Asian Military Review - May 2019

Volume 27/issue 3

may 2019 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

MULTI-MISSION MARITIME HELICOPTERS FRIGATES/CORVETTES INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS ANTI ACCESS/AREA DENIAL

CHINESE COAST GUARD COUNTERING IEDs SINGAPORE COUNTRY FOCUS

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Contents

MAY 2019 VOLUME 27 / ISSUE 3

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HMAS Ballarat’s embarked Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter conducts a forward passenger transfer with HMAS Rankin inside Cockburn Sound, Western Australia during early 2018. (RAN)

Stephen W Miller examines the latest machine guns for infantry squads.

RAINING LEAD

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FRIGATES FILL THE MARITIME GAP

SUB HUNTERS ARE IN DEMAND

THE NEED FOR SEAD

Budgets in Asian Pacific can be more justified for ‘workhorse’ frigates and corvettes, says Tim Fish.

Andrew Drwiega reviews multi-mission maritime helicopter developments and requirements in Asia Pacific.

Anti access / area denial (A2/AD) has become a hot topic in the Asia Pacific region as Dr Tom Withington explains.

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COAST GUARD WITH MUSCLES The Chinese Coast Guard is a force to bew reckoned with and has not stopped growing as JR Ng reports.

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BLAST PROTECTION Countering IEDs is a skill that has been hard won and should not be forgotten as Grant Turnbull discovers.

SINGAPORE’S ROADMAP FOR NEXT GENERATION FORCE JR Ng reports on plans to modernise Singapore’s tri-service capability to 2030 and beyond.

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ANALYSTS COLUMN Columnist Ben Ho takes a look at Malaysia’s Light Combat Aircraft requirement.

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Index of Advertisers

ASELSAN

15

COLLINS AEROSPACE

17

CONTROP

Editorial

29

DSEI

39, COVER 4

D&S THAILAND

COVER 3

GENERAL ATOMICS

COVER 4

IAI

13, 19

LEONARDO

5

LIMA

41

NEXTER

25

PBS VELKA

27

SAFRAN

COVER 2

SRC

11

TAR IDEAL

23

UTC AEROSPACE

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HEEDING THE WARNINGS

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he Easter Sunday multiple suicide bombing attacks against civilians at prayer in churches and others beginning their day at tourist hotels mainly around Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, claimed the lives of at least 310 people and injured over 500 at time of writing. The attack represented not just an atrocity in that country but ranks as one of the worst attacks in the annals of modern day terrorism.

Unfortunately Sri Lanka is no stranger to mass slaying. In 1990 the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) massacred between 600 and 774 unarmed police officers on 11 June 1990 during their separatist war with the Sri Lankan government.

While the 1990 attack was carried out by a known terrorist organisation, the LTTE again demonstrated surprise and determination by attacking Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo’s international airport, on 24 July 2001. The attack destroyed or damaged nearly half of Sri Lankan airlines fleet of intercontinental aircraft and had a deep effect on not only the Sri Lankan government and people, but also commerce. Tourism plunged by around 15 percent by the year’s end.

In contrast, the Easter Sunday attacks were carried out by an almost unknown terrorist organisation, National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), a splinter group of the Sri Lanka Thowheed Jamath (SLTJ), which was reportedly not considered to be a highly ranked terrorist threat. Daesh has claimed responsibility which would account for the coordinate nature of the attack and the planning behind it. They have prosecuted suicide attacks internationally for many years.

However, although the series of attacks is now being analysed by the Sri Lankan security services and arrests have been made as this issue goes to print, it is emerging that foreign intelligence sources were warning of impending attacks on multiple occasions in the weeks leading up to the event.

A BBC online report on Tuesday 23 April stated: “Addressing reports that officials had had prior intelligence of forthcoming attacks, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said: ‘We must look into why adequate precautions were not taken. Neither I nor the ministers were kept informed.’”

Political turmoil is partly being blamed on why intelligence warnings, particularly from Indian sources, were not properly followed up and orders given for security to be increased, particularly when ‘churches’ appear to have been highlighted by the intelligence agencies as likely targets.

As was reported in this column in the June/July 2018 issue of Asian Military Review, the defence ministers of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, meeting during the Defence Services Asia exposition in Kuala Lumpur in April 2018, warned of a growing regional threat to peace once Daesh had been defeated in Syria and Iraq. Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein warned delegates: “Given that SE Asia is in Daesh’ crosshairs - from returning fighters, local groups or lone wolves - they will seek to exploit the vulnerable hotspots in our region.” He cited the five month long siege of Marawi in the Philippines as an example of growing organisation within the Asia Pacific’s extremist groups.

Intelligence is a precious and time sensitive commodity that requires rapid dissemination to those tasked with defeating the threat and protecting those who may be in harm’s way.

Andrew Drwiega, Editor-in-Chief

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The light machine gun offers effective suppressive fires for the infantry squad. Typically these, like the US M249 SAW from FN (shown), use the same ammunition as the squad’s riflemen.

RAINING LEAD Still master of the battlefield for well over a century, no infantry formation today would wish go into a conflict without the latest machine guns and squad automatic weapons.

by Stephen W. Miller

S

kilful employment of the machine gun and the squad automatic rifle are keys to a successful defence and attack.

Their positioning and direction is a primary concern of small unit leaders at squad, platoon, and company level.

Their accurate and sustained fires suppress enemy fires, neutralise opposing crew served weapons and can disrupt and defeat even a determined dismounted assault.

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Although well aimed shots by individual riflemen offer a valuable contribution by themselves they cannot replace the destructive power and physiological impact of the machine gun.

These weapons fall into two groups the medium or support machine guns and light machine guns (LMG) or squad automatic rifles (AR). The former are manned by a gun crew and are directed by the company commander. They support the manoeuvre and defence

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of the company or may be attached to a platoon where terrain dictates or a mission requires. LMGs/ARs are organic to the squad/small unit and are integral to its tactics.

Crew Served Machine Guns Medium machine guns (MMG) are belt fed and manned by a crew of two. They use either a bipod or, more effectively, a tripod mount with a traverse and elevation (T&E) mechanism. The T&E

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FN’s MAG 58 and the US model M240 is one of the most popular medium machine guns. This disintegrating belt fed weapon has an integral bipod and also fires from a tripod. The former is used to provide firing stability when used in a meeting engagement but the tripod offers superior accuracy in the defence and as a base of fire.

allows precise adjustment of fires and even provide indirect ‘plunging’ fires against targets in defilade using advanced gunnery. The bipod is used deploying from the march and fires from a prone position. Generally they use a mid calibre with 7.62mm most common.

The crew served machine gun’s sustained fire capability makes it pivotal in both the defence and attack.

The Fabrique Nationale (FN) MAG58/ M240 and Russia’s PK/PKM are likely the most widely used and reliable machine guns. Both are gas operated firing from an ‘open bolt’ for heat management in sustained firing. They feed ammunition feed from a belt located in a box or assault pack. Each has a rear stock, changeable barrel, 800-1200 meter effective range and typically employing a moderate rate of fire of 650-750 rounds per minute (rpm). The lightest M240L is 10.1kg (22.3lb) while the PKM is 7.5kg (16.53lb) without the tripod.

These guns are the ‘benchmark’ against which future MMGs are measured.

Advanced Medium Machine Guns

A number of initiatives have sought to enhance the reliability and lethality of the MMG while also reducing its weight. Sig Sauer and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) have developed guns using a .338 calibre (8.5mm) Norma Magnum round. With greater muzzle velocity it is effective to 2,000m (further than the 7.62mm M240’s 1,200m). With a terminal performance four times greater than standard 7.62mm NATO ammunition it penetrates personal body armour at longer range.

Sig Sauer unveiled its MMG in October 2018. Cory McQuilkin, product manager for Sig, shared that “the design addresses some of the long identified shortcoming of previous machine guns including being able to be feed from either the right or left and the possibility for a receiver feed cover that opens to the side rather than straight up. It can also accept a suppressor and has an adjustable gas block.” The gun has 600rpm rate of fire plus at 9.09kg (20lbs) is lighter than the M240. Its modular

| may 2019 |

design allows it to be converted to 7.62mm NATO if desired.

GD-OTS’s Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) weighs less than 11kg (22lbs). Kevin Sims, senior market development director stated that “the critical factor that must be addressed in fast firing guns using high performance rounds like the .338N is mitigating recoil. LWMMG does this with our patented Short Recoil Impulse Averaging technology. It efficiently and significant reduces recoil improving target retention during firing.” The effective range is over 1800m with a rate of fire of 500rpm.

This allows for grazing fires, where the height of the trajectory remains close to the ground. This is a critical to delivering “final protective fires” in the defence.

GD-OTS .338 also uses a specifically designed polymer case which is 20 percent lighter than metal. The gun can be used with a bipod, M192 tripod and has gun mounting points compatible with vehicle mounts.

Both Sig Sauer and GD-OTS have

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W A R F A R E

Israel’s Negev 5.56 mm LMG draws for its medium machine 7.62 mm gun sister design (shown).

The objective of Israel Weapon Industry (IWI) the developer as to provide a extremely reliable weapon for small infantry units. It differs in that it can use either a box or a magazine feed.

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suppressive capability and simplicity.

NG7’s firing rate of 850-1150rpm places a number rounds on target allowing a gunner to shift targets quickly. The NG7 is derived from the 5.56mm Negev light machine gun but uses only belted ammunition and has quick-detachable barrels with handles. In addition to bipod operation the 7.6kg gun has a tripod and is mounted on vehicles.

Light/Squad Machine Guns and Automatic Rifles The capability of the MMG to deliver sustained fires also results in its principle drawback - higher weight. This is a concern for small units where individual mobility is critical. A gun was needed to provide high firepower but at less weight.

The debate has been whether this weapon should be a light machine gun (LMG) or automatic rifle (AR). The former

ST-K

responded to the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and US Marine Corps (USMC) requirement for a new LMMG. This requirement also envisions the .338 weapon replacing some of the .50 calibre heavy machine guns as well.

Germany’s Heckler & Koch, designer of the MG34 and MG42 MMG’s of World War II fame, has presented the MG5 to succeed the German Army’s current MG3.

It retains the 7.62x51mm NATO round using disintegrating belts and firing from an open bolt. It has selectable rates of fire of 680, 740 and 800rpm. The A2 Infantry variant with a short 460mm (18 inch) barrel weights 9.90kg (22lb) and has 1,2001,500m reach with its soft recoil Feldafette tripod mount. Hot barrels can be changed without need for special gloves.

Russia is upgrading its infantry support weapons with production of the PKP ‘Pecheneg’ (designation 6P45) replacing the current PKM. Developed by the TSNIITochMMash Research Institute, the new weapon has a heavier barrel and forced-air cooling to eliminate the need to change barrels in sustained engagements.

At 8.7kg it has a top carry handle, an integrated bi-pod and optical sight mounts. A belt feed 7.62x54 mm weapon it fires 650rpm. It is specifically intended for dismounted infantry use and has seen service with Russia’s Internal Affairs, Spetsnaz and select army units.

Israeli Weapon Industry (IWI) developed the Negev NG7 7.62x51mm at the request of the Israeli Army. The army sought a gun with good range, lethality,

usually is belt-feed with a higher rate of fire while the later resembles a rifle and uses a magazine. Each has benefits and drawbacks but also often reflect different employment priorities.

FN’s Minimi or M249, although referred to as a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), is more appropriately a light machine gun. Chambered for 5.56x54mm the 10kg (22lb) it is belt feed from a 200 round cloth pouch or plastic box. Using its bipod it effectively engages targets to 800m providing suppressing fires for squad manoeuvre. The US Army and Marines field one per fire team/section thus providing two to three SAW per squad. The M249, as with most LMGs, trades rate of fire for accuracy. The focus is on placing more rounds around a target as much to discourage the target from showing himself as to hitting him. As the SAW gunner is limited in the ammunition he can carry he usually fires in short bursts with a practical rate of fire of around 100rpm. South Korea’s Daedoo K3 5.56mm LMG and HsingHo’s Republic of China (Taiwan) Type 75 are similar to the Minimi. The K3 is used

by Korea, Thailand, Columbia, Indonesia, South Africa and the Philippines.

The belt feed LMG at the squad level has disadvantages. Since it uses belted ammunition squad members cannot exchange magazines. Second, its rate of fire tends to expend more ammunition especially used by an untrained soldier.

The LMG is also of limited in house to house fighting where teams must clear buildings in close combat. A final concern is, though lighter than medium machine guns, LMGs remain heavier than the latest individual assault rifles.

IWI addresses some of these concerns in its Negev 5.56mm LMG. It is fed by either a 150 capacity belt or standard 30 or 35 round magazine and weighs

The Ultimax 100 Mk8 developed by ST Engineering Land Systems is an upgraded model of its Mk5. New features include a semi-automatic fire mode and quick-change barrel. At 5kg for the basic system it is the lightest LMG.

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W A R F A R E

The US Marines decided to return to the magazine fed automatic rifle as the primary weapon for the fire team Automatic Riflemen.

They are acquiring the H&K HK416 which with some features requested is called the M27.

7.6kg (16.7lb). It has both semi and full automatic firing capability. Tom Alibrando, head of IWI LE sales shared that “a key requirement in the design of Negev was that it be reliable and simple to use and maintain reflecting the conscript nature of the army.” Negev has been adopted by 21 countries.

Chartered Industries (CTI) and ST Engineering Land Systems has developed its Ultimax 100. At 4.9kg (10.8lb) in the Mark 3 model it is possibly the lightest LMG fielded. Chambered for 5.56mm it uses a special 100 round drum magazine, has a modest 400-600 round rate of fire and a quick change barrel. Ultimax has exceptionally low recoil due to its ‘constant recoil’ design where the bolt carrier rear motion is buffered by the resistance of return springs. This facilitates accuracy and weapon control.

The gun is typically fired with its bipod and has a top off-set carry handle. It is in service with fifteen armies.

AAI Textron has been perfecting a new approach to the LMG in its LSAT. It reduces weight by using telescoped polymer case (CT) ammunition. Wayne Pender, senior vice president Applied Technology and Advanced Programs indicated that “the advantages of the telescoped case ammunition have been demonstrated. This included the ability to reduce the squad automatic weapon

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weight from 17.6lb of the M249 to 9.4lb in our equivalent LSAT gun. Our work has successfully applied the CT concept to 7.62, 5.56 and 6.5mm and to combat rifles, LMGs, and MMGs.”

Automatic Rifles (AR) An alternative to the LMG are automatic rifles such as the US Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), British Bren Gun, and Russian Degtyaryov all introduced in the 1930s but used into the 1970s. Largely replaced in the 1980s by LMGs the Automatic Rifle is making a comeback.

The US Marines have elected to replace the M249 at the squad with the H&K M27 magazine fed automatic rifle. User evaluations concluded that a more accurate but less rapid firing weapon was better suited to the fire team. An H&K spokesperson explained: “The M27 is essentially our HK416 with modifications and accessories required by the Marines.

It has greater accuracy and allows the automatic rifleman to use magazines passed from other fire team members.

This assures his ability to continue to provide effective fires on targets.” The French Army and US Marines are also adopting the HK416/M27 as a standard infantry rifle which could allow any rifleman to assume the AR role.

The US Army is seeking a “Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)”

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which will also use new 6.8mm longer range ammunition. The objective an Army spokesperson shared “is to have the range and firepower of a machine gun with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle.” The intent is to have and Automatic Rifle to replace the M249 and new service rifle to replace the M4. The NGWS is a fast program seeking to field new guns, new ammunition and an advanced sighting system by 2022. As of January 2019 AAI Textron Systems, FN America, General Dynamics OTS, Sig Sauer, and PCP Tactical have Army contracts to provide NGS-AR prototypes for technology evaluation. A Request for Proposal (RfP) for the NGWS that will be evaluated for production and fielding is expected to be released later in 2019.

Dominating the Battlefield The power of well placed and properly manned and supported machine guns should not be underestimated. Even on today’s ‘high tech’ battlefield the machine gun remains the greatest threat to dismounted manoeuvre, the key to successful defence, and the most effective facilitator in the attack. It is important to remember that the main battle tank was specifically developed in 1916 to overcome the dominance of the machine gun. In the dismounted ground battle that dominance continues. AMR

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The Indonesian Navy (TNI) has commissioned two Martadinata-class frigates based on the Damen SIGMA 10514 PKR frigate design. Should funds be available up to four more may be required. KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata (331) seen here preparing to receive fuel from the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204), during an underway replenishment in the South China Sea on 21 May 2018.

FRIGATES FILL THE MARITIME GAP While the budget for large capital ships is hard to find in the Asia-Pacific region, the market for cheaper ‘workhorse’ frigates and corvettes is growing.

by Tim Fish

F

rigate and corvette shipbuilding programmes in the Asia-Pacific region are moving at difference paces across the various sub-regions. There is a mix of countries that have their own naval manufacturing base and are building their own surface combatants and others that either buy ships from abroad or are attempting to develop the capacity of their own shipyards. The scale with

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which frigates and corvettes are being built and the capability that these ships have reflects the better share of budgets that navies are attracting.

The maritime threats to the Asia-Pacific are increasing. A spokesperson from French shipbuilder Naval Group told AMR: “In the Asia Pacific region, the navies are facing both traditional threats (other navies, missiles…) but also a resurgence of asymmetric threats (mine

| Asian Military Review |

warfare, piracy, cyber threat…).”

The rapid expansion of the China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been the catalyst for a number of frigate and corvette programmes. Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean, from the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore told AMR that although the PLAN has grown it has focussed on larger ships like the Type 055 destroyer, aircraft

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The Indian Navy is receiving an additional batch of two Talwar-class (Project 11356) frigates from Russia like the INS Tarkash shown here, that are based on the new Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. The pair will be commissioned after 2022.

carriers and submarines rather building large numbers of frigates and corvettes “because the PLAN does not have infinite funding so has to prioritise.”

But despite this, the PLAN does have one frigate programme for a larger Type 054B Jiankai III-class, potentially up to 4,500 tonnes which Collin said appears to be an anti-air warfare (AAW) optimised version of the 4,000t Type 054A Jiankai II-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and general purpose (GP) frigate. The new ships are being built by China Shipbuild ing Industry Corporation (CSIC) and will have more vertical launch cells for surface-to-air missiles and long-range land attack or anti-ship cruise missiles.

The first units are under construction and are due to enter service soon.

In terms of corvettes, Collin said that the PLAN only has the Type 056GP and Type 056A ASW vessels that are “geared towards littoral operations in the South China Sea”. He added that serial production of the ships has been stable with deliveries undertaken since 2013 and any further corvette classes or subclasses they can be expected to be based on the Type 056.

Meanwhile the Republic of South Korea Navy (RoKN) has been taking delivery of its FFX-II Daegu-class frigates.

The first-of-class was built at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and commissioned in March

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2018. A further six ships are expected as part of a long-term programme to replace older frigates and corvettes with a total of 22-24 new ships. Collin said that the Daegu-class are larger and capable of blue water operations compared to the FFX-I Incheon-class that came before, which is more akin to a light frigate or corvette.

Like the PLAN, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is focussed on building helicopter carriers and destroyers, but there are plans to build a new 3,500t destroyer – known as the 30DX – but is in fact a frigate-sized vessel.

This is intended to replace the Abukumaclass and Asigiri-class light destroyers. A contract for the first two ships has been awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding (MSE), which will delivery the vessels to the JMSDF from 2022. A total of eight ships are expected.

Meanwhile Collin said that the JMSDF are looking to build a new class of 12 ships displacing about 1,000t that will be “optimised for surveillance in the South China Sea”. He expects it to be a naval Offshore Patrol Vessel more heavily armed than similar ships in the Japanese Coast Guard (JCG). “It highlights that the JCG is stretched and the JMSDF has to step in to support it with vessels in this category that can sustain the presence in the South China Sea to counter the PLAN

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and Chinese Coast Guard presence in these areas,” Collin said. A final design is expected to emerge it the next couple of years and it is estimated a new ship will enter service in the 2025 timeframe.

Shipbuilding potential In South East Asia, the encroachment of the PLAN means that states are putting some resources towards renewing major combatant ships. Although efforts are mixed across the sub-region and restricted by budgetary issues it is where there is the most business potential for international shipbuilders and designers.

According to Enrico Bonetti, senior vice president of international naval business at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, prospects in SE Asia have led the company to establish an office in Singapore where it is interested in the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore.

“We see trend for naval vessels starting from 2000t displacement up to about 4,000t displacement,” he said. “There is a desire for flexibility in designs that are modular and adaptable, particularly for the combat system, with the possibility to upgrade the life of the vessel when the budget is available.” He added: “The concept of fitted for but not with is something that is inherent in the proposals that we are required to provide.”

The Philippines is sourcing its new combatants from South Korea and has

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The Vietnamese Navy is receiving six new Gepard-class (Project 11661E) frigates from Russia.

bought two ships from Hyundai Heavy Industries to the HDF-3000 design and called the Jose Rizal-class. Steel was cut on the first vessel in October 2018 with delivery expected in 1Q 2020 and ship two will follow by September 2021. Like the RTN the Philippines Navy wants more ships and there are plans for a corvettetype vessel. A Request for Information (RFI) was released in September 2018 but according to Collin the current state of funding “remains a perennial problem” and it is likely to be some time before further ships are ordered. Bonetti confirmed that Fincantieri had responded to the RFI. Dutch shipbuilder DSNS has also responded.

In Indonesia Collin said that funding is still an issue and that any further developments in shipbuilding programmes are unlikely to take place until after the Presidential Election in April 2019.

“The priority now is that much of the focus is to convince voters they are keen on projects for social and economic uplift and the need to control inflation. So there is little focus on defence spending right now which would be sensitive,” he explained. The Indonesian Navy recently commissioned two new PKR frigates called the Martadinata-class in 2017 and 2018. The pair are based on the SIGMA 10514 design from DSNS and were built in modules. In each ship, two modules

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are built at DSNS with the remaining four at PT Pal in Indonesia.

However, Bonetti said that Indonesia is looking for more frigates that “the budget is available”. Fincantieri can offer larger vessels like heavy corvettes or light frigates in excess of 3,000t similar to that being built for Qatar or more typical corvette-sized vessels around 2,000t based on the Abu Dhabi-class ships built for the UAE Navy. But Collin believes that if there is any progress in shipbuilding it is likely that it will be for further four ships in the Martadinata-class.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has bought a ship based on the DW3000 design from DSME, which is a variant of the Daegu-class FFX-II for the RoKN. Named Tachin, it was handed over to the RTN in December 2018 and will be commissioned in 2019 for use as a carrier escort. There is an option for a second ship to be built locally under a technology transfer agreement but this has not been exercised therefore it is likely that Tachin will remain the only new ship in the RTN for some time.

Malaysia is suffering from financial constraints and apart from its six new Maharaja Lela-class frigates there are unlikely to be any further frigate or corvette programmes forth-coming. The frigates could be classed as light frigates or corvettes and are based on the Gowind

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2500 design from French shipyard Naval Group but built under technology transfer agreement by Boustead Naval Shipbuilding in Malaysia. The first-ofclass is due to be commissioned in 2019 with all six inservice by 2023 although delays are expected.

“In all these countries there is conflict as the navies are pushed from one side from a matter of urgency to get new ships and improve the fleet and that would privilege a direct procurement from a foreign country to provide a turnkey solution,” Bonetti said.

“The other side is the strategic need to increase autonomy and capability in-house. Naval shipbuilding activities are a labour intensive business that can provide a lot of jobs in-country so there are political issues driving this matter,” he added.

The two countries that are developing serious naval capabilities are Vietnam and Singapore that are providing the budgets and political commitment to procuring surface and sub-surface platforms. The Vietnamese Navy is receiving six new Gepard-class (Project 11661E) frigates from Russia. Built at Zelenodorsk Shipyard the first four have been delivered and a further two were ordered in 2014 but construction has yet to start. Alongside its six new Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarines, also delivered from Russia, the Vietnamese Navy has become one of the strongest maritime forces in the region. Collin said that the Kilos are fitted with the Klub anti-ship and land attack cruise missile and it is possible that the new Gepards could be fitted with them too. However, the Vietnamese Navy is also facing funding constraints and it is unclear when construction will start on the final two ships.

Under the Singapore Armed Forces modernisation plan 2020-2030 there are plans for a new class of corvette known as a Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) that will replace the Victory-class missile corvettes from about 2025. According to Collin the ships will be much larger than the 600t Victory-class, networked and have an emphasis on unmanned vehicle operations. He believes it will be a smaller version existing RSN frigates and will be built by ST Marine in Singapore with weapons and sensor procured from overseas integrated into a locally developed combat management system.

In South Asia the main rivals are India and Pakistan. The Indian Navy

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INS Tarkash sailing past the O2 Arena in London on 10th May 2017.

has the Project 17A frigate programme for seven ships that will be delivered by 2025. These are being built to an Indian design by Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineering (GRSE) and Mazagon Docks (MDL) and follow on the from the Project 17 Shivalik-class frigate. This programme is being used to enhance India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Fincantieri is supporting the P-17A programme and Bonetti said that it has teams located at both GRSE and MDL. “We have been contracted to provide expertise in modular construction and improving the production capability of the yards by improving the process in shipbuilding. The yards in Mumbai and Calcutta have a very conventional approach to shipbuilding and we suggest some initiatives and we support them in construction, monitoring the process from the detailed design and starting of production – the whole process,” he said.

Meanwhile the IN is receiving an additional batch of two Talwar-class (Project 11356) frigates from Russia that are based on the new Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. The pair will be commissioned after 2022. A further two ships are slated to be built by Goa Shipyards to the same design and will be commissioned after 2027. To increase its

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corvette capability the IN has plans for a new corvette class to follow-on from the four Kamorta-class (Project 28). The AntiSubmarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC) programme is for 16 hulls with production split between Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and GRSE. The companies are calling for international shipbuilders to assist with design work and engineering studies to help develop their designs. Bonetti said the corvettes are “peculiar designs” and Fincantieri was not involved in the programme as its company strategy is to provide existing designs for modification rather than develop new designs for the IN. He said the “appetite is much less” for design work because “development costs are barely covered by the contract”.

In Pakistan because of recent tensions with India, Collin said that the focus will on the Air Force and Army with the Navy “likely to remain the poor cousin to the other two services.” Despite this it has a frigate programme for Type 054A ships from China and has ordered four ships that are due to be operational by 2021. For corvettes the Pakistan Navy has ordered four Ada-class corvettes from Turkey. The first pair will be built by Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Turkey with the following two to be built at Karachi

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Shipbuilding and Engineering Works (KSEW) under licence with a technology transfer agreement. Delivery is expected from 2023.

In Oceania, only Australia is building new frigates for the Royal Australian Navy under its SEA 5000 Hunter-class frigate programme that will see nine new ships delivered from the late-2020s through the 2030s. The ships will be built to the Type 26 ASW frigate design from BAE Systems in a new shipyard being constructed at ASC Shipyard in South Australia under the government’s Continuous Shipbuilding Programme.

ASC will be tutored by ship designer BAE Systems on how to build complex warships and learn from the mistakes experienced from the earlier Hobart-class destroyer programme.

As the requirements for more frigates and corvettes grows in the Asia-Pacific countries are adopting different strategies for the development and procurement of new ships. Whilst countries in North East Asia will continue to design and build its own highend warfighting ships, the other regions will have to decide what kinds of ships they need quickly and what programmes can be used to enhance incountry shipbuilding capability for the long-term. AMR

MARKETING PROMOTION

IAI PRESENTS NEW ANTI-SUBMARINE CAPABILITIES FOR UAVS

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pril 18, 2019- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is upgrading its capabilities for the maritime arena with anti-submarine capabilities in its marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The new capabilities respond to the need arising from the discontinuation of the “Shahaf” manned Sea Scan maritime jet by the Israeli Navy and the growing use of IAI Heron UAVs for maritime patrol missions, which created a need in anti-submarine capabilities launched directly from the UAV. The maritime UAV, which carries a range of dedicated payloads, now has two new payloads for submarine detection: the Sonobuoy (acoustic detector) and the MAD (Magnetic Detector).

The Sonobuoy is a small, lightweight innovative sonar float which is hurled out of the UAV with a parachute. Part of the Sonobuoy submerges in the water and part of it remains above water, emitting and receiving acoustics signals in high seas. The findings are transmitted in real-time to the UAV’s control post. The MAD is a UAV-mounted device that detects and alerts on submarines through identification of changes in the magnetic flow (metal objects detection).

The two detectors complement one another: the Sonobuoy is used for searching a broad areas while the MAD is used to verify that the object is a submarine, including an up-to-date location. The UAV carries several Sonobuoys, which it hurls accurately into the sea whenever the presence of a submarine is suspected.

The use of UAV-mounted anti-submarine means offers significant advantages, including longer stay time (dozens of hours on air), back-

transmission of the sonar for many hours, operators who are located on land and can monitor the situation over multiple shift, and most importantly, the absence of risk to human life.

Moshe Levi, IAI executive vice president general manager of the military aircraft group, commented, “The maritime Heron UAV has proved its efficacy for the Israeli Navy as well as for other clients. The addition of anti-submarine capabilities expands the UAV’s operational scope, while opening up new markets for IAI. As the home of the world’s advanced technologies, IAI is thrilled and proud to become one of the first to offer a solution of this type. In an age with growing submarine threats, the use of these systems will improve nations’ security across the seas, including in their economic water and seaports.”

Israel Aerospace Industries:

IAI Ltd. is Israel’s largest aerospace and Defense Company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader, specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-theart systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. Since 1953, the company has provided advanced technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide including: satellites, missiles, weapon systems and munitions, unmanned and robotic systems, radars, C4ISR and more. IAI also designs and manufactures business jets and aerostructures, performs overhaul and maintenance on commercial aircraft and converts passenger aircraft to refueling and cargo configurations.

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SUB HUNTERS ARE IN DEMAND The rise in the number of submarines being operated in Indo-Pacific waters has naturally led to a corresponding need for platforms, particularly maritime multi-mission rotorcraft, to deal with them.

by Andrew Drwiega

Since 2014, China has launched more submarines, warships, principal amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom,” stated Nick Childs, senior fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), on 1 May 2018 in a blog entitled: “China’s naval shipbuilding: delivering on its ambition in a big way.”

According to a briefing held at the Asia Society in Hong Kong by David Shear, the former US assistant defence secretary for Asian and Pacific security affairs on 21 March, 2019, the South China Morning Post reported that “an estimated 228 full-sized submarines [were] operating in the East and South China Seas – a number that is expected to rise to 300 within a decade.”

While many nations are ensuring that they have a “me too” submarine

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capability, Henry Boyd, a research fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, also at the IISS, suggested in an October 2017 blog that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will “focus on improving quality rather than expanding quantity” and would retain a total number of submarines around 58. This total was likely to comprise: four nuclear powered ballistic submarines (SSBNs); six attack submarines (SSN/SSGN); and around 48 diesel-electric powered submarines (SSK).

However, more recent reports suggest that there is an ambition to have double the number of SSBNs to allow two to be at sea at any one time (working on the recognised principle that a total of four are required to ensure one is constantly deployed).

Republic of Korea Navy There has been a reaction throughout the Indo-Pacific region to the increased focus on submarines activity with a

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corresponding need to find, fix and if necessary attack them.

The pursuit of additional antisubmarine warfare helicopters, known as the Maritime Operation Helicopter (MOH) batch-2 for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) is still alive after the United States government made a late intervention on Lockheed Martin’s behalf. Leonardo, who had believed the competition to be a done deal after its rivals - Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky and NH Industries - did not submit proposals by a deadline leaving the way open for Leonardo.

The ROKN already operates eight Leonardo AW159 Wildcats following a decision by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in January 2013 to acquire the helicopters ahead of Sikorsky’s MH-60R Seahawk.

Lockheed Martin is trying to tie

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AN/AVS-9 night vision goggles.

The size of the ROKN AW159s make them very capable of operating from the Incheon-class guided missile/ coastal defence frigates. They are fitted with Leonardo’s Seaspray 7000E multimode active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar together with an electro-optical thermal sensor with a reported range of 190 nautical miles (360 kilometres). A decision is expected in the next few months according to sources close to the competition.

Philippines Navy

Royal Malaysian Navy Leonardo has also offered the AW159 to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) which has a stated intent to further develop its existing Leonardo Super Lynx 300 helicopter which operate in the in the ASW and ASuW roles. A Leonardo spokesperson told AMR that the RMN is currently also considering various upgrade/modernisation options for its six Super Lynx 300 fleet which first came into service in 2003. In October 2018, the Super Lynx 300 flight logged a total of 10,000 hours In May 2018, the UK Royal Navy’s 847 Naval Air Squadron, presented its AW159 Wildcat helicopter to Malaysia’s Armed Forces for detailed inspection and test flights at Royal Malaysian Navy Base Lumut and Leonardo Helicopters’ facility at Subang Airport, near Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesian Navy Airbus Helicopters has had limited success in the Indo-Pacific region with its maritime AS565 MBe Panther. A total of 11 were procured by the Indonesian government for the Indonesian Navy Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL) - with the first three being delivered in November of 2016.

ROKN

Sikorsky’s MH-60R has become a popular maritime ASW and ASuW helicopter thanks to service with the US Navy and RAN.

Leonardo has already been successful with another maritime customer, the Philippine Navy. The company has just completed the predelivery inspection of two AW159s at its Yeovil factory earlier in April, and will be delivering the aircraft to the Philippines Navy during May. During the signing of the contract on 30 March, 2016, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin underlined the importance of the acquisition, stating that it was “the country’s first anti-submarine warfare capability as the AFP moves towards attaining a minimum credible deterrence posture.” The helicopters are likely to be used not only maritime patrolling and deterrence, especially in the face of China, but also against insurgent groups operating within the Philippines themselves.

It is unlikely that the Philippine defence budgets will be able to afford any further additions to this small fleet.

together both an Indian multi-role helicopter (MRH) requirement for 24 Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, which has been approved by the US State Department under the Foreign Military Sales (PMS) procedure, with the ROKN opportunity. The Indian order is worth $2.6 billion with $840 million on offer for the 12 new ROKN helicopters.

Among the equipment that the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved for sale to India in support of the MH-60R sale are the following: 30 Telephonics APS-153(V) multi-mode radars; 60 GE T700-GE-401C engines; 30 Raytheon AN/AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems; 54 embedded global positioning system/ inertial navigation systems (EGI) with selective availability anti-spoofing modules (SAASM); 1,000 AN/SSQ-36/53/62 sonobuoys; and a broad selection of missiles, torpedoes, radios and 70 Harris

An AW159 of the Korean Navy launching a Rafael Spike-NLOS missile.

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Airbus AS656 MBe Panthers delivered by PT Dirgantara Indonesia to the Ministry of Defense for the Indonesian Navy.

The contract is with Indonesian partner PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) who is responsible for the assembly and outfitting for role of the Panthers. By January 2019, PTDI had delivered 10 of the 11 helicopters.

The Panther’s ASW suite includes a dipping sonar and the ability to launch torpedoes. The Panther is powered by two Safran Arriel 2N engines giving it a top speed of around 165kts over a range of 780km.

Royal Australian Navy An upgrade programme has already been approved by the DSCA under FMA to provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with an upgrade programme for its Sikorsky MH-60R multi-mission helicopters at an estimated cost of $360 million. The Australian Government approved the acquisition of 24 MH-60R Seahawk in 2013 at a cost of over $3 billion to replace the older Sikorsky S-70Bs. The upgrade programme would occur over 10 years.

The RAN has acquired the MH-60R Seahawk as its next generation submarine hunter and ASuW helicopter. It has a range of around 245nm with a maximum weight of 10,660kg (23,500lb) and a speed of up to 180kts.

Weapons include the Raytheon Mk54 Lightweight Torpedo, Lockheed Martin AGM-114N Hellfire laser-guided missiles

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and FN Herstal GAU-21 12.7mm crew served machine guns.

Sensors include Telephonics APS-153 multi-mode maritime surveillance radar which is operated through the Lockheed Martin Common Cockpit avionics suite, which allow the crew independent views of information available through the radar.

For its primary task of submarine hunting, there is a Raytheon AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) which is effective up to a depth of around over 750m (2,500 feet). The AN/AQS22 dipping sonar has multi-frequency operation which allows it to adapt to varying environmental conditions. The helicopter can also launch up to 25 active, passive or bathymetric buoys.

Finally it also deploys with an AAS44C multispectral infrared targeting system which provides long-range surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, range finding and laser designation for the onboard weapons.

While at sea the MH-60Rs of 725 Squadron operate off the Anzac Class frigates and the new Air Warfare destroyers with the remainder staying at the home base of HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales. It is here at HMAS Albatross that all training is carried out through CAE USA, the prime contractor for MH-60R at Nowra. Within

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the suite of training devices to support the MH-60R are two Tactical Operational Flight Trainers (TOFTs) which comprise full-motion flight simula-tor and weapons tactics trainer for rear-crew sensor operators. According to CAE, the RAN MH-60R TOFTs were the world’s first MH-60R simulators certified to Level D, the highest qualification for flight simulators.

The NH Industries NH-90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) has not met with any great success in the Indo-Pacific region, losing out to the MH-60R and AW159s for maritime orders. The NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTL) has been introduced as the MRH-90 into the Australian Army as a utility helicopter, which has also been qualified for naval resupply. Eight were also acquired by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) but deployment away from the mainland has proved difficult without an automated blade and tail flowing system which would make it suitable for longer term shipboard operations.

NH Industries has introduced a ‘hybrid’ helicopter called the NH-90 Maritime Tactical Transport which will feature elements from both of the initial variants, but will lend itself to maritime operations by incorporating folding main rotors and tail-boom, as well as a more resilient undercarriage. AMR

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An EA-18G Growler, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, taxies on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), 30 March, 2019.

THE NEED FOR SEAD The United States and her allies in Asia-Pacific face an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) threat from two significant actors in the region; the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

by Dr. Thomas Withington

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n the air domain, these A2AD threats have manifested themselves in the procurement by both nations of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems designed to increase the cost in blood and treasure to any nation or coalition planning to perform an intervention against either nation or their interests.

During air operations, GroundBased Air Defence (GBAD) threats are engaged by Destruction/Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (D/SEAD) efforts. D/ SEAD forms part of the wider Offensive Counter Air (OCA) battle. OCA is defined by the US Department of Defence (DoD) as “offensive action in support of the offensive counter-air mission against surface targets that contribute to the enemy’s air power capabilities.” The DoD definitions continue that SEAD is “that activity which neutralises, destroys or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defences by destructive and/ or disruptive means.” A central tenet of SEAD holds that destruction is preferable to suppression as it removes a threat for a prolonged period. It is better to destroy a radar than render it temporarily unserviceable. Nevertheless, this may not always be possible. The exact physical location of the radar maybe unknown, making its attack difficult

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if not impossible. Since the end of the Cold War, popular concerns regarding collateral damage during air operations could mean that rules of engagement may prevent the destruction of that radar should it be located close to civilians, or civilian infrastructure. Finally, destroying such a target could overburden available aircraft and ordnance needed elsewhere to engage other targets. For these reasons it may be necessary to suppress some air defences, rather than destroying them outright. It is the kinetic and electronic capabilities to support SEAD in the Far East which are the subject of this article.

Regional Threats The DPRK and PRC arguably pose the most significant A2AD threat in the region. Air defence is central to China’s A2AD posture. The US Secretary of Defence’s 2018 report to Congress on Military and Security Developments involving the PRC stated that “China has a robust and redundant (Integrated Air Defence System/IADS) architecture over land areas and within 300 nautical miles (556 kilometres) of its coast.” The report posits that China is capable of developing advanced missile technology, stating that “the majority of China’s missile programmes … are comparable to other international top-tier producers.”

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Figures produced by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, say that in recent years China has imported, or is in the process of importing, 46 medium and high-altitude SAM systems. It states that these have included SA-15s acquired from 2000. These have been supplemented with SA-10s Grumble systems, and more recently the S-400, six batteries of which were purchased in 2015. According to Meia Nouwens, research fellow for Chinese defence policy and military modernisation at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, the PRC, maintains an array of short and medium range, and long range/high altitude SAMs in service. These include Chinese variants of Soviet/Russian systems such as the HQ-2 family based upon the Lavochkin OKB S-75 Dvina (SA2 Guideline) high-altitude SAM as well as domestic products like the Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology HQ-6 short/medium range SAM. Nouwens continues that the PRC maintains several advanced Russian-origin highaltitude system such as the Almaz-Antey S-300PMU1 (SA-20A Gargoyle) and S-300PMU2 (SA-20B Gargoyle). An upgraded version of the S-300V (SA-12 Gladiator/Giant) has been developed by the PRC known as the HQ-18. According to the Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance, this could engage targets at a range of between 22nm (40.7km) and 54nm (100km).

The alliance stated that “the S-300V family is one of the most capable aerial defence systems in the world, and an upgraded Chinese version should worry Western defence agencies.”

While North Korea may lack the sophisticated SAMs in China’s possession, it boasts a formidable array of groundbased air defences. The country may operate several hundred S-75 Dvina, Almaz-Antey S-125 Neva/Pechora (SA-3 Goa) and KB Design Bureau S-200 (SA-5 Gammon) systems. Open sources have stated that these may have received numerous upgrades during their service lives. Similarly, North Korea may possess an indigenous SAM known as the KN06. This weapon may have similar capabilities to early versions of Russia’s S-300P. The KN-06 is thought to have been tested and deployed in 2017. It may have a range of up to 81 nautical

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miles (150 kilometres), and could have been developed from technology secretly supplied by Russia or China, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies’ Missile Threat website.

Several of these SAMs have already been encountered by the US and her allies.

The SA-2, SA-3 and SA-5 have been used against the US during the Vietnam War, against Israel during the War of Attrition and Yom Kippur War, and during USled interventions in Iraq, the Balkans and more recently Syria. However, the HQ-7, HQ-9 and HQ-10 have yet to be encountered in a conflict. That said, Russian systems, and those Chinese systems based upon this technology, have been encountered in previous wars, and the S-300 and S-400 have both been deployed to Syria. This may have given the US and allied nations the chance to gather intelligence regarding these weapons and their modus operandi. Such intelligence can be fed back into future SEAD tactics and doctrine. For example, for the last two years US Air Force RC135U Combat Sent ELINT aircraft have

flown in the vicinity of Lebanon and Syria. This has almost certainly been to gather data on the Russian electronic order of battle. It is not unreasonable to assume that US allies in the Far East may have been briefed by US officials on the characteristics of Russian air defences in Syria vis-à-vis the proliferation of such threats in the Asia-Pacific.

Regional Responses Moreover, local actors are in possession of SEAD capabilities which can be used against these GBAD threats. The challenge will be in ensuring that state-of-the-art systems such as later S-300 versions, and the S-400, can be successfully neutralised with these capabilities. US allies in the Far East possess a potent array of SEAD assets and there are over 370 aircraft capable of deploying Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARMs) in the region. The US Navy, air force and Marine Corps deploy around 120 aircraft at bases in Japan which can all deploy Raytheon’s AGM-88 series ARM. This remains the standard SEAD weapon in the region. The fleet includes

the USAF’s Lockheed Martin F-16CJ with two units: the 13th and 14th fighter squadrons, based at Misawa air base in Japan. These are reinforced by four navy squadrons of Boeing F/A-18E fighters which can deploy the AGM-88B and the more advanced AGM-88E. Two Marine Corps units; VMFA-242 and VMFA-121 are equipped with the Boeing F/A-18C/D and Lockheed Martin F-35B respectively; which can also deploy the AGM-88.

Importantly, the US Navy has a squadron of Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft located at Iwakuni airbase in Japan. This is an important shot in the arm for regional SEAD capabilities, and such aircraft would invariably play an important part during any showdown with the DPRK or PRC. These US capabilities are bolstered by the SEAD-capable aircraft of regional US allies. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has a dedicated EW unit equipped with the EA-18G deploying the AGM88B/E. These jets would no doubt work closely with their US Navy counterparts during any crisis. Beyond the EA-18Gs

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China’s anti-access area denial defensive layers illustrated by the US Navy in 2016.

the aircraft of choice for SEAD elsewhere in the region is the F-16 series. Acquired by the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Taiwan; a total of circa 240 airframes can deliver the AGM-88B. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute over 400 AGM-88s of varying marques have been acquired by countries in the region. The ROK has also acquired up to 100 Israel Aerospace Industries’ Harpy loitering ARMs which would have a key role to play in suppressing DPRK air defences during hostilities.

This combined force of aircraft and weapons is reinforced by a fleet of SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) planes.

Japan possesses the largest regional fleet of SIGINT platforms, operating four Lockheed Martin EP-3Cs and the same number of Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation YS-11EAs. These are reinforced by the ROK’s two Dassault Falcon-2000 SIGINT aircraft and the single SIGINT-configured Lockheed Martin C-130H used by Taiwan.

Nevertheless, regional ELINT assets are being overhauled. Japan is currently flight-testing its new Kawasaki EC-2 ELINT platform which may replace the EP-3C. This reported to be one of the most advanced such aircraft in the world. Similarly, the Royal Australian Air Force is acquiring five Gulftstream MC55 SIGINT jets which are expected to be delivered over the next five years.

led coalition deployed over 4,400 military aircraft, 110 of which were dedicated to SEAD. The lion’s share of these aircraft were provided by the US. This SEAD force comprised around three percent of the total number of aircraft deployed to support 43 days of air operations.

Operation Deliberate Force mounted over Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995 saw NATO deploy 600 military aircraft. These were supported by a SEAD force of 54 planes. Thus SEAD assets comprised nine percent of the total number of aircraft deployed for an air campaign of 41 days duration. Similarly, during Operation Allied Force waged to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Kosovar Albanian population in the Balkans province of Kosovo, out of 1,191 aircraft deployed over 150 were dedicated to SEAD for the 78 day campaign. Interestingly, although it was thought that the US-led coalition had destroyed much of Iraq’s air defences during Operation Desert Storm, and the subsequent enforcement of the northern and southern No Fly Zones over the country, the US still assembled a large SEAD force in preparation for 2003’s Operation Iraqi Freedom. From a fleet of China's fourthgeneration HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles.

Adequate?

Are such capabilities adequate? A cursory examination of recent operations involving SEAD provides an indication of the force weight needed to support an air campaign against an actor with an integrated air defence system. During Operation Desert Storm mounted in 1991 to evict Iraqi forces from Kuwait the US-

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2,697 aircraft, 101 of these were dedicated to SEAD. Eight years later during Operation Unified Protector over Libya, 23 SEAD assets were deployed as part of a multinational force of over 260 aircraft for a campaign lasting 220 days.

Based on these figures, SEAD assets have comprised on average five percent of the total force needed to support a specific air campaign. These efforts have also seen on average almost 500 ARMs being fired, although this ranges from the low hundreds during the Libya intervention to in excess of 1,200 during Desert Storm.

Of course, the quantity of SEAD aircraft and weapons required to support an air campaign will rise and fall according to threat. However, on paper at least, both regional air forces and the regional US presence possess the SEAD assets needed to assist a large scale air operation.

Future Capabilities Despite the region’s current SEAD capabilities, there is room for improvement.

Many regional actors continue to use the AGM-88B. More recent marques offer improvements in lethality and precision.

As the US Navy and RAAF are procuring the AGM-88E, allied air forces would be advised to follow suit. This missile includes a Global Positioning System/ Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS).

This allows the GPS coordinates of a hostile radar to be programme into the weapon. This helps to prevent it breaking lock should the targeted radar stop its transmissions realising it is under attack.

Both the US Navy and RAAF would likely bring this missile to the fight in any future crisis. Expanding the local air forces which use advanced versions of the HARM beyond these two services would bring a qualitative improvement to SEAD lethality, not to mention interoperability, logistics and economies of scale benefits.

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Regional actors may also want to consider the EA-18G. This jet offers a conventional fighter/ground attack aircraft matched with a dedicated EW/ SEAD capability. The EA-18G would be an ideal platform for the AGM-88E/F. Its acquisition by regional actors would likewise improve interoperability. Such a purchase by Japan or Singapore would provide two of the most advanced air forces in the region with a potent SEAD capability. Should the EA-18G acquisition not materialise, Japan and South Korea, both of which are acquiring F-35 variants, should consider procuring the latest HARM models to equip them.

While the region is witnessing an overhaul of ELINT gathering assets as mentioned above, this is another area which requires investment. Taiwan’s ELINT C-130H is now almost 40 years old. A replacement will be needed in the next five years. One option for Taiwan, and other nations, is to acquire a roll-on/ roll-off ELINT system. This could allow an aircraft to be used for other missions when not required for intelligence gathering.

Finally, regional actors must continue

their investment in SEAD cooperation and training. Where possible local air forces should work hard to forge SEAD doctrines that can work in a unilateral and multilateral fashion. Working closely with the US in the SEAD domain is also imperative. Any future regional conflict will see Uncle Sam providing considerable SEAD assistance. Harmonising SEAD doctrines, tactics and procedures with one another, as well as with the US, will pay dividends. Equally important is investing in threat data collection and management.

Air forces can benefit from excellent EW training courses provided commercially, alongside advanced software which not only enhances how air forces collect ELINT, but how they manage and share this information.

Conclusions Actors in the Far East face a clear and present threat from the proliferation of advanced air defences with the acquisition of such weapons by the DPRK and PRC driving such concerns. The US and her regional allies already possess dedicated SEAD assets to counter these threats.

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Recent investments in such capabilities

by Australia and Japan illustrate that regional actors take these threats seriously.

An examination of previous operations against adversaries possessing integrated air defence systems show that, on average five percent of the total force is required to support a prolonged air campaign. While this is not a hard and fast rule, what is not in dispute is that regionally, the US and allied nations possess the SEAD assets to wage a large and prolonged air campaign.

Nonetheless, improvements can be made. Regional actors should consider updating their anti-radar missiles and ELINT fleets, and possibly procuring SEAD assets such as the EA-18G. Efforts must continue to deepen SEAD interoperability, alongside investment in EW training, and ELINT analysis and exploitation systems. During the Second World War, the first dedicated air defence suppression force, the Royal Air Force’s 100 Group had the motto ‘confound and destroy’. By investing in SEAD capabilities now, regional air forces can build on solid foundations to ensure that if hostilities commence, they can do just that. AMR

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COAST GUARD WITH MUSCLES The China Coast Guard has ‘bulked up’ the size, numbers and firepower of its ships, blurring the traditional role usually associated with such organisations.

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he China Coast Guard (Zhōngguó Hǎijĭng, or CCG) is believed to

be the world’s largest coast guard and serves as a coordinating agency for law enforcement as well as maritime search and rescue (SAR) in the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China.

The CCG was originally the maritime security arm of the Public Security Border Troops, a paramilitary organisation under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). However, in March 2013 the central government in passed the State Council Institutional Reform and Functional Transformation Plan, which mandated the restructuring of the thenState Oceanic Administration (SOA) – a civilian agency under the State Council – and the incorporation of all maritime law enforcement units into the CCG under SOA command from July 2013.

This arrangement turned out to be relatively short-lived. Oversight of the CCG under a civilian administration resulted in co-ordination challenges with People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in maritime security operations, prompting the government to introduce another round of reshuffling. In March 2018 the SOA was dissolved and its

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Ministry of Natural Resources

by JR Ng

The CCG is rapidly expanding its fleet with large and well-equipped ships. CCG 2401, commissioned in 2014, displaces 4,000 tonnes.

responsibilities subsumed into the newly formed Ministry of Natural Resources, while the CCG was transferred from civilian control to the People’s Armed Police (PAP) from July 2018, ultimately returning it under the umbrella of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Although there appears to be no seismic changes in the assigned missions from when the CCG was under the

| Asian Military Review |

civilian control of the State Council and the SOA, reports in state-owned media including the China Daily and Global Times newspapers have suggested that the enforcement powers of the CCG would have been expanded under new legislation, enabling the service to “play a bigger role in emergencies and crises, including war”.

PAP commander General Wang

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via FJYS forum

via Chinese internet sources

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The CCG is rapidly modernising and expanding its fleet with high-end capabilities.

Seen on the left is the Type 818 cutter, which is based on the navy's Type 054A frigate design.

The Haijing 3901 and its sister ship are believed to be the largest coast guard ships in the world.

Ning was quoted by the China Daily noting that the CCG has benefited from “new command systems, operational mechanisms, and co-ordination patterns” that has conferred new status and powers beyond its earlier mandate under civilian administration. However, the role of the CCG during periods of tension or conflict

remains unclear, although some Chinabased commentators have noted the potential of the service being deployed for joint military drills and other routine drills with the PLAN.

More than meets the eye CCG assets have often been deployed for missions beyond the service’s declared law enforcement and maritime security remit. Its vessels have regularly been involved in territorial disputes in the

| MAY 2019 |

South China and East China Seas. For example, CCG vessels were involved in a stand-off with the Philippine Coast Guard over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in 2012, which resulted in China seizing and blockading the shoal up to October 2016, when the CCG vessels left the waters without an announcement.

In February 2017, CCG vessels sailed near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands – which are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China – in the East China Sea,

Please visit us at IMDEX Asia 2019 in Singapore 14-16 May 2019 - Booth M19

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The CCG's MA60 maritime patrol aircraft is believed to have been deployed on missions in the South China Sea.

The first MA60H maritime patrol aircraft was inducted into CCG service during a ceremony in June 2017.

reportedly entering their 12 nautical mile (nm) boundaries before moving to the contiguous zone just outside territorial waters. Japanese media noted that the intrusion marked the fourth time in 2017

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that Chinese ships entered Japanese waters off the islands and followed two days after then-US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis visited Tokyo and reiterated that the defence treaty with Japan also

| Asian Military Review |

covers the disputed Islands.

‘High end’ capabilities China now possesses a coast guard fleets that can even overmatch some of the naval forces in the Asia Pacific region.

Indeed, the predecessor of the CCG under MPS command had already received retired PLAN surface combatants that were partially disarmed and refurbished for coast guard duty.

More recently, the CCG embarked on a sustained effort to modernise and expand its fleet, commissioning of a large number of modern, purpose-built ships, with over 100 new ships entering service over the last seven years. The fleet size is now understood to number well over 200 vessels.

These include the largest coast guard ships in the world: two 12,000 tonne, 165m long cutters that far outclass any other ship operated by regional coast guards including Japan’s 6,500 tonne Shikishimaclass cutters – and are even 50 percent larger than the US Navy’s 9,800 tonne Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers.

Commissioned into the CCG as

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The Type 818 cutter seen armed with a 76 mm main gun and 30 mm support guns.

to recapitalise its fleet with new and more capable surface combatants, it is likely that the CCG will benefit from yet more of the former’s divested naval platforms.

Although the CCG has traditionally possessed a modest air arm, the service has nevertheless made some effort to inject new capability into it given the vast maritime territory that has to be monitored.

Chinese media has reported that the CCG received its first Xian Aircraft Industries MA60 twin-turboprop aircraft configured for maritime patrol missions in April 2016, following successful final airworthiness trials. The aircraft, which has also been referred to as the MA60H, is equipped with a chin-mounted electrooptical surveillance system and a ventral surveillance radar.

The aircraft has also been modified for extended range patrols with auxiliary fuel tanks fitted to the sides of its fuselage and can carry additional fuel tanks on underwing pylons. It is not known how many had been acquired by the CCG.

What next for the CCG?

CCG vessels are often seen with powerful weaponry on patrol in the East China Sea

Haijing 2901 and 3901 respectively and built by Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard, the cutters can attain a reported a maximum speed of approximately 25kts and are both heavily armed for coast guard ships with 76mm rapid fire guns as well as close-in auxiliary and antiaircraft machine guns. The vessels are also equipped with a stern-mounted helicopter deck and hangar facilities that can accommodate medium-lift rotary wing aircraft as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In May 2017, the Chinese government announced that Haijing 3901 completed its maiden voyage in the South China Sea carrying a crew of 17 law enforcement personnel and two unspecified UAVs, spending 19 days patrolling the waters around Chinese-held islands to “protect China’s maritime rights”.

The CCG also operates at least six 3,500 tonne, 134m long Type 818 patrol ships derived from the hull of the PLAN’s Type 054A Jiangkai II-class frigate. Like the cutters, the patrol ships are heavily armed for coast guard vessels with a 76mm PJ-26

naval gun as its primary weapon and a pair of Type 630 30mm close-in weapon systems (CIWS), mounted on either side on top of the helicopter hangar. However, the PLAN’s original anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons, as well as its surfaceto-air missiles, have been removed.

Other naval designs have also been leveraged for constructing CCG ships.

The Huangpu shipyard in Guangzhou, southern China, has constructed new coast guard ships based on the hull of the PLAN's 1500 tonne Type 056 Jiangdaoclass corvettes.

Equipping the CCG with such platforms will likely facilitate integration with PLAN assets, potentially exploiting common communications facilities, sharing intelligence data on shipping, and allowing both forces to build a common operational picture for improved maritime situational awareness. This will boost the ability of CCG ships to respond quickly to situations that the central government might consider detrimental to national interests.

Moreover, with the PLAN continuing

| may 2019 |

With its current and future capabilities, the restructured CCG under the aegis of the CMC has turned out to be a maritime constabulary force quite unlike its counterparts elsewhere in the region. The time and resources invested in boosting the service’s capabilities also indicates that the central government is eyeing a more active presence in the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait. For instance, the CCG could be deployed along the vital sea lines of communication (SLOC) to and from China, safeguarding the country’s Maritime Silk Road in the near future.

These new measures have been put into practice in recent training exercises in Chinese territorial waters. In May 2018, state-linked media reported that a joint task group comprised of naval, coast guard, and civilian vessels patrolled waters off the Paracel Islands together for the first time. In early August of the same year, it was also revealed that the PLAN’s Southern Theatre Command conducted a joint exercise with the CCG. The CCG is without doubt providing the central government with a greater range of operational flexibility and diplomatic options in politically sensitive areas, given that naval platforms, with their array of lethal weapon systems, present a greater risk of minor incidents escalating into serious skirmishes. AMR

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BLAST PROTECTION Skills learned in detecting and defeating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), often a weap-on of choice encountered in asymmetric warfare, must be taken forward as armies raise their focus back to peer conflict.

by Grant Turnbull

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he Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has become synonymous with modern warfare, giving asymmetric forces a deadly tool that can strip away the technological advantages of an opposing force. These often rudimentary devices can cause significant casualties, limit movement, decrease tempo during operations, and sap morale of units. The effect of the IED goes far beyond the blast alone, meaning countering such devices is a high priority during operations.

The technology that a military fields in order to counter IEDs can be broadly grouped into three categories: scanning and detection; defusing and

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neutralisation; and electronic and physical protection. Most militaries attempt to field capabilities that address all three categories in order to have a full spectrum of counter-IED technologies. This ensures the safety of personnel against a range of IED threats, including concealed roadside bombs, or person- and vehicle-borne devices (PBIEB/VBIED).

A key part of countering IEDs is ensuring that devices are found before they are triggered, whether by a vehicle/ soldier passing over a pressure plate, command wire, or remotely via a radio frequency signal. Unsurprisingly, detection technologies have seen a huge spike in demand over the last decade. These tech-

| Asian Military Review |

nologies can include long-range electrooptics, usually fitted to aerostats to catch teams planting IEDs, as well as sensors that can be carried by soldiers or vehicles to give advance warning of devices.

Metal detectors have become standard issue for dismounted forces during recent COIN operations, with companies such as Vallon becoming synonymous with the Afghanistan conflict (in the British Army, the lead squad member who would sweep for IEDs would be referred to as the ‘Vallon man’). These detectors work by emitting an electromagnetic pulse and processing the received signal. An object is detected when the received signal differs from its previous state, and thus a

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A U.S. Army Husky improvised explosive device detection vehicle, leads a convoy during route clearance operations at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, S.C., in 2014. The unit’s mission is to locate improvised explosive devices during mounted convoy operations and dismounted walking patrols and dispose of IED’s once located.

A Stryker lies on its side aftrer surviving a buried IED blast in 2007.

visual, audible and vibratory warning is given to the operator.

The sensitivity of detectors has improved over time to enable the detection of low-metal content IEDs, which predominantly use wood or plastic instead of metal. The detection of non-metallic objects has also been improved with the introduction of dual-sensing technologies that incorporate additional groundpenetrating radar (GPR) functionality, in both handheld and vehicle-mounted configurations. For vehicle-mounted applications, a widely-deployed asset has been the highly-protected Husky Mounted Detection System (HMDS), which features a front-mounted GPR array from Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems (CSES). The Australian Defence Force (ADF) uses a suite of handheld and vehicle-mounted GPR solutions for counter-IED mis-sions including the HMDS. According to the ADF, ‘standoff IED detection involves the detection of suspected threat objects and making a

Soldiers from the 364th Engineer Platoon (Area Clearance), use handheld mine detectors to sweep a path up to the M1271 Mine Clearing Vehicle during the extraction and recovery exercise at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

decision about their threat level within a very limited time frame while keeping a safe distance.’ Although GPR has unique capabilities as a buried object detector, it is still a sophisticated engineering tool and its behaviour must be interpreted in the context of its operating environment.”

An ADF spokesperson stated: “One of the major challenges in IED detection using GPR is caused by the local variation in terrain and climate, and the variety of IEDs encountered. The GPR’s operating environment can alter the target response signature or mask it. The key challenge of GPR as an IED detection tool lies in achieving a high rate of threat detection while maintaining a low level of false alarms in different operational environments. These challenges need to be

| MAY 2019 |

overcome by improving hardware, automatic target recognition algorithms, and addressing system integration aspects.”

The US Army also operates a range of GPR technologies, including being the original operator of the HMDS. A single Husky achieved ‘materiel release’ in 2008 and was sent for initial trials to Afghanistan soon after. So successful was the initial deployment that 200 units were rapidly fielded and remained in Afghanistan for the remainder of Operation Enduring Freedom.

CSES is currently delivering a multi-year engineering contract to add additional sensor modali-ties, as well as to conform to the next generation of information assurance requirements, according to John Domitrovits, vice

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Cobham has also developed an Unmanned Air System (UAS) version of Amulet, a stand off buried threat detection system.

initial production - called Standoff president at CSES. “Subsequent to the Robotic Explosive Hazard DetectionAfghanistan draw-down, the US Army Neutralisation (SREHD), which incorand Chemring have continued to evolve porates the AN/PSS-14 C GPR payload and enhance both the GPR and HMDS onto a Talon IV robot for route clearance and it is designated as an enduring capability that will be used for the next 20 and breaching operations. Indeed, robotics plus years,” said Domitrovits. is playing an increasing role in the future The US Army also fields the handheld of IED detection and route clearance AN/PSS-14 C from L3 Security and operations, particularly as a means of Detection Systems. limiting the number of personnel that are exposed to an IED threat.

“The AN/PSS-14 C detector utilises dual Domitrovits told this publication sensor detection that addresses current that there was currently a concept and evolving munitions threats, from demonstration effort under-way in South conventional landmines to buried explosive hazards and their associated components,” Korea to integrate CSES’s GPR arrays onto an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). said a US Army spokesperson for Program CSES also offers a GPR solution specifically Manager Close Combat Systems (PM for UGVs known as R-VISOR, which CSS). “By decoupling the GPR from leverages technology such as software and the metal detector (MD), the GPR can graphical user interfaces from the HMDS detect and discriminate larger, deeply but allows fitment on EOD robots such as buried targets from shallow clutter and the QinetiQ Talon. R-VISOR has also been background.” demonstrated on the Aselsan KAPLAN “The AN/PSS-14 C implemented a EOD robot from Turkey.

Counter-Explosive Hazard mode which is Cobham Antenna Systems has also GPR only and in-cludes a parallel algorithm proposed its Amulet detection system for processing GPR signals independent of MD signals, which allows the operator - which comprises its QuadPack fourto search for and detect completely non- channel GPR array, a high-definition camera, control box and Trimble Yuma metallic targets,” the spokesperson added. rugged tablet for operator control - as The US Army is also pursuing a part of an integration package for UGVs. separate programme - now in low-rate

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| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

“Cobham has developed the Amulet standoff buried threat detection system, which can be integrated onto any tactical remote-controlled vehicle or robot platform. The system is suitable for rapid area clearance and capable of detecting both IEDs and traditional Anti-Tank mines,” according to company literature.

Unmanned Amulet Cobham has also developed an Unmanned Air System (UAS) version of Amulet, which incorporates the company’s Quadpack four-channel GPR onto an industrial-sized hexacopter drone.

The UAS can detect both IEDs and mines from stand-off distances and is fully autonomous with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) used to control flight and mark threat positions accurately.

A collision avoidance system can be fitted and a radio link can relay information back to a base station and into a wider battle management system.

Company officials note that the UAS is covert and can “significantly increase” the tempo of minefield breach operations, especially when compared to handheld searches.

Another robotic counter-IED integration has seen Raytheon UK’s GroundEye

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British soldier using a Vallon mine detector during Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia, 2017.

detection technology fitted to the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) from Estonian company Milrem Robotics.

The GroundEye system allows specialist operators to view the exact position, orientation, size and shape of all individual components of an emplaced or suspect IED. It can deliver high-definition imagery in realtime and is designed for day/night operation.

GroundEye features an open architecture that allows it to be integrated into a wider system incorporating various primary sensors, including GPR, NonLinear Junction Detectors (NLJD) and command wire detectors. A Raytheon spokesperson noted that the system can be “operated entirely from a rugged tactical computer”, with the sensor automatically geo-tagging all EO hazard /IED imagery for easy after action review and intelligence collection.

One possible configuration for GroundEye is an array-mounted configuration, integrated on to any GPR array antenna to give the host system enhanced IED detection, and full confirmation and diagnosing capability.

Several companies now offer the integration of various sensors - including electro-optics, radar and millimetre wave scanners - on board a vehicle platform to offer a full spectrum of IED detec-tion capabilities. Israel Aerospace Industries for instance offers its ELI-3375 CounterIED & Counter Mine Suite (CIMS), which incorporates above surface detectors including synthetic aperture radar and an optical detection system, as well as subsurface detection with GPR.

The Japanese MoD’s Ground Systems Research Centre (GSRC) also unveiled a a holistic solution last year that incorporates active sensors such as radar and passive electro-optics to detect IEDs. The vehicle - based on a Toyota High Mobility Vehicle - features above-surface sensors fitted atop the crew cabin, with data then cross referenced to a database of potential threats. In the future, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) could use the vehicles as route clearance assets instead of relying on dismounted troops.

Robot EOD After IEDs are detected, through whatever means at the unit’s disposal, the device will have to be defused and neutralised so it does not pose a threat to friendly forces or civilians. Robots have been used in EOD roles for decades and their use looks set to increase further over the next few years, especially as they significantly reduce risk for soldiers. The acquisition of counter-IED and explosive ordnance disposal robots ballooned during the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, with hundreds of QinetiQ Talon and iRobot (now Endeavor Robotics) Packbot’s purchased as part of programmes such as the US Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) programme.

Now the US Army is looking to replace these robots after years of arduous frontline service, which could have implications for countries around the world, including in Asia.

As part of MTRS Increment II, the US Army has selected Endeavor Robotics to

| MAY 2019 |

supply its new Centaur UGV, which is a medium-sized system that can provide a standoff capability to detect, identify and dispose of a variety of hazards, including IEDs. The US Army has also contracted QinetiQ North America for its Common Robotic System (Individual) (CRS (I)) programme, kick-starting the service’s first small-sized robotic programme of record.

“CRS (I) is a remotely operated, highly mobile, unmanned ground vehicle that is light enough for a dismounted Soldier to carry in a backpack,” said Monica Manganaro, a spokesperson for the Manoeuvre Capability Development Integration Directorate.

Recapitalisation of EOD/C-IED robots is also taking place in other countries, including the UK, which has selected the T7 platform from Harris, with first units delivered at the end of 2018 and initial operational capability expected by this summer.

The third area of countering IEDs lies in both electronic and physical protection, which is worthy of a feature in its own right.

Most forces now deploy with electronic countermeasure (ECM) technology, both man-pack and vehicle-mounted, that can jam incoming radio signals that may trigger a remote-controlled IED (RC-IED). The British Army deploys with the Leonardo Guardian system as a ‘Theatre Entry Standard’ for dismounts and vehicles, and other forces around the world such as the US utilise the AN/VLQ-12 CREW Duke EW system to counter RC-IEDs. This system is seeing ongoing use by special forces in Syria and Iraq.

A vehicle’s physical protection is also now at significantly higher levels than previous years, with militaries prioritising up-armoured vehicles to ensure that occupant survivability is paramount.

Mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles are a staple of land forces’ inventories today, and future vehicle acquisitions are being influenced by the lessons learned from the utilisation of these vehicles in combat. For example, most new vehicles feature V-hull configurations as standard as well as mine-blast protection that conforms to stringent NATO standards.

Despite a refocus on peer conflict, the possibility that asymmetric forces will use IEDs against a technologically advanced force persists. This threat requires a range of technologies to ensure the safety of personnel, which includes detection, neutralisation and protection measures. Countering IEDs remains a skill that must be retained. AMR

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Singapore plans to replace its Lockheed Martin F-16s with the F-35 JSF by the 2030s.

SINGAPORE’S ROADMAP FOR NEXT GENERATION FORCE Thinking ahead, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence already has plans for the modernisation of its armed forces by 2030.

by JR Ng

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n a budget speech at the Committee of Supply Debate in parliament on 1 March, defence minister Dr Ng Eng Hen revealed plans to further evolve the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to deal with future security challenges and highlighted a broad range of new platforms and future capabilities that will be introduced from this year to 2030.

Eng also announced a record $11.4 billion (S$15.5bn) defence budget set aside for financial year 2019 – up from $10.9bn (S$14.8bn) over the revised expenditure for the previous year – although he was quick to add that nominal defence spending over the next decade is expected to grow at 3-4 percent annually, to "at

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least keep pace with inflation".

The SAF has benefited from years of steady funding to become one of the most well-trained and equipped forces in Asia Pacific. Many have drawn parallels with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), with its fighting strength supplied by citizensoldiers built around a small cadre of regular troops and its dependence on technologically advanced aircraft, ships, and vehicles to offset its small size and associated geopolitical vulnerabilities.

The sustained investment to modernise its defence capabilities is not only aimed at equipping the SAF to deal with the widening spectrum of security challenges facing contemporary military forces, but

| Asian Military Review |

also to address what could its greatest immediate threat - the dwindling pool of manpower resources available for national defence. As Dr Ng has noted several times in recent years, Singapore’s demography is its greatest defence challenge with the quantity of conscripts expected to fall by 30 percent by around 2030. Even so, he asserted that the SAF had never planned to rely on numbers to deal with threats.

Singapore Army The Singapore Army's ongoing vehicle recapitalisation efforts – which have already introduced new capabilities such as the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard

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independently of the gunner's sight, enhancing situational awareness and threat response. A variant of the vehicle equipped with the missile-capable Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Samson MkII RWS was also briefly shown on the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF’s) website, although it was quickly removed on the same day of release.

The vehicle is powered by an MTU 8V199 TE20 diesel engine producing around 710hp, which is coupled to a Kinetics Drive Solutions HMX3000 transmission and provides a power-to-weight ratio of 24.5hp/tonne for a maximum stated speed of 70km/h and operating range of 500km.

“For the army, the NGAFV will replace our M113 Ultras as the mainstay of the SAF's mechanised forces from this year onward,” Dr Ng announced, noting that the vehicle will be debuted at the National Day parade, which occurs in August.

The service had also earlier unveiled the prototype of an armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) variant of the NGAFV Based on the same chassis and employing many of the same automotive systems used in the AFV platform for cost savings, the recovery variant is operated by a crew of three comprising a vehicle commander, a driver, and an automotive specialist technician.

The NGARV’s primary equipment includes a telescopic knuckle boom crane that can be traversed 360 degrees as well

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as a recovery winch that can pull a load of up to 25.5 tonnes. Like the AFV variant, the NGARV is equipped with a suite of cameras that improve the crew’s ability to operate the vehicle under armour protection.

The army’s long-range firepower will also be boosted by the Next Generation Howitzer: a wheeled self-propelled 155mm / 52-calibre weapon system that will offer a higher rate of firepower and reduced manpower requirements over the army’s current towed Field Howitzer 2000 (FH2000). It will join the service’s existing Primus tracked 155mm / 52-calibre selfpropelled howitzer and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

Although MINDEF has not released detailed information about the Next Generation Howitzer, ST Engineering Land Systems’ 8x8 Advanced Mobile Gun System (AMGS) design is widely seen as the leading contender.

The AMGS design, which will have a gross vehicle weight of 28 tonnes and measuring 11.5m long and 3m wide, is expected to offer a maximum road speed of 80km/h and a cross-country speed of 30km/h. It will feature a high level of automation with automatic projectile and charge loading capabilities, while its gun laying system is interconnected with a fire control system, enabling the crew to perform fire missions within its armoured crew cabin.

MINDEF

2SG main battle tanks (MBTs) that replaced the obsolete AMX-13 SM1 light tanks, as well as new protected mobility vehicles such as the ST Engineering Land Systems 4x4 Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicle (PCSV) and 6x6 Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV) – will soon kick up another gear with a new generation of armoured fighting and artillery platforms.

The service is set to receive its Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles (NGAFVs), which are under production

by ST Engineering Land Systems and are expected to operate alongside the tracked Bionix infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

The new platforms will replace its ageing M113A2 Ultra armoured personnel carriers (APCs) that have been in use since the 1970s.

According to official specifications, the 29 tonne NGAFV measures 6.9m long, 3.28m wide, and 3.2m tall. It will be operated by a three-person crew comprising the driver, gunner, and vehicle commander, and can carry up to eight fully equipped troops in its rear compartment.

It will be equipped with a remote weapon station (RWS) and armed with an Orbital ATK Armament Systems Mk44 30mm calibre main gun and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. The RWS is also fitted with a roof-mounted panoramic sight that enables the commander to survey the environment for threats

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ST Engineering Land Systems has been selected to supply the Singapore Army with its Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles (NGAFV).

Republic of Singapore Navy Likewise, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is also committed to modernising its fleet and is set to replace many of its present assets by 2030. In March 2019, the service launched the first of four newbuilt and air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped Type 218SG diesel-electric submarines – procured under separate contracts in 2013 and 2017 – that will replace the service’s ex-Swedish Navy Västergötland class AIP boats by 2025.

Under construction in Kiel by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the Type 218SG submarine will be operated by a 28-person crew has an overall length of 70m with a pressure hull diameter of 6.3m. According to MINDEF specifications, the new boats will displace 2,200 tonnes when submerged and 2,000 tonnes when surfaced and are expected to reach maximum speeds of more than 15 knots when submerged.

The boats are armed with eight torpedo tubes, which are reportedly 533mm in size, and can be fitted out with a wider range of mission payloads.

Advanced automation as well as indigenously-developed sense-making and “accelerated decision-making support systems” designed to improve crew situational awareness and their

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ability to act, have also been incorporated into their design. These include data analytics and decision support engines that have been indigenously developed

by Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

Underwater manoeuvrability in the littoral operating environment has been optimised with an X-rudder fin design, while fuel cell-based AIP propulsion technology is expected to enable the new submarines to remain submerged for approximately 50 percent longer than the in-service boats.

The lead boat, Invincible, will undergo sea trials before its expected delivery in 2021, while the second, Impeccable, is

MINDEF

The company earlier stated that the AMGS can fire six rounds every three minutes with an effective maximum range of 40km with extended range full bore (ERFB) ammunition.

scheduled to be handed over by 2022.

The third and fourth boats – to be named Illustrious and Inimitable respectively – are expected to be ready from 2024.

The RSN will replace its six upgraded but ageing Victory-class missile corvettes, commissioned between 1990 and 1991 with a yet-unspecified number of new Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs).

Deliveries of this new and unprecedented class of ships, which have been described as modular ‘motherships’ that can simultaneously carry and deploy a variety of unmanned systems, are expected to commence from 2025 through 2030.

Although details of these new ships are still scant, an RSN official has been quoted in local media as saying that a typical “strike package” could comprise a pair of MRCVs that are carrying as many as three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for sustained airborne ISR missions, as well as two unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

“Besides improving capabilities, the new MRCVs will be custom-built for lean manning and incorporate technologies to automate certain functions,” Dr Ng said in his speech, the design approach adopted for the ships is expected to reduce operation costs by up to 10 percent, compared with comparatively sized vessels.

The RSN’s four 141m Endurance-class landing ships that were commissioned between 2000 and 2001 will also be replaced by an unknown number of larger and better equipped Joint Multi Mission Ships (JMMSs). Likewise, MINDEF has yet to release any information on these vessels, although ST Engineering Marine is seen by some defence watchers as the leading

The RSAF is set to receive the latest CH-47F version of the Boeing Chinook heavy lift helicopter.

| Asian Military Review |

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On 18 February 2019, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems held a ceremony to launch the first Type 218SG submarine for the Singaporean Navy.

contender for the JMMS programme with its track record of securing local naval shipbuilding contracts. The company is offering evolved versions of the Endurance platform with the Endurance 160/170 landing helicopter dock (LHD) designs.

The 14,500-tonne Endurance 160 design debuted as far back as 2010, depicting a 163.7m long vessel that features a flight deck with capacity for up to five medium-lift helicopters or two heavy lift helicopters, hangar space and maintenance support for up to seven medium-lift helicopters with their rotors folded, and a stern well-deck that can accommodate up to four landing craft. Besides rotary aircraft, the ship will also be equipped with extensive medical facilities and will be capable of transporting heavy/light wheeled and tracked vehicles.

A larger design, the Endurance 170, was unveiled in 2017. This is envisioned to have a full load displacement of around 17,000 tonnes, increased hangar space for up to 10 medium-lift helicopters, as well as an improved armament fit comprising a 76mm main gun, four 30mm secondary guns, two anti-missile launchers, and a 16-cell vertical launch system for surfaceto-air (SAM) missiles.

That is not to say that foreign designs, such as Naval Group’s Mistral-class projection and command ships, are not in contention, given that the RSN has

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had a favourable experience with the company’s stealthy La Fayette-class design that forms the basis for its principal surface warfare combatants today: the Formidable-class multi-mission frigates.

The service is also on track to operationalise all eight of the Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) by 2020. Built by ST Engineering Marine and derived from Saab’s Flexpatrol design, these new ships replace its Fearless-class patrol vessels.

The eighth and final LMV, Fearless, was launched in January 2019.

Republic of Singapore Air Force By the 2030 timeframe, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is expected to replace its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16C and 40 F-16D Block 52/52 fighter aircraft acquired in the 1990s. These aircraft are presently undergoing a mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme and will benefit from a range of enhancements comprising a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar – believed to be Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar – and updated avionics including the Link-16 datalink. Upgrade work for the aircraft began in 2016 and will be completed by 2023.

Dr Ng revealed during his speech that MINDEF will seek an initial order of four 5th Generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) for further evaluation, with an option for

| Asian Military Review |

eight more. He did not provide details of which aircraft variant will be assessed by the RSAF, although earlier media reports have suggested a possible interest in the F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant.

“We have announced our plans to replace the F-16s, which will face obsolescence post-2030, with the F-35s,” he said. “This will mean that the RSAF fighter fleet will consist of F-35s and F-15SGs if plans come to fruition a decade or so from now.”

The future combat aircraft mix will be supported by the Airbus A330 MultiRole Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT), which will replace the ageing KC-135R Stratotanker. At least two MRTTs have been delivered as of writing.

The RSAF will also take delivery of the Airbus Helicopters H225M mediumlift and Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters to replace its existing AS332M Super Puma and CH-47D/SD Chinook fleets from 2020 onwards, while its inservice Hermes 450 tactical and Heron 1 medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs will be phased out in favour of new platforms “over the next few years”.

The service continues to invest significant time and resources into improving its Integrated Air Defence (IAD) network, bringing online several new radar systems such as the ground-based IAI Elta E/LM2084 multi-mission radar (MMR) and ThalesRaytheonSystems Ground Master 200, as well as the airborne E/LM 2083 Aerostat Early Warning Radar aboard its two new 55m TCOM aerostats.

These radars are managed by an indigenous Combat Management System (CMS) developed by DSTA, which not only fuses information from multiple sensors to present a highly detailed air situation picture but is also designed to enhance the agility and accuracy of air defence personnel in responding to incoming threats.

In March 2018, the first images of the service’s new MBDA Aster 30 SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre) medium-range SAM systems were revealed. The new systems will replace the its upgraded but ageing Raytheon MIM-23B Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) missile systems operated by 163 Squadron, which entered service in the early 1980s, and will complement the shorter-range Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Surface-to-Air PYthon and DERby (SPYDER) systems delivered in 2012. AMR

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ASSESSING MALAYSIA’S LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT OPTIONS

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he Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is said to be on the market for a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to augment its existing ‘heavy’ fighter fleet of Boeing F/A-18 Hornets and Sukhoi SU-30 Flankers. The LCA, slated for delivery in 2021-2022, is part of the RMAF’s ‘Capability 55’ transformation roadmap aimed at sustaining the service’s capabilities up to 2055. Three platforms are reportedly contenders for the LCA programme: HAL Tejas (India), CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder (China-Pakistan), and KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle (South Korea). But which one of them would be the best choice for Malaysia?

In terms of performance, the Golden Eagle and Tejas have arguably superior avionics compared to the Thunder.

In other areas such as speed, service ceiling and payload, however, all three platforms are fairly similar. Any advantage one aircraft has over one or the other two contenders is marginal or can be negated in other areas. When operational attributes are more or less the same, commodisation kicks in. This is an economic situation, where, in the words of leading defence industry expert Richard Bitzinger, there “exists an almost total lack of meaningful differentiation between competing products, and when they are instead sold almost entirely on the basis of price”.

Indeed, Malaysia’s well-documented economic woes mean that cost could be the main concern for Putrajaya when it comes to the LCA programme. Based on cost alone, the JF-17, with a unit price of some $25 million, is the cheapest amongst the three contenders. However, both the Tejas and FA-50 are priced at around $28 million and $30 million respectively. Given that Malaysia is reportedly looking into acquiring up to 36 LCAs, a very substantial amount will be saved should the cheapest option – the JF-17 – be chosen.

Cost is just one of several drivers behind any one arms acquisition decision. That the JF-17 uses a Russian engine fairly similar to the one used by the now-grounded MIG-29 in RMAF service could also be a factor in Malaysia’s choice of aircraft. The Klimov RD-33 engine had serviceability issues when the MIG-29 was deployed.

The JF-17 may therefore not be the best option in terms of reliability, and it may need significant after-sales support and maintenance.

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As for the Tejas, it has some commonality with the RMAF’s logistical base as it is powered by the General Dynamics F404 engine that is also used by the service’s F/A-18 Hornets. There is also an element of congruence with the service’s mainstay, the SU-30, given that the Tejas can accept Russian weapons. However, some parts of the Tejas’ avionics suite are Israeli in origin, and this could influence Malaysia’s final decision given its stance towards the Jewish nation. Indeed, should the Indian aircraft be chosen, it is not inconceivable that all the ‘Made-In-Israel’ parts would need to be replaced with something more politically palatable. This invariably means additional costs.

This brings us to the third and last option for the LCA, the FA-50. While the Korean aircraft is the costliest prima facie, it has a number of advantages.It also has the reliable F404 engine, and accepts Western armaments. Logistical commonality with the RMAF Hornet fleet – checked.

Likelihood of lower downstream costs – also checked.

Moreover, the Golden Eagle is a fairly well-established platform in the region as it is already in service with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Should the RMAF get this aircraft, interoperability between its major regional counterparts during exercises and operations would be enhanced. All in all, while it may be the most expensive, the Golden Eagle offers benefits, both tangible and intangible, that arguably transcends its $30 million price tag.

While pragmatic reasons as discussed above posit the South Korean aircraft as the choice to make, political considerations, like the need to strengthen ties with either India or the Iron Brothers (Pakistan-China), may become overriding. This state of affairs is commonplace all over the world, but especially so in South-east Asia, and we may just see it happen again in Malaysia’s LCA requirement.

Note: Ben Ho is an associate research fellow with the military studies programme at Singapore’s Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

E-mail: iswbh@ntu.edu.sg

| ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

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by Ben Ho

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