February 28, 2021
February 27, 2021
February 26, 2021
Thailand to Upgrade Saab 340 AEW and Saab 340 SIGINT
The Air Force currently operates seven aircraft in its 702 Squadron Wing 7, which are the same Saab 340 with different functions and equipment which can be categorized as.
The Saab 340 AEW, equipped with Erieye radar system, is Thailand's first pre-alert aircraft. Both Saab 340 (numbers 70201 and 70203) are second-hand aircraft coded FSR-890 from the Swedish Air Force, which are supplied with supply twelve Gripen fighters some 10 years ago, making the 702 fleet one of only two fleets in ASEAN with the capability to use Airborne Early Warning or control and alert aircraft. The other is the Singapore Air Force 111 squadron, which operates four G550 CAEW or Conformal Airborne Early Warning.
The Saab 340 AEW is the only pre-alert aircraft to operate within the Air Force's air defense network. It serves as a floating radar to complement the ground radar system and connect data to the Air Force Air Defense Network at the ground station for control and command. Therefore there is no ability to control and command by itself or to put it simply, there is no C after the AEW word AEW&C.
The Royal Thai Air Force has a project to upgrade Saab 340 AEW to AEW&C standard in FY2021 with a budget of approximately 4,500 million baht, including :
1. Modified the capability of the Saab 340 AEW to the SAAB 340 AEW&C and supporting pilot training, operator and maintenance staff domestic or international.
2. This gives the aircraft the ability to analyze, alert and monitor both air and sea at the near Real Time level, as well as transmit tactical information via the Network to Command and Control units and Operating Unit. The ability to send tactical information to an operational unit, or in other words, to send information directly to the fighter without going through a ground control center, that's the key factor that sets AEW apart from AEW&C.
3.Technology transfer of the Airborne Early Warning Radar and Airborne C2 systems, as well as training studies to enable aircraft maintenance on a self-reliance basis.
4.Obtained the right to develop a tactical linkage system with Air Force aircraft. That should mean that the Air Force wants to mount the Link-T on the Air Force-developed Saab 340 AEW&C on board. Or even license the Air Force to install the Link-16 in the future if needed.In addition to the Saab 340 AEW, the Air Force has five other Saab 340s, which are general transports for use in the training and transport of personnel. Saab 340 numbers 70204, 70205, and 70206 as Signal Intelligence aircraft (SIGINT or Signal Intelligent). Saab 340 numbers 70202 and 70207, which is equipped with a signal intelligence device capable of both Communications Intelligence (COMINT), ie wiretapping from the communication network of enemy Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Intelligence obtained by intercepting other electronic signals that are not used in enemy communications, such as radar signals, weapon navigation systems to be used for electronic warfare equipment such as RWRs or jammer devices, as well as for designing Electronic Attack techniques (EA).
Both aircrafts are designed and installed on the Saab 340 as well, but information about the systems and capabilities of the two Saab 340 SIGINTs are not yet available, but one is expected. It will be an installation of IAI Israel's ELL-8385 Electronic Intelligence System, an Integrated Electronic Support Measures and Electronic Intelligence System designed for high electronic signaling environments and designed for remote electronic intelligence missions. The system is able to search, intercept, analyze, identify, classify and track radar systems for both land, air and sea to generate news reports and provide tactical and strategic news information to be used in defense design. Have In terms of the intelligence signal to consider antennas already installed on the aircraft body, expected to install the system Intelligence signs of Rohde & Schwarz, which is used to locate the direction (Direction Finding) of the signal, track and locate. Including wiretapping of the enemy communication network.
February 25, 2021
February 23, 2021
Airbus pitching C-295 MPA to Malaysia
Airbus has confirmed that it will be participating in Malaysia’s maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) tender by offering the C-295 MPA variant.
UAE unveils HAS-250 anti-ship missile
HALCON, a subsidary of Edge Group, has unveiled its HALCON AntiShip-250 (HAS-250) cruise missile at the International Defence and Exhibition Conference (IDEX) 2021.
February 22, 2021
February 18, 2021
Egyptian Air Force MIG-29M2 fighter jet firing what appears to be a KH-35 Subsonic Air-to-surface cruise missile
Egyptian Air Force MIG-29M2 fighter jet firing what appears to be a KH-35 Subsonic Air-to-surface cruise missile. pic.twitter.com/9dWFLwUrDY
— Mahmoud Gamal (@mahmouedgamal44) February 17, 2021
February 16, 2021
Indian Army records and monitors Chinese pullback in Ladakh’s Pangong sectors
#Disengagement pic.twitter.com/IFetmEQO3v
— Neeraj Rajput (@neeraj_rajput) February 16, 2021
Deinduction of #Chinese soldiers from Finger Area, falling back to Sirijap post and Khurnak Fort pic.twitter.com/LIVNhNkqSY
— Neeraj Rajput (@neeraj_rajput) February 16, 2021
Philippine Navy BRP Salvador Abcede PC-114 Set for Decommissioning in March 2021
Headquarters, Naval Forces Central – Commodore Ernesto O Baldovino PN led the send-off ceremony of BRP Salvador Abcede (PC114) in connection with its decommissioning ceremony which will be held on 01 March 2021 at Headquarters Philippine Fleet, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
BRP Salvador Abcede (PC-114) is a Tomas Batilo class fast attack craft that was commissioned with the Philippine Navy on 22 May 1996. It was transferred by the Korean government on 15 June 1995 and arrived in the Philippines in August 1995. It was later then upgraded under the Patrol Killer Medium-Republic of the Philippines (PKM-RP). In April 2016, it was reclassified as the patrol craft BRP Salvador Abcede (PC 114) in line with the Philippine Navy Standard Operating Procedures Nr 08.
Prior to the official send-off, CNFC conducted talk to troops and at the same time giving of the award to the sailors aboard the said vessel for their valuable services rendered while serving under the NFC’s area of responsibility.PC 114 is one of the many vessels of the PN set to be decommissioned partly to pave way for the new assets acquired by the Philippine Navy. The personnel will be utilized and train to handle the newly acquired assets of the organization.
To the valiant Officers and sailors of BRP Salvador Abcede PC114, we pay homage to your selfless dedication, commitment, and contribution in safeguarding and securing the Visayas region.
Vietnam buys 12 L-39NG aircraft
The jets will be delivered between 2023 to 2024. The value of the contract was not given but includes the training of pilots, instructors, ground crew and mechanics.
Vietnam had previously ordered 31 L-39s.
Second Singapore Type 218SG Submarine - RSS Impeccable - Touch The Water
Storms, freezing temperatures and drifting snow cannot stop submarine construction at the Kiel shipyard TKMS any more than the corona pandemic. On Monday the new submarine “RSS Impeccable” was pulled out of the building hall in Kiel. It is the newest submarine for Singapore.
The approximately 2200 tonne and 70 meter long boat "RSS Impeccable" is one of the largest submarines ever built in Germany.
Taiwan’s Antelope air defense system
The Antelope air defense system is an indigenous design from Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST).
OMNIPOL will Export 12 L-39NG Jets to Vietnam
OMNIPOL, a.s. and the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam have signed a contract for the supply of twelve L-39NG Jet Trainers. The aircraft, manufactured by Aero Vodochody AEROSPACE will be delivered during the period 2023 to 2024.The contract includes the acquisition of 12 L-39NG aircraft, plus the training of pilots, instructors, ground crew and mechanics. Also included will be the supply of aircraft spare parts, as well as the supply of equipment for ground-based training, logistics support or specialized airport systems. This will give the Customer the capability of complete pilot and ground crew training.
This is one of the largest Czech defence industry contracts in recent years, in the hi-tech sector of military aviation. The world-famous Czech tradition in the military aviation industry continues with the new L-39NG aircraft. Due to the involvement of many other Czech companies this project is, therefore, very important for the entire Czech Defence Industry.Jiří Podpěra, President of OMNIPOL commented on future cooperation: "We are proud to announce this crucial and strategic cooperation, which is an important milestone for the L-39NG project. The combination of a modern L-39NG training aircraft and the high professionalism of the Vietnam Air Force brings about the deepening and mutual development of relations between the Czech Republic and Vietnam."
This contract builds on the historically successful deliveries, to Vietnam, during the 1970’s and 80’s, of other Czech aircraft, namely, the Zlín Z-226, AERO AE 45 and the very famous L-39 Albatros aircraft. A total of 31 L-39s were delivered to Vietnam via OMNIPOL and their main purpose was to train new cadets.The L39’s are highly valued by Customers around the world, for their robustness, high-quality workmanship and simplicity of maintenance. Consequently, positive, and proven experience with Czech aircraft, especially being able to operate in harsh climatic conditions, is an important criterion for the purchase of the L-39NG by the Vietnam Air Defence - Air Force.
OMNIPOL is building on a very successful past reputation in the area of military aircraft exports, having been responsible for exporting, around the world, more than 2800 L-39 Aircraft.
Three Aircraft were Favorites for LCA
Pros and cons of the LCA/FLIT candidates. As reported previously, the RMAF is planning the procurement of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)/Fighter Lead-In Trainer (FLIT) within the next five years. RMAF had said that it had been given the go-ahead with the programme though it is still yet unclear when it will be green-lighted.Anyhow we know that the details of eight aircraft had been submitted to RMAF following the issuance of an RFI in late 2018 which made LIMA 19 a more lively event than it should have been.
Despite what has been said here or elsewhere, Malaysian Defence can surmised that – the L-39NG, T-7, L-15B, YAK-130 and the JF-17 – are ranked outsiders for the requirement for various reasons from being relatively new aircraft to subject to sanctions if purchased (CAATSA).With five of the eight in the outsiders category we are now left with three most likely candidates, the T/FA-50s, M-346 and the Tejas. The Tejas is the dark horse as it will be the one having the highest national interest quotient.
February 14, 2021
February 13, 2021
AMAN 2021 naval exercise featuring Russian Navy representatives kicked off today at the Pakistani naval port of Karachi
#Footage The large-scale #AMAN2021 naval exercise featuring #RussianNavy representatives kicked off today at the Pakistani naval port of Karachi https://t.co/TBOYrCR3Tx @RusEmbPakistan @PakistanNavy #RussiaPakistan #NavalExercises pic.twitter.com/HPgiLq663W
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
French Navy to operate Aliaca maritime version UAS
The French Navy will take delivery of the electrically powered fixed-wing Aliaca maritime version UAS from Airbus this year.
AN/SPY-6 being installed on future USS Jack H. Lucas
Work to integrate the AN/SPY-6 radar on the new Aegis Flight III guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), has started.
February 11, 2021
China to step back from disputed Himalayan border
China to step back from disputed Himalayan borderhttps://t.co/pubu91udpZ
— RT (@RT_com) February 11, 2021
Two aircraft carriers together in the South China Sea + 1 French A/C carrier
No your eyes aren't deceiving you, that's two aircraft carriers together in the South China Sea.#DualCarrierOps #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific @NimitzNews @chinfo @USNavy pic.twitter.com/AGQ7eHG3HQ
— The Official CVN 71 (@TheRealCVN71) February 11, 2021
Indonesian Navy Applies to Take Two Type 209/1400 from the Brazilian Navy
The Indonesian Navy is in an advanced stage of negotiations with the Brazilian Navy to take two of the four IKL-209 submarines belonging to the Submarine Force (Força de Submarinos - ForSub), which are being made available to the international market, due to the wide renovation of the flotilla of Brazilian submersibles.Indonesians operate two Type 209/1300 ships, commissioned in the early half of the 2000s, and three others, Type 209/1400, built by the South Korean group Daewoo under license from the German company Thyssen.
According to the American NGO “Nuclear Threat Iniative”, the most modern of these 1400 boats - 405 Alugoro -, launched at sea on April 11, 2019, has yet to be formally commissioned by the Indonesian Naval Force, which is expected to happen this year.According to the "Poder Naval", with a source from the Navy Command, in Brasilia, it reinforces the Jakarta Government's interest in Brazilian ships, the fact that the admirals of the Asian country positively see the possibility of maintaining themselves in the operation of submarines with German technology, as are the ForSub moored at the Almirante Castro e Silva Base, in Guanabara Bay.
Despite this, in 2006, the respected news agency "France Press" reported that Indonesians were considering purchasing a dozen new submarines from Russia (which sold six to Vietnam), South Korea or China.More recently, in October 2012, the “Jane's World Navies” yearbook reported that Indonesia's Strategic Defense Plan for the year 2024 argues that Indonesia is equipped with at least ten submarines.
Negotiations Under Way with Indonesia over Fighter Jet Project
South Korea is in talks with Indonesia about a joint project to develop a next-generation fighter jet, the head of the arms procurement agency said Tuesday, amid speculation that the Southeast Asian nation wants to quit the project.Indonesia agreed to partner in South Korea's KF-X project aimed at developing a new fighter jet by 2026, and promised to shoulder 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won (US$7.3 billion), or about 1.7 trillion won.
But Indonesia stopped making payments after investing 227.2 billion won, with around 600 billion won overdue."We are in the process of sounding out each other's position," Kang Eun-ho, chief of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, said during a press briefing. "We will elaborate in detail when the time is right."
Indonesia's initial goal was to procure aircraft for its air force and advance the country's aerospace industry through the partnership but foreign media have been reporting that the Southeast Asian nation is now pushing to sign a deal with France to purchase new fighter jets.South Korea has been working on the KF-X project since 2015 to develop a homegrown cutting-edge fighter aircraft to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets.
In September last year, Korea Aerospace Industries Co. got down to the final assembly of a prototype that is expected to be made public by April.When the development is complete, 40 units are planned to be delivered to the Air Force by 2028 and another 80 units by 2032, officials said.Meanwhile, Kang also vowed to thoroughly prepare to secure a light aircraft carrier for the military, saying that multiple researches are under way for the project."We will make thorough preparations to make sure there are no setbacks in pushing for the project when the budget is secured at the National Assembly," he said.
RUAG International Signs Contract for the Modernization of the RTN’s Dornier 228
The upgrade includes the installation of glass cockpits and new mission equipment as well as the modernization of avionics systems (photos : RUAG)
The Thai Navy uses its Dornier 228 to monitor the exclusive economic zone called the “200-mile zone”. The aircraft and their crews conduct ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Thailand for the purpose of border surveillance to combat illegal trade and fishing.Initially, RUAG will now be modernizing two of the seven aircraft in the Royal Thai Navy Dornier 228 fleet. This also includes transporting the aircraft to and from Thailand and providing training in the use of the new equipment. For the upgrade, the aircraft were disassembled on site in Thailand. Subsequently, an Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft flew the Dornier 228 to Oberpfaffenhofen, where the experts from RUAG MRO International carry out a comprehensive inspection. In the process, they remove the paint completely and eliminate any corrosion damage to the aircraft structure, which is now 25 years old.
The aircraft will be equipped with glass cockpits and modern avionics systems (COM, NAV). The interior, cockpit and aircraft cabin will also be revamped. It will receive modern mission equipment that will enable tasks to be performed more effectively and efficiently. These include a 360° search radar, infrared cameras as well as a mission management and data link for data transmission to ground stations and/or ships.Due to the aircraft modernization, pilots, crew members and technicians will need to be trained in the use of the new equipment. RUAG MRO International will therefore also organize training for crew members and technicians, partly in Germany and partly on site in Thailand. In addition, RUAG’s factory pilot team will be responsible for ferrying the modernized aircraft to Thailand.The Royal Thai Navy is dependent on the greatest possible availability of its aircraft to be able to continuously perform its sovereign tasks. “We are therefore doing everything we can to keep aircraft downtime as short as possible. Especially under the current conditions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, this is a challenge,” explains Thomas Imke, Sales Manager. Even sending a five-man team to Thailand for dismantling the aircraft involved considerable effort, given reduced flight connections and quarantine regulations. “These are challenges that we are happy to take on because the satisfaction of our customers is our top priority,” concludes Thomas Imke.
Exercise Winter Fury 21
VMFAT-101, VMFA-232 and VMFA-314 conduct a missile shooting demonstration and aerial refueling in support of Exercise Winter Fury 21, off the coast of Southern California, Feb. 5, 2021.
February 10, 2021
Philippine Navy Welcomes BRP Antonio Luna
The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), the second missile-capable frigate of the PN, as it traverses Philippine waters in the vicinity of Capones Island, Zambales today, February 9.FF151s sister ship, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) rendered the customary meeting procedure and passing exercise (PASSEX) followed by both ships first maneuvering exercises (MANNEX), a momentous feat in the PN and AFPs history captured by an AW109 naval helicopter in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX). This procedure was complemented by a fly-by of three FA-50 jets from the Philippine Air Force.This time-honored maritime tradition was conducted to commemorate FF151s arrival to our territorial waters and to extend and maximize the training and systems familiarization opportunities of every crew aboardship in preparation for independent ship operation.
Frigate Antonio Luna will sail in formation with frigate Jose Rizal through Manila Bay before proceeding to its anchorage area in Subic, Zambales where the crew and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) personnel will observe mandatory quarantine period. A simple arrival ceremony will be conducted later this month upon completion of the quarantine period and satisfactory result of their COVID-19 swab test.
The second fast-frigate of the PN which will be christened as BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) once commissioned to service, entered Philippine waters last February 7 in the vicinity of Mavulis Island, Itbayat, Batanes, after its successful maiden voyage from Ulsan, South Korea.The Department of National Defense and Philippine Navy joint inspection team earlier approved the acceptance and delivery of the said vessel to the Philippines.
Frigate Antonio Luna will complete the PN Frigate Acquisition Project that fulfills the PNs thrust of having modern platforms and systems that provide opportunities for its personnel to develop modern mindsets and propel the whole organization into becoming a multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nations defense and development.
February 9, 2021
Elbit Systems Awarded $46 Million Contract to Supply Armored Personnel Carriers to a Country in Asia-Pacific
Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems” or “the Company”) announced today that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $46 million to supply VBTP 6X6 Armored Personnel Carriers (“APCs”) to the army of a country in Asia-Pacific. The contract will be performed over a three-year period.As the prime contractor, Elbit Systems will supply the VBTP 6X6 wheeled APCs that were developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles (“Iveco”) in cooperation with the Brazilian Army.The VBTP 6X6 APCs will be equipped with Elbit Systems’ turrets and a range of the Company’s subsystems including electric drive and stabilization systems, fire control systems, TORCH-XTM battle management systems, E-LynXTM software defined radio systems, gunner and commander sights as well as life support systems.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, commented: “We are pleased with our continuous co-operation with Iveco, particularly with our capacity to contribute to the export efforts of the Brazilian defense industry. We believe that our strong portfolio of subsystems positions us advantageously to lead procurement programs of armored vehicles, especially as the missions they are tasked with become more diverse and increasingly networked.”
First F-35A Aircraft has been Inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) Maintenance Depot
The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maintenance depot as part of the next major milestone in the Joint Strike Fighter Program.Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the F-35A fleet was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations.“This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,” the Prime Minister said.
“This induction demonstrates the world leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia.“We want to give as many opportunities to Australian companies as possible which is why there’s already more than 50 local companies sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 Program.“As we recover from the COVID recession a key plank of our Economic Recovery Plan is our $270 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade and our $65 billion commitment in air capabilities which includes the Joint Strike Fighter Program. This investment is keeping Australians safe and secure while creating more jobs and more opportunities for businesses.”After being selected as the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade depot for the Southeast Asia region, the BAESA facility will host Australian F-35A aircraft and in future other nations’ F-35 aircraft.The Program is progressing on budget and on schedule and the aircraft is undergoing routine structural modifications to improve the airframe, ensuring it reaches full life, and align it with newer aircraft.Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds CSC said up to four Australian F-35A aircraft were expected to undergo routine maintenance at BAESA’s facility this year, demonstrating the significant boost the Program was having on the local Hunter economy.“The Morrison Government is unashamedly committed to building a robust sovereign defence industry,” Minister Reynolds said.“We are building our sovereign defence capabilities. We now have 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF’s F-35A maintenance capability continues to develop.”
This progress is being supported through the sovereign Training Support Services contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia, worth approximately $70 million. It will see more than 70 personnel employed at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.“This demonstrates the extraordinary opportunities this program is providing for Australians and the economy, especially as it continues to bounce back from COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said.Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the program had helped the people of the Hunter region weather the impact of the economic impact of the pandemic.“In 2020, job losses in the aeronautics industry due to COVID-19 resulted in the closure of Jetstar’s aircraft maintenance facility here in Newcastle, and many other regional facilities,” Minister Price said.
“BAESA recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.“Not only have these technical workers been retained in the local Hunter aviation industry, but they will also help Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability as the fleet continues to grow.”
February 8, 2021
IAI combat proven Loitering_Munitions deals under our belt, worth more than $100 mil to an Asian country
Monday morning and we have 3️⃣ combat proven #Loitering_Munitions deals under our belt, worth more than $100 mil.
— Israel Aerospace Industries (@ILAerospaceIAI) February 1, 2021
1️⃣ Land HAROP -> country in Asia 🏋🏽
2️⃣ Naval HAROP -> country in Asia 🏊🏼
3️⃣ ROTEM System -> foreign country 🤸🏽 pic.twitter.com/bdEU5UVeMO
February 6, 2021
Australia, PHL to Sign Framework Agreement for OPV Acquisition Project
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO has said that the Australian government and the Department of National Defense (DND) will sign an agreement, regarding the proposed construction of offshore patrol vessels (OPV), later this February.The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) interviewed the Australian ambassador during his visit to Cebu on January 29 to discuss plans for the upcoming 75th Australian-Filipino Friendship slated on May 22, 2021.
According to report by PIA.GOV.PH, the agreement will act as framework for underpinning the proposal to construct 6 OPVS for the Philippine Navy at Austral Philippines Pty. Ltd. in Balamban, Cebu Province in the next five years.Robinson said that the project will enable Austal “to employ 750 to 1,000 Filipinos at a critical time when the Philippines is experiencing unemployment issues due to the pandemic.”MaxDefense Philippines noted that the framework “gives Australia’s bid for the OPV Acquisition Project a boost, considering it is still competing against offers from South Korea, Thailand, and other countries like Turkey and other European countries.”
Australia's Morrison Government to Upgrade Army's Amphibious Capabilities
The Morrison Government will invest up to $800 million to acquire new fleets of Australian-built amphibious vehicles and landing craft that will be able to transport land forces with enhanced speed and protection.Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Army Littoral Manoeuvre – Light project, LAND 8710 Phase 1 will strengthen the ADF’s amphibious capabilities.“Today’s announcement delivers on this Government’s objectives, set out in the 2020 Force Structure Plan, to enhance the ADF’s amphibious capabilities, especially in Australia’s territorial waters and the near region,” Minister Reynolds said.
“These new vessels, introduced from 2026, will be larger, faster, and better protected to support ADF operations.“They will allow Defence to quickly and effectively deploy both domestically and to our near region, as well as remain engaged with regional security partners and support humanitarian assistance to our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific.“We have also seen the importance of the Army water transport capability most recently on Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20, evacuating Australians to safety off beaches and delivering much needed supplies.”Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Morrison Government’s investment in these fleets demonstrates its commitment to Australia’s defence industry.“Australian industry involvement will be maximised throughout the design, construction and sustainment phases of this project,” Minister Price said.“The new and enhanced platforms will use Australian industry’s expertise both during the detailed design and build phases to support the delivery of the Morrison Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan.”
“By taking this approach, the Morrison Government is also encouraging potential export opportunities for Australian industry through the design and build of this new capability,” Minister Price said.With two separate fleets to be acquired, the watercraft will provide independent shore-to-shore, ship-to-shore, and over-the-shore capabilities to better manoeuvre and sustain the ADF in littoral and riverine environments.Through the project, an Independent Landing Craft will be delivered to replace the Army’s existing LCM-8 vessels. This will present opportunities for Australian industry in the detailed design, build, maintenance and support elements of the project.An Amphibious Vehicle will also be built to replace Army’s current LARC-V which will offer significant opportunities for Australian industry in the vehicle’s design, build, maintenance and through-life support phases.
Kazakhstan unveils indigenous Chagall UAV
Kazakhstan has unveiled an indigenous unmanned air vehicle (UAV) dubbed Chagall. The drone is developed by the National University of Defense of Kazakhstan.
February 5, 2021
Australia, PHL to Sign Framework Agreement for OPV Acquisition Project
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO has said that the Australian government and the Department of National Defense (DND) will sign an agreement, regarding the proposed construction of offshore patrol vessels (OPV), later this February.The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) interviewed the Australian ambassador during his visit to Cebu on January 29 to discuss plans for the upcoming 75th Australian-Filipino Friendship slated on May 22, 2021.
According to report by PIA.GOV.PH, the agreement will act as framework for underpinning the proposal to construct 6 OPVS for the Philippine Navy at Austral Philippines Pty. Ltd. in Balamban, Cebu Province in the next five years.Robinson said that the project will enable Austal “to employ 750 to 1,000 Filipinos at a critical time when the Philippines is experiencing unemployment issues due to the pandemic.”
MaxDefense Philippines noted that the framework “gives Australia’s bid for the OPV Acquisition Project a boost, considering it is still competing against offers from South Korea, Thailand, and other countries like Turkey and other European countries.”
French Mistral-class helicopter carrier Tonnerre heading to Japan
February 4, 2021
February 3, 2021
February 1, 2021
C-130H arrives home in Philippines
The first of two C-130H cargo planes that the Philippines acquire from the United States has arrived home on Jan. 29.
Sri Lanka Air Force’s No. 5 Squadron marks 30th anniversary
The home of the Air Force interceptors No. 5 Squadron celebrates their 30th anniversary today.
The squadron stood up in 1991, revived the ‘Jet’ capability of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) nearly a decade after the Jet Provost trainers of the Royal Ceylon Air Force era and the MIG-17 of the 1970s were retired from service. At present, the squadron continues to remain on 24 hours readiness with interceptors kept in the quick reaction alert (QRA) readiness to be scrambled at a moment’s notice if any threat is detected within Sri Lankan airspace.
“The squadron has a rostered a crew of well-trained pilots and technical specialist to get the interceptors mission-ready and airborne at a moment’s notice,” the SLAF said, explaining that four F-7GS aircraft acquired in 2007 are equipped with air interception radar and air-to-air missiles to defence the countries airspace from any hostile intruders.
The squadron was formed with a number of F-7BS fighter aircraft, which did not have day and night operations capability and radar in 1991. In the interceptor role, the F-7GS has supersonic performance and is armed with a 30mm cannon and PL-5E air-to-air missiles. The role the interceptors are called on to perform requires highly competent and professional pilots and crew. Once airborne, the pilots have to well attuned to the air defence system and will need to make decisions fast and get them right in the first go,” a senior SLAF officer who wished to remain unnamed said.
“We have some of the best pilots in the region. Our pilots receive training in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China amongst others and we fuse that experience to mould the best out of the best. The No. 5 squadron is known within the force as the cradle of fighter pilots and that’s because we train all the jet pilots prior to them being assigned to any jet formation,” the SLAF officer explained.
A SLAF fighter pilot receives training for about two to three years and has to log several hundred flying hours before they are selected for a jet squadron, the SLAF said, adding that No. 5 squadron flies 150-200 hours of training sorties to maintain skill competency and practice tactics for a range of missions. The squadron continues training to maintain their air-to-ground and maritime strike capabilities.
According to the SLAF, two FT-5 jet trainers were initially acquired from China in early 1991 with four F-7BS fighters and an FT-7 trainer arriving later the in the year. The jets played an important role during the war in the 1990s and early 2000s providing air support from troops. The F-7BS was primarily equipped with 250lb bombs in the ground support role, the SLAF said.
“The F-7’s arrival enabled us to take an offensive air campaign against the LTTE and support the Army and Navy more effectively with airpower,” Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, one of the founding members of the squadron told Daily FT. Air Marshal Pathirana recalled the capability enhancement the F-7 fleet brought to the order of battle in ground support and air interdiction role to the war effort.
Commenting on the acquisition of the F-7Gs in 2007, Air Marshal Pathirana stated that the Chinese government was very helpful for supplying the jets on a soft loan basis and assisting with training and maintenance of the jets.
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