used for logistic support including troop and vehicle transport, as well as for Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Operations including Medical Response during emergencies.

The vessel, which is 65 meters long, and 4.6 meters high, is made mostly of aluminum and is powered by two 3,000 horsepower marine diesel engines enabling the ship to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots, and attain a cruising speed of 15 knots.

It has a deadweight of 650 tons, a maximum operating weight of 1,740 tons, and has a crew of 30 officers and sailors.

The new ship have capabilities similar to a small landing ship, equipped with a bow-mounted ramp enabling beach landing operations and movement, as well as a starboard side ramp for easier operation pier side.

It also has a helicopter landing deck to support aerial evacuation using a medium-class helicopter, or operate drones during HADR operations.

The ship also carries a sea rider boat as well as a rescue boat

[1] Terafulk Megantara Design

First Australian AS9 Huntsman 155mm self propelled howitzer delivered

 

What is believed to be the first AS9 Hunstman SPH of the Australian Army. Photo c/o Gregory Knowles @ X.

A photo uploaded by Gregory Knowles on 15 January 2025 showed what appears to be the first AS9 Huntsman 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer built for the Australian Army, indicating that a delivery could have been made.

The photo was taken at the Geelong, Victoria facility of Hanwha Defence Australia, which is producing the AS9 Huntsman which is an Australian derivative of the successful K9 Thunder used by the Republic of Korea Army and several other countries.

The same vehicle is believed seen participating in test firing activities in South Korea.

As part of LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires project, Australia’s Department of Defence ordered 30 AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers as well as 15 accompanying AS10  armoured ammunition supply vehicle, which is based on the South Korean K10.

These new artillery systems would improve the Australian Army’s battlefield fire support capabilities, replacing the M777 towed howitzer with a more mobile system that also allows improved rate of fire capabilities.

Hanwha is expected to deliver the Huntsman artillery system starting 2025.

[1] Gregory Knowles @ X

[2] Defence Connect

Philippines pursuing 12 more FA-50 Fighting Eagles, highlight defense projects for 2025

 

One of the PAF's FA-50PH Fighting Eagle light fighter. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) intends to acquire a second batch of 12 new FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft from South Korean aviation company Korea Aerospace Industries within 2025.

This is based on a Procurement Monitoring Report released by the DND which indicated updates on several defense procurement projects it is undertaking.

The project is expected to cost PHP40 billion (US$680 million), and is believed to involve the latest Block 20 variant of the FA-50 Fighting Eagle.

Once delivered, this would allow the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to have a second fighter squadron amidst increased security challenges brought by China’s incursions into Philippines’ 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

Currently the PAF only has a squadron of 12 earlier variants of the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle, although the same report from DND mentioned that these are also scheduled for upgrades with an allocated budget of PHP5.612 billion (approximately US$96 million). 

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines believes that the upgrades may involve the acquisition and integration of Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) and a new 300-gallon center line fuel tank, integration of GBU-12 and GBU-49 laser guided bombs, and work on the existing ELTA EL/M-2032 fire control radar to allow integration with beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles.

Aside from projects involving the KAI FA-50, the DND report also mentioned about the upcoming acquisition of Surface-to-Air missiles for new corvettes, which MaxDefense Philippines said are MBDA VL MICA missiles for the upcoming Miguel Malvar-class frigates.

Also included is the acquisition of a Bell 412EPX aeromedical helicopter and Forward Support System equipment for the Philippine Army, 10 “Canisterized” Surface-to-Air missiles for the PAF, Communications Equipment for the Philippine Navy, and several Cyber Defense packages for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Earlier the Philippine Air Force also confirmed to sign a contract with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for the acquisition of 6 additional A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft last December 2024, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2026.

These are expected to reinforce its existing fleet of 6 A-29B Super Tucanos, and will replace the OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft which were ultimately retired from service also last December 2024 after more than 33 years of service.

[1] Department of National Defense

[2] MaxDefense Philippines 

[3] Aerotime

India simultaneously commissions new Submarine and Surface Combat Ships

 

Commissioning of three new ships of for the Indian Navy on 15 January 2025. Photo c/o Naval News.

The Indian Navy held a simultaneous commissioning of three new warships, comprising of a Kalvari-class (Project 75 Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarine, a Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) guided missile destroyer, and a Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) guided missile frigate last 15 January 2025.

 The ships are the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer (S26, the fourth and final Visakhapatnam-class destroyer INS Surat (D69), and the lead ship of the Nilgiri-class frigate INS Nilgiri (F33).

No other than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the commissioning ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, highlighting the importance of this event to the Indian Government. It was noted that this is the first time in Indian history to simultaneously commission of a destroyer, frigate and submarine was done.

The INS Surat and INS Nilgiri were delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December 2024, while the INS Vagsheer was delivered on 09 January 2025, with all three ships built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.

The INS Vagsheer is the latest Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy, and is based on the French Scorpene attack submarine design from Naval Group. They are considered one of the best diesel-electric attack submarines in the world, featuring its silent propulsion, advanced combat systems and versatility. It can be armed with heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes, the MM40 Exocet submarine-launched anti-ship missiles, and mines.

While it does not have Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the submarine can be fitted with the technology in the future as it is scheduled to be installed with an AIP plug under a separate contract.

The INS Surat is the final Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) destroyer and is equipped with a 76mm main gun, four AK-630M close in weapon systems, two twin torpedo launchers and two ASW rocket launchers from India’s L&T, sixteen Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missiles, and 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) equipped with the Israeli-Indian Barak 8 MRSAM.

The INS Nilgiri is the first of its class, and is equipped with an upgrade 76mm Oto Melara STRALES main gun equipped with integrated fire control radar and DART smart homing munitions, two AK-630M CIWS, two twin torpedo launchers and two ASW rocket launchers from L&T, eight Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missiles, and 32-cell VLS for Barak 8/MRSAM missiles.

[1] Naval News

[2] The Indian Express

[3] NDTV