Volume 24/issue 5 july/august 2016 US$15

Asia Pacific’s Largest Circulated Defence MagaZine

JAPAN’S ARMED FORCES UTILITY HELICOPTERS UAV DIRECTORY NAVAL SIMULATION COUNTER-IED TACTICAL VEHICLES

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02 | Asian Review | Contents july/august 2016 VOLUME 24 / ISSUE 5

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Front Cover Photo: The Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk (UAV) is winning an increasing number of customers Dr. Alix Valenti examines ’s in the Asia-Pacific, as discussed strategic situation and its impact in AMR’s UAV Directory in this on the country’s ongoing military issue. modernisation. 10 42 48 54

Defeating the IED Virtual Action Protection Four Wheeling Improvised Explosive Devices are the scourge of the modern Stations Racket by Parachute battlefield.Peter Donaldson Claire Apthorp examines the Thomas Withington examines Stephen W. Miller takes investigates the counter- synthetic naval training market the threats faced by combat a detailed look at the US Army’s measures being developed in the Asia-Pacific, and the aircraft, and the part integrated Ground Mobility Vehicle, and for vehicles to neutralise products hoping to satisfy self-protection systems can play what it can offer to airborne this menace. demand. in mitigating these. operations. 16 30 05

Automatic for the People – UAV Directory Heliopolis 2016-2017 Medium-lift utility helicopters AMR’s ever-popular Unmanned remain in strong demand in the Aerial Vehicles directory returns Asia-Pacific.Andrew Drwiega with Claire Apthorp at the helm, examines some options for Catch up on all the latest defence radio frequency news and chronicling recent regional actors in the region. analysis in Thomas Withington’s regular Pulse column. developments in this domain.

| july/august 2016 | 03 Index of Advertisers AERONAUTICS 23 AMR WEBSITE 7 Editorial - P8i COVER 4 BOEING - V22 39 DEFENSE & SECURITY THAILAND 59 EMBRAER COVER 2 Over to You, ESRI 15 GENERAL ATOMICs 27 IAI – ELTA 13 Mr. Duterte IAI – MALAT 19 IDEAS COVER 3 INDO DEFENCE 53 odrigo Duterte was elected the new NAVDEX 2017 47 ROSOBORONEXPORT 34, 35, 45 President of the on 27 May SEOUL airshow 41 following the ballot held on 25 May. TEXTRON AVIATION 9 He has enjoyed a long political career, most notably as the mayor of Davao UKRSPECEXPORT 51 City, on Mindanao Island in the south of the archipelago. us/ border conference 29 R During his tenure in the conurbation he was known for his uncompromising stance on Advertising Offices law and order, earning him the nickname of ‘The Punisher’ after a fictional vigilante comic hero of the same name. The activities of vigilante death squads in the city, which Darayus Patva, Publisher’s Internationale Tel: +61 2 8298 9330, Fax: +61 2 9252 2022 have allegedly performed extra-judicial killings of suspected criminals, resulted in Email: [email protected] sustained criticism from human rights groups at home and abroad. Mr. Duterte has France/ promised to bring a similarly uncompromising approach to law and order on a national Stephane de Remusat, REM International Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 scale. On 22 June he reaffirmed his plans to re-impose the death penalty in the country E-Mail: [email protected] (which was suspended in 2006), telling the local press that the “death penalty to me is Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Benelux the retribution. It makes you pay for what you did.” Such tough talk may play out well Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 to Mr. Duterte’s supporters but the country is likely to garner significant international E-Mail: [email protected] opprobrium if and when it resumes lethally injecting convicted criminals. East-Central /Greece/Turkey/UK Zena Coupé Will similarly robust rhetoric be heard from Mr. Duterte in the foreign policy arena? Tel: +44 1923 852537, [email protected] The new President’s inbox is undoubtedly full. The Permanent Court of Arbitration Nordic Countries/Italy Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg (PCA) in The Hague, the , is expected to imminently issue a decision Tel: (46) 31 799 9028 E-Mail: [email protected] regarding a case brought by the Philippines under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the People’s Republic of Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, China’s (PRC) occupation of areas of the Spratly Islands archipelago in the South Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :[email protected] China Sea. The Spratly Islands are also subject to territorial and maritime claims by Brunei-Darussalam, the PRC, , Taiwan and . The Philippines claims South Korea Young Seoh Chinn, Jes Media Inc. that the so-called ‘Nine Dash Line’ which denotes the PRC’s maritime and territorial Tel: (82-2) 481 3411 E-Mail: [email protected] claims in the South China Sea violates the UNCLOS’ stipulations regarding Exclusive

USA (East/South East)/Canada (East) Economic Zones. The PRC meanwhile has refused participation in the arbitration Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC. process, claiming that Manila has ignored voluntary agreements promising to address Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email: [email protected] issues regarding the South China Sea bilaterally. USA (West/South West)//Canada (West) Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc Whatever the outcome of the PCA’s judgement, Mr. Duterte would be advised to tread Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557 Email: [email protected] carefully. The PRC is often prickly at overt criticism in the diplomatic arena, and the Philippines’ new President may be well advised to avoid a similar tenor of speech to All Other Countries Vishal Mehta, Media Transasia Limited that he has used regarding the domestic security situation, when discussing the regional Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 9 8252 6243 E-Mail: [email protected] security situation. The Philippines is increasing its defence spending, and modernising Jakhongir Djalmetov, Media Transasia Limited its military. This sends an important message to Beijing that it is serious about protecting Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654 Email: [email protected] itself. Nevertheless, moderate language may help it to avoid an escalation in tensions which neither nation wants. Thomas Withington, Editor

Editor: Thomas Withington Tel: (33) 562 271 697, E-mail: [email protected] Publishing Office: Audit Bureau Of Circulations Chairman: J.S. Uberoi Media Transasia Limited,1603, 16/F, Controlled circulation: 21,271 (average per issue) Island Place Tower, 510 King’s Road, Hong Kong certified by ABC Hong Kong, Operations Office: for the period 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015. President: Egasith Chotpakditrakul Subscription Information Chief Financial Officer: Sasakorn Dumavibhat ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW can be obtained by subscription. Subscription rate for one year General Manager International Marketing: Vishal Mehta (8 issues) is U.S.$ 100.00 Readers should Marketing Manager: Jakhongir Djalmetov contact the following address: Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Wajiraprakan Punyajai Graphic Designer: Khakanaa Suwannawong Subscription Department, Production Manager: Kanda Thanakornwongskul Group Circulation Manager: Porames Chinwongs Media Transasia Limited. 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Media Transasia Ltd. 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok 10110, Thailand Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2387 Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2390 -1 Email: [email protected]

04 | Asian Military Review | by Thomas Withington

The further defines its ground-based air radar requirement, while new tactical radios are launched at the Eurosatory exhibition, and questions surround the performance of Russian airborne electronic warfare equipment. Kelvin Hughes Kelvin

Kelvin Hughes showcased the ground surveillance version of its SharpEye radar, the display for which is shown here, at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris this June.

Radar the to submit bids for the MADR requirement, The Czech Republic Ministry of Defence (MoD) expects to re- although there is no word on which specific systems these re- ceive bids to provide new three-dimensional Mobile Air Defence spective countries have offered for the requirement. Radars (MADRs), of which it is expected to purchase eight, in British radar specialists Kelvin Hughes showcased its new a deal worth $149 million. The radars will furnish the Czech ground surveillance radar at the Eurosatory defence exhibition Army. According to an announcement on the Czech MoD’s web- held in Paris in mid-June. The company has established itself in- site, the country will initially procure five of the new radars by ternationally as a major provider of naval radars for navigation, 2017. Currently, the Czech Army is believed to operate ten Israel surveillance and helicopter control, and has utilised much of the Aerospace Industries’ EL/M-2140 ground surveillance radars technology developed for these radios into a system designed and two Leonardo/Selex RAT-31DL ground-based air surveil- for the detection of pedestrians and vehicles. In particular, Kel- lance radars. The X-band (8.5-10.68 gigahertz/GHz) EL/M-2140 vin Hughes has taken its X-band radar technology already used provides low-level air target detection at a range of 13.4 nautical in its SharpEye naval radar products, and has leveraged this into miles/nm (25 kilometres/km) for helicopters. With an instru- a land-based version of the SharpEye which can be used in ei- mented range of 216nm (400km) and covering up to 20 degrees ther a fixed or mobile capacity. The company told AMR that the of elevation the L-band (1.215-1.4GHz) RAT-31DL/M is trans- vehicular version of this radar weighs a mere 20 kilograms (44 portable using two trucks. The RAT-31DL/M family comprises pounds) enabling it to be easily mounted on a civilian or military the RAT-31DL Fixed Air Defence Radar (FADR) and the RAT- four-wheel drive vehicle. The company added that one of the 31DL/M Deployable Air Defence Radar. Sales of RAT-31DL vari- benefits of employing an X-band radar is that it has compara- ants have been made to Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, tively good penetration of wet weather compared to other radar Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, and bands which can suffer from a phenomena known as ‘rain fade’ Turkey. The Czech MoD has invited France, Israel, Sweden and by which moisture in the atmosphere can cause the degradation

| july/august 2016 | 05 AMR wondering whether not all of the fleet was originally outfitted with the President- S/L370-5 DASS, with the aircraft shot down on 12 April being bereft of this equipment. Is KRET’s announcement the result of a Rus- sian Ministry of Defence (MoD) requirement to now roll the President-S/L370-5 DASS across the entire Mi-28N fleet? To further complicate matters, some reports have stat- ed that the aircraft was not shot down by a MANPADS, but the result of a technical mal- function, according to the Russian MoD. Ul- timately, the loss of the Mi-28N and KRET’s announcement in late May seems to have raised more questions than they answer.

Tactical Radio Mystery surrounds the self-protection system deployed onboard the Mil Mi-28N helicopter Harris has showcased a new handheld radio gunship, and its ability to protect the aircraft, amid reports that the Russian Air Force will soon receive at the Eurosatory exhibition. The company new DASSs for this platform. is aiming its RF-7850S at nations requiring a Russian Ministry of Defence Russian transceiver for use at the platoon level. The radio is also equipped with a new waveform. of radar transmissions, impeding performance. In terms of de- As part of the firm’s RF-7850 family, the RF-7850S covers afre- tection ranges, this pulse-Doppler radar can detect a pedestrian quency spread of 225 megahertz to 2.5 gigahertz. Alongside this at a range of three nautical miles/nm (five kilometres), and a ve- new product, which the firm formally launched on 28 May, the hicle at ranges of between 6.2nm (ten kilometres/km) to 9.3nm transceiver includes a new waveform dubbed the STNW (Soldier (15km). Moreover the addition of what the company calls an In- Time- Multiple Access Networking Waveform) which telligent Clutter Map, allows the radar to ‘learn’ where clutter is can carry simultaneous voice, data and position reporting using present in the radar picture it is generating and to filter this, so as the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation. The to prevent a pedestrian or a vehicle from hiding within this clut- STNW is an “ad hoc, mesh waveform,” according to Timothy ter. Users of the radar include the Saudi Arabian Ministry of the Soine, Harris’ product line manager for international soldier sys- Interior and the Kenyan Army, the latter of which uses the radar tems, which can hold six dedicated voice channels hosting a total in a man-pack capacity. of 48 users, ideally positioning the radio for platoon use. In terms of data, the radio can handle up to 1.4 megabits-per-second. Electronic Warfare The fact that the radio is bereft of In late May, Russia’s KRET defence electronics manufacturer an- US National Security Agency Type- nounced that it would begin supplying a new Defensive Aids 1 standard encryption greatly eases subsystem (DASS) for the Mil Mi-28N Night Hunter attack he- the exportability of the system, al- licopters of the Russian Air Force. The press release issued by though it is equipped with Harris’ KRET revealed that the DASS would contain laser detection proprietary Citadel-I/II and AES- equipment, an ultraviolet missile approach warning detector, a 256 standard encryption. The STNW chaff and flare system, and a laser-based electronic protection waveform will only furnish the RF- system for use against infrared guided missiles. The press release 7850S for now, although Mr. Soine did not reveal the name of the new system, how many would adds that this could be integrated be supplied, and when deliveries and installation onboard the onto other members of the Harris RF- Mi-28N would commence and conclude. AMR did contact KRET 7850 radio family (which includes regarding the news, but received no reply to our enquiries by the airborne, man-pack and other hand- time the publication went to press. held transceivers) in the future. The decision to equip the aircraft with a new DASS could be In addition to the S-TNW, the RF- a reaction to the combat experience of the aircraft during Rus- 7850S can accommodate the TNW sia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war which commenced on 30 (Time-Division, Multiple-Access September 2015. On 12 April, a Mi-28N was reportedly felled by Networking Waveform) which has a Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) fired by rebels a range of up to 15km (9.3 miles) as opposed to the regime of Syria’s President Bashir al-Assad out- opposed to the four kilometres (2.4 side the city of Homs, southern Syria, claiming the lives of both crewmembers. Cryptically, the President-S/L370-5 DASS equips Harris’ RF-7850S was showcased at the June Eurosatory exhibition in Paris and marks the latest the Mi-28N. According to open source reports, this DASS con- member of the company’s RF-7850 family. The tains exactly the same equipment as the new DASS which KRET radio is designed for use at the platoon level, and includes new waveforms. has announced it will install across the Mi-28N fleet. This has left Harris

06 | Asian Military Review | Thales

Thales has spun out elements of the CONTACT tactical radio family that it is developing for the French Army, via the SYNAPS initiative. The handheld SYNAPS-H transceiver is shown here. miles) of the S-TNW. The TNW waveform offers a data rate of 16 kilobits-per-second, but can host six talk groups with a total of 64 users on the network. This waveform can handle text messaging, voice and GPS reporting simultaneously. Thirdly, the RF-7850S includes the ULOS (Ultra High Frequency Line-of-Sight) wave- form which has three kilohertz/KHz of bandwidth (as opposed to the 25KHz of the TNW) to handle simple voice communica- tions and can be employed as a ‘last ditch’ narrowband wave- form. In terms of customers, Mr. Soine added that the firm has already shipped and fielded 2090 transceivers to nine different customers in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Staying with Harris, the company announced in May that it was supplying $406 million worth of tactical radios to Morocco. The company will supply Very High Frequency/Ultra High Fre- quency (VHF/UHF) AN/PRC-152A and AN/PRC-117G hand- held and man-pack radios as per the contract. The delivery of these transceivers is expected to occur in 2016. The radios which Morocco is receiving will carry the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveform. The SINCGARS waveform provides combat net communications for infantry, ar- mour and formations. Handling voice and data commu- nications, the waveform can operate across up to 2320 channels positioned between 30 and 88 megahertz. It is expected that the Moroccan radios will also carry the HAVEQUICK-I/II waveforms. While SINCGARS operates across 30 to 88MHz, HAVEQUICK-I/ II works in the higher frequency band of 225-400MHz and is used for air-to-ground/ground-to-air, as well as air-to-air communi- cation. Although operating on different frequencies, both SINC- GARS and HAVEQUICK-I/II employ frequency hopping for com- munications security, although SINCGARS can be used in a fixed frequency mode. Moreover, HAVEQUICK-I/II can operate using Amplitude and Frequency Modulation (AM/FM), although FM is not recommended for use in wartime vis-à-vis HAVEQUICK-I/II, whereas SINCGARS operates in FM only. Harris was not the only company launching new radios at the Eurosatory exhibition. Thales unveiled its new SYNAPS fam- ily of V/UHF radios which comprises handheld, vehicular and airborne transceivers. The SYNAPS initiative is a by-product of the CONTACT programme which is rolling new handheld, ve- hicular and airborne transceivers across the French armed forces to replace the existing PR4G tactical radios in use predomi- nately with the French Army and also airborne radios from the

| july/august 2016 | 07 to ESSOR, but which includes Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the . Furthermore, Thales dis- closed that the SYNAPS radio will include two new proprietary waveforms, namely the Manoeuvre waveform to be used for ground-to-ground voice and data com- munications, and the Airborne waveform for air-to-ground/ground-to-air voice and data communications. Thales told AMR that it expects to complete field tri- als of the SYNAPS-H (Handheld) and SYNAPS-V (Vehicular) transceivers by 2017, with production then commencing in 2018 which is analogous to the French CONTACT programme procurement timetable. The airborne radio should Alongside the SYNAPS-H handheld radio, Thales has developed the SYNAPS-V vehicular transceiver. Both radios meanwhile complete testing in 2018, with will carry a suite of waveforms including the new ESSOR and COALWNW waveforms. the radio then ready for production in

Thales 2019. Thales is currently awaiting cus- tomers for the SYNAPS family. same company in service across the French navy, army and air SATCOM force. The transceivers comprising the SYNAPS family share the Looking towards the SATCOM (Satellite Communications) do- same hardware as those being procured for the CONTACT pro- main, General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) announced on gramme, with the exception that they are bereft of the national 25 May that it had completed the delivery of 30 AN/PRC-155 two- proprietary encryption and security features which will equip channel networking radios to the US Army for evaluation. These the radios being procured for the French armed forces via the radios were delivered to the force as the result of a production CONTACT initiative. The radios have an optimum data rate of contract awarded to GDMS by the US Army in March 2015. To up to five megabits per second, and are intended to provide a date, the firm has delivered in excess of 2000 AN/PRC-155 radios battalion-wide network. to the US Army as part of a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) In terms of waveforms, the SYNAPS radios will be able to order. Alongside their conventional capabilities, the AN/PRC-155 host the customers’ sovereign waveforms, along with stan- is able to use the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite dard waveforms such as HAVEQUICK-I/II which is a UHF constellation which is being implemented by the US Army for frequency-hopping waveform used for air-to-air/ground-to- UHF SATCOM. The ability of the radio to perform such commu- air communications, SATURN (Second-Generation Anti-Jam nications has been demonstrated during joint US Army and US Tactical UHF Radio for NATO) which can carry data links Navy tests in November 2015, and more recently during US Army such as the Link-11 and Link-22 protocols. Other waveforms demonstrations held in Hawaii during February 2016. which the SYNAPS family can host include the legacy PR4G During the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference and FastNet waveforms already in use with these eponymous held in Tampa, Florida in May, GDMS company representatives Thales radios. This will allow the SYNAPS family to be back- provided AMR with some updates regarding the overall de- wards compatible with legacy radios employing these wave- velopment of the AN/PRC-155 radio. The radio itself runs the forms. This is a particularly important consideration as there Soldier Radio Waveform, which is used for dismounted infantry, will be an overlapping transition within the French armed alongside SINCGARS (see above), and the MUOS waveform also forces between the PR4G family and the new CONTACT ra- mentioned above for UHF SATCOM. The initial qualification dio. Other waveforms which can be hosted on the radio include testing discussed in the above section, the company told AMR, is the ESSOR (European Secure Software Defined Radio) wave- expected to be completed this November. The radio itself forms form which is currently under development by a consortium part of the US armed forces’ erstwhile Joint Tactical Radio System of European countries including France. The intention of the (JTRS) which is procuring new transceivers across the US Navy ESSOR programme which is led by OCCAR (Organisation con- (including the US Marine ), US Army and US Air Force. De- jointe de coopérationenmatièred’armement/Joint Organisation for spite the LRIP contract which has seen the delivery of over 5000 Cooperation in Armaments), the European Union organisation AN/PRC-155 radios to the US Army, the force will now decide charged with managing joint European defence programmes, on which transceiver should be procured to fulfil the man-pack is to develop a high data rate waveform which can be used segment of the JTRS HMS (Handheld, Man-pack, Small Form by several nations including the participating partners of Fin- Factor) requirement. This could potentially see the procurement land, France, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden, plus third par- of up to 60000 new transceivers by the US Army in the coming ties. In addition, the radio will host the COALWNW (Coalition years. The down selection regarding the supplier of these new Wideband Networking Waveform) which shares similar goals radios is expected to occur at some point in 2018. AMR

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Based on SDR technology, the Airbus isrupting the RF detonation Multi-Role Jammer is in service with signal without harming an undisclosed customer in its VPJ-R6 friendly and neutral vehicle protection jammer form, and communications presents is set to grow in capability through the integration of new jamming a challenge. According to waveforms in software form. Thales,D which offers a portfolio of Counter- IED (CIED) technology for convoy projection and dismounted use, lessons learned from recent deployments, such as the US-led operations in and , stress the need for equipment that can be upgraded easily to keep pace with continuously-evolving threats, that preserve friendly communications and that are smaller, lighter and more energy efficient than legacy systems to enable integration into all types of vehicles. Many of the latest RF jammers now combine active and reactive modes to improve both power efficiency and operational security. As Elbit explains, active systems spread RF jamming energy across their coverage frequency band without regard to threat activity, making them less effective on any individual frequency and increasing the electro- magnetic signature that might enable hostile forces to detect them more easily. Purely reactive jammers, in contrast, only jam when they have detected a signal that they recognise as a threat, which requires an up-to-date threat database and very rapid reactions. The risk is that they may not react to a signal they do not recognise as a threat. Therefore, a carefully selected and configurable combination of active

Airbus and reactive operation is increasingly seen as the way to go.

Eclipse Under the auspices of the French Direc- Defeating tion Générale de l’Armement (General Armament Directorate) defence procure- ment and technology agency’s BARAGE C-IED programme, Thales’ new Eclipse The IED jammer has successfully completed quali- fication testing, the company announced on 16 May. This qualification clears Defeating Improvised Explosive Devices the way for entry into service with the (IEDs) with active countermeasures involves French Armed Forces, with deliveries commencing and concluding this year. two distinct approaches: attacking Radio Thales says that the Eclipse is a compact device designed to be integrated with Frequency (RF) detonation signals and light armoured vehicles of all kinds. mitigating the explosion with an energetic Designed to improve protection against Remote-Controlled (RC) IEDs, the Eclipse response. Both are very demanding covers a wide range of frequencies technologies. used by potential RF detonator threats without interfering with friendly radio communications, specifically operating by Peter Donaldson between 20 megahertz (MHz) and 2.5 gigahertz (GHz) as standard, with an

10 | Asian Military Review | land forces

as medical diathermy machines. The wideband Storm-H covers the 20MHz to 470MHz band; meanwhile the Storm-H (2G/DECT) inhibits second generation mobile and cordless phones being used The The vehicle-mounted as RF detonators, while Storm-3G covers Eclipse jammer is third-generation mobile phones. There is being delivered to the no specific mention made by Thales of the French Army under the capacity to jam fourth-generation Long BARAGE Counter-IED programme. Designed Term Evolution (LTE) cellphone standards, for integration into but these are not technologically distinct armoured vehicles of all from 3G as they use the same GSM kinds, it provides active frequency spread; they just define and reactive capabilities, and improvements to its data rates. In terms is compatible with friendly

Thales communications. of frequency bands, the Storm-H version covers short-range, low-power RF devices operating in 200-470MHz, the Storm-H optional extension up to six gigahertz. power and can operate for more than four 2G/DETC covering DETC and second- Thales specialists told AMR that Eclipse hours continuously on a single battery generation cellphones with the Storm-3G is the smallest smart, vehicle-mounted charge. The Storm-H system provides covering third-generation cellphones. solution available offering full band wide continuous coverage of the Very All Storm-H family members can be coverage and high power while preserving High Frequency (30 to 300MHz) band, handheld or worn. The company added the vehicle’s radio communications. With and the upper and lower GSM (Global that it sees “counter RCIED electronic four independent channels it produces System for Mobile) communications protection vehicle-mounted solutions 50 Watts of jamming power per channel bands. GSM frequency bands, mandated evolving to cope with a wider range of and makes use of active, reactive and by the International Telecommunications threats such as direct fire weapons or mini- hybrid countermeasures techniques, says Union, the United Nations organisation UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles through the company, needing just two antennae which supervises the radio spectrum, the integration of new technologies for) where comparable systems might use four, typically cover an Ultra High Frequency gunshot detection, spectrum sensing or with this reduced number of antennae range of 300MHz to three gigahertz. directed energy weapons, to ultimately easing integration onto a wide range of Civilian cellphones use GSM bands, become a land platform self-protection vehicles. “The hardware and software and such devices have been used as suite with enhanced electronic protection architecture of Eclipse is scalable and RF detonators for IEDs. The frequency and attack.” modular allowing easy upgrade with coverage provided by the Storm-H also new inhibition capabilities or technology includes those used by Digital Enhanced Airbus MRJ insertion,” the company told AMR. “The Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) sys- With its ‘smart’ Multi-Role Jammer (MRJ),

Personal Computer-based mission prepa-US Navy tems, in laymen’s terms, civilian cordless Airbus is developing a system that can ration unit is simple to use in order to allow telephones, wi-fi networks typically using take on the RCIED threat in addition to it to be easily configured for its mission.” frequencies of 2.4GHz to five gigahertz, more general tactical communications The Eclipse uses Software Defined and the Industrial, Scientific and Medical jamming roles and even counter-UAV Radio (SDR) technology and a modular (ISM) bands. ISM bands are used for non- missions, potentially replacing several open architecture, this enables it to telecommunications applications such separate pieces of equipment. Revealed accept new jamming waveforms to extend its functionality and to provide protection from new threats as they emerge. An embedded integrity check function gives operators information on the system’s health and operational readiness. Thales points out that Eclipse jammers are currently in service with the armed forces of several other undisclosed nations, including NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) members and other allies, and are set to equip a number of Hand-held and wearable, vehicle types to be used by the French the Storm-H covers VHF Army including the force’s forthcoming wavelengths and the upper Renault/Nexter/Thales Griffon and Jaguar and lower GSM bands to armoured vehicles expected to enter protect dismounted soldiers from RCIEDs and is part of a service towards the end of this decade. family of lightweight devices Eclipse’s handheld and wearable that also cover a wide range counterpart is the Storm-H which can of communications wavebands. Thales generate more than one watt of jamming

| july/august 2016 | 11 land forces

one year ago, the system is capabilities inherent in their under contract with an unnamed radio while still using their customer and is being integrated Harris jammer. The IPROTXS approach to this end in its VPJ-R6 vehicle “works between the radio and the protection jammer variant, in jammer to allow communications a package compact enough to go out in very small bits and for installation on a civilian pieces that are undetectable and four-wheel drive. In this form, do not impact the jammer.” the MRJ was at Technology With an IPROTXS module Readiness Level (TRL) Eight in connected to the jammer late 2015 according to Airbus and a smaller IPROTXS Lite specialists who responded to module connected to each radio the author’s questions. TRL comprising the friendly radio levels are used by the United network, the system enables the States Department of Defence to jammer and the radios to talk measure technological maturity. to each other to negotiate slots TRL-8 means that the system’s in which the radios can operate development is complete and freely through the jamming. it has been qualified. Large- Dismounted soldiers, for example, scale shelter-based and compact would have IPROTXS Lite airborne variants are also in modiles, which are about the size the pipeline. At heart, the of a cigarette packet, connected to MRJ is an SDR. This means Harris’ IPROTXS represents a closely coordinated approach to their radios. A vehicle IPROTXS the system is able to grow in making RCIED jammers compatible with friendly radios and consists installation is about the same capability as new jamming of modules that attach to both the jammer and cooperating radios size as the vehicle’s radio and waveforms are developed as to enable the radios to essentially operate normally throughout the would typically fit above it jamming. software applications. For in the radio rack. With four example, the ability for MRJs different settings it allows the to communicate between themselves to to detect, analyse and counter in real operator to run multiple radios including coordinate their responses to threats is time threats that it had not encountered VHF, UHF and both civilian and military already in preparation, Airbus specialists before. “Such a system is currently under TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) told AMR, with the next step being development as an extension to our communications. “You can set (IPROTXS) communication between the jammers multirole jammers.” Asked when a truly up to run across all four of those setting, and other sophisticated SDRs. This may cognitive system might be ready, the so you would switch between them and enable the jammers to communicate company said that it envisages such a allow your radios to operate in those between themselves and with SDRs to capability in five to eight years. environments (where jamming is being show threat information on a vehicle performed).” The jamming systems battle management system. According to Protecting Comms IRPOTXS would work with include Exelis’ sources at Airbus, this capability is likely Preventing jammers from interfering own EGON active/reactive CIED jammer to be available in perhaps three to five with friendly radio communications is that draws on the firm’s proven MMBJ-2.1 years. “However, the dynamics of threat an important task. At one end of the scale, CIED system. It is unknown if this latter and countermeasure are particularly simple fixed-frequency filters applied system is in service. speedy in this area, so armed forces and to broadband jammers leave a selected industry need to be particularly agile,” narrow frequency range unjammed. Planned arbitration the sources said. “The problem with those is that they are L-3 TRL Technology’s director of business The MRJ is considered a smart very bulky and they also only work on a development and strategy Mark Minall reactive jammer, with reaction times to fixed frequency band,” said Chris Reith, argues that it is not always possible to threat signals of significantly less than managing director of the Harris facility provide direct links between jammers and a millisecond and the ability to focus its in Basingstoke, England in a recent radios. He told the author that operators jamming energy on the specific threat interview. “So you are limiting your need to understand the frequencies frequency rather than spreading it over radio’s capabilities by only operating on they need to communicate on and those a broader frequency range. A key enabler a very narrow band. Also it opens the used by adversaries that are targets for here is its spectrum sensing, where the communications up to certain techniques electronic attack or defensive jamming equipment can listen for threats and also that could be used to jam it, intercept it for force protection. This requires pre- for friendly users of the spectrum, which or geolocate it (as the radio’s frequency- planned communications arbitration. puts it on the road that leads towards the hopping capabilities by nature cannot “When you look at your battle plan for artificially intelligent realm of cognitive continue).” Harris has developed an communications … ECM (Electronic radio. “A full-blown cognitive jammer alternative approach embodied in its Counter Measures) and electronic warfare would be able to autonomously adapt to Integrated Protection and Transmission … have to be a consideration right at any threat environment,” the company System (IPROTXS) which, said Mr. Reith, the beginning of the communications told AMR. A cognitive jammer would allows the operator to use all the ECCM planning,” he said. “If you ’t get that apply artificial intelligence techniques (Electronic Counter-Counter Measures) right you are in trouble.”

12 | Asian Military Review | Making Your Routes IED-Safe

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additional ten watts of active jammers to operate simultaneously capability. Each module can be without mutual interference. In service re-roled for dismounted use, with Israeli forces, the MRJ man-pack will adding flexibility to the overall operate for 3.5 hours on a single battery solution. All the Broadshield charge, the company states. family use common laptop- Recognising that no single sensor based programming. “(The or countermeasure can defeat all types company) has recognised that of IED and mine threat, IAI Elta offers its force protection expertise the ELI-3375 Counter-IED and Counter and its electronic attack Mine Suite (CIMS), whose mission expertise hitherto have been on management system integrates multiple separate Broadshield ranges,” sensors grouped into above-surface said Mark Minall: “We have and below-ground subsystems to detect now brought both of those surface and underground IEDs. The together into one platform with a Above-Surface Detection System (ADS) firmware change.” includes the Surface IED Detection Radar (SIDER), the GigaPix Optical Detection Israeli Options System (GPODS) and the infrared IED Looking towards Israel, Elbit investigator with overlapping coverage is well known for its Electronic to detect threats in front or to the sides IAI Jammers Against Bombs (EJAB) of the vehicle. Underground threats are Designed to deal with buried and otherwise concealed family, which is available in addressed by the Mine and IED Detection IEDs and mines, the CIMS combines surface scanning and vehicle-mounted, portable and System (MIDS), which combines a metal ground penetrating radars with infrared cameras, a large- man-pack forms. Elbit launched detector and a Ground Penetrating Radar. format optical sensor and a command and control suite for both manned and unmanned ground vehicles. the new Miniature Reactive The company shows the ADS mounted Jammer (MRJ) family in 2013 and on the roof of a four-wheel drive vehicle, this June announced its intention with the MIDS carried low to the ground The company’s family of Broadshield to highlight the man-pack variant at the on a frame in front of it, although the jammers can take on both the CIED and Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris the same company emphasises that it can also be electronic attack role, the latter being month. This active/reactive system has deployed on unmanned ground vehicles. directed against tactical radios, and been developed for the kinds of missions The CIMS is being marketed to the Indian are designed with communications usually given to special forces or other armed forces and is to be evaluated by arbitration in mind. They are also types of penetration forces, says the the US Army, the service’s Contracting designed to pack in more capability while company, and features a set frequency Command announced on 13 April. minimising their size, weight and power range that covers low-band, cellular and Once detected, IEDs can be neutralised consumption in both vehicle-mounted high-band threats and enables multiple remotely with weapons such as Rafael’s and man-pack variants. The Broadshield Thor, which adds a two kilowatt laser to Modular Countermeasures Suite (MCS) a Mini-Samson Remote Control Weapon man-pack, for example, can operate in System (RCWS) already armed with either active or reactive modes in both a heavy machine gun. Using optics to low band 20-520MHz and high band acquire or re-acquire the suspected IED, (420MHz to six gigahertz) ranges and can the laser can then burn off camouflage be quickly reprogrammed in the field to material to confirm operator’s suspicions optimise its jamming capability, target and then destroy the explosive charge frequencies and operating parameters, through deflagration (rapid, non-explosive says the company. burning) or low-order detonation. The Broadshield Lightweight Alternatively, Thor can neutralise the Countermeasures Suite (LCS) provides a device by cutting the command wire or subset of the Broadshield MCS capabilities detonating cord. Needing no downtime over the same frequency ranges in the for cooling or recharging, the water-cooled form of a more compact active jammer laser can be fired continuously, says the weighing less than two kilograms (4.4 company. The gun can also be used as a pounds), excluding the battery and disruptor as well as to defend the vehicle antennae. For vehicles that need a lot carrying the Thor. of RF jamming power but with limited Together, using smart and, in the space, the company offers the Broadshield future cognitive, jammers and kinetic

High-power Compact System (HCS), Elbit sensor-controlled weapons to neutralise another active/reactive jammer that In service with the Israel Defence Force and IEDs, such capabilities promise to provide can be configured into a stack of up to NATO, the EJAB Manpack is a multi-band greater survivability for vehicles than ever three interoperable units, according to jammer built into a backpack. The system can before. IED attack is unlikely to disappear the company, each providing 50 Watts jam most radio and cellular bands, two at the from the battlefield, but protective same time through a single antenna. of reactive or active jamming and an technologies are here to stay. AMR

14 | Asian Military Review | ONE PLATFORM, MANY MISSIONS.

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Untitled-1 1 3/22/16 10:39 AM G72339_Esri-SafeCommAsiaPac-Ad_0316.indd 1 3.18.16 1.10 p regional UAV directory

Automatic for the People - UAV Directory 2016-2017

A Research and Markets report published in February 2016 estimates that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market volume will reach 4.7 million units worldwide by the end of 2020. By 2025, the Teal Group, a US-based consultancy, estimates that the global market will be worth $14 billion annually. by Claire Apthorp

ilitary research and development is expected number of big ticket acquisition projects have firmed up over to generate much of the activity in the the last twelve months. The Australian government confirmed in international UAV market, with increasing its 2016 Defence White Paper, which outlines government defence territorial disputes and political tensions across spending priorities, that it would purchase seven Lockheed the globe fuelling research and development Martin MQ-4C Triton UAVs from the US government, the Indian intoM the technology that will take unmanned systems to the government approved the purchase of ten Israel Aerospace In- next generation. Armed forces worldwide are channelling dustries’ Heron-TPs, and Pakistan has purchased an undisclosed investment into the development and acquisition of UAVs as number of Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle UAVs from the US. Japan they look to enhance their capabilities across land and maritime is also moving closer to the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global domains, with homeland security, border patrol, illegal Hawk UAV, with the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) for- immigration, disaster management and search and rescue all mally requesting three aircraft from the US government under emerging as cross-over defence applications for UAVs outside the foreign military sales route in 2015. the traditional navy, land or air force scope of operations. Other programmes still in their early stages will be worth Countries in the Asia-Pacific region continue to show both keeping an eye on over the coming year. The Royal Australian an appetite for sophisticated systems and an increasing capac- Navy’s search for a vertical take-off and landing Maritime Tacti- ity for development and manufacturing in the UAV sector. A cal Unmanned Aircraft System is gathering pace with a request

16 | Asian Military Review | regional UAV directory

The Royal Australian Air Force is operating in South Australia where they are playing a central role in de- two Heron I UAVs from veloping the parameters for the eventual operation of UAVs in Woomera airbase as part unsegregated Australian airspace, and helping to ensure that of its work to keep pilots RAAF personnel retain and maintain skills required to operate skilled in operations until UAVs until the entry into service of the Northrop Grumman the next generation of UAVs enter service. MQ-4C Triton next decade (see below). ScanEagle, Insitu/Boeing: These aircraft were deployed for five years to support Operation SLIPPER (see above). During the de- ployment, they amassed 32000 flying hours across 6200 sorties. The ScanEagle fleet provided constant reconnaissance support to ground elements in Afghanistan from 2007 until the 2012. The system remains in testing with the (RAN) which is seeking a reconnaissance capability to support naval vessels from 2022. In November 2015 the navy trialled the ScanEagle Block-D with Sentient Kestrel Maritime Visual Detection and Ranging wide area maritime detection software to enhance surveillance capabilities. The sensor scans the ocean surface autonomously, detecting, tracking and photograph- ing contacts and transmitting the image in real time to the op- erator. The system provided vastly increased surface coverage compared to existing optronics. The payload can be incorpo- rated in to the ScanEagle as two fuselage slices, ahead of and behind the wing. RQ-7B Shadow-200, Textron: Acquired by the Australian gov- ernment in July 2010, the deployment of the RQ-7B to Afghani- stan commenced in May 2012 providing reconnaissance with the aircraft returned to Australia in November 2013. The currently uses the RQ-7B mainly for training purposes, and is deployed to support international exercises involving the force. Skylark-I, Elbit Systems: Following an initial order in 2005, the Australian Army has ordered more Skylark-I UAVs from Elbit Australian DoD Systems in 2008. The multi-million dollar deal was the third from the Australian Department of Defence for the hand-launched UAV. for tender already closed, while rumbles from the Indian armed Aerosonde-III, Textron: The Aerosonde-III was originally de- forces suggest that a new programme could be rolled out in the veloped by Insitu and produced by the Australian-based Aero- coming months to rationalise and refine its UAV requirements in sonde, which was acquired by Textron in 2006. Four units were the face of the failed, and now abandoned, Defence Research and sent to the Solomon Islands to support Operation ANODE, Aus- Development Organisation’s Nishant programme. tralia’s peacekeeping deployment to help quell unrest in the ar- Defence exhibitions over the past twelve months have pro- chipelago during 2003. vided glimpses of real progress in indigenous platform develop- ments across the region. Technology transfers from the big play- ers in the North American, European and Israeli markets remain important to actors in the Asia-Pacific but local companies are Boeing showing increasing ingenuity and willingness to address market requirements outside defence as well. AMR’s UAV Directory has been researched using a range of resources, notably AMR correspondents, industry experts and serving military personnel throughout the region as well as open sources.

AUSTRALIA ■ Fielded Heron I, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): Three Heron-I UAVs were based at Kandahar airfield as part of Operation SLIPPER. Op- eration SLIPPER was Australia’s contribution to the US-led Op- eration ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) combating Taliban and Al-Qaeda insurgents in Afghanistan. These UAVs completed The ScanEagle is launched autonomously from a catapult launcher operations in November 2014 with more than 27000 mission and flies pre-programmed and operator-initiated missions. The hours flown providing reconnaissance to Australian and coali- system is retrieved by the SkyHook recovery system which catches tion forces supporting OEF. Two Heron-1s are currently operated the aircraft’s wingtip with a rope that hangs from a boom from the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Woomera airbase

| july/august 2016 | 17 regional UAV directory

■ Trials and development ■ NOTES: In April 2014, three UAVs crashed in the Republic MQ-4C Triton, Northrop Grumman: Australia is to acquire mar- of Korea (RoK). The flight paths of the UAVs, later identified to itime surveillance MQ-4C UAVs as part of its efforts to replace be Chinese Taiyuan Navigation Technologies SKY-09 aircraft, the RAAF’s Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol Air- indicated that they commenced their flight from the DPRK. craft (MPA). The maritime surveillance capabilities of the MQ- Equipped with civilian digital cameras, the UAVs captured im- 4C will complement those of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon MPA of ages of significant military installations and the RoK’s presiden- which the RAAF has eight on order. The Australian government tial office in Seoul. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the RoK/ confirmed in its 2016 Defence White Paper that seven MQ-4C air- DPRK border is subjected to frequent incursions by unmanned craft will be acquired from the early 2020s. The UAVs will oper- aircraft; in August 2015 a UAS identified locally as a variant of ate in Australia’s maritime environment, providing a persistent the Chinese-made Xian Aisheng Technology Group was detect- maritime patrol capability and undertaking other reconnais- ed in the DMZ by RoK military forces. Chinese technology is sance tasks. The RAAF’s MQ-4Cs will be located at Edinburgh likely to have formed the basis of the country’s domestic UAV airbase in South Australia. The Australian government is cur- development in the 1990s; it is unknown how sophisticated the rently considering a cooperative development programme with technology has grown since then. the US Navy to influence the future evolution of the platform to suit its own requirements. INDIA S-100 Camcopter, Schiebel: The Royal Australian Navy per- ■ Fielded formed test flightsin June 2015 using an S-100 Camcopter rotary Heron-I/II, IAI: In December 2013 the Indian government ap- UAV in a range of littoral and open ocean scenarios. proved $300 million budget to buy another 15 Heron-I/II UAVs RQ-12 Wasp, AeroVironment: The Australian Department of and associated equipment from IAI, and to upgrade the Indian Defence placed a $7.7 million order with AeroVironment for Air Force’s (IAF) and Indian Navy’s existing fleet with improved the RQ-12 Wasp-AE small UAV in December 2014 as part of an communications. The move will bring the total fleet of Heron-I/ Army Solider Modernisation Trial procurement. In July 2015 the II UAVs operated by the Indian armed forces to over 40 units. Australian Army commenced training exercises with this aircraft. The new MALE UAVs could be deployed along India’s borders Navy ISR requirement: In the Australian government’s 2016 with the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan. Defence White Paper plans were announced for a ‘short range Heron-TP, IAI: The Indian government approved the purchase maritime tactical unmanned aircraft (that) will be acquired to of ten Heron-TPs in September 2015. The Heron-TP has an ex- improve the situational awareness of our ships in operations’. tended performance envelope over the Heron-I/II (see above), In February 2016 a Request for Tender was issued by the De- with maximum take-off weight 11660 pounds/lbs (5300 kgs/ ki- partment of Defence seeking to procure a vertical take-off and lograms), and an endurance of up to 36 hours. The Heron-TP is landing Maritime Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System: Interim expected to be armed, although the weapons to this effect have Capability (MTUAS-IC) for the RAN as part of work to develop yet to be announced, and will be operated by the IAF. experience in the use of UAVs from ashore and from ships to Searcher-I/II, IAI: The Indian Army and navy are understood further develop RAN UAV operations at sea. The primary role to have acquired 18 and possibly as many as 70 of these UAVs. of the MTUAS will be to extend and enhance the reconnaissance Lakshya, Defence Research and Development Organisation/ capabilities of the parent ship or unit and to increase situational Aeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO/ADE) and awareness using a variety of sensors. The tender closed on 11 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): These UAVs were re- April 2016. Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C Fire Scout and UMS ceived by the Indian Air Force from 1999 and 100 Lakshya UAVs Skeldar’s (previously Saab’s) Skeldar V-200 are understood to be are now in service. An advanced high speed version called Lak- in the running for the competition. shya-II is also in development for the air force. Harop, IAI: This Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) was DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA (DPRK) unveiled for the first time in 2009, with ten of the aircraft ordered ■ Fielded by the IAF in 2009 and deliveries starting in 2011 as the result of Pchela, Yakovlev OKB: According to unconfirmed reports, the a deal worth $100 million. DPRK acquired the Russian UAV in 1995. Nishant, DRDO/ADE: Development of this UAV began in 1990, DR-3/M-141, Tupolev: The DRPK maybe in possession of this completing test flights with the Indian Army in 2011 with the tactical UAV. first four UAVs received by the force that same year. A new ver- sion known as the Panchi underwent taxi trials in late 2014, and is equipped with a wheeled undercarriage to allow operations from semi-prepared runways. The programme was cancelled in late 2015 with three of the four units provided to the army crash- ing between 2011 and 2015.

■ Trials and development Rustom-1, DRDO/ADE: This UAV has twelve hours of endur- Northrop Grumman ance and took its first successful flight in October 2010. Further development of the Rustom-1 may have been suspended in fa- vour of advancing the development of the Rustom-2 (see below). The Japanese government is understood to have shown interest in the MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV. The system provides users with robust Rustom 2, DRDO/ADE: This UAV is in development for the In- reconnaissance capabilities to aid target-acquisition and battle dian Navy, Indian Army and the IAF. Two prototypes have been management. developed thus far, one of which was displayed in its final con- figuration at the Defence Exposition (DefExpo) held in southern

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UAV imports between 1985 and 2014, according to media re- ports. The Indian armed forces have a significant requirement for UAVs, and in 2016 outlined plans to acquire more than 5000 HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance), MALE (Medium Alti- tude, Long Endurance) VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) tactical UAVs across its army, navy and air force over the coming

Northrop Grumman decade at a cost of $3 billion. The Indian Navy is expected to re- lease a request for a shipborne UAV before the end of 2016. With the Nishant programme ending in 2015 the military is now look- ing to overhaul its fleet with a focus on new models from pri- An MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle makes its approach for vate industry rather than relying on state-owned organisations; landing in Palmdale, California, marking the conclusion of initial the majority of acquisition programmes will be aimed at Indian flight testing. companies that can work with international partners to bring in expertise still lacking in the indigenous market.

India in 2014. A letter of interest for 76 systems has been issued by the Indian Army, which calls for the system to have an all- ■ Fielded weather capability, and an endurance of up to 48 hours. A Mem- Searcher- II, IAI: Although ordered in 2006, it was not until 2012 orandum of Understanding was signed during the 2015 Aero that this UAV was eventually fielded. India exhibition held in Bangalore between DRDO, HAL and SS-5, PT Wesco Aerospace: One or more systems reported to be Bharat Electronics Limited to produce the system. The system deployed to Aceh in 2005 to assist disaster recovery efforts in the was expected to begin flight testing in December 2015 but plans province following the December 2004 Tsunami. at government level in 2016 could see the number of systems Aerosonde, Textron: This mini-UAV is deployed with paramili- to be acquired scaled back to as few as ten units for the Indian tary and police forces. Army with development set to complete in 2017. The Rustom Rajawali-330, PT Bhinneka Dwi Persada: A localised version of UCAV is a weaponised version of the UAV set for use by the the Skeldar UAV co-developed under licence with UMS Skeldar. Indian Air Force, navy and army. Around ten of these systems Three F-330 units were purchased for the Indonesian Army in are to enter service in the next decade. December 2015. The UAV will be deployed for border security, Netra SUAV, DRDO and IdeaForge: This rotary UAV has an en- border patrol, and coastline and territorial waters patrol. In April durance of 30 minutes, a range of 1.3 nautical miles/nm (2.5 kilo- 2016 UMS Skeldar announced that a six-week training package metres/km) and is expected to equip navy and paramilitary forces. had begun for the army. Kapothaka, DRDO/ADE: This mini-UAV has been designed to test reconnaissance, and launch and recovery concepts. Pawan, DRDO/ADE: The Pawan has been developed as a mini- UAV comparable in size and capabilities to the Elbit Hermes-180 UAV. Four prototypes are planned under the development pro- gramme with the engine expected to be purchased outside India. UMS Skeldar The aircraft is expected to be ordered to equip the navy. Gagan, DRDO/ADE: This tactical UAV is currently under devel- opment and is expected to have a 134.9nm (250km) range. It is expected to equip the Indian Navy. MQ-4C Triton, Northrop Grumman: The Indian Navy expressed interest in acquiring six to eight MQ-4C UAVs in 2011. Local me- dia reported that a deal between the Indian and US governments The Skeldar is a rotary UAV designed for a wide range of applications was in negotiation as late as December 2014 but nothing has ma- such as reconnaissance, identification, target acquisition and electronic warfare. A number of commercial off-the-shelf optronics terialised as yet. and electronic intelligence sensors are available for integration on TERP-2, MKU: This hand-launched mini-UAV has a 90-minute the aircraft. endurance and a range of 5.3nm (ten kilometres). Chetak-based UAV, IAI/HAL: As of 2010, this programme which aims to develop a UAV version of the HAL Light Util- ity Helicopter, under development for the Indian Army and IAF, ■ Trials and development had experienced significant delays regarding the successful de- ALAP, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technol- velopment of a take-off and landing system to allow the UAV to ogy (BPPT): This mini-UAV is currently under development and operate from warship helicopter decks. is expected to be manufactured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia for Golden Hawk, ADE/National Aerospace Laboratories: Micro the army, navy and homeland security forces. fixed-wing UAV with 30-minute endurance and operational Wulung, BPPT: This UAV has an endurance of four hours and a range of one nautical mile (two kilometres). 37.7 nautical mile/nm (70 kilometre/km) range. The Wulung is Imperial Eagle, DRDO: A flight-tested, hand-launched, mini- made from composite materials and uses a two-stroke petrol en- UAV. Its current status is unknown. gine. A cooperative development agreement for the aircraft was signed in April 2013 by BPPT (which developed the aircraft), PT ■ NOTES: In 2015 India topped the list of the world’s UAV im- Dirgantara Indonesia (which will manufacture it) and PT LEN porting nations having accounted for 22.5 percent of the world’s Industries (which will develop the aircraft’s control systems).

20 | Asian Military Review | regional UAV directory

The UAV will be used to support the military and law enforce- ■ NOTES: Clashes with the People’s Republic of China over the ment organisations, and will be deployed in the border regions of sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea Indonesia and Papua, Timor Leste and Malaysia. Testing began is driving Japan’s demand for increased surveillance capabili- in early 2014 using three prototypes with an enhanced range in ties; a capability gap that can increasingly be filled by unmanned excess of 80.9nm (150km). A number of units have been ordered technologies. The US Air Force deployed two RQ-4B UAVs from by the Indonesian armed forces. The UAV achieved military type Japan in 2014 to bolster maritime security in the region. The two certification in May 2016. aircraft were stationed at Misawa airbase from May to October, Sriti, BPPT: This mini-UAV is designed to be launched from land or along with about 40 personnel, where they showed their envi- ship. With a one-hour endurance it is currently under development. ronmental suitability for operating in the Pacific, and their mari- Pelatuk/Gagak, BPPT: This UAV is currently thought to only ex- time patrol capabilities. The RQ-4B also contributed to disaster ist in prototype form. recovery efforts in the wake of the 2011 tsunami.

■ NOTES: In 2013, Gusti Muhammad Hatta, the then Indone- MALAYSIA sian research and technology minister, confirmed the intention ■ Fielded of the government to build a UAV squadron for reconnaissance Aludra Mk.1, Composites Technology Research Malaysia missions. The project, funded by the country’s defence minis- (CTRM): This aircraft is operated on a lease contract with the try, which has seen the direct involvement of the National Aero- Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force/ nautics and Space Agency (LAPAN) and BPPT, seems to yield RMAF) to perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions. results with local reports stating that the improved Wulung (see The aircraft has a three-hour endurance. above) has been ordered for the Indonesian Air Force, although Aludra Mk2, CTRM: The Aludra Mk.2 UAV has been leased by this remains to be formally confirmed. The development of na- the RMAF since 2008. tional defence technologies will also contribute to Indonesia’s Cyber Eye, Sapura: This UAV can accommodate a 33 pound ultimate effort to reduce the country’s dependency on imported (15 kilogram) payload. It is suitable for military application as military materiel. For this purpose, the Indonesian Army and LA- well as agricultural uses. Sales of the aircraft have followed to PAN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thailand for military customers (see below) and Australia for January 2014 to develop UAVs to improve reconnaissance and to civilian use. monitor regional security. Yabhon Aludra, CTRM/ADCOM: This aircraft is the result of a co-development with ADCOM of the United Arab Emirates. JAPAN This UAV has a 30-hour endurance and two aircraft have been ■ Fielded leased by the RMAF to assist counter-insurgency efforts. Forward Flying Observation System (FFOS), Fuji Heavy Indus- ScanEagle, Insitu/Boeing: This UAV was leased and used by tries: Three of these rotary UAVs have been equipping the Japa- the Malaysian Army to support counter-insurgency operations nese Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) since 2004. The civil against Royal Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo version of the design, the PRH-2, carries a chemical pesticide insurgent organisation in February/March 2013 in the eastern tank and spray boom for agricultural use. Malaysian state of Sabah. RMAX, Yamaha Motor Company: This rotary UAV was origi- Fulmar, Thales: A fixed-wing UAV with eight hours of - endur nally developed for agricultural support roles. It was deployed ance and a 431 nautical mile (800 kilometre) range. Malaysia’s to Iraq in 2005 during the JGSDF peacekeeping operation in that coast guard agency, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agen- country. cy, purchased six units in March 2016 to equip its new coastal ScanEagle, Boeing/Insitu: The ScanEagle UAV was purchased patrol vessels. They will be supplied with catapult launch and in 2012 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on behalf of the JGSDF. shipborne maritime recovery systems. It was delivered in May 2013 to support disaster relief operations. B-Type Machine-II, Fuji Imvac: In April 2011, this UAV was de- ployed to assist disaster recovery efforts following the significant damage caused to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station after a tsunami which hit the northeast coast of Japan’s Honshu Island on 11 March 2011.

■ Fielded Trials and development MQ-8B Fire Scout, Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman reports that the Japanese military has shown interest in the pro- curement of this aircraft, although no MQ-9B aircraft have yet been procured to this end. RQ-16B T-Hawk, Honeywell: Four T-Hawk micro UAVs were deployed to assist disaster recovery efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in April 2011.

RQ-4B Global Hawk, Northrop Grumman: The Japanese Min- Thales istry of Defence (MoD) announced in January 2015 that it had selected the RQ-4B for its reconnaissance capabilities. A Foreign The Fulmar is classified as a mini UAV. This aircraft has garnered Military Sale request for three aircraft was placed with the US significant interest in Malaysia, and has entered service supporting that country’s Maritime Enforcement Agency, which purchased six units in government in November 2015. March 2016.

| july/august 2016 | 21 regional UAV directory

■ Trials and development Cyber Shark, Sapura: This UAV has been demonstrated to the Malaysian military, although its current development status re- mains unknown. Leonardo Cyber Quad, Sapura: This micro UAV could form part of the Malaysian Army’s Soldier Advanced Kombat (sic) Technology Integrated infantry soldier programme. Aludra Mk.5, CTRM: This fixed-wing UAV has a six hour endur- ance. It is understood to be used by a government agency in an unspecified role. Its development is ongoing. Aludra SR-08, CTRM: Man-portable (backpack) UAV with au- tonomous and semi-autonomous functionality. Can be set up The Falco is compatible with a wide suite of payloads, making it and launched in circa five minutes for tactical reconnaissance particularly suitable for missions of persistent surveillance, target detection, localisation, identification and designation, up to missions. dangerous, dull and dirty missions. Aludra SR-10, CTRM: This hand-launched UAV has a one-hour endurance and is currently performing flight testing. CTRM has said that it is keen to demonstrate to the Malaysian Army as of Bravo+/Jasos-II, AWC: This UAV has been operational with early 2016. the PAF since 2004, in support of operational deployments and Intisar-100, CTRM: This vertical take-off and landing UAV has training programmes. been designed for military and commercial applications and is CH-3, CASC: 20 of these UAVs were reportedly acquired from available for acquisition. the PRC (People’s Republic of China) by the Pakistani Army in Intisar-300, CTRM: This rotary UAV has completed flight tests 2006, with the signing an acquisition contract in and the aircraft can be equipped with interchangeable payloads June 2012 to buy the UAV for shore surveillance. such as conventional or infrared optronics mounted on a gyro- ScanEagle, Insitu/Boeing: Pakistan purchased an undisclosed stabilised gimbal. number of ScanEagles from the US under a foreign military sale in September 2015. They are due for delivery by August 2016. NEW ZEALAND ■ Fielded ■ Trials and development Kahu, SKYCAM UAV NZ: This mini UAV has a two-hour endur- S-100 Camcopter, Scheibel: This VTOL UAV was tested onboard ance and a 13.4 nautical mile (24.8 kilometre) range. It supported a Pakistan Navy ‘Amazon’ class frigate in March 2008. As of New Zealand’s deployment to assist US-led combat operations mid-2015, there have been no further developments regarding in Afghanistan. To date, two have been acquired. the acquisition of this aircraft by Pakistan. RQ-7 Shadow-200, Textron: In 2010, the PAF ordered twelve of ■ Trials and development these UAVs from the United States for an estimated $150 million. SwampFox, SKYCAM UAV NZ: With a 50 minute endurance, this UAV is designed to support aerial cartography.

PAKISTAN Textron ■ Fielded Uqab-II, Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS): This tactical UAV commenced deployment with the Pakistan Navy in July to support maritime interdiction operations in coastal areas. Uqab, GIDS: This UAV has been operational since 2008 with the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy. Offering six hours’ endur- ance, 30 are now in service with the Pakistan Army, with one squadron of aircraft in service with the navy. Burraq, National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NE- SCOM): Development of this strategic UAV commenced in 2009 with its introduction into the army and the air force occurring in November 2013, with eventual army plans to procure 24 UAVs. In March 2015 the Pakistan Army announced the successful Proven with nearly one million flight hours, the Shadow UAV carries firing of a NESCOM Barq air-to-surface missile from the UAV a range of payloads for single-sorties or multi-mission operations including optronics, communications relay and optional laser against static and moving targets. The armed UAV has been used designation. during counter-insurgency missions in the Tirah Valley and Sha- wal Valley in 2015. Shahpar, GIDS: This tactical UAV was revealed to the public PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA in November 2012, and it entered service with the Pakistan Air ■ Fielded Force (PAF) and army in November 2013. BZK-005, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Falco, Leonardo/Finmeccanica: The Falco UAV entered service This UAV is believed to have been used by the People’s Libera- with the PAF in 2007 with the aircraft also being produced under tion Army Navy (PLAN) since 2009. In June 2015 local media licence by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex from 2009. Paki- reports stated that at least three of the UAVs are operating in the stan was the first export customer for the UAV. East China Sea from Daishan Island in Hangzhou Bay.

22 | Asian Military Review | regional UAV directory

WJ-1, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC): Formally ASN-207, Xian ASN Technology: This UAV is a development of known as the Pterodactyl-I, this UAV has been developed in a the ASN-206 (see above) with increased endurance (eight to 16 number of versions for use as a reconnaissance platform and is hours), range (323 nautical miles/600 kilometres) and payload (220 capable of being equipped with ordnance such as China North pounds/100 kilograms). It made its first public appearance in 2002. Industries Group Corporation Electro-Optical Science and Tech- ASN-209/Silver Eagle, Xian ASN Technology: The ASN-209 was nology BA-7 and HJ-10 Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGMs). Closely developed in 2009. The Chinese military variant, Silver Eagle, has resembling the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAV it can fly additional antennae and is in service with the PLAN as a shore- for in excess of 20 hours, has been approved for export by the based asset for communications relay, electronic intelligence Chinese authorities and is understood to have been sold to an gathering and electronic warfare. undisclosed Middle East nation. Along with the land attack ver- WZ-6, Xian ASN Technology: A development of the ASN-207 sion (GJ-1) the WJ-1 was publicly unveiled at the Zhuhai Air- (see above) with a distinctive mushroom-shaped radome above show in November 2014. The GJ-1 builds on the capabilities of the fuselage housing the communications antenna. the WJ-1 with the addition of a reconnaissance/targeting pod JWP02, Xian ASN Technology: This twin-boom UAV is a spe- under the chin of the fuselage and hardpoints to carry weapons. cialist variant of the ASN-206 with an optronics sensor payload In service with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). below the fuselage. The aircraft is in service with the People’s Wing Loong II, AVIC: This second generation version of the Liberation Army Air Force to perform reconnaissance missions. WJ-1 was revealed at the Beijing Air Show in September 2015. BZK-005 Harbin/Sea Eagle, AVIC: A UAV designed with a low The aircraft can carry air-to-surface missiles on wing hardpoints radar cross section and an optronics payload. In service with the and is similar in appearance to the General Atomics MQ-9 PLAN at least three aircraft operate from Daishan Island in the Reaper UAV. East China Sea. ASN-205, Xian ASN Technology: This UAV first appeared in BZK-006, Xian ASN Technology: This enlarged development of 2009 and was intended as the successor of the ASN-104/5 UAV the WZ-6 (see above) has under-wing hard points to accommo- series: the first indigenously-designed piston-engine UAV for date up to four AGMs. The aircraft may also have the capability People’s Liberation Army (PLA) service. to deploy air-to-air missiles. ASN-206, Xian ASN Technology: This fixed-wing twin-boom DCK-006, Xian ASN Technology: First publicly displayed in with high wing UAV is employed by the PLA for tactical recon- 2009, this unarmed reconnaissance version of the BZK-006 (see naissance and communications relay. above) is believed to have a twelve-hour endurance.

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| july/august 2016 | 23 regional UAV directory

sign features a number of elements to reduce its Radar Cross Sec- tion (RCS) such as a recessed turbofan engine. CH-3, CASC: According to the manufacturer, this UAV is capa- ble of reconnaissance, ground attack and electronic intelligence gathering missions. Reportedly in service with Nigeria (a CH-3 crashed in the country in January 2015) and Pakistan (as the Bur- raq UCAV). The CH-3A development has an increased 396lb (180kg) payload and a satellite data link and is understood to be in service in Burma. CH-5, CASC: This new UAV has an endurance in excess of 30 hours and completed its maiden flight in August 2015. SH-1, CASC: This short-range UAV has a six-hour endurance, Schiebel and can carry a 66lb (30kg) payload. The UAV was unveiled The Vertical Take Off and Landing Camcopter UAV needs no prepared in 2008 with two variants, the slightly larger SH-3 and SH-3A, area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and which are also being developed. night, under adverse weather conditions, and can be used to support Soar Dragon, Xianglong: This high-altitude long-endurance both land and naval applications. UAV has been designed for reconnaissance and possibly also for anti-shipping missions, and was first displayed in model form CH-4, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation in 2006. It is similar in appearance to the Northrop Grumman (CASC): Follow on development from the unarmed CH-1 and RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV. CH-2 reconnaissance UAV, and the smaller CH-3, this UAV has ASN-213, Xian ASN Technology: This micro UAV has an in-flight been developed in two versions, namely the CH-4A to perform morphing design to change its shape. It weighs eleven pounds reconnaissance and the CH-4B UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial (five kilograms) and can reach a speed up to 97 knots (180km/h). Vehicle) variant equipped with four hard points capable of car- ASN-229, Xian ASN Technology: This UAV has a 20-hour endur- rying air-to-surface laser-guided missiles and precision guided ance. The weaponised ASN-229A variant can be equipped with bombs. The aircraft is known to have been in service with the two air-to-ground missiles. PLAAF (People's Liberation Army Air Force) since 2014, and in Whirlwind Scout, AVIC: This compact VTOL UAV has a ducted late October 2015 it was confirmed that the UAV is in service with fan design. the aviation branch of the Iraq Army. It is also thought to have U8E, AVIC: Designed as a lightweight VTOL UAV, the U8E was been sold to Saudi Arabia. Various other models in the family ex- first shown at the 2010 Air Show. ist including a tube-launched attack version known as CH-901. SL-200, CASC: Developed as a propeller-driven UAV, the SL-200 X200, Yotaisc Science and Technology Development: This rotary was originally designed for agricultural use, and was unveiled UAV was first unveiled during the 2012 Singapore Air Show. Its to the public in 2010. derivative, the X200S (shipborne), is designed for naval opera- CH-802, CASC: This hand-launched micro UAV is similar in ap- tions and is currently under development. pearance to the AeroVironment FQM-151 Pointer UAV. It can carry a two pound (one kilogram) payload and has a 2.5 hour ■ Trials and development endurance. Harrier-III, Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation: This UCAV V750, Qingdao Haili Helicopter Manufacturing Co: The V750 is strongly resembles the Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAV which is designed as a rotary UAV and derived from a manned aircraft. under development for the US Navy. The Harrier-III has a heavy With a range of 269.9nm (500km) and an endurance of four hours, payload of 1540 pounds/lbs (700 kilograms/kgs) and 24-hour en- the aircraft has been designed for maritime reconnaissance and durance. The aircraft is thought to be designed for reconnaissance civilian applications. and ground attack. The Harrier-III was unveiled in 2012. SVU-200, Sunward Tech Star-Lite: This aircraft was unveiled in Sharp Eye-III, China North Industries Corporation (NORIN- 2012. It has an endurance of 2.6 hours and a range of 248.3nm CO): This small Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV is (460km). intended for use at the brigade/regiment level. Although de- HW-300 Blade, CASC: This twin-boom UAV was unveiled in signed for reconnaissance the UAV may have the capacity to be 2009. The SF-460 Blade derivative was unveiled in 2012 with armed with light weapons. winglets, an increased size and larger engines. Blue Fox, AVIC: Externally resembling a scaled-down Hongdu Blue Eagle 200W, Keyuan: With up to twelve hours’ endurance, L-15 Falcon lead-in jet trainer, it is powered by two turbojet en- this UAV can deploy air-to-ground missiles on up to six hardpoints. gines. Offering an endurance in excess of 40 minutes, the Blue T-100, Hubei Taihang Xinghe Aircraft Manufacturing: The T-100 Fox is thought to have a maximum speed of 404.9 knots (750 has been designed as an electrically-powered mini UAV. kilometres-per-hour). T-120, Hubei Taihang Xinghe Aircraft Manufacturing: The T-120 VD-200, Chengdu Aircraft Research and Design Institute (CAR- is a reconnaissance UAV with a maximum speed of Mach 1.5. DI): This VTOL flying-wing UAV was first displayed in 2013. It TF-1C, Shenyang Aerospace: The TF-1C has an endurance up to has a payload of 44lbs (20kgs), an endurance up to three hours twelve hours and a range of 647.9nm (1200km). and a range of 80.9 nautical miles (150 kilometres). A naval vari- TF-5, Shenyang Aerospace: This high wing UAV weighs 28.6lbs ant is also believed to have been developed for operation from (13kgs) and is equipped with a single camera. naval or coast guard offshore patrol vessels. TF-8, Shenyang Aerospace: This hand-launched Mini-UAV is WJ-600 A/D, CASC: This UAV is currently under development designed to support reconnaissance operations at platoon level. for the PLA. First unveiled in 2010, it is capable of conducting Z-8, PLA Research Institute: First shown in 2001, the Z-8 has a ground attack missions and can be armed with missiles. The de- rotary design.

24 | Asian Military Review | regional UAV directory

■ NOTES: As with all its military equipment the People’s Lib- eration Army (PLA) is notoriously secretive about its domestic The Japanese government has requested the RQ-4B Global Hawk in a foreign military sale with the US developments, which limits the amount it is possible to know government. It will soon join other users in the Asia-Pacific about specific platforms and their capabilities. However, the interested in the aircraft such as the Republic of Korea. PLA seems increasingly relaxed about showing off its equip- ment at defence exhibitions and at military ceremonies, provid- ing a closer look at recent developments that show a significant level of sophistication, and often a strong resemblance to West- ern designs. What is known is that the PLA has developed one of the larg- est and most organisationally-complex UAV programmes and one of the busiest indigenous UAV industries in the world. The development of advanced unmanned systems, including UAVs, for strategic reconnaissance and precision-strike missions, and a number of increasingly sophisticated low-RCS designs, could position the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) as a leader in the high-end UAV market in the long term and a real hub of indus-

try outside the traditional European, North American and Israeli Northrop Grumman manufacturing centres. Considering the few export restrictions Chinese defence firms face as compared to top UAV-exporting players such as the United States and Israel, the country could REPUBLIC OF KOREA become a key UAV proliferator, especially to developing coun- ■ Fielded tries interested in the comparatively affordable options that the Skylark-II, Elbit Systems: This mini UAV was ordered in De- PRC will have available. cember 2007, with deliveries following in 2008. The aircraft is equipped with Elbit’s Micro-CoMPASS optronics payload and PHILIPPINES Spectralink digital communication system. ■ Fielded RQ-101 Night Intruder 300, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI): MQ-5 Hunter, Northrop Grumman: These aircraft were report- This UAV has been acquired by the Republic of Korea Army edly acquired from the US Army and are operated by the Huk- and navy. It was entirely developed by KAI in 1990 and entered bóng Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippines Air Force). service in 2001. The UAV has a six hour endurance and maxi- Raptor, PA-RDC: This micro UAV is understood to have entered mum payload of 99 pounds/lbs (45 kilograms/kgs). service with the Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas (Philippines Army) RQ-7 Shadow-400, Textron Systems: One system in service with in December 2013. the Republic of Korea Navy for evaluation since 2006. The UAV Knight Falcon, PA-RDC: This aircraft is a slightly larger version has a 74.8 pounds/lbs (34 kilograms/kgs) payload and a five- of the Raptor (see above) with a three-hour endurance. hour endurance. RemoEye-006, Ucon Systems: Following delivery in 2009, this mini UAV is currently in service with the Republic of Korea Ma- The MQ-5 UAV’s multi-payload capability provides rine Corps. enhanced situational awareness and the ability to KUS-FT, KAI: Revealed as being in-service with the RoK Army proactively plan and execute combat operations. The and Marine services at the ADEX defence exhibition in October UAV is in service with the Philippines Air Force. 2015. Used for reconnaissance and target acquisition, the UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 330lbs (150kgs). Remoeye-002B, Ucon Systems: This mini UAV has a range of 5.3 nautical miles (ten kilometres). The first batch of aircraft was delivered in September 2015 to the RoK Army and Marine Corps, with deliveries ongoing until 2017. RQ-4B Block-40 Global Hawk, Northrop Grumman: The US government approved the sale of four RQ-4B Block-40 Global Hawk aircraft to the RoK in December 2014. The first will be delivered between 2017 and 2019. Two ground stations and sup- porting equipment will also be supplied under the contract. Pro- duction commenced in February 2015.

■ Trials and development KUS-11 TUAV, KAI: This UAV is designed to equip division- Northrop Grumman level army formations. A development contract was awarded by the RoK Ministry of Defence in September 2010. As of mid-2015, ■ Trials and development AMR has received no further information regarding the develop- Blue Horizon, UVision: One Blue Horizon UAV was obtained ment status of this aircraft. for trials and operational testing by the Philippines armed forces Night Intruder NI-11N, KAI: Development of this mini UAV in 2001, and there has been no further news regarding the testing commenced in 2006, with the aircraft designed to enhance mari- of the aircraft to this end. time surveillance. As of mid-2015, AMR has received no further

| july/august 2016 | 25 regional UAV directory

information regarding the development status of this aircraft. KUS-7, KAI: This is a tactical UAV with a 26.8 nautical mile/nm (50 kilometre/km) range. KUS-9, Korean Air, KAI: Performing its first flight in 2009, this UAV is designed for operations in mountainous terrain and has a blended wing design. KUS-15, Korean Air: This UAV is designed to provide the RoK Army with corps level reconnaissance. Devil Killer, KAI: This mini UAV has an eight-hour endurance and is capable of carrying small air-to-ground ordnance. KUS-X, Korean Air: Developed by the country’s national car- rier, Korean Air, work on this turbojet, delta-winged aircraft commence in 2009. However, the manufacturer and the govern-

ment’s Agency for Defence Development, which is also involved HES Energy Systems in the programme, has remained taciturn regarding its current development status as of mid-2015. ST Aerospace’ Skyblade 360 UAV on display at the Singapore Air Show. The Skyblade family has been developed in a number of variants, which Urban Star, Kyung An Cable Company: This VTOL (Vertical are in service with the Singaporean armed forces. Take-Off and Landing) UAV is currently under development. RemoEye-002A, Ucon Systems: The current development status of this UAV which has a 5.3nm (ten kilometre) range and one- claring the full operational capability for these aircraft this March. hour endurance, remains unknown. Heron-I, IAI: This UAV was delivered in 2012 and five systems RemoEye-015, Ucon Systems: Development of this tactical UAV are operated by the RSAF’s 119 and 128 Squadrons. The system is was completed in June 2005. It has an endurance of four hours expected to achieve full operational capability by the end of 2016. and a 21.5nm (40km) range. Skyblade-II, ST Aerospace: This mini UAV was delivered to the Remo H-120, Ucon Systems: This UAV is currently under devel- RSAF from mid-2005. opment. It has an endurance of two hours and a 26.9nm (50km) Skyblade-III, ST Aerospace: Fielded with the Singapore Army range. in 2011 this UAV equips units at the battalion and brigade levels. TR-60UAV, KARI: The TR-60 tilt-rotor UAV was unveiled in De- Skylark, Elbit Systems: This Mini-UAV was designed to support cember 2011. Local media reports in April 2015 noted that the tactical and counter-insurgency operations and was fielded by system had set a new record in flight testing, reaching speeds of the RSAF from 2006. 269.9 knots (500 kilometres-per-hour). Development of the sys- ScanEagle, Boeing/Insitu: The Republic of Singapore Navy tem is expected to be complete by 2023 with production to begin (RSN) successfully trialled the ScanEagle in March 2009, and the following year. then fielded it in 2012 aboard the RSN’s ‘Victory’ class corvettes. KUS-VH, Korean Air Indigenous variant of the Boeing MD-500 The UAV was deployed from these ships during exercises with reconnaissance helicopter. Displayed in Seoul in October 2015, the US Navy in the Asia-Pacific this year. prototypes are under development. The project is being support- ed by Boeing as part of an offset obligation for military helicopter ■ Trials and development purchase in 2013. Skyblade IV, ST Aerospace: This UAV was unveiled in 2006, al- though its current development status remains unknown. ■ NOTES: The RoK has big plans for its domestic UAV market, FanTail 5000, ST Aerospace: This VTOL (Vertical Take Off and with the country hoping to be in the top five UAV producers Landing) UAV has a 30-minute endurance and an 4.3 nautical in the world by 2023, by which point the market is expected to mile (eight kilometre) range. Its current development status re- be worth somewhere in the region of $12 billion according to mains unknown. an analysis performed by the Teal Group consultancy in 2013. A MAV-1, ST Aerospace: This low-observable developmental UAV lot of work is being done to expand local UAV research, devel- performed its maiden flight in 2005, althoughAMR has received opment and production capabilities, but high profile purchases no update since 2014 regarding its current status. such as the RQ-4B show that an appetite for imported technology Skyblade 360, ST Aerospace: The Skyblade 360 mini UAV was remains. A huge driver in this regard is the RoK’s tense border unveiled in 2012. At the 2016 Singapore Air Show the company with the DPRK (see above), where incursions by UAVs believed announced that the UAV has achieved a 161.9 nautical miles to be flown by the DPRK (see above) into RoK airspace are also (300 kilometre) range flight using hydrogen-on-demand enabled driving developments in anti-UAV technologies such as ground- fuel cells. based air surveillance radar to detect such incursions. Unmanned Hybrid Vehicle, ST Aerospace: A proof of concept vehicle displayed for the first time at the 2016 Singapore Air SINGAPORE Show. It is being designed as a hybrid system that can fly and ■ Fielded swim for deployment from ship or land. Its primary role is mine Blue Horizon, Singapore Technologies (ST) Dynamics: This UAV detection. was acquired in 1999 and remains in service with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). ■ NOTES: The Singapore Ministry of Defence’s strategic road- Searcher-I/II, IAI: The RSAF operates ten aircraft with its 119 map for unmanned systems includes plans for swarms of gyro- and 128 Squadrons. copter micro UAVs to furnish individual solders by 2030, accord- Hermes-450, Elbit Systems: This UAV is deployed with the ing to a speech made by Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Singapore’s defence RSAF’s 116 Squadron possessing twelve aircraft since 2007, de- minister in March 2014.

26 | Asian Military Review | Predator XP

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1601_AMR Asian Military Review (Feb).indd 1 1/12/16 1:26 PM regional UAV directory

flight in 2010, although AMR has received no update since then regarding its development. UAVER AL-4, Aeroland UAV Inc: This UAV has been ordered by an un- disclosed civilian customer in Taiwan. Spoonbill, National Cheng Kung University: This UAV com- pleted its maiden flight in 2010, although AMR has received no update since then regarding its development. Besra, Uaver: This UAV weighs 4.4 pounds (two kilograms) and offers 40 minutes of flying time. It uses hand thrown launch with stall landing. The aircraft is being marketed into the aerial video and mapping industry as well as for real-time surveillance.

■ NOTES: The Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhi- bition 2016 showed a lot of promise in the Taiwan UAV market with a number of companies showing early designs and proto- The Besra is designed to meet a range of mission requirements, and types from fixed-wing to rotary designs. Much of the market is can fly for more than 40 minutes and is equipped with professional targeting business overseas. flight control system that can work with multiple payloads as options. THAILAND SRI LANKA ■ Fielded ■ Fielded CyberEye, Sapura: This UAV is deployed with the Royal Thai Air Searcher-I/II, IAI: These aircraft are operated by the Sri Lankan Force (RTAF) which acquired three systems in early 2010 as part of Air Force’s (SLAF) 111 Air Surveillance Squadron. During the Sri the military’s effort to kick start an indigenous UAV programme. Lankan Civil War, which occurred between 1983 and 2009, the Aerostar, Aeronautics Defence Systems: 22 of these tactical UAVs SLAF performed 265 sorties with these UAVs during combat op- are operated by the RTAF. erations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam insurgent RQ-11 Raven, AeroVironment: The Thai Army acquired twelve organisation fighting for the establishment of a separate Tamil of these UAVs from 2010. state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. ■ Trials and development TAIWAN G-STAR, Innocon/G-Force Composites: As of 2015, this UAV ■ Fielded has completed qualification tests. The RTAF has since purchased Chung Shyang-II, Chungshan Institute of Science and Technol- one system to evaluate as a potential tactical UAV. ogy (CSIST): Development of the Chung Shyang-II UAV com- Black Kite, Avia Satcom: Development of this UAV commenced menced in 2002, and the aircraft was publicly displayed in 2007. in 2013. The aircraft offers an endurance of six hours and is now The aircraft has since entered service with 601st and 602nd ready for acquisition. Airborne Brigades of the Republic of China Army (RoCA) 2011, with 32 platforms being ordered. ■ NOTES: The RTAF is leading a UAV development pro- Albatross, CSIST: This UAV is understood to be in service with gramme aimed at improving its border and territorial surveil- the RoCA's airborne special forces. lance. Dubbed Project Tiger Shark it commenced in 2010 and Cardinal-II, CSIST: This hand-launched mini-UAV has an en- has already seen the development of several undisclosed UAV durance in excess of one hour. Thirty units have been supplied prototypes, although AMR has received no update regarding the to the RoC Marine Corps. UAV’s current status.

■ Trials and development VIETNAM Long March, CSIST: A prototype of this UAV was displayed during ■ Fielded the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition in August VT-Patrol, Viettel Corporation: This UAV has a 27 nautical mile 2015. It strongly resembles the General Atomics’ MQ-1/9 Predator/ (50 kilometre) range. Deliveries of this aircraft to the Vietnamese Reaper UAV. Flight testing is understood to be underway. military commenced in December 2013. Magic Eye, CSIST: This is Taiwan’s first VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAV which was unveiled at the 2013 Taipei Aero- ■ Trials and development space and Defence Technology Exhibition, although its current Irkut-200, Irkut: In June 2012, a $10 million deal was signed development status is unknown. between the Vietnam Aerospace Association and Irkut, re- AI Rider, Gang Yu Corp: This micro UAV is used by the Taiwan- garding the supply of UAV technologies to Vietnam. AMR has ese armed forces and academia for cartographic work. received no recent information regarding the current status of Cardinal, CSIST: This mini UAV is under evaluation by the this aircraft. Taiwanese military with local media reports stating in Decem- HS-6L, Ministry of Public Security/Ministry of Science and ber 2014 that the system would be adopted by the RoC Marine Technology: In December 2015 news emerged of an indigenously- Corps for surveillance. developed UAV with a range of 2159.8 nautical miles (4000 kilo- Platalea, AmJet: This UAV offers 30 minutes’ endurance. Its cur- metres) and an endurance of 35 hours. The aircraft is understood rent development status remains unknown. to have been developed with the assistance of Belarus. Grey-faced Buzzard, National Cheng Kung University: Devel- Grif-K, 558 Aircraft Repair Plant (Belarus): Vietnam was reported in opment of this mini UAV lasted three years before its maiden 2014 to be purchasing an unspecified number of Grik-K UAVs. AMR

28 | Asian Military Review | SEPTEMBER 20-21 2016 COBO CENTER, DETROIT, MI

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The NH-90 family is available as both a naval support helicopter and a medium-lift utility helicopter. Actors in the Asia-Pacific that have acquired these machines include New Zealand.

Heliopolis Try landing vertically, rescuing a downed pilot from the ocean, delivering troops to the top of a building, or carrying an underslung howitzer without a helicopter. Little wonder that medium-lift rotorcraft remain in strong demand in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. NH Industries by Andrew Drwiega

n 8 April, the Singaporean Singapore’s gross domestic product, noted new defence procurement and upgrade Ministry of Defence increasing defence budgets throughout programmes. In late 2015, the Singapor- released a speech by the the Asia-Pacific region. “Many Asian ean government announced a $900 mil- minister for defence Dr. countries spend larger and larger sums lion upgrade to its General Dynamics/ Ng Eng Hen which he to modernise their … So as you Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters. It is also madeO during the Committee of Supply look around at our security challenges, set to receive new conventional hunter-kill- debate in the Singaporean parliament. this troubled peace around us reaffirms er submarines from German manufacturer The Committee of Supply supervises our policy on steady and prudent defence ThyssenKrupp, expected to be delivered personnel levels in the country's spending.” Upward defence spending from 2020, and Airbus A330-300 tankers, workforce. During the speech, Dr. Ng trends have been observed in the People’s the latter of which were purchased in highlighted the two types of helicopter Republic of China (PRC) which is rapidly May 2014. Elsewhere in the naval domain, that the Republic of Singapore Air Force expanding its military facilities on dis- on 26 May RSN (Republic of Singapore (RSAF) is looking to replace. “For the puted islands in the South and East China Navy) took delivery of ST Marine’s RSS RSAF, our Super Pumas and some of Seas. For example, in April 2015, it was re- Independence, the first of eight eponymous our older Chinooks are ageing and will ported that the PRC had commenced con- class littoral mission vessels that will be need to be replaced. We are finalising our struction of its first runway in the Spratly capable of helicopter operations. evaluations and expect the new RSAF Islands archipelago in the South China Sea. While the replacement for the RSAF’s helicopters soon. We will announce it The sovereignty of the Spratly Islands is Boeing CH-47SD heavy-lift helicopters is when we finish the evaluations.” disputed by Brunei-Darussalam, Malaysia, more than likely to be the new CH-47F Dr. Ng, who controls an annual de- the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. version, the RSAF has now narrowed its fence budget that in 2015 amounted to Such strategic challenges are being options to two contenders in the competi- $9.4 billion, which is around 3.2 percent of met by the Singaporean government via tion to replace its ageing fleet of Airbus

30 | Asian Military Review | air power

Helicopters/Eurocopter AS-332M Super The H-225M is one of several Puma utility helicopters. The companies helicopters which are in the running that remain in the fight are Airbus Heli- for the replacement of the AS-332M copters and Leonardo/AgustaWestland helicopters operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force. according to a 3 May report from the of Singapore Air Force. Reuters news agency. The RSAF’s AS-332M Super Puma is a medium weight helicopter (8.6 tons) and their aircraft date back to the late 1980s when 34 were acquired. The final aircraft was delivered in 1991 and a subsequent upgrade to the aircraft’s avionics was carried out in the late 2000s. The RSAF’s 125 Squadron currently operates around 22 of the aircraft in a military utility role supporting the army and as a search and rescue aircraft. The AS-332Ms usually op- erated with a crew of three and can take up to 24 personnel.

Although no public declarations have Airbus Helicopters been made Airbus Helicopter would like- ly offer the nine ton H-215M or eleven ton H-225M Super Puma/Cougar/Caracal by CHC Helicopter, a civilian helicopter dustry has suffered in recent years from a medium-lift utility helicopters, the lat- airline, near Bergan in Norway on Friday number of fatal and non-fatal crashes and ter being the latest version of the RSAF’s 29 April. In total 13 passengers and crew ditchings. In April 2009, the rotor blades AS-332M, or potentially the NH-90 as the were killed when it appeared that the air- also separated from a Bond Offshore new helicopters will also be required to craft’s main rotor had become detached, a Helicopters AS-332L2 and 16 passengers operate from warships. The NH-90 can be fact witnessed by video taken at the time. and crew died after the aircraft crashed acquired in either the Tactical Transport On 2 June, in consultation with the Acci- in the North Sea. However, military Helicopter (TTH) version for land forces dent Investigation Board Norway (AIBN), units such the French Army’s Escadron or in the form of the NATO Frigate He- the European Aviation Safety Agency d’Hélicoptères 1/67 Pyrénées (1/67 Pyre- licopter (NFH) version. The order to re- (EASA) issued a prohibition of “all flights nees Helicopter Squadron) have operated place the AS-332Ms is reportedly worth by Airbus Helicopters H-225LP and AS- their H-225M Caracals in extreme condi- around $1 billion. 332L2 helicopters as a precautionary tions in both Afghanistan and northern The Singaporean authorities are likely measure and until further information is without incident. to be closely watching the outcome of the available.” Airbus Helicopters released a state- ongoing investigation into the fatal crash The civil safety record for offshore ment on 3 May stating, “At this stage and of an Airbus Helicopters H-225 operated AS-332s supporting the oil and gas in- based on the latest information (regard- ing the accident in Bergen), preliminary inspection of the main gearbox vertical shaft shows no link with the 2012 ditch- ing events.” The 2012 events were eventu- ally linked to the vertical bevel gear shaft and a redesign by the company was ac- cepted by EASA (European Aviation Safe- ty Agency), which supervises aviation safety throughout the European Union, in April 2014. Leonardo’s most suitable helicop- ter would likely be the AW-149M, a new eight-ton twin-engine helicopter which is billed by the company as suitable for military land, maritime and search and rescue roles. It would be unlikely that the RSAF would consider the company’s bigger AW-101 as the CH-47SDs serve larger lifting requirements and the AW- The AS-332M has been in service in Singapore for a number of years now, and is in need of 101 would probably be too large for the Kongsberg replacement. Several rotorcraft manufacturers RSN naval requirement. The company’s are expected to offer products to meet this AW-159 Wildcat would be more suitable requirement. as a naval platform but cannot lift large RSAF numbers of troops.

| july/august 2016 | 31 air power

der, the firm could incorporate the plat- form and mission systems into one offer.

Leonardo South America Earlier this year, the Chilean government announced at the country’s International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) that it needed a new helicopter predominantly for mili- tary utility and disaster relief operations. Speaking at FIDAE, Chilean Air Force (Fuerza Aérea de Chile/FACH) General Alvaro Aguirre Warden stated that he ex- pected a contract to be awarded during the coming year, although price was an important issue in ongoing discussions with helicopter manufacturers. During Leonardo could offer its AW- the event, FACH air operations manager, 149M design for the existent RSAF Lieutenant Colonel Guillermo Pinoaid requirement. This is a new aircraft said that Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk which the company has developed family of medium-lift utility helicopters for a number of applications was an excellent aircraft and that what- including search and rescue, and to support land forces. ever choice was made, the winner would have to be capable of multi-role operations serving both military tasks and civilian di- saster relief operations where loads would Poland Thinks Again would commit the Polish MoD to finan- have to be taken to remote locations. The An opportunity for Leonardo to sell its cially maintain three small and separate government has a reported $180 million to AW-149s has also opened up in Poland. types of helicopter, the very action that spend on between six and eight medium- The announcement by Poland’s Defence most modern militaries have been trying lift utility helicopters. Beyond the UH-60, Minister Antoni Macierewicz, a member to reverse. Poland’s defence budget is in the list of possible options includes Airbus of Poland’s new government, overturned the region of $9 billion annually. Helicopters’ H-215M, Rosvertol’s Mil Mi- a decision made in April 2015 by the pre- Lockheed Martin has also hinted that 17, the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) vious government to buy 50 H-225M Car- it will table a new bid that would in- KUH-1 Surion and the Leonardo AW-139 acals for its multi-purpose medium-lift clude weapons, training and a new pric- (see above). The FACH mainly operates helicopter requirement. This decision has ing structure for the helicopters it would older fleets of Bell 412EP and UH-1H light not only left the door open for Leonardo, supply. According to Steve O’Bryan, head utility helicopters, and one S-70A that was but also for Sikorsky to supply its Polish- of business development for Lockheed bought in the late 1990s. built S-70I Black Hawk medium-lift util- Martin’s mission systems and training Whichever aircraft is chosen will need ity helicopters. As with so many former business, the fact that Sikorsky is now impressive hot and high performance as Warsaw Pact nations in Eastern Europe, a Lockheed Martin business has meant it is likely to be operated in the Chilean there is an eagerness to replace old Soviet- that the bid to the Polish government has Andes by the military. In order to fulfil an era Mil Mi-8, Mi-14 and Mi-17 medium- fundamentally changed. According to Mr. expected Combat Search and Rescue Role lift helicopters with more modern aircraft O’Bryan, this means that, as a single bid- (CSAR), the eventually winner will have equipped with digital avionics. In fact Mr. Macierewicz hinted that the government could buy three different types of helicopter stating that the order should provide work for Leonardo’s Pol- ish subsidiary PZL-Swidnik SA as well as PZL-Mielec Sp, owned by Lockheed Martin (which is also the parent of Sikor- sky). The inference was that while a cer- tain number of H-225M Caracals may re- main on order, the AW-149 and Sikorsky S-70i or S-70B would also be purchased. The move appears to be a compromise to encourage the three competitors to continue or increase investment in their respective industrial bases within Poland. Airbus Helicopters The government’s focus is on retaining Airbus Helicopters also produces militarised versions of its H-145 family in the form of the engineering skills and production within H-145M. This aircraft can be outfitted with protection and armament, allowing it to fulfil the reconnaissance helicopter role. the country, although the long-term cost

32 | Asian Military Review | air power Sikorsky

Despite the overall design being over 40 years old, the UH-60 family of medium-lift utility helicopter continues to win customers around the world. The aircraft is also in the running for a number of procurement competitions.

to come with specialist equipment for low Surion place since the helicopter’s conception level navigation, day/night operations KAI has finished the development of the and has openly talked of international and probably also a probe for air-to-air KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter for the sales of 600 on top of the national re- refuelling. While the Sikorsky MH-60M Republic of Korea’s Korean Marine Corps, quirement for 400 Surions. Airbus He- flown by the US Army’s 160th Special a project it began in July 2013. It is one of licopters has been an industrial partner Operations Aviation Regiment would fit several versions planned for KAI’s Surion in the design since its the start and the this requirement, it would be likely to that will serve the country in both mili- Surion betrays this; the infrared suppres- come at a high price. An alternative may tary and civilian roles. This Surion am- sor exhausts of the KUH-1 are adapted be a version of Sikorsky’s UH-60L which phibious variant has been designed for from those of the H-225M. In early Janu- it is supplying to the US Army as a cost- the transportation of troops and equip- ary a medical evacuation version of the effective platform to quickly increase the ment although it is not a specialist naval KUH-1 took its maiden flight. There is numbers of medium-lift utility helicop- support helicopter. An anti-submarine/ also a police version available known as ters in the army’s fleet equipped with anti-surface warfare version was being the KUH-1P. digital avionics. As previously stated, the considered although in January 2013 the Finally, evidence that the cost of new French Air Force and army have already Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) ordered aircraft can be prohibitive for some na- gained extensive experience of flying the eight Leonardo AW-159 Wildcat helicop- tions has surfaced with a story circulating H-225M Caracal in such conditions in Af- ters for its ASW requirement. The first among Thailand’s national newspapers ghanistan. In terms of fleet commonality, four have been delivered with the re- that the country’s army intends to buy Airbus already has two military custom- maining four helicopters due for delivery Mi-17V5 helicopters. It has been reported ers in Chile. The Chilean Army operates by the end of the year. that the cost to replace its four CH-47A the AS-532AL Cougar while the Navy To give the aircraft a littoral perfor- Chinooks would be prohibitive and that uses the AS-332F1/L1 Super Puma. This mance capability it features extra en- up to twelve of the Russian Mi-17V5s would leave Leonardo trying to persuade larged fuel tanks bringing the total on could be acquired. Despite the pressing the FACH that its popular AW-139 was the helicopter to six. The amphibious need for new utility helicopters in the the most modern, even though its heavy warfare KUH-1 features blade folding Asia-Pacific region and beyond, along- duty operational experience may be more for ship storage and emergency buoyan- side capability, performance, and indus- limited in the military context, as regards cy floats for emergencies at sea. KAI has trial cooperation issues, it is clear that cost the aircraft’s experience operating in so- been determined to sell its home-grown remains a serious consideration in national called ‘hot and high’ environments. helicopter in the international market- procurement processes. AMR

| july/august 2016 | 33 Integrated coastal zone surveillance

ach coastal state faces the veillance systems that integrate surveil- of responsibility in any weather, day task of providing reliable lance, communications, and data pro- or night, surveillance facilities of the maritime situational aware- cessing and transmission facilities for coastal radar posts, deployed on the ness in its coastal zone. This several government agencies concerned coast and integrated into a single net- includes maritime border at once. It is precisely such systems that work, are employed. Esurveillance, combating illegal produc- are being marketed worldwide by Rus- The posts can be equipped with tion of biological resources in the ex- sian arms exporter Rosoboronexport. dedicated or multipurpose coastal clusive economic zone, fighting against radars depending on the tasks assigned. smuggling, drug trafficking, and piracy. Surface situational Military radars capable of operating in One of the most cost-effective awareness facilities a difficult ECM environment include ways to get situational awareness is to To get a complete picture of the the upgraded MR-10M1E radar and its establish automated coastal zone sur- maritime situation within the zone mobile version, the Mys-M1E, as well motion parameters. A water area of GIS software package which provides over 25,000 square miles is scanned in data processing and analysis, simulates each observation cycle. probable changes in the situation and predicts threats. Underwater target The end users of the information detection may include the Navy and any agen- If underwater threats are present, the cies concerned, each of which will get system can be added with subma- the necessary amount of data without rine detection facilities, including having to establish its own surveil- the MGK-608E fixed sonar systems, lance systems, which gives significant Amga-E buoy-based ASW detection savings. system and Komor electromagnetic In respect of a military threat, the stations. Their combined use enables information gathered by the surveil- reliable detection of the most low-noise lance system on enemy can be used, submarines on the distant approaches to for example, to provide targeting data naval bases. for the Bal-E, Bastion coastal missile To ensure the security of port facili- systems or other fire weapons. ties and oil-and-gas production facili- ties (platforms, terminals, pipelines, Attracting national etc), anti-saboteur underwater surveil- companies lance means can be used. These include Rosoboronexport is ready to attract the MG-607PD-E system, Anapa-ME local manufacturers to works on the sonars, and Komor-1magneto-acoustic integrated coastal zone surveillance systems designed to detect underwater systems. Non-Russian-made hardware saboteurs. Protected facilities can also components can be integrated into the be fitted with all-weather millimeter- system owing to its open software/ wave radars and Sfera-02 EO day/night hardware architecture. This is in full surveillance systems. compliance with partners’ policy aimed at the development of their own Data processing defense-industrial complex. Moreover, Information from all the surveillance the system’s capabilities can be ex- means arrives at the 83t170-E, 83t611- tended step by step by expanding the E shore-based modular operations cen- range of purchased assets as well as by ters. Such C2 centers run the Ontomap upgrading the existing ones.

as the Pozitiv-ME1, Fregat-M2E and Podberezovik-ET1 3D radars. With their high detection capability, they can detect enemy ships at up to 90 km and enemy planes and helicopters at 300 to 400 km from the coast. If necessary, the system’s aircraft and ship detection capability can be significantly enhanced through the use of the Podsolnukh-E OTH surface- wave radar. The latter has a unique capability of detecting objects on or above the sea surface at more than 400 km and determining their position and

AMR Marketing Promotion REGIONAL MILITARIES

Japan-US military relations continue to remain important to both countries. This picture illustrates the depth of this bilateral cooperation with JGSDF soldiers onboard a US Navy warship preparing for an exercise.

Big In Japan US Navy Rising concerns over the strategic assertiveness of the People’s Republic of China in the East and South China Seas, as well as regarding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) missile and nuclear threat, have brought renewed strength to US-Japan relations.

by Dr. Alix Valenti

or the past fifty years, Japan according to media reports in March, modify the country’s constitutional has been a peaceful nation, and as concerns about the DPRK’s renouncement of war. In what is perhaps focused primarily on self- ballistic missile and nuclear weapons the loosest interpretation of Article Nine defence of its own territory. programme escalate, Article Nine is at since 1947, Mr. Abe has lifted Japan’s This posture is embedded in the forefront of the national debate over arms export restrictions and expanded ArticleF Nine of its constitution which Japan’s defence policy. Cognisant that the role of its armed forces, under much stipulates that the people of Japan the constitutional restraints imposed on criticism from his own government yet “forever renounce war as a sovereign its armed forces would be insufficient much praise from his international allies, right”. Today, as the PRC continues to deter aggression from either the notably the administration of President the modernisation of its military, the PRC or DPRK, Japan’s Prime Minister Barack Obama, which is keen for Japan country’s defence budget is expected Shinzo Abe has been lobbying Japan’s to play a fuller role in ensuring peace to rise to around $150 billion this year, parliament over the past five years to and security in the Asia-Pacific.

36 | Asian Military Review | REGIONAL MILITARIES

Mounting Tensions its territorial waters. Beijing’s implemen- kaku/Diaoyu islands has raised concerns Sino-Japanese relations have remained tation of an Air Defence Identification in Beijing that Japan is evolving a more tense since the Japanese invasion of Man- Zone (ADIZ), requiring all civilian and outward-looking military posture. churia in September 1931 which saw the military aircraft to identify themselves deaths of thousands of Chinese citizens, when flying within a defined zone that DPRK and the subsequent Rape of Nanking be- extended beyond China’s maritime terri- On 6 January, the DPRK made headlines tween December 1937 and January 1938 tory, encompassing the disputed islands, for conducting its fourth nuclear bomb in which over 300,000 Chinese citizens has done little to soothe Japan’s concerns. test, followed by a long-range rocket lost their lives. Beijing has frequently ar- The strengthening of the relation- launch on 7 February. Both events raised gued that Japan has shown insufficient ship between the US and Japan, which serious concerns within the international remorse for its actions. These tensions regained significant momentum with Mr. community despite the DPRK’s govern- are amplified by the competing claims Abe’s arrival as Prime Minister in 2012, ment arguing that the rocket was for civil- of both nations towards the Senkaku/ has also been a source of apprehension ian purposes, namely launching an earth Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Al- for the PRC government which looks at observation satellite. The US government though under US control following the the US strategic ‘pivot’ towards the Asia- has responded to the actions of their San Francisco peace treaty between the Pacific announced by Mr. Obama’s admin- counterparts in the DPRK by establish- US and Japan, the islands were handed to istration in 2011 with discomfort. For the ing an emergency ‘hotline’ communica- the Japanese in 1971. Tensions simmered Chinese government the revision of the tion system between the US, Japan and quietly for nearly three decades, but the Mutual Defence Guidelines between the the Republic of Korea to facilitate speedy purchase of three of the islands in April US and Japan last year, which provide a information sharing with regard to 2012 by the Japanese government from framework for bilateral defence coopera- future, similar actions by the DPRK, and their Japanese private owner, sparked a tion, combined with Mr. Abe’s recent push a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) wave of diplomatic protests from the PRC for more strategically assertive Japanese between Japan and the US to waive re- that have been ongoing ever since. As a armed forces, are all signs that the US is strictions on Japanese components used result, the past four years have seen num- seeking to exert more power in the Asia in American military equipment. ber of diplomatic incidents between Chi- Pacific. Finally, Japan’s implementation in Changes in the geopolitical landscape na and Japan relating to regular sightings March of a radar station on Yonaguni is- of the Asia Pacific and the evolution of of Chinese ships in what Japan claims are land in the East China Sea close to the Sen- the US-Japan alliance described above

The JMSDF remains one of the most advanced navies in the Asia-Pacific region. Like its other armed forces, Japan’s navy maintains close links with the US Navy, with this photograph showing ships from both forces. US Navy

| july/august 2016 | 37 REGIONAL MILITARIES

tribute to the active promotion of peace One of the JMSDF’s SH-60J maritime support helicopters. Like other and to Japan’s security. To facilitate this platforms in the JMSDF, the force task, in October 2015 Japan’s Acquisi- will soon need to contemplate the tion, Technology and Logistics Agency replacement of these aircraft. (ATLA) was established. The country’s largest procurement agency, ATLA has been tasked to handle approximately 40 percent of the annual defence budget, by overseeing procurement from both inter- national and national suppliers.

Major procurements Over the next five years, Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Forces (JGSDF) are planning to reduce their main battle tank fleet, from 740 to 300 vehicles, and replace them with up to 300 lighter Mitsubishi Heavy Indus- tries (MHI) Manoeuvre Combat Vehicles (MCVs). The JGSDF will also look to ac- quire 52 BAE Systems’ AAV-7A1 amphib- ious landing vehicles, seven Bell-Boeing CV/MV-22A Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters. US DoD As a first step in fulfilling these needs, in April the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BAE Systems a contract have led Mr. Abe to embark on the very Much less debated, yet perhaps far to provide 30 new AAV-7A1 Reliability, difficult, and controversial, task of rein- more significant for Japan’s involvement Availability and Maintainability/Rebuild terpreting Article Nine of the country’s in the defence and security world, has to Standard (RAM/RS) vehicles. These constitution. been Mr. Abe’s move to lift restrictions vehicles will be armed with a General According to a report published by the on arms exports in April 2014. He re- Dynamics/US Ordnance M2HB 12.7mm Heritage Foundation, a DC placed the “Three principles on arms ex- heavy machine gun, and a General Dy- based think tank, in January 2016 entitled ports and their related policy guidelines”, namics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Japanese Defence Reform Supports Allied Secu- which effectively banned arms exports, Mk.19 40mm automatic grenade launcher. rity Objectives, reinterpreting Article Nine with the “Three principles of defence According to BAE Systems’ press release, could include allowing the Japanese armed equipment and technology”. The lat- “the AAV-7A1 RAM/RS variant provides forces to perform out-of-area operations, ter continue to ban exports to countries a more powerful engine and drive train, authorise their armed support of other al- subject to United Nations arms embar- as well as an upgraded suspension sys- lies, expand the range of logistical support goes, but opened the Japanese defence tem, allowing the new vehicles to meet or Japan can provide to allied forces, interact market to exports where they can con- exceed original AAV-7A1 performance”. with allies in scenarios where military ac- tion is required to secure Japan’s peace even if an attack was not directed at the The F-2A fighter operated by the JASDF will eventually country, lessen restrictive rules of engage- need to be replaced. The force is already procuring the ment for the military to use force, and all F-35A, although it could procure the domestic F-3 as a replacement for this aircraft in the future. the Japanese armed forces to protect allies. The new laws will also facilitate military involvement in international peacekeeping operations by lifting the requirement that the Diet enact a temporary law for every dispatch. Despite much controversy with- in some elements of Japanese society, and within her Asia-Pacific neighbours mind- ful of Japan’s activities during the Second World War, the rules for the deployment of lethal force by Japan’s military in future operations remains limited by three condi- tions: whether Japan’s survival is at stake, whether all other non-military options have been exhausted to resolve a crisis, and that the use of force is limited to the mini- USAF mum necessary to deter aggression.

38 | Asian Military Review | 292mm in. Bleed 292mm in. 286mm Trim 286mm 260mm Live

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of the first F-35A in December 2015. The US Marines and their Japanese counterparts perform joint exercises. Japan’s military may have an F-35 will replace the McDonnell Douglas/ increasingly outward looking strategic posture in the Boeing EF/RF-4EJ Phantom fighter cur- future, as a response to increasing regional threats. rently in service, and the total of the con- tract has been estimated at approximately $8 billion. The ageing MHI F-2A and McDon- nell Douglas/Boeing F-15J fighter fleets are also in need of replacement, although uncertainties remain as to when this will occur and with what aircraft. In January 2015, MHI presented its X-2 Shinshin fifth generation fighter demonstrator, which was developed at a cost of approximately $335 million, thus indicating that there will be some level of local competition in the procurement process for the replace- ment of these aircraft. More information regarding this aircraft can be found in this issue’s Asia-Pacific Procurement Update ar- ticle. Finally, in October 2015 the MoD selected the Boeing’s KC-46A to supple- ment the JASDF’s KC-767 tanker fleet. The intention is to procure three tankers, to be delivered by 2020, for a cost of ap- proximately $173 million per tanker. US DoD

Conclusion Sea Airbus Helicopters announced that it had Although increasing tensions in the Asia- Away from the JGSDF, the government been awarded a contract for the purchase Pacific region have triggered significant will be looking to continue improv- of an additional H-225 medium-lift util- changes to Japan’s defence stance in ing Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces’ ity helicopters by the Japan Coast Guard the international arena, the road to the (JMSDF) capabilities. To this end, in (JCG), of which it already owns five. The country’s successful entry in the defence March 2016 the JMSDF commissioned its H-225 is an eleven-ton twin-engine rotor- market, however, remains paved with pit- new ‘Soryu’class conventional hunter- craft, which can accommodate up to 19 falls. Firstly, only one percent of Japan’s killer submarine, the JS Jinryu, delivered passengers, with delivery of the H-225 is industrial output is military-related, and by MHI. The ‘Soryu’class is powered by scheduled for the end of 2018. Mr. Abe will have to work to overcome two Kawasaki 12V 25/25 SB-type diesel The Medium Term Defence Programme, national industries’ reluctance in produc- engines and four Kawasaki-Kockums published by the MoD outlining defence ing arms, as MHI and Kawasaki refuse to V4-275R Stirling engines which provide procurement priorities for the years 2014 be labelled as ‘merchants of death’. End- it with a range of 6100 nautical miles/nm to 2018, also mentions plans for the pro- user monitoring is also likely to be an ini- (11297 kilometres/km). The class is fitted curement of nine ship-based medium- tial obstacle. Lacking previous experience with six 533mm torpedo tubes that can ac- lift utility helicopters to perform diverse in the complex arms trade market, Japan commodate MHI Type-89 homing torpe- tasks including at-sea replenishment and will have to be particularly careful in en- does and Boeing UGM-84 Harpoon anti- casualty evacuations. However, to date suring that its newly exported weapons ship missiles, the latter having a range of there have been no further indications as will not fall into the hands of state or non- over 66.9nm(124km). The JS Jinryu is the to the preferred options regarding the ro- state actors acting against one of Japan’s seventh 'Soryu' class submarine received torcraft to be procured, how many aircraft three principles. by the JMSDF, out of a total of eleven such will be purchased, or when the procure- Despite these concerns, the lift on submarines to be delivered by 2020. ment will take place. arms exports and the extended Japanese Moreover, in 2014 the Japanese Min- military mandate have already brought istry of Defence (MoD) decided to begin Aviation a number of defence cooperation deals the replacement of its ageing helicop- The Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) to the table. With a view to expanding ter fleet, which currently comprises 46 has been replacing its ageing fleet for the into the development of major weapon Sikorsky SH-60J and 39 SH-60K Seahawk past few years. Key to this significant up- systems and whole platforms, Japan has maritime support helicopters. To this grade is the selection of Lockheed Martin, started working on the development end, Leonardo (formerly AgustaWest- in 2011, for the procurement of 45 F-35A of partnerships with countries such as land) announced at the 2016 Singapore Lightning-II fighters. Four aircraft are France for unmanned underwater vehi- Air Show that it intended to offer Japan already being assembled at Lockheed cles, and the UK for the development of a an improved version of its MCH-101 Martin’s production line in Fort Worth, new air-to-air missile, an initiative which Helicopter, of which eight have already Texas, while the rest will be assembled lo- involves the pan-European missile con- been delivered. Similarly, in March 2016 cally by MHI. MHI began local assembly cern MBDA. AMR

40 | Asian Military Review |

sea power US Navy

Sailors and civilian personnel discuss operations in the Task Force 70 Tactical Flag Command Centre during the FST-J 16-72 Exercise held in April VIRTUAL ACTION STATIONS

Navies are increasingly turning to synthetic training technologies to prepare their personnel for the realities of combat. In addition to offering a less expensive alternative to live training, synthetic training equipment allows crew to get a feel for the full spectrum of scenarios that they will face.

by Claire Apthorp

he value that can be extracted 16-72 exercise allowed geographically- All Level Training from international training separated participating units in Japan, The Australian military is leading the exercises via synthetic means Australia and the US to be integrated way in synthetic training for navies in has recently been demonstrated into a tactically demanding joint the Asia-Pacific region. The force’s capac- as part of the Fleet Synthetic virtual environment designed to mimic ity to participate in international synthetic TTraining Joint (FST-J) exercise 16-72. operations in a ‘peer threat’(a naval training exercises such as FST-J 16-72 is This annual exercise is designed to test force of similar capability) maritime managed from HMAS Watson’s Maritime the capabilities of US Navy forward- environment. This computer-based Warfare Training Centre (MWTC) located deployed forces in the Asia-Pacific region synthetic training event gives the at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales. and improve interoperability between participating forces the ability to test Here, command team trainers support all US and local forces in order to maintain tactics, techniques and procedures major RAN fleet units. This is done by the readiness, and to support security and alongside other allied naval commands, MWTC through the provision of Fleet Syn- stability in the region. In April the US effectively running a ‘dress rehearsal’ thetic Training and Command Task Group Navy performed the exercise with units in preparation for deployment. Typical Team Training (CTGTT) which is provided from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) threats can be simulated along with the by the centre at a national and coalition and Australian Army Air Corps at platforms and weapons used by the level, the latter of which can be performed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Fleet participating navies to train for operations with foreign navies through networking. Activities Yokosuka is a US Navy shore and to ensure that all partners can work In addition to the platform-based simula- base located on the eastern coast of together. This can be done without the tors located at the MWTC, the same unit Honshu Island. The computer-based expense and logistical demands of the possesses bridge simulators at the Bridge synthetic training element of the FST-J live training environment. Training Faculty to provide realistic train-

42 | Asian Military Review | sea power

ing to allow junior officers to become ca- pable of carrying out officer-of-the-watch duties on all classes of RAN ships. The Australian military has been working to ramp up its synthetic training capabilities for around a decade as a number of ma- jor new vessel programmes transform the RAN’s fleet, such as the introduction of the ‘Hobart’ class destroyers and the ‘Canberra’ class amphibious support ships. A big part of this ramp-up has been the RAN’s move to expand the use of simulation technology beyond traditional platform simulators into support areas such as engineering and maintenance. As identified in the Australian government’s Defence Simulation Strategy and Roadmap published in 2011, “new naval capabili-

ties will demand more integrated simula- Australian DoD tion: future ship training systems will in- clude simulations for marine technicians HMAS Canberra personnel demonstrate the use of the interactive simulator inside the Navy Training Systems Centre during its official opening. and others’ in addition to the training undertaken by principal warfare officers in virtual environments.” In other words operators and maintainers of the RAN’s Cerberus in 2013, which the company is this means more synthetic training at ev- new HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Can- under contract to maintain. The custom- ery level of the force. berra ships, and future in-service training ised simulator model is a high-fidelity In April 2016 the RAN opened its new for HMAS Hobart, HMAS Brisbane and representation of the engine room config- Navy Training Systems Centre at Rand- HMAS Sydney ‘Hobart’ class destroyers. uration in HMAS Choules, which provides wick Barracks, outside Sydney, which In March 2016 Kongsberg’s maritime a three-dimensional visual representation it says will ‘revolutionise’ how the navy division was contracted by the Australian of the ships’ engine room systems and its prepares marine and electronic techni- government to develop and deliver a new engine control switchboard. cians for their roles in the fleet. When K-Sim Engine simulator model to the fully operational in the coming years this Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Cerberus New Requirements facility will train up to 300 students at a training facility located near Melbourne, The introduction of the new RAN vessels time using a combination of simulation in South Australia. The new K-Sim model discussed above is providing the navy and task-specific training systems. Train- will run on the existing K-Sim Engine with the opportunity to take full advan- ing will include in-service instruction for desktop simulator delivered to HMAS tages of the benefits to be gained by using synthetic capabilities across the spectrum of training requirements. The AWD Al- liance which is the prime contractor for the design and construction of the RAN’s new ‘Hobart’ class destroyers announced in May that it had successfully completed the final training readiness review for the programme. Between AWD and the gov- ernment, $100 million has been invested in facilities and equipment (for hands-on training), synthetic training and a course design package that will support the 66 courses that will train RAN crew on the ‘Hobart’ class. The full range of products in place includes fully-equipped classrooms with installed training equipment, and computer-aided training packages that will be used by instructors for each course. Kongsberg has been significantly in- volved in providing training capabilities for the RAN’s ‘Hobart’ and ‘Canberra’ Kongsberg classes. In 2011 the company was award- Kongsberg's K-Sim engine simulator supports basic and advanced operational training, covering ed a contract by Raytheon’s Australia everything from getting underway to teaching how to deal with abnormal situations and subsidiary to deliver the Command Team serious problems. Trainer Simulation Infrastructure as a cen-

| july/august 2016 | 43 sea power

tion systems comprising two full mission simulators, four part-task simulators, ten desktop systems, instructor and debrief

Kongsberg stations and extensive visual systems. This bridge simulator system pro- vides the RAN with high fidelity visual effects of ships, ship behaviour and the maritime environment to accurately rep- licate the full range of operations likely to be experienced while on the bridge of a warship. As an integrated system, the simulators are designed to train cadets to pilot the next generation of warships. Scenarios range from simple tasks, such Kongsberg supplied the Royal as passage planning, ocean passage and Australian Navy with ship coastal navigation, to more complex tasks bridge simulation systems such as pilotage, berthing and un-berth- to update capabilities at the navy’s training centre at ing, precise navigation and close quarter HMAS Watson. manoeuvring when conducting warfare- type exercises. Elsewhere, Kongbserg is set to deliver its K-Sim Engine Room Simulator to the tral component of the ‘Hobart’ class Com- tions, including Anti-Submarine Warfare National Defence University of Malaysia mand Team Trainer (CTT). The simulator (ASW), air defence, anti-surface warfare in Kuala Lumpur under a contract an- infrastructure is based on Kongsberg’s (ASuW), electronic warfare and mine nounced in May, although it is unknown Proteus naval training system which is countermeasures. A company spokesper- when deliveries will occur. The simulator designed to assist the training of a ship’s son told AMR that integration is currently will be integrated with the company’s K- crew in tactical decision-making. In the being finalised for the CTT Proteus-based Sim Polaris bridge simulator (delivered context of the CTT, the Proteus naval infrastructure, although the firm provid- under a previously-signed contract) to training system will facilitate the instruc- ed no further details regarding timelines support engineer-specific and Crew Re- tion of the crew vis-à-vis the Lockheed for completion. source Management (CRM) training. As Martin Aegis combat management sys- part of its May contract to deliver the tem which is to equip the ‘Hobart’ class On The Bridge K-Sim Engine Room Simulator, the com- ships, the ship’s accompanying sensors Kongsberg has delivered other equipment pany will deliver 20 K-Sim Engine desk- and weapons including her Lockheed to the RAN’s training centre at HMAS top simulators connected to an interactive Martin AN/SPY-1D(V) naval surveillance Watson, including ship bridge simula- BigView system. Kongsberg has devel- radar, Northrop Grumman AN/SPQ-9B horizon search radar and Raytheon RIM- 66 Standard Missile-2 family and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air mis- siles, plus her Link-11 and Link-22 tactical data links. The CTT is also outfitted with a Distributed Interactive Simulation stan- dard interface which allows collaborative training with other externally-located synthetic training systems. In its standard configuration, the Proteus naval train- ing system contains instructor stations as well as training cubicles. The Personal Computer-based workstation cubicles can be configured as necessary to meet the customer's training requirements and to achieve the desired training throughput. The system is also scalable to operate as and when required and can be used on a stand-alone laptop or in networked fash- ion with training computers networked together. The RAN will be able to under-

take multi-level training with the system, CAE from basic operational skills up to combat CAE has delivered its Naval TMT to Sweden and is now looking to expand its customer base information centre team coordination and around the world, including with customers in the Asia-Pacific. communications for naval warfare opera-

44 | Asian Military Review | Content & Edit july.indd 6 6/27/16 11:50 AM sea power

force protection and heli-deck operations. UK company SEA is also targeting the heli-deck operations market in the Asia-Pacific with its Decksim Aviation Command Team Trainer. The company is providing this deck operation simulation solution to the for its HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. The Deck- sim Aviation Command Team trainer al- lows flight deck officers and aircraft han- dlers to realistically train for operations on the flight decks of vessels that carry fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft. The system uses the company’s SEAvis software toolset to generate high fidelity visualisations of the vessel and the surrounding airspace. The trainer replicates the air traffic control ra- dar display, has an interactive deck plan,

Australian DoD reproduces the marine environment and has three-dimensional computer models New high-technology vessel programmes are offering naval forces the opportunity to take advantage of the synthetic training options currently available in the market. of aircraft. Moreover, by using the soft- ware different desired flight deck, aircraft, aircraft circuit waypoints and emergency oped BigView which is software designed optronics, communications and acoustics. procedures can be configured. The simu- to visually replicate a ship’s engine room As demonstrated by the Swedish delivery, lations can be used for mission rehearsal, in a three-dimensional fashion on an in- which included 52 student stations along to develop procedural and cognitive skills teractive touch screen. The K-Sim Polaris with 13 instructor stations, the system is and to simulate concurrent operations by simulator will be connected to the K-Sim reconfigurable and scalable to allow mul- multiple airframes and types in real time. Engine Room simulator allowing actions tiple users to operate together in a com- DeckSim allows students to train various on the bridge simulator to affect the en- mon scenario at any location. The system scenarios including aircraft start-up and gine room simulator and vice versa as in can be configured as a classroom with shut-down, approach, landing and take- real-life, giving crews a much stronger instructor and student workstations, or off, tie downs, refuelling and passenger understanding of vessel operations and can be spread across multiple sites and transfers. Emergency scenarios can also operational communication. Kongsberg networked for distributed training. The be rehearsed such as a crash on the flight has also delivered its naval simulation so- instructor can control multiple student deck, a fuel spill, oil leak, engine fire or lutions to the Republic of Singapore Navy. stations simultaneously, providing each electrical failure along with an emergency student a set scenario to run in isolation, landing or engine fire. Market Options or multiple platforms can be rendered to A company spokesperson said that While the uptake of synthetic training allow for multi-ship or task group opera- the region is an area that SEA sees de- options for navies has been limited to a tions. Mark Richardson, training systems mand from, and the firm has expanded handful of countries in the Asia-Pacific so engineering lead at CAE, told AMR that its footprint into the Asia-Pacific to better far, many companies are targeting this re- the Naval TMT is set to enter service with target customer requirements. A regional gion with new technologies that have the the Swedish Navy this summer. “Sweden office has opened in Malaysia as the com- potential to revolutionise the way navies is our first customer for the Naval TMT pany looks to build on its current work train their maritime personnel. For exam- but we are also working with potential there, chiefly delivering torpedo launch ple, CAE is looking to build on recent suc- customers in Europe and the Middle East systems to the for cesses delivering its Naval Tactical Mis- region,” he said. “The Asia-Pacific region deployment on its fleet of offshore pa- sion Trainer (TMT) to the Marinen (Royal is a key region for CAE, and we see in- trol vessels and is marketing its DeckSim Swedish Navy) with active marketing of creasing demand for all types of simula- product into the region. the system into the Asia-Pacific region. tors from this region.” The move toward synthetic training The Naval TMT creates a realistic Other companies seeing success with by navies has been slower than that wit- synthetic mission environment that simu- Asia-Pacific nations in the naval simula- nessed in air and ground forces, but it is lates all aspects of a warship or maritime tor market include the ECA Group. The beginning to gain traction worldwide. In patrol aircraft to build mission readiness company announced in March that it had the Asia-Pacific this is being motivated by across a crew or maritime force. The sys- secured new contracts with unnamed cus- a general desire to train military personnel tem uses commercial off-the-shelf soft- tomers in the region for three of its simula- more efficiently and cost-effectively. At the ware including CAE’s STRIVE synthetic tion systems, including an upgrade for its same time large naval programmes are of- environmental software tool to train per- Surface Ship Simulator to an existing cus- fering navies the chance to throw off their sonnel for basic crew training, advanced tomer. This upgrade will allow multiple conservative mantels and embrace new crew conversion/continuation training, simulators configured to represent various synthetic training technologies, giving and part-task training for mission sub- warships to be integrated for single and their personnel the opportunity to train systems such as electronic warfare, radar, multi-domain complex warfare scenarios, better and smarter than ever before. AMR

46 | Asian Military Review | job number client contact

00684_185_NAVDEX 2017 Jun-Jul Ads_Asian Military Review_v2 NAVDEXz Joenalene

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The leading naval defence and coastline security exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region returns to Abu Dhabi in February 2017. NAVDEX 2017 will continue to attract influential VIP’s, naval decision makers and investment companies from around the world to do business with international manufacturers and suppliers. Attracting more than 1,200 exhibitors and 101,000 local, regional and international trade visitors and officials from governments industry and armed forces. For detailed plans about NAVDEX 2017, please visit www.navdex.ae To book an exhibition stand or a berth, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

StrategicPartner PrincipalPartner Organisedby HostVenue Inassociationwith air power Leonardo

Leonardo’s Praetorian ISPS forms part of the ’s defensive aids subsystem. The company has significant experience in the ISPS domain, providing products for fixed and rotary- wing aircraft.

Protection Racket Fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft face a plethora of Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air Missile (SAM/AAM) threats employing radar, infrared and laser guidance. Integrated Self-Protection Systems (ISPS) provide a means of addressing these threats via pods, which can be mounted on aircraft and internal systems. by Thomas Withington

he dominant threat faced by aircraft assisting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, the US- led air campaign against the Leonardo Islamic State of Iraq and Syria T(ISIS) insurgent group operating in these two countries is the danger of attack from Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). Several attacks have been witnessed by MANPADS. For example, on 5 April a Syrian Air Force (SAF) Sukhoi Su-22 fighter was reportedly lost to a MANPADS of an unknown type fired by Al-Qaeda insurgents near Aleppo, northern Syria. At the other end of the spectrum, Active- and Semi- Active Radar Homing (ARL/SARL) The AgustaWestland/Leonardo AW-159 Lynx Wildcat naval support SAMs continue to pose a threat. This helicopters of the Republic of Korea Navy are outfitted with was brought sharply into focus in late Leonardo’s HIDAS helicopter integrated defensive aids subsystem. November 2015 with the deployment of an Almaz-Antey S-400 Triumpf SAM

48 | Asian Military Review | air power

battery by the Russian Air Force (RuAF) into Syria, following the downing of a Elbit RuAF Sukhoi Su-24 ground attack aircraft on 24 November by Türk Hava Kuvvetleri (Turkish Air Force) General Dynamics/ Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters using Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder AAMs. While MANPADS are generally em- ployed for Short Range Air Defence, with larger strategic systems such as the S-400 providing theatre air defence thanks to the 215.9 nautical mile/nm (400 kilometre) range of its 40N6 missiles, military aircraft also face threats from systems such as the Almaz-Antey 9K37 Buk missile system ca- pable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 13nm (25km) using its 9M317ME SAMs. Although a Russian 9K37 Buk battery shot down a civilian Boeing 777-200ER airliner belonging to Malaysian Airlines on 17 July 2014 over eastern Ukraine, an aircraft not carrying any form of self-protection sys- tems, such weapons have claimed military aircraft in recent years. For example, during the 2008 South Ossetia conflict, Georgian 9K37 Buk-1M batteries were believed to have shot down a Tupolev Tu-22M strate- gic bomber, and three Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft belonging to the RuAF. Nevertheless, it is not only SAM systems which pose a clear and present The design for Elbit’s All-in-Small ISPS has placed a premium on reducing the size, weight and threat to military aircraft, AAMs consti- power consumption of ISPS, enabling increasingly space-constrained military aircraft to be able to accommodate robust protection. tute a similar danger. Air-to-air kills are less frequent in the contemporary op- erating environment with the notable SAM/AAM, or a directional IR coun- to swap them across a fleet as and when exception of the SAF and RuAF losses termeasure to perform a similar func- they are required. “One advantage of the discussed above. However, the continued tion by blinding an IR-guided missile. pod is that you don’t need one pod per threat posed by advanced AAMs such as In addition, the ISPS will include the aircraft, just enough pods to equip air- the Russian Vympel R-77 ARH cannot be accompanying computer hardware craft performing missions,” the company discounted, and hence ISPSs have to be and software to detect incoming threats, representative noted during their presen- configured to protect aircraft to this end. to trigger countermeasures, and also to tation. Secondly, it may be less expensive Broadly speaking ISPS are available connect the ISPS to the aircraft’s avion- for operators to employ a podded solution either installed at the factory level on new ics, allowing its control by the crew. on a hardpoint rather than taking an air- build, or upgraded military aircraft, or craft out of service and paying for the time are available in a podded configuration Design Considerations and effort of performing a full ISPS instal- which can be mounted to an aircraft’s During a presentation by RUAG at this lation. The RUAG presentation argued hardpoints to provide self-protection. year’s Electronic Warfare (EW) Europe that the installation of an ISPS within a These systems can contain Radar Warn- conference held in Rotterdam, the Neth- combat aircraft could cost up to $2 million ing Receivers (RWRs) to alert the crew as erlands, between 10 and 11 May, repre- whereas a podded ISPS could cost circa to the presence of incoming ARH/SARH sentatives from the company outlined $1.5 million, with the installation of the weapons, a Missile Approach Warning the fundamental design requirements necessary wiring to accommodate the pod System (MAWS) which can detect the in- for ISPSs. The company noted that and changes to the aircraft avionics cost- frared (IR) heat signature of an incoming these comprise sensors to see the threat, ing circa $100,000. Thirdly, local civil avia- missile, regardless of its guidance system, and countermeasures to neutralise it. tion requirements may prevent military by detecting the missile’s hot exhaust. A The firm added that podded ISPSs have aircraft from landing at certain airports if Laser Warning System can also be includ- several attractions for military fleets: they are carrying pyrotechnics such as IR ed to alert the crew that their aircraft has Firstly, pods can be swapped between flares. A podded configuration means that been illuminated by a laser threat such aircraft which have been configured for the ISPS can be removed from the aircraft as a beam-riding missile. Meanwhile, an them. As an air force, army or navy may allowing it to fly into airports which oth- ISPS may also include chaff and flares not always be flying all of their aircraft erwise may be denied. Ultimately, podded which can be dispersed to present a more in harm’s way all of the time, it is pos- ISPSs “are a potential solution in the face attractive target for an IR or ARH/SARH sible to purchase a number of ISPSs and of reducing defence budgets,” the compa-

| july/august 2016 | 49 air power

up the radar spectrum, the RWR’s frequen- cy range allows the detection of Ku-band (13.4-14/15.7-17.7GHz) radars that can be used for target tracking to support SAM batteries. Mr. Navon also states that the firm’s RWRs can be extended in frequency coverage downwards to 0.5GHz, allowing them to detect emissions from high-band Alongside the EL/L-8212 ISPS, IAI also produce the larger EL/L-8222 Ultra High Frequency (890-942 mega- product which is intended to equip comparatively hertz/MHz) and L-band (1.215-1.4GHz) larger combat aircraft such as the F-15 family. Although radars which are increasingly used for air not confirmed by the company, both the EL/L-8212 and surveillance given their ability to detect EL/L-8222 are believed to be in service with the Israeli Air Force. targets with a low Radar Cross Section IAI (RCS). It should be noted that while such radars do not yet have the ability to pro- ny representative noted. RUAG’s podded in performance remains important. Elbit vide a target position of an accuracy which ISPSs include its ISSYS offering which has Systems’s All-in-Small ISPS has taken can be used for guiding a SAM, they can been developed in co-operation with Saab this approach, offering a self-protection denote an area of sky where a low RCS tar- (see below). system contained in a single line replace- get maybe located. Like RUAG, companies involved in ment unit which consists of a digital RWR, Regarding podded systems IAI pro- the provision of aircraft self-protection IR-based MAWS, advanced laser warning vides the EL/L-8212 and EL/L-8222 systems are detecting a trend towards system and an integrated chaff and flare products. The principal difference be- the increased adoption of comprehen- launcher, the company told AMR via a tween these includes their physical size, sive ISPS suites for combat aircraft. Mike written statement. with the EL/L-8212 being designed for Doyle, capability manager for defensive Elbit Systems is joined by Israel Aero- relatively small fighter aircraft such as the aids subsystems at Leonardo’s (formerly space Industries’ ELTA systems division. F-16 family, and the EL/L-8222 optimised Finmeccanica) airborne space and sys- Ravi Navon, the company’s EW systems for larger platforms such as the McDon- tems division noted, “The outdated view marketing and projects manager states nell Douglas/Boeing F-15 Eagle fighter that adequate platform protection can that the firm provides a number of ISPS. family. Like other ISPSs discussed in this be provided by fitting individual means These include the EL/L-8206 which has article, the EL/L-8212 and EL/L-8222 can of countering individual threats (such as a modular design letting the customer be accommodated on weapons stations an RWR linked to a chaff dispenser or a determine the subsystems they wish to capable of carrying AIM-9 and AIM-120 MAWS linked to a flare dispenser for use in their ISPS. Mr. Navon states that family weapons, alongside Raytheon’s IR threats) is gradually being replaced a RWR and radar geolocation device, AIM-7M Sparrow AAM. by a recognition around the world of alongside an EW controller, equips the US suppliers of ISPS include Harris the necessity of fielding properly inte- EL/L-8206 as standard. These sensors can which, following the award of a contract grated self-protection system.” Leonardo be combined with a MAWS and a third- by the US Navy on 21 March worth $88.3 is heavily involved in ISPS provision party laser warning system, plus chaff million, is equipping that service with with its flagship products, including the and flare dispensers, a towed RF (Radio 48 AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5 radio frequency Praetorian Defensive Aids Subsystem Frequency) decoy for countering ARH/ jamming systems. This latest order fol- which is used onboard the Eurofighter SARH SAMs/AAMs and the firms’ own lows an earlier July 2015 award for 46 ex- Typhoon family of fighters produced by Directional IR Countermea- the EuroDASS consortium, of which the sure. IAI’s EL/L-8264 prod- company is a member alongside Airbus, uct meanwhile comprises IAI’s EL/L-8212 podded ISPS is optimised for relatively small combat aircraft such as the F-16 BAE Systems, Elettronica and Indra. Mr. an RWR and provides radar family. It can be mounted on aircraft weapons Doyle continues that Leonardo places a geolocation. stations with can carry AIM-9 and AIM-120 AAMs. premium on ‘future proofing’ their ISPS Like the majority of products. He stressed that the products RWRs equipping contempo- are “scalable and flexible” and that this rary ISPSs, IAI’s RWR tech- approach “not only allows the solution nology covers the two to 18 to be readily tailored to the platform op- gigahertz (GHz) frequency erational requirements but also to be up- bands. This allows it to de- graded in the future.” tect a wide range of threats including ground-based air Size Matters surveillance radars operat- As well as scalability being an increas- ing in S-band (2.3-2.5/2.7-3.7 ingly important issue in ISPS design, size gigahertz/GHz) and C-band and weight is an important consideration. (5.25-5.925GHz) plus the X- Available real estate is limited on any mil- band (8.5-10.68GHz) radars itary aircraft and therefore ensuring that which are typically used by an ISPS is as physically non-intrusive as SAM fire control radars and possible without suffering degradation fighter aircraft radars. Further IAI

50 | Asian Military Review | TECHNICAL SUPPORT MACHINE MTP-72

PURPOSE

Technical Support Machine MTP-72 is designed for the most labor intensive maintenance and current repairs of tank T-72 in the field. The structure of the machine includes a trailer with equipment and racks with niches and special boxes for transport and storage of spare parts and consumables for the repair of the tank.

SPECIfICATIONS Chassis KrAZ-632207 Trailer type Body type Full metal, welded Crew 3 (driver - crane operator, locksmith - mechanic, electrician - welder) Workshop overall dimensions, mm: Length 14720 Width 2760 Height 3640 Total weight of a workshop, kg 22750 Maximum speed, km/h 80 Fuel consumption, l/100 km 48 Maximum grade ascending ability, angle degree 25 Fordable depth, m 1,2 Zar-system voltage, V 24, 220, 380

STATIONARY CHARGING STATION SZS-U PURPOSE Stationary charging station SZS-U is intended for a charge of acid accumulator batteries, and also alkaline batteries with the rated voltage of 12 and 24 V, with the capacity from 7 to 200 A·h, what is applied in automobile and armored vehicles (personal armored vehicles or tanks) The station represents the stationary boxing of frame type, it is divided into two compartments. There is the chargers block in the front compartment, it’s consisting of twelve independent charging modules. There are niches for laying of 12 charging cables sets and 1 powering cables set (220 V and 380 V) in the rear compartment. Charging modules provide a high long-term charging rate with low fluctuations at the exit, they are interfering to premature wear of accumulator battery’s plates, and also are capable to determine the rated voltage of the charged battery automatically.

SPECIfICATIONS Type Stationary, power supply from external network Output voltage, V 12, 24 Station voltage, V 220, 380 Number of at the same time charged accumula- tor batteries 12 Time necessary for station expansion, no more, min. 5 Outline dimensions, mm length 1000 width 800 height 1000 Weight, kg: 100

36, Dehtiarivska St., Kyiv, 04119, Ukraine Phone: +380 (44) 461-94-27 Fax: +380(44) 461-97-59; 489-07-58 E-mail: [email protected]

AMR X3CM 7/12.indd 1 5/16/16 11:36 AM air power

which it employs in its JAS-39C/D Grip- en fighter, and which will adorn its future Harris JAS-39E Gripen variant, unveiled in May. Supplementing the JAS-39C/D/E ISPS is the firm’s ESTL (Enhanced - Sur vivability Technology) podded ISPS. The ESTL can outfit any Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder family or AIM-120 (Ad- vanced Medium Range AAM) weapons station, with the ensemble incorporating a MAWS, the firm’s BOP pyrotechnics dispenser an EW controller and a BOL Harris’ AN/ALQ-214 ISPS has been developed in two distinct chaff and flare dispenser. Flight testing of versions which differ according to the aircraft that they equip. the ESTL has been performed using the Both versions are in widespread use with the US Navy. JAS-39C/D and the ESTL is available in two versions: the ESTL-300 and ESTL-400. The discriminating factor between these amples. The March contract is expected to fare) equipment.” These challenges are in- two versions is the provision of an addi- be completed in December 2017. These 48 creasingly being met, the company notes, tional MAWS on the rear of the ESTL-400, new systems will be used to protect ex- via the use of digital receiver and exciter and the replacement of the BOL subsys- isting McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A- technology, which enjoy a higher perfor- tem on the aft of the ESTL-300 with an 18C/D/E/F Hornet and Super Hornet mance and are easier to upgrade than additional BOP subsystem on the ESTL- fighters. The AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5 forms their analogue counterparts. Regarding 400. The company’s written statement part of the company’s AN/ALQ-214 Inte- the transmitters which may be employed adds that two ESTL-300s will provide full grated Defensive Electronic Countermea- in ISPSs to broadcast jamming signals, lower hemispherical coverage for an air- sures (IDECM) family. Regarding these travelling wave tubes which are used to craft, which can also be provided with a two variants, the AN/ALQ-214(V)4 out- amplify RF signals are progressively be- single ESTL-400. Full hemispherical cov- fits the F/A-18E/F while the AN/ALQ- ing replaced by solid state transmitters erage can be provided by two ESTL-400s. 214(V)5 equips the legacy F/A-18C/D, employing Gallium Nitride (GaN) tech- Saab’s BOZ-EC ISPS has been designed the principal differences between the two nology. GaN, meanwhile, is increasingly with fighters in mind and equips theAero- systems focusing on the mounting equip- used in the manufacture of semiconduc- nautica Militaire’s (Italian Air Force) Pana- ment used to install the self-defence sys- tors as it can tolerate high operating tem- via Tornado IDS ground-attack fighters tem inside the respective aircraft. The ar- peratures and hence high power levels, and Tornado-ECR suppression of enemy chitecture of the AN/ALQ-214 combines thus enabling Radio Frequency (RF) jam- air defence aircraft. an RF generator, onboard RF transmitters ming transmitters to perform high pow- and a towed decoy. The generator pro- ered jamming against RF threats. Future Shock duces an RF signal designed to spoof or Allied to this is the incorporation One of the vexing aspects of ISPS design disrupt potentially hostile radar and ra- of Active Electronically Scanned Array is that systems have to be developed with dar-guided SAMs and AAMs. It also has (AESA) technology in RF jamming. The both contemporary and future threats in a modular and programmable design to military radar domain has embraced mind. Mr. Doyle states that future require- counter emerging RF threats. Compared AESA technology due to its ability to ments for ISPS could include hostile fire to earlier versions of the AN/ALQ-214 employ multitudes of Transmit/Receive indicators. The experience of the US-led which commenced delivery in 1997, the (T/R) modules on a single antenna. Each coalition during the recent interventions AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5 has a weight saving T/R module effectively acts as its own in Iraq and Afghanistan have underscored of 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and has im- miniature radar, generating an RF pulse, the danger that conventional small arms portant updates to its hardware and soft- transmitting it, and processing the pulse’s fire can pose to military aircraft, particu- ware architecture allowing the AN/ALQ- echo. This enables the radar to rapidly larly ‘low and slow’ platforms such as he- 214(V)4/5 to take emerging radar threats change between modes such as air-to-air licopters. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling into account as and when they appear. or air-to-ground tracking, to electroni- who observed in his 1886 poem Arith- cally steer their beams using the process metic on the Frontier that a low-cost Jezail Architecture of constructive interference (in a similar muzzle-loading weapon much used by Beyond the considerations of size, weight fashion to how two magnets with the contemporary Afghan warriors was suffi- and power consumption, and the need to same polarity repel each other) thus cient to kill an expensively trained British employ scalability and flexibility in ISPS reducing the number of moving parts soldier, a well-placed rifle shot can bring design, the architecture of an ISPS has which a radar requires. AESA technology down a helicopter. Therefore, the means of to be carefully considered. This is par- has similar potential benefits for aircraft acoustically detecting small arms fire, or ticularly pertinent regarding the systems self protection in that it allows several using optronics sensors to detect muzzle equipping fighters, a written statement RF threats to be engaged at once, and for flash, could provide a means of determin- from Saab to AMR noted. “The environ- threats to be jammed without necessarily ing the origin of a shot, allowing the pilot ment on a fighter regarding vibration and needing to physically steer the antenna. to perform evasive action to avoid the shot temperature (for example) is very chal- Saab is employing this technology in the and also to determine its point of origin to lenging when it comes to (electronic war- evolution of the self-protection system give retaliatory fire. AMR

52 | Asian Military Review | AMR 16 fullpage (213x286).ai 1 14/06/2016 11:39:46

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The Flyer 72 developed by General Dynamics draws directly from the vehicle that has already been fielded by the USSOCOM. The fielded Flyer 60 (shown) shares components which would reduce GMV fielding time and costs, as well as offering logistics savings.

Four Wheeling by

Parachute Miller Stephen W.

The operational advantage of airborne forces is their ability to be loaded into fixed-wing freighters, be moved across significant distances and then be dropped by parachute or air-landed at a friendly airfield. They are often viewed as the most readily-available option to respond to a distant situation requiring troops on the ground. by Stephen W. Miller

eing traditionally primarily become as ubiquitous to such forces the assault. These vehicles might be para- light infantry, large numbers as the Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. chute delivered or air-landed using Low- of airborne soldiers can be There is also the possibility that Drop Altitude Parachute-Extraction Systems inserted relatively rapidly Zones (DZs) suitable for large-scale (LAPES), which literally pull a palletized with few aircraft. However, parachute assaults may well be some load from a freighter using parachute retar- onceB landed they are, for the most part, distance from objectives thus entailing a dation, or even landed on rough airstrips. limited to moving by foot. This can considerable and arduous movement. Once on the ground airborne units would put them at a significant disadvantage Some militaries have and are seeking use these vehicles to enhance their tactical particularly when faced by the increasing to draw on advances in light vehicle design manoeuvre and speed. Though these types tempo of ground combat operations and and materials to address this challenge. of vehicles have previously been adopted the widespread use of light commercial The concept is to provide the airborne and by special forces for many years, current vehicles (the ‘technical’) by insurgent light infantry with vehicles that can be initiatives are underway to introduce simi- and irregular opponents, which has carried by freighters and delivered with lar mobility to airborne forces.

54 | Asian Military Review | land forces

helicopter and to be externally lifted by the Sikorsky UH-60L Blackhawk medi-

GDOTS um-lift utility helicopter.” The key differ- ences between the earlier requirements and even other currently-fielded similar light vehicles, many of which are being used by the USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) and other armies, is the nine soldiers the vehicle can carry. This is the equivalent of the current US Army light infantry rifle squad plus their equipment. This clearly reflects the driving rationale for transporting the basic tactical infantry element. The ULCV and Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV) requirements laid out at the GMCOE Warfighter’s Conference held Details of the tactical concepts for the employment of the GMV are likely still being worked out in August 2014 showed remarkable simi- as is common with any new system. However, the possibility of increasing the firepower of the larities to the resulting GMV specification light infantry squad using additional vehicle-mounted automatic weapons as shown on this Flyer discussed above, the principal differences could be of interest. being the number of soldiers carried (nine for the ULCV and six for the LRV), pro- Light vehicles have been used with the two are being combined into the GMV. tection (against small arms for the LRV airborne units in the past but have been The GMV requirement, presented in but none for the ULCV), and mounted generally limited to reconnaissance and the March 2016 Request for Information weapons (medium calibre on the LRV but carrying direct support weapons like issued by the US Department of Defence, only organic (the squad’s light machine- anti-tank guided missiles. During the seeks a vehicle with a curb weight of 2227 guns) for the ULCV. Organisationally the Second World War one of the main ratio- kilograms/kgs (4900 pounds/lbs) capa- ULCV would not be part of the infantry nales for the use of the glider was that it ble of carrying nine soldiers and equip- unit but rather provided as needed. This allowed delivery of jeeps and light guns ment equating to 1455kgs (3200lbs). Its would keep the infantry unit table of or- to airborne forces. Indeed the use of jeeps, mission profile is to “operate 70 percent ganisation and equipment ‘light’ but does dune-buggy like light strike vehicles and off road, accelerate to 48 kilometres-per- present questions regarding assuring the even recreational ATVs (All-Terrain Ve- hour (30 miles-per-hour) in six to eight level of training for those that may be as- hicles) have been employed by airborne seconds, and be both carried in and LA- signed to employ them for a mission, and units for reconnaissance, raids and to PES dropped from a Lockheed Martin how these vehicles will be maintained to seize key objectives in advance of the C-130J turboprop freighter, fitted inside assure their readiness. It has been widely main ground combat element. In many the Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift recognised by maintenance officers that ways these vehicles and their employ- ment mirrored the use of these vehicles by special forces. The German and Rus- sian airborne forces have even fielded tracked armoured vehicles specifically designed for airborne forces with both the Plant BMD tracked ve- hicle family and the Rheinmetall Weasel 1 AWC (Armoured Weapons Carrier) being used by such Russian and German units. The US Army, in particular, has high- lighted as a priority its Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV). The GMV’s primary pur- pose is providing mobility to the army’s light infantry rifle squad. As promoted by the army's Ground Manoeuvre Centre of Excellence (GMCOE) at Fort Benning, it envisions “providing the ground combat element movement and manoeuvre capa- bilities for scouts and infantry squads that

can be inserted by parachute and helicop- Miller Stephen W. ter,” the GMCOE has stated. Originally en- Kongsberg visioned as two separate vehicles, the Ul- The Weasel developed by Rheinmetall was specifically designed for use by airborne forces. It was first fielded by the German army in 1985 where it was used for reconnaissance and as a tra Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV) and the weapons carrier. Shown is the new longer Weasel-2 that can carry four soldiers plus a driver. Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, it appears

| july/august 2016 | 55 land forces

for the Flyer that provides 7.62mm ball ballistic protection without compromis- Polaris ing airlift or performance.

Phantom Badger Boeing’s GMV candidate successfully ad- dressed the challenges of loading into the tight quarters of the CV/MV-22A as a primary design consideration. This has re- sulted in a highly compact and lightweight vehicle. The Phantom Badger has partici- pated in several US Army demonstrations held since 2014, but Deborah Van Nierop, Polaris’s experience in designing vehicles for all-terrains is evident in its DAGOR. It claims to the Boeing Phantom Works spokesperson, exceed the off-road performance required for the GMV initiative and Polaris has even shown a told AMR that “no decisions have been version with ballistic protection in a kit developed by O’Gara known for its armoured sedans. made by Boeing in regard to the US Army GMV competition”. The vehicle features a customisable rear section that can support equipment in ‘pools’ that do not have an GMV fielding and save money by - lever a wide range of missions. It uses a propri- ‘owner’ are too often not given the pre- aging testing already completed and the etary suspension to assure ride comfort ventive maintenance attention needed logistics in place following the fielding of and stability. With a current curb weight to ensure that they are in top condition this vehicle with USSOCOM. Mike Iacco- of 2045kg (4500lbs) and 1587kgs (3350lbs) when called upon. bucci, business development director for payload the Phantom Badger offers room Five available Commercial-Off-The- lightweight tactical vehicles at the com- for some modifications to meet the current Shelf (COTS) candidates have been of- pany told AMR that for the USSOCOM GMV requirements. Its use of four-wheel fered to meet the GMV’s requirements in- GMV1.1 requirement, “the Flyer already drive steering gives a tight 7.47 metre (25 cluding carrying the full squad. Industry has three, five and seven person configura- feet) turning cycle that is well suited to tra- was invited several times since 2014 by tions that we’re providing to (USSOCOM). versing urban environments, forests, and the army to demonstrate suitable vehicles. The Flyer-72 based design doesn’t have to rough, rocky terrain. Companies that responded included Gen- be redesigned or re-developed; you simply Boeing has developed additional vari- eral Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Sys- add or subtract kit requirements like the ants of the Phantom Badger beyond the tems (GDOTS) with variants of its Flyer nine-person seating.” He continued, “we infantry carrier. These include an indi- 72 that has already been fielded by the already have a vehicle with a government/ rect fire support model that carries and USSOCOM, and Boeing, working with military validated 95 percent reliability rat- can quickly deploy a 120mm heavy mor- the racing car innovator MSI, with its ing that meets or exceeds all performance tar. Coupled with a specially designed Phantom Badger originally also designed parameters. This includes mobility, lethal- off-road ammunition trailer the system to be transported in the Bell-Boeing CV/ ity, range, speed, acceleration … in over offers responsive fire support that can MV-22A Osprey tilt-rotor. The Polaris 38616km (24000 miles) of testing.” accompany airborne forces. In addition, DAGOR (Deployable Advanced Ground The Flyer-72, the basis for the GDOTS they have prepared and demonstrated Off-Road) also draws from a USSOCOM GMV offering, is essentially the same sys- medical evacuation and logistics versions requirement as well as operational expe- tem being used by USSOCOM and has a of the vehicle. The Phantom Badger is al- rience by the 10th Mountain and 82nd substantial 2500kg (5512lb) payload. This ready fielded by the US Marines and Air Airborne divisions’ trials of its ATV line. capability easily allows the Flyer-72 to Force Special Operations segment of US- Hendricks Dynamics is offering the Com- accommodate the nine battle-ready sol- SOCOM, both avid CV/MV-22A users. mando, a much improved and somewhat ders while still leaving another 1062kgs militarized version of the Jeep Wrangler (2336lbs) for additional supplies. The DAGOR civilian four-wheel drive ATV. Plus, the GDOTS Team’s previous military user The DAGOR is a new development by Po- small company Vyper Adamas is propos- exposure is evident in the design. For laris Defence. According to Jed Leonard, ing its Vyper V4 which it states as a new example, rather than providing a chassis the firm’s senior manager, “the design design built around a state-of-the art off- seat for the ‘ninth’ occupant, they are po- went from concept to testing hardware in road vehicle using COTS components. In sitioned in a secured gunner’s seat to op- only nine months … Much of the design addition, Lockheed Martin working with erate whichever machinegun is inevitably is influenced by input from the special Jackal had initially shown interest offer- selected for the GMV. The vehicle is also forces community and the company’s ing the HMT-400 High Versatility Tactical available in a narrower 1500mm version experience with more than 20 countries Vehicle, a design drawing from the latter known as the Flyer 60, which fits inside that have our ultra-light military vehi- firm’s Supracat, but reports are that it ap- the CV/MV-22A and can also be exter- cles.” The DAGOR is already in service pears to have decided not to continue. nally lifted by the UH-60L. Both the Fly- with the USSOCOM and also meets the er-72 and the Flyer-60 share components Army GMV requirements for air and he- FLYER with the AM General HMMWV (High licopter lift. The DAGOR takes advantage General Dynamics is emphasising both Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). of the rear open bed, used in the SOCOM the proven field track record of its Flyer GDOTS, working with Tencate, has also vehicles to carry additional supplies for and the army’s potential to accelerate the already demonstrated an armouring kit extended operations, to accommodate

56 | Asian Military Review | land forces

the additional soldiers enquired in the GMV squad carrier. Polaris also offers a smaller MRZ4 which can carry four (or six with optional rear-facing seats) and has a collapsible roll-cage making it CV/ MV-22A internally transportable. This Vyper Adamas 867kg (1912lb) curb weight vehicle can carry up to 680kgs (1500lbs) of payload. The US Special Operations Command an- nounced in March that it is making a sole- source purchase of 2000 vehicles from Po- laris. The contract, to be awarded in June, includes 1750 of the MRZR-4 and 300 of its smaller MRZR-2 vehicles.

COMMANDO The Jeep Wrangler is looked upon by many as the civil version of the JEEP workhorse of the Second World War. Hendricks Dynamics has taken this proven core and applied technology to offer what it sees as a worthy successor suited for today’s military challenges. Vyper intends to offer its Pods concept. This allows for modules to be quickly fitted to a base The Commando model being offered for vehicle for various tasks. For example, three person Pods can be installed into its mid section and the GMV requirement takes advantage rear to carry eight soldiers. of the commercial Wrangler Unlimited model production and support service, as well as applying this model’s proven mander could “choose pods for a specific vide these capabilities without compro- performance and safety features. One mission”. Versions of the pods developed mising air transportability. of these is the Jeep’s electronic stability by the company include logistics/cargo, control system. To further address mili- weapons, tactical operations centre and Programme Status tary conditions significant reinforcement medical. Pods can be switched out with- The US Army has included a request for of the body has been done including di- out the need for material handling systems. funding in its 2017 budget with the ob- rectly connecting the bed to the frame Vyper Adamas’ recent teaming with Spar- jective of releasing a Request for Propos- that permits a 1500kgs (3300lbs) payload. tan Chassis goes a long way in addressing als the end of 2016 for an open competi- Drawing as it does from the commercial concerns over the candidate vehicle meet- tion that would include the evaluation production line, the Commando has not ing the aggressive production schedules and test of candidate vehicles. However, only COTS components but permits use demanded by the army. as yet the Required Operational Capa- of an extensive in-place service network. bility statement, normally the first step Considerations in the acquisition process, has not been VYPER The US Army is reportedly reviewing formally approved. Still the stated intent Finally, the Vyper V4 is being custom- some of their key GMV requirements. Two is to select a vehicle and award a single configured for the GMV requirement by aspects in particular being considered are fixed price contract that would provide drawing on the earlier V3 Python Fast At- the need to carry the entire nine soldier initial low rate production as early as tack Vehicles and other Tactical Ultra Light squad on a single vehicle, the need for, late 2017, and full production later in Vehicles designed by the company. Vyper at least, the option to be able to fit some 2019. The final numbers of vehicles is Adamas’ chief executive officer Nicho- ballistic protection. Both are linked to the not yet set, but somewhere around 300 las Chapman told AMR that “Vyper will tactical employment concept for the GMV has been mentioned. It has also been utilise the most advanced technologies mounted infantry units and directly influ- suggested that there should be sufficient available in its GMV candidate to achieve ence the configuration of the vehicles that vehicles to support three airborne battal- the best weight, ride and operational per- can, and will, be offered by industry. It re- ions. Thus far the only mission version formance possible.” He added, “we have mains unclear how this review will turn mentioned has been the infantry carrier the unique attributes of a small company out and what if any changes may result sans the reconnaissance version. In ad- to offer a vehicle that does more for less.” in the requirements that industry needs dition, though offered by several of the The company particularly emphasises its to meet. In fact, several of the companies GMV competitors, there has been to use of mission-patented “Modular Pod”. which AMR spoke to indicated that their date no indication of army intentions to These can be installed on any base chassis proposed vehicles were already capable acquire and field any of these versions. to convert the vehicle to different applica- of being reconfigured for other passen- The army’s primary objective seems to tions. Mr. Chapman described to AMR an ger sizes and to provide protection. Both be to get the GMV fielded quickly. If they operational concept that would permit the General Dynamics Flyer and Polaris achieve the stated 2019 initial operation- various “pods” to be positioned at a for- DAGOR have advertised that they have al capability goal they will have certainly ward operating base from which a com- the ‘extra’ payload and flexibility to pro- have achieved that. AMR

| july/august 2016 | 57 Regional News and Developments south asia

Asia-Pacific Procurement Update by Pierre Delrieu

India to begin initial deal, estimated to cost production of over $1 billion, was for the Ka-226T in 2017 manufacture of 200 Ka-226T Russia’s state-owned helicopters in India and, in technology company February 2016 Igor Chechikov, and Russian Helicopters are deputy director general of looking to start the produc- Rostec’s subsidiary Russian tion of the Kamov Ka-226T Helicopters specified that light utility helicopter in In- 60 units would be supplied dia in 2017. Rostec’s director already assembled to India, for international cooperation while another 140 aircraft and regional policy, Viktor would be assembled at Kladov, made the announce- Indian production facilities. ment to this effect on 20 April India’s state-owned company during the Defense Services Hindustan Aeronautics a division of Russian Alouette-III built under Asia exhibition held in Kuala Limited (HAL) was presented Helicopters, the Ka-226T is licence by HAL since the Lumpur, Malaysia. as the main partner for the in service with the Russian late 1980s. Certified to The joint production initiative but Mr. Kladov also Air Force, performing work in both cold and hot agreement was signed in noted that his company “will Reconnaissance; search and temperatures and capable of December 2015 between Russia pick a number of other Indian rescue; as well as troop and carrying up to 3086 pounds and India under the latter companies for participation in cargo transportation. (1400 kilograms) of cargo, government’s ‘Make in India’ the project.” The Indian Army is the army uses the SA-316 to initiative, which promotes the The Ka-226T has been seeking to replace its ageing carry supplies to its forward domestic manufacturing of designed for military and rotorcraft fleet including operating bases in high defence materiel, during Indian civilian missions. Produced the HAL Chetak, the Indian altitude areas such as the Prime Minister Narendra by the Kumertau Aviation version of the Aérospatiale/ Siachen Glacier area of the Modi’s visit to Moscow. The Production Enterprise, Airbus Helicopters SA-316 disputed region of Kashmir.

the order in a statement pub- 401C turboshafts and 1000 The announcement lished on 4 April. Pakistan Lockheed Martin AGM-114R for the additional aircraft had requested 15 AH-1Zs Hellfire-II semi-active laser comes weeks after the back in 2015, although no homing/millimetre wave administration of President official statement from either radar-guided air-to-surface Barack Obama announced it side specifies when, or if, the missiles. had approved a $700 million remaining six helicopters will When announcing the deal deal to provide the former be delivered. in April 2015, the Defence with eight F-16C/D fighters, The contract “for the Security Cooperation Agency, despite strong opposition manufacture and delivery the DoD organization which and objections from several of nine AH-1Z aircraft and oversees foreign military members of the US Congress Pakistan to receive nine auxiliary fuel kits for the cooperation had said that the and from India, Pakistan’s nine AH-1Z attack government of Pakistan” is “proposed sale of helicopters regional rival. helicopters “expected to be completed in and weapon systems will With this deal, Bell Helicopter is current- September 2018,” explained provide Pakistan with military Pakistan becomes the first ly on contract to deliver three the DoD statement, with final capabilities in support of international customer for AH-1Z Viper attack helicop- delivery slated for August its … counter-insurgency Bell’s AH-1Z helicopter ters to the US Navy (USN) 2018. The statement also operations in South Asia,” marking an important step by 2017. In addition, the explained that the AH-1Zs explaining that the deal will for the country’s replacement company has been contracted are part of a larger $952 help to consolidate Pakistan’s of its Marine Corps’ (PM) by the USN to manufacture million foreign military counterterrorism and ageing fleet of AH-1W Super an additional nine AH-1Zs, deal with Pakistan that was counterinsurgency operations, Cobra attack helicopters by destined for Pakistan under approved in April 2015 and providing a precision-strike, 2020. The PM’s new aircraft a foreign military sales initia- included up to 15 AH-1Z enhanced-survivability will be delivered from Bell’s tive. The US Department of helicopters (see above), 32 aircraft that can operate at final assembly and checkout Defence (DoD) announced General Electric T-700-GE- high-altitudes. facility in Amarillo, Texas.

58 | Asian Military Review |

Regional News and Developments southeast asia

Thales to help modernise RTN Thales announced through a press release published on 29 April that it at been awarded the role of prime contractor for two modernisation contracts awarded by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to upgrade the RTN’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) vessels, and to provide an integrated combat suite for its Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and a “full spectrum of above-water and underwater solutions.” The company will deliver upgrades for the HTMS Bang Rachan and HTMS Nong Sarai, the RTN’s two ‘Bang Rachan’ class MCM vessels and supply the combat, navigation and communication suite for the HTMS Krabi ‘River’ class OPV. command and control system.” data link, plus all of the “significant accomplishment Although unable to With the RTN’s yet-to- vessels’ internal and external for Thales in Thailand, as it’s disclose financial details, be-named second ‘Krabi’ communications. The RTN’s a testament of the confidence including the value of the class OPV, to be built by first ‘Krabi’ class OPV was the Royal Thai Navy has deal with the RTN, “due Bangkok Dock and expected commissioned in 2013, built in Thales’s systems and to contractual agreements,” to be commissioned in the by Mahidol Naval Dockyard, solutions”, adding that the Thales told AMR that the second half of 2018, Thales with design and technology company was “proud to be ‘Bang Rachan’ ships will be will supply its TACTICOS transfer support from BAE officially (Thailand’s) main equipped with “new solutions, combat management system, Systems and with Thales as supplier of underwater and including a machinery control STIR 1.2 Mk.2 radar and the prime contractor for the above-water systems, and system, navigation systems, optronic fire control system, ship’s systems integration. to be able to integrate the upgraded communications, the VIGILE Electronic Support Commenting on the deal, expertise of (Thales’) various company’s TSM-2022 Mk.III Measures and the company’s the company’s spokesperson businesses to support the sonar and M-CUBE MCM proprietary Link-Y tactical told AMR that it was a navy’s needs.”

Philippines receives four the number of C-130B/H by the Philippines. Speaking at airlift platforms, including first of two surplus transport aircraft in the PAF’s the handover ceremony held two Fokker F-27-200/500F C-130s inventory and considerably on 12 April to mark the arrival Friendship turboprop The United States an- boosts the PAF’s airlift of the aircraft at Villamor freighters and one F-28 nounced on 8 April it had capability. The two C-130T airbase in Manila, the PAF’s Fellowship turbofan transport delivered the first of two sur- aircraft were introduced into spokesperson Colonel Araus plus three Airbus C-295 and plus Lockheed Martin C-130T the US Navy’s Reserve Fleet Robert Musico announced that four GAF Nomad turboprop Hercules turboprop freighters Logistics Support Squadrons the C-130Ts will be used mainly freighters. The PAF’s recent to the Hukbong Himpapawidng in 1991 but are no longer for logistics support, but will acquisition comes as the Pilipinas (Philippines Air operated by the US. They join retain their ability to conduct country struggles to develop Force/PAF) under the Excess the PAF’s two existing C-130B aerial refuelling. The ceremony its freighter fleet, which has Defence Articles (EDA) pro- and one C-130H aircraft and saw the US ambassador degraded since the 1980s gramme; a $55 million deal, it is expected that the PAF to the Philippines Philip due to a lack of maintenance of which the US government will acquire further surplus Goldberg handing the aircraft’s and investment. Now faced provided $35 million in fi- aircraft over the coming years. maintenance, operational with the People’s Republic of nancing and the PAF financed The C-130Ts acquired records and manuals to the China’s increasingly assertive the remaining $20 million. The by the PAF were originally Philippines’ defence secretary regional posture in the East and second aircraft is expected to configured as tankers, but Voltaire Gazmin. South China Seas the country arrive by October 2016. converted for transport The PAF currently is seeking to rebuild its once This delivery brings to missions before being acquired operates various fixed-wing strong freighter fleet.

60 | Asian Military Review | Regional News and Developments east asia

China’s CASIC displays Rick Fisher, senior fellow at China’s submarine launched Lumpur CASIC provided new AShM the International Assessment AShMs is not unexpected, details for the LC63, the export During the Defence Servic- and Strategy Centre, based as the country is looking designation for the ‘Type es Asia (DSA) 2016 exhibition, in Alexandria, Virginia and for a successor to its ageing 074A Yubei’ class amphibious held in Kuala Lumpur from an expert on Chinese military sub-launched version of the catamaran. According to 18 to 21 April, the People’s Re- modernisation and Asia- rocket-powered subsonic Mr. Fisher, “The … LCU was public of China’s Aerospace Pacific strategic trends, this AShM, the YJ-82 developed first seen early in the last Science and Industry Cor- missile could “compete with in the 1980s by the China decade, though some Chinese poration (CASIC) revealed Russia’s Novator Design Sea Eagle Electromechanical sources say if first appeared its CM-708UNB, submarine- Bureau’s 3M-54 Klub family Technology Academy in the mid 1990s. However, launched Anti-Ship Missile of AShMs” and would (CHEMTA) and from which it apparently has not been (AShM). The company also represent, if the numbers the CM-708UNB is thought to acquired in large numbers provided further details re- given by CASIC are correct, be derived. “China’s market- by the PLAN.” Capable of garding an older Utility Land- “the People’s Liberation Army oriented defence sector is carrying up to three main ing Craft (LCU) that is now Navy’s (PLAN) longest range producing so many new battle tanks or 250 troops, the being promoted for export. indigenous torpedo-tube weapons that seeking foreign LC63 could attract foreign The turbojet-powered CM- launched cruise missile.” sales has become a very high customers “interested in a 708UNB has a 156 nautical Speaking to AMR, Mr. Fisher priority,” explains Mr. Fisher, light but modern amphibious miles/nm (290 kilometre/ added, “the CM-708UNB with the country looking to transport,” added Mr. Fisher km) range and complements gives China’s nuclear and promote foreign sales of this as, “for many countries this the 69nm (128 km) range conventional submarines new AShM. would constitute a large force CM-708UNA revealed by the ability to pose a greater Also during the DSA for domestic or border defence CASIC in 2014. According to threat.” The modernisation of exhibition held in Kuala contingencies.”

characteristics. MHI is the prime contractor for the aircraft but over 200 Japanese companies contributed to the design and development of the technology demonstrator. Japan has spent around $332 million on the development of its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning-II fighter as a partner in this US-led initiative, but developing the X-2 will also benefit the country’s defence industry. Japan decided to purchase 42 F-35As in 2011, the first of which are destined to Japan’s new fighter the X-2 Shinshin (formerly be applied to other fields and be inducted into the Japan takes maiden flight the ATD-X) to go through a technological innovation in Air-Self Defence Force by Japan’s new fifth-genera- one-year test campaign. Com- the entire aviation industry.” the end of 2016. Japan will tion fighter manufactured by menting on the flight, defence The aircraft will now enter decide in the next two years Mitsubishi Heavy Industries minister Gen Nakatani told a one-year test campaign, whether to develop the X-2 (MHI) made its maiden flight reporters “the first flight has which will consist about 50 as a production aircraft on 22 April, and Japan’s a very significant meaning test flights. which will henceforth be Technology and Logistics (as it) can secure technolo- With this new aircraft, known as F-3. More details Agency (ATLA) now plans gies needed for future fighter Japan becomes one of the regarding Japanese defence for the experimental fifth- development,” adding that few nations to test-fly an procurement can be found generation fighter technol- Japan would also “expect indigenously-developed in Dr. Alix Valenti’s ‘Big in ogy demonstrator, known as (that these technologies) can aircraft with low observable Japan’ article in this issue.

| july/august 2016 | 61 Regional News and Developments australasia

(RAAF) is currently awaiting going sale of the F-35A to delivery of some 72 F-35As, the RAAF. This capability acquired at a cost of about will strengthen combined $70 million per aircraft. The operations and increase production of the first two interoperability between Australian F-35As began the US Air Force and the in 2011 with these aircraft RAAF. Australia will have currently undergoing testing no difficulty absorbing this in Arizona, with a delivery to equipment into its armed Australia expected in 2018 and forces.” Commenting on a full operational capability the geopolitical importance within the RAAF by 2023. of the sale to Australia, the Australia’s F-35As will be DSCA’s statement also noted able to carry up to eight GBU- that “Australia is one of (the 39s. The bomb is equipped with US’) most important allies a multipurpose penetrating in the Western Pacific. The and blast-and-fragmentation strategic location of this warhead, coupled with a political and economic power US approves sale of announced on 6 April. The cockpit-selectable electronic contributes significantly to 3000 GBU-39Bs to total contract is valued at fuse. With a range of about 60 ensuring peace and economic Australia $386 million, $172 million of nautical miles (110 kilometres), stability in the region. This The sale to Australia of up which will cover the cost of the GBU-39B is not designed proposed sale will contribute to 2950 live and 50 inert test the GBU-39/B units. to attack moving targets but is to the foreign policy and and training Boeing GBU-39B Australia’s purchase of intended for close-air support national security of the Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) 3000 GBU-39Bs comes as missions. United States by helping to was approved by the US State part of the country’s wider As stated by the DSCA’s improve the security of a Department, the Defence ongoing procurement of news release published to major contributor to political Security Cooperation Agency Lockheed Martin F-35A announce the deal, “the sale stability, security, and (DSCA), which supervises Lightning-II fighters. The of the GBU-39B supports economic development in the foreign military cooperation, Royal Australian Air Force and complements the on- Pacific region and globally.”

Rheinmetall delivers vehicles for the army, stated include cargo; cargo with of tactical trucks is currently first batch of TWELVE that “the $3.4 billion project crane; tipper, medium in service with or has been tactical trucks to ADF will deliver a range of modern recovery, Intelligent Load- ordered by several armed During a ceremony held medium and heavy trucks, Handling System (ILHS) forces worldwide, including at Gallipoli Barracks, near modules and trailers which Demountable Rack Offload those of Germany, New Brisbane, Queensland on will revolutionise the ADF’s and Pickup System (DROPS) Zealand, Norway, Sweden 7 April, Rheinmetall-MAN tactical logistics capability and Palletised Load System and the United Kingdom. Military Vehicles Australia now and well into the future.” (PLS) along with fuel/water, The manufacture of the (RMMVA) delivered twelve He added that “some trucks heavy equipment transport, modules to equip the trucks HX high-mobility tactical will also have an innovative bridging, and heavy recovery will see the participation of trucks to the Australian integrated load-handling variants. These variants are Australian partners, such as Defence Force; the first system which will enable the all standard unarmoured Sea Box Australia, which batch of more than 2500 operator to remain protected vehicles, but designed with will deliver flat racks for medium, heavy protected inside the cabin while loading fixings for the company’s the ILHS. Holmwood and unprotected trucks to be and unloading cargo” and Modular Armour Cabin Highgate, which specialises delivered to Australia under specified that “as part of the (MAC). The order also plans in the manufacture of Bulk Phase 3B of the country’s army’s digitisation programme, for some 1100 protected Liquid Transport Equipment, long-running Land 121 all of the trucks will be trucks, fitted with RMMVA’s will supply tankers, water programme which plans fitted to accommodate the Integrated Armour Cabin and fuel modules. GH to replace the country’s Australian Army’s new Battle (IAC) and 3000 modules. Varley from Newcastle Mercedes-Benz Unimog and Management System as well as Under a separate award, and RPC Technologies, Mack RM-6866RS trucks with a suite of military radios.” the cargo trailer manufacturer based in Sydney will also the delivery of some 2700 With this acquisition Haulmark will produce participate in the project as trucks, 3800 modules and Australia becomes the first and deliver 1700 trailers of subcontractors to Rheinmetall 1700 trailers. Rheinmetall customer to various types to the ADF, for Australia’s soon-to-be- Australia’s assistant receive the company’s the first 70 of which were delivered General Dynamics minister for defence Michael latest HX2 model, the accepted alongside the new European Land Systems McCormack, who received configurations of the trucks trucks discussed above on 7 (GDELS) Ribbon Bridge and delivery of the first twelve to be delivered to the ADF April. Australia’s HX range support boats.

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