Asian Military Review - July/August 2022

Andrew Drwiega reports on the Airbus offering for Australia’s military satellite programme, JP9102. Ammunition is being adapted to deliver new effects, as Stephen W Miller explains.

Martin Streetly reviews the

Andrew Drwiega examines the prospects for military rotorcraft sales in Asia-Pacific.

SPACE - THE FINAL FRONTIER

hile the People’s Republic of China has both civil and military aspects to its expansion into space, be in no doubt that its military plans envisage the power of space assets fully integrating and supporting its terrestrial military operations, as well as future space operations.

The China National Space Administration’s (CNSA) document China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective published on 28 January 2022, has a forward note from President Xi Jinping stating that China’s goal is: “To explore the vast cosmos, develop the space industry and build China into a space power [which is] is our eternal dream.”

The document surprisingly makes only one mention of space being used for military activity. In section II. Development of Space Technology and Systems, under the items listed under Space Infrastructure, two points are notable in that it will:

• Strengthen the protection of its space activities, assets and other interests by boosting capacity in disaster backup and information protection, and increasing invulnerability and survivability;

• Study plans for building a near-earth object defense system, and increase the capacity of near-earth object monitoring, cataloguing, early warning, and response.

However, a deeper view of intent can be found in the document China’s Space and Counterspace Capabilities and Activities, prepared on behalf of The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The document reports: “The primary near-term focus of China’s military space program is to enable successful joint operations along the PRC’s periphery. Space capabilities being developed and fielded will increasingly allow the PLA to operate globally.”

It cites the PLA’s joint operation objectives as: “Joint Firepower Strike Operations against Large Island; Joint Blockade Operations against Large Island; Joint Attack Operations against Large Island; Joint Anti-Air Raid Operations; Joint Border Area Operations.” The document assumes that the first four involving ‘large island’ refers to Taiwan, while the fifth could refer to border incidents (which lately have occurred with India).

As evidence of this it notes the widespread deployment of the PLA Navy around the world, which includes joint exercises with the Russian Navy as reported previously by this journal. It is expected that the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) will also be able to conduct operations intercontinentally.

China is securing its global positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services through its own BeiDou Navigation Satellite System of 55 satellites, making it independent of GPS, Galileo and even the Russian GLONASS. As the China’s Space and Counterspace Capabilities and Activities document points out, “Secure satellite communications could support long-distance nuclear submarine patrols. They may also enable strategic bomber patrols and ground-based missile deployments overseas.”

The quiet spread of China’s ground stations is witnessed by sites such as Las Lajas, in Patagonia, Argentina. On the 200-hectare site sits a 16 storey satellite dish which a Reuters report (China’s military-run space station in Argentina is a ‘black box, 31/1/2019) states is managed by China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control (CLTC), an organisation within the People’s Liberation army (PLA). There is disagreement about whether the site is used for purely civilian purposes as China affirms and there are questions about how much oversight the Argentinian government is actually allowed. China also has a range of international tracking stations including those in Namibia and Pakistan, as well as several tracking ships.

Andrew Drwiega, Editor-in-Chief

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BUDGET VERSES NECESSITY - HOW NEW, HOW SOON?

Military rotorcraft sales face several challenges in the Asian Pacific market. Predominantly there is a lack on requirement among potential customers to place large orders that could bring economies of scale in the purchase price and in savings gained during through life operations, the type of which are typically found among larger European and North American military forces.

There is also the increasingly relevant question of the level of technology that such regional customers required in terms of the complexity of the avionics and the mission systems. The tyranny of distance can also be a factor in the selection process. Whether military rotorcraft operate from the land or in the maritime environment, it is range that is becoming an increasingly determining factor, particularly in view of any potential conflict with the armed forces of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Despite initial objections from elements of the Japanese public, It was of little real surprise that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) committed to an order for 17 Bell/ Boeing MV-22B Ospreys that could be used to rapidly re-enforce such contested

territory as the Nansei and Senkaku Islands. Combined with the Lockheed Martin F-35s that Japan is also bringing into service, not only do both purchases add up-to-date aircraft into Japan’s selfdefense forces, they can also interoperate with the various arms of the United States military, and also with Australia in the case of the F-35s should the need arise.

Japan’s purchase of tiltrotor aircraft will also position it to adopt similar technology in a couple of decades should Bell win the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme with its V-280 Valor. Two of the lessons learned by the US Army through its use of rotorcraft in the asymmetric wars conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan was the operational duress on aircraft that needed to operate in hot and high conditions - with hot being particularly relevant now in Asia considering the wide zone between the tropics. The campaigns also underlined the need to reduce dispersed forward area refuelling points (FARPS), which served to tie down force elements to holding specific small locations to allow for deeper operations beyond main supply bases.

Looking at what is available today, a

spokesperson at Bell said that helicopter sales are dividing equally between two sectors. New helicopters with their modern (increasingly digital) designs and use of new fabricating techniques together with lifecycle management programmes that can add new mission potential. Secondly, new replacements for legacy, usually analogue based aircraft that are now inefficient. Digital avionics and the increasing adoption of open systems architecture is allowing more mission sets including a wider range of weapons and sensors, that will add additional capability to the customer nation’s armed forces.

Airbus, Bell, Leonardo and Sikorsky participated in an AMR survey to gauge their perspectives of business opportunities within the Asia-Pacific military rotorcraft market over the next few years. by Andrew Drwiega

Air power

Priority Markets

In terms of which market sectors have the greatest potential for business, manufacturers agree in some sectors but disagree in others, depending on those areas that best match their product offering. Most agree that there is a growing market in the homeland security/law enforcement sector by either paramilitary or police forces.

A Sikorsky spokesperson said that: “For many SE Asian countries, demand is driven by the need to replace ageing helicopter fleets (mostly Huey derivatives) with a helicopter built to military standards. Operators also want a helicopter that provides better performance, is safer, more advanced, and yet affordable to operate.” Naturally the company has its Black- and SeaHawk variants in mind here, and is selling on the type’s ‘built specifically for

military use’ reputation, as well as the upgrades that are now available that can give customers a proven digital platform to replace their analogue legacy aircraft.

Sikorsky, owned by Lockheed Martin, continues to focus on selling its Hawk family of helicopters to new and existing operators in Asia-Pacific. Since 2019, the Philippine Air Force ordered 16 S-70i Black Hawks, which were all delivered by the end of 2021. This was followed by an additional requirement from the Philippine Department of National Defense in February 2022 for an 32 additional S-70i Black Hawks.

Although already operating a fleet of Airbus MRH90 Taipans, following a request from the Australian Government, on 8 October 2021 the US Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved the sale of 12 MH60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The Australian Government followed up with a further request on 10 December 2021 in regard to a further 40 UH-60s which would replace the MRH90 fleet. Sikorsky already has recent notable orders in its pocket, notably the decision by the Republic of Korea Navy to buy 12 MH-60R Seahawks primarily for anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare, as well as the Royal Thai Army’s ongoing expansion of its UH-60 fleet with the

A US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 in formation conducts a bilateral formation flight with a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force V-22 Osprey with the 107th Aviation Unit during March, 2022.

additional of a further three in 2021.

Military operators also have a choice between rotorcraft that are specifically made for the military market and that can be adapted for either land or maritime roles, such as the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, NH Industries NH90, and Leonardo AW159, and those that manufacturers say are applicable to both military and civil use, such as Leonardo’s AW139M, AW149 and AW169M, and in the same style Airbus’ H160M and H175M among others. In fact, for the United Kingdom’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement both the AW149 and the H175M and being offered to the UK government, in addition to Sikorksy’s S-70i, Bell’s 525 Relentless, and Black Hawk ML70s from an independent UK company called AceHawk Aerospace.

Should the H175M be selected for the United Kingdom’s current New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement of 44 helicopters to replace its fleet of Puma HC2s, Bell 212s and 412s, and Airbus Dauphins, many countries in the region such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand with these type of legacy aircraft may consider following the UK’s lead.

In terms of modernising aircraft during their service life, Leonardo argues that by adopting dual-use platforms with latest civil certification standards, there is versatility and flexibility built in. “In the specialised platforms domain, it is clear operators look for greater capabilities in terms of equipment and weapon systems to counter emerging submarine and surface threats at sea,”

said a spokesperson.

Other Airbus rotorcraft that countries may consider for a purely military role might include the light-twin H145M for tactical utility and training, as well was the H135 which Rochereau adds is “already used by the Australian Defence Force on its Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) contract.”

Fabrice Rochereau, Airbus Helicopters head of sales, Asia-Pacific says that the company’s heavyweight military rotorcraft, the proven H225M, has been positively adopted by countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and he anticipates that a trend towards this type of rotorcraft will continue. Its capacity to

act as a multi-mission platform where it can be deployed in support of the civil population during emergencies make it the stand-out of the Super Puma/ Cougar family. “We continue to see strong interest from countries looking to modernise their fleets in the near future,” said Rochereau.

Airbus has been investing in facilities in Asia since its days as Eurocopter. This is exemplified by its regional helicopter hub operating out of Subang, Malaysia which provides MRO services for various helicopter types including the H225M (at which it has also located the region’s only training simulators for the H225 and H225M helicopters). It is also open to ‘organic growth or through industrial cooperation with local partners’ as it has done with PT Dirgantara in Indonesia.

Naturally, hot on the heels of any improvement in a nation’s front line military helicopter capability comes the need to improve training helicopters to prepare ab initio pilots for the greater challenge of piloting digital rotorcraft. This has meant a significant increase in the market for modern training helicopters and simulators.

In May, Bell announced that the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) would be training their new rotorcraft pilots on Bell’s 505 following the delivery of up to 40 of the light rotorcraft by 2025. Regional operators of the 505 include the Indonesian Navy and the Japan Coast Guard.

Bell points out that the value of

Airbus

A Royal Thai Air Force H225M in flight; Airbus has built a strong and stable following for 11 ton twin turbine medium lift helicopter.

One of five S-70i Black Hawks delivered to the Philippine Air Force from Poland in June 2021more are required.

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rotorcraft got a boost during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic when vaccines were slow to arrive in the region and patients with serious illness needed to be airlifted to hospitals or medical centres. It is following this experience, states Bell, that “various government entities [are now] wanting to build their own aviation departments so that they can better respond to their own unique mission requirements.”

In Asia Pacific, many countries are affected by natural disasters every year, including flooding and earthquakes, and military helicopters are used extensively to bring the necessary aid and medicines to the areas most effected quickly and efficiently.

Buy Now or Wait

Sikorsky, with FLRAA and FARA working through the developmental milestones, does not believe AsianPacific countries will delay their military helicopter acquisitions. Firstly, it is unlikely that the supply for such next generation rotorcraft, at least from the US, would be expected or even slotted into production schedules until the early 2040s at best. And for some time to come the Black Hawk will continue to offer customers the necessary capabilities and will continue to be supported and updated by Sikorsky. “The US Army will continue to operate Black Hawk aircraft for the next four to five decades as it transitions to next generation aircraft beginning in the 2030s,” confirmed the company, adding: “It’s exciting to see

continued investment by the US Army for its current fleet of 2,135 H-60 Black Hawk aircraft.” It is on this basis that the Black Hawk’s global supply chain will be active for the next few decades.

Indeed, in June the company announced another five-year multi contract with the US Army for procurement of 120 UH-60M Black Hawk’s and related support for fiscal years 2022-2026 (this included options for another 135 UH-60Ms. US Army Black Hawks and Boeing AH-64 Apaches are also soon to benefit from a new power unit delivered by GE through the Improved Turbine Engine Programme

(ITEP). At the Farnborough Expo in July, GE revealed that the T901turboshaft engine had just completed its First Engine to Test (FETT) campaign the previous month.

With so much discussion around crewed, uncrewed and optionally crewed aviation platforms, Sikorsky continues to invest in its MATRIX autonomy system which could eventually be adopted by military customers to reduce crew workloads.

Leonardo sees the arrival of next generation rotorcraft and associated technology as some way off. “Disruptive military programmes and architecture aren’t just around the corner and countries need to modernise their fleets and introduce more capable assets in the short-to-medium term first. We don’t see this [Next Gen] being a priority at this stage in this region therefore,” said a company representative.

Airbus looks at acquisition from a budget perspective. Rochereau explains how the desire for next generation rotorcraft could be mitigated in the short and medium terms through an analysis of budgetary and operational needs. “Depending on how urgent their needs may be and the given budget, operators could possibly assess if a short term or interim acquisition of the available platforms could meet their mid-term requirements while they plan for a longer term acquisition programme that allows for the exploration of next generation options that could meet their timeframe and budget.”

Bell’s 505 is one of a new breed of rotorcraft trainers that are gaining new markets. These belong to the Montenego Air Force. The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will receive up to 40 505s by 2025.

Bell

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has formed 503 Squadron which will operate three new Leonardo AW139 Maritime helicopters.

Leonardo

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Chameleon ammunition

by Stephen W. Miller

Although military weapon systems typically get the most attention, they are actually just a means to deliver projectiles on target. Continuous advances in ammunition design significantly enhance the lethality of existing weapons in ways that changed tactics.

Developments in ammunition fusing, warheads, and even cartridges continue to make existing weapons not only more effective but also able to address new and evolving threats. The development of the Variable Timed (VT) fuze for artillery, for example, greatly increased the effectiveness of cannon against both aircraft and infantry, even those in open trenches.

Recently advances which are altering combat cover ammunition for small arms, medium calibre, auto-cannon, artillery and mortars, tanks, and shoulder-fired munitions. Each of these are offering significantly enhanced or even new capabilities to existing weapons.

Small Arms Ammunition

Most often advances in ammunition are reflected in its “effector,” the projectile and/or its components. Yet, in small arms ammunition the latest innovation has been in the cartridge. Brass has been the material of choice for gun cartridge cases since the 1870s. The US firm True Velocity, however, has developed a polymer composite-case that outperforms brass in significant ways. Being able to be consistently formed with higher precision the TVCM (True Velocity composite-case munition) allows higher and consistent velocities than brass (or steel) while offering a 30 percent lower ammunition weight. This drops the weight of a soldier’s load of 210 rounds from 5.56 pounds (2.5 kilograms) to 3.9 lbs (1.76kg) The polymer also does not hold heat like metal cases (a spent case can be held in the hand). This means that heat from firing is not transferred to the weapon chamber which can cause unintentional round ‘cookoff’. This is of particular concern with fastfiring weapons such as machine guns (MGs)

and Gatling style guns such as Dillion Aero’s M134D, which fires 3000 rounds per minute (rpm). This lower chamber pressure and temperature also extends weapon life. TVCM firing shows little deviation in performance between shots assuring greater accuracy.

True Velocity has applied the TVCM to a range of ammunition sizes, initially focusing on those for rifles and MGs, although the technology and its benefits appears compatible be to larger calibres such as heavy MGs (.50 calibre) and auto-cannon ammunition. The adaptability of the TVCM to various weapons and ammunitions was illustrated in its offering in the US Army’s new 6.8mm calibre selected for its Next Generation Squad Weapons programme. True Velocity not only applied the effectiveness of its composite case in a proposed new service rifle and automatic weapon but, as Patrick Hogan, the company’s chief marketing officer explained, “demonstrated that the 6.8 TVCM could be used to adapt the current 7.62mm M240 Medium Machine Gun, M110 sniper rifle, and M134 minigun to the 6.8

New developments in ammunition is giving weapons more flexibility to address an increasingly diverse range of threats on the battlefield.

The use of a polymer-composite as an alternative to brass or steel as delivered by True Velocity in its TVCM include a 30 percent reduction in round weight while enhancing shot-to-shot performance. TVCM has been adopted to a number of calibres.

TrueVelocity TrueVelocity

by only changing the barrel.” This not only enhances the performance of these weapons but provides for a common ammunition to be used across fielded tactical weapons.

Infantry Weapons

Enhancements to ammunition advances are key to weapons already fielded and that are familiar to the soldiers. An example of this is the Nammo M72 Light Anti-Armour Weapon (LAAW). Designed in the 1960s as a single-use anti-armour munition that was compact and at 5.5lb (2.5kg) could be carried and fired by the individual soldier, it has under-gone a number of improvements and variants while maintaining its functional form. Enhancements include versions capable of firing from enclosures, an enhanced 450mm penetration model, and the ASM RC anti-structure version. The latter features a ‘dual-mode’ (short or long delay) fuze that is programmed by the firer using a thumb switch. These updated M72s expand tactical solutions available to the soldier on an as needed basis.

A classic case where ammunition developments have extended not only the fielding of a weapon but have given it a renewed relevance is the Carl Gustav 84mm Recoilless Rifle from Saab Bofors Dynamics. Introduced in 1948 as a small unit anti-armour weapon, the development of a range additional ammunition types including anti-personnel, anti-structure/bunker-buster, multi-purpose,

confined space and support rounds like smoke and illumination significantly increased its tactical contribution. Mats Fagerberg, head of marketing for Saab’s Ground Combat unit explained: “it became uniquely a ‘jack-of-alltrades” infantry weapon’. Typically, employed with a two-soldier team, the Carl Gustav can take-on a variety of targets and tactical situations.

The Saab single-use AT-4 uniquely offers some of the capabilities of the Carl Gustav rounds but in a package that can be issued to individual soldiers as a disposable munition. The AT-4 family includes HEAT (anti-armour), CS (confined space) rounds, extended range and a high explosive round that allows the gunner to select impact or air-burst detonation.

The Carl Gustav is fielded by over 40 militaries worldwide. The US Army and Marines adopted it for wide service as the MAAWS (Multi-role Anti-armour Antipersonnel Weapon System). This M3E1 (the US designation) or M4 (Saab’s version) has improvements including being lighter 15lb (6.6kg)weight, shorter at 950mm (37 inches), an electronic round counter, ergonomic adjustments, and a Fore Grip Controller for the Fire Control Unit. Fitted with the FCS13-RE1X reflex site with disturbed reticule it provides precise ballistic solutions, programming for future ammunition and moving target ballistic solutions. COL Rhett D. Thompson, director, Soldier Requirements Division at the US Army Manoeuvre Center

of Excellence shared: “Survey of MAAWS' performance shows greater than 90 percent user satisfaction.... amongst the highest of any individual or crew served weapon in our portfolio.”

An innovation that has been recently presented is a laser-guided munition developed for the Carl Gustav in a collaboration with Raytheon Technologies. Flying at nearsupersonic speeds, it has a warhead capable of penetrating fortifications, concrete structures, bunkers, and lightly armoured vehicles. “It’s laser-guidance allows reliable precise engagement of moving and static targets to 2500m”, explained Sam Deneke vice president Raytheon Land Warfare Systems. In field live firings the Guided Multi-purpose Munition (GMM) demonstrated seven hits in seven firings. GMM further extends both the distance and precision with which the small unit Carl Gustav crew can engage targets further expanding its capability to influence the battlefield.

Programmable Ammunition – Auto Cannon

Automatic cannon used on fighting and reconnaissance vehicles and anti-aircraft guns, though often having dual feeds each with a different round type, have enhanced their lethality though programmable fusing. Several firms have applied the technology to 30mm through 50mm medium calibre rounds. Northrop-Grumman’s Rylan Harris, director

of Advanced Ammunition, explained that “the programmable fuse allows a gunner to select point, delayed or air-burst detonation by the same projectile. This offers the option to engage targets in the most effective manner. In addition, the introduction of airburst expands the array of battlefield threats that can be effectively addressed, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and targets in defilade.”

Northrop-Grumman’s programmable fuze design can be applied to a range of medium calibre auto-cannon. The fuze has three operational modes which allow a gunner to select the mode that will best defeat a specific target. This function has been currently applied to its 30mmx173mm (MK310 PABM) used on the Stryker with deliveries beginning in 2022. “The technology can however, be applied to other calibre sizes with feasibility up to 50mm assured,” stated Harris. “ It provides not only an order of magnitude increase in projectile lethality but also allows effective engagement of threats that was impractical with prior ammunition. Northrop-Grumman has demonstrated this enhanced effectiveness and lethality in live-fire events against representative naval attack craft, UAVs, and light tactical vehicles.

Rheinmetall has also capitalised on programmable fuze to multiply gun lethality against aerial targets. Its AHEAD 35mm computes the velocity of each round fired calculating and transmitting the optimum moment to eject each rounds152 tungsten sub-projectiles to intercept and destroy even a small or fast-moving target. Each of these programmable projectiles can deliver the desired effect with fewer shots, thereby conserving ammunition.

Multi-purpose/Programmable - Tank Ammunition

Enhancing the ‘effect on a target’ has been pursued by increasing accuracy and fire rate, or using projectiles optimised for various targets. The drawback of the latter two is the impact on the limited amounts of ammunition readily available with the weapon. Both individual soldiers and combat vehicles or aircraft can only carry a set number of rounds. The more shots needed to achieve the necessary result, the fewer targets can be addressed. Making each projectile fired more efficient offers major advantages which has led to the introduction of ‘programmable ammunition’. This takes advantage of advances in electronics miniaturisation and hardening, as well as better computing, to provide a single projectile with the capability to function with different modes and to address multiple target types.

A combat vehicle’s ability to quickly engage a threat can determine not just its success but its very survival, so it moves ready to fire immediately on command should contact occur. Referred to as ‘battlesight’, a key consideration is what round type should be pre-loaded especially if it is unclear what threat may be encountered? This has been particularly a concern for the Main Battle Tank (MBT) where replacing the round in the gun chamber is impractical. The development of multi-purpose programmable projectiles not only addresses this but also allows for optimising the effect on the targets being addressed. The US Army Picatinny Arsenal’s developed M1147 AMP for the 120mm tank cannon replaces four previous rounds. It’s fuze can be set while in the chamber prior to firing, so that it can achieve the best result against

whatever target is presented. Against anti-tank teams or dismounted, entrenched or hidden troops it can be set to airburst out to 2000m. In urban areas the projectile can be set to breach concrete walls. Currently manufactured by Northrop-Grumman, AMP is also effective against armoured vehicles.

Maintaining the lethality of tank cannon against evolving threats is a serious concern. Rheinmetall’s DM11 multi-purpose 120mm round has been in service since 2010 and is programmable before firing for point, delay, or air-burst detonation. The delay function breaches walls or fortifications while airburst provides a significantly more effective counter against antitank teams. For heavier armour, Rheinmetall has developed the L55A1 120mm cannon (to substitute for the L44). It is associated with the improved armour defeating ammunition DM73 APFSDS which offers an eight percent performance increase over current DM53/DM63 rounds. The company’s next step is an entirely new APFSDS, the KE2020Neo, which is expected to be available by 2026 showing a 20 percent increase over current rounds.

Indirect Fire

Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) for artillery and mortars have received wide attention. Projectiles like the M982 Excalibur (co-developed by BAE Bofors and Raytheon), M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, and Bofors/ Nexter Bonus fired from current 155mm howitzers allow four-meter CEP target accuracy even at maximum range. Yet, less know are enhancements made in a wide range of artillery and mortar projectiles that have made them significantly more lethal. The Rheinmetall 120mm IHE produces greater shrapnel effect and with the proper fuse penetrates concrete. Saab’s THOR 120mm

The Carl Gustav recoilless rifle has been adopted by over forty militaries largely due its versatility of ammunition types that can address a wide range of missions and targets. It is simple and lightweight with a typical crew of two. The latest HE558 can be programmed just before firing for point, delay, or airburst detonation for optimum target effect.

Nammo has now developed 40mm programmable airburst ammunition. It incorporates armour piercing, anti-structure and airburst capabilities.

Nammo

Saab

mortar projectile doubles the target area effect while its 4,250-steel ball fragment pattern increases lethality.

Nammo has applied its technology to the 40mm grenade launcher, particularly the longer range 40mmx53 automatic launchers. In addition to the high explosive, high explosive dual purpose (HEDP), they offer one with airburst. The HEDP-AB provides fragmentation, penetration, blast and incendiary effect in a single type of round. This simplifies both the gun crew task and logistics of resupply.

The Future

Effects in modern combat are improved by how quickly recent technologies and systems are introduced onto battlefields. UAVs have rapidly been fielded and have taken on a predominant role. This sudden rise can find militaries unprepared with countermeasures.

time to develop and produce and are initially limited in number. However, enhancing already fielded systems through the introduction of new ammunition capabilities offers a significantly faster response. This proved true during World War II where the introduction of the VT proximity fuze for naval 5-inch guns provided decisive four-fold improvement in their ability to destroy attacking aircraft. Similarly, applying technology to ammunition readdresses some long-time limitations in existing weapons. The air-burst capability for direct-fire guns now permits engaging troops in defile or in open trenches. It also offers increased ability to suppress or neutralise antitank missile or enemy gun crews at long ranges. Focusing on ammunition improvements can

Rheinmetall

For a large calibre cannon such as a tank gun to have a single round that can effectively address a range of different targets is a major advantage. The Rheinmetall DM11 offers antiarmour, airburst, and breaching in one round.

The 30mmx173 airburst projectile ammunition by Northrop-Grumman for the 30mm autocannon used on combat vehicles like the Stryker allows highly effective engagement of ground launched missile crews, dismounted or entrenched troops, and aerial vehicles at maximum ranges. Here a 30mm airburst fragment pattern is shown against an

NGC

AUSTRALIA’S SOVEREIGN SATELLITE

The Australian government is about to select a prime industry space partner to set it on a course that will deliver its own managed and operated military satellite service.

by Andrew Drwiega

One of the most important advances in Australian defence that will transform the military’s sovereign communications for years to come is Joint Project 9102, the Australian Defence Satellite Communication System (ADSS). This will basically free the Australian Defence Force (ADF) from its reliance on satellite dependency on the United States.

The contenders include Airbus Defence & Space, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and indigenous company Optus. Boeing is a key player in the space defence

sector, in that it provides the US military and some of its allies, including Australia, with its Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS). Although close allies, Australia still needs to ask permission to use it, which theoretically could be delayed if the US had a higher priority.

Airbus invited AMR to view its facilities in Portsmouth and Hawthorn in the United Kingdom, and to learn more about its proposal. The Airbus case is strong, following on from its ongoing collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence over its four Skynet 5 satellites, as well its international partnership with Al Yah Satellite Communications (Yahsat), the UAE’s

international satellite operator. The Yahsat satellite is UAE controlled and decisions made by the UAE. Airbus would provide Australia with a similar arrangement where the ADF would end up with a sovereign, independent satellite operation.

The UK’s need to begin replacing its Skynet 5 satellites begins with the launch of Skynet 6A, which was awarded to Airbus in July 2020. Much work went into Skynet 5 in terms of research and development, which was conducted over a period of 10 years - by Airbus and the companies that it had acquired - before the launch of the first Skynet 5 satellite

Airbus

in 2007. “This is a complex system - it is not just the spacecraft it is the whole control architecture that you need to operate it and manage it as well,” said Martin Rowse, director space, Australia, Airbus Defence and Space.

The purchase of a 45 percent stake in the OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite company by Airbus on 3 July 2020, will allow the company to include OneWeb’s technology into Skynet 6’s architecture, as OneWeb satellites are already manufactured by a joint venture including Airbus Defence and Space.

Skynet 6A will initially supplement the existing SKYNET 5 fleet of four satellites which were launched in 2007 (the first two), 2008, and finally 2012. Airbus won the Skynet contract in 2003, managing four Skynet 4 satellites which were developed and operated by the Signals Research and Development Establishment, Royal Signals and Radar Establishment and Royal Air Force until 2003.

According to Rowse, the Skynet 5 type of satellite is designed to have a lifespan of

between 10 to 15 years, although they will in fact exceed this lifespan. “Design life dependent on fuel and the degradation of components - solar flares and natural radiation in space are one of the factors that degrade components. If you want to go beyond that lifespan you have to be efficient at how you manage them.”

The Australian government will decide on one of the prime contractors, but the intention is that a new space sector will grow rapidly serving both military and civilian needs. With this in mind, Airbus has formed Team Maier (a word from the indigenous Meriam people that means the link between the land, sea and space) to unify industry behind the project and on into further work in the space sector.

Team Maier comprises an initial six companies with more due to be announced later in the year. These include: Blacktree Technology (whose skills set covers wide to narrow band satcoms), Clearbox Systems (who specialise in control segments), Microsoft,

SSTL, UGL (the largest facilities provider in Australia who will provide the ground infrastructure) and Willyama Services (an Aboriginal owned IT and cyber services business). These core companies have teaming agreements in place to ensure they have as much responsibility as possible in Australia. So that when the contract is finished in 1015 years that capability is retained in Australia. This will help to generate the next wave of people coming into the space sector and the skills could even be exported. That is the way Yahsat was delivered and that is the way we think is best for Australia to deliver sovereign capability.

According to Rowse, Australia would like to have a similar arrangement to Yahsat). He notes that the initial contract was to deliver an end-to-end solution over the 10 years of the contract. In a similar way to the model developed for Yahsat, Airbus would recruit and train Australians so that they could take over the operations at the end of the contract period.

Airbus

The UK's four Skynet 5 satellites are coming to the end of their service life requiring replacement - the first of which will be Skynet 6A.

One of those key partners is Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL), a subsidiary of Airbus. Once a university spin-out based in Guildford, it provides LEO knowledge and expertise. The company’s founder, Sir Martin Sweeting, invented the small satellite and the company has now been developing these over 40 years.

Skynet 6A

On 13 July Airbus reported that the Skynet 6A military secure communications satellite had passed its Critical Design Review (CDR).

The Skynet 6A contract includes the design, development, manufacture, assembly, integration, cyber protection, test and launch of the satellite, as well as associated national technology development programmes (which have also been planned for Australia).

According to Richard Franklin, managing director of Airbus Defence and Space UK, the CDR was achieved on time and that the next target is the delivery of the Communications

Structure by the end of the year.

Skynet 6A remains on “firmly on track and making great progress” said Franklin. He added that over 400 people are now working on the project at three sites in the UK - Stevenage, Portsmouth and Hawthorn. The scheduled launch date for Skynet 6A is planned for 2025 with the aim of it being fully operational by 2026. Although the UK currently has this military satellite in production and funded, it is likely that it will need further satellites as the remaining Skynet 5 satellites reach the end of their operational lives, although how this will be achieved and when has not been publicly clarified.

The actual Skynet 6A satellite is being constructed entirely Stevenage, and because of its sovereign ownership the integration will take place at the Airbus facility in Portsmouth. Usually integration has previously been completed at an Airbus facility in the south of France but this is not the case for Skynet 6A. Once completed, it will be tested at a new

national test facility at the Harwell Campus, near Oxford, said Patrick Wood, Head of Space Systems Production. The facility has been build over the last three years.

An interesting fact is that the next Mars Rover is also being built by Airbus in Stevenage. The Solar Orbiter, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and launched from Nasa’s Cape Canaveral in February 2020 with a mission to take the closest images of the sun to date, was also built in Stevenage.

Sovereign Australia

The Australian military satellite project JP9102 as an ambition has been around for 5-6 years, according to Rowse. Airbus responded to the Australian government’s Request for Information (RfI) to begin the project in 2019. Airbus based its submission around the UK’s SkyNet 5 and its model of operation, leading into Skynet 6. Like the UK and the UAE, Australia wants sovereign control and end-to-end management of its military satcom

On 1 February 2022, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "It's crucial we continue to push the frontiers of our defence space ambitions, enhancing our military resilience and strengthening our nation's security."

capability. The bid was completed in January 2022 - the submission date for all of the bids.

Australia’s satellite will, like Skynet 6A, operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) not Geo Stationary (GEO). LEO ideal for the type of communications and observation missions that are required by the ADF.

Commenting further, Rowse said, “We will provide an enhanced version of Skynet 6A - the same bus and components but highly enhanced to meet Australia’s requirement which includes tri-band (X-band, Ka-band and UHF) which allows for high resilient satcom and mobility.”

The project will include a new $20 million investment in a new ground station, the plans for which have already been conceived by partner UGL. There will be two new operation centres with roughly the same scale and operating model as the UK uses at its facility at

Hawthorn in Wiltshire, managed by a highly specialised workforce.

However, the actual build of the satellite would remain in the UK because building it in Australia would not be practical or sustainable in the current planning model. But Rowse reaffirmed that building an SME base in Australia was an integral part of the proposal buy Airbus, a process that has already started.

Airbus is already working to build up the skills base that this burgeoning satellite sector is beginning to demand, not just among school levers but also in up-skilling professionals in more precise expertise relating to space activities. This also means supporting to entrepreneurs.

Airbus has already set a number of projects with each having an Australian partner who will be the lead as Airbus delivers the capability, said Rowse. “Airbus has agreements

with around 40 companies in Australia and has discussed with them what would make the biggest difference to their space ecosystem. There is also much STEM activity now occurring on a wider scale.” All of the projects will be split financially between the Australian Government and Airbus, and many are already linking to the ADF’s new Space Command which was established on 18 January 2022.

Rowse added that Airbus was interacting with additional space related programmes within the National Space Mission, irrespective of whether it wins JP9102.

“We want to leave Australia with a greater space capability than when we came in, which helps us because it brings in additional supply chains and customers. We are spending as much as we can to include collaborative work and skills transfer, which will also financially viable to Australia,” conclude Rowse.

Airbus Defence & Space's Portsmouth facility where the body of Skynet6 is integrated with its mission systems.

Airbus Defence & Space

AIRBORNE TRIP WIRES

by Martin Streetly

From a purely West-centric viewpoint, it may come as something of a surprise to discover the extent of airborne early warning (AEW) technology and usage in the AsiaPacific region. As this is being written, no less than eight Asia-Pacific countries: Australia, India (air force and navy), Japan, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China (air force and navy), Republic of China (ROC), Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore and Thailand all have such capabilities, deploying 14 different types of air vehicle.

The air forces of Australia and the ROK have procured AEW capabilities that are based on the Boeing 737 airliner and are designated

as the E-7A Wedgetail and the E-737 respectively. The generic, baseline, Boeing 737 AEW and control (AEW&C) makes use of a modified Boeing 737-700 Increased Gross Weight airframe that is powered by CFM56-7B turbofan engines and incorporates increased fuel tankage, a fixed dorsal radar antenna, airto-air refuelling provision, the Boeing 737800’s undercarriage and ventral stabilising fins. Internally, the Boeing 737 AEW&C offers multiple operator positions and has a mission system that centres on a Northrop Grumman L-band (1-2GHz) multirole electronically scanned array AEW and surveillance radar that has an integral identification friend-orfoe (IFF) capability with Mode S functionality.

Other onboard equipment includes an automatic identification system application, a mission computing sub-system (with up to 10 operator consoles) and an integrated modular communications suite that can include high frequency (HF, 3-30MHz), very high frequency (VHF, 30-300MHz), very/ultra high frequency (V/UHF, 30MHz-3GHz), ultra high frequency (UHF, 300 MHz-3 GHz) and UHF satellite radios; an intercommunications system and tactical datalink provision.

Within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft (A30001 through A30-006 inclusive) are assigned to the service’s No 2 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown, New South Wales, while the

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft operating in the Asia Pacific region.

Saab’s 340 AEW is in service with the Thai Air Force while its 2000 AEW&C platform has been procured by Pakistan.

Saab

ROK’s 271 AEW&C Squadron operates a quartet of E-737 aircraft (64-700, 65-328, 65329 and 65-701) from Gimhae in South Korea.

Boeing is also the source of the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) four E-767 airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft (64-3501, 64-3502, 743503 and 84-3504). Based on the Boeing 767-200ER airliner, the E-767 is described as being an in-flight refuellable, all-weather surveillance, command-and-control and communications platform. Powered by a pair of CF6-80C2B6FA turbofans, the E-767 is flown by a crew of 21 (19 system operators) and is equipped with a mission suite that over time has included the AN/APY-2 surveillance radar; an upgraded CC-2E central computer; an AN/APX-103 IFF interrogator and an AN/ APX-119 transponder; a total of 14 situation display consoles; dedicated communications and radar and computer display technician workstations; a nose-mounted weather radar; a pair of LN-100G navigation systems and a communications suite that includes HF, VHF and UHF voice (clear and secure)/digital data

radios together with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast Out capability.

Of these (and aside from a dedicated maritime mode), the E-767’s APY-2 radar is to radar system improvement programme (RISP) standard. RISP improves APY-2’s performance against aircraft and low radar cross section targets (such as cruise missiles) and introduces a new pulse compressed waveform that improves the radar’s sensitivity; an improved man-machine interface (with a fast fourier transform signals analyser in the radar control and maintenance panel); new general purpose adaptive signal processors (both using Ada software and replacing the existing radar data correlation and digital Doppler processing units respectively); enhanced data sampling rates and range/velocity resolution; better electronic counter-countermeasures provision and improvements in system maintainability and reliability.

The JASDF’s E-767s are operated by the service’s 602 Hikotai from Hamamatsu and as a functional equivalent of the American E-3 AWACS aircraft, it will be interesting to see

whether Japan follows the US and launches an E-7 replacement programme for its E-767s.

Embraer AEW&C in India

Across the Indian Ocean, Embraer’s ERJ-145 regional airliner provides the airframe for one of India’s two indigenous AEW&C programmes (the other being a planned Airbus-based solution). As such, the ERJ-145 based EMB145I (also termed the ERJ-145SM by one source) is the product of a consortium led by India’s Bangalore-based Centre for Airborne Systems and is designed to detect, identify and classify air threats, alert and direct interceptors, generate a recognisable air-surface picture and act as an airborne command/control centre that can support air defence and air strike operations.

EMB-145I systems and capabilities include an S-band (2-4GHz) primary surveillance radar (PSR); a CIT2500 IFF interrogator/transponder and/or a TXP600L Mk XII Mode S IFF transponder; radio and communications electronic support

A cutaway showing the salient features of the E-2D iteration of Northrop Grumman’s Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft (Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman

capabilities; a self-protection suite; a mission computer; a data handling and display system; an in-flight refuelling capability and a datalink capable communications system. Of these, the PSR is an active, electronically steered sensor that incorporates multiple integrated antenna arrays (IAA) that are housed in an 8.24m long plank-shaped fairing above the aircraft's rear fuselage. The radar's transmit-receive multi-modules (developed by the Hyderabadbased concern Astra Microwave Products) each incorporates eight transceiver modules, weighs seven pounds (3.2 kilogrammes), and measures 243×242×40 mm, with other features including a wide bandwidth at S-band, a high peak/low noise figure, pulsed power generation and digital switching, phase and amplitude control circuitry. For its part, each 19.5lbs (8.9kg) IAA offers integrated S- (radar) and L-band (IFF) functionality, measuring 704×900 mm and incorporates cavity-backed slotted elements and built-in test. Again, the system’s IAAs are MIL-STD-810E compliant and the radar as a whole is understood to be a fast-beam, agile system that can operate in several modes concurrently and provides search, track-while-scan together with priority and high performance tracking, with the latter being optimised for improved tracking accuracy. The priority tracking mode places targets in full track even if they cross the primary surveillance area.

For self-defence, the EMB-145I is fitted with a radar warning receiver, a missile approach warner and a countermeasures dispenser, while radar and communications band surveillance capabilities are available.

The type’s mission crew is thought to number five and at time of writing, three EMB-145I aircraft (KW3554 through KW3556 inclusive) were being reported as being in service with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 200 Squadron based at Bhisiana Air Force Station in Punjab.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) four Gulfstream G550 conformal AEW (CAEW) aircraft (010, 016, 017 and 018) are G550 long-range business jets that have been modified to accommodate the Elta EL/W2085 mission suite. Here, the architecture comprises a dual-band (L- and S-band) active electronically scanned array (AESA) AEW radar (with an integrated IFF capability), radar and communications intelligence sub-systems and six operator stations. Of these, the radar functions via forward and aft S-band arrays together with lateral L-band antennas, with the whole providing 360⁰ cover. Other features include flexible time-space energy management, selectable surveillance sectors, target verification, four second track initiation, a ‘track before detect’ capability and an optimised high value target tracking mode. Again, Elta describes this equipment as a ‘software’ radar many of whose functions (such as sidelobe management and waveform generation) are software driven.

Overall, EL/W-2085 is described as being fully automatic and produces fused and unified sensor data for its operators. In RSAF service, the G550 CAEW is assigned to its 111 Squadron that is based at Tengan in the western part of the country.

Russia’s Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft is the basis of two Asia-Pacific AEW platforms,

namely the PRC’s KJ-2000 and India’s A-50EhI. In order, the KJ-2000 (NATO ‘Mainring’) is an indigenous AEW&C platform that is based on the airframe of the Il-76MD. As such, the capability has been credited to both the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology and the China Electronics Technologies Corporation’s 38th Research Institute, with the Xian Aircraft Company undertaking the necessary installation work. External features include a fixed dorsal rotodome (approximately 11m in diameter), a ventral navigation radar, a dorsal satellite communications radome, twin stabilising fins beneath the aircraft’s rear fuselage, deletion of the Il-76MD’s tail turret and an array of six blade aerials above its forward fuselage.

The KJ-2000’s radar makes use of fixed arrays within the rotodome to provide 360⁰ coverage and the aircraft is flown by a crew of at least 15, at least 10 of whom are mission system operators. At the time of writing, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is understood to have been operating four KJ-2000s (30571 through 30574 inclusive), with the quartet being assigned to its Eastern Theatre Command’s 77 Regiment at Wuxi/ Shuofang in China’s Jiangsu Province.

India’s trio of A-50EhI aircraft (KW3551 through KW3553 inclusive) are the product of a Russo-Israeli consortium that is made up of Beriev (airframe and avionics) and Israel Aerospace Industries (the Elta EL/W2090 mission system). Platform features include an 11.5m diameter fixed rotodome (containing three fixed transceiver arrays that give 360⁰ coverage), an in-flight refuelling capability, 11 operator consoles and a Russian sourced communications suite that includes HF, V/UHF and super high frequency (SHF, 3-30 GHz) radios together with satellite communications provision.

For its part, EL/W-2090 includes an L-band AESA radar, radar and communications band intelligence receivers (served by four interferometric antenna arrays) and self-protection and IFF sub-systems. Of these, the IFF capability may incorporate a Thales-sourced interrogator and the Bharatiya Vayu Sena’s Indian Air Force) A-50EhIs are operated by the service’s 50 Squadron based at Agra in Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the three cited aircraft, India is known to have ordered an additional pair of A-50EhIs. Whether or not this order has been/will be consummated remained uncertain at the time of writing.

Both the Chinese and Indian Navies operate the two person Kamov’s Ka-31 (NATO ‘Helix-E’) radar picket helicopters. At the centre of the capability is the Joint Stock Company Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Radio Engineering’s L-band E-801

As of 2022, the RAAF’s No 2 Squadron was equipped with a fleet of six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft

RAAF

Oko (Eye) surveillance radar, which the Indian aircraft team with a multi-screen display suite, a PNK-37DME flight and navigation system, a communications package (including V/UHF band radios and an air-to-surface datalink), an auxiliary power supply and a flight recorder.

Looking at the export version of the E-801 radar in more detail, the set has a detection range of up to 134 nautical miles (250km) and 80nm (150km) against a fighter-sized target and out to the radar horizon against surface ships); can be operated at altitudes of up to 11,483 feet (3,500m) and makes use of a 440lb (200kg), ventrally mounted, passive phasedarray antenna that folds through 90° to lie flat along the helicopter’s centreline for take-off, landing and, most probably, cruise flight. In terms of usage, Indian Navy Air Squadron 339 is understood to operate at least 14 Ka-31s (IN561 through IN569 and IN721 through IN725 inclusive) from its home base at Dabolin in Goa, while at least 10 are assigned to the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) 11 Air Regiment which is home based at Ningbo in China’s Zhejiang Province.

Hawkeye Upgrades

Returning to the fixed-wing domain, landbased variants of Northrop Grumman’s E-2 Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft are operated by the JASDF and the ROC. Of these, the JASDF operates a mix of upgraded E-2C Group O and E-2D platforms, with the former having had their original AN/APS-138 radar, Enhanced High-Speed Processor configured L-304 mission computer, ‘core’ IFF system, main display units and 10- to 12-ton cooling system replaced. The new systems were the AN/APS145 sensor, a 15 ton cooling system and the E-2C Hawkeye 2000’s Mission Computer Upgrade (MCU), IFF system, Advanced

Control Indicator Set (ACIS) display suite and a 15-ton cooling system. Other enhancements included the introduction of the AN/ASN-139 Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System II, an upgraded Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and an ongoing effort to install the E-2’s latest eight-bladed propeller.

As originally supplied, Japan’s E-2C Group O aircraft’s mission/avionics suite also included Main Display Unit operator consoles, the AN/ ALR-73 Passive Detection System (PDS) and a communications suite that was made up of two HF, three V/UHF, and three UHF band communications radios. Of these, the upgraded aircraft retain the AN/ALR-73 PDS and the communications radio package from the original mission suite and the upgrade has also been associated with the E-2 Engineering Change Proposals-411R1 and -422R1.

For its part, the E-2D is the latest evolution of the Hawkeye line and differs from its predecessors by virtue of its introduction of T56-A-427A turboprop engines (with eightbladed NP-2000 propellers); the AN/APY9 surveillance radar, the AN/APX-122 IFF interrogator and the AN/ALQ-217A electronic support measures system; a new tactical cockpit (which enables the aircraft’s co-pilot to act as a mission system operator when required); a flight management system; an enhanced environmental cooling system; revised operator workstations; increased structural strength and an upgraded mission computer, navigation suite and communications system (including a multifunction information system low volume terminal).

Perhaps the most significant of these innovations is the 2,200lb (998kg) AN/APY9 radar that features an ADS-18 antenna that scans electronically in azimuth (in 120⁰ instantaneous sectors) and mechanically in

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 111 Squadron is equipped with four G550 CAEW aircraft which are locally designated as G550 AEWs

RSAF

elevation. Other system features include use of a digital receiver, space-time adaptive processing, in-beam stagger, a solid-state transmission chain, simultaneous air and surface detection, improved interference cancellation and a commercial off-the-shelf processing architecture.

At the time of writing, the JASDF was operating 12 E-2C (34-3451 through 343461 inclusive, 44-3426, 44-3463, 54-3455, 54-3457 and 54-3458) and three E-2D (913471, 01-3473 and 01-3474) aircraft that are assigned to the service’s 601 (E-2C and D) and 603 (E-2C) Hikotai based at Misawa and Naha respectively.

For its part, the ROC’s six E-2K aircraft (2501 through 2506 inclusive) are export versions of the E-2C Hawkeye 2000. Powered by T56-A-427 turboprops, the E-2K weapon system includes the AN/APS-145 surveillance radar, the AN/APX-100(V) IFF transponder, a PDS, the MCU architecture, ACIS tactical displays and a communications suite that is made up of two HF, three AN/ARC-182(V) 'Have Quick' and three UHF band radios; Link 4A, 11 and 16 datalinks; a satellite communications capability and (possibly) Multi-mission Advanced Tactical Terminal and AN/URC-107(V)4 Class 2H Joint Tactical Information Distribution System terminals. As of this writing, the ROC’s E-2Ks were assigned to its air force’s 2nd Early Warning Squadron (designation to be confirmed) based at Pintung South airfield on Taiwan.

Saab’s L-band Erieye AESA surveillance radar is at the heart of the mission suites installed aboard Pakistani Saab 2000 AEW&C and Thai Saab 340 AEW aircraft. In reverse order, Thailand’s pair of Saab 340 AEW aircraft (K1-1/53 and K1-2/55) are ex Swedish Air Force S 100Bs that (in Swedish service and aside from their Erieye radars and their 9.7m dorsal ‘plank’ antennas) were equipped with the TSB 2500 IFF system, an HF/VHF/ UHF communications package, a colour weather radar, an AFCS, an integrated global positioning system (GPS)/inertial navigation system, an instrument landing system and accommodation for a flight crew and an inflight radar technician. So configured, the S 100B functioned as a ground-controlled sensor that down linked the acquired radar picture to one or more command centres. Thailand’s Saab 340 AEWs are thought to operate in the same way and are assigned to the Thai Air Force’s 702 Squadron at Surat Thani in southern Thailand.

Currently, the Pakistan Fiza’ya (Pakistani Air Force) is thought to operate a total of seven Saab 2000 AEW aircraft (09-049, 10025, 10-040, 11-045, 18-060, 19-061 and 20-057) which are derived from the Saab 2000 regional airliner, are powered by a pair of AE 2100A turboprops and are equipped for airborne surveillance and command and control. Other system features include the Erieye’s ‘plank’ antenna, cabin-mounted fuel tanks, a five position operator’s console, a voice

and datalink communications package, a Saabsourced IFF system, Saab’s HES-21 combined electronic support and self-protection suite and a main cabin active noise cancellation application. In Pakistani service, the country’s Saab 2000 AEW fleet is operated by the Air Force’s 3 (AEW) Squadron based at Minhas in the Punjab.

The remaining platforms covered by this survey (the PRC’s KJ-200 and KJ-500 aircraft together with Pakistan’s ZDK-03) are Chinese-sourced and are all based on Shaanxi Y-8 and Y-9 derivates of the Russian Antonov An-12 turboprop transport aircraft. In the order given, the Y-8 based KJ-200 made its maiden flight on 8 November 2001 and is externally characterised by a 6m long by 0.75m deep dorsal ‘plank’ antenna for its phased array surveillance radar. Here, the radar is understood to be an indigenous equipment that was developed by the China Electronics Technology Corporation’s No38 Research Institute at Hefei in China's Anhui Province, while other onboard avionics may include a weather radar, a GPS-based navigation system and an instrument landing system. At the time of writing, the KJ-200 was in service with both the PLAAF’s 26 Division and the PLAN’s 2 Division, with aircraft of the type being based at Laiyang (in coastal Shandong) and Wuxi/ Shuofang.

The Y-9 based KJ-500 is equipped with another No 38 Research Institute radar whose trio of electronically scanning antenna arrays are housed in a fixed dorsal rotodome. Other external features suggest that the aircraft is fitted out with a signals intelligence capability and like the KJ-200, the KJ-500 is in service with both the PLAAF and the PLAN. Over time, aircraft of the type have been associated with a range of airfields including Laiyang, Lhasa/ Gonggar (Tibet), Lingshui (Hainan Province), Lushan (Jiangxi Province), Shanghai/Dachang, Shigatse/Xigazê (Tibet), Wuxi/Shuofang and Yongsh Dae on the Fiery Cross Reef.

The remaining member of this trio is the Y-8 based ZDK-03/KE-03 Karakoram Eagle which has been supplied to Pakistan. Like the KJ-500, the ZDK-03/KE-03 is equipped with a Chinese surveillance radar whose antenna array is mounted in a dorsal rotodome. Whether this is fixed or rotates remains uncertain. The Pakistani Air Force is understood to operate a total of four ZDK03/KE-03 aircraft (11-001, 12-002, 13-003 and 14-004), all of which are assigned to the service’s 4 (AEW) Squadron based at Masroor in Sind Province. Little is known about the ZDK-03/KE-03’s mission suite other than it is claimed to “work well over sea, plains and mountainous terrain”.

Beriev’s A-50 airframe is used as the basis for India’s A-50EhI AEW&C aircraft

Beriev

AFFORDABLE MARITIME PATROL

While nothing is cheap in defence, a range of less expensive capabilities might be enough, especially if networked with allies.

by Tim Fish

The Indo-Pacific region has a wide range of maritime security problems from local constabulary issues and economic crimes through to high-end state-based threats.

In terms of state-based threats, China is the leading infringing state and although it is by no means the only country challenging state sovereign rights, it is in a class of its own in terms of scale and level of aggression. Piracy, smuggling, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, slavery at sea and maritime-enabled terrorism are also all problems in the region, particularly South East Asia.

But because the nature of the threats are so varied it makes the maritime security challenge even more considerable.

The best way to respond to these

Aeronautics

countering piracy or tracking down terrorists, it might not be useful in trying to guard sea lanes. “There is no one-size fits all solution,” he added.

Because of the range of threats, situational awareness is a priority for SE Asian countries but there are many states that are lacking capacity. This contributes to the scale of the challenge as situational awareness is not persistent enough.

“They have to look for the most economical solution, what is the system or the data set, or the ability to gather a data set, which comes at the lowest cost that does the most to address this variety of threats,” Bradford said.

For countries in SE Asia, solutions such as expensive maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) like the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, whilst an incredible data gathering tool, is seen regionally as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft and not really suitable to meet their needs. A range of less expensive long endurance platforms are more appropriate either in the air or on the surface of the sea.

“It's just it's challenging for most organisations. So that's why you see a variety of different solutions,” Bradford said.

Multi-faceted force

Singapore, a small city state has limited manpower availability and therefore can’t procure too many platforms that require a lot of personnel to run them.

challenges is increased situational awareness. It is not possible to respond to the threats without an understanding of exactly what they are, who the actors are and how they are operating, so as to inform the best response.

Different types of situational awareness data is needed to meet the different threats therefore, the types of maritime patrol assets used to collect this information will vary in type.

John Bradford, senior fellow in the Maritime Security Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) told AMR: “What is under appreciated by a lot of non-maritime specialists that get involved in maritime security is that not all information is the same and not all information is collected in the same way.”

He explained that whilst one particular data set might be useful in

Its primary airborne MPA is the Fokker-50. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has an inventory of six aircraft which were upgraded in 2015 to allow them to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, a spokesperson from the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) told AMR that it is in the “preliminary stages” of a replacement project.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) operates Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters from the Formidableclass frigates as its other main manned airborne asset, but elsewhere it has turned to unmanned or lean-manned solutions to provide further maritime situational awareness capabilities.

In March, MINDEF announced that it had acquired the Aeronautics Orbiter 4 Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CR-UAV) to further enhance the ISR capability of the RSAF. Meanwhile the RSN operates Heron 1 UAS from IAI and the ScanEagle UAS that was provided by Boeing under the US Maritime Security

Aeronautics Orbiter 4, a small tactical UAV, is suited to maritime patrol thanks to its EO/IR and MPR payloads and long duration capability.

Initiative (MSI) which was initiated in 2019 and has also gifted $48 million of platforms to Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The MINDEF spokesperson said ScanEagle is used to “provide the last miles target acquisition and identification.”

Plans are underway to introduce six new Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels (MARSEC USVs) that will operate alongside the leanmanned Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs). The MARSEC USVs have been developed by MINDEF’s Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and fitted with collision avoidance sensors to operate in a crowded marine environment. Initial trials have been completed with preparations for full autonomous sea trials underway. MINDEF has stated that these USVs will “enhance the RSN’s ability to monitor and respond to situations at sea” by being able to conduct “round-the-clock” patrols and interdict suspicious vessels in its waters.

Singapore is also establishing a Maritime Security Response Flotilla (MRSF) as part of a re-structure of its Maritime Security Command. It is utilising four ex-Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been refurbished and are now known as the Sentinel-class operating alongside two Maritime Security and Response Tugboats (MRSTs). There are plans for new boats to replace the Sentinels from 2026 but in the meantime the MRSF and MRSTs give the Singaporean authorities more capability and allow its other larger manned assets like the LMVs and frigates to be diverted to more strategic tasks further out to sea.

But the most cost-effective way for SE Asian counties to improve situational awareness is to share their maritime picture and situational awareness intelligence. The MINDEF spokesperson said there are “ongoing efforts” to promote information sharing. In May 2019 the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) in Singapore launched its realtime information-sharing system (IRIS) that provides a fused maritime pictures using different information sources including AIS, Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), partner navy and coastguard operations centres, civilian agencies and the shipping community through the VCR system. IRIS has a chat function to allow stakeholders to collaborate and it can be accessed using

computers and mobile devices at sea.

Unmanned

Unmanned solutions are also important for other countries in SE Asia as a cost-effective and relatively fast way of introducing additional ISR capabilities. In 2019 the Indonesian Air Force took delivery of six CASC Cai Hong 4B (CH4B) medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS from China and it has built a prototype MALE system named Black Eagle under its own indigenous UAS project. A prototype was launched in 2019.

In 2020, Indonesia signed an agreement with the US to accept a grant for the delivery of 14 Boeing ScanEagle UAS (worth $28.3 million) and an upgrade for three Bell 412 helicopters (valued at $6.3 million) that will include EOIR sensors. These platforms will be used for maritime surveillance around the Natuna Islands where Chinese forces have made incursions and there is a dispute between Beijing and Jakarta.

In addition the Indonesian Navy has procured six Sampari-class KCR-60M fast attack craft for surface surveillance and interception. The sixth craft was launched by Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal in April and will be handed over shortly. There are plans for 18 ships that will be used for border surveillance.

Neighbouring Malaysia stood up its first UAS unit, Squadron 601, which operates the 12 ScanEagles UAS it acquired under the MSI. Meanwhile Malaysian company Deftech unveiled a new ISR Tactical UAV at the DSA 2022

exhibition in late-March. Another local firm, Mindmatics, showcased its Helang VTOL UAS which is already operated by Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) for border surveillance missions.

To sustain its manned maritime airborne surveillance capability Malaysia has converted its Airbus CN-235 tactical transport aircraft into MPAs to replace its ageing King Air B200T aircraft and sustain a manned maritime surveillance capability while it looks to acquire a new MPA. The Leonardo ATR-72, Airbus CN295, Airbus CN-235 and Bombardier’s Dash 8-Q400 are thought to be contenders for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) programme.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is also running a programme for two new MPAs to replace its Bombardier CL415 aircraft. Options are believed to be the Super King Air 350, Saab 340MSA and Dash 8-Q400.

Other projects include the acquisition of AW139 helicopters for the RMN from Leonardo under Malaysia’s Maritime Operations Helicopter project. A spokesperson from Leonardo told AMR that the AW139 maritime utility helicopters feature dedicated sensors and equipment, including light weapon systems, and will be stationed in Kota Kinabalu. “They can carry out a range of missions including, among others, SAR, medevac, utility, and anti-piracy. Deliveries were performed fast and well ahead of schedule. The AW139s add to the RMN’s Super Lynx 300 naval specialised helicopters,” the

The maritime Security USV being delivered to the Republic of Singapore will provide more persistent monitoring of the Singapore Straits alongside manned surface assets such as the LMV and police patrol boats. With a length of 16.9m-long, beam of 5.2m and displacing 30t, the MARSEC can operate for 36 hours.

spokesperson said. AW139s are already in use by the MMEA, police and Bomba services. The RMAF will lease four units from Weststar Aviation Services for a utility role.

On the surface the RMN took delivery of six Gading Marine G2000 FIC 18M variant fast interceptor craft in

March 2021 worth $18 million (RM80 million). They have been allocated to the RMN’s fast combat boat squadron where Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they would be used to strengthen the level of control in the country's waters under Op Benteng to guard against illegal migration into

the country. There are plans to procure a further 13 vessels for $27 million.

Like Malaysia, the Philippines is also embarking in a programme for two new MPAs. The Philippines Air Force (PAF) has had an MPA requirement since 2014 under its Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) project worth just over $100 million. Indonesian company PT Dirgantara is believed to be offering the CN235 with Airbus offering the C295 and Leonardo the ATR-72. Surplus US Air Force P-3C Orion aircraft could also be an option.

LRPA will provide a dedicated MPA capability that will enhance the PAF’s ISR gathering beyond its two existing Cessna 208B Grand Caravan ISR aircraft that were donated by the US in 2017 for counter-terrorism operations. The PAF lost its earlier MPA capability when it retired its Fokker F27-200 aircraft.

The Philippines Navy (PN) operates two Beechcraft TC-90 King Air aircraft in the airborne maritime patrol role alongside the ScanEagle and Hermes UAS. But the PN intends to acquire eight ex-US Navy TC-12B Huron aircraft under US Foreign Military Financing

An ex-Fearless class patrol ship of the Republic of Singapore Navy, four of which have been re-introduced

as Sentinel-class patrol vessels for its new Maritime Security Response Force. At 55m-long and displacing 525t the boats are fitted with a laser dazzler and long-range acoustic device as well as a 76mm Oto Melara naval gun and 25mm cannon.

Wikicommons

and US Excess Defense Article projects to supplement this fleet.

In May 2022, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned two 97m-long Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) that were built in Shimonoseki by Mitsubishi and purchased from Japan under the joint Japanese-Philippines Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2. The MRRVs will be used as the flagships for the PCG and conduct operations to reinforce the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The first MRRV

Teresa Magbanua (9701) arrived in Manilla in February with the second due to arrive as AMR went to press. A further ten 44m-long MRRVs have also been delivered under MSCIP.

Thailand’s surface maritime patrolling capability is centred on its fleet of large 58m-long M58 patrol boats and smaller 21m-long M21 patrol boats delivered from local shipbuilder Marsun and the Thonburi Naval Dockyard. The first M58-class patrol boat, HTMS Leamsing, was delivered in the 2016-17 timeframe and has deployed with the

Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN’s) coast guard squadron. It is not clear how many additional boats have been delivered, but for the M21-class at least 12-14 M21 have been reported as either delivered or under construction.

In the air the RTN has Dornier 228 aircraft for maritime patrolling, but it is introducing more unmanned systems to increase capability at low cost.

As part of this modernisation the RTN is acquiring additional S-100 rotary wing UAS from Schiebel for sea-based ISR operations. The company was awarded a contract in March worth $18 million for two units that will be delivered by the end of the year. These will add to two already in-service that were bought under a $19.4 million contract awarded in 2019 and were delivered in 2020. The RTN already uses the Orbiter 3B and RQ21A Blackjack UAS and has selected the Hermes 900 MALE system for long-range surveillance. But to reduce reliance on overseas providers the RTN is developing its own vertical take-off and landing UAS, the Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance Craft Unmanned System, or MARCUS B. It completed trials earlier in 2022 on the RTN’s aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet (CVH-911) and is due to enter service this year.

The M58 patrol boat is 58m-long and 9.3m-wide and operates with a crew of 53. The first of class HTMS Leamsing in operation with the Royal Thai Navy is equipped with S-band and X-band radar to conduct law enforcement at sea, prevent infiltration of illegal vessels and protect commercial and fishing boats

The launch of the second Multi-Role Response Vessel by Mitsubishi Heavy Engineering on 18 November 2021 in Shimonoseki. The 2,260 ton, 97m-long vessel has a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising range of up to 4,000 nautical miles and will be named and handed over to the Philippines Coast Guard in September 2022.

Marsun

Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) monitors maritime incidents in Asian waters and shares data with partner navies and coastguard operations centres, civilian agencies and the shipping community.

Republic of Singapore Navy

The Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda

SETTING JAPAN’S NEW DEFENCE POSTURE

By David Oliver

be based there. JASDF plans to deploy a total of 42 F-35Bs.

Since his election in 2021, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made a series of international visits to his ASEAN neighbours, the United States and Europe. At a three-day Group of Seven major developed nations summit in Germany in June, he said that the G7 must prevent any nation from drawing "wrong lessons" from the war in Ukraine, according to a Japanese government official, apparently with China's intensifying military activities in mind.

Set against the backdrop of intensifying, multidimensional competition between the United States and China, additional security challenges include the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear missile programmes, and unresolved disputes within the region.

On 10 July Japan's ruling party scored a sweeping victory in Japan’s House of Councillors election. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that he would push ahead with plans to amend the constitution, which was imposed on Japan by the United States in 1947 after World War II.

The constitution renounced “war as a sovereign right of the nation”, but with Russia's war on Ukraine setting alarm bells ringing in Japan about an assertive China and dangerous North Korea, the proposed defence budget became one of the key issues in the 10 July election.

Pledging to address these security challenges, the Kishida-led Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) plans an increase in defence spending over the next five years to a level in line with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) nations’ target of two percent or more of their GDP.

Announced on 20 April, 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MOD) released a document titled ‘Defense Programs and Budget

of Japan’ outlining the FY2022 defence budget. The budget amount was $42 billion (actual ¥5.8 trillion), the largest ever, and if the budget related to the realignment of US forces in Japan is included, the total amount is around $44 billion (actual ¥6.1 trillion). Within this budget, especially those related to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Among the modifications to enable operation of F-35B fighter jets with the Izumoclass multi purpose helicopter destroyers (DDH), this fiscal year’s budget includes funds for the purchase of JPALS, developed by the US Navy and the Raytheon, as a landing guidance device to be installed on the Izumo, and for strengthening the flight deck and enlarging the windows of the air traffic control room on the Kaga DDH, which was scheduled to begin its modification in March 2022.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) budgeted for the purchase of eight F-35Bs, six in FY2020 and two in FY2021. The FY2022 budget allowed for the purchase of four F-35Bs. F-35B deliveries to the JASDF is expected to begin in FY2024. Nyutabaru Airbase, located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, is set to be their initial home base. Six aircraft will be deployed to the base in FY2024, followed by two in FY2025, and eventually one squadron (20 aircraft) will

Referring to repeated intrusions by Chinese vessels into waters near the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands, and gas field exploration by China in a contested area in the East China Sea, Kishida was quoted as saying that unilateral changes of the status quo will never be tolerated.

“Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow,” Kishida said on 5 May during a visit to London, as he called for Indo-Pacific leaders to recognise that the invasion of Ukraine was not just a European problem. At a press conference attended by AMR, when asked about the implications for Taiwan, he said: “We must collaborate with our allies and like-minded countries, and never tolerate a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force in the Indo-Pacific, especially in east Asia.”

He added: “Russia’s egregious aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law, which prohibits the use of force against a nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Democracies do not fight each other”

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the conclusion of the Anglo Japanese Alliance, and in June, two Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) vessels visited the UK, the training ship JS Kashima in London, and training destroyer JS Shimakaze in Portsmouth. According the Japanese embassy in London, these visits, in reciprocation for the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21’s visit last year to Japan, symbolises a 'new level' of defence cooperation between the two countries.

JS Shimakaze exercising with the Royal Navy.