SEPTEMBER 2007 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6 MICA (P) 150/03/2007
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EDITORIAL 03 Comments & Questions
FEATURES ASIAN NEWS & FOCUS 6 German Defence Industry HEADLINES 10 Network Centric Warfare ASIAN OUTLOOK 34 News Update 14 Light Armoured Vehicles Review 30 Carat Exercise 2007 36 Indonesian Watch 20 Frigates and Corvettes Regional Report 32 Indonesian and USA Mil-to-Mil Progress 37 China Watch
SEPTEMBER 2007 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6 MICA (P) 150/03/2007
Editor Advertising Offi ces & Representation Italy Printer Ross Butler Australia & Asia GAME Srl Sunrise Printing & Supplies Pte Ltd Via Caffaro 13/10 Contributors Asian Press Group Pte Ltd 16125 Genoa, Italy Defence Review Asia Dzirhan Mahadzir PO Box 88, Miranda, NSW 1490 Australia Phone: + 39 010 589752 An Asian Press Group Pte Ltd Publication Phone: + 61 2 9526 7188 Keith Jacobs Fax: + 39 010 562193 Printed & Published in Singapore Jean-Michel Guhl ([email protected]) Fax: + 61 2 9526 1779 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Asian Press Group Pte Ltd Miroslav Gyürösi Russia & CIS Head Offi ce: Block 729 #04-4280 James C. O’Halloran Europe Olga Korobkova Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 Nicholas Merrett Diana Scogna VK Co. Singapore 560729 Robert Brooks 31 rue de Tlemcen Giliarovskogo str., 1, app.8 Registration: 200611219N S.K. Park 75020 Paris, France Moscow 129090, Russia MICA (P) 150/03/2007 Simon Watson Phone: + 33 1 4315 9829 Email: [email protected] Fax: + 33 1 4033 9930 ISSN 1834-6928 Singapore Advertising Materials Graphic Designer Email: [email protected] Olga Rouesnel Raymond Boey Israel Asian Press Group Block 729 #04-4280 Publisher Asa Talbar Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 Asian Press Group Pte Ltd Talbar Media Singapore 560729 PO Box 57136 Phone: + 65 6457 2340 Tel Aviv, Israel 61570 Fax: + 65 6456 2700 Phone: + 972 3 562 9565 Email: [email protected] Fax: + 972 3 562 9567 Email: [email protected]
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SEPTEMBER 2007 VOLUME 1, NUMBER 6 Mystifi ed intentions MICA (P) 150/03/2007 reveal China’s true
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GERMAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES REVIEW One of the principles of Sun Tzu’s Art of War is that The result is that it is diffi cult to determine whether FRIGATES & CORVETTES REGIONAL REPORT both friends and opponents should be mystifi ed as to China is an aggressive or benign power globally, which the true nature of a general’s intention. Therefore, it is is perhaps the intention of the Chinese government. not surprising that the Chinese government has taken For as long as China’s position is unpredictable region that the United States is neglecting the region this principle to heart, given recent events. and since no other country can fathom its goals or by not having the President or Secretary of State Rice On the one hand, China has announced its intentions, Beijing will be able to gain its strategic attending ASEAN’s major meetings this year. intention to resume reporting to the United Nations its objectives more readily. Given the situation in Iraq, one can hardly blame military expenditure and the sales of its conventional President Bush has appeared to take the view the President or Secretary of State for skipping weapons to other countries – after withdrawing from that China is a benign power, remarking that he was ASEAN’s functions this year when the South-East doing such in 1996, in response to United States’ not concerned about China’s military unless China Asian region does not face a situation as grave as sales of military equipment to Taiwan. Such a move is becomes hostile. Although one might note that Iraq. However, President Bush will be in Australia for clearly in line with the image of China being a benign China is hardly likely to initiate any aggressive moves the APEC summit, showing that the United States and responsible world-power, and also keeping in line regionally, particularly towards Taiwan. is committed to the region, although much of the with calls for China’s military to be more transparent. With the Beijing Olympic Games taking place in agenda will largely focus on trade and climate change However, it should be noted that such reporting is 2008, China is unlikely to do anything that would rather than security – save for the issue of North Korea very much dependant upon what China chooses to detract from its hosting of the Games, thus President and its nuclear program. How that particular issue disclose, and it appears doubtful that any arms sales Bush can afford to be sanguine on the issue of will be resolved depends to some extent as to how to countries under the current international spotlight China’s military. Notwithstanding, should China later much China (as the country with the most infl uence (such as Iran and Sudan) will be disclosed. become hostile, any concern is likely to fall upon with North Korea) will be willing to use its leverage On the other hand are the recent disclosures of his successor. This does not mean that the United to persuade the North Koreans to cooperate, which China hacking into the computers of the US and States is being cavalier as to concerns about China’s goes back to the start of this editorial – what China German governments, plus China’s continued support military, but the Pentagon has been carrying out a chooses to do, remains an enigma. Q of the Sudanese government over the Darfur issue two-pronged strategy, building ties and confi dence – all of which paints a picture of China behaving less with the Chinese military. Further, also building than benign or globally responsible. Notwithstanding, ties with its regional powers – particularly India – to Dzirhan Mahadzir it should be noted that hacking into and monitoring counterbalance China should it become a threat. another government’s IT infrastructure is probably Whilst China’s growing soft-power in the Asia- a practice carried out not only by China, but also Pacifi c region is much talked about, United by other major powers, although the Chinese have States’ engagement with nations in the region is had the misfortune of being discovered doing so. often overlooked, particularly in regard to military Likewise, given that China imports oil from Sudan, cooperation and engagement, which have been the Chinese government could excuse itself on not stepped up in recent years. Thus, it is somewhat doing much in regards to the Darfur issue, for fear of diffi cult to understand the general perception in the jeopardising its strategic energy interests there. Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN]
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 5 GERMAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY By Jean-Michel Guhl
LOOKING EAST AND EVERYWHERE The German defence industry today
Long gone are the days when the German defence KMW for armoured fi ghting vehicles. This is not to industry (including that of West-Germany, 1949- mention the modern gun producers like Heckler & 1990) produced mainly hardware “under license” Koch, whose MP-5 submachine gun is as famous from the USA for its own national use and those of and in as widespread use nowadays as the Russian NATO partners – ammunition, missiles or aircraft, AK-47 assault rifl e. with the famous (or infamous) Lockheed F-104G Just two years ago, during Chancellor Gerhard Starfi ghter looming high above others. Germany’s Schröder’s tenure, the German government released capacity to produce its own arms and military equip- its annual report documenting the number of German- ment grew simultaneously with the development of made arms exported abroad. The report confi rmed the Bundeswehr (West-German Army). But things an upward trend, with foreign sales reaching an all have changed rapidly since the mid-1970s, and even time high of €1.3 billion in 2003 (compared to €318 more since the end of the Cold War in Europe. The million in 2002 and €367 million in 2001), and fi rmly ensuing German reunifi cation brought back an in- establishing Germany as the world’s fourth largest tense sense of national identity and the necessity to arms producer. In December 2005, the Gemeinsame make the old Teutonic nation a model for the entire Konferenz Kirche und Entwicklung [GKKE] – an continent, both in terms of democracy and econom- ecumenical body of German churches and a keen ic effi ciency for all. Alongside the plush Mercedes observer of Germany’s well- and wrong-doings in the vehicles and the trendy Porsche coupés (which are arms export business – presented its latest fi ndings seen to be as world-acclaimed examples of German on weapons exports, revealing that Germany is savoir faire), the largest European country has also second only to France when it comes to arms been boosting its trade balance to high peaks on ac- exports from the European Union. It accounts count of its sizeable arms exports. for some 5 percent of the international world “Being almost a mirror image of what exists on arms market today, and latest export the other side of the Rhine, in France, the German data show deliveries to all of Egypt, defence industry with its high-tech capacities in Israel, South Korea, India and the air, sea and land military systems, also sees Indonesia. itself more than before as the mainstay of German foreign and security policy,” notes Franck-Emmanuel Caillaud, a Paris-based defence analyst working for Risk & Co, a specialised industry consultant. At least thanks to one world-known company –
European Aeronautic Defence & Space JEAN-MICHEL GUHL [EADS], a consortium shared with
France and Spain – Germany is Eurofighter at Le Bourget, Paris Airshow 2007 today regarded by the average European citizen as a strong global player, capable at fending German Defence Industry Committee (or Ausschuss off any competitor worldwide on a Verteidigungswirtschaft [AWV]). very large gamut. But there is more The industry is responsible for equipping the to it. In 2002, the German government approved Bundeswehr (united German Army) with the best weapon exports worth some €3.2 billion – a bright possible devices currently available on the market, Small Arms Success result somehow in contradiction with the industry’s and not least in providing the best levels of protection authorised vocal: “Combining core competencies and ensuring maximum security for German soldiers Besides the successful consolidated European jewel and state-of-the-art technology, which make intra- – who are now more and more deployed overseas represented by EADS in the aerospace business (with European and transatlantic cooperation’s signifi cant to for peace-making missions under the EU, NATO or its reputed Eurocopter subsidiary, today the number full extent, the German defence industry is of strategic UN fl ags. one rotorcraft manufacturer in the world), Germany importance. Its main role is to fulfi l its responsibility Undeniably, in Germany today, the need to maintain also solidly exists by itself notably within the naval to the Bundeswehr and the Bundeswehr’s allies, adequate defence capacities refl ecting the ‘new’ and land defence industries – where leading the for whom the German defence industry produces military importance of the country (and its obligations way are names like ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems high-tech products, which are held in high regard towards its European partners and NATO allies) are [TKMS] for ships and submarines or Rheinmetall and worldwide,” says Friedrich Lürssen, Chairman of the eminently related to security, as well as related to the
6 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA GERMAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY
economy and technology, insofar as the export of drawing together and defi ning what are the industry’s export order books are, the situation will remain defence hardware signifi cantly reduces the amount policies and interests in defence and armaments. In relatively unfavourable in the short term if no rise which each of the 80 million Germans have to pay for addition, the AWV functions as a contact partner for occurs in the defence budget. their national defence. “Acknowledging the country’s politics and media, giving the defence industry a more leading economic role in Europe and in the world, identifi able face and voice – something quite new in Consolidation a country where the souvenir of the steel barons’ ties the preservation of adequate Companies operating in the German defence sector with the past are more than a vivid scar. national development and are organised on a private enterprise ownership Slowly and nearly unnoticed, over the two past production capacities is basis and are fi rmly rooted in the market economy decades the German defence industry has become regarded as an essential system. Accordingly, the decision to operate within one of the country’s main exporters. In fact, in the prerequisite for providing the the defence sector is strictly a business one made by last ten years, German arms exports have tripled. German Armed Forces with the management of each company. Amazingly enough, the German defence industry suitable equipment to fulfi l Like in all other European countries with a strong has overcome numerous setbacks, including during their missions, and to be able defence industry, Germany has overcome the the fi rst half of the 1990s, the future of the aerospace to maintain the international bottleneck of the 20th century ending by consolidating and defence industry in Germany (and the rest of dialogue and cooperation” both at the national and European levels. Prestigious Europe) was overshadowed by reduction in defence adds one member of the German names like Dornier, Messerschmitt-Bölkow- budgets, an intensifi cation of competition in export Blohm (and others) do not exist markets and the creation of industrial giants across any longer. Along with France’s nationalised aviation companies of the 1980s (as well as with CASA of Spain), they all continue to live, but under the high-fl ying banner of EADS, today a tri-national fi rm which is the number one defence company in Europe and the number two company in the world. Recently on the German scene, the merger of six different shipbuilding companies, located in three different European countries, under the “roof” of TKMS the Atlantic. Observers were generally has brought together shipyards – most in operation pessimistic about the future of the European defence industry, highly fragmented and doomed by for more than one hundred years. Together, these six overcapacity. Its consolidation and rationalisation shipyards have delivered more than 3,000 merchant appeared likely to be extremely diffi cult to implement and naval ships and for the past 45 years, more than owing to its unique nature and sensitivity, although all 160 submarines. Essentially, the group comprises unanimously agreed same as being essential. But Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft and HDW-Gaarden AVW – which remains heavily backing the commercial sector to the defence sector in Kiel, Nobiskrug in Rendsburg, Blohm & Voss and dependent on governmental – and vice versa – has created a new “dual” capacity Blohm & Voss Repair in Hamburg, Nordseewerke in decisions and orders. for the larger groups which made export more likely. Emden, as well as Kockums in Sweden and Hellenic Shipyards in Greece. As the 75 percent stockholder, Notwithstanding, it is also a sector Today, the industry appears in better condition than ThyssenKrupp has assumed industrial management of strategic importance whereby the State the gloomy forecast observers might have been led of TKMS, with One Equity Partners [OEP] owning the plays a dual role, having a monopoly on defence to believe. European defence companies (including remaining 25 percent stake. procurement, at the same time as being the key German companies) made genuine and strenuous The German defence industry can be divided up mechanism which controls all exports. Unlike the efforts to adapt between 1990 and 1995 – a key into the following relevant sectors:- UK, France or Italy, Germany maintains draconian period, especially in terms of workforce. And they rules on arms exports, forbidding sales to areas of still do make efforts to adapt, although against strong - Aerospace construction; social reluctance, as shown with the Airbus Power 8 tension. However, this has not stopped German - Naval shipbuilding; reduction plan launched in mid-2007 by EADS. defence companies delivering handguns, tanks and - Land systems; warships worldwide. Not to mention the fact that - Weapons and ammunition; whenever France succeeds in supporting the sale Future Prospects - Electrical engineering and electronics; of an EADS-tagged weapon anywhere on the export With the new millennium, the industry entered into market today, Germany remains an indirect but large a phase of progressive stabilisation due to a rise in - Precision engineering, optics and optronics; benefactor of such a deal. export levels, favourable conditions in the commercial - Commercial vehicles. Whilst the AWV was founded in 2000, it already aircraft market and also due to a situation wherein Very much like in neighbouring France, and much existed as a low-key working task group since defence budgets were approaching stability. Under less like in Italy and the UK, a considerable amount 1987. For nearly a decade now, the AWV has been these conditions, turnover recovered to its earlier of overlapping is to be found in the German defence representing the defence industry to politicians, the levels, and most of the major defence companies industry, with regard to its systems and business public and industrial interest groups – both at national reported good fi nancial results. However, for the activities. Thus, the products of the weapons and and European levels. The AWV’s activities focus on future, no matter how satisfactory the state of the ammunition industry, electrical engineering and
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 7 GERMAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY
also being offered for sale to other Asian countries, as well as Israel, India and Pakistan. In the wake of Franz-Josef Jung, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, recent visit in Islamabad (Pakistan), provoked much commotion in the ranks of the German SPD and Green party opposition. All in all, the shipyard alliance represents a sales volume of around €2.2 billion and presently employs a workforce of approximately 8,000 people. TKMS perceives itself as a systems supplier commanding a strong position in the market for naval vessels and is boldly calling for the creation of a “naval Airbus company,” with DCNS and Thales Naval, of which it could be the exaltor and leading body. Besides EADS (who controls the Eurocopter Group and Eurofi ghter GmbH and a few other entities in Germany) and the massive TKMS ship builders (who leads the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft concern), the main German defence actors today are: - Atlas Elektronik GmbH A naval/marine electronics and systems business, The Eurocopter EC 135 (as well as the closely related EC previously a subsidiary of BAE Systems until 145) model is built in Germany by Eurocopter-Deutschland December 2005 when it was sold to ThyssenKrupp with components supplied by Kawasaki in Japan. and EADS. TDW (Gesellschaft fur verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme) electronics can also be found to a great degree in sale of four Meko A-200s to the South African Navy, the land systems industry, as well as in aerospace the Malaysian Navy has ordered six Kedah Class The European leader in the development and and in naval shipbuilding. This phenomenon should (Meko A-100) corvettes, with the fi rst two (KD Kedah manufacture of warheads for guided weapons. disappear over the next few years through more and KD Penang) having been built in Germany and Among the products developed by TDW are the intuitive consolidations, judged to be mandatory to assembled in Malaysia. These were delivered to Mephisto tandem penetrator for the Taurus KEPD render the European fi rms more competitive on the the PSC Naval Dockyard, Malaysia for fi nal outfi tting 350, the tandem shaped charge warheads which export market. and Forming the KSS-2 Class, the submarines are equip the MILAN, HOT, and PARS 3 LR (formerly The broad range of defence products, their marketing success at home and internationally (despite considerable export restrictions) and the The new Milan ER (Extended Response) prominent role played in international joint ventures now being manufactured by MBDA illustrate the operative capability of the German has been very recently ordered in large defence industry. In particular, three German batches by India and Libya. companies –Daimlerchrysler Aerospace AG [DASA] (which is now part of EADS), Diehl Stiftung and Rheinmetall Delec – were all instrumental in pressing forward and shaping the restructuring, consolidation and international orientation of the defence industry in Germany in the last decade. Malaysian success in shipping Ranking fi rst with EADS is certainly the shipbuilding industry – frigates and submarines. The Meko A combat ships (designed by Blohm and Voss) evolved from the Meko family of ships, which have been in operation with many navies around the world since the 1980s. The Meko A family includes the 1,650t Meko A-100 multi-purpose corvette and the 3,500t Meko A-200 frigate. Improvements include increased payload share of ship displacement, stealthy design, advanced propulsion system and combat systems with modular open architecture. After a successful
8 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA GERMAN DEFENCE INDUSTRY
TRIGAT LR) anti-tank weapon systems, the hunter and Kılıç class fast attack missile corvette historic eastward enlargement of NATO and the fragmentation warheads for ESSM, ASRAAM, specially buily for the Turkish Navy. EU has meant that the amount of work for the Sidewinder, RAM, and Meteor, the blast/ Krauss-Maffei Wegemann [KMW] German defence industry has grown in volume fragmentation warheads for NSM, the warhead One of the world’s main armoured fi ghting vehicle and importance. Today, many new members of for ALARM and the PAC-3 “lethality enhancer.” designer and producer, including the Leopard 1 and the Atlantic Alliance are acquiring German-made TDW is now part of the European guided weapon 2 tanks; the PzH 2000 howitzer; the Gepard anti- equipment. In parallel, previous export successes company, MBDA, following the integration of LFK aircraft artillery; the Dingo 1 & 2 armoured trucks; in the Asian area have made German military GmbH. the Panzerschnellbrücke 2, the new Grizzly 6x6 hardware very attractive to many developing Third based on an IVECO chassis), the GTK Boxer (made World nations with booming GNP. India today and Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co KG with the Netherlands), the MARS (or M270 MLRS China tomorrow constitute a major sales target An arms manufacturer founded in 2004 as result of built under license from Vought); the new Mungo for the German defence industry, as well as South the merger of Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik GmbH ESK armoured truck (made with Rheinmetall); the Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. With and Diehl Munitions Systeme GmbH & Co. KG and new Puma IFV and the Fennek (also made with the India’s current plan to replace some 200 veteran produces mainly missiles and ammunition. Diehl Netherlands). Alouette III/Chetaks by acquiring EC 145 class recently developed a progressive new seeker for a Rheinmetall AG helicopters for its Army, it could become a fi rst new type of short-range air-to-air missile – the IRIS-T. A huge automotive and defence company with a for Eurocopter-Deutschland. As also with South The Luftwaffe and other European air forces are long tradition of making guns and artillery pieces, Korea, with South Korea’s KHP/KUH medium currently adopting this missile, which reportedly providing special high-quality components for small helicopter joint-venture programme which is has a far better combat performance than the latest arms, in addition to its heavy weapon production. In 1993, Rheinmetall acquired the Mauser AG, and destined to replace all of the Bell UH-1s in the version of the Sidewinder (AIM-9X). Diehl plans to in 1996 and 1999 acquired the majority share- Korean Armed Forces during the next decade. deliver 4,000 IRIS-T missiles by 2011. The IRIS-T holdings of STN Atlas and Oerlikon Contraves, all of EADS is also teaming with BAE to promote the sale short-range IR-guided air-to-air missile is the only which are major European defence companies with of the Eurofi ghter to India, while New Delhi could multinational missile development programme to signifi cant interest and customers in Asia. Many of be soon be allowed to participate in the fi nancing be currently underway with Germany as the lead the armoured fi ghting vehicles sold under the KMW and development of the Galileo European GPS nation. Diehl BGT Defence also is the parent brand are actually produced with Rheinmetall as programme led by EADS Astrium. The German company behind the PARS 3 LR missile due to main partner. defence industry’s eyes today are turned toward equip the German Tiger helicopters. With the start of the new millennium, as one of the the East, in the direction of the rising sun, eager LFK-Lenkfl ugkörpersysteme GmbH world’s main designers of high-tech weapons, the to catch the fi rst rays of gold. Q Now part of MBDA as MBDA-Deutschland and produces the air-surface-cruise missile Taurus KEPD 350, the Anti-Tank Guided Weapon Milan, Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS) turret. Rheinmetall Canada (previously Oerlikon Contraves) is the prime supplier of ground-based the new medium range air defence System MEADS, air defence systems to Canada’s land force. the US air defence system MIM-104 Patriot PAC- 3, the Lenkfl ugkörper Neue Generation (LFK NG), the Anti Tank Missile Trigat-LR (PARS 3 LR) in cooperation with Diehl, and the US Close-in- Weapon-System RIM-116 RAM for ships. Heckler and Koch [H&K] A weapons manufacturer famous for various series of small fi rearms, notably the MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 personal defence weapon, USP series of handguns, high-precision PSG1 sniper rifl e, and the famous G3 and G36 assault rifl es. Many Special Forces and security organisations in the region use H&K because of their extreme precision, durability, reliability and accuracy of its fi rearms. Lürssen Werft Shipbuilder, designer and yacht builder, naval ships and special vessels, including six RMN ships of the Jerong class built by Hong Leong-Lurssen, in Butterworth in1976, Jaguar class fast attack craft; Seeadler class fast attack craft; Zobel class fast attack craft; Tiger class fast attack craft found in many foreign navies; Frankenthal class mine
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 9 NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE By Robert Brooks TAKING ON THE NETWORK
or over a decade the buzzword for those involved in analysing armed forces trends and transformation has Fbeen network centric warfare (NCW). The phrase can trace its roots to 1996 when the US Joint Chiefs of Staff released ‘Joint Vision 2010’, which outlined how American forces would fi ght in the 21st Century and called for ‘full spectrum dominance’. In 1998 NCW was used as a distinct term in understanding how to achieve that dominance by Vice Admiral Arthur Cebrowski and John Gartska in a paper given to the US Naval Institute and quickly gained currency within military circles. In essence NCW is about developing a ‘system of systems’ that allows the warfi ghter to dominate the battlespace and his opponent. To achieve this, the commander and his subordinates need to have access to more timely and accurate intelligence. The belief is that by leveraging information technologies (IT) developed in the commercial world and tailoring them to military needs forces can pursue information dominance and get inside the decision making cycle of the enemy. As a result, the network is placed at the centre of the transformational change because without it the soldier cannot access the information and build the operational picture that allows the commander to dominate the battlespace and react swiftly to the situation. NCW is, therefore, not just about technology but also about organisation and the dissemination of information. Readers should not see it as only about technological superiority, but about the application of technology to enable critical effects. Despite this, technology is the key enabler of NCW and as such is integral to its implementation, especially in one of the homes of technology worship. A developing doctrine Since the late 1990s the US armed forces have unerringly followed this doctrine and taken it into their various confl icts allowing it to shape the structure of the armed forces, their equipment and how they operate. All major US procurement projects now hinge on how systems will develop and inform the network. Indeed, without the network some projects, such as the US Army’s Future Combat System, would be unfeasible. In terms of conventional forces most analysts argue that the US military’s mastery of NCW and its general technological superiority has left it without a near peer. Despite the diffi culties faced in the US’ Global War on Terror there is a continued belief within the US that NCW and high-tech solutions will also be able to master asymmetric threats. The rapid invasion and overrun of Iraq showed how the US is beginning to use its information superiority to its advantage to take on and overcome an opponent. It is clear that any modern armed forces aspiring to success in modern high-tempo conventional operations must take the doctrine of NCW as developed by the US seriously. In fact, either seen from the point of view of an ally or a potential opponent, an understanding of the central tenets of NCW and their integration
10 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA Future Combat Systems Class I UAV. All of the systems in FCS are expected to be part of the US military network.
NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE
into existing force structures is must. For those Singapore is also looking at how to restructure its As might be expected the US armed forces are wanting to work alongside the US this will become forces and learn from the US. The city state is in the furthest ahead in procuring the technology to fully increasingly diffi cult if they cannot integrate into the process of developing a joint command structure and develop the NCW doctrine. The US Department US network. For those that may potentially come installing new communications technologies. “of Defense (DoD) has mandated that the Global up against the US then an understanding of NCW India is also investigating how it can restructure Information Grid (GIG) will be the primary technical and potentially an emulation of the doctrine will be its forces and take advantage of NCW. New Delhi is framework for supporting NCW. The GIG is an necessary if contingency plans call for going head to keen to implement a number of large communications all-encompassing communications network. It is head with US forces. projects that would give the country the backbone defi ned as the globally interconnected, end-to- infrastructure to implement NCW systems. However, end set of information capabilities, associated Taking NCW beyond the US the notoriously slow bureaucracy may make it diffi cult processes, and personnel for collecting, processing, storing, disseminating, and managing information on However, NCW is not in itself a universal solution and for the country to really take advantage of NCW. the doctrine as practised by the US is not necessarily India’s one big advantage will be its skills base with the solution for other nations. The resources that the the largest density of computer programmers outside US can bring to bear are formidable and a network of Silicon Valley being in the country. by itself is not a war winner without the right sensors For those that may and effectors to make a commander’s plan a reality. Making NCW a reality Despite this, the central tenets of NCW, such as Unlike other doctrinal shifts that are either come up against the superior situational awareness and high operational organisationally or training driven NCW is heavily reliant US an understanding of tempo, have been melded by other nations to more on the IT to implement the vision. In effect, NCW is comfortably fi t national institutional cultures and the armed forces attempt to harness the technologies NCW and potentially an resources. In the UK NCW has become Network of the computer and communications revolution that emulation of the doctrine Enabled Capability and in France offi cials have coined is now moulding modern society and creating, at the term, ‘La bulle opérationnelle aéroterrestre’ least in the West, the ‘information society’. Just as will be necessary. computers and the Internet have revolutionised how (BOA). businesses communicate and exchange information, In the local region the US NCW doctrine is being the armed forces, and in particular the US military, most strongly emulated by its closest allies. Australia is hoping to revolutionise how commanders and demand to warfi ghters, policymakers, and support has a number of projects underway to develop its own individual soldiers communicate, cooperate, and go personnel. As a result, it will include all owned and network. It is upgrading communications capabilities about the business of war. leased communications and computing systems and and Joint Project 2030 is seeking to address the The premise of NCW is dependant on the armed services, software, system data, security services, need for a support environment including situational forces having the capability to develop a network and other associated services that the DoD deems awareness tools and operational planning systems. comparable to those used by business. Yet, at the same necessary to achieve information superiority for the The Republic of Korea is also keen to take advantage time the military has a number of requirements that make US armed forces. of what NCW can offer as it progressively takes on building that infrastructure more diffi cult. It needs to be “ Below this high-level infrastructure all future more of the burden of its defence from the US. more mobile, more secure, more easily used, and more programmes are being developed with one- Seoul is in the process of a major restructuring of robust than civilian infrastructure. At the same time the eye towards NCW. Command and control (C2) its forces that will see numbers fall at the same time slow pace of change in military systems means that it systems will be integral to enabling the warfi ghter as it takes on more of its defence. The aim is to build must readily integrate with legacy systems and is likely to understand and process the information available more agile forces that with the help of networked to be in place for far longer than comparable systems in through the GIG. The US Navy has been, in effect, capabilities will be able to deliver precision effect. civilian, consumer society. running a small experiment of a full NCW armed force through its Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) project. The aim of CEC is to revolutionise naval air and missile defence, not by adding new layers of RAYTHEON sensors and weapon systems, but by distributing sensor and weapons data from existing systems in a new way. CEC fuses high quality tracking data from participating sensors and distributes it to all other participants in a fi ltered and combined state, using identical algorithms to create a single, common air defence tactical display. Another important programme is the already mentioned FCS, which is the centrepiece of the US Army’s new medium-weight force. The important point is that the army expects FCS to ‘punch above its weight’ being able to take on numerically superior adversaries and some heavy forces because all the systems in FCS are expected to be part of the network and, similarly to CEC all sensor information will be shared giving FCS a common battle picture and allow cooperative engagement of targets. As result, proponents expect FCS to be able to cooperatively engage targets and exchange information, which will be completely dependent on the network. The US Air Force’s Distributed Integration Backbone was developed as part of its Distributed Common Ground System 10.2 upgrade12 DEFENCEProgram, modernising REVIEW theirASIA distributed ISR systems, creating a worldwide, real-time sharing information network for all of the US military’s services. NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE
Modest development Beyond the US, progress has been more modest with efforts targeted at improving communications and C2 systems. However, even here modest improvements can have a major effect. The UK is fi nding this with
its new Bowman tactical communications system. Bowman offers secure communications and data transmission. Data transmission in particular is important because it gives forces the capability to share far more information than was previously
possible, which is combined to offer a shared operational picture. For countries in Asia seeking to gain advantage from the NCW doctrine better communications infrastructure will be one of the main starting points. “A number of countries in the region are in the process of purchasing more advanced communications systems that are available from domestic sources as well as major manufacturing hubs such as the US, Europe and Israel. The main ambition is to develop secure voice and data communications that will be the carrier for the C2 systems that will transform armed forces into networked forces.
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter What China currently Pace, U.S. Marine Corps, meet with Lt. Gen. Zhang lacks is some of the Qinsheng, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the PLA, China, in Singapore. data transfer systems to
really take advantage Last year, Beijing published a defence White Paper them. Research is being conducted into self-healing of NCW. that showed the level of interest it is taking in NCW. and self-organising networks. Security is also seen The paper stated that ‘military competition based as a major issue and encryption technologies are on ‘informationalization’ is intensifying.’ Alongside rapidly developing. These measures will need to the push on decentralised networks the PLA is also continue to get better if they are to overcome worries China implements US lessons looking at the other end of the chain by developing about the viability of NCW in a communications poor or denied environment. One military that has taken the lessons of NCW integrated precision strike weapons and better and recent US victories to heart is China’s People’s sensors, such as its own airborne early warning Looking in to the future Liberation Army (PLA), which is in the process of aircraft. At the same time, the PLA is also looking There is no doubt that the NCW doctrine has led to a a major NCW transformation according to local at ways that it can disrupt any potential opponent’s revolution in how the military conducts its business. reports. Beijing is devoting enormous energy and network. As well as its own efforts to digitise, the PLA The US armed forces lightning campaign against resources to pursuing the development of a modern is“ also putting resources into developing advanced Iraq in 2003 demonstrated what could be achieved command, control, communication, computers, electronic warfare capabilities. given the right resources and has resonated across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance the globe. At no point during the short-lived (C4ISR) infrastructure. Chinese military theorists see Fragile networks conventional period of the confl ict were Iraqi the US as the major challenge to the country and The disruption of the network, as highlighted by therefore efforts are being made to understand NCW forces able to gain a signifi cant victory given the the PLA, is the major weak spot of NCW. China’s as practiced by the US and to adapt it to the PLA’s ‘full-spectrum dominance’ of their opponents, a advantage. destruction of one of its own satellites using a missile lesson that has been learned by both the county’s In an effort at decentralising command functions earlier this year was seen as a message to the US allies and its opponents. the PLA is rolling out a command infrastructure that to take the country seriously. Much of the US NCW What is of concern in current operations is will share more information across command levels strategy hinges on the availability of communications, whether NCW is continuing to give the US an via a digital network. Analysts believe that the PLA especially satellite communications. If an opponent advantage. There are doubts over whether NCW is making major strides towards achieving its vision can disrupt the network of an armed force it could can have as important impact in low intensity with higher and regional commands all likely to have potentially cripple the organisation. Similarly, breaking confl icts as it does in full spectrum operations. modern digital command facilities in place. However, into an opponent’s network could do untold damage The US much vaunted intelligence has not allowed pushing that infrastructure down to component and – think Britain’s breaking of German codes during it to easily quell the insurgencies in Afghanistan unit commands will prove a major challenge for the World War Two, then multiplied. and Iraq. As a result, Asian armed forces seeking PLA. What China currently lacks is some of the data As a result, as well as developing the networks to gain from the NCW doctrine must also look transfer systems to really take advantage of NCW. countries are also looking at ways to best protect beyond its strengths and explore its weaknesses. Q
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 13 LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES by Keith Jacobs LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES FOR ASIA
The market for light armoured vehicles [LAV] in Asia will number just over one thousand over the coming decade to replace current vehicles, presuming that no major internal pre existing security threats present themselves. Many of the Fifties and Sixties designed 4x4 vehicles are reaching the end of their engine and chassis lifespan and will need to be replaced. While the more robust market is in heavier vehicles, light vehicles will continue to play a major role in reconnaissance, convoy and internal security functions.
Renault IFV with Milan mounted
14 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES
The War in Iraq is highlighting the need for more ceramic composite modern, generally larger and better-protected appliqué (for all-round wheeled armoured vehicles. Most of the new protection against vehicles under development (or recently devel- 7.62mm rounds). Its oped) fi t the 21-29,000kg category of “medium” top speed is 105km/ armoured vehicles. Notwithstanding, several h, but restricted to a hundred LAVs will need replacement in the Asian more modest speed and Middle East Armies, including many original when in convoy. Some manufacturers’ names, such as the Panhard AML commands have and VBL-series, Renault VAB 4x4, Oto Melara successfully returned to Type 6614 and 6616, Sandok-Austral Beperk the US without loosing Eland-series, Russia’s BRDM-1 and -2 series a single vehicle on and BTR-60 and -70 series, Daimler Ferret and convoys from Kuwait BTR-3U of the UAE Marines. Saladin (both in TNI service and rebuilt), Shorland to Baghdad (and other S-55/56 series, Cadillac Gage V-100/150 and cities). Fully capable Commando Scout (in the Philippine, Indonesian of off-road operations, and other Armies), Chaimat V-200 (Philippines), the M1117 is fulfi lling the original role of the famous Alongside the M1117 is the newly ordered SIBMAS (Malaysia), Thyssen Condor and UR- V-100/150/200 series deployed during the Vietnam M107 Armoured Knight confi guration to fulfi l the 416, and Panhard M3 and VCR-series. This is an War. Combat Observation and Lasing Teams [COLT] overview and does not include the fi rst-genera- In late 2005, TMLS New Orleans plant increased requirement, fi tted with M2 MG and spotting laser- tion Chinese vehicles exported to Thailand, production to 36 vehicles per month and in mid 2005, designation and thermal imager system atop its Myanmar and the like. it received a US$500 million supplemental order for unique observation turret (from DRS Technologies). In Iraq, the US Army Military Police [MP] has a further 724 vehicles. The Iraqi Civil Intervention The Army Tank-Automotive Command [TACOM] begun using new Textron Marine and Land Force was scheduled to receive 43 vehicles capable developed vehicle has been awarded a production Systems [TMLS] M1117 Guardian armoured of carrying ten personnel with an extended chassis, contract to TMLS, with 64 vehicles ordered under security vehicles [ASV] – some 475 currently in- APC variant (and some command variants) under a a 345-vehicle requirement. service. The M1117’s general appearance is similar US Project Contracting Organisation effort. TMLS Developed for reconnaissance platoons as a to the early 1980s Arrowpointe Dragoon 300, has entered the Guardian ASV in the US Marine Corps scout vehicle, the M1114 Up-Armoured Hummer a crew of four, weighs 13,498kg and is generally [USMC] portion of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected [UAH] vehicle became widely adopted by MP and armed with a 40mm Mk19 automatic grenade [MRAP] programme, but has since been informed it other infantry units. By late 2005, of 170,000 launcher or a 12.7mm M2 MG armour modular is no longer part of same. Hummer vehicles produced, only 3,500 were M1114 vehicles. Ogara-Hess (of US) had offered the UAH for several years, with production now reaching over 500 per month. Most Iraq-bound vehicles are standard production, refi tted with factory-produced armour kits or improvised at depot-level, and some modifi ed by local troops JEAN-MICHEL GUHL Germany’s Offerings Kraus-Maffei Wegmann [KMW] has developed a new 4x4 to fulfi l the Bundeswehr BWB requirement for protective missions – a mix of peace enforcement [PE] and peacekeeping [PK] roles for German forces deployed overseas. The Dingo 2 GFF 4x4 stretched variant of the original 6- trooping Dingo 1 is based on the Mercedes-Benz U-1550L Unimog chassis. Modifi cations led to using the Unimog U-5000 series chassis, offering a larger wheelbase and greater payload (3.86t vs 3.25t), allowing for an increase of personnel to eight. With a top speed of more than 90km/ hour, mine-resistant underside protection and a range of 1,000km, the vehicle is well-designed for extended operations in remote and rugged areas. The vehicle can also be airlifted by C-130 Hercules or comparable aircraft.
The German Army ATF Dingo 2 produced by KMW can sustain an IED DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 15 explosion and withstand land mines, rifle fire, and artillery schrapnel. LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES
With its v-hull capsule, plus composite blast pan design (a v-hulled capsule and a blast pan underneath – more of a shallow bowl shape than a “v”), Dingo 2 is a case in point. However, at 12.5t/30,000lbs gross vehicle weight [GVW], the Dingo is lighter than GYUROS MIROSLAV most of the US MRAP competition’s Class II JERRV squad vehicles. Whilst the Dingo has been exported, TMLS chose to offer its own M1117 ICV vehicle for the US MRAP program.The manufacturer is aiming the vehicle at a German Army requirement of up to 1,500 vehicles to replace M113 command vehicles, to serve in the forward observation role alongside 175 Mowag-built Eagle III vehicles. Belgium ordered 220 vehicles under a 170 million contract in December 2004 (with options on a further 132 vehicles), becoming the fi rst Dingo 2 export customer. Early design studies by KMW for alternative versions (including ambulance, observation, command and radar-carrying versions) paid off for Belgium’s order, which involves a number Patria AMV 8x8 APC with Kongsberg Protector RCWS. of variants. An Austrian order for 20 vehicles ensued, with follow-on orders anticipated. Under a Foreign Military Sales programme, a notifi cation to US contracts, 46 percent of the work would be allocated South Africa Congress has been fi led to provide 103 vehicles to within the Netherlands, with production extending Israel, under US$99 million Grant Aid provisions. into late 2008. Germany’s 202 vehicles will be BAE Systems OMC RG-32M The South Africa Army has a long history of operat- KMW’s Kassel plant has taken over the contract for augmented by 168 specialised artillery observation ing in isolated bush country, with many Casspir 612 SP Aerospace & Vehicle Systems vehicle, under vehicle variants. KMW has also offered license- mine-resistant vehicles [MHPV] in-service. The the former Dutch-German cooperative plan for the production to Turkey’s FNSS to meet an armoured Mamba is of similar heritage with capacity for a Fennek 4x4 reconnaissance LAV. Under the revised reconnaissance vehicle requirement. driver plus eleven troopers, whilst the Mk3 version is an upgraded and more widely produced version – both predecessors to the newer RG-31 and RG- Turkish FNSS Pars II (Leopard) 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle on display at DSA 2006. 32 series. The RG-12 4x4 is more of an armoured truck cum APC, used mostly by police forces and sold to Dubai, UAE and Kuwait. In the past year, BAE Systems has won two major export contracts for 267 vehicles, worth more than R630 million. The US Army has ordered 169 South African RG31 Mk5 mine-protected vehicles, worth US$63 million. These are additional to an operational fleet of 242 vehicles which were ordered through General Dynamics Land Systems [GDLS], Canada. Sweden’s defence procurement agency, Försvarets Materielverk [FMV] has placed a further order for 98 RG32M mine-hardened patrol vehicles, worth 21 million (R196 million). BAE Systems Land Systems OMC (Benoni, Gauteng) is anticipating a contract from Sweden for 200 plus RG-32M 4x4 MHPV, with a combat weight of 7,000kg and crew of fi ve, and primarily for use in PK/PE missions. They come with an all- welded steel hull, and have armour to resist light weapons fi re. The MHPV would be fulfi lling much the same roles as the M1117 and can be fi tted with a single-arm ATGM (TOW, MILAN) launcher on the rooftop, and confi gurations for range of
16 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES missions. The RG-32M was developed from the Modifi ed VBL Offerings MOWAG Eagle-Series RG-32 Scout and has the general appearance of the RG-31, but has a 7,500kg GVW and 110km/ The quite successful Panhard Vehicle Blinde Another entry in the lightweight 4x4 contenders hour road maximum speed, carrying the same Leger [VBL] 4x4 (also known as ULTRAV-M11) is the Mowag Eagle IV, developed from the Duro weapon options. At least 370 vehicles have been was developed to fulfi l a French Army require- II 4x4 chassis – raising payload to 2,400kg. built for numerous countries, mostly those fulfi lling ment for anti-tank (MILAN) and reconnaissance Presented in late 2003 and designed to fulfi l a UN PK/PE missions worldwide. The basic version missions – 1,000 were ordered for the former Swiss Army requirement for a reconnaissance LAV, accommodates fi ve crew – nine in the extended and 2,000 for the latter. Optional kits include an Eagle IV’s weight is 7,600kg and it has all-around chassis version, having protective armour against NBC protective package and an amphibious kit. protection against 7.62mm rounds and 6kg mine 7.62mm rounds, with 6kg mine blast protection. Most exports went to African or Greek Armies, blast protection. Following a 2005 contract from the US Army for with Greece ordering more than 240 – believed to 148 RG31 Mk3 vehicles (under the US$78 million have increased this against a 400-vehicle require- oversight contract with vehicles provided by BAE ment in recent years. Systems OMC), TACOM Life Cycle Management Plasan Sasa’s “SandCat” Command ordered another 60 upgraded Mk5 The base vehicle has a combat weight of Israeli company, Plasan Sasa develops compos- vehicles for delivery early 2007, and has now 3,550kg, a 100km/hr road speed and a 750km ite armoured protection solutions for lightweight exercised its option for a further 34 vehicles, all via road range. With extensive commercial off-the- military vehicles, tactical trucks, wheeled and GDLS Canada. By mid 2007, the two year total of shelf engine block and equipment, VBL has long tracked Armoured Personnel Carriers, commer- RG31 vehicles delivered includes:- South Africa – been considered highly economical. The vehicle cial vehicles, fi xed and rotary wing aircraft and 413; US – 242; Canada – 75; UAE – 76; and Africa re-emerged at Eurosatory 2004, fi tted with a personal protection armour. It recently entered the – 20. UAE also placed an US$11 million contract Russian KBP Instrument Design Bureau “Kvartet” for an undisclosed number of RG-31 Mk3A. armoured patrol vehicle US MRAP (Mine Resis- turret and four Komet ATGM launchers. At 10,220kg, the RG-31 is twice the GVW of The French DGA’s Action en Zone URbaine tant Ambush Protected) competition, having also the smaller RG-32M, with its all-steel, welded technology demonstration programme includes developed its own light protected vehicle called armour monocoque hull protecting the crew of the SandCat, an advanced armoured technol- ten against small arms fi re and anti-tank mine not only the Leclerc MBT, but also the Azur – ogy demonstrator that has been examined by the detonations. The air-conditioned RG-31 has a based on the familiar VBL Scout. Also included USMC for a different role. maximum 105km/hr road speed, carries a single are new sensors with 360-degree surveillance, a 7.62mm in both Mk3 and Mk5 versions, and is non-lethal grenade launcher, smoke dischargers, International Truck and Engine Corporation (the mine resistance equivalent to 14kg (TM-57 anti- enhanced bumper system, new air intakes, and principal operating company of Navistar Inter- vehicle mines). manually operated searchlight. national Corporation) chose Plasan Sasa as its partner with the aim of developing an armoured MRAP-candidate vehicle based around IMG’s (International Military and Government, a subsid- iary of International) WorkStar 7000 truck chassis, PLASAN SASA having the load capacity required to handle the weight of additional armour without wearing out early. Its fi nal design positions the v-shaped crew compartment on top of the chassis, using its armour and shape to dissipate blasts around the area and minimise damage. Extensive use of components from International’s trucks would ensure that it was both produc- ible in large numbers and maintainable in the fi eld. Plasan Sasa’s SandCat which is based on a COTS Ford shortened heavy duty F350 chassis uses light belly armour as part of its survivability package with tests at Aberdeen Proving Ground now having silenced doubts concerning IMG/ Plasan Sasa’s design. Plasan Sasa also maintains strategic partnerships to produce specialised solutions for customers throughout the Asian region. SandCat is a COTS heavy duty F350 Ford commercial chassis
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 17 LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLES
Australia’s Bushmaster IMV Thales Australia’s Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle 4x4 is another chassis considered ideal for remote operations, and was designed for the Australian Army as a vehicle between the tracked M113 and soft-skin vehicles. Bushmaster is the outcome of Australia’s “Project Bushranger”, developing a light mine-resistant APC and is being procured under Army requirement Land 116. The Bushmaster is available in a number of variants, including as patrol/APV (1+4 troops) or troop carrier (1+1- troops), and has a usable payload of 1,600kg. The Caterpillar 3126B 330hp turbo diesel (Detroit Diesel) engine provides 120km/ hr maximum road speed. Whilst the hull form is that of South Africa’s Casspir (a v-shaped welded- steel monocoque), the Bushmaster’s design was begun by Ireland’s Timoney Technologies. Vehicle variants include mine clearing engineer, logistics, combat engineer and weapons carrier flatbed, with weapon options normally including a 7.62mm and 5.56mm MG. Australia has ordered 443 Troop comforts in Bushmaster includes air conditioning. Bushmasters, with a recent announcement of an additional 250, worth more than A$300m. on belly panel was fi tted, giving greater protection. Final Thought Notwithstanding, a landmine or IED generates so- Evident from this review, armies are placing new called ‘blast waves’ or blast overpressure and like Protection Concepts demands on the LAV designs. Increasingly, this is a liquid wave, the blast will curve around a corner, Canadian Field Experience transforming traditional designs used for internal fi nding its way into seams and openings. Irregular On 26 September 2006, a suicide bomber security and light patrol duties into more sophisti- shapes found in conventional frames and fi rewalls attacked a Canadian convoy in Afghanistan, cated and heavier vehicles. This has led most 6x6 become ‘gas traps’, focusing blast energy and wherein an explosives-laden minivan was deto- vehicles to be pushed upwards into the medium precisely what the designers of MPHVs have tried nated whilst trying to ram a RG-31 Nyala APV. category of vehicles. Against increasingly heavier to avoid – gas traps with lightweight armour is a Instead of charred wreckage, the blast-resistant IEDs used as urban or roadside weapons, the un- recipe for disaster. Whilst the undersides of a LAV Nyala limped home with little damage and no one armoured Hummer (and similar vehicles world- might be flat, it is also relatively smooth and free inside injured. However, in this convoy (immedi- wide) were insuffi ciently protected, leading to the from projections, unlike a ‘soft-skinned’ vehicle ately behind the Nyala APV) was a G-wagon light M1117 as an interim measure, with a new genera- like a G-wagon with its add-on armour. utility vehicle, which if it had been attacked, the tion of APV or MRAP (RG-31/-32, Dingo 2 and the Vehicles like the Nyala APV have hulls carefully outcome might have been quite different. like) increasingly being demanded. shaped to defl ect blasts from below, usually Commentary on Canadian forces vehicles in Conventional warfare LAVs are increasingly meaning a v-shaped bottom with minimum angles Afghanistan has tended to focus on the weight of being pushed into support operations for main or excrescences, allowing the blast to ‘flow’ battle forces, including use as artillery observation armour and size of vehicle. Whilst both have some unimpeded. The parts of a vehicle likely to be in and fi re direction vehicles. The high-speed and low bearing – thicker armour offers greater protection the path of a blast – wheels and axles – are easily profi les work to its advantage in these roles, but and larger vehicles can carry heavier plating blown off but just as readily re-attached. armies are fi nding they cannot survive in the new – missing from this equation is the form of the It is such as the Nyala APV which can be defi ned world of urban warfare and IEDs. As such, there is armour. For its weight, a LAV III offers reasonable as ‘blast-resistant,’ specialising in defl ecting blast no such thing as an invulnerable armoured vehicle, protection from IEDs, but its thin armour has been and fragments from below. This mine-resistant insofar as same are being increasingly pushed shaped primarily to defl ect shells. Like most hull is not a new idea, but it has taken considerable into specialised roles and missions to meet the modern armoured vehicles, the belly armour of time for same to be accepted by Western armies. demands being placed on them in today’s world the LAV is nearly flat. Belly armour was tested by [Source: Canadian American Strategic Review, of various confl ict environments. Q Defence Research and as a result, a second bolt- 2007]
18 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA TAIWAN CALLS FOR A STRONG AND MODERATE TAIWAN
Thomas J. Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary “The fact that Taiwan is an independent The current number of ballistic missiles for East Asian and Pacifi c Affairs, addressing broad country must not be ignored simply because deployed along China’s southeastern coast security issues concerning Taiwan on 11 September of China’s opposition,” President Chen Shui- targeting Taiwan stands at nearly 1,000, and is at the US-Taiwan Business Council’s Defense bian told a Washington think tank audience by increasing by 120 to 150 per year. Chan says that Industry Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, videoconference on 6 September, adding it was China’s People’s Liberation Army has formulated spoke on how Taiwan’s leaders should navigate the right of the people of Taiwan to ask for proper a three-stage military plan for possible war with the often-diffi cult circumstances in relations with representation in the United Nations. Taiwan: establishing combat capabilities for a China and praised Taiwan’s leaders for pursuing “An abiding US concern is that Taiwan as yet comprehensive contingency response by the end “smarter priorities and defensive strategies”. This has still not had the sort of sustained, general of 2007, for large-scale military operations by included allocating more money to “hardening debate on security that we think it deserves,” said 2010, and for complete victory by 2015. and sustainment, embracing modern warfi ghting Christensen. “We hope that, in the coming election Chen has called for the US to sell Taiwan doctrine and taking advantage of Taiwan’s greatest season, the people of Taiwan will demand of their advanced F-16 C/D jet fi ghters as early as practical asset, its geography.” political candidates an intelligent and productive possible to help upgrade its defence capability Christensen also expressed special concern discussion of this profoundly important subject.” against China’s growing military threat. Taiwan’s about the Chen administration’s support for a Taiwan’s cabinet has said it plans to increase the legislature has now approved the budget for the F- proposed referendum on UN membership in the country’s defence spending by 16.4 percent in 2008 16 C/Ds procurement plan hoping the US will start name of Taiwan. to T$341.1 billion (US$10.4 billion), accounting for price negotiations for the deal in October. But the “Without moderation, Taiwan’s security will be 20.1 percent of total government spending next Bush administration may wait until after Taiwan’s compromised, no matter how much money Taipei year. Taiwan’s military spending is still only a quarter new president assumes offi ce May 20, 2008 to spends on defence and no matter how wisely of China’s offi cial military spending in 2007 (of $45 approve the deal. Taiwan’s constitution does not those defence dollars have been allocated,” he said. billion) a 17.8 percent increase from 2006. Chen cannot seek a third term. Q
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 19 FRIGATES & CORVETTES By Keith Jacobs REGIONAL FRIGATE AND CORVETTE PROGRAMMES
The Asian region is arguably the world’s most robust region for ongoing and future frigate and corvette programmes with acquisitions underway in South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Pakistan involving some two dozen ships now being built or on-order.
The Indian Navy’s Brahmaputra
20 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA FRIGATES & CORVETTES
The international market will including Malaysia (with its delayed shortly see three modern corvettes MEKO 100 RMN programme), built by BAE Systems Scotstoun Bangladesh (with a requirement (Scotland) shipyard, and known and plan in place to acquire new commonly as the “Yarrow 95-meter” frigate or corvettes), or Indonesia design, being made available. Built (already anxious to expand its frigate for the Brunei navy, they have been forces and with past experience the subject of extensive contractual with the British Tribal class), or an dispute with eventual submission to outside contender might be Vietnam the International Court of Arbitration (less likely due to funding issues). last year. Brunei says the ships Several navies in South America do not meet contractual design and the Middle East might also be specifi cations; BAE Systems says interested. otherwise. As a result, it is expected by the end of this year the ships will SOUTH KOREA be formally handed to Lurssen Werft Towards Regional Force (Germany) who will act as sales agent for them on behalf of Royal The current ROK Navy inventory Brunei Technical Services. includes twelve frigates and twenty- eight corvettes (24 Pohang and The ships displace 1,500-tons
four Daehae class). The Defence GUY TOREMANS standard, and 1,940-tons full loaded. The Malaysian KD Pahang Reform 2020 (White Paper) was Technically up-to-date, they are the result of several years of study fi tted with the GEC-Marconi Nautis The naval budget has doubled in Specifi cations are likely to include: and planning under the Defense II combat management system, displacement: 2,950-3,100-tons; Reform Commission. One of the the last fi ve years, rising from about single 76.2mm Oto Melara Super major objectives was the reduction US$3 billion in 2000 to US$6 billion dimensions: 101 x 12-metres; Rapid main gun, two single 30mm of military manpower and weapon in 2005. This is a clear indicator of machinery: CODOG, consisting of DS-30 AA mounts, with provision systems within the armed forces. the priority being assigned the naval single GE LM2500 and two Tognum for eight MM.40 Exocet SSM. Their Manpower reductions would service by Seoul, and an sign of the 16V 538 TB82 diesels; speed: electronics include a BAE Systems decrease the current force of importance attached to the navy in 29-30-knots. A CEROS CMS will AWS-9 (3D) air surveillance and 690,000 to 500,000 by 2020. Major future force planning. Out of a total likely control 8 (4x2) Nex1Future Thales Scout navigation radars, benefi ciaries of the future force of about US$7.4 billion in armed (formerly-LG Innotek) SSM-700K Cutlass 242 ESM, and Thales TMS structure are the ROK Air Force and services procurement, the navy Sea Star SSM, one 76-mm/62 WIA 4130C1 hull-mounted MF sonar. The Navy-Marine components. For the received roughly US$2 billion in 2006. gun, one or two Daewoo Nodong ships were each contracted for at ROK Navy and Marine Corps as a Though the current year funding is twin 40-mm DP or single 30-mm US$323 million. whole, the reduction in manpower not completed, the naval budget is Goalkeeper CIWS and/or Mk.116 Several Asian navies maybe will only be from roughly 67,000 to estimated at about US$6.5 billion, RAM (21-cell) SAM system. Final interested in this rare opportunity to 64,000 – less than 4,000 personnel with slightly over US$ 2 billion for choice of weapons may be based scoop up three modern light frigates lost. new construction and procurement in part of costs: the Goalkeeper / programs. RAM combination would be more Defence Acquisition Program costly than the Nodong twin 40-mm Administration (DAPA) announced fi tting, which may determine fi nal in May 2006 that a new frigate selection. Electronics would likely
GUY TOREMANS design (Frigate, Escort or FE-X) include the Nex1Future-built MW08 would be built. Final design is likely air surveillance radar, or upgraded to be selected by October this year, radar promoted over this last year with the fi rst contracts expected by the fi rm. Either Atlas Elektronik in October 2008. All three major DSQS-21 or -23 sonar is likely, along shipyards (HHI, DSME, HHIC) are with 32.4cm TT for K745 Blue Shark likely to take part in the program, just ASW torpedoes. A Nex1Future SLQ- as the Ulsan (HDF 2000) frigates and 200(V) SONATA EW suite is likely, Pohang (KC-X) corvette programs along with EADS/Lacroix Dagaie were shared by several shipyards. Mk2 expendables chaff system (the The fi rst nine ships of the program has combination seems to be preferred been allocated about US$2.25 billion on other designs). One helicopter in funding, specifi cally to replace the (Super Lynx) accommodation will Ulsan class ships. Unit cost would be provided with landing pad and
The bridge on the KD Pahang, Kedah (MEKO 100RMN) class be about US$250 million. hangar aft.
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 21
FRIGATES & CORVETTES
ball-shaped EO director mounted on a podium twin 100mm main guns, installing fi ve trainable 50- CHINA atop the turret roof. tube 122mm MRL, and fi tting new Type 603 Optronic New-Generation Type 054A Electronics onboard the Type 054A is believed FCS system (while removing two YJ-1 SSM and after By no means do China analysts agree on to have ZKJ-4B/6 – a Chinese fourth variant from AA mounts). Three ships are now believed in service the scope and threat presented by Chinese the original ZKJ-1 combat management system. with this confi guration: Nantong (FFS-511), Jiujiang, naval modernisation. Whatever the analysis, in Air surveillance includes a Russian-built SALYUT and Shantou (FFS-520). Up to 300-troops can now peacetime and wartime operations, the PLAN will Design Bureau 2-channel E-band MAE-5 (Fregat- be accommodated for theater area operations. It is place a major protection role for its frigates and MA/Top Plate) planar array antenna is similar to the not clear if the PLAN will undertake more of these corvettes, whether operating in the littoral waters Russian-used M2EM and includes IFF capability. specialized conversions as the Jianghu-series reach along the Chinese coastline or more distant escort Russian Mineral (Band Stand + Light Bulb) are the end of designed life cycle. and protection operations to protect oil and other fi tted are part of the missile FCS. The mainmast commodity imports vital to maintaining China’s podiums contain two new variants of the Type VIETNAM industries. 923-1/RW-23-1 (Jug Pair) ESM antenna variant The PLAN currently includes 77 principle surface of the Nakat-M (Watch Dog) produced by CEIEC Slow Expansion combatants, including two Type 054 (Jiangkai- and seen on Chinese warships since the Eighties. Vietnam’s navy includes fi ve Petya II/III (Project I) and 30-plus Jianghu/Jiangwei-series frigates Chinese shipyards are expected to build 28 to 30 159A/159AE) frigates, one ex-USN Barnegat remain in commission. It is the naval leaderships of the Type 054A over the coming decade, though class patrol ship and new Project 1241RE objective to replace all 30 Jianghu frigates with later ships (next decade) may incorporate some (Tarantul I) and BPS 500 / Project 12418) missile the new Type 054 (two) and current Type 054A design changes. patrol combatants (PGG). The navy has signifi cant (Jiangkai-II) missile frigates. First two Type- 054A In other frigate developments, Huainan (FF-540) requirements to increase deep water capability, if were assigned construction at Hudong-Zhonghua began conversion as likely test ship for LN-60 SAM only to protect its growing investment in offshore (Shanghai) and Huangpu Shipyard (Guangzhou). VLS. Forward twin 3.9-inch, with both twin 37mm petroleum resources. Since, the second Type 054A launched in 2003, and HQ-61 SAM launchers removed and replaced Russia’s Northern Project Design Bureau (SPKB four further hulls have been identifi ed as under in bow area by fi ve VLS circular canisters. This is St. Petersburg also known as Severnoye) has construction in the two shipyards. likely intended to test LN-60 VLS for Pakistans completed preliminary design work on its KBO Type 054A is listed as 3,450-tons standard, F-22P frigates. LieYing-60 is a naval version of 2000 (Project 2100) frigate for Vietnam. The 2,000- 3,850-tons full load. Most important of the new the PL-11 AAM, developed from Italian Aspide tonne corvette will feature the SS-N-25 Switchblade series innovations is adoption of a vertical launch SAM acquired in 1980s. Early naval development SSM, SA-N-9 Gauntlet, a 100mm gun, two 30mm system (VLS) for the 9M317ME/SA-N-12 Shtil- included fi tting two six-cell box launchers on a guns and torpedo launchers. A helicopter landing 1 based on the Russian START Research-and- Jiangwei-I (Type 053H2G) frigate. System uses platform has also been incorporated in the design. Production Enterprise (Yekaterinburg) 3S90E VLS semi-active radar guidance, with 1-18-km slant The vessels are under construction at the Ho starter (TEL) for using a powder gas generator for range at Mach 4.0 speed. Three Pakistan Amazon Chih Minh shipyard. Vietnam late last year did launching the 9M317ME (export-version) Shtil- (Type 21) frigates have been fi tted with LY-60 six- apparently sign a contract for two Project 11661 1 stand-off missiles. Shtil 9M317E SAM offers a cell VLS-launch SAM forward of bridge. Yastreb (Gepard) class light frigates, designed by range of 3.5 to 32-km, in conjunction with Luoyang Two other conversions are noteworthy of older Zelenodolsk Design Bureau. Electro-Optics Development Center (EOTDC) VLS Jianghu class ships. Zhaotung (FF-555) (Jianghu- Despite the report, none of the KBO-2000 ships based on the Russian START 3S90E1 system II) was converted to test gun/missile anti-air mount, have emerged and it appears the project has been (delivered with the Project 956EM design). consisting of 37-mm Type 76 and two PL-9 SAM abandoned or indefi nitely delayed for unknown Main gun system is the newly adopted Russian rails, referred to as Type 715-II system. Newer ZTJ- reasons. It is probably the reason Vietnam pushed AK-176M 76-mm/69cal automatic gun system. 1 FCS was added and other ship improvements to acquire the Project 1241RE ships and has Close-in-air defence is provided by two 30mm made. begun the smaller BPS 500 PGG ships as an Type 825 (formerly Type 730) seven-barrel Jiujiang (FFS-516) was converted to an offshore interim solution until new Gepard ships could be Gatling mounts, with TR-47C radar with a new fi re support ship (FFS or FSV), with new low visibility delivered.
26 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA ensure customersatisfaction seas. andmission successonall flairfor innovation andshared passion Ourstrategic vision, and mission-criticalsystemsandequipment. through-life support shipyard manageme systemsengineering, innaval recognised Globally expertise architecture, the complexity ofintegrated warships. becomesDCN DCNS. Now hearthis. nertdtas e oc.Nwiett.A European leaderinnaval defence withproven masteryof Newidentity. Newforce. Integratedteams. New forceonallseas www.dcnsgroup.com nt,
design dragon rouge - photo: C. Chamourat FRIGATES & CORVETTES
PROJECT 20382 PROPULSION SYSTEM ELECTRIC SYSTEM ARMAMENT SENSORS Length overall 93.9 m Twin shaft CODOG system, Basic power supply AC 8x YAKHONT anti-ship Observation and target Length at WL 84.6 m comprising: 380/220V, 50 Hz. missiles in 2 vertical designation radar system Beam at deck 13.0 m 2x10,000 kW gasturbines 4 x 630 kw diesel gensets. launchers Attack missile target Depth at the fore 9.4 m 2x3650 kW diesel engines 6x MEDVEDKA-VE anti- designation radar system Depth amidships 7.8 m submarine missiles in one Artillery fi re control radar Depth at transom 7.8 m vertical launcher system Full displacement ab.1900 t A190 gun mount 100mm Two optronic fi re control Maximum speed 26-27 kn caliber systems for AA close-in Range at 14 kn cruise speed 2 x KASHTAN-M close-in AA weapons with full fuel stores 4000 nm missile-artillery system ECM Radar system Endurance with maximum 2 x MTPU pedestal mashine Chaff and decoy launcher fresh water and provision gun 14.5 mm caliber system with four launchers stores 15 days CO’s electronic commamd Crew, including helo team 90 console Sonar system with hull mounted and towed arrays Anti-diver sonar system
Steregushchiy FF-530 Project 20280
INDONESIA - Adding Project 20382 to the Fleet
The Indonesian navy (Tentara Nasiona or TNI) is in equipment at a shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia. if the majority are new ships. Russia’s Project the early stages of a fl eet expansion that is planned The 1,850-ton design in all cases is fi tted with a 20382 (Steregushchiy) frigate design cost alone over the coming decade. The fl eet expansion is helicopter landing pad aft for a single medium is about US$350 million (with suitable spares and to be supported by a US$1.95 billion expenditure helicopter, and has a maximum speed of 26- training package included), one can ascertain how over the period from 2004-13. Some early frigate knots. All designs have four Kolomenskiy 16D49 quickly available funds would disappear with and corvette acquisitions in this effort include the diesels (33,188-bhp each) with drop-down electric more than a two-ship order is envisioned, without order to Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for four new azimuthal bow-thruster, fuel of about 960-tons, further funds being made available in the second “Sigma” class missile corvettes and the new order and endurance of 15-days. General range is on half of the ten-year modernisation and expansion for two Project 20382 (Tiger) export version of the the order of 3,600-nm at 15kts cruising. Anti-ship plan. Steregushchiy class of the Russian navy. missiles are eight (4x2) Kh-35 Uran). Inclusion of Current fl eet frigates include six anV Speijk Kh-35 adds another missile type to the inventory. (modernised Leander) FF, four Claud Jones light Anti-submarine weapons include four (2x2) 53.3- MALAYSIA frigates, and, one training frigate (Hajar Dewantara, cm TR-203 fi xed launchers and provision for any FFT-364). Corvettes include three Fatahilah (1,160- light or medium helicopter. Stalled MEKO 100 RMN Programme tons), armed with MM.38 Exocet and a range of Russian ships of the class are estimated at Malaysia operates two Yarrow Project 2000 (Jebat) 4,250-nm at 29.5-km/hour. US$120 million per ship but recent export variants and two Type FS-1500 (Kasturi) frigates, along Rosoboronexport State Corporation in June offered come closer to US$150 million per ship. with two Musytari patrol ships, and a number of 2007 signaled a contractual agreement on the Russia is hoping sale of the Project 20382 will still-to-commission MEKO 100 RMN patrol ships design and construction of corvettes for the open the door to its selection under the long- (1,650-tons). The new MEKO 100 ships are largely Indonesian navy. The agreement envisions further stalled “National Corvette Programme”, currently comparable with light frigates in several other cooperation on the design and construction of under-funded, with fi nal design remaining to be navies, and are classed as such (not as patrol corvettes modeled on Project 20382. Both sides selected. ships). Armed with one 76mm OTO Melara Super agreed to sign an offi cial contract on the corvette The 24 ships – plus new helicopters – including Rapid main gun, single 30mm OTO Melara-Mauser construction in the near future. The contract the two ‘Tiger’ frigates and four ‘Sigma’ class and two single 12.7mm MG, and provision for a stipulates that the fi rst vessel will be built in Spain corvettes – will be diffi cult to fully attain under light or medium utility or ASW helicopter, the ships and later fi tted with weaponry and electronic current funding plans of about US$2 billion, can perform traditional corvette missions. The fi rst
28 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA FRIGATE & CORVETTES
ship, RMN Kedah (PS-171) was to commission in 2006, but remains uncompleted, as are the other hulls laid down at PSC Naval Dockyard Sdn. Bhd., due to its fi nancial collapse. Malaysian authorities are trying to get operations going full speed again but delays represent a signifi cant setback for the overall programme of building up to 26 ships of the class. Malaysia might, thus be a leading contender to buy the Brunei “Yarrow-95” ships, soon to be available on the international market. INDIA Modernisation & Expansion Current fl eet forces include three Project 11356 (Talwar), three Project 16A (Bramaputra), three Project 16 (Godavari) and four Nilgiri (Udaygiri/ Leander) general-purpose frigates, and eight Project 25/25A (Khukri & Kora) class missile corvettes. Three additional, modifi ed-Talwar class The PLAN’s Xiangfan have been ordered from Russia to fulfi ll urgent needs to expand overall fl eet numbers that cannot be met by India’s domestic construction capacity. occurred. A new design is in fi nal approval stages, down in June. Current contracts valued at US$750 Two major projects are underway: the Project under overseeing by Garden Reach Shipbuilders million cover the fi rst four ships. Pakistan’s Karachi 17 (Shivalik) frigate; and, unnamed Project 29 & Engineers (GRSE). Final contracts may release Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) is to corvette not yet ordered. Details of each project before end-of-this year or early-2008. Design begin indigenous construction of the class in include: Project 17 (Shivalik) Frigate: First three objectives are likely focused on an anti-submarine 2009. Extensive Chinese technical support and ships were ordered in 1999, under a US$562 warfare frigate costing no more than US$120 equipment is likely to be delivered to KSEW for million contract with MDL (Mumbai). Some of million per ship. assembly. A decision is expected in 2009 whether the equipment for the fi rst three ships is covered The new design is likely about 1,750-1,800 to extend the construction in Pakistan, which can under separate contracts with Russian and Indian tons, with an emphasis on anti-submarine warfare, be made after Islamabad can be sure of acquiring contractors, thus, the fi nal acquisition cost is on offering the navy what the smaller four Pauk- the Kortenaer class. the order of US$300 million per ship. II patrol craft cannot in open water ASW. With Recent models of the design would appear the A series of 12 ships is planned with construction hangar aft, possibly based on the Talwar design, class is more based on a Type 054 hull than earlier likely to continue to about 2030. Overall appearance the ship can also accommodate two Dhruv or Jiangwei-II – or an enlarged variant of the latter. appears as a modifi ed version of Project 11356 Helix ASW helicopters. The class is to be armed with eight C-802 (4x2) (Talwar) and adopting the stern and helicopter Strike Eagle (CSS-N-8 Saccade) SSM, air defence arrangement adopted with Project 15 (Delhi) PAKISTAN provided by a rotatable 8-cell Hong Qian-7 (HQ- class. Engineering plans is a CODOG arrangement 7) (Crotale Modulaire), with likely storage for 16 featuring HAL/General Electric LM2500 gas Meeting Requirements missiles. Main gun will be a Chinese-license built turbines and two Kirloskar-SEMT-Pielstick 16 PA Pakistan maintains a standing requirement for AK-176M 76-mm automatic mount (as on Type 6 STC diesels to be license-built. The 4,600-ton nine major surface combatants, which it has had 054A frigates). Two modifi ed Type 730 CIWS will design has much of the same equipment of the great diffi culty maintaining, since the lease on the be fi tted port and starboard on the aft helicopter Talwar class, with some exceptions, including: a] ex-USN ships was withdrawn and the navy the hangar. Anti-submarine warfare provisions include VLS launch system with eight cell Novator Klub-N continual diffi culties in obtaining more frigates a Atlas Elektronic MF hull mounted sonar and a (SS-N-27) SSM; b] Oto Melara 76mm/62cal Super to supplement (and eventually replace) the eight Z.9C (Dauphin 2) helicopter with KLC-1/Agrion Rapid automatic gun; c] two twin DTA 53-956 ageing ex-RN Amazon (Type 21) light frigates. 15 radar and provision for Yun-7 or Mk.46 ASW 53.3cm torpedo tubes for SET 65E or Shyena ASW Pakistani authorities believe they are “fi rst in line” to torpedoes (already onboard P-3 and Atlantic I torpedoes; d] BEL TAVITAC combat management obtain the older four Kortenaer (Elli) class frigates aircraft). system, with DCN as prime contract integrator; e] due to retire from Greek naval service, 2008-09. Several navies are expanding rapidly – India, BEL / Thales Naval Netherland RAWL/LW-08 air One ex-RN Broad-beam Leander (PNS Shamsher) South Korea and China – and others are struggling surveillance radar; f] Thales Sintra derivative ATAS; has been retained for mostly training purposes. to meet requirements and fi nancial demands with the HUMSA sonar and two HAL Dhruv multi- First three F22P class frigates ordered from (Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Pakistan). role helicopter accommodated. China in 2006, are under construction, with the Demands for ASW warfare capability in the littoral Project 28 (unnamed) Corvette: With conclusion fi rst reported laid down at Shanghai Hudong arena will continue to place growing demands on of the last four Kora class (Project 25A) corvette Shipyard last October, and the second laid-down capable surface platforms in the coming decade design, a lapse of construction of the type has in February this year. A third may have been laid – the forte of the frigate and corvette type. Q
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 29 CARAT EXERCISE By Kevin Shreves 13TH ANNUAL CARAT EXERCISES 2007
training with the Philippine Navy and followed by small scale amphibious raid exercises with the Philippine’s 6th and 8th Marine Battalion Landing Teams on Pilas Island. Second phase exercises began 19 June with ceremonies at Sattahip Naval Base, Thailand, with the presence of RTN Vice Adm. Sombat Augsomsri, CoS, Thai Fleet and Rear-Adm. Witoon Kumpeerapana, director general, Thai forces. Events included a small scale amphibious operation by USMC III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Special Operations Training Group (III MEF SOTG) and Royal Thai Marine Corp on Had Yao Beach. RTN (HTMS) ships participating included Narusuan (FFG-421), Rattanakosin (FSG- 441), Tapi (FS-431), Sichang (LST-421) and Lat Ya (MHS-633). Joint operations with Thai forces concluded 27 June at RTN Lam Tien Naval Base. The third phase began 3 July, during which Adm. Burke noted regional threats. “Many of these threats cross international borders, requiring like-minded maritime forces to co-operate and share real-time information to keep the region’s waterways safe. The USN sailors on the guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis’ Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team, demonstrate personnel restraint techniques for members of the Royal Malaysian Navy. maritime security skills exercised through CARAT
USN directly benefi ts current initiatives to counter threes threats.” Singapore’s participation began 17 July he 13th Annual Cooperation Afl oat and Training events, as well as medical, dental and engineering with exercises staged out of Changi Naval Base, 2007 (CARAT-07) exercise series began on 22 civil action projects. and included the newly-commissioned Republic of TMay this year with arrival of the command staff With resumption of military ties with the United Singapore Navy (RSN) frigate RSS Formidable, with of US Navy Destroyer Squadron One (DESRON 1) at States in 2005, Indonesia rejoined the CARAT series a total of 1,500 personnel and 13 ships participating Okinawa. Task Group (TG) 73.5 consists of three US and participated in CARAT 06. First exercises were in fl eet exercises. RSN’s Fleet Commander, Rear Navy ships, headquartered onboard USS Harpers with the Philippines, when a crew of 11 US Navy Adm. K.H. Tan, reaffi rmed the partnership of the two Ferry (LSD-49) and under the command of Captain Al divers attached to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit nations. “Our professional cooperation and mutual Collins (USN), who serves as commander, DESRON One (MDSU-1) Detachment 11, embarked aboard understanding has deepened over the years, and our 1, based in San Diego. TG 73.5 consists of the dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), departed for the two navies are engaged in many other bilateral and landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), the guided Philippines on 28 May to conduct underwater diving multinational exercises and interactions together,” missile frigates USS Ford (FFG 54) and USS Jarrett (FFG 33), and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron C in C of the Royal Thai Fleet, Admiral Vichai Yuwanangoon, left, with the US Navy’s Commander Logistics Group Western Light (HSL) 43. Command, TG 73 is under the Pacific and Task Force 712, Rear Admiral Kevin Quinn, centre and COMDESRON One’s Operations Officer Lt. Miguel Inigue. command of Rear Admiral William R. Burke (USN), CARAT-07 executive agent for these events. CARAT-07 took place over a three-month period and consisted of a series of bilateral military exercises involving the US Navy and the armed forces of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. In addition to military operations (visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises have gained new importance with navies practicing anti- terrorism and anti-piracy operations, along with small scale amphibious events, diving and salvage bilateral events, and small craft force protection tactics designed to enhance the cohesiveness between participating forces in areas of mutual benefi t. CARAT also focuses on building relationships between its participants through community service and social
30 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA USN CARAT EXERCISE
US and Philippine Marines guide their assault boat to sea after departing from the stern ramp of dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry LSD during an amphibious assault exercise near Pilas Island, Philippines.
A 76mm round leaves the barrel of the 76mm gun mount aboard the guided missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38).
Tan said. “We have our predecessors in previous CARATs to thank for the high level of interoperability our two forces currently enjoy, and I believe that CARAT will continue to be a highlight in our annual exercise calendar for its depth and breadth of professional richness.” The fi nal segment of events US-Brunei events involved only the USS Jarrett (FFG-33) and involved a number of shore sports activities to foster closer links between the Americans and local residents of Brunei. Two more ships: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Ford (FFG 54) were simultaneously taking part in other US Navy operations in the region. ■
MALAYSIA’S FIRST SUKHOIS ARRIVE By Dzirhan Mahadzir
alaysia has received its fi rst batch of Sukhoi Su-30MKM and PT-91M main Mbattle tanks and now is in the process conducting operational conversion and training for units designated to operate the aircraft and tanks. Six PT-91M tanks arrived in Malaysia on 18 August and were displayed to the public at Malaysia’s National Day parade on 31 August. The remaining 42 tanks ordered, will be delivered in batches with deliveries to be completed by 2008 to the 11th Royal Armoured Corps Regiment, which will Rosoboronexport’s Deputy Director-General Victor Komardin presents the flight logbook for the Su-30MKM to Deputy operate the tanks, becoming operationally ready Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak. shortly after. Six Su-30MKMs have been delivered with the fi rst two aircraft arriving on 18 June, [see DRA June the aircraft. Deliveries of the remaining 12 aircraft killed, has prompted the Malaysian government to issue Su-30MKM delivery report]. A ceremony to are to be completed by 2008 with the squadron announce that the S-61 fl eet of more than twenty mark the fi ghter aircraft delivery to Malaysia was targeted to be operationally ready by the end of helicopters which have been in service since held on 10 August where the fl ight logbooks for the that year. While training is going smoothly, both the 1970s are to be replaced within three years. aircraft were presented to Deputy Prime Minister Russian and RMAF sources have acknowledged No formal tender for the replacement has been Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak by Rosoboronexport problems exist with the avionics and weapon issued yet though one is expected to be issued Deputy Director-General Victor Komardin. The systems integration, while they expect these shortly before the upcoming Langkawi Aerospace six Su-30MKMs are currently stationed at the problems to be resolved shortly. and Maritime Exhibition to be held in December Gong Kedak Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, Meanwhile helicopter manufacturers are this year. Several helicopter manufacturers have on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and gearing up for an expected requirement of up to already been actively marketing their designs to under the supervision of Russian instructors, pilot 20 medium lift helicopters to replace the RMAF’s the RMAF as potential S-61 replacements. These and weapon system operator training is being aging S-61 Nuri helicopters. A recent crash on 13 include the AgustaWestland EH101, Boeing CH- conducted at No.5 Squadron, which will operate July in which all six RMAF personnel onboard were 47, Eurocopter Cougar and NH90. ■
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 31 USN INDONESIA By John B. Haseman US MILITARY RELATIONS RETURNING TO NORMAL
he military relationship between Indonesia funds. In May 2005 the US removed the ban on and the United States is slowly expanding non-lethal foreign military sales. In November the Tbut is far from the robust ties that fl ourished US announced that it would resume all military in the early 1990s. However, compared to the past sales to Indonesia, and also restored Indonesia’s 15 years, when education and training funds were eligibility for the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) drastically reduced in 1992 and virtually all military programme (which provides low cost or no cost ties frozen in 1999, the situation today is much defence equipment). improved. Both sides are committed to improving The US emphasises that its military assistance the military-to-military relationship, but are programmes are designed to meet its own expanding those ties slowly and carefully because security interests and policy objectives as well as of political constraints in both countries. those of partner countries. With Indonesia those In 1992 the US Congress halted the long-running US objectives include promotion of democracy International Military Education and Training (IMET) and civil-military reforms, maritime security, Program for Indonesia after out-of-control soldiers counterterrorism, professionalism of the armed killed and wounded dozens of civilians in Dili, East forces of Indonesia, international peacekeeping, Timor. Some limited training exchanges continued disaster assistance, and interoperability, particularly under programmes not subject to Congressional through increased professional and personal review. However in 1999 the US froze all military familiarity with each other’s military services. sales and training and education programmes Since May 2005 US military assistance with Indonesia because of outrage over military- to Indonesia has expanded steadily. The supported militia violence in East Timor. Counterterrorism Fellowship (CTF) programme, After the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 the longest standing of programmes started after September 2001, the American policy on military 2001, is the only one to show a slight decline – ties with Indonesia was reconsidered. Conscious refl ecting the impact of funding provided by other of Indonesia’s important role in the worldwide programmes. CTF funding in fi scal year (FY) 2005 war against terrorism, the US resumed a cautious was over US$885,000; approximately $700,000 programme of military-to-military contacts. When has been allocated for FY07. President Megawati visited Washington shortly Anti-terrorism funding from the State Department after those attacks, President Bush ended the (the programme’s abbreviation is NADR-ATA), ban on commercial sales of non-lethal military which many feel has had the most impact on equipment. The US also extended education security in Indonesia, included funding for the and training assistance to Indonesia through national police counterterrorism unit, Detachment the Department of Defense Counterterrorism 88. Graduates of this programme have been Fellowship program, which brought Indonesian involved in the arrest and prosecution of over 100 offi cers to the US to attend management and terrorists, including those responsible for terrorist policy-level courses dealing with the general bombings in Bali, the Marriott Hotel and Australian subject of counterterrorism. Embassy attacks in Jakarta, and tracking down The US policy on security relations with and killing terrorist leader Azahari Husein. Indonesia was further tested in August 2002, The fi rst relaxation of the 1999 arms embargo when two American teachers were killed in an took place in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing ambush near Timika in Papua Province. While Day tsunami, when the US lifted the ban on sale of the Indonesian authorities sought to blame local spare parts for transport aircraft and helicopters. separatists for the attack, there were suspicions Since then the Indonesian government has spent in the US that elements within the TNI were also more than US$17 million on spare parts and involved. In June 2004 the US Justice Department maintenance support for their C-130 transport indicted an alleged Papuan separatist leader for aircraft fl eet under the US Foreign Military Sales US military personnel from all services work with their Indonesian those murders. This signaled a slow resumption (direct government-to-government) program. counterparts in seminars and mobile training teams in the Mil-to- of military-to-military relations. In March 2005 US Since the US ended the embargo on sale Mil conferences. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced of lethal defence items in 2005, Indonesia that Indonesia could once again qualify for IMET has allocated more than US$5 million in FMS
32 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA INDONESIA
contracts to repair and upgrade its F-16, F-5, OV- 10 and C-130 fl eets. Besides the FMS sales contracts, which Indonesia pays for, the US has allocated over US$7 million in Foreign Military Funding (FMF) grants to Indonesia, a considerable part of which is also allocated to support of the C-130 fl eet. The FY07 FMF (formerly called grant assistance) allocation for Indonesia was over US$6 million, and the FY08 request to Congress is more than double that amount. If approved, a large portion of the FY08 request would cover communications and surveillance equipment designed for maritime because they allow military personnel to compare in confl ict areas in regions where human rights security as well as a professional survey to assess their expertise with their American counterparts violations took place in the past (such as Aceh, Indonesia’s integrated maritime security needs. and to improve their professional capabilities by East Timor, or Papua) even though the offi cers A parallel programme run jointly by the US State learning from their peers in the US military. The US concerned were not themselves involved in and Defense Departments (called the “1206” military benefi ts also, by experience in training in violations. It is certainly fair to exclude known a tropical environment, by learning about regional programme after the number given to it in the text of human rights abusers from US programmes the law) provided more than US$18 million in FY06 military expertise and operations, and in gaining – Australia has a similar programme in its bilateral to bolster the high priority for maritime security. new skills from their Indonesian counterparts. training and education programs with Indonesia – Most of the funds went to coastal radar stations Despite the many advances in restoring a robust but applying blanket punishment against personnel and equipment along the Strait of Malacca. military-to-military relationship between Indonesia Besides efforts to upgrade Indonesia’s military and the US, the effort is not without problems. merely because they were assigned in an area hardware, considerable joint programmes are There remains a small but powerful group in the US of confl ict is not right. Rejections of otherwise focused on the “software” – the professionalism Congress that strongly opposes ties between the qualifi ed offi cers from participation in classes of its military personnel through education and US and Indonesia. Much of this opposition is based and conferences have angered senior Indonesian training. Since 2005 the US has provided almost on the infl uence of human rights organisations offi cials, many of whom are among the strongest US$3 million in IMET Program funds to cover the on members of congress and their staff. A major supporters of US-Indonesian military cooperation. cost of Indonesian attendance in the US military impediment to smooth military relations is the The national interests of both countries intersect schoolhouse. IMET students attend courses demand by Indonesia’s critics in congress for in this part of the world, where bilateral and prosecution and punishment of military offi cers focused on defence reform, professional military multilateral cooperation is needed to manage education, civilian control of the military, human involved in human rights violations during the the threats of terrorism, piracy and other forms rights in military operations, and core management violence in East Timor in 1999. This, despite the of transnational crime. Both Indonesian and processes. Prior to the 1992 cut in IMET funding, decision by the governments of Indonesia and American defence offi cials feel that it is important Indonesia had been one of the world’s largest East Timor to focus on reconciliation and friendly participants in the programme. More than 6,000 relations in the future rather than dwelling on the for policy-makers in both countries to understand Indonesians have attended US courses and violence of the past. the stakes involved, and to muster the creativity conferences under the IMET programme. In part to address congressional human rights and the political will to forge a mutually benefi cial The US Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), concerns, the State Department vets all nominees military relationship. Q started during the Bush administration, provides for IMET Program funding to assist other countries to participate in courses to assure than worldwide peacekeeping operations, mostly under nobody implicated in the United Nations auspices. Indonesia received human rights violations US$1 million in GPOI funds in FY06. Those funds is admitted to the include training for peacekeeping operations, programme. While a refurbishment of Indonesia’s training centres, and laudable compromise for training aids and equipment. In addition the US between the human rights underwrote much of the cost to deploy Indonesia’s concerns of congressional battalion-size task force and equipment to the UN watchdogs and the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, at a cost of administration’s policy to US$2 million. expandmilitary-to-military Both the US Department of Defense and relations, there are the US Pacifi c Command in Hawaii, and its problems that cause component service commands, have resumed resentment in Indonesia a wide-ranging programme of conferences and and frustration among US joint training exercises with Indonesia; Indonesia advocates of expanded again participating in several region-wide military military relations. Over- conferences with US sponsorship. These soldier- zealous vetting has to-soldier, airman-to-airman and sailor-to-sailor been applied against training events are particularly welcome in Indonesia Indonesians who served
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 33 ASIAN NEWS XXX
Swedish air force Saab Gripen
Thailand to buy JAS-39 Gripen Rumours persist that Thailand is close to conclud- aircraft would be used to replace ageing F-5E Tiger II Chinese Missile Mystery ing a deal to acquire an initial six Saab-BAE Systems and early-variant F-16s, though Tiger II aircraft have at Delingha JAS-39 Gripen multi-role fi ghter aircraft. While no recently been overhauled and modernised, as have Analysts are debating whether the new trans- deal has been struck as of early August, sources the F-16A/B Block 15 Falcon jets. porter-erector launchers (TEL) vehicles seen in Bangkok are sure a deal is forthcoming, and will Programme unit costs are in the order of US$76 at Delingha in central-north China are DF-21, eventually involve a total of 20 aircraft. Thai offi cials million per aircraft. In June 1997, the Swedish improved DF-25 or even DF-31 surface-to- have been negotiating with Saab since 2004 over this government awarded contracts for 64 Batch 3 surface missile systems. Recent satellite deal, only being slightly interrupted by the ousting aircraft. The Polish contract for 48 aircraft was 3.15 imagery indicates the launch pads for older of the Thaksin Shinawatra government in Septem- million Euros (US$3.78 BN), with about 30 percent Dong Feng 4 (DF-4) ICBM are undergoing ber 2006. The Thaksin government was very close of contract cost for spares and support equipment, renovation and maybe upgrading to allow to closing a deal, but may have been swayed by plus 25 percent for Europe’s alue-AddedV Tax AT)(V the new 10-meter diameter DF-21 MRBM to the Thai air forces preference for the Sukhoi Su-30 – resulting in a procurement cost of US$68.9 million be launched. Some analysts have suggested the new deployment may be intended to Flanker. Non-government offi cials in Thailand say the per aircraft. Q enhance targeting at either Russia or north- ern India. Admiral Keating on PLAN Speculation is rampant in the academic community with regard to what purpose US Navy Admiral Timothy Keating, commander, the former-Taiwan Defence Command (TDC), the the DF-21, or improved DF-25 (some Pacifi c Command ACOM)(P during a session of the USAF jointly-operated the Shulinkou electronic thought it was discontinued in mid-90s), Center for Strategic and International Studies on intelligence site, located in the hills southwest of might have in being deployed at Delingha 24 July, observed that the US could rapidly move Taipei, from which was derived important COMINT/ missile fi eld. China’s ballistic missile forces forces in defence of Taiwan and could defeat any SIGINT intelligence. Long since turned over to the follow a ‘counterforce’ doctrine, not being challengers to its sea supremacy. “I don’t loose Taiwan military forces, other sources have replaced accurate enough for any other strategic sleep at night over our ability to respond to any the one-time important facility. Taiwan’s president strike doctrine. John Lewis, Stanford University Center crisis anywhere, including the Strait of Taiwan. We Chen Shui-bian continues pushing the contro- for International Security and Cooperation have ways of watching developments and doing versy over a referendum for independence from noted, “I don’t think that the deployment of better analyses – much better than before. So, in the mainland. The admiral said [Chen’s] “rhetoric DF-21 missiles will produce considerable the Strait of Taiwan (formerly-Strait of Formosa), in isn’t entirely helpful,” when asked if tensions in the policy implications for Russia or India. India particular, we could get a large number of forces strait were getting better or worse in view of the has developed land- and air-based missiles there in relatively short order.” During the days of modernising of China’s military forces. Q more powerful than DF-21. Q
34 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA ASIAN NEWS
Pakistan renegotiating Saab
SAAB SYSTEMS AEW Contract Pakistan and Saab have been in renegotiations for several months over the Saab 200 Erieye airborne early-warning aircraft (AEW) contract, confi rmed by Saab in May. akistanP needs to reduce the number of aircraft in the order because of fi nancial constraints. The new contract reduced the order by US$191.85 million and this likely means Pakistan will now get fi ve, not six aircraft as planned under the original contract. The uneJ 2006 contract was valued at US$1.16 billion. Q Saab 2000 ERIEYE AEW&C
USS Buffalo joins SSN 713 & 705 Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) and her crew departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor permanently 8 July for her new homeport at Naval Base Guam. Buffalo will join USS Houston (SSN 713) and USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) as the forward deployed submarine force in the Pacifi c. Buffalo was commissioned 5 November, 1983 in Norfolk, and was transferred to the Pacifi c Fleet Submarine Force in 1984. The submarine has been home ported in Naval Station Pearl Harbor. “We want to have three submarines forward deployed in Guam. We’re a lot closer to areas of concern in the Western Pacifi c and it gives the commanders in the Pacifi c another forward deployed asset that’s readily deployable,” said Cmdr. Brian N. Humm, Buffalo’s commanding offi cer. “There’s a lot of action going on in the Pacifi c right now and it’s important that we have forward deployed forces that can respond to anything that USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) may come up,” said Lt. Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, Buffalo’s executive offi cer. The Quadrennial Defence Review 2006 resulted in a shift of six attack submarines Congress has 30-days to object and as of late-July, countermeasures and eight AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE from the Atlantic to Pacifi c fl eets, by 2010. This the deal appears to have cleared congressional III special operations suites. ariousV other spares shift will put 60 percent of the USN sub force in the review. If all options are taken, the deal would be and equipment for training include two ARC-210 Pacifi c – about 30 submarines, up from one-half of valued at US$1.059 billion. SINCGARS radio systems, secure voice VHF/ the fl eet prior to QDR 2006. Included in the deal would be four spare Rolls- UHF radios, and one KIV-119 communications/ Plans of the Indian Air Force to contract for six Royce AE2100D3 turbofan engines, eight AAR- COMSEC system, aircraft spares, support, Lockheed Martin C-130 JSuper Hercules aircraft 47 missile warning systems, eight AN/ALR-56M integration and training. moved forward on 25 May with US Congress advanced threat warning receivers, eight AN/ Off-set agreements are anticipated in association notifi cation of the pending sale, to be handled by ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing Systems, with the sale but are not included in normal DSCA Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). eight ALQ-211 suite of integrated radio frequency notifi cations. Q
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 35 INDONESIAN ANALYSIS By Peter La Franchi NEW INDONESIAN SUKHOI DEAL HIGHLIGHTS STRATEGY CHALLENGES
confi gurations of aircraft given the time lags between their manufacture and entry into service. In a ten aircraft fl eet this may well necessitate upgrades to the initial aircraft, however this again remains subject to the availability of funding. It may well be that Indonesia chooses to allow the initial aircraft
to attrit in favour of achieving a common fl eet build standard with a larger fl eet buy, rather than embark on any piecemeal efforts to achieve commonality in the near term.
If this is the case the latest six aircraft purchase needs to be assessed from the same perspective. It would suggest that unless it is followed up by a near term fl eet purchase the Indonesian “ air force will face an ever expanding supportability challenge that would signifi cantly impede the service A poster of a Su-30MKK in Indonesian colours at Defence Expo in Jakarta. regardless of its eventual size. There is room for an alternate analysis here however, one that would Indonesia is acquiring three Sukhoi buy, sparking moves by Australia and aircraft into service and integrate them appeal to the aspirations of western Su-27SKM and three Su-30MK2 Singapore to explore new generation into its operational concepts, particularly fi ghter manufacturers but also present fi ghters in a $US300 order with the fi ghter programmes to offset any potential if a follow on deal does emerge. a bigger challenge to the air power Russian Rosboronexport corporation shift in regional air power balances. The status quo. If the Indonesian air force announced at Moscow’s MAKS-2007 proposed Australian programme saw was resigned to accepting a long term airshow 21 August. restricted tenders for a 24 aircraft buy view in fulfi lling its air power aspirations, The deal increases Indonesia’s released to Boeing and BAE Systems Does a ten there is merit in an deliberately phased Sukhoi fl eet to ten aircraft, underwriting for their respective F/A-18F Super aircraft fl eet in approach that allowed it to use the continued air force interest in Hornet and EF2000 Typhoon types, extraordinarily low cost of the Russian modernisation despite ongoing national however that requirement was allowed four different aircraft as a means of exploring the budget pressures. to lapse in early 1998 when it became confi gurations operational parameters of 4th and 4.5 Ongoing discussions between the clear the Indonesian programme would generation fi ghters. That does not in two countries have included a Russian not be proceeding as announced. constitute itself mean an end state based around fi nanced follow on armaments package Singapore however, also facing capability? Russian solutions, but instead a highly that would include additional fi ghters pressures from Malaysia’s introduction informed buyer who can approach and new naval vessels. of the MiG-29 into service, pressed the world market in its own terms if The latest Sukhoi deal follows a 2003 ahead with requirements that have now and when the fi nances for a fl eet buy The four existing Sukhoi’s have order by Indonesia for two SU-27SK seen fi rm orders placed for the Boeing become available. experienced problems with serviceability and two SU-30MKK aircraft, this coming F-15S confi guration fi ghter. Australia in The benefi ts from such a strategy are and maintenance support. Expansion almost a decade after initial acquisition turn re-instated its requirement late in immediately obvious in the offsetting of of the fl eet may provide a basis to plans were fi rst made public. 2006 resulting in orders for 24 Super the risks of generational change for develop more signifi cant in country Indonesia’s air force has suffered Hornets with these to enter service in the air force, but with the ongoing risk capabilities, with Indonesia having also considerable diffi cult in sustaining its 2010 amid a government assessment that if the money never does become previously explored the potential for existing squadron of Lockheed Martin that the regional air power environment available, it will be left with a mixed F-16 fi ghters as a result of rolling US leveraging Indian air force infrastructure “ faced key changes in the medium term. heritage fl eet of aircraft with limited as an alternative to reliance on Russian arms embargos on the country linked Indonesia’s latest acquisition is unlikely operational value. Russian interests are industry. directly to congressional assessments to have any immediate regional fall-out also a factor here, with the question If improved in country arrangements of its long term human rights record. given the limited size of the deal., but will continuing to linger of whether its are progressed, the fi rst challenge they Initial Indonesian plans fl agged in generate stepped up monitoring of how aerospace industry is better served by will face is how to maintain four different 1997 were based on a major fl eet the air force now prepares to accept the piecemeal opportunities, Q
36 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA CHINA WATCH
SINO-RUSSIAN PEACE MISSION 2007
China and Russia have continued again this year the “Peace Mission” series of exercises, as part of the Shanghai Cooper- ation Organization (SCO) anti-terrorism agreements between Scenes from Peace Mission 2007. the two countries. Exercises were conducted between 8 -17 August, and included units of Russia’s 34th Motorized Rifl e Division, stationed near Chebarkul. The Chebarkul Base is about 70-km from Chelyabinsk in the Volga-Ural MD. In total, about 2,000 Russians were involved. Chinese participation includes about 1,700 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) members, a signifi cant number being from the PLAAF. Deployments during exercises included six IL-76D transports, eight JH-7A fi ghter-bombers, a squadron (16) of JG-9W and a second helicopter squadron composed of Mi-17 Hips. The PLA ground contingent arrived by rail to Chelyabinsk and deployed for the exercises from there. CSO members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgistan, all of whose leaders were in observance of the exercises. Senior offi cer Guo Wenhui, PLA General Staff, stated, “It is a practical way to improve the Chinese army’s capability to tackle terrorist threats.” Major-General Wang Haiyun (Ret.) of the Center for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies has noted the exercises should be perceived from two aspects: 1] it displays the fi rm resolve and new thinking of the SCO member states in clamping down on the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and 2] it goes beyond any doubt that the exercise will deter effectively the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, generate positive infl uence on regional peace and stability, and make great contributions to anti-terrorism in the world. Q
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 37 BOOKSHELF Reviewed by Nicholas Merrett
also found inspiration from On War when in 1984, speaking on the use Clausewitz’s On War of American troops abroad, said, “As Clausewitz wrote: No one starts a war A Biography by Hew Strachan without fi rst being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that niversity of Oxford military reading, only reading a small part of war, and how he intends to conduct history professor Hew his total work, which is vast and which it.” Strachan provides fascinating UStrachan’s biography of Karl was never fi nished. Strachan argues examples of mostly European political von Clausewitz successfully explains that On War’s state of incompleteness and intellectual leaders back to the origins of Clausewitz’s thoughts, is what has made it subject to Clausewitz’s time that were infl uenced providing information on his personal interpretation and continually drawn by the Prussian soldier (who attained background to shed light on how he upon, generation after generation the rank of Major General) and military came to think about war in his own through mankind’s evolution of military theorist. Clausewitz’s description of time rather than through incorrect thought, always just when Clausewitz’s ‘total war’ being ‘a form of human interpretations of Clausewitz’s ideas ideas seemed dead and buried. by Powell was that ‘political leaders intercourse, part of man’s social and his famous treatise, On War, from Strachan says Colin Powell, who must set a war’s objectives, while existence’ and the inevitability of others living during his era. described On War as a ‘beam of armies achieve them’. Tommy Franks, combat and death, have been blamed Once this approach is taken, as light from the past’ used Clausewitz’s Commander-in-Chief of the United for the level of destruction involved Strachan has done, he says it becomes writings to explain what had gone States Central Command, believed he in both the fi rst and second world possible to see what specifi c elements wrong in Vietnam, believing that the was refi ning not rejecting Clausewitz wars, assertions Strachan dissects of Clausewitz’s thoughts appealed to soldier, ‘for all his patriotism, valour when subscribing to his maxim of with clarity. The limit of Clausewitz’s those who were later infl uenced by and skill, forms just one leg in a triad. massing ones forces at the enemy’s theories, Strachan also shows, do him. Strachan also maintains that those Without all three legs engaged, the “centre of gravity” during Desert not account for human passion and who reject Clausewitz’s ideas today military, the government, and the Storm as the key to victory. Caspar present day asymmetrical wars waged - like those who did so in the past - people, the enterprise cannot stand’. Weinberger, the Secretary of Defense by insurgents and non-state actors have done so on the basis of selective Another rule of Clausewitz’s expounded in Ronald Reagan’s administration using terrorism and ambush tactics. Q SUBSCRIBE
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