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Untitled-1 1 9/19/17 9:50 AM Contents OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 25 / ISSUE 6

06 THE INVISIBLE UMBRELLA The threat from ballistic missiles, and other air targets, is being addressed in an increasingly holistic fashion, Gerrard Cowan discovers.

Front Cover Photo: The Republic of Korea’s armed forces are reorienting their posture to become more agile and responsive, as explained in this issue’s Changing Strategies article. 14 28 36 46

TURNING NIGHT REMOTE CHANGING WE WANT INTO DAYTIME CONTROL STRATEGIES WHAT YOU HAVE Peter Donaldson examines Gerrard Cowan proﬁ les Stephen Miller examines the Beth Stevenson examines innovations in the optronics the latest innovations, and modernisation of the Republic the Asia-Paciﬁ c MALE/HALE world aiming to improve a debates, in the remote of Korea armed forces against UAV market and the domestic soldier’s vision in all light weapons system and the backdrop of peninsula development versus imported conditions. unmanned turrets domain. tensions. acquisition debate. 22 32 40

STRENGTH ON THE THINKING THE SURFACE Dr. Lee Willet examines PERSON’S SHIP the growing demand for Peter Donaldson investigates frigates and destroyers in the innovative approaches the Asia-Paciﬁ c region, to designing today’s, and and the factors driving such Catch up on all the latest defence radio frequency news and tomorrow’s, combat acquisitions. analysis in Thomas Withington’s regular Pulse column. management systems.

| OCTOBER 2017 | 03 Index of Advertisers ADAS 39 ADEX AZERBAIJAN 35 Editorial Critical intelligence ASELSAN 27 BELL HELICOPTER 15 CST 23 DSA 43 A FOND imagery on-demand D & S THAILAND COVER 3 ELBIT COVER 2 EUROSATORY 47 FAREWELL FLIR COVER 4 GENERAL ATOMICS 13 fter four fulfi lling and happy years, your IAI 5 IDEAS 45 editor will be leaving AMR for pastures INDO DEFENCE 41 new, with this being his last edition of the MBDA 7 magazine. In the years since I took over the helm from the renowned and sadly RENK 31 departed editor Adam Baddeley, the Asia-Pacifi c has remained at the forefront of the world’s ROSOBORONEXPORT 17 A SAFRAN VECTRONIX 21 geopolitical developments. In that short span of time, the region has continued its emergence as SCHIEBEL 29 an important actor in global strategic affairs. SHOW DAILY AD 19 SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 49 In 1988, the phrase ‘Asian Century’ was attributed to a meeting between the People’s Republic of TELEPHONICS 25 China’s leader Deng Xiaoping and the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, as a term to describe UTC AEROSPACE(SIS) 9 the cultural, political and economic emergence of the Asia-Pacifi c in the 21st Century. This prediction has proved prescient, with a 2011 study by the Asian Development Bank stating that Advertising Offi ces up to three billion people living in the Asia-Pacifi c region could enjoy living standards similar to France/Spain Stephane de Remusat, REM International those in the West, with the region also providing half of the world’s industrial and manufacturing Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 output, by 2050. E-Mail: [email protected] Germany Politically, nations such as Australia, Japan, India, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 the Republic of Korea are becoming important actors not only within the region, but on the E-Mail: [email protected] world stage. This can only increase as traditionally outward-looking Western powers, such as the India Madhavi Gargesh United States and United Kingdom, move towards an increasingly isolationist posture, as a result Tel: +91 9898 000266 of the dominance of so-called ‘drawbridge politics’ in both nations. If such trends continue, the Email: [email protected] next two decades could see a subtle realignment of geopolitics with the interests of stable nations, Turkey / Eastern Europe / UK Zena Coupé established and emerging economies in the Asia-Pacifi c and Latin America coalescing with an Tel: +44 1923 852537, [email protected] increasingly economically and politically integrated continental Europe as regards defending Nordic Countries/Italy/ Switzerland Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg mutual interests such as the free movement of talent, labour, ideas, goods, services and capital; Tel: (46) 31 799 9028 and an increasingly shared commitment to the rule of law and respect for international norms. E-Mail: [email protected] Russia The continuing crisis in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, plus ongoing maritime and Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 territorial disputes between the PRC and its neighbours in the East and South China Seas, not to Email :[email protected] mention natural and man-made disasters, the spectre of climate change, ongoing insurgencies and Full Situation Awareness with USA (East/South East)/Canada (East) Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC. migration, are not crises unique to the Asia-Pacifi c, but are challenges that the region will have Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 to confront in a spirit of cooperation and respect. IAI’s Real-Time Intelligence Email: [email protected] USA (West/South West)/Brazil/Canada (West) It has been a privilege to have had a ‘ring side seat’ watching with unblinking fascination at the way Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc Center (RICent) Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557 this dynamic, enigmatic and energetic culturally rich and diverse region has met such challenges Email: [email protected] over the past four years. Your editor leaves this publication with an unshakable fascination and All Other Countries • Comprehensive real-time, geo-intelligence Jakhongir Djalmetov, Media Transasia Limited affection for this part of the world. It will now be for his successor the respected defence journalist, Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654 esteemed colleague and dear friend Andrew Drwiega to take the helm, and lead AMR further into SAR & E/O Imaging National Image exploitation system Email: [email protected] Satellites Intelligence Center Roman Durksen, Media Transasia Limited the Asian Century. • Integrated data from: Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 9 8252 6243 - Imaging sensors: EO/IR, infrared, E-Mail: [email protected] Thomas Withington, Editor video and SAR

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THE INVISIBLE UMBRELLA

Ballistic Missile

Defence (BMD) US Navy systems comprise a range of assets focused on varying challenges. As the nature of the threat has grown more complex, so the technology of BMD has evolved to help safeguard military and civilian targets alike.

by Gerrard Cowan

he design and implementation of BMD systems are fuelled by the threat itself, according to a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) official: “We Tbelieve that our system should be driven by the threat, so we should always be able to provide due protection and coverage against that threat as we foresee it,” he told AMR. This focus on the threat has guided the evolution of NATO’s own BMD capability, the official said. In 2010 NATO’s membership announced its intention to develop a territorial BMD capability covering NATO’s European area. The initial operational capability was declared in July 2016. NATO’s efforts in this regard has seen the advance of BMD technology in southern Europe, which is considered a particularly high-priority region; while the system is far from complete, there is now “a stronger capability to defend Alliance populations, territory and forces across southern Europe’s NATO membership The SM-3 SAM family provides against a potential ballistic missile attack,” the offensive backbone of according to the Alliance official. NATO’s Aegis Ashore ballistic NATO’s BMD architecture represents missile defence initiative. An a complex patchwork of systems, which example of the weapon is currently includes a US Army Raytheon seen here during a test firing. AN/TPY-2 X-band (8.5 gigahertz/GHz to

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the ultimate objective is: full coverage of NATO’s European membership and full implementation of the BMD programme, Raytheon which is some time away,” he said: “The most imminent milestones are more on the national level,” the official added, pointing to the completion of the US Aegis Ashore site in Poland, expected for circa 2020.

Patriot Such a wide-scale network requires many different sensors, effectors and other assets. Raytheon is a major provider of such systems, notably through its MIM- 104 family, which is currently in use in 13 nations and has been used to engage more than 100 ballistic missiles since the beginning of 2015. The system has evolved in a number of ways in recent Raytheon’s GAN AESA enhancement to the firm’s years, said Joe DeAntona, vice president AN/MPQ-65 radar will allow the system to perform and business development executive 360 degree surveillance, while significantly for IAMD business development and improving the radar’s transmission power. strategy at the company. He pointed in particular to radar technology and Raytheon’s Gallium Nitride (GAN) 10.68GHz) ground-based air surveillance policy framework for developing BMD.” Active Electronically Scanned Array radar in Turkey, US Navy vessels stationed The fourth focus is on military operational (AESA) innovations, which has been in the Mediterranean equipped with aspects and training, and “how BMD fits incorporated into a number of radars the Lockheed Martin Aegis combat within the overall context of Integrated and is now being brought to the MIM-104 management system and AN/SPY-1D Air and Missile Defence (IAMD).” Finally, family via the upgrade of its AN/MPQ-65 S-band (2.3GHz to 2.5GHz/2.7GHz to the Alliance also focuses on the “external C-band (5.25GHz to 5.925GHz) ground- 3.7GHz) naval surveillance radars, a so- dimension,” the official explained. This based air surveillance/fire control radars called ‘Aegis Ashore’ site in Romania covers outreach activities to non-NATO with GAN which allows the radar to also including an AN/SPY-1D radar members, and included a dialogue with operate at comparatively higher power and accompanying Raytheon RIM-161 Russia before the Ukraine crisis, when levels than previous versions of the radar, Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block-1B Semi- Russia annexed the territory of Crimea providing more transmission power: Active Radar Homing/Infrared (SARH/ in March 2014: “We of course know what “It’s going to give the Patriot customer IR) guided Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), and a command centre in Germany. A commonly funded command and control Raytheon’s MIM-104 Patriot system attained backbone links these systems together. fame during the 1991 NATO BMD could include further BMD- Persian Gulf War. It is Raytheon capable assets in future if provided by allies, currently in use with 13 such as Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot family nations and has been used SARH SAM or MBDA SAMP-T/Aster to engage more than 100 ballistic missiles since the Active Radar Homing (ARH) SAM batteries. beginning of 2015. The official said NATO’s BMD work takes place in five domains. First, the Alliance is focused on developing command and control functions and the accompanying communications backbone for the BMD architecture to link the sensors and weapons that provide the BMD capability. The second area is the work being carried out by individual NATO allies on their national systems. While these are country specific, they could tie into NATO BMD architecture at a later date, and are seen as being for “the common benefit”, the official continued. The third area of work is on the policy side, the official continued, comprising “the overall

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and more manoeuvrable. The new missile One MEADS launcher sits ready will be fielded with France and Italy in while a second 2023, the spokesperson said: “It’s still fires a PAC-3 the same missile, but it has an improved missile. MEADS capability to engage faster targets coming will be used by from further away.” several countries,

and the system MEADS International is designed to New Threats be mounted on An effective BMD system must protect a different vehicles. wide range of military and civilian assets and populations. This wide-ranging role gives it a crucial importance, said Howard Bromberg, vice president of business development at Lockheed Martin: “Governments really see this as a critical capability for many, many reasons,” he told AMR: “They need advanced, integrated air and missile defence systems, in order to get the protection and confidence that they need for this ever- a much greater range, a much greater Command and Control growing threat.” That threat has changed footprint of protection,” observed Mr. Northrop Grumman’s major focus in the considerably over the past ten to fifteen DeAntona: “It will give the customer full, area is the provision of Command and years, said Mr. Bromberg. The air and 360 degree protection and will reduce Control (C2) for IAMD, which enables missile defence threat is developing at a the operational and maintenance cost by integrated ballistic missile defence for much more rapid pace today, and is also about 50 percent.” the US and other countries. The idea is growing much more complex, he noted. The MIM-104 family is often to connect and integrate a huge range of In the view of Lockheed Martin, the best associated with defence against tactical assets, from the Aegis systems discussed way to address this is through multi- ballistic missiles, though Mr. DeAntona above to the Lockheed Martin Terminal tiered, layered defences, comprising said that it was not limited to these. High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) a range of different defensive assets: There is a wide array of threats in the IR-guided SAM system, providing full “Now we have aeroplanes, missiles and IAMD space, he noted, ranging far situational awareness and information to helicopters to worry about, but also beyond missiles: ‘It’s being used to enable the right weapon to be deployed UAVs rockets, artillery and mortars,” protect against the full range of air and against a given threat: “If you go back Mr. Blomberg added: “We see these missile threats, from Unmanned Aerial 30 or 40 years ago it was a different threats in the same battlespace.” When Vehicles (UAVs) to cruise missiles to perspective: you had one threat and you it comes to new threats like UAVs, there rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, as well could manage against that one threat,” are both kinetic and non-kinetic means as tactical ballistic missiles.” Those Mr. Reyes continued: “Today you have of defending against them, he said, and threats have seen tremendous change lots of threat vectors and you have to it may not be necessary to develop an over the past twenty to thirty years, evolve into that.” Command and control entirely new means of defence: “You have added Tarik Reyes, vice president of is ‘the heartbeat’ of this, Mr. Reyes added: to look to see if it’s possible to integrate missile defence and protective systems “We need to leverage every asset on the other means of military technology that at Northrop Grumman. Today the threat battlefield that’s available to us, and may be able to defeat it: you may not has evolved not only on the kinetic side, leverage every effect on the battlefield always have to design something new,” with saturation attacks from swarms of that’s available to us … We look at it from he said: “We are in the process of looking missiles a particular concern, but also a network perspective, where each asset at that right now, at the best way to in terms of the non-kinetic threat, with is a node on the network.” approach and defeat that problem.” cyber and electronic attacks capable of A spokesperson for MBDA, which Lockheed Martin works across the damaging BMD infrastructure: “It’s like works on a range of BMD programmes, BMD domain. Alongside its development stepping into a ring ready for a boxing including the SAMP-T/Aster family, also of the THAAD, the company produces match to find that you’re actually fighting pointed to the increasingly multifaceted the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC- a mixed martial artist,” he said: “There nature of the threat. He said that attacks 3) ARH-guided SAM equipping the are so many different threat vectors.” in the future can be expected to mix MIM-104F SAM battery, and is involved In such an environment, one missile cruise and ballistic missiles so as to (alongside MBDA) in the development defence system alone will not provide saturate defences. Aster-15/30 missiles of the pan-European MEADS (Medium sufficient protection: “We have to evolve were designed from the beginning with Extended Air Defence System) SAM into a multi-domain perspective,” Mr. this in mind, he said. The new generation, battery, which also uses the PAC-3 Reyes added: “We have to take assets now in development, will operate with missile. In terms of recent developments, from different domains; land, sea, air, a Ka-band (33.4GHz to 36GHz) radar Mr. Bromberg said Lockheed Martin space and cyber, and be able to leverage seeker, providing a longer detection is working to expand its ‘hit-to-kill’ the information we need and make sure range compared to legacy versions of the technology across a wider range of we are using the right effect.” missile to engage targets that are faster products. The hit-to-kill approach is used

10 | Asian Military Review | air Power

Kill weapon; a smaller missile that aims to use the same approaches to defeat threats such as rockets, artillery and mortars. Looking forward, Mr. Reyes observed that non-kinetic threats would grow in

Lockheed Martin Lockheed importance: for example, the potential damage that an adversary could cause to BMD infrastructure through an anti- access area denial electronic or cyber attack. The ability for networked C2 to reduce the possibility of a single point of failure becomes even more important, he added: “This part of the equation is less expensive, but you can create as much of an effect as anything else,” he said: “I think that’s really where the direction is. Obviously we must have the ability to defend against kinetic threats, but I think the non-kinetic side is really where there is a lot of focus. We’re right in the middle of that with our cyber capabilities.” Mr. DeAntona also pointed to cyber attacks as a potential concern for BMD systems, stating that Raytheon has boosted its investment in relevant technologies and capabilities to ensure cyber security is infused across its BMD product lines: ‘You have to understand the cyber threat,” he stated: “You have to know the (potential) vulnerability of your weapon systems Lockheed Martin’s to these attacks.” Mr. DeAntona added PAC-3 weapon that nations would increasingly require is equipping the a family of weapons for effective BMD: latest incarnation “There’s no one single silver bullet that’s of the MIM-104 Patriot family, good for every threat, so we are investing the MIM-104F, in an integrated capability to ensure that alongside the a family of different types of missiles can MEADS system. be utilised by customers who have the Patriot weapon system,” he said. Mr. Bromberg, meanwhile, also pointed to the integration of multiple capabilities as a trend that is likely to advance in the coming years, not only in terms of the effectors: “You have to integrate cyber security and additional sensors and systems. You need to continually improve the accuracy, lethality, range and reliability of your products.” A number of technologies are seen as potentially being “the next major in the PAC-3 and THAAD systems, and manoeuvrable, with rapid steering control technological leap” in BMD Mr. Bromberg is designed to destroy a threat using the provided by a solid propellant rocket said, such as directed energy systems. kinetic force of the SAM: the company motor, aerodynamic surfaces, attitude However, it is important to establish compares it to one bullet stopping control motors and inertial guidance. how exactly these different technologies another bullet in mid-flight. Hit-to-kill is Finally the missile must stop the threat, can be integrated into existing BMD made up of three fundamental principles, which it achieves through the hit-to-kill architectures, while maximizing the according to Lockheed Martin: First, it is impact. A high level of kinetic energy performance of the existing systems designed to effectively detect the exact during the impact protects the defended across multiple domains: “There are location of the threat, using technology area from falling debris resulting from always new things on the horizon: how including an onboard radar seeker. The the engagement, the company added. do you keep pace with the threat, while second key element is getting to the threat, Mr. Bromberg said Lockheed Martin has bringing in these other areas?” he asked. for which the missile must be agile and recently produced its Miniature Hit-to- “That’s really the challenge.” AMR

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Image intensifier-based products continue their steady improvement in performance thanks to the picture quality available from analogue image intensifier tubes. This is Meprolight’s Boxer handheld/head mounted observation device. TURNING NIGHT lthough core sensor technology is getting INTO DAYTIME smaller, lighter and more frugal in its use of power As with anything that infantry is expected while covering more bands of the electromagnetic spectrum than to carry, night vision device design must A ever before, those spectral bands are incorporate compromises balancing capability made visible by different technologies. This forces the soldier to choose which against the load they impose in terms of spectral bands they will need to see, to carry several different devices, or to weight, bulk and power consumption. carry bulky apparatus that combine two or more sensor technologies. Those by Peter Donaldson spectral bands include visible light, of which there is usually enough from the moon, stars or artificial sources. Sensors

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that amplify visible light often have is the Mini Hunter, a magnified sight for Pinkas added: “Every manufacturer has an extended response into the longer small calibre weapons such as assault the same demand from end users and it wavelengths of the near Infrared (IR) rifles created to fill a gap in the market: seems like everybody’s racing towards spectrum. These include the analogue “Most night vision sights are made for a solution.” That boundary lies in image intensifiers that have dominated the longer range applications; for DMRs digitising the intensifier’s image, which infantry night vision for decades, and (Designated Marksman Rifles), for involves coupling a high resolution digital Complementary Metal Oxide sharpshooters and for snipers. This sight digital imaging device such as a CMOS Silicon (CMOS) chips that are finally was specifically made for assault rifles, chip closely to the phosphor screen, challenging these legacy devices in some and offers two times’ magnification,” which is difficult without degrading of these applications. he said: “With the hunter family, it was the image unacceptably. Pressed to look important to implement a very precise ahead ten years or so, Mr. Pinkas said that Intensified Improvement click system so the sight could be very he expects the performance differences Israel’s Meprolight, for example, makes accurate at the longer ranges and the between analogue and digital night infantry observation devices and weapon user would have an easy way to zero vision technologies to slowly but surely sights based on image intensifiers. As the sight and compensate for ballistics.” evaporate: “I think the quality will be analogue devices in an increasingly In the Minimon-L, Meprolight created pretty much alike, but the price factor will digital world, image intensifiers could a device that can be mounted on a face have a bigger impact on which equipment be considered anomalous, but their mask, a helmet or a weapon, Mr. Pinkas the user will buy in the end.” performance continues to improve: told AMR: “Not all monoculars on the “Slowly and surely, I have seen the market have that ability. It was very CMOS Progress technology advancing, mainly in the important for us to have all three abilities Night vision devices using digital imaging quality of the picture produced by in the same device.” Mr. Pinkas regards technologies are, of course, already the tubes themselves,” said Yonatan thermal clip-ons based on uncooled available. One of the latest is the CMOS Pinkas, director of sales and marketing microbolometer detectors that attach Night Observation Device (CNOD) from at Meprolight: “Once you could have to image intensified sights as the most Rochester Precision Optics. Designed got a certain detection, recognition, or practical way of providing dual sensor to serve as a handheld monocular optic identification range on one tube with capabilities, meeting one of the market’s and as either a clip-on or stand-alone a certain magnification, but now with most pressing demands. weapon sight, it is offered with a base the same magnification on a sight, for for attachment to an M-1913 Picatinny example, you can get to longer ranges Connectivity Barrier? Rail and is hardened to withstand the because of the sharpness of the image”, Another barrier is connectivity to get shock from firing most weapons of up he told AMR: “That is what has been the image from the observation device to 7.62mm in calibre. Its CMOS sensor happening over the past five years, and or the weapon sight to a remote display responds to wavelengths between 500 I think the next five years will just see a on a helmet, for example, and out to the and 1080 nanometres (nm) and provides really great leap in the technology.” network: “There is a certain technology high-resolution images in conditions Among Meprolight’s latest products boundary with that, but it’s a race,” Mr. ranging from bright sunlight to dark

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from reflected light rather than the emitted light associated with the longer thermal wavelengths. SWIR has another advantage over thermal IR wavelengths Taking advantage of tiny SPI Infrared quantities of full-spectrum in that it will pass through glass and light that is available on can, unlike thermal imagers, see through even the darkest of nights, windows. SWIR cameras are now offered SPI Infrared’s X27 Osprey in sizes suitable for infantry equipment. camera can produce natural looking colour images, Sensors Unlimited has pioneered the corrected with the use of technology and now offers a number of on-chip image processing. devices including the Warrior Handheld/ Weapon/Helmet (HWH), the SWIR Pocket Scope (SPS) and the Warrior Illuminator for covert laser illumination. The Warrior HWH enables users to see through haze, smoke and dust and to see targets marked by battlefield lasers in daylight and at night. Its SWIR detector nights, operating through the dusk and says the company, use filters to ensure uses a 640 x 512 element Indium Gallium dawn periods during which soldiers must natural looking colour, but block some Arsenide (INGSAS) focal plane array usually switch between day and night light. The X27 Osprey avoids this with sensitive to wavelengths between 700µm optics. The CNOD’s spectral coverage on-chip processing for colour correction. and 1700µm. Like all SWIR sensors, it also enables users to see spots from most The module is ready to be integrated needs no cooling, helping achieve more tactical lasers by day and night. It can also into infantry weapon sights and both than four hours of continuous operation record still images internally and export monocular and binocular observation on its battery. Attaching to a Picatinny rail, video, allowing the user to minimise and targeting devices. One of these is a the weapon mount allows the sight to be exposure to a potentially dangerous target, handheld binocular with an eye-safe laser flipped aside if necessary. while RS-232 and USB (Universal Serial rangefinder. Also under development is a The Warrior PRF Decoder Module Bus) interfaces provide connectivity with version of this camera known as the X28, attaches to the hot shoe on the left side tactical communications systems so its which extends its spectral response to of the Warrior HWH and draws power output can be networked. While CMOS 1600µm to take in 1500µm IR lasers. from its battery. Using its own SWIR focal imagers can produce sharp colour images plane array detector and nine degree by day, as light levels drop the colour SWIR for Infantry field-of-view lens, it will track and decode gives way to grey scale. However, small Further into the IR spectrum is the up to three laser markers or designators amounts of full spectrum visible light SWIR (Short Wave IR) band between simultaneously and continuously by day from the moon and stars are available on approximately 900µm and 3000µm. SWIR or night out to a range of four kilometres most nights. radiation is plentiful during the day from (2.5 miles), says the company, overlaying the sun and at night from the sky glow colour symbology and PRF (Pulse Colour at night phenomenon. SWIR cameras produce Repetition Frequency) codes on the Cameras able to exploit this technology natural looking grey scale images image. The SPS, meanwhile, offers very to produce colour images on dark nights have obvious attractions. One company that offers them is SPI Infrared whose X27 Osprey camera core is based on Broad Spectrum Thin Film Array (BSTFA) CMOS technology. With the equivalent of an ISO (International Standars

Organisation) light sensitivity rating Sensors Unlimited of five million and a spectral coverage of 390µm to 1200µm, the X27 Osprey achieves a claimed luminance gain of x 85000. The sensor itself is a ten megapixel device that produces 4K High Definition (HD) colour imagery down to light levels as low as 1 millilux, achieving video frame rates of 60 hertz and signal-to-noise ratios that meet or exceed those of the Swimmers blend into the water in this MWIR image, latest image intensifiers. Video footage on but stand out well when using SWIR detection. SWIR the company’s website shows impressive is a non-thermal portion of the infrared spectrum full-colour imagery taken under overcast that is increasingly practical for use in infantry surveillance, observation and targeting devices. starlight conditions. Other low-light CMOS colour cameras,

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with an eye-safe laser rangefinder with

Safran an effective range of more than twelve kilometres (7.5 miles), a digital magnetic compass, inclinometers and an embedded GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Weighing less than 1.3kg (2.9lb), the Moskito-TI has a sensor suite that includes a direct view optical channel with a field of view of 6.1 degrees and six times magnification, which provides a daylight observation capability that does not require electrical power: “Also, Safran’s products include advanced connectivity such as Ethernet interfaces and picture/video streaming that contribute to increase efficiency in the battlefield,” the spokesperson continued. There are two main thrusts of development with the cooled detectors Multiple sensors covering near infrared, MWIR and visible wavelengths coupled with laser, GPS, used in such systems. The first of these DMC (Digital Magnetic Compass) and inclinometer sensors and a variety of interfaces to provide is producing focal plane arrays with connectivity are packed into the Safran’s JIM Compact observation and targeting device. individual elements placed closer together to provide greater resolution in similar advantages to the Warrior HWH than any device in their class, according the same physical envelope or to preserve but in a smaller, lighter package. It’s 640 the spokesperson: “They address a large resolution while miniaturising the system. x 500 element chip provides images in the spectrum of users including dismounted same 700µm to 1700µm band and uses a infantry (and) also special forces and joint Smaller Detectors 25mm lens and provides more than two fire units such as JTAC (Joint Terminal While the industry standard is around 15 hours of continuous operation on a pair of Attack Controllers) or Forward observers.” microns, Sofradir now offers detectors CR123A batteries. Like its larger sibling it Weighing less than two kilograms/kg with a pixel pitch of ten microns in the can be handheld or mounted on a helmet (4.4 pounds/lb), the JIM Compact also form of the Daphnis-HD MW, a MWIR or weapon rail. It features a digital zoom features a cooled MWIR (Medium Wave detector. The company claims better capability and can save still images and IR) thermal imager from Sofradir, which performance than comparable ten video to an internal memory card. The it jointly owns with Thales, providing micron detectors along with up to a 55 US Government subjects products with fields of view that match those of the percent improvement in the Detection, SWIR sensors to its International Traffic colour TV camera and a 640 x 480 element Recognition and Identification (DRI) in Arms Regulations (ITAR). detector. The JIM Compact is also fitted range over the previous generation of

Multi-Sensor Systems Packing multiple sensors into handheld

devices is a goal furthered by the Sofradir latest CMOS cameras, whose extended spectral response is reducing the need for separate devices to track laser spots. Sofradir’s Daphnis Two of the latest to benefit from this are MWIR high definition Safran’s JIM Compact lightweight, long- cooled thermal camera range multifunction binoculars and the core embodies two Moskito-TI multi-purpose target locator key advances for from the company’s Vectronix division: lightweight systems: a ten micron pixel pitch to “Their most innovative function is their shrink the detector and capability to see spots from laser pointers a 120 degree Kelvin or even designators without adding operating temperature weight,” a Safran spokesperson told AMR. to allow use of a smaller cooler. The JIM-LR contains two CMOS cameras, one being a 15 megapixel daylight colour television sensor offering a wide field-of- view of 13.5 degrees and a narrow field- of-view of 4.5 degrees, the other sensor is a low light camera with respective fields of view of 6.2 degrees and 4.5 degrees. Both are designed to provide lower weight and broader capabilities

20 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE

IR detectors. Those pixel numbers still “Our current generation works at 110 technology is being developed by a team fall short of those associated with visible degrees Kelvin (K) and we are working from the Australian National University spectrum detectors, in part because to move from 110K to 140K or 150K,” she (ANU) led by Professor Dragomir of limitations with the manufacturing said: “The main advantage is to reduce Neshev and exploits a phenomenon technology for thermal IR sensitive the size of the cooler for more compact known as second harmonic generation materials but also because of the products, which is very interesting for to convert IR wavelengths to visible diffraction limit, which has long been portable systems.” ones. Using tiny ‘nano-antennae’ in the thought to be fundamental, as Claire form of discs of dielectric aluminium Valentin, vice-president of marketing Breaking the rules gallium arsenide crystals embedded in for Sofradir explained to the author: Looking further into the future, the optically transparent material, incident “In the visible you have wavelengths diffraction limit might not be fundamental IR light is mixed with a strong laser approximately between 0.4µm and 0.9µm, after all and going beyond it is the purpose ‘pump’ beam to generate a new visible here in IR we have three to five microns of the US Defence Advanced Research image. The conversion happens directly and eight to twelve microns,” she said: Projects Agency’s Extreme programme. without an intermediate electronic stage, “If you have a wavelength in long wave Here, DARPA is challenging industry but does require batteries: “This is to between eight and twelve microns, let’s to exploit the emerging technology of power a laser diode that is needed for say, the minimum pitch to be sure you engineered materials (ENMATS) that the conversion of the light from IR to will not have too much interference derive their optical properties from visible. A laser diode of one watt, similar between the waves you need to be in the their structure and can behave in ways to a bright battery-operated head torch, range of ten microns to 15µm.” that “break away from traditional rules would be sufficient for several hours of The second challenge is developing and ‘laws’ that artificially constrain operation,” Prof. Neshev said. He added detectors that operate at higher modern optics.” One such technology that a practical device for military use temperatures without affecting sensitivity, that will be readily appreciated by any could be built within five years. Night the advantage being that the Stirling cycle infantry soldier could result in practical vision technology in general and infantry cooler has an easier life so it can either last night vision glasses a little thicker than systems in particular could be on the cusp longer or be made smaller and lighter: an ordinary pair of sunglasses. This of a revolution. AMR

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With many projects dedicated to a wide variety of warship classes with different CMS requirements, the use of modular, scalable systems based on service oriented architectures is essential, as is the ability to draw on libraries of software modules that can be combined in different ways. THE THINKING PERSON’S SHIP Aboard a warship, the job of the Combat Management System (CMS) is to gather, integrate and present information from the ship’s own sensors and from external sources pertaining to unknown, hostile, neutral and friendly targets, and to enable the crew to act upon such information.

by Peter Donaldson

he CMS is also the computerised (AShMs). Other tasks that a modern CMS any other surface or subsurface vehicles, entity that manages the ship’s is expected to enable include management launching from and recovering to the ship; own weapons and sensors, of organic aircraft such as naval support particularly those used by special forces including her Electronic Warfare helicopters and Unmanned Aerial teams. As most warships will be involved (EW) systems that are integral Vehicles (UAVs). Aboard air defence ships, in allied and coalition operations, in Tfor triggering automatic responses to this can even include airspace control addition to national operations involving cope with the very short warning that throughout large volumes around the ship multiple vessels, a modern CMS must also are the hallmarks of modern threats and any task group of which it is a part. interface with the Command and Control such as supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles Likewise, it must keep track of boats, and (C2) systems that support networked

22 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | SEA POWER CST mines, vessel-borne IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), swarm attacks by small, fast surface vessels deploying Leonardo rockets and surface-to-surface missiles, UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles) and combat swimmers along with a large Local situaonel variety of land combat weapons if close enough to the shore. Surface combatants awareness must be prepared to defend against any of these, singly or in combination, in the world’s most crowded and complex waters among civilian traffic. Most surface combatants have some capability in some, or all, of these areas but roles such as anti-submarine warfare and area air defence demand specialisation, as do combat support roles such as Mine Countermeasures (MCM). Submarine combat management systems are also highly specialised, but have much of their computing technology in common with their surface counterparts. Many companies offer these systems, investing heavily in the software that forms the bulk of the intellectual property involved. Some focus on a relatively small number of vessel categories, but there is a lot of overlap and the market is highly competitive. Prominent among these firms are Atlas Electronik, BAE Systems, DCNS, Elbit Systems, Hanhwa, Israel Aerospace Industries, Kongsberg, Larsen and Toubro, Leonardo, Lockheed cooperative actions, particularly in air and Martin, MARSS, Saab, Systematic, Terma, missile defence for example. Thales and Ultra Electronics. A warship’s CMS has a two-way Complex Threat Growth relationship with external C2 systems Warships face a large and seemingly Morten Juhl Bødker, Systematic product ever-growing range of threats associated manager, explained to AMR: “Normally with symmetric and asymmetric warfare, the CMS will do correlation for the both while underway and in port. Apart ship’s sensors and create a local picture from the aforementioned AShMs, these that covers the range of that ship’s include heavyweight torpedoes and sensors. This picture is then distributed Atlas Elektronik

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| october 2017 | 23 SEA POWER Bundeswehr

Atlas Elektronik’s ANCS is a crucial element of the German Navy’s ‘Baden- Württemberg’ class frigate managing the precise engagement of land and sea targets, and supporting special forces and joint/ multinational operations.

to the (external) C2 system, which then aboard many different platforms: “Unless operation the warship is conducting correlates multiple local pictures from more automation and decision support is and on the behaviour of the contacts, as multiple ships creating a global recognised introduced,” Mr. Bødker argued, “this just Mr Bødker explained: “In an anti-piracy maritime picture for the area of operation. leads to information overload instead of operation, you might be interested in This may be passed back to each ship and increased situational awareness, which is detecting vessels that are approaching injected into the CMS or kept locally at the the whole purpose of introducing more other vessels at high speed. This is often ship in the C2 system.” Joint, allied and sensors.” called anomaly detection (things that coalition operations demand that CMSs The recognised maritime picture needs are unusual or suspect compared to the must be able to handle a wide variety of to be fused with as little human effort as normal pattern of sea behaviour). C2 international communications standards, possible. Today many nations rely heavily systems today need to be able to help the most common being the North Atlantic on manual correlation of the maritime operators detect such anomalies,” he said: Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) Link-11 picture,” he continued: “Picture managers “In the area of operation, there may be and Link-16 tactical data links: “These or track coordinators have a very stressful hundreds or thousands of tracks to keep are standards that most CMSs already task dealing with all the information an eye on. This cannot be done efficiently support,” Mr. Bødker confirmed: “Often (which can) quickly become a bottleneck. without having the C2 system assist in C2 systems support more standards than This means that either the picture is of detecting these anomalies.” the CMSs so it is often the CMS that is the bad quality, or it is not delivered in a limiting factor.” timely manner to the decision makers. As Modularity and Scalability Over the last five years or so, the most more and more sensors are introduced Modern CMSs are usually described as important and challenging factor to have this only exacerbates the problem.” After modular and scalable and use ruggedised affected naval C2 and CMS requirements a fused picture has been created, the commercial off-the-shelf computer has been the introduction of more sensors, next challenge is to identify contacts hardware, interfaces and communication particularly radars, along with maritime of interest, about which commanders standards, and even civilian standard traffic networks such as the International must make decisions, and which must operating systems. Meanwhile, overall Maritime Organisation’s Automatic be provided to the CMS to coordinate design philosophy is moving towards Identification System (AIS), mandated for rapid action against them, whether that open architectures that enable the rapid all vessels displacing in excess of 600 tonnes, involves a warning signal or a weapon and frequent upgrade of computer new Mode-5/Mode-S Identification launch. Which contacts are of interest technologies to minimise obsolescence Friend or Foe (IFF) installations and sonars, depends to some extent on the kind of problems. The large number of projects

24 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER

Programming Interfaces (APIs); the messenger programmes that carry information requests and responses Leonardo between different computer systems and applications, are essential to ensuring that CMSs are truly open and scalable: “Being service oriented creates a loose coupled system where it is more cost efﬁ cient to upgrade or build new modules. Having an extensive number of public APIs in your C2 system, creates an openness that allows easy integration with other systems. It also allows for different, specialist organisations to develop additional add- ons or speciﬁ c national integrations. This means that the customer is not ‘locked’ Leonardo expects virtual and augmented reality will be an important part of future CMS design, to one C2 vendor but can allow multiple a key development tool for which is its Highly Operational Laboratory for Integration Testing and expert vendors to provide modules for Evaluation (HOPLITE) suite, through which it can experiment with display formats. their C2 system. This leads to higher competition and can ensure that local dedicated to different classes of vessel with modules that can be combined to meet industry also gets a ‘piece of the pie’.” different combat system requirements, individual CMS requirements, and to Leonardo sources informed AMR, makes integrate new capabilities into existing CMS Anatomy scalable Service Oriented Architectures systems when needed. A typical modern CMS such as Atlas (SOAs) a necessity; architectures that in Mr. Bødker added that basing these Elektronik’s ANCS, has a C2 core that turn are based on libraries of software systems on SOAs with public Application focuses on track management, picture

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responsible for the internal battle, which includes damage control, fire fighting, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) response, managing propulsion incidents and electrical repairs. In

Lockheed Martin Lockheed another cluster of three, the EW director and EW operator are seated next to each other at their own consoles with a combat system specialist opposite. Along one wall are positions for the tactical picture supervisor/link manager, the aircraft controller, the surface picture supervisor and then the sonar picture supervisor, who is flanked by a pair of sonar operators. In a row along the adjacent wall are the AShM operator, the medium calibre gun system operator, and the port and starboard weapons battery operators. One senior engineer working with Leonardo said that the necessity to make these systems modular, scalable and ready to be adapted to a variety of solutions with interfaces connecting many different sensors and effectors have been among the most significant requirements affecting modern CMS development. The biggest Better known for the Aegis system developed in the US, Lockheed Martin's Canadian division challenge, they continued, comes with independently developed the CMS for its ‘Halifax’ class frigates, which has won export orders requests to begin a CMS development from New Zealand, Chile and Finland based on the modernised CMS-330. or software update that depends on a particular combat system interface. This compilation, threat evaluation, data Besides ANCS, Atlas Elektronik offers the situation leads to big integration problems link operation and weapon assignment. IMCMS for mine warfare, AIMS for OPVs that are not directly connected with the Around this core are other functions and ISUS for submarines, as part of its development itself but that require “a including identification and classification CMS portfolio. huge part of the code” to be rewritten so of targets, to NATO standards for Networked consoles are where human it will integrate with the correct interfaces example, automatic target recognition; operators touch and interact with the and exhibit the right dynamic behaviours, lethal and non-lethal engagements; CMS, in the operations room or combat said the company. planning and operational support; information centre, although there are helicopter control and search and rescue. usually consoles in other areas such as the Challenging Priorities Like a growing number of systems, ANCS bridge to provide a measure of redundancy Often, the biggest challenges facing also boasts full-vessel simulation and and resilience to combat damage or naval information systems developers training features. The Deutsche Marine localised power failures, for example. are not technological in nature but result (German Navy) is the ‘parent’ navy for from skewed procurement priorities, ANCS, variants of which are in use on Human Element with industry constantly forced to Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), fast attack BMT Defence Services illustrated a argue that money has to be invested in craft, corvettes and frigates relying on a modern idea of how such as space should this area to maximise the capabilities model-driven software architecture with be configured aboard its conceptual of platforms and weapon systems: “If interfaces for mission modules that can Venator 110 general purpose frigate you don’t provide the commander with interface with any subsystem to achieve design. It clusters operators who need effective C2 systems, they will not be the modularity and scalability needed to face-to-face contact close together, some able to command and task their resources work aboard vessels with such different facing each other in a triangular formation efficiently,” said Mr. Bødker: “What does operational profiles. Typical of modern in the middle of the space, others side-by- it then matter that you have bought a practice, multi-function consoles enable side along the walls. The commanding billion dollar combat ship with state- all subsystems connected to the ANCS officer and principal warfare officer are of-the-art weapons and sensors if the to be operated from any console, while a seated at their own consoles with a large commander is not able to benefit from ‘user-centric’ operator interface provides horizontal and hexagonal digital moving improved situational awareness or to role-based virtual desktops, context- map table between them with space for use this expensive new asset to optimal sensitive menus and data. Ergonomically an advisor to work at. Clustered nearby effect.” Most recently, said the Leonardo designed, the user interface is also are the air picture supervisor and missile engineer, the growing demand for a independent of the operational software director seated next to each other with more intuitive interface similar to that of to avoid unanticipated consequences their own consoles with a command a smartphone or tablet has been a major of changes to either affecting the other. advisor opposite. This latter officer is challenge because of the consequent

26 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER

need “to rethink all the consolidated a user, interacting in a deep way with accelerated recently and is affecting the human interfaces” to make them easy the systems around them.” The process technologies navies use as well as the ways to use and to configure: “New display that started with automated household in which they organise and operate. While technologies and new vision systems in systems, the Leonardo engineer expects, the widespread adoption of NCW will general, are the new CMS frontiers. Some will evolve into a personalised system, open many navies’ eyes to the benefits of great steps have been made in developing in which the user will integrate with the information sharing, the sheer volume of multi-touch interfaces on big displays system through operational virtual and data generated in a true NCW environment to allow CMS operators to interact with augmented reality. Mr. Bødker concurred: is likely to increase dramatically, he said, the systems naturally,” the engineer “There is no doubt that the expected which could easily lead to information continued: “Augmented reality is the next breakthrough of augmented/mixed reality overload. In order to speed up the decision step, for displaying CMS information in in the consumer market will at some point cycle further it is essential that C2 systems situations where consoles cannot be used. enter the C2 arena,” he said: “You could are able to help operators navigate the Further developments could involve the imagine commanders having something system and quickly find the data they integration of curved displays for easier like a Microsoft Hololense to jointly browse need to support large numbers of critical visualisation of CMS data and video and the situational picture or to jump into decisions in rapid succession: “This will virtual reality for training, which could be video streams from 360 degree cameras on bring buzzwords such as big data analytics, applied ashore and afloat.” different platforms such as UAVs.” data mining and decision support systems Looking to other upcoming trends to the lips of vendors and customers,” he that could affect CMS design, the engineer NCW Implications said. Given the complexity of the modern cited “massive integration of wearable While the connected concepts of Network operational environment, the very short technologies and the Internet of Things Centric Warfare (NCW) and cooperative reaction times needed to respond to the (IOT: the connectivity of computing engagement have been discussed for latest threats and the likely human and devices embedded in equipment almost two decades, Mr. Bødker argued, political consequences of mistakes, the beyond computers): “IOT and wearable many navies are still in the initial phases ever closer and more seamless integration interconnected technologies will allow of the transition from platform centric of C2 and CMS systems for warships people to be part of the system, not just to NCW capabilities, the process has seems inevitable. AMR

| october 2017 | 27 LAND WARFARE

surveillance and firing-on-the-move,” he

FNSS added. FNSS has been involved with RWS and unmanned turrets for a decade, Mr. Eren added starting with a programme launched in 2007 to develop the CLAW; a 25mm unmanned turret. The company has now replaced this with a remote FNSS’ TEBER remote version of its TEBER turret, known as the controlled turret can be TEBER Remote Controlled Turret (RCT), armed with calibres in which can be armed with weapons in the the 30mm, 35mm, or 30mm, 35mm, or 40mm SuperShot calibre 40mm SuperShot range. ranges. The company is also working on lightweight unmanned turrets that can be integrated onto lighter four-wheel and six-wheel drive platforms, he noted. In addition, FNSS is developing an unmanned turret armed with an Anti- Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) launcher for use by the Türk Kara Kuvvetleri (Turkish Army) on four-wheel drive and tracked platforms. FNSS has a contract to deliver more than 250 of the turrets, which will be armed with the KBP 9M133 Kornet-E laser-guided and Roketsan’s OMTAS infrared-guided ATGMs. It can also REMOTEREMOTE support Raytheon/Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin infrared-guided ATGMs and/or a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, Mr. Eren stated. The turret’s sighting system CONTROLCONTROL has a thermal imager, television camera and a laser range finder, with the 9M133 There has been an increased demand for variant including a laser beam generator for missile guidance: “The turret has Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) and armour protection and is controlled from the gunner’s station inside the vehicle,” unmanned turrets in recent years. These Mr. Eren continued: “The ATGM turret systems provide a range of benefits, and has a low combat weight and can be easily integrated onto four-wheel drive vehicles.” are seen as particularly useful in certain Leonardo roles where an inhabited turret may not be Demand for RWS and unmanned turrets necessary. has increased substantially in recent years, according to Leonardo. The company produces a range of remote systems, by Gerrard Cowan perhaps most notably the Hitrole; a small-calibre weapon system that can WS have increasingly accessed from within the vehicle, the carry 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, replaced the cupolas, the classic RWS cannot. Additionally, an or 40mm automatic grenade launchers, shielded pintle-mounted RWS will not have the same degree of and the Hitfist Overhead Weapon machine guns, previously all-round armoured protection as an Station; a medium-calibre remote previously furnishing unmanned turret, he said. turret. RWS and unmanned turrets are almostR all types of combat vehicles, said Unmanned turrets are becoming a compromise between security and Oykun Eren, weapon systems and core the preferred choice for the medium- situational awareness, in the view of engineering manager at FNSS, a Turkish calibre segment in particular, Mr. Eren Leonardo. They can save a great deal of joint venture between BAE Systems and continued, especially in the 30mm and weight, which is important for a lighter Nurol Holding. This means the gunner 40mm categories. However, RWS are vehicle, and are particularly useful in can be moved “practically from outside also gaining increased lethality in this certain roles. However, manned turrets the vehicle, in harm’s way, to the inside, segment, with some being armed with remain preferable for frontline roles, surrounded by armour.” There are Orbital ATK’s M-230LF 30mm chain Leonardo believes, particularly when it differences within the broader family of gun, for example: “The older versions comes to quickly solving any technical remote systems, said Mr. Eren: in most of RWSs are being replaced by systems failures. There have been two key areas cases, whilst unmanned turrets can be with (a) stabilisation capability, to enable of advance in RWS and unmanned turrets

28 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE

in recent years, according to Leonardo: The Protector is a platform-mounted in protection and in lethality, with the turret designed for the remote operation systems able to support larger calibres. of light, medium and heavy machine guns, However, there is a natural limit to the while an automatic grenade launcher or size of calibre they can support, due to other effectors can also be integrated. Mr. weight and storage considerations. Werner emphasised the safety aspect, the Protector design uses sensors and other Kongsberg systems to allow the operator to observe Furthermore, digitalisation, integration, and engage targets from a protected and interaction with other platforms position. He said the system improves are ‘hot topics’ today, said Rune Werner, the vehicle’s “performance as a weapon vice president of Kongsberg’s Protech carrier, while keeping the operator under Systems. The Norwegian company is part armour or in a protected position.” Mr. of the group helping define the North Werner added that RWSs are increasingly Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s Generic being used in camp protection, either Vehicle Architecture standards. Being placed on stationary vehicles or as part compatible with open standards means of fixed installations, “where the operator easy integration with technology such as can receive information and operate battle management systems, Mr. Werner several weapon stations from a centralised said, as well as “sharing information operations room.” There have been a internally inside a platform or (with) number of new variants of the Protector other platforms in the platoon or higher through the years, Mr. Werner continued, echelons via radio.” Kongsberg has a depending on the needs of customers. For range of RWSs as part of the Protector example, he pointed to the development family, which stretch from a man-portable of the ‘Protector Low Profile’ turret for light version to the medium-calibre the US Army’s General Dynamics M1A2 Protector MCT-30 uninhabited turret. It Abrams family main battle tank. There has a strong position in the US, where it was a need to reduce the size of the RWS has sold over 10000 Common Remotely in order to enhance the operator’s sight, Operated Weapon Systems (CROWS) with the system needing to be no higher to the US Army, and is now supplying than the hatch cover in the fully open the latter with its Protector MCT-30 position, and preferably lower, so long unmanned turret for use on its General as it did not affect visibility. Kongsberg Dynamics Stryker armoured fighting conducted a study into size reduction, vehicle family. which led to the award of an initial Kongsberg

UNMANNED Littoral

Kongsberg’s has a strong position in the US, where it has Observer sold over 10000 CROWS examples to the US Army. The firm’s Protector MCT-30 turret is pictured here.

| october 2017 | 29 LAND WARFARE Leonardo

The Hitfist Overhead Weapon Station is a medium-calibre remote turret. RWS and unmanned turrets represent a compromise between security and situational awareness, Leonardo believes.

contract for the Low Profile (LP) system urban environments during peacekeeping important element in active operations. in 2013 and the signing of a production and law enforcement missions with an Ensuring soldier safety enables greater contract in 2016: “The system has been effective defensive solution that keeps the focus on their mission and the chance through several tests, with excellent entire crew, including the operator, safe to observe and evaluate the situation results, and some of the feedback from under the cover of the vehicle’s ballistic before acting … On an armoured vehicle, the soldiers are that the LP CROWS armour.” The company produces the the gunners are both a critical asset and improved the (tank commander’s) field- deFNder (sic) range of RWS, including an extremely vulnerable one. Enabling of-view and provided safer command the deFNder Light, which can integrate effective operations from within the and control of the tank,” Mr. Werner FN Herstal machine guns up to a 7.62mm protection of the armoured vehicle is articulated. Autonomous systems are calibre, and the deFNder Medium for still a key argument in addition to the developing quickly, Mr. Werner said, and 12.7mm machine guns. technical advantages.” Kongsberg is cooperating closely with RWS and unmanned turrets provide the Norwegian Defence Research and a number of safety and security benefits, The Debate Development Institute, testing a number notably by taking a human operator As RWSs are generally armed with heavy of solutions regarding RWS, such as out of harm’s way, said Mr. Werner: machine guns or automatic grenade wireless control. This technology will “Force protection is still the single most launchers, they can be a good choice for make it possible for unmanned platforms to go into unsecured areas and operate fully autonomously or in a remote controlled fashion, Mr. Werner noted. Rafael

Rafael RWS and unmanned turrets are preferable to manned turrets in terms of weight, space and price, argued Yizhar Sahar, director of marketing and business development in the land manoeuvre systems directorate of Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, which produces a range of systems under the Samson banner, supplied to customers in the Israeli domestic market and around the globe: “‘Beyond that, technologically speaking, they perform just as well as any manned turret,” Mr. Sahar said. He pointed to a number of advances that the company has made in the systems in recent years, such as the development of an advanced fire control system which can perform the precise tracking of moving targets. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for FN Rafael’s Samson mini-RWS is pictured here. The company produces a range of systems under the Herstal said that RWSs are “the solution Samson banner, which it supplies to customers in the Israeli domestic market and around the globe. to provide vehicles and crews patrolling

30 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE

the Stryker family, he noted, as it allowed them to integrate a 30mm turret while still retaining eleven dismounts inside the

Kongsberg vehicle: “Remote turrets would also be a good choice for command vehicles, leaving room inside for the command equipment,” he observed.

Future Options Looking towards the future, Mr. Eren expects to see improvements in optronics and sensors. The use of dual-band thermal imagers “would enable the gunners to detect and identify targets” that would otherwise be diffi cult to detect. In addition, he said that image processing capabilities will enable the combination of images from Kongsberg’s Protector Low Profile turret is pictured here on an M1A2 MBT. The system had to be multiple cameras to present a 360 degree no higher than the hatch cover in the fully open position, and preferably lower, so long as it did image to the operators. Mr. Eren also not affect visibility. anticipates a range of other developments, such as the integration of directed- providing defensive fi repower for Armoured Personnel Carriers energy weapons into remote systems, and he expects counter- (APCs) or light vehicles, Mr. Eren said. However, it is important Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) missions to grow increasingly to note that inhabited turrets are not going away. Such turrets, important for RWS in the future: ‘With the increasing use of especially two-person turrets, retain features that make them battlefi eld UAVs, which can be used for kamikaze-type attacks, attractive and preferable to remote systems in many instances, remote weapon systems will need to accurately track the UAVs he continued: “Being able to pop your head out of the hatch … and engage them.” and have a look around at the situation, the vehicles in your Mr. Sahar said Rafael expects RWS to grow in importance in the platoon or the dismounted troops with your own eyes is still an future: “Our prediction is that in the near future, RWS will become important feature,” Mr. Eren said, adding that the crew operating more dominant in the international weapon station market, thanks a remote system would have to rely on optronics for surveillance, to ongoing improvements in the variety of available weapon station and target detection and engagement. An armoured vehicle variants, observation and fi re control capabilities, advanced armour would not be in constant contact with the enemy, meaning the protection (especially active protection systems), quick sensor-to- commander can “stick their head out, helping them command shooter engagement, and integration with unmanned platforms: in and guide the vehicle.” This also provides advantages from a this sense, RWS have a clear advantage.” AMR ‘hearts and minds’ perspective in peacekeeping operations. Another important feature of an inhabited turret is the ability to quickly reload the guns and to swiftly correct stoppages or other technical problems, Mr. Eren observed. He pointed to the recent decision by the Australian Department of Defence to only down-select inhabited turrets for phase two of the Australian Army’s Land 400 programme which replaces the forces’ General Dynamics ASLAV eight-wheel drive armoured vehicles, which he said is “an indication that manned turrets are still the preferred choice for infantry fi ghting vehicles.” A further example is provided by France’s selection of Nexter’s T-40M Transmissions for Tanks two-person turret for the Renault/Nexter Jaguar six-wheel drive armoured reconnaissance vehicle for the Armée de Terre (French Driving | Steering | Braking Army): “If the vehicle is an infantry fi ghting or armoured combat vehicle that is expected to fi ght using integral fi repower, or an • World leading German technology armoured reconnaissance vehicle that is expected to fi ght (to gain) information, manned turrets are still the preferred choice,” for reliable highest-performance Mr. Eren claimed. ‘tracked’ vehicles However, medium-calibre unmanned turrets with ballistic protection are becoming a viable alternative to manned turrets • Single ‘drop-in’ for some specifi c roles in armoured vehicles, he continued: transmission units, “For example, if the main role of the armoured vehicle is to combining all functions transport infantry, the unmanned turret would be benefi cial for its lower weight provided by its lower protection level than an • Fully military proved; relied on inhabited turret and the lack of turret basket inside,” Mr. Eren by over 30 armies of the world said. This was the driving factor behind the US Army’s decision to select Kongsberg’s Protector MCT-30 unmanned turret for www.renk.eu | OCTOBER 2017 | 31 SEA POWER US Navy

The PLAN’s Jinan destroyer and Yiyang frigate conduct a passing exercise with two US Navy ‘Arleigh Burke’ class destroyers and a ‘Ticonderoga’ class cruiser in the Atlantic Ocean in November 2015. STRENGTH ON THE SURFACE

Naval orders-of-battle are on the rise in the Asia-Pacific. Mounting tensions over territory, resources and state-on-state rivalries at sea are prompting Asia-Pacific navies to boost capability to support higher-end operations. Frigates and destroyers are at the centre of these developments. by Dr. Lee Willett

n late 2015, a small fl otilla of a range of different tasks, much as the US Sea, sailing within twelve nautical miles People’s Liberation Army Navy Navy’s ‘Arleigh Burke’ class destroyers (22.2 kilometres/km) of Mischief Reef. (PLAN) warships, the ‘Type-054A/ do. This 2015 PLAN deployment This April and May Japan Maritime Jiangkai-II’ class frigate Yiyang and demonstrated the navy’s emerging Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) combatants the ‘Type-052C/Luyang-II’ class ability to use escort platforms to both including the ‘Atago’ class destroyer destroyerI Jinan, supported by the ‘Type- conduct task group operations and Ashigara and the ‘Murasame’ class 903/Fuchi’ class oiler and replenishment generate sustained presence at distance. destroyer Samidare, deployed to ship Qiandao Hu, completed a round-the- The PLAN’s destroyers and frigates are participate in lengthy exercises with world voyage. The deployment began in playing a key role in working up task the US Navy off the Korean peninsula. the Indian Ocean, with a rotation as the group capability to support the PRC’s Elements of the exercises saw the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Naval fi rst aircraft carrier, Liaoning. According involvement of two USN ‘Nimitz’ class Escort Flotilla, supporting counter-piracy to The Guardian, the Liaoning was nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, USS operations off the Horn of Africa. The accompanied by two destroyers and a Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan. ships then headed west of the Suez Canal frigate when it called in to Hong Kong in Tensions in the Asia-Pacifi c region to undertake a number of port visits in early July 2017. Other reports noted that between the US Navy and a number of the Mediterranean, and into northern the two destroyers were the Jinan and the littoral states on the one hand, and the PRC Europe and the Baltic. They then headed ‘Type 052D/Luyang-III’ class destroyer on the other, over competing maritime home via trans-oceanic crossings of the Yinchuan, with the ‘Type-054A/Jiangkai- and territorial claims in the East and South Atlantic and Pacifi c (the former including II’ class frigate Yantai completing the China Seas, and between the Democratic North American port visits). group. In May 2017, the ‘Arleigh Burke’ People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and The PLAN’s ‘Jiangkai’ frigate family class destroyer USS Dewey became the the international community as a whole has become arguably one of the most latest USN warship to conduct a freedom over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons ubiquitous warships in the world, being of navigation passage through disputed programme highlight the increasing role seen in different theatres and undertaking waters and territories in the South China of, and requirement for, higher-end naval

32 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | SEA POWER

platforms in the region. The examples for Asia-Pacifi c navies, when set alongside Europe, for example, larger frigates in the noted thus far are just a few of many that experience in Europe goes a long way to region are displacing over 6000 tonnes. refl ect this growing emphasis. As well as explaining the increasing emphasis on Prominent examples are the Indian Navy’s the higher-end focus, there is growing frigate procurement across the region. ‘Project-17/Shivalik’ and planned ‘Project- emphasis in the region on tasks across Globally, the frigate’s recent resurgence 17A’ class ships (displacing 6300 tonnes and the spectrum of operations. This includes has seen subtle changes in its role, in 6600 tonnes respectively) and the Royal using lower-end ships to secure maritime particular highlighting both its fl exibility Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) forthcoming territories, fi sheries and resources; to and its warfi ghting capability, compared 6000 tonne frigates to be procured for tackle piracy and other forms of maritime to how it was defi ned at the end of the the navy’s Sea-5000 programme. In the criminality, and to meet humanitarian Cold War. Writing in 1990 the naval expert mid-range, capable platforms include the assistance and disaster relief, and search- Professor Eric Grove defi ned a frigate as Republic of Korea’s 3250 tonne ‘Incheon’ and-rescue requirements. a “combatant of about 1750 to 3000 tons class and planned 3600 tonne ‘FFX-II’ class In today’s security environment, usually optimised for ASW but with a frigates, and the Republic of Singapore the requirement for navies to address general purpose capability; essentially Navy’s 3250 tonne ‘Formidable’ class a greater number of tasks across the intended for the escort of non-combatant frigates. Furthermore, Indonesia’s ‘Bung spectrum has seen the development of shipping, although useful for patrol and Tomo’ frigates are very capable platforms, platforms more fl exible in their design, limited offensive operations.” Today, even displacing 1950 tonnes. capabilities and outputs. For Asia-Pacifi c frigates are increasingly used to contribute Much of the increase offered by navies, their frigates and destroyers are to lower-end tasks. However, ASW remains these comparatively larger displacement both required to deliver more fl exibility a core capability output; there also seems to frigates is being devoted, in a number of and more capability. Arguably, however, be a growing requirement for more robust cases, to the addition of air defence and the higher-end tasks are garnering greater capabilities, in particular in terms of escort surface-to-surface missile capabilities. strategic attention, and are underscoring operations for higher-end platforms (such It is interesting to note that the RAN’s the case made by many navies to as carriers) as well as the ability to conduct nine new frigates being procured under bolster their escort platform capabilities, land-attack strikes (as demonstrated by the Sea-5000 initiative are replacing its including destroyers but perhaps, most both US Navy and Russian Navy frigates). eight ‘ANZAC’ class frigates. While notably, frigates. Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces Western naval force levels have generally and maritime security at the International been following a downward trend since Flexible Frigates Institute for Strategic Studies, told AMR the 1990s, the RAN’s future frigate Around the world today, the frigate is that there is a general increase in interest programme is one of several examples returning to the strategic fore. It is seen not in frigates and other platforms, such as across Western navies where platform only as the workhorse for many navies, but offshore patrol vessels in the region due numbers are increasing again, if only also as a key factor in addressing high-end to increasing defence outlays, a signifi cant slightly. An Australian Department of operational risks that include, in the Asia- number of regional maritime disputes Defence spokesperson told AMR that Pacifi c region, a recent and rapid rise in the and issues; growing maritime ambitions, the RAN’s nine frigates, with a focus on requirement for Anti-Submarine Warfare and general growth in sophisticated ASW operations, “will complement the (ASW). Many Asia-Pacifi c countries see maritime capabilities: “The maturing of (navy’s) three 'Hobart' class destroyers the development of a submarine capability the programmes of major navies in the to provide Australia’s major surface as central to supporting national status and region is itself resulting in a larger number combatant capability.” securing strategic interests such as territory of capable frigates … and is driving up The spokesperson added that the and resources; witness the Royal Thai the general requirement for more capable frigates “will contribute both indepen- Navy’s planned acquisition of submarines platforms among other navies,” he said. dently and as an integrated component of from the PRC. As a direct consequence, The requirement for frigates to do a navy, joint or allied task group to deliver many navies are investing in frigates to more is driving an increase in frigate the full range of naval offensive and counter the submarine threat. The ASW size and capability across the Asia-Pacifi c defensive combat effects across the span requirement, a comparatively new task region. Refl ecting a common trend in of maritime tasks”. The spokesperson US Navy

With tensions rising in 2017 over the DPRK’s nuclear weapons programme, two US Navy ‘Nimitz’ class aircraft carriers exercised with other regional navies.

| OCTOBER 2017 | 33 SEA POWER

capabilities have increased in recent times. With destroyers being larger and more

US Navy sophisticated platforms associated with high-end air defence capabilities, said Mr. Childs, “they tend to be the preserve still of navies which have more serious ambitions for independent blue-water operations at range, including with task groups.” He noted too that Asia-Pacific destroyer numbers and capabilities are growing. The focus of the PLAN’s forthcoming ‘Type-055’ The Republic of Singapore Navy’s class destroyer is very much on carrier task ‘Formidable’ class frigates are robust and group operations. Within this context, its capable platforms, even if smaller in size 10000 tonne to 12000 tonne displacement compared to some Asia-Pacific frigates. again demonstrates the flexibility of a large platform: the ship is intended to provide anti-ship, land-attack, and surface-to- noted that, in the Asia-Pacific region, requirement within a number of Asia- air capabilities, and a comprehensive ASW and anti-ship operations are areas Pacific navies to generate presence at sensor suite. of increasing activity and capability distance. As well as to make a political Another notable regional destroyer at the higher end of this spectrum; at contribution to the international programme is the RAN’s ‘Hobart’ class the lower end, Australia’s economic counter-piracy campaign, a number Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD). According growth is “dependent on stable, open of these navies will have been keen to to the RAN’s website, the three 6350-tonne waterways”. Frigates play a key role demonstrate such presence to secure Sea ships “will provide air defence for in meeting such tasks, plus others. The Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and accompanying ships in addition to land use of larger frigates has also enabled a the trade that flows to and from the Asia- forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, number of Asia-Pacific navies to take on Pacific region along such SLOCs. and for self-protection against missiles extra-regional deployments as routine. Building frigate fleets is not without and aircraft.” It will do this through a The PLAN is beginning to develop its challenges for Asia-Pacific navies. The combination of its Lockheed Martin Aegis this capability, especially through its requirement to develop multipurpose Combat Management System (CMS), counter-piracy rotations (see above). The platforms can come with a cost that is Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1D(V) X-band RAN has been doing so for some time, significant, even at a time of increasing (8.5 gigahertz/GHz to 10.68GHz) naval sending its ‘Adelaide/Oliver Hazard strategic focus on, and budgetary support surveillance radar and 32 Raytheon RIM-66 Perry’ class and ‘ANZAC’ frigates to for, naval operations. Some regional Standard Missile-2 Block-III surface-to-air the Middle East to support Operation navies are attempting to balance the missiles. The “accompanying ships” will MANITOU; Australia’s contribution to capability and affordability equation include the RAN’s two ‘Canberra’ class international maritime security, stability, by acquiring second-hand vessels from amphibious assault ships. With these latter and prosperity efforts in this locale: Western countries. For example, the vessels and the ‘Hobart’ class ships, plus HMAS Arunta recently completed a Philippines’ two ‘Del Pilar/Hamilton’ new frigates, submarines, and support nine-month deployment, handing over and ‘Hero’ class frigates were purchased vessels to come, the RAN will in due course to HMAS Newcastle in July 2017 With the from the US Coast Guard. be able to deploy a potent task group RAN’s fleet being developed to provide capability. Given the region’s growing improved availability and sustainment Destroyer Defence ASW challenge, protecting this task group options for government, said the While the use of frigates in the region will be a primary future focus for the RAN. spokesperson, the navy’s future frigates demonstrates their flexibility in supporting As noted in Australia’s 2016 Defence White “will have sufficient range and endurance various tasks, the region’s destroyers enjoy Paper, which outlines Canberra’s strategic to operate effectively throughout south- a similarly high profile albeit with perhaps and defence procurement priorities, the east Asia and will be able to be deployed a more limited role. There are fewer navies new frigates will be optimised for ASW. from forward bases, such as in the in the region possessing destroyers than This includes the ability to embark the Middle East.” A number of other Asia- there are frigates, largely because of the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk naval support Pacific navies have supported the US-led higher-end and more bespoke nature of helicopter. The frigates will begin entering Combined Maritime Forces Coalition the destroyer’s role. Prof. Grove defined a service in the late 2020s. Task Force-151 (CTF-151) counter-piracy destroyer as a “medium-sized combatant The Indian Navy also has a growing activity in the Indian Ocean; including of between 2750 and 7000 tonnes with carrier presence to protect. The navy has the navies of Japan, Malaysia, New the speed and capabilities of the most one carrier in service, the ‘Project-11430/ Zealand, the Philippines, Republic of demanding combat operations, including Modified Kiev’ class INS Vikramaditya, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. The participation in fast carrier battle groups.” and is building up to two more under JMSDF recently handed over command He argued that even the larger platforms the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) of CTF-151, and various ships including in the size range would not have the area programme. The navy is planning up the ‘Takanami’ class destroyer Suzunami air defence capability of, for example, a to seven ‘Project 15A/B/Kolkata’ class have supported the operation in recent cruiser-sized platform. The air defence task destroyers, the first of which entered years. Such deployments underline the is certainly one where global destroyer service in 2014. The destroyers will likely

34 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER

have a role in defending the carriers, and destroyers are fitted with both the Aegis Admiral Vinogradov and her sister ship the deployment of ships with a prominent CMS and AN/SPY-1D(V) radar. Admiral Tributs took part in the Pacific ASW capability comes at a time of Other major navies are likely to have element of the annual Sino-Russia ‘Joint increasing PLAN nuclear-powered attack a prominent presence in the region. To Seas’ bilateral exercise. submarine activity in the Indian Ocean. what extent Russia’s growing levels of The region’s most prominent destroyer naval activity will see a greater Asia- Market Requirement navy arguably is the JMSDF. The service Pacific presence is not clear just yet. All In terms of the frigate market, the Asia- currently has eight operational destroyer of Russia’s current destroyers are ageing, Pacific region seems to be busy. Navies classes, and is introducing improved and it is not known when its planned are interested in buying Western frigates variants of the in-service ‘Akizuki’ and new destroyer class will arrive. Russia is off-the-shelf, working with Western ‘Atago’ classes. In terms of standard clearly feeling the numbers pinch, with companies to build ships domestically, or displacement, the different classes cover Pacific Fleet units often required to boost seeking second-hand sales. Navies are also a broad range of tonnages, from the 3000 its task group presence off Syria in the investing in a range of ASW capabilities, tonne ‘Hatsuyuki’ class to the 8000 tonne- Mediterranean. However, Russia has from helicopters to sonar and torpedoes. plus forthcoming ‘Improved Atago’ class been using its Pacific Fleet destroyers The desire to secure territorial and resource ships. Japan’s focus on destroyers is driven where it can to boost national interests. interests is also driving a significant focus by its strategic circumstances, namely its November 2014 saw the ‘Project-1155/ on surveillance capabilities. The destroyer rivalry with the PRC and the DPRK in Udaloy’ class destroyer Marshal market is more limited. There are less particular: this has seen the JMSDF seek to Shaposhnikov and three other ships navies building destroyer fleets; moreover, stay in step with the US Navy’s area and conduct exercises in the Bismarck Sea, in the capabilities delivered by a destroyer, ballistic missile defence developments the southwest Pacific Ocean in advance while numerous, largely support higher- through the use of the Aegis CMS on its of the Brisbane G20 summit. In April 2016, end operations. Nonetheless, such navies four ‘Kongou’ class and two ‘Atago’ class the ‘Project-1155/Udaloy’ class destroyer are looking to improve their punch in destroyers. With strategic circumstances Admiral Vinogradov joined a multinational ASW, land-attack and, particularly, local mirroring those of Japan, the Republic naval flotilla for the Indonesian-led and area air-defence with both weapons of Korea’s three ‘Sejong Daewang’ class ‘Komodo’ exercise. In September 2016, the and sensors. AMR

| october 2017 | 35 REGIONAL MILITARIES

CHANGING STRATEGIES ROK Agency for Defence Development

An objective in all ROK military equipment has been establishing an indigenous development and manufacturing capacity. This step by step approach is typified in its MBT programme which began with US supplied tanks.

The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) armed forces trace their origin to 1948. The force came of age on the battlefields of the Korean War of 1950 to 1953. Since the 1953 ceasefire the ROK has been building what is acknowledged to be one of the world’s best trained and equipped militaries. by Stephen W. Miller

eyond this the country and places increased emphasis on improved domestic sourcing and industrial its military have pursued equipment and greater application of capability. In nearly every domain the an economic and defence manoeuvre and technology. An objective ROK has taken steps to move towards policy hand in hand that of the reform is a new strategic approach greater self suffi ciency. To achieve this together have seen it evolve to the DPRK, as well as for a larger the ROK’s military equipment developer, intoB a leading developer and growing international engagement by the ROK and the Defence Acquisition Programme supplier of the most advanced weapons, its military. The former is the adoption of Administration (DAPA) has stressed platforms and subsystems for land, air a new doctrine of “Proactive Deterrence” collaboration with companies with and naval use. Despite the threat from its that provides for “prompt, focused and proven records in fi elds from armoured northern Democratic People’s Republic proportional retaliation against (DPRK) vehicles to aircraft and licence production. of Korea (DPRK) neighbour, the ROK attacks”. It is intended that the assurance The objective is to build domestic has become a regional power with intent of active response will cause the DPRK’s technical expertise and local production to take on a larger global role. leadership to reconsider aggressive actions. capacity. These decades-long efforts have For the military itself the reform seen fruition in the last few years with Reform 2020 restructures the armed force’s command not only the fi elding of ROK developed The ROK’s President Moon Jae-in, elected with an emphasis on unifi ed and joint and manufactured equipment to its own in May, has laid out a direction for defence force operations. This is particularly forces but increasing export success. emphasising self-reliance with priority appropriate with the country’s greater given to modernising and transforming participation in global peacekeeping Ground the ROK armed forces. The Defence and its subsequent expanded worldwide At just above 400,000 soldiers, the ROK Reform Plan 2020 (DRP-2020) was actually presence. On the defence equipment Army (ROKA) is by far the largest service, initiated in 2006 by then President Roh side the ROK’s programmes continue though also it relies on a substantial reserve Moo-hyun when current President Moon to be characterised by two paths; fi rst force. Reforms for the ROKA have focused served as his chief of staff. The key tenet of providing progressive improvement in on reducing the number of divisions to DRP-2020 is to transform the ROK military designs optimised to their environment 28 (from 47) and the reorganisation and into a smaller, yet more capable, force. It and secondly seeking to increase reequipping of the force with a focus

36 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | Regional Militaries

on manoeuvre and enhanced firepower.

The number of infantry divisions is KAI being reduced with some converted to mechanised formations while also improving the response capabilities of the armoured divisions. To this end the army has for the former developed and will begin in 2018 fielding of the locally- developed Hyundai Rotem KW1 six- wheel and eight-wheel drive armoured vehicles. These provide protected The KAI T-50 and its mobility to the infantry allowing rapid derived FA-50 fighter exploitation of tactical opportunities and illustrate the level of to enforce security in areas under army development of the ROK defence control. Similarly towed artillery is being industry in establishing a domestic design and manufacturing capability. The aircraft converted to self-propelled by mounting is not only in use by the ROK but has been its Rock Island Arsenal M-101 105mm adopted by four other countries. howitzers onto modified Kia KM-500 trucks. Samsung Techwin is performing the conversion and a purchase of 800 EVO- allowing attack of targets in defilade. The to Estonia, Finland, India, Norway and 105s (as the conversion will be known) will K-2 entered production in 2016. Poland. commence delivery this year. The army's Armoured Personnel ROKA armoured divisions are Carrier (APC) and subsequent Infantry Maritime benefiting from the collaboration between Fighting Vehicle (IFV) programmes have The ROK Navy, focused for seventy years the ROK Agency for Defence Development, also led to self sufficiency. Initially its APCs on countering its northern counterpart, General Dynamics and Hyundai that saw were US designed United Defence/BAE has been moving towards a ‘blue water’ the development and introduction of the Systems M-113 family tracked platforms. capability and is well on its way to achieving locally manufactured K1 Main Battle The following Daewoo K-200 KIFV its 2020 goal of deploying two or three Tank. Based on the General Dynamics M1 (Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle) was rapid response fleets. Most of its former Abrams family MBT, the K1 has a number based on the M-113 automotive platform US-acquired vessels have been replaced of changes for the ROKA including use of but with a licence-built MAN engine by state-of-the-art indigenously designed an MTU diesel engine licence produced in and Allison transmission. Over 2380 and manufactured ships. Reflecting its Korea; Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard-2 were produced including its first military coastal defence mission the navy still has MBT family derived fire controls, and a export success in the form of the K-200A1 over 87 corvettes and patrol boats of up hydro-pneumatic suspension. Over 1000 for Malaysia. In 1999 a successor vehicle to 950-tonnes displacement including the have been produced since 1985. This work developed specifically for the ROK’s needs ‘Geomdoksuri’ class patrol craft. has allowed the ROK to perfect its own was initiated in the form of the Hanwha The navy has made considerable MBT design, in the form of the Hyundai K-21 which commenced fielding in 2009 advances in capital ships with the Rotem K-2 Black Panther; one of the and around 450 K-300s are to be fielded in commissioning of not simply frigates and most advanced MBTs in the world. All the ROKA’s armoured units. destroyers but also amphibious assault subsystems of the K-2 are of ROK origin The army has taken a similar ships and conventional hunter-killer or manufactured locally under licence. It approach toward its self-propelled submarines (SSKs). In fact, in August includes active protection, reactive armour, artillery initially employing the United 2017 a navy spokesperson indicated that and the KSTAM (Korean Smart Top- Defence/BAE Systems M-109 family, the ROK intended to study the feasibility Attack Munition) gun precision projectile and then introducing its entirely local of building its own nuclear powered design the Samsung submarines. These could be added to K-9 Thunder. Coupled its current fleet of ‘Sohn Won-yil’ and

KAI with its companion K-10 ‘Chang Bogo’ class SSKs. On the surface Ammunition Resupply side the six ‘Chungmugong Yi Sunsin’ Vehicle, it is capable class destroyers fielded from 2003 to 2008 of both responding to have helped lead the way toward the DPRK artillery attacks, blue water goal. They have been joined supporting ground action by three 7500-ton ‘Sejong the Great’ class by the ROKA while destroyers equipped with the Lockheed surviving and remaining Martin Aegis combat management effective in the high system, and the additional three that intensity bombardments have been ordered could offer a ballistic anticipated in combat missile defence capability. The KUH-1 is another cooperation that is establishing the ROK’s position in defence and aerospace. The helicopter was should it occur. Over 1200 The growing amphibious fleet and the developed by KAI with assistance from Airbus Helicopters. Thunders are planned to expansion of its capabilities to include The KUH-1 is being fielded across the ROK armed forces. be delivered by 2019, with an aircraft carrier best reflect the navy’s exports also occurring commitment to building a multi-ocean

| october 2017 | 37 REGIONAL MILITARIES

presence. The ROK Navy’s ‘Dokdo’ class as a trainer. Yet, the T-50 with can operate fi ve aircraft from its fl ight an eye on the possibility of deck, and has hanger space for up to combat, is readily confi gured

ten. The vessel’s fl ight deck can also for light attack and has been ROK MOD accept short take-off/vertical landing sold as the FA-50 to this end. aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-35B The ROK Army has Lightning-II fi ghter, although the ROK a sizable air arm with is currently scheduled to fi eld only the both transport and attack F-35A conventional variant. The ‘Dokdo’ helicopters. These include class can also embark 750 Marines plus Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk supporting tanks, vehicles and artillery family medium-lift utility along with landing craft. A second helicopters, MD Helicopters example, the ROKS Marado is under MD-500 family light utility construction and should join the fl eet helicopters, the locally- in 2020. Often overlooked but a critical produced KAI KUH-1 Surion Defence against ballistic missiles has become a priority component for achieving a blue water family medium-lift utility for the ROK. The Cheongung/Iron Hawk-2 development capability are fast replenishment vessels helicopter and the KAH draws from technology developed for the S-400 as a partial which can accompany, re-supply and (Korean Attack Helicopter). repayment for loans. refuel the fl eet outside home waters. The The KAH is scheduled for ‘Soyang’ class has been commissioned by fi elding in 2022, however, the army also known as the Korean Air and Missile the ROK Navy for exactly this role. The ordered 36 Boeing AH-64E Guardian attack Defense System (KAMD). This will also ship will be the second-largest in the fl eet helicopters which have all been fi elded counter incoming DPRK ballistic missiles, and is capable of carrying 11050 tons of as of January 2017. Naval aviation has including short-range ballistic missiles. stores. Launched in November 2016 it also embarked on a modernisation with The next step could utilize technology will become operational in 2018. particular emphasis on maritime patrol from Russia’s Almaz-Antey S-400 semi- and anti-submarine warfare. In December active/active radar homing surface-to- Air 2016 it received the last four of its eight air missile technology. The technology Formed during the Korean War, the AgustaWestland/Leonardo AW-159 transfer is compensation for ROK’s $1.5 majority of current ROK Air Force maritime support helicopters, In addition, billion of loans to Russia in 1991. (ROKAF) aircraft have been acquired the navy announced in September 2016 its from the United States, or more recently intent to acquire twelve Lockheed Martin Marines built under licence. A commitment S-3 Viking family Maritime Patrol Aircraft The ROK Marine Corps (ROKMC) has been made for the F-35A for initial (MPA) to complement the current fl eet of is, since 2011, a separate branch of the delivery in 2018 and an indigenous Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion MPAs. armed forces. Its two divisions, two development, likely in collaboration with separate brigades and the Yeonpyeongdo an international aerospace partner, is Air and Missile Defence island garrison are primarily infantry but being planned to replace the ROKAF’s The ROK has a three-tier anti-air and include K-9 self propelled artillery, K-1 legacy McDonnell Douglas F-4 fi ghter missile defence capability with air defence MBTs, BAE Systems KAAV7A1 tracked family. It is also increasing its numbers being a separate branch within the amphibious vehicles, and complements of the Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) ROKAF. An ambitious effort is underway of engineers, reconnaissance, and support T-50 indigenous supersonic aircraft that to establish an integrated land-sea-air units. The ROKMC is increasingly entered active service in 2005 primarily detection and engagement network, focused on defence of the northern islands, providing a rapid response capability, and a strategic deployment force. The ROKMC began in 2017 constituting an aviation group of two assault and one

US Navy attack helicopter battalions. In March 2016 it was also directed that a Marine Regiment would be able to respond to an event in any location in the country within 24 hours.

The Future The ROK armed forces are moving from reaction to deterrent. This change in strategy is is reﬂ ected in the public video in August of test-ﬁ rings of short range ballistic missiles with improved The ROK recently announced its intention to acquire S-3 MPAs to enhance its surveillance warheads. Coupled with its conventional and response capabilities of surrounding waters. These will be drawn from aircraft retired force modernisation the armed forces by the US Navy and updated by Lockheed-Martin and local industry. have enhanced their abilities to adapt to future challenges. AMR

38 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |

by Thomas Withington

Northrop Grumman is moving ahead with a major radar upgrade for US and Taiwanese fighters, while Thales announces important developments regarding its airborne radio products. In the electronic warfare domain, India reveals a requirement for a new signals intelligence aircraft.

radar located at RAF Fylingdales airbase in northeast England, with this radar being activated in 1993. Published sources state that the AN/FPS-132 has a range of circa 3000 nautical miles/ nm (5556 kilometres/km) across a 360 degree radius. This radar feeds information regarding ballistic missile launches to the

Northrop Grumman UK’s Space Operations Coordination Centre or ‘SPOCC’, based at RAF High Wycombe airbase, west of London, and also to the United States Strategic Command Missile Warning Centre, itself part of the US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defence Command warning and air sovereignty organisation headquartered at Peterson airbase, Colorado.

Tactical Radio EID has signed a contract worth $8.6 million with the Portuguese Ministry of Defence to provide PRC-525 tactical radios to the Exército Português (Portuguese Army), the firm announced in a press release published on 10th July. The High Frequency, Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency (three megahertz to three gigahertz) radio is already used by the army and the Marinha Portuguesa (Portuguese Navy). Deliveries, the press

Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 radar has entered the EMD for F-16 family aircraft release continues, will commence this year and are to conclude flown by the USAF and the ROCAF. in 2023. These transceivers will equip the army’s SIC-T (Sistema de Informação e Comunicações Tático/Tactical Communications Radar and Information System) battle management system carrying In late July, Northrop Grumman announced that it was entering voice, data and imagery traffic. The company told AMR that the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase these radios will carry HAVEQUICK-I/II waveforms (see below), for the AN/APG-83 SABR (Scalable Agile Beam Radar) X-band along with High Frequency (HF: three megahertz to 300MHz), (8.5-10.68 gigahertz/GHz) fire control radar. The APG-83 radar fast frequency hopping and fast data (72 kilobits-per-second) was selected to fulfil the United States Air Force (USAF) Radar waveforms, plus national encryption standards. The firm Modernisation Upgrade component of the Combat Avionics continued that it expects these radios to be deployed at the Programmed Extension Suite (CAMPS) programme led by brigade, battalion and company levels, with the PRC-525 already Lockheed Martin to extend the life of the General Dynamics/ in use with the army, where it is employed alongside the firms’ Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters flown by the legacy PRC-425 VHF transceiver which it supplied to the force USAF’s Air National Guard, and also the F-16A/Bs operated by from 1983 as both a manpack and vehicular radio. Other recent the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF). Northrop Grumman news published by EID included the announcement that the has used many of the design features from the company’s AN/

APG-77 and AN/APG-81 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned RAF Fylingdales’ Array) radars which already outfit the USAF’s Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-132 radar USAF may soon be either F-22A Raptor and F-35A/B/C Lightning-II fighters. This has supplemented, or replaced, with a reduced development costs and will reduce the number of new ballistic missile separate spare parts that the USAF needs to maintain in its defence radar as a result of the UK’s inventory for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of these Project Lewis initiative, radars. An added attraction is that aircrew transitioning between announced in June. the AN/APG-83, AN/APG-77 and AN/APG-81 will find a high level of commonality between these radar’s modus operandi. The United Kingdom announced on 10th July that it was planning the acquisition of a new ground-based air surveillance radar capable of detecting ballistic missiles under the government’s so-called ‘Project Lewis’ initiative. Few details have been released by the UK government, save for the revelation that a request for information to industry was published in June. The UK currently performs ballistic missile detection using the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Raytheon AN/FPS- 132 Ultra High Frequency (420-450/890-942 megahertz/MHz)

40 | Asian Military Review |

EID be able to host NATO’s SATURN (Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical Ultra High Frequency Radio) waveform which uses the improved HAVEQUICK-IIA waveform as its core. This latter waveform increased the number of hops that the waveform can undertake to preserve communications security. HAVEQUICK-I/ II is used by nearly all military aircraft throughout NATO. Furthermore, General Dynamics launched a new survival radio for downed aircrew in late-July. Known as the Hook-3, the radio is designed for encrypted communications, the company revealed, with the ability to transmit geo-location information when the radio detects specifi c g-forces or salt water. The company continued that it is 30 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the fi rm’s existing AN/PRC-112G/Hook-2 survival radio, with which the Hook-3 radio is fully interoperable. The Additional examples of EID’s PRC-525 tactical radio will be new radio is also compatible with the fi rm’s Quickdraw-2 made to the Portuguese Army, to supplement the company’s legacy PRC-425 systems. EID also announced the supply of new interrogator. This can be connected to an aircraft’s intercom to tactical field switchboards to the Bangladesh Army. allow the aircrew to perform direct communications with the downed aircrew’s survival radio, and it can also display the fi rm has been awarded a contract to supply its CD-116/P tactical latter radio’s global positioning system coordinates. According fi eld switchboards to the Bangladesh Army in a deal worth circa to the fi rm’s published information, the Hook-3 radio operates $1.2 million. The force has, according to the company, used on the 112.5MHz, 123.1MHz, 225MHz to 320MHz and the these switchboards since 2011 and this latest order, announced 406MHz International Cospas-Sarsat satellite communications in late July, represents its seventh such acquisition, although distress frequencies. This latter programme is an international the number of units to be supplied by the fi rm has not been humanitarian initiative comprising 43 nations and agencies disclosed. According to EID’s offi cial literature, the CD-116/P which works to detect and locate distress beacons using satellites. can be used for the switching of analogue and VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephony, tactical radios, and public analogue Electronic Warfare and digital networks. In early July the United States Special Operations Command Elsewhere in Europe, on 11th July, Rohde and Schwarz (USSOCOM) awarded BAE Systems a contract worth $67 million announced that it had been awarded a contract to outfi t 50 to develop a new Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) to command vehicles belonging to the Heer (German Army) with equip the USAF’s Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider fi xed- the company’s SVFUA radio system as part of the force’s Mobile wing gunships and MC-130J Commando-II special missions Tactical Communications (MOTAKO) programme. The radio aircraft. A press release announcing the news stated that the will outfi t 50 of the army’s ARTEC Boxer-CP eight-wheel drive RFCM would be installed on the aircraft to detect and jam armoured vehicles, and its Krauss-Maffei Wegmann/Rheinmetall hostile surface-to-air and air-to-air RF threats. The press release tracked infantry fi ghting vehicles, with deliveries of the fi rst continued that the installation of the RFCM on these aircraft is systems being concluded by 2020, according to a press release expected to be completed by the end of 2019. Open source USAF announcing the news. Open sources note that the SVFUA radio literature states that, at present, the Block-20 confi guration will cover the 1.5MHz to three gigahertz frequency range. In terms of the AC-130J is outfi tted with Northrop Grumman’s Large of the radio’s waveforms, sources continue that these will include Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure, which is reportedly fi tted to both new and legacy waveforms, such as the HAVEQUICK-I/II air-to-ground/ground-to-air digital waveform used throughout NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and the Multiple Thales Adaptive HF Radio System waveform, and new waveforms such as COALWNW (Coalition Wideband Networking Waveform). In the airborne domain, Thales announced that it expects the airborne version of its SYNAPS tactical radio family to be available for integration from circa 2020. Speaking during the Paris Air Show this June company offi cials told AMR that the development of the V/UHF airborne member of the SYNAPS family is ongoing. This radio, like the other transceivers in the SYNAPS series, is in fact a spin-off from Thales’ CONTACT programme which is rolling out new V/UHF handheld, vehicular and airborne radios to the French armed forces. The SYNAPS radios are being produced with the international market in mind and will thus be devoid of the French proprietary encryption which will equip the CONTACT transceivers. Thales Thales has announced new advances regarding its SYNAPS tactical radio family, the added that the SYNAPS and CONTACT airborne radios will be vehicular version of which is pictured here. The firm is now advancing the airborne element of the SYNAPS series, which it expects to be available for integration from 2020. capable of hosting the HAVEQUICK-I/II waveform. It will also

42 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | the MC-130J, although this may only protect the aircraft against infrared guided threats. Nevertheless, both the AC-130J and USAF MC-130J are also outfi tted with BAE Systems’ AN/ALR-56M radar warning receivers, Orbital ATK AN/AAR-47(V)2 missile approach warning systems and the AN/ALE-47 chaff and fl are countermeasures dispensing system from the same fi rm. Open source information states that the AN/ALR-56M is capable of detecting RF threats across a bandwidth of 60MHz to 1.5GHz, with the potential to extend this into millimetre wave radar bands. Thus, while the AC-130J and MC-130J already have the capability to defeat RF threats using the AN/ALR-56M as a means of detection, and the dispersal of chaff to jam these RF threats, the addition of the RFCM may provide these aircraft with an additional means to electronically, as well as physically, jam RF threats. The USAF’s AC-130J gunships are to receive new radio frequency countermeasures systems. These could provide the means of jamming RF threats, in addition to the use of In other airborne EW news, Leonardo announced on 17th July chaff and flare countermeasures. that it had been awarded a contract by the NATO Eurofi ghter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency, responsible for the joint told AMR via an offi cial statement that the improvements will development of the Eurofi ghter Typhoon fi ghter family on behalf include some limited hardware upgrades for the Praetorian, of the Eurofi ghter partner nations (Germany, Italy, Spain and the but that the majority of the work would consist of software United Kingdom) to upgrade the aircraft’s EuroDASS Praetorian upgrades, although due to confi dentiality, Leonardo cannot Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) as part of a $51.6 million state exactly what the upgrade effort comprises. The company contract which will enhance this subsystem for the Typhoon- continued that, while the upgrade is specifi cally for the RAF’s FGR4 aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force. The company aircraft, there could be the opportunity “for allied partners to USAF

The RAF’s Typhoon fighters are to receive enhancements to their self-protection equipment following the award of a contract to upgrade the aircraft’s EuroDASS defensive aids subsystem.

receive the upgrades in the future.” According to an official Following the news in April that the Republic of Singapore press release announcing the news, Leonardo stated that the Air Force (RSAF) is upgrading its 20 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing improvements will be performed to ensure that the aircraft “can AH-64D Apache attack helicopters with Leonardo’s Helicopter identify and defeat known and emerging threats.” The statement Integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS), in August it was added that the work to improve the DASS will be performed revealed that the RSAF’s rotary wing fleet will receive additional at Leonardo’s site in Luton, southern England with integration self-defence upgrades. Beyond the AH-64Ds, open sources work being performed by BAE Systems at the firm’s facilities in noted that the RSAF’s 16 Boeing CH-47D/F Chinook heavylift Warton, northwest England. helicopters will receive new missile and laser approach warning Away from Europe, the Indian government announced systems. While not confirmed by the company, media reports in late July a Request For Information (RFI) for a new Signals have noted that missile approach and laser warning systems Intelligence (SIGINT) gathering and communications jamming recently observed on both aircraft featured a strong resemblance aircraft to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF). The RFI states to Elbit System’s All-In-Small airborne self-protection product. that the IAF will acquire a total of seven aircraft, five of which Published reports state that this contains an integrated electronic will be equipped for SIGINT collection and communications warfare and self-protection system which comprises a Radar jamming, with the balance of two platforms performing SIGINT Warning Receiver (RWR), infrared missile warning system, laser collection. In terms of specification, the RFI continued that warning system and a chaff and flare dispenser. The addition the platforms must be capable of collecting SIGINT across the of All-In-Small to the AH-64D fleet is interesting. According 90MHz to 40GHz waveband. This would give the aircraft the to the firm’s literature, Leonardo’s HIDAS can include an capability to collect intelligence on most military radar types. RWR, plus laser and infrared missile warning systems, plus a The RFI has an additional requirement for the aircraft to be countermeasures dispensing system. It is therefore unclear why capable of gathering intelligence on communications systems the RSAF appears to have duplicated several electronic warfare operating at frequencies of between 30MHz up to 18GHz, with systems on the same aircraft, notably in terms of the various the aircraft’s electronic support measures to this end having a warning systems used. range of 216nm (400km). Tellingly, the RFI continues that the Away from Singapore, looking towards Russia, in mid- aircraft must be able to operate from airfields with an altitude August, the Russian Air Force revealed its new Ilyushin Il-22PP in excess of 10827 feet (3300 metres), which would suggests that stand-off jamming platform. Publicly available reports stated that the IAF plan to operate the aircraft from elevated terrain close the aircraft has been developed as an escort jammer, presumably to the borders of its regional rivals Pakistan and the People’s to provide electronic warfare in support of ingressing and Republic of China. Publicly available sources state that the IAF egressing strike packages beyond the range of an adversary’s currently operates a single Boeing B-707, two Gulfstream G-100 ground-based air defences. At the heart of the aircraft’s offensive family and two Bombardier Global 5000 turbofan transports for capabilities is the KNIRTI L-415 electronic countermeasures SIGINT collection. It has not been stated by the IAF whether system. Little information regarding the capabilities of the L-415 all, or some, of these aircraft will be replaced or augmented by is forthcoming, although some sources state that this product this new acquisition. According to publicly available sources, is innovative, as far as Russian electronic warfare equipment is the Global-5000 aircraft were acquired by India in 2015 as part concerned, as it is capable of jamming hostile radar transmissions of a $300 million deal which also included the aircraft being without degrading friendly radio communications or radar extensively modified by Israel Aerospace Industries to serve as transmissions. Reports continued that the Russian Air Force will electronic intelligence-gathering platforms. acquire a total of three Il-22PP platforms. AMR

44 | Asian Military Review | new IDEAS 2018 286mm x 213mm with 3mm bleed (AMR).pdf 1 8/7/17 5:35 PM

CMY

| october 2017 | 45 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Asia-Pacific nations in particular are keen to operate UAVs for a number of reasons, including the need to monitor large EEZs, as well as for the surveillance of neighbouring countries with which there are tensions. However, there is a conflict

Northrop Grumman within the region as each nation weighs up the desire to operate such a system versus a wish to domestically develop this type of technology in an effort to bolster their own sovereign defence industries: “Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Republic of China, Vietnam and Singapore are working on UAV programmes,” Larry Dickerson, unmanned vehicles analyst at Being one of the only Forecast International, told AMR: “Some manufacturers of HALE UAVs, programmes are more ambitious than Northrop Grumman is seeing others and receive substantially more success in the Asia-Pacific with both the RQ-4B Global Hawk funding,” he said, adding that the level of and MQ-4C Triton (pictured). foreign participation in these programmes WE WANT differs from country to country. India WHAT YOU HAVE India is a prime example of this trend; it wishes to operate systems developed by There is a clear demand for unmanned aerial the West such as the MQ-1 UAV family, but there is also a government-led ‘Make technology in the Asia-Pacific, as territorial in India’ campaign that governs all defence sales, and encourages domestic disputes and large EEZs (Exclusive Economic development. The country joined the Zones) are leading nations to explore easier multilateral Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016, which ways of monitoring their lands and waters. opened up a number of opportunities for the nation in terms of the import potential of UAVs and other missile- by Beth Stevenson related technology. MTCR membership is designed to stop the proliferation of mporting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles effectively operate for many hours while missile delivery systems, specifically (UAVs) would be the quickest way carrying sophisticated sensor suites, ones that have a payload capacity of to do this, but regional nations are subsequently feeding that information over 1100 pounds/lb (500 kilograms/kg) also trying to place themselves as down to the operator on the ground. and a range in excess 162 nautical miles/ strong defence producers, leading MALE UAVs typically have endurances nm (300 kilometres). UAV technology toI dilemmas in the Asia-Pacific writ of between 24 to 48 hours, and can fly at can be imported in return for member large as to whether it should import, or altitudes of between 10000 feet/ft (3048 nations restricting their development of instead develop, this technology itself. metres/m) and 30000ft (9144m), while systems that could ultimately be used Unmanned technology, while it has been HALE UAVs fly above such altitudes, as weapons of mass destruction. India’s proliferating across a number of different with similar long endurances, according MTCR membership has led to a number markets, chiefly in Europe and North to publicly available definitions. These of agreements being signed between America, for many years is still somewhat UAVs represent technologies that the nation and UAV manufacturers, not considered a jewel of the West as far as many militaries around the world least an expected approval for the sale the larger, sophisticated systems such as want to operate, but importing such of 22 General Atomics’ Guardian UAVs; General Atomics’ MQ-1 Predator UAV systems comes at a cost, and the issue of a maritime version of the firm’s MQ-9 family is concerned. According to analysis affordability only comes after a country Reaper UAV family. New Delhi has long published by the Markets and Markets receives the authorisation to buy these wanted to operate a version of the MQ-9 research company in November 2016, UAVs in the first place. This is a particular family, and membership of the MTCR, North America and Europe will occupy 45 consideration for the import of UAVs and a push from Prime Minister Narendra percent and 30 percent respectively of the from the United States which maybe Modi in parallel, has led to a sale of the UAV market over the coming decade, with covered by that country’s International Guardian creeping closer. the Asia-Pacific occupying 20 percent. Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) Furthermore, a 5th July announcement Medium- and High-Altitude, Long- ordinance which may prevent the export claimed that Israel Aerospace Industries Endurance (MALE/HALE) UAVs can of sensitive technology. had signed a deal with Indian companies

46 | Asian Military Review |

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

the Chinese manufacturer. Said to have an operating ceiling of 16000ft (4876.8m) and a 20 hour endurance, the UAV resembles the MQ-9 Reaper although the performance of the Chinese aircraft Beth Stevenson is expected to be inferior. While Western countries, and Europe specifi cally, are not likely to be target markets for such a UAV due to political restraints, the display of the Wing Loong-II demonstrated the PRC’s eagerness to be seen as a UAV- producing country: “This is another A mock-up of the Wing Long-II made a surprise example of China’s heavy push to make appearance at the Paris Air Show and while it a place for itself within the UAV market,” is unlikely that any European customers would Mr. Dickerson said, adding that Beijing be authorised to acquire a Chinese system, has made “considerable strides” in this it was a good opportunity for the UAV to be pitched to other potential customers. market given that just some time ago it only made aerial target drones. Its presence in Paris is also likely to have drawn the attention of other nations that Dynamatic Technologies (DTL) and defence equipment purchases to be interim could be a market for the aircraft, for Elcom Systems to partner for UAV measures, even though “India has been example Middle Eastern countries that development. The agreement covers using these interim measures for decades.” are likely to be satisfi ed with a less capable maintenance, overhaul and repair While the country had pushed to join version of the Reaper: “The PRC appears programmes already underway, and will the MTCR ahead of its 2016 membership, to have adopted a strategy of targeting include the transfer of UAV technology Mr. Dickerson claims that there is not nations outside of the close orbits of and production capabilities from IAI currently a pressing need to join the other manufacturers (Burma) and where to DTL and Elcom, the former says, “in regime from other Asia-Pacifi c nations Western nations are reluctant to provide order to enable indigenous capabilities besides Australia, Japan, New Zealand certain types of systems due to political for UAV systems.” IAI stated that it: “has and the Republic of Korea, that are already reasons (Nigeria),” he summarised, been able to build a robust customer signatories: “India is working on systems continuing that the PRC benefi ts from support infrastructure over the years, that violated the MTCR, but many other being able to rapidly develop and deliver through the support of many high-end Asia-Pacifi c nations are not (such as man- a UAV, while the price will sit lower than local Indian partners … The new strategic portable and tactical systems),” He added: those of the Western and Israeli designs collaboration with DTL and Elcom builds “Once these other projects begin to meet that currently dominate the market: on this capability.” DTL also announced the threshold of (the) MTCR, some of the “This is said to have won China orders in February 2015 that it had signed developing countries will need to make a from countries in the Middle East (Iraq, an agreement with AeroVironment to decision on whether to continue to pursue Egypt, Saudi Arabia) (although) how well develop an indigenous version of the UAV development and join MTCR, or put these systems are performing is another US company’s family of small UAVs, the a limit on technological development.” question.” local version of which will be called the Another PRC manufacturer, CASC Cheel: “The governments of India and the PRC (China Aerospace Science and Technology United States of America have selected India’s occasional PRC rival has been Corporation), claims it is ready to mass a next-generation unmanned aircraft developing UAV technology for some produce its MALE offering, the CH-5 system based on AeroVironment’s time now, but the specifi c details of these Rainbow, after a 20 minute maiden fl ight market-leading family of small (UAVs) developments are somewhat unknown, as a collaborative project under the India- and manufacturers United States Defence Technology and tend to be cagey about One disclosed user of Trade Initiative,” DTL said at the time. the work they are Chinese UAVs is Iraq, which in 2015 celebrated Mr. Dickerson argued that: “India is performing. It was the first operational looking to establish a defence industry that therefore a surprise that sortie of its CH-4B can meet its domestic needs and compete the Aviation Industrial aircraft from Kut airbase. Iraqi Air Force (successfully) for international contracts Corporation of China against the world’s top providers.” He (AVIC) displayed its continued that “this defence industrial Wing Loong-II MALE development process has been underway UAV at this year’s for decades, but India still has a long way Paris Air Show in June. to go.” Moreover, Mr. Dickerson argued Although it was just a that India’s missiles, tanks and UAVs mock-up, the display of are “not ready to go head-to-head with the UAV adorned with systems from the West or Israel.” This an array of weapons was is despite India considering all foreign an interesting move by

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payload capacity. He aircraft. In addition to Canberra’s planned said the UAV “is as good MQ-4C purchase, the ROK has acquired

Schiebel as the … MQ-9 Reaper”, the overland version of the aircraft, the China Daily reported. RQ-4B Global Hawk, while Japan has also This is a tall order from been authorised to acquire the type. the manufacturer of the Furthermore, it was announced in UAV, and likely to be February that Australia had selected hyperbolic considering the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter UAV to the experience of the provide an interim capability to the navy. MQ-9 family and its The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has derivatives: “Western been searching for a ship-based UAV for systems have years some time, and selected the S-100 plus of operational history. three years of support for evaluation in These Chinese systems December 2016. Sensor options for this do not,” Mr. Dickerson aircraft are still to be determined, but argued: “The West has Leonardo has claimed it is pitching two Australia is in the process of acquiring a number had years to get the bugs airborne surveillance radar types, the of different unmanned capabilities, not least the out of their systems and Osprey-30 and PicoSAR X-band (8.5- S-100 that it will evaluate from the RAN’s vessels. develop an operational 10.68 gigahertz), plus its Sage electronic doctrine. China has support measures, to the RAN. Beyond not … There is little the S-100, on 25th July, it was announced at an airport in Hebei province, northeast information on how well the Chinese that a contract had been signed for China, in mid-July. The China Daily systems sold to Iraq or other Middle Australia to acquire AeroVironment’s reported on 18th July that the flight had Eastern countries are performing.” He Wasp-AE small UAV over a three-year resulted in a number of nations expressing noted that so far, available data claims period. AeroVironment will provide interest in the model, including operators that the Chinese systems “get the job the Wasp-AE with modifications of the older CH-model UAVs that the done”, but they are not equal to their exclusive to Australia, as well as company had previously delivered. Western and Israeli counterparts. Mr. local maintenance, training and field CASC claims there are some ten users Dickerson continued that there are support. The company’s family of small of its other UAVs, and its armed CH-4B questions surrounding the serviceability UAVs are used in 40 countries, and the variant was notably delivered to the Iraqi of Chinese UAVs, and reports of lower Wasp-AE, a hand-launched, 2.8lb (6.2kg) Air Force in 2015. Videos were released by quality electronics, especially concerning UAV, is the smallest of these. It can land the air force of the UAV flying from Kut the aircraft’s sensor suites: “Many on the ground or in fresh or salt water, airbase, in eastern Iraq, on 10th October countries are not interested in (or do not so it therefore suited to equip infantry, of that year to fight against Islamic State really need) top-shelf UAVs since they littoral and maritime reconnaissance of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) insurgents that are operating against low technology operators. were occupying parts of the country. threats, such as Iraq against ISIS and Ou Zhongming, project manager of Nigeria against the Boko Haram Islamist The Regional Picture the Caihong/Rainbow series of UAVs insurgency,” he said: “Nevertheless, While the Asia-Pacific has a clear demand speaking at the China Academy of China is not ready to go head-to-head for UAVs, the region seems to be split Aerospace Aerodynamics, a sub-division against Western and Israeli UAVs in an in its acquisition approach. Australia, of CASC, claimed after the July flight that open competition.” for example, is seemingly happy to the CH-5 is “believed to be one of the best trust the technological capability of unmanned military aircraft in the world.” Australia its US and European allies in the A prototype CH-5 was first flown Aside from the nations that wish to development of these systems while the in August 2015, the China Daily noted, develop their own technology that can PRC, on the other hand, will not import adding that it is a composite design with a be used indigenously and then exported, unmanned technology, but sees itself as wingspan of 21m (68.9ft) and is twice the there are also nations in the Asia-Pacific a strong contender in UAV competitions size of other CH variants. Additionally, it that are satisfied with importing UAV against traditional developers. India is can stay airborne for 60 hours, the report technology. Australia is one such example somewhere in the middle, it wants the stated, which is some three times the having committed to a number of leading capability and it wants it quickly, but the endurance of other Chinese models. The technologies from the US and Europe in acquisitions and partnerships the nation range of the CH-5 is 5399nm (10000km) recent months. Sales to Australia tend to is currently making are considered to Shi Wen, chief designer of the CH series be easily authorised due to the stability be interim until it can produce its own told the news outlet, and it has a 2200lb of the country, as well as its legacy unmanned technology. Only time will (1000kg) payload that means it can carry membership of MTCR, having joined in tell if emergent Chinese and Indian UAV some 24 missiles for one sortie, something 1990. Canberra is planning an acquisition technology will be up to scratch, but it is that would enable it to eliminate a convoy of the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton missing the invaluable experience that the of armoured vehicles. Furthermore, Mr. HALE UAV subject to the company US and Israel have that comes with being Shi claimed that the CH-5 outperforms all effectively delivering it to the US Navy, seasoned UAV developers and operators, of its Chinese-made counterparts when which will complement its acquisition of and it is unlikely that this experience can it comes to operational endurance and the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol be easily bypassed. AMR

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