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D E V E L O P M E N T S
Command and Control systems, simulators, training, mission support systems, electronic warfare systems, and upgrade programmes and logistics support. Thai company Avia Satcom has joined with ‘The joint venture will offer locally Saab in a partnership to jointly develop and developed products for the Thai Armed produce high technology aviation and Forces and the export market. It will also defence products as ‘Avia Saab bring investments and leading edge techTechnologies’ in Bankgkok, Thailand. nology to Thailand, and create highly The venture will initially focus on the advanced job opportunities The establishment of ‘Avia Saab Technologies’ will support Thailand’s most advanced combat capabilities © Saab for Thai professionals,” says Kaj Rosander, Saab’s Campaign Director for Gripen in Thailand. Kajohnsak Watanangura, Avia Satcom’s manager responsible for the joint venture programme, said, ‘This is really special for Thailand. Firstly, the technology transferred must be developed further before it can be incorporated into the product. This definitely calls for employees who are highly technologically competent, which Thailand has and over time the skill levels will rise even further.’
THAILAND
Saab and Avia Satcom in joint venture
development of a National Tactical Datalink in the Gripen fighter, six of which were ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force from the Swedish government in 2008, along with one Saab 340 Erieye Airborne Early Warning unit. Delivery of the aircraft are due to begin in 2011, and following technology transfers, Avia Saab Technologies will also focus on
INDIA
TAIWAN
India considers US howitzers
Taiwan to receive new Patriot Air and Missile Defence System
New Delhi is considering purchasing 140 BAE Land Systems M-777A1 ultra-light howitzers for the Indian Army in a $612 million deal as part of a foreign military sale with the US. India is currently seeking a range of new weapons for the Army as part of its artillery modernisation programme, including the 145 howitzers, and 160 towed and wheeled guns. Part of the Army’s requirement is weapons that are light enough to be transported in the mountainous region of the Himalayas, for fast deployment via helicopter against possible Chinese threats. India’s weapons are in urgent need of upgrading, with no new artillery guns having been purchased since 1986. In 2009 the Singapore Technology Kinetic’s Pegasus light howitzer underwent 10 months of evaluation, but the process was abandoned before field trials due to allegations of corruption in the bidding process. It is believed New Delhi may fast-track the howitzer acquisition in order to quick start its Rs20,000 crore artillery modernisation programme into motion after lengthy delays.
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Raytheon has been awarded a $1.1 billion contract to produce a new Patriot Air and Missile Defence System for Taiwan. The contract was issued through a Foreign Military Sale by the US Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The contract will see the new production of the Patriot fire units that will include new advances in technology, improved manmachine interface, and reduced life-cycle costs. Included is ground-system hardware in an initial contract valued at $965.6 million and an initial spares contract valued at $134.4 million.
ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW
The Patriot system is a longrange, all-altitude, all-weather air defence system used to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. The system is fielded by US NATO allies in Germany, The Netherlands, Space, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Japan, and South Korea. Daniel L. Smith, president of Raytheon Integrated Defence Systems (IDS), said of the contract, ‘The Patriot system is a vital element to providing superior integrated air and missile defence capabilities for the protection of Taiwan. Raytheon has provided advanced technology, innovation and support in Taiwan for more than 40 years, and we are honoured to continue that partnership today and in the future.’