Asian Military Review - November 2016

Volume 24/issue 7

november 2016 US$15

A s i a P a c i f i c ’ s L a r g e s t C i r c u la t e d D e f e n c e M a g a Z i n e

INDONESIA’S ARMED FORCES FAST ATTACK CRAFT MALE/HALE UAVS

AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE PAKISTAN’S PROCUREMENTS

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Contents

november 2016 VOLUME 24 / ISSUE 7

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Claire Apthorp studies the market for Medium Altitude and High Altitude Long-Endurance UAVs in the region.

Front Cover Photo:

A Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV in the colours of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force. This aircraft is examined in Claire Apthorp’s Male Dominance article.

MALE DOMINANCE 22

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Choose Your Weapons

Fast And Furious

New Small Arms and Light Weapons fall under the gaze of Andrew White.

Dr. Alix Valenti examines Fast Attack Craft, detailing their role, design criteria and the market for such ships.

Difficult Choices In A Complex Region

Rebalancing Act

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Alex Calvo examines the strategic challenges and procurement choices faced by Pakistan.

16 34

The Indonesian armed forces are at a doctrinal crossroads, Andrew Drwiega reports.

05

Watching The Noisy Neighbours

It Came From Outer Space

Airborne Early Aircraft are in high demand in the Asia-Pacific region, Alan Warnes explains.

The demand for Ballistic Missile Defence in the Asia-Pacific is growing, Thomas Newdick finds out.

Catch up on all the latest defence radio frequency news and analysis in Thomas Withington’s regular Pulse column.

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Index of Advertisers

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Editorial GRIN AND BEAR IT

A

total of 3722.5 nautical miles (6834.1 kilometres) kilometres separate Bordeaux in south-west France, where the Dassault Rafale-F3A/B/M fighter is built and New Delhi, where the Indian government signed a contract to procure 36 of these aircraft on 23 September.

It would take a Rafale-F3A/B/M fighter a total of three hours and 36 minutes to travel this distance with the aircraft flying at its published maximum high altitude speed of 1032 knots (1912 kilometres per hour) without air-to-air refuelling; a purely hypothetical exercise. This flight time is 0.002 percent of the time that it has taken for the Indian government to sign a contract for an aircraft acquisition, since the Indian Air Force (IAF) articulated its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirement in 2001. During that time four World Cup soccer tournaments have been held, the same number of Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the United States has led two major military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq (2001 to 2014, and 2003 to 2011 respectively). No doubt patience has been a virtue for all of the companies involved in the MMRCA initiative (Boeing, Dassault, Eurofighter GmbH, Lockheed Martin, MiG and Saab).

As the delay has increased, so the prize has reduced: Initially, the Indian government wanted 126 new fighters to fulfil the MMRCA need; but this has now diminished to 36, worth an estimated $8.8 billion according to open media reports. Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to commence in September 2019, and conclude 2022. There is uncertainty whether New Delhi will order additional jets, or whether the government will announce a new ‘son of MMRCA’ competition for the balance of 90 aircraft from the original requirement. Dassault Aviation will almost certainly be disappointed with how many fighters the IAF will acquire, although in January, media reports stated that the Indian Navy has commenced briefings with Dassault regarding the Rafale-F3M, the naval variant of the aircraft, for use onboard its aircraft carriers. Yet, there are no indications when, or if, this could result in a navy procurement of new fighters, and whether this procurement will see the purchase of the Rafale-F3M. Furthermore, the IAF cannot refrain from purchasing new fighters forever: Its fast jet fleet is old, the most recent aircraft being the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters it procured from Russia which entered service in 2002. These will already be almost two decades old by the time the first of Bordeaux’s finest enters service.

In many ways, India’s MMRCA exercise has been a textbook case of how not to perform fighter procurement. A combination of delays and reductions in the order size may cause aircraft manufacturers to question whether New Delhi’s fighter purchases are worth the time and effort in the future. Nevertheless, with fewer fighter procurements on the horizon, these companies may have little choice but to grim and bear it, vis-à-vis New Delhi’s future shopping lists.

Thomas Withington, Editor

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by Thomas Withington

Northrop Grumman

Lockheed Martin unveils a new ground-based air surveillance radar, while Thales reveals more details of its new Cybele airborne electronic warfare system being jointly developed with Elettronica, and ViaSat share details of its most recent US Navy SATCOM contract.

The USMC has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to deliver nine AN/TPS-80 GATOR radars. All of these new radars are expected to be delivered to the force by the end of 2020.

Radar

Lockheed Martin has told AMR that it hopes to have its new TPY-X long-range, ground-based air surveillance radar available for acquisition in 2017. A written statement from the firm revealed that: “The architecture and component technology utilised in the TPY-X are firmly established. The primary work remaining to be completed includes incorporation of some additional software-defined features and functions, final system level qualification (and) supporting documentation.” The radar, the company told AMR, can be used in fixed, transportable or mobile configurations and will transmit in L-band (1.215-1.4 Gigahertz/GHz). Lockheed Martin explained that L-band was chosen: “due to the TPY-X mission, long-range air surveillance, and affordability. L-band not only provides the optimal balance of detection performance, accuracy, and size, weight and power

reduction, but can perform the mission the most affordably by doing more with less. The negative effects of clutter and weather are greatly reduced (with) L-band, providing significant performance advantages.” The firm quoted an instrumented range of 250 nautical miles/nm (463 kilometres/km) for the radar, which will be capable of detecting targets at an altitude of 100,000 feet (30480 metres) for air-breathing targets, “with enhanced coverage for ballistic targets.” Using an Active ElectronicallyScanned Array (AESA) antenna the radar performs 360 degree surveillance. Lockheed Martin adds that: “significant portions of the TPY-X’s development have been self-funded by the firm over an eight-year period,” although regarding customers, all the company will say is that it has been: “working with multiple domestic and international customers who are interested in adding the TPY-X to their inventories.”

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US Navy

Thales

delivered as part of the LRIP phase of the While not disclosed by the company, programme, and the cumulative values of it is possible that Lockheed Martin may the respective contracts awarded to date, offer the TPY-X radar to answer an existing gives the radars a unit cost of circa $45 US Army requirement for a new groundmillion. based air surveillance radar to replace the The first six radars are expected to force’s Raytheon AN/APG-53 and ANbe delivered in 2017 to support testing APG-65 ground-based air surveillance activities. The radars ordered as part and fire control radars which accompany of the September contract will include Raytheon’s MIM-104 Patriot family of Gallium Nitride (GaN) in their AESA surface-to-air missile systems. The US antenna, which will allow the radars to Army is reportedly interested in a radar operate at higher power levels, compared which can provide full 360 degree coverage, to the earlier six systems ordered which which the two current radars are unable to will use Gallium Arsenide in their AESA perform. Media reports note that the US antenna.

Army is expected to launch a competition for the acquisition of the new radar in the The USMC plans to add ever-increasing 2017 timeframe, with the possibility of levels of capability to these radars. The purchasing circa 91 examples. roadmap for the AN/TPS-80 programme In early September, Northrop Grumcalls for this technology to be added to the man was awarded a contract worth $375 radar via a series of ‘blocks.’ For example, million to deliver nine of its AN/TPSshort range air defence and Identification plans to deliver its first Sea Fire radar to the French 80 GATOR (Ground/Air Oriented Task Thales Friend or Foe (IFF) functions will be Navy for installation onboard the service’s new Intermediate Sized Frigates from 2020. Testing of the radar is expected to Radars) to the US Marine Corps (USMC). commence included on Block 1 of the radars. Weapons from 2018.

The radars are designed to perform location functions will be added via Block ground-based air surveillance. This 2, with Block 3 including Mode-5/Mode-S latest Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract will see all military IFF and civilian air traffic control transponder compatibility, nine of the S-band (2.3-2.5/2.7-3.7GHz) radars being delivered and air traffic control functions being added to Block 4. According to the USMC by 2020. This latest LRIP contract follows a series to Northrop Grumman, the Block 1/2 capability will become of similar contracts which has covered the deliveries of AN/ available on the AN/TPS-80 in the 2018 timeframe. In addition, TPS-80 radars for the force. For example, in late-October 2014 the company expects a Full Rate Production (FRP) contract to be the firm was awarded the LRIP contract worth $208 million awarded in circa 2019, with deliveries then to commence in 2021. which covers the delivery of four radars to the USMC between The FRP could cover the delivery of 30 systems, and will fulfil 2016 and 2017. An earlier LRIP contract awarded in October the USMC’s original aspiration for 45 systems, when the radars 2014, worth $208 million, which covered the delivery of four delivered as part of the LRIP phase are taken into account. The AN/ radars, with two additional radars being ordered as part of TPS-80 is intended to replace a host of radars currently in USMC an option accompanying this initial LRIP contract worth $113 service including the AN/TPS-63 L-band low-level tactical air million. Encompassing the latest September contract for $375 defence radar, the AN/TPS-73 S-band and L-band primary and million, the USMC now has 15 AN/TPS-80 radars on order to be secondary air traffic control radar, the AN/MPQ-62 continuous wave target acquisition radar for the Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk ground-based air defence system, the AN/TPQ-46 counter-battery radar and the AN/UPS-3 short-range air defence radar.

Meanwhile, in the naval domain, Thales has revealed more details regarding its new Sea Fire naval surveillance radar. This new radar is planned for installation onboard the Marine Nationale (French Navy) new DCNS Frégates de Taille Intermédiaire (FTI/ Intermediate Size Frigates); five of which will be delivered from circa 2023 to replace the existing five frigates of the ‘Lafayette’ class. During a presentation of its naval surveillance radar products on 21 September, Thales disclosed that it will deliver the first Sea Fire radar to DCNS for installation on the first, as yet unnamed, ship in the class in 2020, following the award of the contract for the radar to Thales from Thales will perform modifications to its the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA/General Herakles naval surveillance radar, seen here atop the forward superstructure of this Armament Directorate) French procurement agency in Republic of Singapore Navy ‘Formidable’ class frigate, in preparation for the radar’s 2014. Testing of the radar by the DGA is expected to installation onboard the final two French commence in 2018, Thales added.

Navy ‘Aquitaine’ class frigates.

Originally named the Sea Fire-500, following the

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| Asian Military Review |

USAF

panel design, the overall Herakles architecture would be modernised to include new software algorithms to enhance its performance against air breathing and ballistic missile targets, which will be engaged using MBDA Aster-30 ARH guided surface-to-air missiles. The first of these two new frigates is expected to enter service in circa 2022, and will replace the French Navy’s two ‘Cassard’ class frigates which employ the Thomson-CSF/Thales DRBV-26C L-band naval surveillance radar.

Electronic Warfare

radar’s launch at the October 2014 Euronaval exhibition held in Paris, Thales now seems to be referring to this radar simply as the Sea Fire. It is an S-band radar with a modular design and can thus be scaled up or down to equip vessels displacing from 3500 tonnes to in excess of 7000 tonnes. The only element of the radar which changes in this regard is its antenna size, with the back end remaining the same.

The company is using GaN technology in the radar’s AESA antenna, the radar also has an integrated uplink to provide guidance for Active Radar Homing (ARH) surface-to-air missiles. The Sea Fire’s architecture includes four flat-panel AESA antennae each of which provides 90 degrees of coverage, and an instrumented range of circa 216nm (400km). Thales’ 21 September briefing on the Sea Fire also revealed that the company has developed a ground-based air surveillance version known as the Ground Fire. At present, this remains at the concept stage, although the firm told the author that it could be developed into an operational system in around five years once customer orders are forthcoming.

It is expected that Sea Fire will replace the Herakales S-band naval surveillance radar in the company’s catalogue. This latter radar is currently in service onboard the DCNS/Fincantieri ‘Aquitaine/Bergamini’ class frigates of the French Navy and Marina Militaire (Italian Navy), and the ‘Formidable’ class frigates of the Republic of Singapore Navy. Meanwhile, Thales gave AMR additional details regarding the future development roadmap for the Herakles radar. As noted above, the radar is in service onboard the French Navy’s ‘Aquitaine’ class frigates.

This class currently includes eight vessels primarily configured to perform anti-submarine warfare. However, the French Navy is destined to acquire a further two ships, which will complete the overall ‘Aquitaine’ class, which will be designed to perform air defence. Thales is modifying the overall Herakles design to optimise it to perform this mission. This will see the radar migrating from its existing revolving antenna design to a fixed flat panel display which will use four flat panels mounted on the vessel’s superstructure to provide 360 degrees of azimuth coverage. Thales told AMR that, beyond the utilisation of a flat

Leonardo

The UK has returned one of its RC135W ELINT aircraft (a USAF example of the aircraft being shown here) to the US for deep maintenance. The RAF is expected to receive its third, and final, RC-135W in 2017.

Thales has provided AMR with additional details regarding its new Cybele airborne electronic warfare system which the firm jointly launched with Elettronica in July at the Farnborough air show, in the United Kingdom. According to Patrick Demoulin, who is responsible for Thales’ airborne electronic warfare product line, Cybele constitutes a suite of systems designed to protect helicopters and large fixed-wing aircraft such as freighters against Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and Small Arms/Light Weapons (SALW) fire, along with radar and infrared-guided surface-toair and air-to-air missiles. The Cybele ensemble combines several existing products in Thales’ and Elettronica’s stable to provide radar warning and geolocation, a laser warning system to alert the crew to beam-riding missiles, a missile warning system and a hostile fire indicator to warn them of SALW fire. Mr. Demoulin says that additional protection is provided by the chaff and flare launchers and laser and radio frequency jammers which also comprise the system.

In terms of the products comprising Cybele, Thales provides the overall electronic warfare management system, along with its CATS-170 radar warning receiver. This covers the two to 20

The RAF is in the midst of preparing CONOPS for its new BriteCloud RF decoy which is expected to equip the force’s fast jet fleet, starting with its Tornado GR4 fighters.

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US DoD

single aircraft to the US is: “to enable depth level maintenance,” adding that “operations continue with the first aircraft.” The statement supplied to AMR added that the reason for the maintenance being performed in the US was because: “The aircraft requires a depth level maintenance task that could not be completed in the UK.” The RAF’s third RC-135W is expected to enter service in 2017.

Meanwhile, Leonardo has confirmed to AMR that the RAF has received BriteCloud Radio Frequency (RF) decoys ordered by the force in late September for operational testing so as to develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for the decoy’s use which will initially be deployed on the RAF’s Panavia Tornado-GR4 fighters. Although Leonardo has demurred from providing a date as to when BriteCloud could enter frontline service onboard the Tornado GR4, given that CONOPS for the decoy are now being developed, it is expected that it could enter service within the next two years.

Tactical Radio

ViaSat has been awarded a contract to assist the US Navy in ensuring the provision of UHF satellite communications. This will include communications using the MUOS constellation, an artist’s impression of which is shown here.

gigahertz frequency range, providing a direction finding accuracy of under ten degrees, across 360 degrees of azimuth. Thales also provides the Vicom chaff and flare launcher (with Elettronica providing the chaff and flares), plus its ELIX infrared-based missile warning system which, the company’s literature states, can detect incoming infrared, laser and radar guided SAMs, along with RPGs, and AAA/SALW fire, using between four and six sensors placed around the aircraft. Beyond this, users can augment this ensemble with a more powerful configuration, which adds Elettronica’s ELT-572 Directional Infrared Countermeasure, and ELT-741 electronic support measure. The firm has designed the ELT-572 to equip helicopters and wide-body aircraft and employs a laser beam to shine directly into the infrared seeker of incoming infrared guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles.

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) has disclosed to AMR that one of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Boeing RC-135W Airseeker Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) gathering aircraft has been returned to the United States for deep maintenance. A total of three RC-135W aircraft have been acquired by the RAF from the United States, where the United States Air Force operates both the RC-135V and RC-135W Rivet Joint ELINT platforms. Along with their American counterparts, the RAF aircraft have been supporting Operation SHADER, the British contribution to Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, the US-led campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) insurgent group, which has occupied significant portions of the north-west and east of both these countries. Although unconfirmed by the UK MoD, it is thought that the RAF’s RC135Ws have been performing the detection and disruption of ISIS radio communications. Speculation originally focused on the RC-135W being returned to the US for modification in light of operational issues raised during the aircraft’s deployment in support of Operation SHADER, however, this has been denied by the UK MoD which stated that the reason for the return of a

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Australian tactical communications specialists Codan have unveiled a new High Frequency (HF: three to 30 megahertz/MHz) tactical radio in the guise of its Sentry-H transceiver. Launched on 14 September, the radio is designed to be easy to use and robust.

In a written statement, the company told AMR that it expects the radio to be available for delivery during the first quarter of 2017, and is currently seeking customers. With an output power of 150 watts, the radio offers channel bandwidths of 500 hertz, 2.4 kilohertz (KHz) and 2.75KHz. Regarding communications security, the company continued in its statement that the radio uses frequency-hopping techniques, US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard-256) and the company’s CES-128 voice encryption standard. Regarding data, Codan’s official literature states that the radio can handle rates of between six to 19 kilobits-persecond depending on the waveforms used. The waveforms employed by the radio include the US Federal Standard FEDSTD-1045 HF waveform, US Military Standard MIL-STD-188141B ALE, SelCall (Selective Calling), and Codan’s proprietary HF waveforms.

Satellite Communications

ViaSat has provided AMR with more details regarding a US Navy contract it was awarded in late-August covering engineering, technical services and hardware/software products to support the service’s Ultra High Frequency (UHF: 300MHz to three gigahertz) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) network.

The company told AMR that this contract: “has a five-year ordering base period up to the contract award amount and an option for another five-year ordering period to be negotiated prior to exercise of the option.” The company added that; “ViaSat will support the US Navy’s surface vessels and ground stations in order to maintain this critical beyond line of sight communications capability.” The US Navy currently operates the UFO (UHF Follow-On) UHF satellite constellation which is being replaced by the Lockheed Martin MUOS (Mobile User Objective System) constellation. AMR

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l a n d W A R F A R E

The ROK’s K2 assault rifle is being adopted by the country’s army and navy special forces units. The K2 carbine is derived from the legacy K2 assault rifle already in service with the ROK’s armed forces.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPONS

As nations continue to avoid conflict with the deterrent effect of their armed services, it is their Special Operations Forces (SOF) which remain at short notice to move to launch clandestine and discreet missions to defeat adversaries beyond the gaze of traditional and social media.

by Andrew White

I

ntegral to any SOF mission is a robust concept of operation using tactics, techniques and procedures; as well as secure and reliable communications; protective equipment and lethality provided by Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). In the latter part of 2016, the Asia-Pacific has become an integral hub for the international SALW market with a series of large requirements and new developments.

For example the Republic of Korea (ROK) is using the domestic S&T Motiv 5.56mm x 45mm K2 carbine, already in service with the ROK Army’s (ROKA) special forces brigades and ROK Navy (ROKN) SEAL (Sea, Air and Land) teams, sources explained to AMR. The weapon features a barrel capable of housing the firm’s K11 suppressor (to reduce firing noise and muzzle flash) and an extendable butt stock, making it particularly suitable

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for close quarter combat in urban and maritime environments as well as airborne insertion by parachute. This is because carbines traditionally boast a comparatively smaller physical size than assault rifles, making them ideal for such aforementioned tasks. Also displayed alongside the K2 at the September Defence Expo Korea event held in Seoul, was S&T Motiv’s longer range members of the K2 family, including the K2C1 5.56mm x 45mm weapon which comprises an upgraded variant of the Republic of Korea Army’s legacy K2 assault rifle, as distinct from the K2 carbine discussed above. Company sources explained to AMR its vision for the K2C1 to provide a longer range capability for the ROKA and ROKN SEALs as well as to replace inservice Colt Defence M-16 assault rifles currently being used by the ROKA. S&T Motiv is contracted to supply

| Asian Military Review |

a total of circa 60000 K2 assault rifles to the ROKA, with manufacturing already underway. Initial deliveries began in June 2016, official sources confirmed although specific numbers remain undisclosed, as does when deliveries are likely to conclude. This gas-operated weapon is available in 305mm (twelve inch/in) and 465mm (18.3in) barrel lengths, with the latter option providing an overall weapon length of 850mm (33.4in) when fully extended. The weapon weighs 3.7 kilograms (7.9 pounds/lb) in an unloaded configuration.

Russia While S&T Motiv was exhibiting its wares in Seoul, the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) hosted the annual International Military Technical Forum or ‘Army 2016’ event in Moscow from 6 September to 11 September, with indigenous companies

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unveiling a total of nine new SALWs to the domestic and international markets. All of these developments which comprise sniper rifles, assault rifles, Personal Defence Weapons (PDWs/hybrid submachine guns and carbines), handguns and automatic grenade launchers, represent significant capability enhancements for Russia’s Special Purpose or Spetsnaz brigades, as well as countless other SOF units internationally which rely upon the same Russian-manufactured weapons.

Russia’s Precision Machine Building Design Bureau (PMBDB) used the event to launch the SR-1MP handgun which fires 9mm x 21mm SP10 armour-piercing ammunition, also developed by the same company. Weighing 1.1kg (2.4lb), the combat handgun includes a 120mm (4.7in) barrel capable of generating a muzzle velocity of 410 metres-per-second/ mps (1345.1 feet-per-second/fps). The weapon relies on a double-action firing mechanism, where the trigger is also used to cock the weapon, as well as a safety catch located on the side of the pistol grip. It can be fitted with an 18-round magazine. Although the PMBDB claims the firearm has a maximum effective range of 100m (328.1ft), industry sources explained to AMR how even the most accurate of users would struggle to hit a target beyond 50m (164ft) with the SR1MP. The firm also added a Rail Adaptor System (RAS) located below the barrel which is capable of integrating tactical torches, laser designators and red dot sights as well as providing a secure port

for the addition of a suppressor onto the handgun’s barrel. The latter is a growing requirement throughout the international SOF community for suppressed weapon firing. This is particularly useful for urban operations where muzzle flashes and associated noise can degrade intrasquad communications and compromise the squad’s discretion.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Kalashnikov Group used the Army 2016 event to launch its long-awaited next generation AK-15 assault rifle and Malogabaritny Avtomat (MA) Compact Assault Rifle. Speaking to AMR at the Eurosatory exhibition held in Paris this June, company sources explained how it was positioning itself to support SOF globally. The Kalashnikov Group already provides Spetsnaz units with a variety of weapons from its small arms inventory including the AK-74M, AK-101, AK-102, AK-103, AK-104 and AK105 assault rifles; as well as the Vityaz-SN 9mm submachine gun; and twelve-gauge KS-K semi-automatic shotgun.

Initial plans for the design of the AK-12 (as the AK-15 was originally designated), featuring 5.45mm × 39mm, 7.62mm × 39mm and 5.56mm × 45mm ammunition were initially approved by the Russian MoD back in December 2014 following the completion of an operational test and evaluation programme which focused

on extreme environmental testing. The rifle was then re-qualified and approved by the Russian MoD in March 2015. The AK-15 has been designed in line with emerging requirements from the Russian Army’s Ratnik soldier modernisation concept. However, the AK-15’s future within Ratnik has yet to be assured with sources explaining to AMR how the MoD is currently considering a variety of assault rifles for future procurement including the Degtyarev Plant’s A-545 and A-762 weapons. All these rifles remain in an operational test and evaluation programme which is scheduled to be completed by December 2016, sources added.

Speaking at the event, Russian Army officials announced how the wider armed forces and SOF were expected to receive a next-generation assault rifle within a five to seven year period as part of the Ratnik-3 roll-out. A total of 100,000 Ratnik-2 ensembles are currently being delivered to the army, industry sources confirmed to AMR. Kalashnikov Group sources explained how the AK-15, which includes a gas-operated system (where a proportion of the gas expended by an exploding cartridge is used to extract the spent cartridge case, and load a new cartridge), would replace the Kalashnikov AK-103 weapon used by Russian SOF. The assault rifle comprises an all up

Vitaly Kuzmin

S&T Motiv

W A R F A R E

Russia’s SR-1MP handgun can integrate a number of tactical accessories via its adapter rail. The weapon carries an 18-round magazine.

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l a n d Isaac Lees

W A R F A R E

Russia’s special forces make use of Kalashnikov’s AK-103 assault rifle, which has a 30-round magazine, and includes a retractable butt stock. This weapon will be replaced by the new AK-15 assault rifle.

weight of 4.1kg (nine pounds) when fitted with a 30-round magazine. It also features a retractable butt stock providing the rifle with a length of 1066mm (41.9in) when fully extended. The weapon fires from a 415mm (16.3in) barrel achieving a muzzle velocity of 715mps (2345.8fps) out to a maximum effective range of 800m (2624.7ft), company sources explained.

The AK-15 rifle was displayed at the Army 2016 event with an ambidextrous fire selector switch (for fully automatic and burst fire) and an integrated suppressor, again indicating its suitability for special operations, with a RAS to accommodate the firm’s GP-25 underslung grenade launcher. A rear RAS located across the top of the weapon is capable of housing a magnified optical gun sight with red dot sight, plus Image Intensified (I2) or thermal imaging sensors.

Meanwhile, the Kalashnikov Group also unveiled its MA sub-compact carbine at Army 2016, designed to replace the AKS-74U carbine adaptation of the AK74 assault rifle as a PDW. The weapon is manufactured to fire 5.45mm x 39mm ammunition, the carbine measures 750mm (29.5in) when its foldable stock is extended, and possessing an all-up weight of 2.9kg (6.4lb). The MA has a 750mps (2460.6fps) muzzle velocity, firing 850 rounds-per-minute. At the exhibition, the MA PDW was displayed with an integrated red dot sight located on a RAS as well as an emergency battle sight. The weapon is equipped with a 30-round capacity magazine and rightsided ejection port although company officials assured AMR it could be fired ambidextrously if required with a doublesided fire selection switch allowing alternation between semi-automatic (single shot) and automatic firing modes.

Spetsnaz commandos are trained to fire

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weapons either left or right handed should they be injured as well as allowing them to make the best use of cover to protect themselves from incoming rounds.

Sniper Weapons Gearing solutions towards the support of SOF, the Kalashnikov Group unveiled a total of three sniper weapons at Army 2016, comprising both bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. The firm’s latest offerings now include the semiautomatic SVK weapon and bolt action SV-98M and VSV-338 rifles, Kalashnikov explained. Defence sources associated with the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) Special Operations Headquarters in Mons, southern Belgium, explained to AMR how Spetsnaz sniper teams have been heavily utilised as part of Russia’s support for the regime of President Bashir al-Assad in Syria’s ongoing civil war. Such teams, AMR has been informed, have performed countersniper operations against various antiregime rebel groups.

The SV-98M is available in 7.62mm x 54mm calibre and represents an upgraded variant of the company’s legacy SV-98 bolt action rifle, displayed at the Army 2016 event. The weapon, which measures 1200mm (47.2in) in length and features a 650mm (25.2mm) barrel, comprises a total weight of 7.8kg (17.2lb). The bolt action weapon includes a tripod, extendable butt stock and ten-round magazine with the capability to fire accurately out to a range of 1000m (3280ft). Sources explained to AMR that the Russian MoD and the Spetsnaz brigades would shortly begin an operational test and evaluation programme to consider the future procurement of the sniper system.

The other bolt action solution, the VSV-338, can use the .338-calibre Lapua

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Magnum cartridge which the Kalashnikov Group has designed as a heavier calibre option when compared to the SV-98M. A .338-calibre round, equivalent to an 8.6mm x 70mm cartridge, provides special forces sniper teams with an extended range of up to 1500m (4921.3ft).

NATO SOF sources explained to AMR how .338-calibre sniper systems remain the preferred sniper weapon for the international community, providing the optimal balance between weight, range and lethality, particularly for dismounted operations in the rural and urban environments. Other popular .338-calibre options include Israel Weapons Industries’ (IWI) Dan 338 and Accuracy International’s Arctic Warfare Magnum ammunition, currently in service with undisclosed SOF globally. According to company officials, the VSV-338 comprises a total weight of 7.2kg (15.8lb) and has a 1100mm (43.2in) length with a fully extended butt stock. The weapon has a five-round magazine capacity and fires ammunition at a velocity of 860mps (2821.5) through a floating barrel (where the barrel and the stock are designed not to touch at any point) for increased accuracy.

During the Army 2016 event, the Kalashnikov Group also unveiled its SVK semi-automatic sniper weapon designed to provide SOF sniper teams with a capability to rapidly engage multiple targets across the battlefield. By their very nature, NATO SOF sources explained, semi-automatic sniper solutions are not quite as accurate as their bolt action counterparts but requirements to fire quickly and at shorter ranges means there remains a role for this type of armament. According to the Kalashnikov Group, the SVK is available in 7.62mm x 54mm and 7.62mm x 51mm calibres. With a total weight of just 5.9kg

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(13lbs), the weapon provides even greater mobility for operators seeking to change fire and over-watch positions quickly and discreetly. Featuring a folding butt stock, the SVK measures just over 1000mm (39.3in) in length when fully extended and includes an ambidextrous fire selector switch and RAS for a variety of sights, sensors and accessories. At Army 2016, the SVK was exhibited with an integrated suppressor and ‘in-line’ suite of magnified and I2 optical sights with an integrated bipod for greater stability. It remains unknown if any sales of this weapon have yet been achieved.

LMGs or 550mm (21.6mm) long barrel available.

The RPK-16 has the capacity to fire out to a maximum effective range of 800m (2624.7ft), the company claimed. The RPK-16 also features a foldable butt stock making it suitable for airborne Spetsnaz operations. Such a weapon system is light, but powerful, enough to be carried

by SOF commandos conducting special reconnaissance or direct action tasks.

Like other Russian weapons discussed in this article it remains unknown whether any sales of this weapon have yet been achieved.

India Away from Russia, one of Asia-Pacific’s largest potential small arms contracts, currently being considered by the Indian armed forces, continues to be delayed with the likes of IWI, Colt Defence, Beretta and CZ still awaiting a decision from the government for a contract dating back to 2010. The contract relates to the delivery of 45000 Close Quarter Combat (CQC) carbines. Industry sources explained to AMR how, despite years of testing and evaluation of the various small arms provided by the companies mentioned

Beretta

Finally, the Kalashnikov Group has unveiled a new Light Machine Gun (LMG), designated the RPK-16 for fire support operations. On show at the Army 2016 event, this 5.45mm x 39mm weapon featured a fabric ammunition box, suppressor; bipod and magnified sight. Company sources explained how the weapon system has been designed to replace legacy RPK-74 LMGs used by the Russian Army, among other forces. With an all up weight of six kilograms (13.2lb), the weapon measures a little over 1000mm in length with options for a 370mm (14.5in)

Beretta’s ARX-160, pictured here with its underslung grenade launcher, was one of a number of weapons down-selected for India’s CQC programme.

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IWI’s ACE product is the only weapon in the Indian Army’s CQC programme which was thought to have passed the initiative’s requirements, although it remains unknown as to if, and when, deliveries of this weapon will eventually commence.

above, a contract signature still appears as distant as ever.

Speaking to AMR, company officials from IWI were unable to confirm or deny Indian media reports on 9 August, claiming it could reconsider investment plans in India following the delay of the CQC programme. Trials of the various weapons provided by the would-be contractors mentioned above were completed in 2014 with industry sources explaining to AMR how nothing had happened since. These trials, conducted in the Rajasthan Desert in north-east India and the mountain regions of Jammu and Kashmir in the north of the country included Beretta’s ARX-160, Colt’s Combat Rifle, CZ’s 805 Bren and IWI’s ACE. IWI is currently tied into a agreement with local company Punj Llyod under the government’s “Make In India” investment concept. Launched by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, this initiative aims to encourage local and international companies to manufacture their products in India. However, sources associated with IWI explained how the government remained unresponsive to the

company regarding the future direction of the programme. The CQC component is designed to equip the Indian Army’s seven special forces battalions as well as the navy’s Marine Commandos. As an alternative, the Indian MoD could fall back on the indigenously manufactured Ordnance Factory Board’s 5.56mm x 45mm Excalibur assault rifle. IWI’s ACE is understood to be the only rifle which passed stringent CQC requirements.

The short-barrelled carbine features a 368.3mm (14.5in) barrel, an ambidextrous fire selector switch, retractable butt stock and polymer lower receiver, housing the weapon’s firing mechanism.

Conclusion Small arms and light weapons are rarely manufactured for the defence and security markets without specific requirements in mind. The fact that the likes the Kalashnikov Group remain so active in developing the growing inventories of such weapons signals a healthy future for the sector in the near and medium term. AMR

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WATCHING THE NOISY NEIGHBOURS

It is always handy to know what your neighbour is up to, particularly if they are not friendly. So it is no surprise that over the past decade there has been a proliferation of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platforms in the Asia-Pacific.

by ALAN WARNES

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irborne Early Warning aircraft are one of the most affordable ways of monitoring your neighbour.

Flying over international waters or in your own airspace, operators in the rear of the aircraft can point the aircraft’s radar in the appropriate direction, then sit back and watch. In the Asia-Pacific there are two countries that other actors most want to keep an eye on; the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DRPK). The latter continues to fire ballistic missiles, which could one day be loaded with nuclear warheads and this causes real headaches for Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), which are in easy range.

The PRC has more strategic aspira-

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tions spreading its maritime and territorial claims into the South China Sea, where there are plenty of oil and gas resources.

Beijing makes no excuses for claiming the Spratley and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea where they have set up military outposts, to the annoyance of other countries such as Brunei-Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which claim parts of these archipelagos as their sovereign territory. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have never got on, while the PRC sees the former’s aspirations for a blue water navy as a threat to its own maritime supremacy.

Such strategic considerations make it unsurprising that so many countries in the Asia-Pacific have acquired AEW aircraft over the past decade or so. Tracks detected by the radars equipping these

| Asian Military Review |

aircraft can help form a Recognised Air Picture (RAP) of a particular segment of sky, which mission commanders in the rear of the aircraft can monitor. The RAP can be data-linked to ground stations for commanders and eventually political leaders to make snap decisions in the face of confrontation or conflict. In addition, AEW aircraft have a useful role to play in managing air operations, by directing aircraft to and from their ground and air targets.

DPRK When the DPRK fired what Pyongyang claimed was a submarine-launched ballistic missile in late August, the weapon, the identity of which was not revealed, traveled about 540 nautical miles/nm (1000 kilometres/km) and was one of

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Saab

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s four G-550s equipped with the EL/W-2085 radar have boosted Singapore’s AEW capabilities considerably.

The aircraft were declared fully operational in April 2012.

their longest launches to date. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called it an unforgivable act of violence and a grave threat to Japan’s security. Russian Air Force (RUAF) fighters intruding Japanese airspace are also an issue. It was against this backdrop of dual threats from the DPRK and RUAF that Japan became the first nation in the region to acquire an AEW platform, with the delivery of four Boeing E-767s between 1998 and 1999.

They are operated by the Airborne Early Warning Group of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) at Hamamatsu airbase in southern Japan.

The brain of the aircraft’s systems is the Northrop Grumman AN/APY-2 S-band (2.3-2.5/2.7-3.7 gigahertz/GHz) air surveillance radar, but to overcome obsolescence the aircraft have been continuously upgraded throughout their 16year operational history. On 28 October 2014 the US Department of Defence announced that Boeing had been awarded a $25.6 million contract to upgrade the aircraft. The work includes enhancements to the aircraft’s mission computing, electronic support measures, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator/transponder, Automatic Identification System (for the detection of maritime transponders used by shipping) and data links. The JASDF also operates 13 Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft which are flown by the Airborne Early Warning and Surveillance Group, based at Misawa and Naha airbases in northern Japan and the Japanese island of Okinawa respectively.

In June 2015, the US State Department approved the supply of four E-2D Hawk-

The Royal Thai Air Force operates two Saab 340 Erieyes which form an important component of Thailand’s IADS.

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eyes under a $1.7 billion multi-year deal.

The first aircraft was ordered in November 2015 (for $151 million) and another in July 2016 ($163 million) which will be operational by March 2018. There are no details on when the further two aircraft will be ordered and delivered. In terms of JASDF doctrine, the E-2Cs provide aerial coverage of Japan’s 16090nm (29800km) coastline, while the E-767s are used as strategic assets.

Across the Sea of Japan, the ROK also suffers with issues from its northern DPRK neighbour. The ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force) is one of the region’s newest entrants to the AEW club, with four Boeing 737-700IGW Peace Eye AEW aircraft ordered on 7 November 2006 in a $1.6 billion contract although technical issues delayed the first official hand over until 1 August 2011 and the last in late October 2012. All four aircraft are flown by the ROKAF’s Airborne Early Warning and Control squadron at Gimhae airbase in the southern ROK. The Northrop Grumman Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) L-band (1.215-1.4GHz) radar is the centre-piece of the aircraft’s tactical systems. Its coverage is reportedly sufficient to monitor the airspace above most of the DPRK, this means that it is unlikely anything can fly in the DPRK without the ROK knowing about it.

South of China As you head further south, most countries focus their attention on the potential Chinese threat. Watching its armed forces deploy to the Spratley and Paracel Islands archipelagos (see above) is a real concern to many of the PRC’s neighbours in the South China Sea. Underneath this vast expanse of water around these two archipelagos in the South China Sea there is believed to be some 213 billion barrels of oil, or the equivalent of 80 percent of Saudi Arabia’s reserves, according to Forbes magazine. Malaysia’s military has repeatedly asked for funding for up to four AEW aircraft, but the government has so far rejected its requests. Indonesia too has a desperate requirement, but for now nothing, it relies on three obsolete Boeing 737 Surveiller maritime patrol aircraft for monitoring the Malacca Strait.

These aircraft are equipped with an ageing Motorola AN/APS-135(V) X-band (8.5-10.68GHz) Side Looking Airborne Modular Multi Mission Radar, but this radar has no data link capability to hand off track and RAP information to other users.

There is unlikely to be any funding for a

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An RAAF E-7A taxies off the runway.

The force has six E-7As which have been very busy participating in Operation OKRA, Australia’s contribution to ongoing anti-ISIS efforts.

new AEW system until 2020. The Royal Thai Air Force flies two Saab 340 Erieye AEW aircraft, operated by Wing 7 at Surat Thani, not far from Thailand’s border with Malaysia and these aircraft play a significant part in Thailand’s Integrated Air Defence System (IADS).

With the Malacca Strait continuing to be a hotbed of piracy and while tensions with Malaysia and Indonesia ebb and flow on a regular basis Singapore relies on intelligence to prepare itself for any eventuality. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) announced the $1 billion purchase of four Gulfstream G-550 turbofan transports configured with Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems division EL/W-2085 Conformal Airborne Early Warning L-band/S-band radar. Deliveries took place between 2009 and 2010 and the aircraft were declared fully operational on 13 April, 2012 at Tengah airbase where they are flown by the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 111 Squadron.

IAI Elta continue to market their EL/W-2085 equipped G-550 which is also operational with Israel. The Aeronautica Militaire (Italian Air Force) has two of these aircraft on order in a $750 million order, and the first one should be delivered by the end of the year having almost completed modification at IAI’s Ben Gu-

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rion airport facility just outside Tel Aviv.

Avishay Izhakian, IAI Elta’s deputy general manager for marketing and business development told AMR that this aircraft “is a fourth generation CAEW; the main difference is the advanced radar technology which makes it more powerful; you get better or same performance with lesser resources. Weight is a big factor in the AEW world and the aircraft fulfils several missions, not just tracking airborne targets but (targets) on the ground and at sea. We have developed the aircraft for the threats of the future not just today.”

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) operates six E-2K Hawkeyes, that are configured to the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 standard which outfits the aircraft with a new mission computer, and an additional satellite communications aerial. Of the ROCAF’s six E-2Ks, two are brand new aircraft and four E-2Ts originally delivered in September 1995 were upgraded to the E-2K standard in a deal worth $250 million. These aircraft play a crucial air surveillance role working in tandem with a network of ground-based air surveillance radars, which form the ROCAF’s IADS. The operators onboard provide a wide area surveillance of the Taiwan Strait, and the East and South China Seas.

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South Asia Both Pakistan and India have acquired AEW aircraft in recent years; mainly to keep an eye on each other, and in India’s case, Pakistan’s ally and New Delhi’s occasional rival the PRC. These new aircraft provide low altitude coverage for both sides, looking into mountain valleys and across the horizon over the sea. As one senior Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer told AMR “Ground based air defence (GBAD) radars can’t cover the sea, and not always the land. Pakistan’s contrasting terrain; sea, desert, glaciers and high peaks meant that monitoring these areas was ‘patchy’ until the (AEW) arrived in the late 2000s.”

The Saab 2000 Erieye system, acquired in 2010 are flown by 3 Squadron and the Chinese-built ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle operated by 4 Squadron. First deliveries of the latter took place in 2011. The latter is a Shaanxi Y-8G turboprop freighter developed by the China Electronics Technology Group (CETC) with a revolving radar on top: “There are differing areas of interest, which led to the different solutions” the PAF officer continued.

As part of India’s growing AEW capabilities, it was announced on 4 July 2008 that the government had ordered three Embraer EMB-145I turbofan transports in a $210 million deal. All three have been

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Saab is now marketing its new GlobalEye AEW aircraft in south-east Asia, where it sees a market for the Bombardier Global-6000 integrated with an AESA and maritime surveillance radar.

HERENT RESOLVE against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) insurgent organisation which has occupied significant portions of the north-west and east of those countries.

New Systems

Undoubtedly Pakistan’s ZDK-03 is one of the most unusual AEW aircraft.

The Pakistan Air Force has developed the platform with China Electronics Technology Corporation.

delivered to India’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), part of the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bangalore south-west India. The DRDO has developed an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar operating in S-Band which can track targets in the air and at sea. However, in 2014 India announced it was looking for a longer-endurance and higher-altitude platform compared to the EMB-145I, on which to integrate this indigenous radar system. An initial two Airbus A330 turbofan transports, the precise variant of which has not been announced, were selected expected to cost between $813 million and $840 million, depending on sources, with an option for four more.

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The Indian Air Force has operated three Ilyushin/Beriev A-50EhIs for AEW since 2009, equipped with IAI Elta Systems’ EL/W-2090 L-band radar which are located at Agra airbase in northern India, and are operated by 50 Squadron.

Australia Like the ROK (see above) the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) opted to acquire the 737-700IGW to fulfill its AEW needs.

All four E-7A Wedgetails, as they are designated by the RAAF reached full operational capability in May 2015, and are flown by 42 Sqn at Williamtown airbase in New South Wales. They are playing a big part in Operation OKRA, Australia’s contribution to the US-led Operation IN-

| Asian Military Review |

One of the latest systems on the block is Saab’s GlobalEye AEW aircraft for which its manufacturer sees a big market in the Asia-Pacific region. Launched at the Singapore airshow in February, this followed a two aircraft deal worth $1.27 billion announced in November 2015 from the United Arab Emirates. The GlobalEye combines the new Saab Erieye-ER S-band AESA radar and Selex/Leonardo Seaspray-7500 X-band (8.5-10.68GHz) maritime surveillance radar onboard Bombardier’s Global-6000 business jet.

At the airshow, Erik Winberg, Saab’s director of business, said the GlobalEye has “a swing-role capability that can work in the air, land and maritime domain. We can do any sort of surveillance in those three domains.”

Ultimately, AEW aircraft provide the military with the speedy intelligence needed to react to an adversary. The operational requirements for the RAP are constantly growing, because of aircraft and missiles boasting low radar cross sections. When the DPRK is firing missiles, do not think that the ROK or Japan does not see them. That is why many countries have purchased some of the most technologically driven, if very expensive, air platforms yet developed; to defend themselves not just against threats in the air, but on the ground or at sea too. AMR

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FAST AND FURIOUS In a region where traditional and non-traditional threats are constantly changing littoral security needs, the demand for Fast Attack Craft (FAC) which provide speed and striking power at a cost most navies can afford continues unabated.

by Dr. Alix Valenti

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MI International, a naval consultancy based in Bremerton, Washington State, define FACs as displacing under 700 tons, being capable of speeds of circa 25 knots (46.3 kilometres-per-hour) and possessing antisurface warfare capabilities. However, such vessels can lack range as their travelling distances (the time it takes to reach an incident and return) rarely exceed 86 nautical miles/nm (160 kilometres/km), and are restricted to operations below Sea State Three where maximum wave heights of 1.2 metres/m (3.9 feet) occur.

The reality of the traditional and nontraditional threats facing Asia-Pacific countries today, such as the territorial and maritime disputes including several actors in the East and South China Seas, and the ongoing scourge of maritime piracy in the Strait of Malacca between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, shows that: “FACs have evolved to better fulfil traditional coastal defence missions as well as to join networked naval operations well beyond the horizon,” says Rick Fisher, senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Centre, a think tank based in Alexandria, Virginia. FACs are now key assets supporting asymmetrical naval warfare because, while they are not meant for blue water operations: “A navy possessing many FACs can swarm enemy boats on all points of the compass,” says Matthew Caris, a senior associate at Avascent, a consultancy based in Washington DC: “and even dart in and out from behind larger ships,” thus adding an element of surprise. As such, FACs are constantly evolving to respond to changing security needs and there is debate within the naval community around the world, whether this is influencing their designs to such an extent that they are increasingly taking on the characteristics of small corvettes. Traditionally corvettes, which displace between 500 and 2000 tons, are the smallest type of warship capable of supporting blue water naval operations.

India

India is enhancing its fast attack craft fleet with the procurement of an improved version of its ‘Car Nicobar’ class ships.

So far, only the lead ship in the class has commissioned.

| november 2016 |

India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) stretches 200nm (370.4km) along its 4058.3nm (7516km) coastline. The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy and Armed Robbery Map shows that a number of maritime piracy attacks regularly take place along the coastline of the state of Gujarat, on India’s west coast, and in the Bay of Bengal on India’s east coast.

India also has to face the potential threat

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The Pakistan Navy is continuing its investment into fast attack craft with the procurement of the ‘Azmat’ class, which have been jointly constructed with the PRC.

of insurgents reaching the country via its shores. As such, the Indian Navy (IN) already operates a fleet of eleven Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) ‘Car Nicobar’ class FACs. These vessels were commissioned between 2009 and 2011, with their construction accelerated following the 2008 attacks against targets in Mumbai, on India's west coast, perpetrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist insurgent movement.

In March 2013, the IN contracted GRSE for the construction of four improved variants of the ‘Car Nicobar’ class, as a result of the force’s Follow-On Water Jet FAC programme. These improved ‘Car Nicobar’ class FACs are built with an aluminium superstructure that significantly reduces their radar cross section, as well as a low draft to ease operations in shallow coastal waters. With a length of 48m (157ft), a displacement of 325 tons and powered by three MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, these vessels can achieve a top speed in excess of 35 knots (64.8km/h). In terms of armaments, the overall ‘Car Nicobar’ class carry a Medak CRN-91 30mm auto-cannon, two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, and KBM 9K38 Igla infrared guided Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs).

So far, only the lead ship in the improved ‘Car Nicobar’ class, the INS Tamugli has commissioned (May 2016), with the INS Tilanchang, INS Tihayi and

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that the TNI-AL had selected the Chinese-developed AK730 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for the first two already operational vessels; KRI Sampari and KRI Tombak. The AK730 turret will supplement the ships’ China Aviation Industry Corporation C-705 Active Radar Homing (ARH), infrared and television-guided anti-ship missile and solitary Bofors/ BAE Systems 57mm main gun for ASuW. As of September, a new Chinese Combat Management System (CMS) was also being fitted to the KRI Sampari and KRI Tombak, alongside the AK-730 CIWS. These is no publicly-available information regarding the exact designation of CMS although the AK-730 CIWS and CMS was reportedly fitted to both ships as of September. Similarly, there have been no reports as to when the third vessel in the class, the KRI Halasan may receive a similar upgrade, and PT PAL did not respond to several requests for information to this end. More information regarding Indonesian defence procurement can be found in Andrew Drwiega's Rebalancing Act article in this issue.

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INS Tarasa all being launched between June 2015 and June 2016, but yet to commission. The author contacted GRSE for additional information regarding the estimated commission dates for these latter three vessels, but received no response before AMR went to print.

Indonesia Much like its regional neighbour, Indonesia is particularly concerned about maritime piracy in its coastal waters. The same map from the IMB shows that a significant quantity of pirate attacks take place in the Strait of Malacca. As such, the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional IndonesiaAngkatan Laut/TNI-AL) already operates a fleet of three PT Palindo Marine Industries’ (PT PAL) ‘Clurit’ class FACs, which were commissioned between May and September 2014.

General media reports announced, on 9 March 2016, that the TNI-AL had placed an order to acquire a fourth ‘Sampari’ class vessel from PT PAL. Although not confirmed by the company, AMR estimates that this new ship could be launched and commissioned by 2020. The ‘Sampari’ class vessels are 59.8 metres/m (196.1 feet/ft) long, have a maximum speed of 28 knots (51 kilometres-per-hour) and can reach a standard range of 2400nm (4444.8km) at 20 knots (37km/h). Further reports, on 18 April 2016, also indicated

| Asian Military Review |

Pakistan As with India and Indonesia’s strategic worries: “Pakistan is concerned about the Indian Navy’s increasing assets,” says Mr. Caris: “and by the intrusion of large Indian Navy combatants in Pakistani waters.”

These factors have encouraged Pakistan to perform a navy modernisation of its own.

The country has embarked upon naval modernisation at a price the force can afford. To this end, the PN has ordered three ‘Azmat’ class FACs. The first-in-class, the PNS Azmat, was developed by two PRC shipbuilders; the China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) and the Xingang Shipyard, with the first example commissioned in April 2012. Following a transfer of technology agreement with the two companies, Pakistan began construction of the two remaining ships at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).

The ‘Azmat’ class are 63m (206.6ft) long, have a displacement of 560 tons, can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots (55km/h) and have a range of 1000nm (1852km).

They are armed with a 25mm autocannon of an unknown type, a KBP AK-630 CIWS

to protect the ship from incoming AShMs, and are fitted with two quadruple missile launchers to fire eight China Haiyang Electromechanical Technology Academy C-802 family ARH AShMs. The second vessel, the PNS Dehshat, was commissioned in June 2014, whereas the third vessel, which commenced construction in April 2015, was launched on 17 September 2016, according to a KSEW press release from 12 September. More information regarding Pakistan's defence procurement can be found in Alex Calvo’s Difficult Choices in a Complex Region article in this issue.

Republic of Korea Away from South Asia, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) security concerns are primarily fixated on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) “growing fleet of assault hovercraft,” such as their ‘Kongbang’ class assault hovercraft, says Mr. Fisher. In this context, and in addition to concerns regarding non-traditional threats in its coastal waters such as piracy and smuggling, the ROK Navy (ROKN) has launched a significant FAC programme.

In July 2015, general media reports indicated that the ROKN planned to acquire an initial batch of 16 ‘Chamsuri-211’ class FACs. which are being built by Hanjin and have a displacement of 210 tons and an overall length of 44m (144.3ft). They can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots (74km/h) thanks to Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) propulsion. Few details have emerged regarding their armament, beyond reports that the design is equipped with a twelve-barrelled multiple launch rocket system for 130mm rockets, as well as a 76mm naval gun and two remote-controlled 12.7mm machine guns; all of unknown types. The first vessel, the name of which has not been published, was reportedly launched on 28 July 2016, and is slated for commissioning in 2017.

Taiwan Staying in East Asia, the ongoing expansion and modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army Navy is a primary concern for Taiwan. The PRC has claimed Taiwan as its own since 1949, and as recently as 25 June 2016, the PRC suspend-

ed diplomatic contact with Taiwan over renewed tensions regarding the latter’s sovereignty. As such: “due to their close proximity plus the excellent bang-for-ratio (offered by FACs), Taiwan will sustain its longstanding interest in FACs,” says Mr. Fisher. To do so, however, the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) is also attempting to move away from its dependence on the US for warships, circa 30 of its surface combatants have been supplied by Washington DC, and is working toward the development of an indigenous shipbuilding industry that could fulfil at least some of its needs.

Local media reports stated that the ROCN Programme Office, which oversees procurement for the Navy, announced in June 2016, a major indigenous development programme, worth $14.7 billion and spanning over 23 years.

This would appear to include the production of additional catamaran-hulled Lung Teh Shipbuilding ‘Tuo Jiang’ class FACs. Although the ‘Tuo Jiang’ class’ 500 tons displacement, technically classify this design as a large FAC, the class is

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US Navy

The Philippines Navy’s BRP Dionisio Ojeda was originally in service with the ROKN before its transfer to the former in 2006. The ship was formally commissioned with the Philippines Navy the following year.

The ROKN has developed its ‘Chamsuri’ class FACs with traditional threats from the DPRK in mind, and also to address non-traditional threats such as piracy and smuggling.

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referred to as a corvette by some sources.

This is most likely due to the fact that it is more heavily armed than most FACs, possessing a Leonardo/OTO Melara 76mm main gun and a Raytheon Phalanx 20mm CIWS, as well the ability to deploy Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology Hsiung Feng-II/III ARH and IR guided AShMs, and two torpedo launchers. Local sources revealed in February 2015 that the ROCN was interrupting the trials of the solitary, eponymous ‘Tuo Jiang’ class vessel because a number of design flaws prevented it from achieving its full capabilities. As such, media reports indicated that as part of the new programme announced in June 2016 and discussed above, the ROCN presented a new iteration of the ‘Tuo Jiang’ class, although no further details have been released regarding this vessel, how many of these new vessels could be built, their specification, or when deliveries of these vessels may commence and conclude.

US Navy

Vietnam

yard and were commissioned by the VPN Like Taiwan, Vietnam is concerned regard- in September 2015. The fifth and sixth vessels were launched in April 2016. ing maritime tensions with the PRC. It is one of five countries (including BruneiDarussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines Future Developments and Taiwan) which have been involved Regarding the FAC market in the Asiain disputes with the PRC regarding mari- Pacific: “small monohull designs remain time and territorial claims relating to the popular such as the ROKN’s new ‘ChamParacel and Spratly islands in the South suri-211’ class,” says Mr. Fisher, but the China Sea. As such, the Vietnam People’s market is also seeing an increase in proNavy (VPN) has been attempting to ex- grammes for: “somewhat larger ship-killpand and modernise in the past few years, er catamaran designs like Taiwan’s ‘Tuo although many of its ambitions are lim- Jiang’ class, which can operate in swarms ited by a constrained budget. or as part of large formations,” he conIn these circumstances, FACs present a tinues. While: “more blue water oriented significant asset for the VPN to protect its navies focus on building bigger, larger territorial waters. As such it has acquired combatants, like offshore patrol vessels,” six ‘Molniya’ class missile armed FACs. says Mr. Caris, FACs will continue to reThe ‘Molniya’ class are a development of main as key assets for navies having to the Soviet/Russian ‘Tarantul’ class cor- find compromises between traditional vette. They displace 510 tons and have an and non-traditional coastal threats in overall length of 56.9m (186.6ft). They are some cases within constrained budgets. armed with one Kalashnikov AK-176M Meanwhile, new generation FACs will 76mm gun at the front and two Kalash- continue to develop as “advances in (comnikov AK-630M 30mm guns at the rear, mand and control), propulsion, materials, as well as Tactical Missiles Corporation radar cross section reduction and weapons Kh-35 Uran-E AShMs. The ‘Molniya’ can are enabling the development of slightly also be fitted with twelve 9K38 SAMs if in- larger FACs that are able to perform longcreased protection from enemy attack air- range anti-ship or even land attack miscraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial sions,” continues Mr. Fisher. He added vehicles is necessary. The VPN’s first two that “we should expect that energy weapvessels were built in Russia at the Vympel ons like naval lasers and electromagnetic Shipyard, and delivered in 2007 and 2008. rail guns could enable the FAC to evolve The third and fourth vessels were built in … perhaps even assisting anti-ballistic misVietnam under licence at the Ba Son Ship- sile missions” in the future. AMR

A I R P O W E R

The RQ-4B is proving to be increasingly popular in the Asia-Pacific region with Japan and the Republic of Korea, expected to procure the aircraft in the very near future.

MALE DOMINANCE The use of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is picking up across the globe as militaries look to push boundaries on their Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

by Claire Apthorp 28

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n the Asia-Pacific region uptake of the technology has been somewhat slower than in North America and Europe, but the last five years has seen a number of interesting developments in the region, with acquisition programmes underway in a number of countries. While the appetite for MALE and HALE UAVs is growing in the Asia-Pacific, few nations have the capability or motivation to develop their own designs, given that UAVs in these categories are approaching the top end of aircraft manufacturing cost scales.

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Northrop Grumman

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the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the MALE UAVs exists in two main variants. The first, Wing Loong-I (also known as Pterodactyl 1/Yilong) appeared at the Zhuhai Air Show, held on the southern coast of the PRC, in 2012, although its development dates back to around a decade earlier. The UAS is similar to the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper in appearance, and is fitted with one hard point on each wing, each with the ability to carry a single weapon, and at nine metres (29.5ft) in length it has a nine metre wingspan. According to AVIC, the UAV was developed for reconnaissance and combat missions.

Details of an updated version, the Wing Loong-II, were released at the China Aviation Expo in September 2015. This larger (eleven metres/36ft in length with a 14m/45.9ft wingspan) aircraft has the ability to carry twelve air-to-surface missiles: two missiles on three hard points on each wing. The aircraft is understood to have an endurance of 20 hours and maximum take-off weight of 1909 pounds/lb (4200 kilograms/kg).

In addition to being acquired by the PRC’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the UAV has been the subject of a number of export deals, most recently in June 2016 when it was reported that two Wing Loong-I/II systems had been sold to Kazakhstan. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also acquired the UAV in 2014 and 2011 respectively.

Israeli Influence

MALE UAVs typically fly at altitudes of between 10000 feet/ft (3048 metres/m) and 30000ft (9144m) with an endurance of between 24 and 48 hours. HALE UAVs, meanwhile typically fly at altitudes in excess of 30000ft and have endurances of circa 48 hours.

Of those locally-designed platforms that have made it through the design/development programmes into production, the best known is the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Wing Loong aircraft. Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute (CADI), a division of

As one of the biggest importers of UAV technology in the region, the Indian military offers a significant market to Western UAV manufacturers. In September 2015 it was announced that Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was set to benefit from the country’s growing appetite for unmanned technology, with the government approving the purchase of ten Heron-TP UAVs. The UAVs are to be operated by the Indian Air Force, in an armed configuration to enable the UAVs to deploy air-to-surface missiles for combat operations. With a maximum altitude of 45000ft (13716m) and endurance of 36 hours, the 14m long, 26m (85.3ft) wingspan Heron-TP provides a capability upgrade over the legacy Heron-1 system (8.5m/27.8ft long with a 16.6m/54.4ft wingspan) also deployed by the Indian armed forces, which can fly at 30000ft while carrying payloads of up to 550lb (250kg). The Heron-TP’s main performance envelope increase lies in its significantly larger payload capacity. The smaller Heron-1 can carry up to 550lb of

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payload, including optronics; a Television (TV) and Infrared (IR) combination or a triple sensor encompassing TV, IR and a laser designator, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR); an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capability; a communication relay package and/or a customer furnished sensor suite. The Heron-TP can carry a typical mission payload of up to 2200lb (1000kg), including optronics, SAR, MPR and ELINT. This allows the latter to perform as a multi-mission platform with simultaneous and flexible payload operation. The aircraft can also fly in all weather conditions above commercial air traffic, and makes use of Satellite Communications (SATCOM) for extended range operations.

In July 2016 IAI announced that it was looking to further expand the capabilities of the Heron family with plans to develop a sense-and-avoid capability with Honeywell Aerospace. This capability, set to be demonstrated in 2018, will use Honeywell-developed software, algorithms, hardware and the fusion of inputs from various sensors embedded in a single prototype box or Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU), combined with IAI’s separation and collision avoidance manoeuvring logic and Ground Control Station (GCS) pilot interface. The system will provide the UAV with improved situational awareness with the tracking of other nearby aircraft, enabling collision avoidance manoeuvring, and will suggest alternate flight manoeuvres, resulting in safer airspace.

Global Hawk The HALE platform that has seen the biggest successes in the Asia-Pacific region over the past few years is the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk. The company was awarded a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract in December 2014 to deliver four RQ-4B systems (four aircraft, two GCS and supporting equipment) to the Republic of Korea Air Force, with the systems to provide wide-area intelligence gathering. Production of the aircraft commenced at the start of 2015 and by April 2016 components were being delivered

by Korean defence industry partners, Korean Jig and Fixture (KJF) and the Firstec Company, for the first aircraft: “Production of the Republic of Korea’s RQ-4Bs is currently underway at Northrop Grumman facilities in the US, and our Korean partners Firstec and KJF have played a critical role in the aircraft’s development: Firstec manufactures wire harnesses,

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General Atomics

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for more than 30 hours at up to 60000ft (18288m). The aircraft, which is also used by the US Air Force and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), surpassed 200,000 flight hours in July.

Northrop Grumman is continually updating the RQ-4B to meet emerging requirements; earlier in 2016 it flew with the US Air Force legacy UTC Aerospace SYERS-2 intelligence gathering sensor. The company also has plans to fly an Optical Bar Camera (OBC) sensor and an MS-177 multi-spectral sensor later this year.

Maritime Awareness

grade precision machine parts for the Global Hawk,” Mick Jaggers, vice president of the Global Hawk programme at Northrop Grumman’s aerospace division, told AMR: “The first two Global Hawk are expected to be delivered in 2018 and the remaining two aircraft are expected for delivery in 2019.”

The other major development for the RQ-4B in the Asia-Pacific is its imminent acquisition by Japan. Like the Republic of Korea purchase, Japan is acquiring the UAV via the US FMS route, with the official notice of the request delivered to the US government by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in November 2015. Japan has requested three RQ4B Block-30 Global Hawks along with ground support equipment at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. According to the DSCA notification, Japan has requested the aircraft in order to enhance its ISR capabilities to ensure the Japan Air Self Defence Force can continue to monitor and deter regional threats: “We believe that (the) Global Hawk significantly enhances Japan’s ISR capabilities while providing the right combination of performance, capability, and value that is critical to supporting regional stability,” Mr. Jaggers said: “The US Pacific Command currently uses (the) Global Hawk in the Pacific region given its more than 30 hours of flight endurance, surveillance capability over vast areas at high altitudes, and the fact that it is the most affordable ISR system

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in the inventory, manned or unmanned …

Global Hawk has operated in the Pacific region since 2011 out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and has also temporarily operated out of Misawa airbase, Japan, in 2014 and 2015. Global Hawk operations from Misawa airbase demonstrate how the Global Hawk’s unmanned aircraft systems can operate safely within Japan and also easily be used at a joint-use airfield with military and civilian aircraft.”

The RQ-4B is designed to carry multiple payloads and collect a wide variety of intelligence data, while flying

The concept of operations for the RAAF’s MQ-4C UAVs and its P-8A maritime patrol aircraft (pictured) underscore the emerging trend of crewed and unmanned teaming to support maritime patrol.

| Asian Military Review |

Boeing

General Atomics is marketing the MQ9B Sky Guardian UAV in the Asia-Pacific region as the Guardian. The company foresees civilian maritime domain enforcement, as well as naval tasks, in the aircraft’s mission set.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) is narrowing in on the maritime domain as it looks to market the maritime variant of MQ-9B Sky Guardian/ Sea Guardian, being marketed locally as the Guardian. Capable of carrying Raytheon’s Multi-Spectral Targeting SystemB (MTS-B) optronics sensor and SeaVue multi-mode maritime radar, SATCOM, AIS (Automatic Identification System for maritime traffic transponders), ELINT and Traffic Collision Avoidance System the aircraft is designed to perform wide area long-endurance ISR missions. Able to fly at a maximum altitude of 50000ft (15240m) for up to 27 hours, GA-ASI considers the UAV a good match for the types of requirements it is seeing emerge from the Asia-Pacific region: “The requirements are certainly there, and the Pacific lends itself well to UAV operations in general because of the large distances involved and the persistence required,” Terry Kraft, GA-ASI’s regional vice president for the Asia-Pacific region, told AMR:

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Australia is expected to soon receive the MQ4C Triton UAV which will support the maritime patrol and surveillance mission of the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

“While we see a big concern from military organisations for disaster relief, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance, a lot of countries are also very interested in the civil mission from coast guards and other government agencies … Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring is a big one, billions of dollars a year are being lost in illegal fishing, and they also care about controlling their coastlines in terms of smuggling and illegal immigration. So in addition to the maritime surveillance piece you get with our 360 degree radar, full motion video and other sensors, you are getting this multi-agency role that we are seeing more and more demand for.”

GA-ASI also sees scope within the maritime domain to apply the work it is currently doing in the area of crewed/ UAV teaming. In November 2015 the company’s MQ-1C Gray Eagle longrange, long-dwell UAV took part in a US Army-led crewed/UAV teaming exercise demonstration in the Republic of Korea.

The UAV streamed video and metadata via a line-of-sight data link directly to a US Army Boeing/McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache attack helicopter from extended distances. The AH-64D retransmitted the imagery to a remote video

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terminal, allowing ground forces to view the video; field commanders within the Tactical Operations Centre were able to receive both live MQ-1C streaming video and retransmitted video sent by the AH64D. Contact reports and target coordinates were also passed to operators in the aircraft’s GCS, who were then able to direct the MQ-1C’s sensors to positively identify and track the targets: “We see great potential in manned/unmanned teaming, and think that in the next ten to 20 years you’re going to be looking at an environment where UAVs will be teaming with manned aircraft to extend the range, extend the combat capability, or provide very large area cueing for those aircraft,” Mr. Kraft said: “For (the) aircraft in the maritime role, that would span up to being able to team with manned maritime surveillance assets such as the Boeing P-8A Poseidon or Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. There’s a huge untapped potential here for our aircraft to team with manned aircraft which is where we’re going to be for a long time.”

Triton The Australian government is looking to tap into the potential for unmanned

| Asian Military Review |

assets to support the capabilities of its incoming P-8A, having confirmed in its 2016 Defence White Paper, which outlines the government’s defence spending and strategic priorities, that it will acquire seven Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton aircraft to monitor its maritime approaches. Based on the RQ-4B platform, Northrop Grumman has developed the MQ-4C for the US Navy. It is designed to provide real-time ISR over vast ocean and coastal regions, using its 360 degree sensor suite to provide maritime domain awareness to naval commanders.

Although Australia has not yet entered into a contract with the US government for the MQ-4C, with the US Navy having placed a firm order for three aircraft in September 2016, the MQ-4C is positioned strongly now that it is an in-production system: “The Australian programme has been through two of the acquisition milestones … in 2014 where (the aircraft) was selected to provide (the country’s) Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) capability, and earlier this year when intermediate consideration was achieved,” Greg Black, Northrop Grumman’s business director for Australia Triton, told AMR: “The Defence White Paper also indicated Australia’s intent to acquire seven (aircraft) with the final acquisition milestone planned for 2018, with the contracting process to follow thereafter … We like to call (the MQ-1C) a perfect match for Australia. It is the only HALE UAV with the range and endurance to meet the BAMS requirements, and by the country’s geography alone, it represents the third largest EEZ in the world, surrounded by a lot of water, so a purpose-built system such as the MQ-1C really provides a capability for extended persistence, endurance and range, and that’s why we think it’s a perfect fit.”

The White Paper indicated that the MQ-4C would be introduced into service in the 2020s, around the same time as its eight P-8A aircraft will enter service. The unarmed MQ-4C will complement the crewed aircraft, providing a persistent maritime patrol capability and undertaking other ISR tasks as required: “For both the US and Australia, the MQ-4C UAV was built to complement the (P-8A), and we really look at them as a manned/ unmanned team,” Mr. Black said: “The persistence that the Triton provides in terms of endurance and sensor capabilities, helps to optimise the mix of manned and unmanned so those missions can be executed most effectively.” AMR

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IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE

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W A R F A R E

Within the Asia-Pacific, ballistic missiles have been developed, manufactured and fielded by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), India, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Pakistan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Taiwan.

by Thomas Newdick

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eanwhile, Russia also brings a significant ballistic missile capability to the wider region while additional Asia-Pacific countries, including Vietnam, have not pursued indigenous ballistic missile programmes, but have purchased these weapons from other nations. As such, there is no shortage of drivers for the development of land-based air defences that incorporate an Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) capability. This report focuses on the status of strategic ABM programmes pursued as part of a multi-layered Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) within the four major players in the region: namely the PRC, India, Japan and Russia.

Understandably little is known about the PRC’s strategic IADS, however, it is understood that Beijing began work in this field in the early 1970s. The country’s so-called ‘Project 640’ is believed to have tested an ABM system for the defence of the capital, between 1970 and 1985; as part of this effort, several test launches of FanJi Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) which used Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) guidance took place between 1975 and 1985. Since the early 2000s, the PRC’s development of a tiered BMD (Ballistic Mis-

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Providing defence against aircraft and cruise missiles as well as tactical ballistic missiles, the MIM-104F has been delivered to ten international customers and provides the backbone of Japan’s BMD capability.

sile Defence) system has continued and at least two successful tests have been made of the upper-level part of this system: In January 2010 it was reported that an initial ABM test had been conducted against a target at an altitude of around 135 nautical miles/nm (250 kilometres/ km). While this used an exoatmospheric (beyond Earth’s atmosphere) interceptor, rumoured to be designated as the SC-19, a subsequent low-level test in September 2010 is likely to have employed an

| Asian Military Review |

endoatmospheric (within Earth’s atmosphere) interceptor. Further interceptor missile tests were recorded in January and July 2014. The SC-19 designation has also appeared in Western accounts of Chinese anti-satellite tests. These include tests in 2005, 2006 and in January 2007. In the last of these, a weather satellite was destroyed in a kinetic ‘hit-to-kill’ engagement.

As well as the ABM interceptor components, the Chinese IADS will employ China Aerospace Science and Industry

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Corporation (CASIC) HQ-9 Active Radar Homing (ARH) SAMs, complemented by medium-range systems including the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) HQ-16 SARH guided SAMs and the Russian-made Almaz-Antey 9K37 Buk SAM system which employs SAMs using a similar guidance system.

The HQ-9 is a long-range, high-altitude SAM system with the ability to engage tactical ballistic missiles which has also been fielded on board People’s Liberation Army Navy warships as the HHQ-9. Occupying a lower tier is the HQ-16, which is primarily intended to defend critical installations; it is likely to include at least some capability against tactical ballistic missiles. Such weapons typically have a range below 162nm (300km) In 2015 China reached an agreement with Moscow to acquire the AlmazAntey S-400 Triumf long-range SARH/ ARH guided SAM, which is also able to engage ballistic missiles. Announced by the Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport in April 2015, the Chinese order is worth $3 billion and reportedly includes four to six battalions, with deliveries to begin in 2017. The S-400 is the successor to the Soviet-era Almaz-Antey S-300 SAM family, which has a limited Anti-Theatre Ballistic Missile (ATBM) capability. The PRC received eight battalions of the basic S-300PMU, four battalions of the improved S-300PMU-1 (including 150 5V55R missiles), four battalions of S-300PMU-1 systems (with 150 48N6 missiles) and eight battalions of the S-300PMU-2 Favorit system (with an initial 300 48N6E2 missiles). Another 15 batteries of an unidentified S-300 system are also understood to be deployed between Beijing and Shanghai.

demonstrator vehicles. By 2003 the DRDO was working on methods for tracking ballistic missiles using Israeli technology provided in the form of the Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Elta Systems division’s EL/M-2080 Green Pine L-band (1.215-1.4 gigahertz/GHz) ground-based air surveillance radar; two examples of which have been supplied to India.

In February 2014 it was announced that India and Israel were to cooperate on further development of a BMD system to defend against missiles launched from Pakistan or from the PRC. Other hardware being developed under the LDI includes a mobile detection radar from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems of Israel. It is notable that the Israeli contribution to the Indian IADS also comprises satellite technology, including the RISAT-2, an X-band (8.5-10.68GHz) radar surveillance satellite from IAI that is capable of detecting incoming ballistic missiles. The ‘kill vehicles’ within the two-tier LDI are the DRDO Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) interceptors that perform the exoatmospheric engagement of targets at 27nm to 43.2nm (50km to 80km) altitude and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) programme that will yield an endoatmospheric interceptor, targeting incoming missiles at between eight nautical miles and 16.2nm (15km to 30km).

The upper-layer PAD utilises technology from the DRDO Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile, adding a new secondstage interceptor. Work on this weapon began in around 1999 and according to some reports it may use an ARH seeker provided by a Russian firm. As well as the aforementioned EL/M-2080 radar, it has been suggested that the PAD can be

used in conjunction with the Raytheon AN/TPY-2 X-band ground-surveillance radar. PAD tests were conducted in November 2006 and March 2009.

The lower-layer AAD is reportedly an all-new single-stage design from the DRDO and is deployed from a mobile launcher. Tests of the missiles began in December 2007 and culminated in November 2012 when it successfully engaged a simulated ballistic missile at an altitude of 16.2nm. The most recent test took place in May 2016 when an AAD successfully destroyed an incoming DRDO Dhanush ballistic missile at an altitude of between 10.8nm and 21.6nm (20km to 40km). Some reports indicate that the AAD launch vehicle is a Tatra eight-wheel drive truck.

The exact relationship between the PAD and the DRDO’s Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) is unclear. Ground testing of this latter two-stage, solid-propellant missile began in 2011 and it is intended to engage targets at 59.4nm to 81nm (110km to 150km) altitude, suggesting it is a more advanced successor to the original PAD for extending the reach of the exo-atmospheric segment. A successful first flight of the PDV was achieved in April 2014, intercepting a target launched to an altitude of 64.8nm (120km) from the Bay of Bengal.

Also under development is the Prithvi Air Defence-2 (PAD-2) SAM which is reportedly intended to defeat ballistic missiles at over 54nm (100km) range and employs hypersonic rounds. As of 2013 it was reported that work on the PAD-2 had been suspended the DRDO was instead focusing on the PDV. While noting the progress made by specific components of the LDI to date, New Delhi-based defence analyst Angad IAI

India The PRC’s occasional rival India is making concerted efforts to field a layered IADS that will include systems capable of defeating a variety of ballistic missiles, from tactical short-range missiles to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs); the latter typically having ranges of circa 2969.8nm (5500km). Around 2000 New Delhi launched work on its Layered Defence Initiative (LDI), allocating at least $1 billion to the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop key missile defence technologies. The scope of the LDI includes work on hypersonic weapons, which typically have a speed in excess of Mach Five, with a project to develop hypersonic technology

India received at least two examples of the EL/M-2080 radar. The radar is able to autonomously detect and simultaneously track dozens of tactical ballistic missiles at long ranges.

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US Navy

As part of the Aegis CMS, the Raytheon RIM-161 Standard Missile-3 family of SARH/Infrared guided SAMs provides ship-based defence against short to Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs); such weapons have ranges of 540nm (1000km) for Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) and 1619.9nm to 2699.8nm (3000km to 5000km) for IRBMs. In practice, the RIM161A SM-3 Block-I allies the vertically-launched Raytheon RIM-156A SM-2ER Block-IVA SARH guided missile with a Lightweight Exoatmospheric Projectile (LEAP) kill vehicle.

In December 2007 the Japanese destroyer JNS Kongo conducted a first test launch of an RIM-156B SM-2ER Block-IV A RIM-161 SM-3 family SAM is launched from the SAM. The Japan Maritime SelfJapanese destroyer JNS Kongo Defence Force has two classes to intercept a target missile of Aegis CMS-equipped delaunched from the Pacific stroyers, the ‘Kongo’ class and Missile Range Facility in ‘Atago’ class. Under the US ForDecember 2007. eign Military Sales programme, all four ‘Kongo’ class warships Singh is sceptical that it will reach its am- have been upgraded to include a BMD capability, armed with the RIM-161B SM-3 bitious goals, at least in the near-term: Block-IA SAM. “The odd development test takes place Japan is playing an active role with the every now and then. Indian air defence $3 billion RIM-161 SM-3 Block-IIA SAM is complicated and for the moment quite heterogeneous. A properly integrated lay- development effort having entered the ered air defence system with a BMD capa- project as a partner in June 2006. This includes development of the nosecone and bility is still some way away; and when two-stage starter motor for the missile. In talking in terms of national coverage, it June 2015 a first RIM-161 SM-3 Block-IIA may never happen because of the sheer live-fire test was conducted at Point Mugu, size of the country.”

California and was run by Japan’s Technical Research and Development Institute Japan (TRDI), the Japan Ministry of Defence and In December 1993 Japan began talks with the US Missile Defence Agency, in coopthe United States with a view to fielding eration with the US Navy. Tokyo has also a multi-layered BMD system. This was to be based around the Lockheed Martin/ been identified as a potential customer of the Lockheed Martin Terminal High Raytheon MIM-104F Patriot Advanced Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) SAM Capability-3 land-based SARH guided system, which provides defence against SAM and the naval Lockheed Martin short- to medium-range ballistic missiles, Aegis Combat Management System the latter typically have ranges of between (CMS). By 2004, negotiations with the US 540nm and 1619.9nm (3000km). Tokyo has had led to the Japanese Defence Agency acquired examples of the AN/TPY-2, op(JDA) requesting a budget for the BMD programme for that fiscal year. In De- erated locally by the US Army, which is an important element of the THAAD syscember 2004 Tokyo lawmakers approved tem, primarily to defend against incoming the plans and a first MIM-104F unit was deployed at Iruma airbase in central Ja- DPRK ballistic missiles. pan in March 2007. After successful test launches in 2008 and 2009, further MIM- Russia 104F batteries were deployed at Ashiya Current plans for Russia’s layered IADS airbase in the south of the country. began to be formulated in the mid-1990s

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and were approved by President Vladimir Putin in 2006, leading to the establishment of a new Aerospace Defence Command branch of the armed forces in December 2011. Once fully established, the IADS will provide defence against ICBMs, Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) and spacecraft, and will utilise missiles launched from ground bases and warships.

The latest long-range SAM fielded by Russia is the aforementioned S-400 that offers a BMD capability. However, this system is a stepping stone to the future S-500, also developed by Almaz-Antey, which will add an exoatmospheric space-defence capability. The S-500 system is likely to be fully operational from around 2020 in both land-based and ship-based applications.

Also under development is the S-350 Vityaz, which will be a medium-range complement to the S-400/S-500.

Fully mobile like its predecessors, the S-500 is intended to be capable of intercepting ICBMs. In mid-2014 reports began to emerge indicating that deployment of the S-500, or at least elements of it, would begin around Moscow in 2015.

Consistent with this, the first images of the system began to appear in early 2015.

In April 2016, however, Russia’s chief of air and missile defence stated that the manufacturer was completing development work on the S-500, and it would be issued to appropriate units ‘soon’. It is likely that experimental deployment will commence in 2017.

According to Almaz-Antey, and not necessarily reflective of Russian Defence Ministry plans, the future Russian layered IADS will comprise the S-500, S-400, S-350 and finally the short-range 42S6 Morfei SAM. While not offering a BMD capability, the 42S6 will play an important role in defending both offensive ICBM sites and defensive S-400 and S-500 sites against aircraft or weapons that might have passed through the outer layers of the IADS. Based on this potential IADS makeup, it is unclear what, if any, future role will be played by Russia’s legacy ABM systems, most of which were developed during the Cold War. Of those systems still in service, the Novator NPO A-30 is an endo-atmospheric interceptor, deployed from 1984 as part of the Moscow ABM system, which was known as the A-35 in its original form, and as the A35M in upgraded form. The single-stage A-30 is intended to engage targets below 64.8nm altitude and is silo-launched. It is

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Operated at two sites in Japan, the AN/TPY-2 radar is a critical element of Japan’s BMD system, providing the detection, acquisition, and tracking of hostile missiles.

possible that the A-30’s original nuclear warhead was replaced with a high-explosive/fragmentation warhead in the 1990s and that a more accurate infrared seeker was added.

After the retirement of the upper-tier A-50 SAM system in around 2005, the A-30 is now the only dedicated ABM system in the Russian inventory, and forms the centrepiece of a complex now desig-

nated as the A-135. Since the mid-1990s there have been successive reports suggesting that a new missile is in development for the A-30 system, or even an entirely new system, but it is also possible that future ABM efforts will be concentrated on the S-500, which would provide mobility thanks to its use of wheeled vehicles. Indeed, some reports suggest that while a new missile interceptor was

developed for the ABM-4, this never entered service and the completed interceptors were stockpiled. In the meantime, the A-135 complex continues to defend Moscow against ICBM/SLBM attack.

Almaz-Antey has released details of a planned future ABM system. In 2002 the manufacturer stated that it would develop a three-stage hit-to-kill interceptor for defence against IRBMs, and later against ICBMs. In early 2004 the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that this work was continuing, but that it has yet to yield any confirmed tests. Once again, it is possible that the Almaz-Antey BMD project has been subsumed or superseded by the S-500.

Conclusion While efforts to develop BMD capabilities date back at least two decades in the case of India and Japan, and longer in the case of former strategic adversaries, the PRC and Russia, the demand for such defences in the Asia-Pacific region has been brought into focus by the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction. Most notably her latest, and fifth underground test of a nuclear weapon, on 9 September 2016. AMR

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Pakistan Navy vessels are seen here exercising with one of their US Navy counterparts, in the foreground of this picture. Is Pakistan’s relationship with the US being increasingly supplanted by its relationship with the PRC?

Difficult Choices In in A Complex Region As Pakistan’s nuclear weapons modernisation advances, the country seeks a stronger domestic defence industrial base and an increase in defence exports. The People’s Republic of China (PRC), meanwhile, looms ever larger as a strategic partner and

materiel supplier.

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review of Pakistan’s progress in the military field must concentrate on nuclear weapons doctrine and equipment, the country’s defence industry, naval modernisation and the country’s widening array of security and defence partners, while not forgetting the continued demands of internal security. Islamabad keeps playing a difficult, but rewarding,

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balancing act between Beijing and Washington DC, and this is reflected in current and future procurement and upgrade programmes.

Defence policy seeks to respond to the country’s three traditional strategic imperatives: keeping together a diverse population, confronting India and ensuring Afghanistan remains politically divided. Meanwhile, the country’s nuclear deterrent remains at the cornerstone of

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Islamabad’s defence planning, making up for numerical inferiority vis-à-vis India and providing cover for the use of clandestine, sub-conventional force.

Concerning defence industry cooperation with the PRC, Filippo Boni, a researcher at the Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies, at the United Kingdom’s University of Nottingham, believes that this cooperation: “is well on track and has always been the backbone of the Sino-Pakistani entente cordiale.’ Mr. Boni stresses the: “three key components in defence industry cooperation,” involving the three branches of the Pakistan armed forces, Beijing’s support “for the establishment of the Heavy Industries Taxila (a state-owned Pakistan defence company), initially as a rebuild factory for the Norinco T-59 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) supplied by the PRC, and which progressively started manufacturing the local Al-Khalid MBT,” the “joint production of the Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17 fighter,”

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and the July 2015 conventional hunterkiller submarine (SSK) deal with the PRC, which “represents a big step forward in defence cooperation and illustrates the interests of both Pakistan and the PRC to expand their presence in the Indian Ocean.” He also notes that: “Pakistan has now realised that the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The CPEC is a transportation initiative which will link Gwadar in southwest Pakistan to the PRC region of Xinjiang in the northwest of the country, with the road and rail links incumbent in this initiative expected to be completed by 2030. Despite seeking to boost domestic production and exports of materiel, Pakistan has been spending growing sums on defence imports. In 2015 it stood tenth in the world ranking of weapons imports, spending $735 million, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

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Navy With a ten percent share of the 2015 defence budget of $6.6 billion, Pakistan’s navy has more than 22000 active, plus 5000 reserve, personnel. While Pakistan’s economy is very much dependent on the sea, with the port city of Karachi contributing 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, the navy remains the junior service. With many of its ships nearing retirement, including five Frenchmade ‘Khalid’ class and two ‘Hashmat’ class SSKs, the navy is seeking to acquire new surface and subsurface combatants, while boosting domestic shipbuilding in cooperation with Beijing. A third goal is to develop a sea-based nuclear deterrent, which may also help the navy raise its domestic political profile and share of the defence budget.

Two significant acquisitions, both involving the state-owned Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) are an additional four ‘Zulfiqar’ class frigates and six ‘Houbei’ class missile USAF

Pakistan’s army remains the country’s senior service. Comprised of over 600,000 personnel, plus 800,000 reserve and paramilitary personnel, it prizes its armoured manoeuvre forces as its backbone. However, the army is paying growing attention to the need to protect these forces from air attack. A clear example is the induction, in May 2015, of the China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation HQ-7B/ FM-90 short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. The missiles used by the system employ command to line-of-sight and optronics guidance.

Pakistan has also made an effort to produce a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence System) domestically, the most advanced being the Kahuta

Research Laboratories’ ANZA Mk. III. This weapon is an improved variant of the PRC’s Shenyang Hangtian Xinle QW-2, which is in turn believed to be based upon the Raytheon FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS family. The QW-2 has a range of 3.2 nautical miles/nm (six kilometres/ km) and is equipped with a dual-band infrared homing seeker. In January 2015 fears of MANPAD proliferation to insurgent organisations prompted the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to warn aircraft to exercise “extreme caution” when overflying Pakistan, following a request by France’s Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (Civil Aviation Directorate) which has banned French aircraft from flying below 24000 feet/ft (7315 metres/m) over Pakistan.

catamarans. KSEW is expanding its facilities in Karachi, building a new foundry, manufacturing areas, and two dry docks of capable of accommodating ships displacing 26000 and 18000 tonnes. While new ships are seen as essential in terms of maritime security, the fight against piracy and as areas of cooperation with other countries in the region, it is Pakistan’s plans to acquire new submarines that have met with the greatest concern in New Delhi. In March 2015 Islamabad announced plans to procure eight new Chinese submarines (the navy would ideally like twelve), and in October that year confirmed that four would be purchased from the PRC, and four built at KSEW. This deal also involves building a training centre in Karachi, and probably access to China’s Beidou-II (BDS-2) satellite navigation network. An additional advantage for Beijing would be securing a maintenance capability in the Indian Ocean for its own naval vessels, given the similar designs of these submarines with existing PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) boats. Concerning the characteristics of these eight submarines, they are likely to be based on the ‘Type 39B/Yuan’ class SSK able and designed to fire Surface-toSurface/Anti-Ship cruise missiles (SSM/ AShM) and equipped with 533mm torpedo tubes, and also capable of deploying mines and special forces.

A major question is whether Pakistan is only seeking a sea denial and counterblockade capability, or has set its sights beyond the conventional domain, in order to achieve a nuclear second strike capability; that is the capability to deliver a retaliatory strike after absorbing an initial first strike.

The latter is supported by existing work on the National Defence Complex Hatf-7/ Babur land-attack terrain-following and satellite-guided SSM, aimed at making it capable of being launched from the navy’s old ‘Khalid’ class SSKs. More information regarding Pakistan naval procurement can be found in Dr. Alix Valenti's Fast and Furious article in this issue.

Air Force The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) has seven airbases and some 800 aircraft, supported by 65000 personnel. Its main frontline fighters are its 76 General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Block-15 and F-16C/D Block-50/52 aircraft. While these aircraft continue to be modernised, new airframes are being purchased. Washington DC announced the sale of eight F-16C/Ds in October 2015, part of a $700 million package

The Pakistan Air Force’s F-16A/B/C/D fighters are the mainstay of its fast jet fleet, and maybe tasked with delivering the tactical element of the country’s nuclear deterrent.

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Pakistan’s nuclear weapons continue to cause concern around the Asia-Pacific and the wider world, with its Kahuta Research Laboratories Ghauri mediumrange ballistic missile forming an important part of its nuclear force.

also involving training, maintenance and logistical support, but the ultimate details, including how much of the price tag will be covered by the US Foreign Military Financing fund, is subject to congressional approval, with some senators and congress members openly hostile to the sale, figher procurement is a clear indicator of the gradual shift towards the PRC, although Islamabad is seeking to buy a further ten F-16 family aircraft, which could perhaps include the latest F-16V version.

Such controversies may help Turkey expand its foothold in this market, with the announcement in May 2016 that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) was negotiating the upgrade of 74 Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16A/B/C/D fighters, including 14 of the aircraft Pakistan has purchased from Jordan. The cost of the programme could be $75 million and negotiations, involving also securing US permission for the upgrade, could take two years. Islamabad would prefer work to take place domestically, but Turkey is seen as a second-best option, TAI already having won a similar contract in 2008.

Continued tensions with the US Congress concerning F-16 sales and support stand in contrast with Islamabad’s co-production with Beijing of the JF-17 fighter, with 60 in service and plans to purchase up to 250. Pakistan seeks to maintain in the coming years a

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products’ “design and concept” being combat force of between 350 and 400 aircraft, a mixture of F-16A/B/C/D and “100 percent Pakistan-made,” together with “a lot of the software and avionics.”

JF-17 variants. The maiden test flights of Concerning maritime surveillance UAVs, the twin-seat JF-17B are scheduled for late he explains that: “We exported some 2016 or early 2017, and the PAF is choosing Shadow UAVs to Australia for maritime the refuelling probe configuration already research some years ago. They were publicly displayed in the PRC. used for fish shoal monitoring … This In November 2015 the Pakistan is a major area but one that nobody has Aeronautical Complex announced that seemed to explore in Pakistan.”

Russia’s RD-93 would remain the JF-17’s Some experts are worried about turbofan. In April 2016, Pakistani officials the potential destabilising impact of attending the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the greater use of UAVs in South Asia.

According to Scott Cheney-Peters, the said that Islamabad may choose instead founder of the Centre for International Russia’s Klimov RD-33MK or China’s Maritime Security based in Maryland, Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation (GAIC) WS-13 turbofan to power the JF-17. both “in the Indian Ocean and along the Indian-Pakistani border … UAVs have the The Klimov RD-33MK is the latest iteration of the RD-33 turbofan, with higher thrust, potential to be a destabilising factor due to the risk of miscalculation. Until rules of full-authority digital engine controls, and a engagement regarding UAVs are clearly lifespan of 4000 hours. This engine powers the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 fighters. articulated, understood and respected by both sides there may be a greater Not much is known about the Guizhou temptation to both use UAVs and to shoot WS-13, but it seems to have already been them down under the potentially faulty test-flown on the JF-17. assumption that the other side will or will Whatever the ultimate decision on the not regard them and the consequences JF-17’s engine, Moscow and Islamabad of action against UAVs as they would if seem to be inching closer together on the aircraft was crewed. Such a chain of defence, with Russia lifting her arms errors could lead to all too real deaths.” embargo on June 2015, and the two countries signing a landmark defence deal comprising the sale of Mil Mi-35E Nuclear Forces attack helicopters in August 2015. While The country’s nuclear deterrent remains still discussing the possible purchase of central to its defence posture, with Sukhoi Su-35 family fighter jets, Russia the armed forces not ready to see it and Pakistan held their maiden joint downgraded to a minimal deterrence exercise between September and October position. On the contrary, Pakistan seems 2016, labelled FRIENDSHIP 2016 and keen to gain a naval dimension for its featuring some 70 Russian troops from the deterrent, while continuing to modernise Russian Army’s 34th Brigade. While small and expand its stockpile of tactical nuclear in scale, the Russo-Pakistan rapprochement weapons, in a move which is prompting is indicative of the complex, shifting web concern among proponents of nuclear of strategic relations in the Asia-Pacific. disarmament. With an arsenal estimated Pakistan’s domestic aviation industry at between 100 and 120 nuclear warheads, features a number of Unmanned Aerial significant PRC technical assistance, strong Vehicles (UAV) manufacturers, mostly state- popular support and a refusal to declare owned, but also including the privately- a no first use policy, Pakistan’s defence owned Islamabad-based SATUMA and doctrine relies heavily on nuclear weapons.

Karachi-based Integrated Dynamics. Islamabad is moving beyond strategic Raja Sabri Khan, the latter firm’ chief deterrence, working on a wide range of executive officer, sees exports as “the tactical nuclear weapons, while planning a only option for private-sector companies,” sea-based second-strike capability. given Islamabad’s preference for stateOne of these tactical systems is the owned companies when it comes to National Development Complex Hatfmilitary procurement: “though the 9/Nasr SSM, with an estimated range of civilian scientific, agriculture and security 32nm (60km). The Hatf-9/Nasr has a solid market for UAVs is huge in the context fuel engine and can perform manoeuvres of Pakistan’s current socio-economic to frustrate SAMs, and is a derivative of situation.” Mr. Khan explains that the PRC’s Sichuan Aerospace Industry Integrated Dynamics has: “sold systems Corporation’s Weishi-2 (WS-2) family or airframes to the USA, Australia, Europe SSM, which was developed with exports and to the Republic of Korea,” with its in mind. Intended to check advancing

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Indian armoured forces, its detractors fear that its use could lead to escalation, while its proponents consider limited escalation from conventional to tactical nuclear weapons as enabling deescalation, echoing Moscow’s nuclear doctrine. The Pakistani military see the Hatf-9/Nasr as an antidote to India’s ‘Cold Start’ doctrine, based on short, sharp blitzkrieg by independent battle groups able to quickly mobilise, and believe that tactical nuclear missiles will make it much more difficult for New Delhi to order conventional attacks. On the other hand, some observers see a move away from a counter-value strategy (with cities as targets) to a counter-force strategy (military targets) as detrimental to stability, possibly increasing the risk of nuclear combat. Actually, the Hatf-9/ Nasr’s deployment led Pakistan’s foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhury to announce, in October 2015, a move from “minimum credible deterrence” to “full spectrum deterrence,” meaning Islamabad was no longer formally committed to using nuclear weapons to only respond in kind

or if facing an existential threat.

The nuclear-capable F-16A/B remains an important pillar of Pakistan’s deterrent, but Islamabad is also working on strategic and cruise missiles. The National Defence Complex has developed the Hatf-7/Babur (see above), a mobile SSM with a range of 404.9nm (750km) and a circular error probable of 20-50 metres (65.6ft to 164ft). It is already operational and can carry a nuclear or conventional payload of 990 pounds/lb to 1100lb (450 kilograms/kg to 500kg).

Pakistan is also working on cruise missiles, namely on the Air Weapons Complex air-launched Hatf-8/Ra’ad with a range of 188.9nm (350km), successfully tested for a fifth time in January 2016. With a low radar cross section and powered by a subsonic turbofan engine, it can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, the latter having an explosive yield of between 10 kilotons to 35 kilotons.

Although Islamabad claims it has been developed domestically, it resembles South African projects such as the Denel MUPSOW air-to-surface missile, and

observers note that in the past the two countries have cooperated in weapons development. It is not clear yet whether the Hatf-8/Ra’ad is fully operational, and whether it can be launched from an F-16A/B/C/D or only from Dassault Mirage-III family fighters. Pakistan may also be working to enable the JF-17 to become its future launching platform.

Conclusions Pakistan’s armed forces are responsible not only for national defence, but are also a major nation-building tool and play a significant role in the country’s economy.

While the army remains the senior service, the navy is seeking to acquire new surface combatants and, above all, eight SSKs. This illustrates two important trends: greater indigenisation, and growing defence links with Beijing, to the detriment of Washington DC. In the nuclear arena, Pakistan is working to develop a wide range of tactical nuclear weapons, seen as necessary to counter India’s conventional superiority, while also eyeing a sea-based second-strike capability. AMR

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The Indonesian armed forces have increasingly deepened their involvement in peacekeeping operations, moving from a support role, to an increasingly kinetic posture.

REBALANCING ACT In the Indonesian 2015 Defence White Paper outlining government strategic and spending priorities, which was approved by the country’s defence minister General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu on 20 November 2015, the country’s defence strategy was, at first glance, a continuation of long term objectives.

by Andrew Drwiega

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hese long-term objectives pledged: “to maintain and protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and safety of the nation,”: The national defence is managed in a total defence system, which is nonaggressive and expansive to protect national interests.”

The role of the Indonesian armed forces has always been to support and maintain internal security at home (which

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naturally includes a huge range of island territories) rather than to project power within South-east Asia or within the wider world. Over the last couple of years though, this stance has changed and the Indonesian government has signaled its intent to greatly improve its contribution to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations to such an extent that it intends to be one of the top ten contributors. It has also, more

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subtly, not been oblivious to the People’s Republic of China’s controversial socalled Nine Dash Line denoting the country’s maritime and territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Peacekeeping According to Providing for Peacekeeping, an independent research project of the International Peace Institute, based in New York, the Elliott School at George

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of the countries that contest its island building programme, principally BruneiDarussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, in their claimed portion of the South China Sea. While Indonesia’s territory in the form of the Natuna Islands, located between Singapore and Borneo, lie on the periphery of the Nine Dash Line, a visit there by Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (known informally as Jokowi) onboard the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL/Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut) ‘Kapitan Patumira’ class covette KRI Imam Bonjol in June was designed to reaffirm his government’s position. The PRC is following its tested policy of sending fishing boats into the vicinity of the Natuna Islands to contest Indonesia’s claim to a 200 nautical mile (370.4 kilometre) Economic Exclusion Zone around the islands.

Providing for Peacekeeping asserts that Mr. Widodo has so far adopted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (his predecessor) defence policies: “the modernisation of its armed forces and acquisitions of more sophisticated equipment and weaponry are also contributing factors to Indonesia’s growing capability to deploy to complex and non-permissive mission environments.” While this may have been founded on the intention of the government to deepen the country’s peacekeeping footprint: “Indonesia is still keen to shape its international image as that of a positive middle power, and wants to be an active contributor to peace and security.”

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Modernisation The Defence White Paper recognises that the country is not in an “arms race” but that its objectives include meeting the current government’s: “effort to gain standard professionalism of defence forces by referring to vision, mission … and the Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) policy.

To establish GMF policy, the Government needs to build maritime defence power supported by satellite technology and (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)” Indonesia’s weakness is her geographical spread as the White Paper notes: “As a very open archipelago, Indonesia has a number of unresolved border issues. In addition, Indonesia has 92 outermost islets; twelve which require priority management so the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia can be secured optimally.”

This June the Indonesian government agreed a rise of 9.2 percent to the 2016 defence budget with an additional $607.5 million, bringing the total to $8.28 billion.

It was indicated that the extra revenue would be used for procurement and upgrading military facilities, particularly maritime locations such as those on the Natuna Islands (see above). However, by September this was virtually reversed as defence cuts became necessary reducing the budget back down to around $7.6 billion for the year.

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Washington University, in Washington DC and the Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, at the University of Queensland, Australia, the Indonesian government has: “pledged to deploy 4000 peacekeepers and to reach the UN’s top ten contributor list by 2019.” While Indonesia first contributed to UN peacekeeping activities during the 1950s, its support became sparse during the presidency of Suharto, who for 31 years from his assumption of office in March 1967, focused on his so-called New Order policies which were aimed at strengthening the military and controlling Indonesia’s vast 17000 island national territory.

Two significant contributions marked Indonesia’s UN re-engagement; the first between 1992 and 1994 when Indonesia played a significant part in the Cambodian peace process, contributing 200 peacekeeping personnel to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC); then in 2006 when it committed 1000 troops to five UN missions. The Cambodian peace process commenced following the end of the Cambodian-Vietnamese War which raged between April 1977 and October 1991. With the Indonesian Police (POLRI/Kepolisian Republik Indonesia) also being added to its UN deployments from 2007, the country’s reengagement with UN peacekeeping has been confirmed.

On 28 September 2015 at the UN Leader’s Peacekeeping Summit, the government made a further commitment that an infantry battalion, a helicopter unit and a police unit of 100 personnel (including 40 female officers) would be made available to support peacekeeping operations. This represents a firm step away from support roles (medical and engineering) towards a more kinetic force deployment.

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ASEAN With economic momentum increasing within the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), there has not been a similar increase in defence cooperation. As Providing for Peacekeeping points out: “the peacekeeping force initiative did not gain much support within ASEAN, in part because several countries still held dear the ‘non-interference’ (in a country’s internal affairs) principle.” The establishment of an ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network (APCN) has also largely failed to gain traction. This lack of common unity is one of the factors that has allowed the PRC to pursue its South China Sea strategy (see above), which has been largely based on facing down each

The Indonesian Navy has embarked on trials of the first vessel in its ‘Martadinata’ class frigates. A second vessel will follow in the near future.

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The Indonesian air force has invested in its fast jet strike capability, with the addition of five new F-16C/D aircraft, with its manufacturer urging the air force to take more of the jets.

officers travelled to Washington DC to discuss the availability of US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to assist with the upgrade of its Natuna naval base, among others.

Additional media reports stated that Gen. Ryacudu had announced the intention to build and further upgrade several bases on the Natuna Islands. The White Paper illustrates some of the areas where investment will be made. For the TNI-AL it will ‘right size’ personnel focusing on zero growth in favour of quality personnel development.

The publication also lists the procurement of: “warships, aircraft, marine combat vehicles, sea special equipment and support materials” and the disposal of ineffective operational equipment.

The requirement for the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara /TNI–AU) envisages the blanket improvement of all of its forces: “fighter, transport, (dignitary), reconnaissance, helicopters, training, and unmanned, and also radars, medium-range surface-to-air missile units and short range anti-aircraft batteries.” In terms of personnel, the White Paper also focuses on quality over quantity for the TNI-AU. The army too has a wide-

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ranging requirement to replace older kinetic and non-kinetic systems and is also looking to further improve the capabilities and training of its soldiers.

Procurement The Netherland’s Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) announced that the first of two ‘Martadinata’ class frigates, destined for the TNI-AL completed her sea trials on 7 September. Construction of the warship began in January 2014 with delivery of the first ship to the TNI-AL expected by January 2017. The 105 metre (344.4 feet), 2365 tonne frigates have been designed to undertake several missions including air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, in addition to general maritime security and humanitarian operations.

The trials began at the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya, northeast Java, then the ships sailed to the Java Sea for two weeks of trials. According to a Damen statement, that included the testing of “the weapons system (Leonardo/OTO Melara 76mm main gun, Rheinmetall Millenium closein weapons system, MBDA Mica surface-

| Asian Military Review |

to-air missiles and MBDA MM40 Block-II Exocet anti-shipping missiles), the vessel’s naval surveillance radar (Thales MW08) and the commissioning of the sonar (Thales UMS-4132). Noise measurements and cavitation observations were also carried out.” The ships are being constructed through a workshare agreement between DSNS in the Netherlands and PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia. The collaborative method comprises six modules, four of which are built at PT PAL. The remaining two are transported from the Netherlands for final assembly at Surabaya. More details regarding Indonesian naval procurement can be found in Dr. Alix Valenti’s Fast and Furious article in this issue.

Regarding the TNI-AU in September 2015, the force received an additional five Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters from the United States. This is part of an order signed between the United States and Indonesia in 2012 to refurbish and transfer 24 existing F-16C/Ds to the air force.

However, Lockheed Martin continues to press for the TNI-AU to upgrade to the F16V, the latest member of the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter family.

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Indonesian investment into the army has seen the force acquiring Leopard-2R1 main battle tanks, as pictured here, alongside Marder-1A3 infantry fighting vehicles.

During late summer, the army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat/ TNI–AD) took delivery of 24 Rheinmetall Leopard-2RI main battle tanks. This was also the part completion of an order originally signed in December 2012 for modernised Leopard-2RI MBTs and 42 Marder-1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (from a total of 103 tracked vehicles) as well as a further eleven ex-German Army armoured recovery and engineering vehicles. The remaining 37 Leopard-2RI’s will be delivered by the end of March 2017.

US FMS The decision to sell Indonesia eight of Boeing’s latest attack helicopter, the AH64E Guardian, in a contract awarded by the US government through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, also ensures that the Indonesian armed forces receive a technology boost through the helicopter’s inherent capability. Boeing's contract was awarded on 26 January 2015 and was valued at $295 million. The completion date for the order is the end of February 2018. On 15 September Lockheed Martin was awarded a $375 million contract to supply AGM-114 Hellfire-II semi-active laser homing/millimetric wave radar-

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guided surface-to-air missiles to a number of countries including Indonesia. This was via a further contact modification on 7 December for AGM-114 Hellfire-II missile hardware/component production.

On 12 February 2016, Elbit Systems of America in Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $13 million modification contract for 300 Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets, with Indonesia among the recipients.

On 10 March, the State Department approved the FMS of AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) active radar homingguided weapons, equipment, training and logistics support. This followed a request from the Indonesian government for 36 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAMs together with missile guidance equipment together with spares and logistical support.

The total value of the contract would be around $95 million.

However, Europe and the US are not the only sources of Indonesia’s search for military procurement. The TNI-AU has reportedly selected Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 fighter as the replacement for its ageing North American/Northrop Grumman F-5E Tiger-II fighters although the signing of such a deal is still awaited. The PRC

| Asian Military Review |

too is in the export business to Indonesia.

Somewhat ironically the Indonesian Marine Corps (Korps Marinir/KORMAR) staged test firing demonstrations of its new anti-aircraft artillery system during August; the China North Industries’ Type 90 twin-barrelled 35mm weapon. The guns, which were delivered during July, were tested against target drones according to the Korps Marinir. The guns are deployed in batteries of four controlled by a dedicated fire-control radar.

Challenges While there are many good government intentions to modernise the Indonesian armed forces, the path ahead is not an easy one. Coordinating procurement is a major challenge with both political and military leaderships often stovepiped into areas of self interest. The financial fluctuation of the economy continues to hinder a decisive commitment to an established procurement process over time on a wide and organised scale. Furthermore there is always the inherent concern among those who have ruled the country for the last 50 years that the most serious threat to the status quo is still most likely to come from within their own country. AMR

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INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS

Regional News and

Developments

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Asia-Pacific Procurement Update

by Pierre Delrieu Pakistan’s Navy Launches New Oiler Pakistan’s state-owned Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) on 19 August launched a 17000 tonne oiler for the Pakistan Navy (PN); the country’s largest-ever indigenously built ship. The PN Fleet Tanker, as the programme to build the vessel is known, was launched from the company’s facilities in Karachi, in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

It appears that the ship is still yet to be named.

The vessel is the product of a collaboration between the Pakistani Ministry of De-

New Fighters for Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government has announced that it intends to issue a Request For Information (RFI) in support of a programme to procure new fighter aircraft. The announcement came after Sri Lanka’s President, Maithripala Sirisena and his cabinet gave their formal approval

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fence and Turkey’s STM Defence, which supplied KSEW with pre-manufactured material for the vessel. According to specifications provided

by KSEW, the oiler is 158.4 metres/m (520ft/feet) long and has a maximum width of 22m (72ft). Powered by two diesel engines driving two variable pitch propellers, it can achieve a top speed of 20 knots (37 kilometres per hour). It features a helicopter deck for vertical replenishment. The company does not however give details regarding the ship’s cargo capacity, although images published on KSEW’s website show two replenishment-at-sea

masts on each side of the vessel.

The agreement to procure the ship from STM Defence was signed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MODP), which overseas defence procurement, in January 2013. Steel for the ship was cut in November 2013, and the vessel’s keel was laid a few months later, in March 2014. Once commissioned, she will be a key element of the PN’s auxiliary support fleet, tasked with refuelling and replenishing warships.

Following the launch of the PN’s new ship, Mr. Sharif expressed hope that

Pakistan would develop its collaboration with Turkey to build more vessels at the Karachi shipyard, saying that the oiler was a symbol of the ‘time-tested’ friendship between Pakistan and Turkey.

Mr. Sharif also congratulated and thanked the MODP, the Pakistan Navy, STM Defence and the KSEW for completing the vessel ahead of time.

Together with the People’s Republic of China, Turkey has been playing a significant role in the modernisation of Pakistan’s navy; a role that has been increasingly noticeable in recent years, as the PN seeks to diversify its sources of supply.

for the solicitation of offers from foreign aircraft manufacturers for the procurement of a number of new aircraft and associated weapons through an inter-government agreement on 11 August.

Speaking to a national news outlet during a press briefing, the government’s cabinet spokesperson Gayantha Karunathilaka reported

that the programme would include the acquisition of between eight and twelve new aircraft. Although the government has yet to make a decision on the supplier and type of aircraft, Mr. Karunathilaka was quoted as saying that the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) currently requires new fighters to boost its ageing inventories, as well as to maintain maritime security and face any unforeseen threat.

The cabinet spokesperson revealed that only one of the SLAF’s seven Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Kfir-C2/C7 fighters, which were acquired in the 1990s, was still currently operational. As for the six remaining MiG-27 fighters acquired in the early 2000’s and about seven Chengdu Aviation Industry Corporation (CAIC) J-7 fighters, none are currently operational, he added, concluding that “the government will consider any offers and select a suitable (aircraft)”.

The announcement of the

RFI coincided with a twoday visit to Sri Lanka of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, as Pakistan continues to pitch its Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)/CAIC JF-17 Thunder fighter to the SLAF. As AMR reported in March, Sri Lanka had dropped a $400 million deal earlier this year to procure eight to twelve JF-17 fighters from Pakistan; a decision that came after Pakistan failed to offer an acceptable financial package to support the aircraft’s acquisition and after its regional rival India objected to the agreement.

New Delhi had allegedly sent Colombo a diplomatic communication, which included a negative technical assessment of the aircraft and claimed that the SLAF did not need the fighters. At the same time, India offered to sell Sri Lanka its Hindustan Aeronautics Limited LCA Tejas fighters.

| Asian Military Review |

Regional News and

Developments

southeast asia Philippines receives first of TEN Japan-built MRRVs The Japanese government has delivered the first of ten Japanese-built ‘Parola’ class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) the BRP Tubbataha, to the Philippines’ Coast Guard (PCG) on 18 August.

BRP Tubbataha was built

by Japan’s Maritime United Corporation (JMUC) in the company’s Yokohama shipyard, and is part of a $191 million order for ten platforms signed by the Philippines’ Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the JMUC in 2015. The completion of the order and delivery of the final vessel is scheduled for 2018.

With an overall length of 44 metres/m (144 feet/ft) and of width of 7.5m (23ft), according to specifications

provided by the manufacturer, the MRRVs can accommodate a crew of 25, including five officers. Powered by two MTU 12V 4000 M93L diesel engines, the vessels have a reported cruising speed of 15 knots (27 kilometres-per-hour) and a range of 1500 nautical miles (2778 kilometres).

The PCG’s new vessel, along with the nine more to be delivered over the coming years, are capable of being deployed in a range of missions, from rescue, and environmental protection to maritime law enforcement. The ships will also serve as rapid response platforms for humanitarian relief operations, for the transport of personnel and for logistical support.

On 14 September, the Philippines’ head of state President Rodrigo Duterte approved the acquisition of two additional OPVs expected

to be delivered between November 2020 and March 2021. These new ships will considerably improve the PCG’s capabilities to survey and protect the country’s maritime interests: The Philippines is locked in a maritime and territorial dispute with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea and has been looking

to strengthen its naval and coast guard fleets, but these are still considerably dwarfed

by Beijing’s military capabilities. The PCG’s vessels will reportedly be deployed off the Philippines’ west coast, where Manila claims jurisdiction of several maritime areas under the PRC’s control such as the Scarborough Shoal and Reed Bank.

Keel laid for Singapore’s fourth corvette Singapore’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on 31 August that the country’s shipbuilder ST Marine has laid the keel for its fourth ‘Independence’ class corvette for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Part of an eight-vessel contract signed in January 2013 between Singapore’s government and ST Marine, the platform was laid on 26 May at ST Marine’s Jurong

shipyard. The RSS Independence and RSS Sovereignty, the first and second of the ‘Independence’ class vessels, were launched respectively on July 2015 and April 2016 and all eight platforms are on track to be operational by 2020. On 25 January 2016 ST Marine announced it had laid down the third ‘Independence’ class corvette, which has yet to complete sea trials.

Singapore’s new corvettes were jointly designed by Saab and ST Marine and were ordered to replace the RSN’s aging fleet of eleven ‘Fearless’ class corvettes, in service with the country’s navy since the mid-1990s. The RSN’s new vessels are larger in size than their ‘Fearless’ class predecessors and they are also considerably faster and with

an extended range.

With a length of 80 metres/m (262 feet/ft), a beam of twelve metres (39ft), and a draught of three metres (nine feet), the 1250-tonne platforms are powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93 diesel engines, allowing them to attain top speeds of over 27 knots (50 kilometresper-hour), with a standard range of 3500 nautical miles (6482 kilometres) at 15 knots (27km/h). The ‘Independence’ class can accommodate a crew of 23, including five officers, and is equipped for a mission endurance of 14 days.

In terms of weaponry, the ships are equipped with one Leonardo/OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid main gun, two Leonardo/OTO Melara Hitrole 12.7mm remotecontrolled weapon stations located on each side, and one Rafael Advanced Defence Systems 25mm Typhoon stabilised naval gun system. The ships are also furnished with

a twelve-cell vertical launching system capable of firing MBDA’s VL Mica surfaceto-air missiles. The vessel can also accommodate one medium-lift utility helicopter on its flight deck, and has a launch and recovery system for two rigid hull inflatable boats or an unmanned surface vessel at its stern.

The RSN’s new corvettes represent a significant milestone in the country’s continued transformation to keep its maritime territories safe.

Faster, more versatile, and equipped with sharper capabilities than their predecessors, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence the new vessels can be quickly configured to take on a wide rang of operations, from counterpiracy to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

They will serve to further fortify the RSN’s efficiency in maritime defence and in the protection of Singapore’s sea lines of communication.

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Regional News and

Developments

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Catapults for the PLAN’s new aircraft carrier The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) third aircraft carrier being planned for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will include significant modifications

compared to the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, the ‘Type 001A’ class which is currently under construction. The second domestically-designed and constructed ship is expected to include catapults and traps as distinct from the

ski-jump flight deck configuration used on its two previous aircraft carriers; one of which is a ‘Kuznetsov’ class vessel formerly of the Russian Navy. The speculation on the new carrier commonly referred to as Type 002 follows the publication on Chinese online forums in late August of a photograph of the country’s land-based aircraft carrier mock-up.

Speaking to AMR, Rick Fisher, senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Centre, in Alexandria, Virginia, said: “it is expected that the third carrier, perhaps to be built in Shanghai, will probably use steam-powered catapults. The third carrier will represent the PRC’s next

Taiwan Orders Additional UH-60s Sikorsky has been awarded a $135.4 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract by the Republic of China Army (ROCA) for the manufacture of 24 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopters.

The procurement, announced on 1 September by the US Department of Defence (DoD) quoted a unit cost of $5.6 million per helicopter, given the contract value and the number of helicopters on order. A fully configured UH60M has a unit price usually of $20 million, which would suggest this FMS deal is an initial agreement with followon contracts to follow.

The 24 additional UH60Ms will be delivered to

Taiwan’s Air Cavalry Brigades under the Aviation and Special Forces Command by 8 October 2018. These aircraft are part of a wider order to Sikorsky for a total of 60 UH60Ms at a cost of $3.1 billion placed in 2011. The first four platforms were delivered in December 2014, and deliveries are still ongoing in batches of seven units.

The UH-60Ms are set to replace Taiwan’s Bell UH-1 Huey family light utility helicopters, which have been in service with the island’s army since 1969. Previous reports stated that 15 of the 60 UH60Ms on order will be allocated to the country’s Interior Ministry’s National Airborne Service and serve in disaster relief and emergency roles.

In addition to the 60 units to

be fielded by the army, the Republic of China Air Force currently operates 16 Sikorsky S-70C Black Hawks in the search-and-rescue role.

The country’s Aviation and Special Forces Command has three Air Cavalry Brigades,

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| Asian Military Review |

step in the construction of a navy capable of global power projection.”

Another photograph, released on 15 September, shows that the PRC is also developing and flight testing a new variant of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-15 fighter, which appears to have received modifications to its front undercarriage for CATOBAR (Catapult-Launch, But Assisted Recovery) operations.

Although there is no official confirmation of the programme at the moment, nor visible evidence that would indicate that construction of the vessel has begun at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard near Shanghai, reports suggest that production of the aircraft carrier’s initial modules is already in progress. Furthermore, satellite imagery captured on 20 June

by Airbus’ defence and space division shows that significant progress was being made on the construction of two landbased catapults for testing and training.

with a fleet with includes 29 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, nine Boeing CH-47SD Chinook heavylift helicopters and 61 Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters.

Regional News and

Developments

Australia shortlists CRV Competitors The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced on 28 July that it had narrowed down to two the list of contenders to supply the Australian Army with 225

new wheeled Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs).

Kim Gillis, the Australian deputy secretary of the DoD’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group published a statement saying that the BAE Systems AMV-

35 and Rheinmetall’s Boxer armoured vehicles were selected as potential successors to the General Dynamics’ Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) eight-wheel drive vehicles currently in service. The two platforms

shortlisted for the CRV requirement are also eight wheel drive vehicles but offer better protection and mobility over the Australian Army’s current ASLAVs. The acquisition is part of the larger Land-400 programme designed to replace Australia’s entire infantry fighting vehicle fleet. The Australian requirement for the second phase of the Land400 requirement which covers the Australian Army’s Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability programme is for 225 vehicles, in seven variants.

The AMV-35 and Boxer were selected from a list of contenders which included the General Dynamics Light Assault Vehicle and Singapore Technologies (ST) and Elbit Systems’ Sentinel II, based on ST’s Terrex 3. In the early stage of the selection, the French manufacturer Nexter was also one of the contenders, with an upgraded version of its VBCI eight wheel drive vehicle, but withdrew from the competition following the Australian decision to limit their selection to operationally proven systems.

New Zealand seeks to acquire fixed-wing transport capability New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has released a Request For Information (RFI), dubbed the Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC), as the country is looking for fixed-wing transports to replace its Boeing 757-200 and Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules turbofan transports and turboprop freighters within the next five years. Another RFI, dubbed the Future Air Surveillance Capability (FASC) was also issued to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol

aircraft, which are due to be retired in the mid-2020s.

The FAMC RFI states that the country seeks to replace the RNZAF’s current five C130Hs and two 757-200s with a “no less than … equivalent” capability. The document also specifies that the C-130H replacement should be delivered by February 2020, with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for February 2021 and a full operational capability “no later than 2024.” As for the replacement of the 757-200, the first new aircraft will be “required” by February 2025, with an IOC scheduled for February 2026.

The potential number of aircraft options and contend-

ers for the RNSAF’s FAMC is limited, especially with the Boeing C-17A GlobemasterIII turbofan freighter out of production. This would leave Airbus’ A400M and C-295; Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules, the Kawasaki C-2; Leonardo/Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan and the Embraer KC-390 turbofan and turboprop freighters as possible candidates.

Regarding the FASC RFI, seeking to replace the six upgraded P-3K2 Orions currently in service with the RNZAF, it states that New Zealand: “seeks information on platforms and services that could potentially contribute to solutions for Defence to be able to

continue to provide the New Zealand Government with air surveillance operations beyond the withdrawal of the current P-3K2 Orion capability, planned for the middle of the next decade.” The document also stipulates that the FASC operational concept: “will be largely a continuation of the extant P-3K2 Orion based concept, adapted to exploit any greater platform and capability systems performance of the FASC fleet and support systems.” Also, it continues: “The capacity of FASC to deliver at least the current rates of effort, between 2500 to 3200 hours of airborne operations per year, is expected from the project.”

| november 2016 |

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Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) is Pakistan’s premier state-owned defence conglomerate, a growing company in a competitive industry, representing the most dynamic manufacturing hub of the country. Pakistan’s defence industry’s core competence is primarily leveraged on its armed forces demanding complicated yet potent solutions. It seems GIDS has available to them a powerhouse of technical intellect & manufacturing knowhow; having the Armed Forces of Pakistan as their prime users for decades in a synchronized yet demanding relationship. ‘’The export potential for GIDS made defence solutions is enormous. Our ability to offer tailored, cost-effective and wholesome solutions make us win many new customers each year’’ - Director Sales & Marketing explained GIDS offers a wide variety of products and solutions for current & future defence requirements of its customers. Their product portfolio comprises of an extensive range of systems, Services & Integrated solutions in the domains of Air, Land, Sea, NBC Defence and Security / Riot Protection.

The company has successfully positioned itself as a quality-driven and cost-effective solution provider in all major domains of military supplies. To completely understand why GIDS has been able to yield cost-effective innovative solutions, we need to understand Pakistan’s geo-strategic environment and this aspect has contributed a great deal towards materializing the concepts of self-reliance and indigenization.

Moreover, GIDS has further widened its competencies through successful international sales across the globe.

From offering highly sophisticated Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation System (ACMI), Air Defence (C4I), Complete range of Aerial Bombs, ATGM (Baktar Shikan), SAM (ANZA-MK II) to Patrol Boats, Marine Simulators, Laser / Optronics, Security Equipment, NBC Defence Products and a diverse array of Unmanned Systems (UAVs).

GIDS trails a highly market-driven approach to target its customers. Therefore diverse-markets from different regions starting from South East Asia to Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America have been actively pursued and made part of their worldwide customer portfolio.

“The journey of worldwide positioning was never easy but GIDS has been successfully paving its way through customer-focus and creating ultimate value for the end users by delivering excellence in all domains.”

There are number of diverse systems and integrated solutions available in their offerings which they believe hold a competitive edge when dealing with the requirements of a demanding customer.

GIDS is also Pakistan’s only state-owned & largest manufacturer of UAVs. These unmanned platforms comprises the medium endurance tactical UAVs Shahpar & Uqab and a variety of short range / hand launched / VTOL surveillance systems, that are compact , man-portable and made operational within 10 minutes. Shahpar is GIDS flagship UAV that delivers day/night Surveillance up-to 7 hours. The system is a battle proven with a capability to operate effectively in hostile environments and is currently in use by the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Our UAV Packages are designed to be flexible, affordable & customizable to meet the exact needs of customer and its peculiar environment.’

“GIDS is a young yet dynamic corporate institution that spearheads the mandate of government in “industry-to-industry Defence collaborations” and technology initiatives. We believe in providing compelling yet affordable defence solutions. CEO GIDS stated”.

Balancing, modernization & replacement (BMR) & Business Process Re-engineering coupled with a significant emphasis on prompt aftersale support are the cornerstones for GIDS competitive edge, business strategy and distinct positioning in the market.