May 31, 2020
May 30, 2020
RQ-4s coming to Yokota Air Base, Japan again
The U.S. Air Force is deploying six RQ-4s to Yokota Air Base, Japan this week. This was disclosed in a notice from Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
Indian Air Force sends Chinook to village on the border with Myanmar
A Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter has been operating in the Vijaynagar area in Arunachal Pradesh. Less than 5 kilometers from the border with Myanmar.
May 28, 2020
South Korea to have indigenous CIWS by 2030
South Korea wants to replace its American-made close-in weapon system (CIWS) for its warships by 2030.
May 27, 2020
Philippine Navy Plans 50-Ship Maritime Force
Navy Plans 50-Ship Maritime Force To Strengthen Claims On Disputed Seas
According to a Philippine Navy source, “we are not competing with anyone” but only trying to “regain some respect from other countries in the region, show the flag and protect our own interests in the South China Sea.”
The Philippines plans to spend an initial P75 billion to build a 50-ship maritime force, including short-range missile-capable smaller and faster vessels to protect the country’s security interests in the disputed South China Sea, a senior naval commander said.
About 100 other support vessels and more than 30 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft are also being considered in the Philippine Navy’s force mix that could cost the government more than P100 billion in the long term.
“These are modest upgrades to build a credible force to catch up with other neighbors in Southeast Asia,” a flag officer, who requested anonymity, said.
“We are not competing with anyone. We are only trying to regain some respect from other countries in the region, show the flag and protect our own interests in the South China Sea,” he stressed.
The South China Sea is being claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague awarded the Philippines sovereign rights over several features within its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The PCA also invalidated China’s “nine-dash-line” claim over nearly the entire sea.
But China, which has built artificial islands in the South China Sea, including those claimed by the Philippines and other countries, has refused to recognize the arbitral ruling.
The Navy flag officer disclosed that at least four big-ticket items are in the pipeline under the military modernization program’s second horizon until 2023, to buy two corvettes, six offshore patrol vessels, two landing platform docks and eight fast attack interdiction craft.
“We have started the process of procurement and have identified specific supplies under government-to-government deals, which are faster because we need to play catch-up with the rest. We belong to a few countries that do not have missile-capable ships as well as anti-submarine warfare, mine sweeping and anti-air capability,” the officer said.
The Navy’s force mix plan will address these deficiencies, the flag officer says, adding that the acquisition will allow the Navy to retire its legacy ships, many of which are World War II-era vessels donated by the United States at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
The rest of the surface combat vessels will be acquired in the third horizon until 2028, excluding electric-diesel submarines that are very expensive.
“We have not abandoned the plan to acquire two to four submarines, but it will take time to train people who will man these vessels as well as build a base suitable for these sub-surface vessels,” the flag officer said, adding that they are looking at the experiences of Southeast Asian countries that operate submarines such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore.
Coronavirus Threatens Further Delays to Australia's JSF and Future Submarines
Australia's new fighter jets could be delayed after a US company foreshadowed a "slowdown" in production (photo : newcastleairport)
A parliamentary committee has been told a key milestone on the Future Submarine program has been pushed back, and the eventual cost of building the new fleet could reach $90 billion.
Meanwhile, Australia's next batch of Joint Strike Fighter aircraft could also be delayed after US defence company Lockheed Martin foreshadowed a production slowdown for three months due to the coronavirus impact.
"In response to COVID-19 F-35 supplier delays, Lockheed Martin is taking proactive measures to mitigate impacts and position the program for the fastest possible recovery," a company spokesperson told the ABC.
"The corporation is tapering its production rate over a three-month period, temporarily adjusting the work schedules for the F-35 production workforce in Fort Worth, Texas, and continuing to accelerate payments to small and vulnerable suppliers".
Australia is due to accept another 15 F-35s in 2021, as part of a $17 billion deal to eventually acquire 72 Joint Strike Fighters.
"A small number of Australian aircraft could potentially be delayed in the region of one to two months," the Defence Department told the ABC.
The department insisted that Australia's "full operational capability planned for 2023 is not expected to be impacted", despite the production delays in the United States.
Defence officials appearing before a parliamentary committee also warned the COVID-19 pandemic could further delay Australia's troubled $90 billion future submarine program.
A Preliminary Design Review originally due to be completed March 2020 is now expected to be finished in January 2021, despite a Systems Requirements Review also being months overdue.
The Defence Department's general manager of submarines, Greg Sammut, told the hearing that despite the impact of the coronavirus, he is relatively confident already missed deadlines can still be recovered.
"If I was to take into account the impact of COVID-19 and how that might play, and not to appear naive about the depth of that impact, we maintain a medium level of confidence that we can recover schedule by January 2021," Mr Sammut said.
The expected cost of building 12 new French-designed submarines has also blown out by a further $10 billion on top of the already expanded $80 billion price tag.
Defence and naval heads overseeing the project pointed to foreign exchange rates and inflation for the now estimated $89.7 billion cost to taxpayers.
Tony Dalton, the Defence Department's deputy secretary in charge of national shipbuilding, told the inquiry the future submarine project was exposed to the euro, US dollar and British pound.
"It could go higher or it could go lower depending on foreign exchange rate variations … I don't have a crystal ball," he said.
Following the hearings, Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick expressed scepticism that Defence would be able to catch up on delays.
"At every step they have been late but promised to make up time," Mr Patrick told the ABC.
RMN Adopts Similar Mothership Approach
ement, anti illegal immigrants and human smuggling operations during the Movement Control Order (MCO) dubbed Ops Benteng.
KD Gagah Samudera, a Samudera class training ship was deployed to the Straits of Melaka to serve as mothership for various patrol boats operated by the coast guards as well as the Marine Police.
Similar to the coast guard, these smaller patrol boats will rely on the ship’s long range radar detection as well as inputs from the patrolling aircraft above.
Adopting mothership concept during Ops Benteng will provide deterrent to stop the entry of illegal immigrant into the country as there has been concern that these illegal immigrants were infected by the coronavirus from China and that they could cause a resurgence of infection at times when data is showing a steady decline in domestic infection cases.
The operation also shows the flexibility of Samudera class training ship built jointly by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Malaysia’s NGV Tech. While their main role is for training of naval cadets, recruits and young naval officers, their systems on board allow them to perform patrol duties as Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).
All of the ships of the cf lass are equipped with a single MSI DS30M 30mm cannon and two M2HB Browning 12.7mm machine gun. The design of the ships features “fitted for but not with” concept similar to the Kedah class New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV) allowing the future installation of missiles and torpedo such as RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile(RAM) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) ,Exocet MM40 Block 2 Anti Ship Missile (AShM) and triple torpedo launcher. For the aviation facilities, both ship are able to accommodate one medium size helicopter for anti surface (ASuW) and anti submarine Warfare (ASW).
The RMN had high hopes for the South Korean design ships. In 2014, DSME receives contract worth RM1. 2 billion to build 6 Missile Surface Corvette (MSC) for the RMN. Utilising similar design of the Samudera class training ships, the MSC would augment the Kasturi and Laksamana class corvettes as well as replacing the Fast Attack Craft (Missile) boats.
The MSC will be equipped with Hyundai Wia K76L/62 76mm naval gun, two MSI DS30M 30mm gun, 4 units of Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM), two S&T Motiv K6 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), torpedo launcher and Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system.
Just like the Samudera class training ship, it has a heli deck that could receive a medium size helicopter. There are two cranes that could able to Deploy the ships’ Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB).
3 MSC will be built in South Korea while the rest will be built in Sijangkang, Selangor by NGV Tech. The first of the ship should be delivered to RMN by 2018.
NGV Tech was also supposedly build mini Dokdo class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) for the RMN but everything goes into disarray as NGV Tech enters into insolvency.
This caused significant delays of the completion and delivery into service of the two training ships.
Vietnam unveils VCM 01 cruise missile based on Kh-35
Vietnam has unveiled a new variant of its KCT-15 cruise missile which is a licensed copy of the Russian Kh-35.
Once again, Indonesia is late in paying the KF-X development fees
A report by Korean Herald says Indonesia has failed to make its annual payment for the development of the KF-X fighter. The country was suppose to pay $405 million last month.
On May 26, a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Anadyr Airport (UHMA), Russia
On May 26, a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Anadyr Airport (UHMA), Russia. The helicopter began spinning uncontrollably during takeoff, came down and burst into flames, killing the three crew members and engineer. #crash #aviation pic.twitter.com/54RkkqLfms
— Max Grishin (@GrishinMax) May 26, 2020
May 25, 2020
USS Portland conducts Laser Weapon System Demonstrator Test
Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) successfully disabled an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a Solid State Laser - Technology Maturation Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) MK 2 MOD 0 on May 16.
LWSD is a high-energy laser weapon system demonstrator developed by the Office of Naval Research and installed on Portland for an at-sea demonstration. LWSD's operational employment on a Pacific Fleet ship is the first system-level implementation of a high-energy class solid-state laser. The laser system was developed by Northrup Grumman, with full System and Ship Integration and Testing led by NSWC Dahlgren and Port Hueneme.
“By conducting advanced at sea tests against UAVs and small crafts, we will gain valuable information on the capabilities of the Solid State Laser Weapons System Demonstrator against potential threats,” said Capt. Karrey Sanders, commanding officer of Portland.
The U.S. Navy has been developing directed-energy weapons (DEWs), to include lasers, since the 1960s. DEWs are defined as electromagnetic systems capable of converting chemical or electrical energy to radiated energy and focusing it on a target, resulting in physical damage that degrades, neutralizes, defeats, or destroys an adversarial capability.
Navy ships face an increasing number of threats in conducting their missions, including UAVs, armed small boats, and adversary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. The Navy's development of DEWs like the LWSD, provide immediate warfighter benefits and provide the commander increased decision space and response options.
“The Solid State Laser Weapons System Demonstrator is a unique capability the Portland gets to test and operate for the Navy, while paving the way for future weapons systems, “ said Sanders. “With this new advanced capability, we are redefining war at sea for the Navy.”
Portland is the 11th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. While it is the third ship to bear the name 'USS Portland,' it is the first ship to be named solely after the largest city in Oregon.
Dambusters preparing to deploy aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth
The Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, are preparing to deploy aboard aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth next time.
Contract to build two helicopter carriers for Russian Navy awarded
TASS reports that a contract to build two helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy has been awarded to Zaliv shipyard.
Samurai Surge
Aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 459th Airlift Squadron and 21st Special Operations Squadron participate in the elephant walk portion of the Samurai Surge training exercise, May 21, 2020, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The Samurai Surge event also served as a training opportunity for aircrews to fine tune their skillsets and better prepare themselves to respond to humanitarian aid and disaster relief scenarios throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Juan Torres)
Thousands in Hong Kong protest China’s national security bill
Hong Kong is being destroyed right before our eyes
Plotting presence of China PLA on its side of the LAC with boats & possible tent accommodations
Satellite images from the #PangongTso sector now show the actual on ground situation, plotting presence of #China PLA on its side of the LAC with boats & possible tent accommodations .. mirroring the #India military base on the opposite end pic.twitter.com/XUeefQU3dm
— d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) May 24, 2020
May 24, 2020
5 Pakistan Army officers and a PAF Squadron Leader killed in faulty PIA Aircraft Crash
Five army officers and 1 PAF officer were among the passengers of the PIA aircraft that crashed at Karachi.
They included Maj Shahryar, Capt Ahmed Mujtaba, Lt Shaheer, 32-MED, Lt Balach, 50-SNT, and 2/Lt Hamza Yousuf. Hamza was going on his first leave to meet his family who could not even attend his passing-out due to the global pandemic.
Squadron Leader Zain-ul-Arif from 68th EC
Sad to announe that my school friend to Sqdn. Ldr. Zain Khan is no more with us. He was among the passengers of Karachi Plane Crash.
— Ayaz Samoo (@AyazSamoo) May 22, 2020
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Habibian Batch 2003 pic.twitter.com/uWBGGuu5m1
Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh since tensions errupted in the region last week over road construction about 5km from the LAC
Other newly* set up positions along the Galwan river on the Chinese side of the LAC look like this, mostly durable tents, vehicles and some structures. There are not any heavy weaponry or vehicles out in the open*. Together there are about 80 tents set up.
— Nathan Ruser (@Nrg8000) May 23, 2020
*as best I can tell pic.twitter.com/Qdg4WX4IyK
Japan has installed Auto-GCAS on its F-35A fleet
Japan has installed the automatic ground collision avoidance system (Auto GCAS) on its F-35A following a fatal crash last year.
May 22, 2020
India-Philippines Brahmos Deal Expected to be Signed in 2020
Philippines explores options to buy BrahMos missile from India
India and the Phillipines are in talks for the purchase of a number of defence platforms from India including the Brahmos missile, India’s ambassador to the Phillipines Jaideep Majumdar has said.
“There are discussions going on a range of weapons systems between India and the Phillipines. Once travel becomes possible, the joint committee that looks at defence logistics will meet discuss these things," Majumdar said on Monday.
The Philippines and India have had price negotiation talks for the BrahMos cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, with the aim of concluding a deal in 2020, two people familiar with the matter said separately.
The Phillipines is one among several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam that has shown an interest in purchasing the land and sea-based versions of the supersonic cruise missile.
The cost of the system was a key factor in Manila’s decision to equip the Philippines Army’s first Land Based Missile System Battery, which was raised and activated in October, one of the people cited above said.
Though India has offered a $100 million line of credit to the Philippines for defence purchases, Manila is exploring the option of acquiring the BrahMos system with its own funds to be allocated in the next budget.
In recent years, the Philippines has concluded several deals with India for personal protective items or bulletproof gear and armour plating for military vehicles. An Indian firm has also bid for a recent Philippines tender for bulletproof gear.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Philippines in 2017, India and the Phillippines had signed an MoU on defence industry and logistics cooperation to provide a framework for strengthening cooperation and coordination in logistics support and services, and in the development, production and procurement of defence hardware.
Indonesia
India is also exploring the possibility of selling the BrahMos to Indonesia, and a team from the Indo-Russian joint venture that makes the system visited a state-run shipyard to assess the fitting of the missile on Indonesian warships.
India has also held talks with Vietnam for the sale of the BrahMos, which was developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture set up in 1998. The Indian Navy inducted the missile on its frontline warships in 2005 and the army began inducting the BrahMos from 2007 after a series of tests.
Australian Industry to Develop New Hercules Training Systems
Sydney-based CAE Australia has been awarded a $26 million contract to upgrade an aircraft simulator and other training systems as part of the C-130J Block Upgrade Program at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, said Defence’s partnership with CAE Australia would deliver game-changing capability for the Air Force.
“This will equip Defence with a state-of-the-art C-130J aircraft simulator so that our Air Force can access the highest quality of training available,” Minister Price said.
“A modern training system closely aligned with the upgraded C-130J aircraft configuration is essential to providing a robust and safe capability.
“This partnership demonstrates CAE Australia’s in-country expertise in this field, and their commitment to supporting these Air Force capabilities.”
Minister Price said the contract would also create seven new full-time jobs over the next four years.
“The first students will commence training on the new simulator and training systems in early 2023, which is designed to train 16 pilots, 8 loadmasters and up to 100 maintenance crew each calendar year,” Minister Price said.
Lockheed Martin Continues Production of Sniper ATP for Indonesia and Thailand
Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a ceiling $485,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Department of Defense and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Sniper, Infrared Search and Track (IRST); and Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) navigation pod (fixed wing) hardware production.
This contract provides the necessary resources required for the management, fabrication, upgrade/retrofit, integration support and testing and shipping of its non-developmental item (NDI) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) System, NDI LANTIRN Fixed Image Navigation Set upgrades, and the NDI IRST system as it relates to the requirements document associated with each specific delivery order placed under this contract. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and various locations to be identified at the order level. The work is expected to be completed by May 2025.
This contract involves FMS to (this list is not all inclusive): Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $34,900,000 are being obligated at the time of award under delivery order FA8540-20-F-0034 for the country of Morocco. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8540‐20‐D‐0001).
May 21, 2020
First real time Distributed Test Operations of T-7A took place last month
Flight Test Engineers at Edwards Air Force Base was able to monitor flight testing of the Boeing T-7A real time for the first time using the Distributed Test Operations (DTO) on Apr. 30.
Eglin AFB lost another stealth fighter, this time a F-35A
A F-35A assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron has crashed. The incident happened while the jet was landing at Eglin Air Force Base.
Watch Norway’s F-35As in joint training with 2 B-1Bs
Two B-1B bombers from the 28th Bomb Wing joined four Norwegian F-35s in an exercise on May 20 in the Nordic region.
CVW-7 CAG clocks 5,000 flight hours
Capt. William Reed, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, clocked his 5,000th flight hour during a flight on a E-2D at NAS Norfolk on May 19.
He is the only Hawkeye pilot currently on active duty to fly 5,000 flight hours.
“It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, you’re always training,” said Reed. “It’s a thrilling job, flying around the aircraft carrier in a big plan.”
Reed will step down as CAG of CVW-7 in July.
B-1Bs flew over Sweden for the first time
Two B1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, integrated with four Swedish Armed Forces Gripens for the first time over Sweden during a long range, long duration Bomber Task Force mission May 20, 2020. Operations and engagements with our allies and partners demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability.
Police in China sometimes enforce traffic laws by forcing a motorcycle to crash
Police in China sometimes enforce traffic laws by forcing a motorcycle to crash. pic.twitter.com/HrLiPScBlZ
— Things China Doesn't Want You To Know (@TruthAbtChina) May 21, 2020
Australian Navy has welcomed its newest Air Warfare Destroyer into the fleet.
The @Australian_Navy has welcomed its newest Air Warfare Destroyer into the fleet. The 147-metre-long HMAS Sydney V is an Australian-built air warfare capability over an exceptional range, giving Navy a surface combat capability like never before. https://t.co/eFO8dOppoV pic.twitter.com/383FBy6o6z
— Department of Defence (@DeptDefence) May 21, 2020
May 20, 2020
Vostok 2018 - Russia, 13 September 2018, possibly one of the best satellite images to exist
"Vostok 2018" military exercise (paradrops) in Tsugol, #Russia, 13 September 2018, possibly one of the best satellite images to exist ! pic.twitter.com/WkVDa38s2X
— d-atis☠️ (@detresfa_) May 19, 2020
We fly together and we dive together A10
We fly together and we dive together #A10 👍
— Fighter-pictures (@fighterpics) May 19, 2020
video by (tankertoad87) on IG. pic.twitter.com/8nt3hy9Umc
Crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt simulating being at sea
More than 2900 sailors assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) have return on board the ship and they have started simulating being at sea while moored at Naval Base Guam.
Delivery of first two A330 MRTTs for NATO to proceed next month
NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) will take delivery of its first two A330 MRTT aircraft next month. The handover is at the Main Operating Base in Eindhoven.
Indonesia now has a woman fighter pilot
The Indonesian Air Force has trained its first woman fighter pilot who graduated today. Lt. Ajeng Tresna Dwi Wijayant will next report to Squadron 15 at Iswahyudi Air Base to fly the T-50i.
US Navy conducts maritime security operations in the Caribbean with littoral combat ships and destroyers
The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) sails in formation with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Farragut (DDG 99) while conducting maritime security operations in the Caribbean, May 11, 1020. (Picture source U.S. Navy)
RFS 434 Admiral Ushakov (former Besstrashnyy),a Sovremenyy Class destroyer in the Atlantic in 2004
I've had one storm like this in my life, but I still remember it. Sometimes I miss the days when I was a young Lieutenant and spent more time at sea than in my home port.
— Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) May 17, 2020
RFS 434 Admiral Ushakov (former Besstrashnyy),a Sovremenyy Class destroyer in the Atlantic in 2004. pic.twitter.com/aRVk9OlBhH
May 15, 2020
Turkish drone attack on truck filled with watermelons in Libya
Turkish drone attack on truck filled with watermelons in Libya.
— Research Wing (@ResearchWing) May 15, 2020
Watermelons are very essential in dessert and arid regions. Turkey is doing possible atrocities over Libyan people.
International organisations are blind over such activities. pic.twitter.com/bg5yA00hfc
Saudi Arabia orders 1,052 AGM-84 missiles
Saudi Arabia has placed a large order of AGM-84 missiles with Boeing. The company will deliver 650 AGM-84K SLAM ER and 402 Harpoon Block II missiles to the Gulf state.
May 14, 2020
Israel to deactivate 117th Squadron
The Israeli Air Force has decided to deactivate 117th Squadron, which operates the F-16C, in October. The move is part of the Momentum Plan initiated by the Israel Defense Forces to improve efficiencies and acquire new systems.
US, Australian Firms in Talks for Possible Take Over of Hanjin’s Subic Shipyard
American private equity firm Cerberus and Australian shipbuilder Austal are in final negotiations with authorities and banks for the take over of South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin’s shipyard in Subic, One News reported citing Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo.
“I was told the companies were about to complete due diligence and final negotiations before the outbreak of the coronavirus, which could delay the process,” Vice Admiral Bacordo said as quoted by One News.
The Navy chief noted that the deal could lead to establishment of repair facilities for United States Navy ships.
Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo said that Cerberus owns DynCorp, a military contractor and global service provider.
“There is a possibility the US Navy will move back its ship repair facility to its old home in Subic if the deal goes through,” Bacordo said.
He also said that “many of the workers in Hanjin had also worked in the US Navy base. Subic has one of the best port facilities in the world, with deep and secure harbors.”
The Navy chief also said that they prefer close allies to take over the facilities in Subic.
Parts of Chinese Long March 5B crash in Ivory Coast
The core of China’s Long March 5B rocket came back to Earth on May 11 but instead of landing in the Atlantic Ocean, parts of the rocket could have ended up in Mahounou, Ivory Coast.
Philippines Says US Attack Helicopters Too Expensive, Seeks Other Supplier
The Philippines is looking for alternative suppliers of attack helicopters as two models from the United States being proposed for acquisition are too expensive, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday.
The US State Department late last month approved the potential deal for 6 Bell Helicopter units worth $450 million (about P22.6 billion), or Apache attack helicopters made by Boeing and Lockheed Martin for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion (P75 billion).
The Philippines has a budget of P13 billion and can only buy 1 or 2 of the choppers if it proceeds with this deal, said Lorenzana.
"Hindi natin kaya iyon... Kaya tumitingin tayo sa ibang bansa ng attack helicopter na mabibili natin na medyo madami-dami sa halagang mabibili natin sa ibinigay ng gobyerno," he told reporters.
(We can't afford that. This is why we're looking at other countries for attack helicopters which will allow us to buy more units with the budget that the government gave us.)
This has "no connection" with Manila's withdrawal from its Visiting Forces Agreement with Washington in February, he said.
The Philippines will stop buying attack choppers if communist rebels halt their 50-year-old struggle, Lorenzana said.
Vietnamese Army Conducts Shtora-1 Active Protection System Demo
Those watching National Defense News last night were treated to 'red eyes' - a demonstration of the Shtora-1 active protection system on the PAVN's T-90S/SK MBTs. This demonstration took place in front of a visiting delegation to the 201st Tank Brigade.The Shtora-1 was designed to disrupt SACLOS ATGMs along with laser rangefinders/target designators, though it should be noted that some newer modern generation of ATGMS have been designed to bypass the system's IR dazzlers.
It would be interesting to see how well the Vietnamese Shtora-1 APS performs against the threat of enemy anti tank weaponry, specifically the Chinese "Red Arrow" series of anti tank missiles.
SAF Suspends All Large-Scale Overseas Exercises, Including Exercise Wallaby
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will suspend all large-scale overseas exercises, including Exercise Wallaby in Australia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a news release on Tuesday (May 12).
"Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SAF has suspended all large-scale overseas exercises, including Exercise Wallaby this year," said MINDEF.
"When conditions improve, Singapore may continue with smaller-scale training activities in Australia, in full compliance with their safety requirements to prevent the spread of disease."
Inaugurated in 1990, Exercise Wallaby is the SAF's largest overseas exercise and is held at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia.
MINDEF said bilateral ties with Australia continue to be strong, and that it looks forward to future editions of the overseas exercise.
"The joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in central and north Queensland will deepen defence cooperation and benefit both armed forces and defence establishments for many years to come," said MINDEF.
It added that it appreciates the "strong support" of the Australian government, the Australian Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force and the local communities of Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire for the SAF training there over the years.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Singapore had already suspended Basic Military Training since Apr 7 and deferred activities for its operationally ready national servicemen, in line with the nationwide safe distancing measures.
Training at the Officer Cadet School continues with enhanced safety measures, but overseas exercises have been cancelled. The commissioning parade will also be replaced with a smaller, modified ceremony without visitors.
May 13, 2020
7th destroyer Type 055, which was launched on May 11 at the Jiangnan Changxing shipyard
All Type 055 vessels besieged with technical problems with Chinese characteristics
Le 7e destroyer Type 055, qui a été mis à l’eau le 11 Mai au chantier naval Jiangnan Changxing, est bien d’air cette photo... encore faut-il le retrouver... 😅 pic.twitter.com/Bk4omtkbrX
— East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) May 13, 2020
Taliban supported by Pakistan Army behind maternity hospital attack in the west of Kabul, Afghanistan
Ghani Orders Forces into ‘Offensive’ Mode Against Pakistan backed Taliban
The unconscionable #warcrime in #Afghanistan today, targeting a maternity hospital and funeral, must awaken the world to the horrors civilians continue to face.
— ش🍁 (@saif_shahnaz) May 12, 2020
Humanity at its very worst😢
Lifting these families and their little ones in prayer.
May justice follow🙏#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/Q8S2B66Fjs
Ghani Orders Forces into ‘Offensive’ Mode Against Taliban#Afghanistan https://t.co/wtvehmwuBR pic.twitter.com/n0LBBypSmE
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) May 13, 2020