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Home , Cardom, First Win, FNSS Pars, Otokar Arma, Pandur II, Pindad

DAILY NEWS World Trade Centre, Metro Manila, 26 - 28 September 2018 Philippines eyes heavy metal DAY THREE A number of plans exist to upgrade the inventory of the ’s Division. (Photo: Gordon Arthur) 28 SEPTEMBER

Standing united Page 6 With a renewed focus on special forces, the Philippine has combined its existing commands.

The Philippine Army’s armoured fighting manned turret with 12.7mm machine vehicles (AFVs) are fielded by the gun/40mm grenade launcher. Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), which Contenders include an unidentified Elbit celebrated its 12th activation anniversary Systems offering, the FNSS Pars III, Gaia Amir, on 20 September. There are currently five Hyundai Rotem K806, Kamaz Typhoon-K, pending projects to induct much-needed Nexter Titus, Arma, Steyr Pandur II, new armoured platforms, alluded to in a Anoa and the Ukrainian BTR-4. Advances in Asia speech given by President Rodrigo Duterte 3. M113 APC Firepower Upgrade on the anniversary. The army will upgrade around 32 M113A2 Page 8 These projects under Horizon 2 of the APCs with a 25mm unmanned turret Southeast Asian nations are Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines in an effort that has been allocated a modernising their land forces (AFP) Modernisation Program are as follows: 288 million budget. to better respond to 1. Light/medium tanks This project is still in the pre-procurement ₱ state-based threats and The army wants a battalion of 44 or more phase and could progress later this year or internal security challenges. tracked tanks and 8x8 destroyers with a in early 2019. Elbit previously supplied UT25 budget allocation of 9.48 billion ($185 unmanned turrets to the Philippine Army. million). The two platforms, to be acquired 4. M113 mortar carriers ₱ in a ratio of around 2:1 respectively, will Approximately 15 existing M113A2s will share a common turret and gun of at least have a 120mm mortar system installed. 105mm calibre. The AFP has budgeted 1.1 billion for this Expected tracked contenders include the programme to be executed by ₱ Hanwha -105, Otokar Tulpar and Pindad with its 120mm CARDOM mortar. A contract

Kaplan MT, with Russia and Ukraine also could be signed by the end of 2018. These ADAS 2018 Daily News is published by Shephard throwing their hats in the ring. Meanwhile, will supplement five 81mm mortar carriers Media. Printed by MM Print Services Ltd, potential 8x8 entries are the FNSS Pars III, that Elbit is upgrading under Horizon 1. Philippines. Hyundai Rotem K808 and . An 5. Tank gunnery simulator © Shephard Media 2018 Three editions of the show daily are Elbit Systems/European tie-up is thought to As the MID inducts more sophisticated AFVs being produced on site. have entered each category too. However, this than the current fleet of Simba, V-150 and Editor: Gordon Arthur acquisition will probably be intergovernmental M113 APCs, the need will grow to adequately [email protected] and will avoid a competitive tender. train crews. Two gunnery simulators are thus Production Manager: Georgina Smith 2. Wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) required, for which the AFP has set aside Commercial Manager: Peter Rawlins [email protected] The MID needs 28 APCs, likely to be 6x6 36.2 million. Obviously, this project is models, with an approved budget of 2.27 dependent on the platform types chosen ₱ billion. These vehicles will likely feature a for the light/medium tank acquisition. ₱

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M-18-0154 Shephard ADAS Show Daily AW159 AW139M AW109 Trekker.indd 3 14/09/2018 10:39:41 DAILY NEWS ADAS 2018 DAY THREE

Rugged and Anticipation grows for Longer reach for second-hand corvette Reliable an allocated budget of $2.26 Korean small arms STAND D140 million. This will include the ship’s two companies will leverage STAND 1910 The transfer of a decommissioned generator and diesel engines. their combined strengths in 1,200t Pohang-class corvette Successful bidders will perform South Korean small-arms R&D and distribution as well.’ from the Republic of Korea Navy the work at Jinhae Naval Base in manufacturer S&T Motiv Cementing their newfound to the (PN) is South Korea within 60 days of a signed a JV with the Philippine cooperation, S&T Motiv and moving forward after an invitation notice to proceed being issued. company United Defense UDMC are sharing a joint stand for bids to reactivate it opened VAdm Robert Empedrad, the Manufacturing Corporation at ADAS 2018. on 30 July. PN’s Flag Officer in Command, (UDMC) on 25 September. When President Rodrigo Seoul had promised the second- commented: ‘Our projected crew S&T Motiv stated in a Duterte visited South Korea in hand Chungju to the Philippines is already ready. They can go to press release: ‘The joint June, S&T Motiv and the in late 2016. However, Manila took Korea for training [at any time] venture agreement includes Ministry of National Defense a long time to confirm the transfer so they will sail the ship from comprehensive cooperation had the opportunity to give him of this 88.3m-long anti-submarine Korea to the Philippines.’ for firearms manufacturing a presentation. The company, warfare (ASW) corvette. The PN is desperate for larger and supply to the Philippine established 45 years ago, is The Bids and Awards vessels, even while it awaits the military and police, and steadily the major supplier of small Committee issued three separate arrival of its most capable expanding the market as a arms to the South Korean lots for bidding under Horizon 2 warships ever – two frigates long-term vision.’ Indeed, this military, plus it has exported of the Philippine military’s being built in South Korea. The tie-up is significant as it is the to more than 30 modernisation plan. Lot 1, worth 31-year-old Chungju is around first such international JV that countries in Europe, the Middle 24.7 million ($470,000), covers 20 years younger than the three S&T Motiv has entered into. East and Southeast Asia. logistics. Lot 2 (worth $495,000) Hamilton-class cutters donated UDMC added: ‘Through the UDMC has focused on its ₱ encompasses the supply and by the US. agreement, the two companies F5 5.56mm assault rifle and installation of weapons, The ex-South Korean corvette expect to supply the continued designated marksman rifle, plus communication, electronics and will be assigned to the Offshore demand of firearms in the an S7 7.62mm precision rifle. information systems to replace Combat Force. It will offer an Philippines by utilising quality The Philippine Navy’s Naval obsolete or removed equipment. important ASW capability, since and price-competitive products Special Operations Group began Lot 3, for machinery and repair no other PN vessel is currently from S&T Motiv. Together, the using its weapons in 2015. work, is the largest tender, with configured for such missions.

Troposcatter Rafael ready to equip fighters connects the dots The company In April this year, Comtech STAND 1310 manufactures Telecommunications was The hopes the Python-5 awarded a $6.5 million contract to induct 12 multirole fighters and i-Derby to supply the Philippines with 109 under both Horizons 2 and 3 MR/SR to troposcatter communications of its modernisation plan. provide active- equipment to link Zamboanga TREKKER However, these 24 aircraft radar and full- and Tawi-Tawi in the south. Leonardo Helicopters are renowned for performance, versatility and safety. must be equipped with sphere-imaging Rafael offers a range of products for fighters. The company will supply its The AW109 Trekker - an evolution of the proven AW109 platform - is the newest suitable combat systems. IR air-to-air (Photo: Rafael) deployable Modular Transportable light twin, designed for demanding utility and aerial work operations. Rafael Advanced Defense missiles for Transmission System (MTTS) Systems told ADAS Daily News: short-range to beyond- reconnaissance pod is along with ISR video downlinks. Equipped with robust skid landing gear, a latest-generation glass cockpit and ‘As the need for air superiority visual-range threats. claimed to shorten the According to Comtech, the advanced avionics, the Trekker provides the excellent handling qualities, high continues to play an increasing Air-to-ground munitions sensor-to-shooter cycle. MTTS troposcatter terminals productivity and operational fl exibility you demand. role in all types of recent include stand-off weapons and Airborne communications ‘will enable the armed forces Inspired by the vision, curiosity and creativity of the great master inventor - military conflicts, we believe precision-guided include BNET voice to establish data links between Leonardo is designing the technology of tomorrow. the Philippine Air Force kits (SPICE 250, 1000 communications, data links island locations that were stands to gain a significant and 2000) for use against and wireless networks. Rafael previously beyond the reach Visit us at ADAS, Stand n.1460 advantage if it equips its high-value targets. also has advanced airborne of high-bandwidth terrestrial aircraft with Rafael’s advanced The Rafael Litening 5 EO EW products including support communications. air combat aerial systems, targeting and navigation pod jammers, radar warning ‘The video downlink systems whether they decide to buy is the most widely used in receivers, electronic support will allow airborne assets to individual systems or a the world, according to the measures and electronic deliver ISR data for distribution complete aerial suite.’ OEM, and the Reccelite intelligence and ECM systems. to ground-based decision-makers leonardocompany.com in real time,’ the OEM added.

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M-18-0154 Shephard ADAS Show Daily AW159 AW139M AW109 Trekker.indd 3 14/09/2018 10:39:41 DAY THREE ADAS 2018 DAILY NEWS

IAI offers views over the horizon Bulgaria steps northern tip of the Philippines), challenges of the Philippines, in with RPGs STAND 1110 Lubang Island (Mindoro) and and has carefully studied its DEFENSE INDUSTRY Aerospace Industries (IAI) Palawan, all facing westwards to needs and Horizon 2 strategic Elta Systems is exhibiting its enable monitoring of the South plans. For example, the company over-the-horizon air surveillance China Sea. is seeking to offer refurbished radars at ADAS 2018, three of Alfassi added: ‘Both radars Black Hawks to the PAF. which are being supplied to the share the same technology and ‘IAI came up with an innovative Photo: Gordon Arthur COOPERATION Philippine Air Force (PAF) under common hardware, thus allowing approach – acquisition of a contract won in 2015. for significant maintenance modernised pre-owned Black STAND 1260 Eli Alfassi, VP of marketing at IAI, and integrated logistics support Hawks. This approach will enable told ADAS Daily News: ‘One of the cost reduction. The radars the air force to operate the most Following the failure of main products highlighted this year share a common protocol and modernised upgraded platform AirTronic in the US to supply at ADAS is the IAI Elta advanced synchronisation of detected at a much lower cost,’ he noted. the Philippine military with its family of AD-STAR air defence targets for easy integration and Alfassi said: ‘We are glad to first-ever shoulder-fired RPGs MUTUAL TRUST AND SUPPORT radars, which includes the mobile creation of a single situation report that IAI has been very active under a sole-source FMS, medium-range ELM-2288MR and picture in centralised command and successful in the Philippines Bulgarian company Arsenal long-range ELM-2288ER. and control, with very high in past years. During this time, stepped into the breach. ‘The mobile radar allows the accuracy and high performance. we leveraged our relationship to The company’s RPGs (pictured) Armed Forces of the Philippines ‘IAI Elta’s design utilises the promote cooperation with local were used in the bitter fighting to deploy the system rapidly, while most advanced technology industry and customers. in Marawi last year, where they the long-range radar is installed in existing today in the market, ‘In view of the stronger proved their worth in combat. a fixed location and provides very which allows the system to offer relationship between the two Petyo Asenov, Arsenal’s Asia- long-range detection.’ top performance for many years countries and the recent visit of Pacific business development At the time of the contract and decades to come,’ he said. President Duterte, we are confident director, said that President announcement, a spokesperson At the ADAS exhibition, IAI is that both countries can go a long Rodrigo Duterte visited the from the air force said: ‘The also highlighting the Bird-Eye way in reinforcing our collaboration OEM’s stand at ADAS on 26 surveillance radars will help us 650D UAV, loitering munitions, and reap mutual benefits.’ September to personally offer monitor our territorial airspace and land warfare simulator and Super Another regional success for his gratitude for ‘making a air defence identification zone.’ Dvora Mk III fast patrol vessel. IAI is the multi-billion dollar sale difference in Marawi’. The radars are believed to The spokesperson added of its Barak missile system to AirTronic was supposed to be situated in Ilocos Norte (the that IAI fully understands the the Indian Navy. deliver several hundred RPG launchers to the Philippine Army, but instead the US resorted to sourcing 250 launchers from its PAF inducts first ScanEagles own inventory. However, these did not come with any sights, counterterrorism, spare parts or maintenance kits. Photo: Gordon Arthur limited maritime patrol, Arsenal donated six ATGL-L humanitarian assistance, launchers, plus it was able to disaster relief and search urgently supply sights and and rescue, and to support rockets to the Philippines to different government meet combat requirements. departments in their national Interestingly, the company had development activities. been conducting training for the In addition to this army’s Light Reaction Regiment batch, the PAF ordered six when the fighting in the south ScanEagles last August in a of the nation broke out. VISIT KOREA PAVILION $7.4 million deal, and these Troops used the 3,600 worth $13.76 million. As well should be handed over by warheads available in the STAND D160 as the UAVs, included in this July 2019. Another order Marawi conflict, and Arsenal is Booth No. 1920 The Philippine Air Force (PAF) delivery were a trailer-mounted for six of the type was now supplying three types of formally received its first batch Mk 4 pneumatic launcher and placed on 18 September grenades (anti-personnel, of six ScanEagle 2 tactical trailer-mounted Mk 1 Mod 2 2017, according to a US thermobaric and HEAT) for future UAVs from the US government SkyHook recovery device. announcement, with delivery use by regular infantry units. at a ceremony at Villamor Air The equipment will be expected in September 2019. China and Russia have both Base on 13 March 2018. used by the PAF’s 300th The Philippine Navy will donated or sold RPG launchers The Philippines acquired Air Intelligence and Security also receive ScanEagles to the Philippines as well, the ScanEagles via the FMS Wing for military missions for flight operations from which is thought to have an scheme of the US in a contract such as internal security, naval vessels. eventual requirement for 2,800 RPG launchers.

4 ADAS 2018 WWW.SHEPHARDMEDIA.COM DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION

MUTUAL TRUST AND SUPPORT

VISIT KOREA PAVILION Booth No. 1920 DAY THREE ADAS 2018 DAILY NEWS Standing united With a renewed focus on special forces, the Philippine military has combined its existing commands in a move to strengthen joint operations. By Gordon Arthur

On 6 April 2018, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stood up a new integrated joint command, called the AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM), with the aim of better enabling joint special operations against violent extremist organisations and terrorists and to improve external defence.

Under one umbrella Putting disparate SF units under a single command for the first time, AFPSOCOM combines existing formations from the Philippine Army, Navy (PN) and Air Force (PAF). As a unified entity, it mirrors the US AFPSOCOM combines special forces from the army, navy, marine corps and air force of the Philippines. Special Operations Command (Photo: author) to some degree. The army’s special operations an inter-service anti-terrorism has been our dream because Mindanao Command, I saw command, now deactivated, strike force that combined we know the intricacies and the need for a single unit that included the First Scout Ranger existing SF units and assets. peculiarities of special operations.’ would oversee the proper Regiment, the Special Forces The new unified command is employment of the different (Airborne) Regiment and the headquartered at Fort Magsaysay Joint efforts major service special operations Light Reaction Regiment. These in Nueva Ecija, which was The creation of AFPSOCOM came forces deployed in the area. three units continue as they were previously home to the army’s after last year’s vicious combat ‘I expect that all of the gaps but now fall under AFPSOCOM. SOCOM HQ. Understandably, in Marawi in the southern island and challenges we encountered Meanwhile, the PN fields the army personnel now constitute of Mindanao. in joint operations involving our Naval Special Operations Group the core of the new AFPSOCOM Indeed, AFP Chief of Staff SOF will be addressed with our (NAVSOG), with plans to double in terms of numbers. Gen Rey Leonardo Guerrero said activation of the AFPSOCOM. its size. In addition, the Philippine The first AFPSOCOM that activation of the command Organisational improvements Marine Corps supports NAVSOG commander is Maj Gen Ronnie was the ‘result of lessons will ensure that the AFP remains with its Force Reconnaissance Evangelista, who previously led learned in the Zamboanga City responsive and adaptive to Battalion. The PAF possesses the the army’s SOCOM after being attack in 2013 and the Marawi current and emerging challenges 710th Special Operations Wing. appointed to that position on siege in 2017’. in the global security In recent times, the AFP 9 January 2018. He noted: ‘We Marawi’s brutal conflict, lasting environment,’ he continued. General HQ also deployed the are all very thankful because from 23 May to 23 October 2017, All existing SF units will fall Joint Special Operations Group, our dream of being under one saw 168 military personnel killed under the operational control which was created in 2003 as umbrella has been realised. This and more than 1,400 wounded, of AFPSOCOM by 2019, and and 974 insurgents of Maute the command is expected to and ISIS-inspired groups were be fully operational in terms “Organisational improvements killed. The conflict reinvigorated of personnel, equipment and cooperation between Philippine training by 2020-21. will ensure that the AFP remains and foreign SF units. The Philippines’ SF can claim ‘I have personally seen one of the highest operational responsive and adaptive to current the need for a joint SOCOM, tempos in the world, with and emerging challenges in the having been a brigade, division ongoing operations against both and area commander,’ said communist and Islamic insurgents global security environment.” Guerrero. ‘In the Eastern all around the country. ■

6 ADAS 2018 WWW.SHEPHARDMEDIA.COM

DAY THREE ADAS 2018 DAILY NEWS

Southeast Asian nations are modernising their land The 35t Kaplan MT is a joint development effort by FNSS and PT Pindad. The medium tank forces to better respond to state-based threats and features a CMI Defence 105mm gun in a Cockerill 3105 turret. (Photo: PT Pindad/CMI) internal security challenges. By Gordon Arthur

Advances in Asia NEW OFFSHORE PATROL CAPABILITY In 2017, the biggest military The prototype NGAFV is armed ST Engineering is working PT Pindad. Production begins DESIGNED AND BUILT IN THE spender within the Association with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster with American partner SAIC to next year, with Abraham Mose, of Southeast Asian Nations II cannon and 7.62mm coaxial promote the platform to the US president director of PT Pindad, PHILIPPINES, BY FILIPINOS, (ASEAN) was ($10 machine gun mounted in an Army for its Mobile Protected saying that 100 units would be billion), followed by Adder M 30 remote Firepower requirement, for which produced to fulfil the TNI-AD’s FOR FILIPINOS. ($8.2 billion), ($6 station (RWS). it would receive a 105mm gun first-stage requirements. billion), Vietnam ($5 billion), An ST Engineering in a Cockerill 3105 turret. PT Pindad began producing Austal’s OPV for the Philippine Navy is based on a proven ($3.6 billion), the spokesperson said that the The has also the Anoa-1 6x6 APC in 2008, platform that has demonstrated success operating in Philippines ($2.8 billion) and vehicle has a clean-sheet design introduced Rafael’s SR and the Anoa-2 was introduced tropical environments and conducting border patrol and Myanmar ($2.1 billion). and is ‘the world’s first fully (Short Range) missile to infantry to market in 2012. Based on maritime operations. digitised AFV’ with features such units. Replacing Saab’s Carl- the latter’s hull, the Badak is Strides in Singapore as a 360° camera surveillance Gustaf 84mm recoilless rifle, the the fruit of cooperation with The Philippine Navy OPV features an aviation deck enabling helicopter and unmanned aeronautical systems In February, ST Engineering Land system and an open architecture Spike SR will be used primarily CMI Defence, which provided its missions. Systems (formerly ST Kinetics) to mitigate obsolescence issues. against enemy tanks. Singapore CSE90 LP 90mm gun mounted exhibited its Next Generation A vehicle monitoring has been using the Spike LR in a two-man turret. Badaks are The OPV is arranged with a starboard boat deck and stern Armoured Fighting Vehicle system promotes fleet-wide (Long Range) variant since 1999. being produced in Indonesia at well for the safe and rapid launch and recovery of RHIBs. (NGAFV) at the Singapore maintainability and quicker an annual rate of 25-30 units. The vessel is fitted with a mission bay and aft storage Airshow 2018, with the first turnaround for repairs, and a Indonesian initiatives In February last year meanwhile, area to facilitate the embarkation of containerised mission units for the Singapore Army commander’s independent The (TNI-AD) it was announced that Indonesia modules. to be delivered in 2019. sight enables hunter-killer publicly debuted a prototype of had procured a further 18 CAESAR The customer has not disclosed engagements. the Kaplan medium tank – fitted 155mm truck-mounted howitzers the number of vehicles ordered The platform weighs between with a Cockerill 3105 turret and from Nexter. For more information go to: to replace its M113A2 Ultra 29t and 32.5t depending on the 105mm gun from CMI Defence – In a press release, the OEM AUSTAL.COM/OPV armoured personnel carriers chosen weapon system and in October 2017. stated: ‘In addition to the (APCs), but variants such as armour level. In the future, The Kaplan is being developed systems, Nexter will also provide armoured recovery vehicles and unmanned technology such as under a JV between ’s FNSS its fire control system FINDART, bridge-layers will also eventuate. UAVs may be integrated. and Indonesia’s state-owned CAESAR simulators for training

8 ADAS 2018 WWW.SHEPHARDMEDIA.COM NEW OFFSHORE PATROL CAPABILITY DESIGNED AND BUILT IN THE PHILIPPINES, BY FILIPINOS, FOR FILIPINOS.

Austal’s OPV for the Philippine Navy is based on a proven platform that has demonstrated success operating in tropical environments and conducting border patrol and maritime operations. The Philippine Navy OPV features an aviation deck enabling helicopter and unmanned aeronautical systems missions. The OPV is arranged with a starboard boat deck and stern well for the safe and rapid launch and recovery of RHIBs. The vessel is fitted with a mission bay and aft storage area to facilitate the embarkation of containerised mission modules.

For more information go to: AUSTAL.COM/OPV DAY THREE ADAS 2018 DAILY NEWS

and over 50 artillery battalion grenade launcher and HJ-73D auxiliary vehicles assembled in antitank missile launcher. The “Thailand has turned Indonesia by its local partner RTA plans to procure a second PT Pindad.’ batch of VN1s in the near future. heavily to China’s embrace Indonesia inked a first contract Turning to indigenous products, in 2012 for 36 CAESARs based on in 2015, the Defence Technology to satisfy its equipment the Sherpa 6x6 chassis. Institute (DTI), part of Thailand’s MoD, displayed a prototype Black modernisation needs.” Tanks for Thailand Widow Spider 8x8 APC at the Thailand has turned heavily to Defense & Security exhibition. China’s embrace to satisfy its After undergoing the Thai military will place faith The RTMC currently operates equipment modernisation needs. improvements based on in this domestic solution. Cadillac Gage Commando V-150 For example, a $137 million feedback from RTA trials in APCs, but this ageing platform contract was signed in March 2016, the Black Widow Spider Adding armour offers insufficient protection 2016 for 28 Norinco-built VT4s was to be ready for further Thai company Chaiseri launched against mine blasts and IEDs to replace ageing M41 light tanks. evaluations in April 2018 as a its 2 4x4 MRAP-type encountered in an Islamic The first batch reached Thailand potential solution for the army vehicle last November at the insurgency being waged in in October 2017, six months as it replaces older M113 and Defense & Security exhibition. southern Thailand. ahead of schedule. Type 85 APCs. In late 2017, the manufacturer To modernise the V-150, The (RTA) is Last year, DTI unveiled its delivered a first lot of these Panus Assembly developed commissioning its VT4s into two Amphibious Armoured Personnel enhanced vehicles to the RTA. the HMV-150, which has a battalions of the 3rd Cavalry Carrier (AAPC) with flotation kit Although Kan Koolhiran, 12mm-thick double-layer steel Division in the nation’s northeast. and trim vane. Designed to swim Chaiseri’s general manager, hull and 16mm-thick V-shaped The army is procuring a second from ship to shore, the 24t AAPC could not disclose the quantity, belly armour. batch of ten VT4s under FY2017 is aimed at a Royal Thai Marine ADAS Daily News understands The 16t platform also adds funding and is also seeking a Corps (RTMC) requirement. that more than 100 First Wins air conditioning, spotlights, IR third batch of ten tanks. In The prototype was fitted have been ordered or delivered lights and front/rear cameras. addition, China will establish a with a 30mm cannon in an ST to date. After field tests, the marine corps logistics/maintenance centre Engineering unmanned turret. The most significant began deploying HMV-150s in in Thailand, where Chinese Col Chatchapong Punpayak, improvement to the First Win 2 Thailand’s southern provinces technicians will be stationed. director of DTI’s business is increased armour protection, last September. The RTA also selected development department, something achieved without the Chinese-built VN1 8x8 said the AAPC shares 90% any increase in its 11t weight Mounted mortars amphibious infantry fighting commonality with the Black thanks to the use of imported Turning to artillery, the RTMC vehicle, ordering 34 units for Widow Spider. steel. Other additions include the plans to acquire 155mm L/52 $57 million in 2017. Norinco However, developing an 8x8 integration of a digital backbone, Autonomous Truck-Mounted Gun will deliver these later this year. armoured vehicle to series all-round thermal camera system (ATMG) systems, which are part Thailand’s VN1s sport an RWS production standard is a and potentially a laser warning of Elbit Systems’ ATMOS family. with a 30mm cannon, 7.62mm technically challenging task, and system connected to smoke The army acquired six ATMGs machine gun, 40mm automatic it remains to be seen whether grenade launchers. mounted on 6x6 trucks from Israel in 2015. Phase two of this project has started, which will see The tracked NGAFV from ST Engineering will become the Singapore Army’s high-tech replacement for the a battalion of 18 ATMGs enter M113 Ultra. (Photo: author) service, with assembly occurring in Thailand. Thailand’s MoD is developing its Autonomous Truck-Mounted Mortar (ATMM) in conjunction with Elbit Systems. The ATMM employs Soltam’s 120mm Spear recoil mortar mounted on a Tata 4x4 truck. Offering a 6.5km range, the ATMM can enter action within two minutes of coming to a stop. The Weapon Production Centre will produce ten ATMMs in Thailand to equip a single mortar company. To read more about Southeast Asian land programmes, see Land Warfare International (Apr-May 2018, p24-29) or visit www.shephardmedia.com. ■

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