Vietnam close to a deal for F-16s from US – report

 

F-16 fighters, these examples are from the Turkish Air Force. Photo c/o GDH Defense.

A US-based defense media outlet reported that Vietnam is close to a deal with the United States for the acquisition of no fewer than 24 F-16 fighter aircraft.

According to 19FortyFive, negotiations have been in progress between the United States and Vietnam for the sale of F-16 fighters to improve the air combat capabilities of the Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF). 

Vietnam is also said to be interested in acquiring other defense materiel from the United States, which may also include the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

Should this deal push through, it would be monumental for both countries as Vietnam is traditionally a buyer of Russian weapon systems, and is believed to be restricted on the export of American high-end weapon systems like fighter aircraft.

Plans by Vietnam to shift to non-traditional sources like Russia has been in the works for several years but not much have been made to support this. 

Vietnam’s recent acquisitions from non-traditional sources include T-6 Texan II advance turboprop trainer aircraft, ScanEagle 2 UAVs and retired Hamilton-class patrol vessels from the United States, Heron UAVs, EL/M-2288 AD-STAR radars and Spyder air defense missile systems from Israel, L-39NG trainer jets from Czechia, and retired Pohang-class corvettes from South Korea.

Vietnam was reported to be experiencing difficulty in maintaining its mostly Russian-sourced fleet of combat aircraft which include the Sukhoi Su-27SK/UB and Su-30MK2V Flankers, as Russia has unable to accommodate Vietnamese requests without huge payment commitments. 

Vietnam is said to be reluctant to make such commitments considering the United States and European Union’s sanctions against Russia due to its war with Ukraine and earlier actions and disagreements with the West.

19FortyFive claims that the VPAF has already sidelined some of its latest Sukhoi fighters due to lack of support from Russia, and the service is expected to experience capability gaps in the next few years unless additional fighter aircraft becomes available to fill the gaps.

So far, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) which is responsible for confirming US State Department approval for major arms sales or transfers has not published anything to support 19FortyFive’s report. 

The most recent DSCA announcement on potential F-16 sales is with Vietnam’s eastern neighbor The Philippines for 20 new F-16C/D Block 70/72 Viper with an expected cost of US$5.58 billion.

[1] 19FortyFive

[2] Newsweek

[3]  Defence Security Asia

Philippines to procure 40 fast patrol boats from France's OCEA Group

 

The FPB-110 Mk. II design as delivered to the Nigerian Navy. Photo c/o OCEA.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has formally selected French shipbuilder OCEA to build and deliver 40 new fast patrol boats.

The acquisition of fast patrol boats is part of the Philippines’ effort to improve and strengthen its maritime security and maritime law enforcement capabilities in light of increasing grey zone and harassment activities from China.

 It is believed that OCEA will be producing and delivering a mix of their FPB 110 and FPB 98 designs, both of which are configured for littoral operations.

The FPB 110 is 35 meters long, has a crew of 17 personnel, a maximum speed of 35 knots, and a maximum range of 700 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Meanwhile the smaller FPB 98 is 32 meters long, has a crew of 16 personnel, a maximum speed of 35 knots, and a maximum range of 1,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Both can be armed by 25 or 30mm automatic cannons and machine guns although no confirmation has been made on its final fit-out.

Previously it was reported by Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines that the proposal from OCEA includes the construction of 20 units in its shipyard in France, and another 20 in a future OCEA shipyard in the Philippines. OCEA already has an office in the Philippines since 2021, and is eyeing to build a shipyard in the Philippines to respond to requirements from the Philippines and cater for the Indo-Pacific region.

Financing is believed to be provided by the French Government as part of their Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines.

OCEA has previously delivered an 83-meter offshore patrol vessel based on their OPV-270 design, as well as four fast patrol boats based on the FPB-72 design.

OCEA has also been recently awarded a maintenance contract by the Philippine Coast Guard for supporting the maintenance requirements for the above-mentioned ships, which was signed on 11 April 2025.

[1] Philippine News Agency

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

New 2500 DWT landing craft for Indonesian Army launched

 

The new landing craft ADRI LIII. Photo c/o Kepripedia.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Multi-Ocean Shipyard (MOS) has launched a new landing craft, which will be called the “ADRI LIII” for the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD).

The ceremony was held on 15 April 2025 at the shipyard’s facility in Karimunbesar Island, with Head of the LCU 2500 DWT Ship Launch Team, Navy Colonel (P) Hery Soekris Hendrayanto and PT MOS Director, Willies Kurniawan among those present.

Director Kurniawan confirmed that the ship is 95% complete, with the shipyard committed to meet its schedule to complete the ship within the 24 months construction period while maintaining high degree of quality.

The new landing craft was acquired as part of the LCU 2500 DWT Ship project, and will allow the Indonesian Army to increase its logistics capability and move heavy equipment within the Indonesian archipelago and within the region during military operations for war, and military operations other than war which includes disaster response and relief.

It has a displacement of 1,500 tons, a length of 100.18 meters and a maximum width of 18 meters, with a maximum speed of 14 knots and a maximum range of 4,550 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The landing craft is capable of transporting heavy equipment including up to 4 Leopard 2 tanks, a transporter unit, and 450 troops.

The launch of the ship is another testament to the strong implementation of the Indonesian Armed Forces’ Minimum Essential Force (MEF) modernization program, as well as the Indonesian Defense Industry Master Plan (RIIP).

[1] Kepripedia

[2] Defense Mirror

Philippines gets US approval for potential export of TH-73A Thrasher training helos

  

The TH-73A Thrasher, this example with the US Navy. Photo c/o US Navy.

US DSCA Press Release dated 15 April 2025:

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2025 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of TH-73A Training Helicopters and Support for an estimated cost of $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy the following defense articles and services: TH-73A training helicopters; aircraft simulator; spare engines; pack up kits; fuel tanks; aircraft hoists and lifts; commercial avionics; commercial flight management systems; commercial Global Positioning Systems; shipping containers; support and test equipment; consumables and accessories; integration and test support; repair and return support; spare and repair parts; unclassified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and commercial training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, logistics, and transportation support services, including in-country representative support; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $120 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing an aircraft platform that will serve as the primary method of improving pilot training and skills, thus helping to ensure the development of a proficient rotary wing aviator corps. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services 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 AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (Leonardo), located in Philadelphia, PA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to four additional U.S. Government and up to four U.S. contractor representatives to the Philippines for a duration of up to three years to support helicopter introduction, familiarization, fielding, and training.

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

Fincantieri confirms offer of U212 NFS submarines to the Philippines

 

A U212 submarine of the Italian Navy. Photo c/o Fincantieri.

Fincantieri press release dated 16 April 2025:

Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership to provide the Philippine’s Navy with advanced submarine capabilities solutions.

As part of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to enhance its archipelagic defense by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in securing territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.

The collaboration between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri brings together their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building for the Italian Navy at its shipyards in Italy. The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.

The cooperation between the Italian and German Navies on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on their longstanding partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems extended their cooperation to include potential joint export projects.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated: “Building on our successful cooperation within the Italian submarine program, this Industrial Cooperation Agreement provides an excellent foundation for further joint projects in the underwater domain.”

The U212 NFS is an evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine, featuring low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signature characteristics and making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and the most stringent rules and requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplying essential key technologies and components.

The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage through the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, first introduced on the U212A, and now integrated into the U212 NFS. Additionally, the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel, combined with other key technical features and new stealth technology, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: "With decades of experience in submarine construction, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in delivering high-performance naval solutions. This cooperation is a key milestone in promoting our international export strategy, leveraging the latest cutting-edge Italian and German technologies and quality."

A distinguishing factor of the U212 NFS offering is the operational support provided by the Italian Navy, ensuring the Philippine Navy benefits from an unparalleled level of training, doctrine, and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly build a well-structured and highly skilled submarine crew.

Furthermore, as part of the Philippine’s “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in developing a new naval base. This will be achieved by leveraging the design expertise of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, drawing on their decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with navies worldwide.

[1] Fincantieri 

Keel Laying Ceremony held for first Malaysian LMS Batch 2

 

RMN officials attend the Keel Laying Ceremony od first LMS Batch 2 ship. Photo c/o RMN.

Turkish defense company Savunama Teknolojileri Muhendislik  (STM) held the Keel Laying Ceremony for the first of three new Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 being built for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) on 08 April 2025 at the Istanbul Shipyard in Türkiye.

Present during the ceremony were the RMN’s Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, and STM’s Deputy General Manager Mr. Bulent Soydal.

Prior to the ceremony, the Ministry of Defence and STM held a Project Monitoring Committee Meeting on 7 April 2025, which presented updates on the progress of all three ships.

The Keel Laying Ceremony follows the Steel Cutting Ceremony for the ship which was held on 4 December 2024 signalling the start of the ship’s construction phase.

According to reports, the first ship is expected to be launched by mid-2026 and delivered to the RMN by end of 2027.

The Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 are based on the Ada-class corvettes of the Turkish Navy, and features stealthy hull design. It will displace at around 2,500 tons, with a length of 99.5 meters, have a maximum speed of around 26 knots, and a maximum range of 4,000 nautcal miles.

So far the weapons fit-out are believed to include the Oto Melara 76mm gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, two quadruple launchers for the Rokeysan Atmaca anti-ship missiles, and a 16-cell vertical launching system for the K-SAAM short-range air defense missile system.

[1] Royal Malaysian Navy

[2] Naval News

[3] Defense News

Philippines takes delivery of first Miguel Malvar-class frigate

 

The new frigate, soon to be BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) ar Naval Operating Base Subic. Photo c/o Philippine Navy.

The Philippine Navy conducted the formal arrival ceremonies for its first of two Miguel Malvar-class frigate, the future BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) during ceremonies held in its Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales province, north of Manila on 08 April 2025.

The ship arrived earlier from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ naval shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea after departing on 31 March 2025.

Prior to commissioning under a Initial Operational Capacity, the frigate will undergo a series of further inspections and tests, as well as training of crew. The Philippine Navy has not yet indicated the commissioning date.

The Miguel Malvar-class was originally acquired as a corvette under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program Horizon 2 phase, which covers 2018 to 2022.

It uses HD HHI’s HDF-3200 design, which was derived on improvements from its HDF-2600 / Jose Rizal-class light frigate design built for the Philippine Navy a few years earlier, with inputs from advancements in the development of the FFX-II / Daegu-class frigates built for the Republic of Korea Navy.

The new frigate is 118.4 meters long, 14.9 meters wide and has a displacement of 3,200 tons. It is powered by 4 MTU-STX marine diesel engines that allows the frigate to have a maximum range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, and a maximum speed of more than 25 knots.

It is equipped with the Hanwha Systems Naval Shield Tactical Combat Management System, linking the ship’s sensors and weapons which includes the IAI Elta EL/M-2258 ALPHA 3D AESA air/surface search radar, a Selex NA-25X fire control radar, Safran PASEO XLR EOTS, ELAC Sonar Hunter 2.0 active/passive hull-mounted sonar, the Elbit Elisra Aquamarine electronic support measures suite, and Hanwha Systems Link-P tactical data link.

It is armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, an Aselsan Gokdeniz twin 35mm close-in weapon system (CIWS), a 16-cell vertical launch system for MBDA VL-MICA short range air defense missiles, two SEA triple launchers for the LIG Nex1 Blue Shark lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, and two quadruple launchers for the LIG Nex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles.

It also has a helipad for a standard 10-ton naval helicopter.

Further upgrades are expected as the frigates will be equipped with a towed-array sonar system which is yet to be determined, as well as having the US Data Link 16 and Link 22 tactical data links.

[1] Naval News

[2] Philippine Defense Resource

[3] MaxDefense Philippines