Regional U A V D I R E C T O R Y

Boeing and RAAF’s unveiled an experimental unmanned fighter, the Air Power Teaming System (or the less clunky ‘Loyal Wingman’), at the Avalon airshow in this year. The concept has been derived through Minor Program 6014 Phase 1. It could accompany the RAAF’s F-35s or F-18s and have kinetic as well as ISR potential. ASIA-PACIFIC DIRECTORY 2019 The development and acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is picking up the pace in the Asia Pacific, with demand driven by ongoing modernisation efforts across the region. by JR Ng

he past year has been another environments – a development which AUSTRALIA dynamic year of expansion for highlights indigenous mastery of the The (ADF) has regional UAV developments, advanced technologies necessary to emerged as a leading regional UAV user particularly in terms of fielded produce and operate such platforms. in recent years, with its three services technologies and their use in Not to be outdone, at the Avalon simultaneously pursuing a broad Tan operational environment. has 2019 exhibition in March 2019 Australia range of development and acquisition unsurprisingly taken the lead in terms of unveiled a next-generation combat UAV programmes that are noteworthy indigenous production and innovation, that could eventually serve as robotic for being diverse, from pocket-sized demonstrating its intent to dominate ‘wingmen’ for the Royal Australian Air ‘nanocopters’ to high-end medium- the region at the Airshow China 2018 Force’s (RAAF’s) combat aircraft, a joint altitude long endurance (MALE) and exhibition in Zhuhai with hundreds of effort between Boeing and the Australian high-altitude long endurance (HALE) homegrown state-owned and private Department of Defence (DoD) and the systems. companies showcasing an enormous first known development of its kind in The has been range of UAV platforms, payloads, and the region. experimenting with UAVs as early as the associated technologies in a dedicated Elsewhere, the proliferation of UAVs 1990s before introducing some of these exhibition hall. is indicative of the increasing maturity capabilities during overseas deployments A particular theme that stood out of such platforms and their associated – including , , among the spectacle was the large technologies, as well as the growing and – from 2005. The service is representation of stealthy, long-range confidence and desire of regional looking into expanding its use of such platforms that are aimed at penetrating countries to incorporate these into their systems following more than a decade deep into contested or heavily defended military forces. of successful UAV operations, with new

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capabilities expected to be introduced by flight hours. At present, a dedicated endurance ScanEagle UAV system aboard the mid-2020s. RAAF UAV capability is absent until a the RAN’s three Adelaide class FFG-7 The Royal Australian (RAN) has new armed MALE platform is selected were completed aboard HMAS stood up a dedicated UAV unit known as through Project Air 7003. Defence Newcastle in June 2016. The system is now 822X Squadron, which is also the fourth Minister Christopher Pyne announced in in operational use aboard the Adelaide- operational squadron in the RAN’s Fleet 2018 that General Atomics had class frigates and was deployed in June Air Arm. The unit oversees the service’s been selected as the preferred bidder for 2017 along with HMAS Newcastle as fleet of Boeing ScanEagle and Schiebel Air 7003, with candidate platforms either part of Operation Manitou in the Middle S-100 Camcopter VTOL UAVs. be the MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 variant or the East, where its visual and ranging system The Royal Australian MQ-9B Sky Guardian under development (ViDAR) helped gather data. (RAAF) formerly operated four for the UK armed forces. A procurement While on its deployment, the ScanEagle Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron 1 decision is expected by mid-2019, with UAV was also involved in the RAN’s first MALE UAVs leased from Canadian initial delivery expected between 2020- operational manned/unmanned teaming company MDA, while an Memorandum 2021 and fully operation by 2023. (MUM-T) with the ’s Sikorsky MH- of Understanding (MOU) for logistics In February 2019, Boeing and the DoD 60R in September 2017. The and training support was concluded with announced a partnership to develop a Australian Army also leased army leased Canadian forces deployed in Afghanistan. large UAV concept demonstrator that ScanEagles and completed 45,000 flying Following the ADF’s withdrawal will be capable of smart teaming with hours while deploying the system in from Afghanistan, two Heron 1 UAVs existing , using Artificial Afghanistan before acquiring the Shadow were retained at the Woomera test Intelligence (AI) enabled technologies to 200 system. range in south Australia to ensure that fly independently or in support while RAAF personnel continued to hone their maintaining safe separation between Schiebel Camcopter S-100: The RAN operational skills prior to the introduction other aircraft. selected the S-100 Camcopter under the of future MALE and HALE platforms. Navy Minor Project 1942 tender request. These were subsequently retired in July Fielded Capabilities Although the number of S-100 systems 2017, having trained over 200 pilots Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Initial flight was not disclosed, the rotary UAV was and accumulated more than 30,000 trials to assess the operability of the long- to be used for operational training and

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Royal Australian Navy sailors launch HMAS following its unveiling in mock-up form Newcastle’s embarked Scan Eagle Unmanned at the Australian International Airshow Aerial System from the ship’s flight deck in March 2019. The DoD is investing $28 during Exercise Kakadu 2018. million in the development programme. Boeing also stated that it will build three prototypes in Australia.

Royal Australian Navy Royal FLIR Systems PD-100 Black Hornet II: The Australian Army outlined plans in 2017 for each combat platoon to be equipped with FLIR PD-100 Black Hornet II ‘nano-UAVs’. Weighing approximately 18g, the hand-launched UAV features a tadpole-shaped fuselage design that is propelled by an electric motor driving a 120mm two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. It can stay airborne for up to 25 minutes on a full charge, and can operate to a maximum range of 2km from the base station. Around 160 Black Hornet systems will be deployed across every combat platoon as a reconnaissance asset with deliveries commencing in early 2018 and expected to be completed by 2019.

Under Development/Consideration/ Trials development ahead of a future phase of systems, and initial training. It also Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton: A Joint Project 129 that aims to select one to included funding to deliver the UAVs HALE UAV capability for persistent two vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to Australian troops in Afghanistan. The long-range maritime and other UAV platforms to conduct operations two systems were delivered by April 2012 surveillance missions is being sought from the RAN’s Future Frigates and and were operated by 20 Surveillance under Project AIR 7000 Phase 1B, with offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Delivery and Target Acquisition (STA) Regiment. the latest Defence White Paper in 2016 of the first S-100 systems powered by By September 2013, the type had stating that up to seven of these UAVs 55hp (41kW) Diamond gasoline piston completed 10,000 flying hours in support are expected to be acquired from the early engines occurred in mid-2017, with of International Security Assistance 2020s. The Australian Department of additional systems equipped with Force (ISAF) troops before returning Defence (DoD) ultimately committed to modified Rotron 600 HFE propulsion to Australia the following month. The six Tritons, with the first being contracted systems delivered in December 2017. army is presently seeking its replacement in June 2018 and the second in March Schiebel will update two of these vehicles under the Land 129 Phase 3 programme 2019. The first air vehicle is also expected with the internally developed S-2 HFE with the aim of acquiring a new capability to enter service in mid-2023 and be fully system, which is expected to be delivered by around 2022. operational by 2025. All six platforms to the RAN in the third quarter of 2019 are planned to be delivered by late 2025 for acceptance testing. The Australian AeroVironment RQ-12 Wasp AE: In and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Army is also operating the type under June 2017 the Australian government South Australia, When in service, the lease, and in December 2018 tested Elta announced a contract worth up to $36.5 Triton UAVs are expected to complement Systems’ ELK-7065 high frequency (HF) million for the delivery of hand-launched the RAAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidon communications intelligence (COMINT) AeroVironment Wasp AE UAVs to fulfil , paving the way and direction-finding system and the army’s small unmanned aerial system for the retirement of the service’s ageing Overwatch Imaging’s TK-5 Firewatch (UAS) requirement under Project Land Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orions. The total smart tactical mapping payload aboard 129 Phase 4. The Army plans for every value of the programme is expected to be one of its leased platforms. combat team to be equipped with the worth approximately $5 billion. 1.2kg Wasp AE mini-UAV, which can AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems/ operate for up to 50 minutes out to a Textron Systems RQ-7B Shadow: The range of 5km. The UAV is equipped with Although Bangladesh does not presently acquisition of two complete RQ-7B a pan-tilt-zoom Mantis i22 AE gimballed operate any military UAVs, the country’s Shadow 200 tactical UAV systems at a payload that delivers live, streaming procurement agency – the Directorate cost of $133 million (AUD$175m) for colour and infrared IR) video. General Defence Purchase (DGDP) – the Australian Army was announced in Boeing Airpower Teaming System issued a tender notice in December 2017 August 2010 under Joint Project 129 Phase (BATS): The 11.7m long BATS features a to procure a MALE-class UAV for the 2. The package comprised 18 air vehicles, design range of around 3,700km and is (BAF). The DGDP four ground control systems, support expected to make its first flight in 2020, said the UAV will be used for intelligence,

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surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and and mapping. This was subsequently composites and control technology. targeting operations under the military’s acquired by the People’s Liberation In August 2018, the RMAF released modernisation plan. Army (PLA) for tactical missions such as its Capability 55 (CAP55) roadmap that The UAV is expected to have a front-line reconnaissance and electronic outlines its modernisation plans up to maximum speed of 108 knots (200km/h) jamming. 2055, which also highlighted the need and maximum range of 1,000km, as well for a MALE-class reconnaissance UAV. A as a maximum ceiling of 6,000m or higher. Panghyon I and II: Domestically request for information was issued in late Also desired is a ground control station, manufactured versions of the X’ian ASN- December and called for responses by avionics systems, sensors, datalinks, 104 (described above) and ASN-105 UAVs. February 2019, indicating that the service electro-optical and IR payloads, and the The Panghyon II is essentially the same has yet to firm up its requirements. provision to carry weapons. airframe but incorporates an extended Unconfirmed reports have suggested range control system. Fielded Capabilities that the Bangladeshi Air Force (BAF) has Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Malaysian selected China’s Wing Loong II strike- Yakovlev OKB Pchela-1T: Developed company Unmanned Systems Technology capable reconnaissance UAV, with an in the early 1990s to meet a (UST), a subsidiary of Composites initial contract covering four air vehicles, tactical surveillance and electronic Technology Research (CTRM), a ground control station (GCS), and countermeasures requirement, the is contracted to provide UAV surveillance associated training and logistical support. Pchela-1T adopts a pusher-propeller covering sections of land and sea in and Delivery is expected to be made in mid- propulsion arrangement and carries a around Sabah. ScanEagle UAVs have to late-2019. TV camera with zoom lens. It is believed been leased by the MAF Joint Force that the DPRK acquired up to 10 of these Headquarters to operate from its Kudat DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC UAVs. base. OF KOREA (DPRK) Taiyuan Navigation Technologies Sky- The DPRK’s interest in UAVs can be 09P: The Sky-09P is powered by a two- Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) traced back to the 1970s, although it was blade propeller driven by a tractor engine ALUDRA Mk1: Development of the not until the late 1980s when a number mounted in the nose. It is now likely that ALUDRA Mk1 can be traced back to of ASN-104/D-4 UAVs were acquired the DPRK is locally manufacturing the a number of earlier efforts by CTRM from China. During the 1990s a small type, following the acquisition of several and SCS (SR-1 and SR-2; Nyamok) number of Russian-made DR-3 Reys were of these UAVs in the 1990s. that commenced from 2003. At least received from Syria and Pchela-1T UAVs 15 systems are believed to be operated from . MALAYSIA under lease since 2006, with UST as main By the early 2000s North Korea The (MAF) contractor. possessed not only a growing inventory presently operates leased UAVs – the of UAVs but had begun to manufacture Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle and the Thales España Fulmar: The Malaysian a UAV based on the ASN 104, known indigenously developed Alliance Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) locally as the Panghyon I. The improved Unmanned Developmental Research acquired six Fulmar UAVs for its latest Panghyon II based on the ASN-105 Aircraft (ALUDRA) Mk1 tactical UAV. New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC) followed several years later. The country is looking to expand its in 2016. The Fulmar UAV is designed to Reports also indicate that the DPRK use of UAVs – particularly by the Royal support ISR roles and can carry an 8kg is developing a long-endurance UAV, Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Royal payload. The MMEA-specific model with Republic of Korea (RoK) officials Malaysian Navy (RMN) as it seeks will carry one high-resolution video revealing that “numerous test flights” cost-effective measures to monitor camera with automatic target tracking by such prototypes have been detected developments in the South China Sea, capabilities. The MMEA’s Fulmar UAV is since early 2016. In June 2017, a crashed Straits of Malacca, and the Sulu Sea near launched via a catapult launcher, situated 1.8m-long and 2.4m-wide UAV was Sabah. just behind the ships’ SMASH 30mm discovered in the South Korean county Korean Air Aerospace Division naval gun system. The UAV is recovered of Inje, Gangwon province. South (KAL-ASD) agreed in April 2018 to using an impact-absorbing net deployed Korean officials subsequently revealed transfer technologies and expertise to on the deck space immediately behind that the UAV had taken photographs of the Malaysian company DRB-HICOM the bridge. the deployment site of the US Army›s Defence Technologies (Deftech). This Terminal High Altitude Area Defense would allow it to support local co- Under Development/Consideration/ (THAAD) system in Seongju prior to the production of the Korean Unmanned Trials crash, suggesting that the communist System (KUS)-FS MALE UAV, the KUS- Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) state has significantly improved the range FT tactical UAV, the KUS-VH vertical ALUDRA Mk2: The ALUDRA Mk2 is of its UAVs. helicopter, the KUS-VT tiltrotor, and the intended to be acquired by the MAF, KUS-HD hybrid multi-rotor UAV. although this requirement appears to Fielded Capabilities Deftech is also partnering with have lapsed with the armed forces still Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN- Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to operating the Mk1. 104/D-4: Development of the D-4 began in meet an anticipated RMAF requirement Deftech ALUDRA Camar: Deftech March 1980 and was originally intended for wide area surveillance with its and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to be a low-altitude, low-speed UAV for Anka MALE UAV, also with potential (UTM) are jointly developing a 40kg- civilian applications such as aerial survey technology transfers in advanced aero class surveillance UAV which is expected

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to be completed by 2019. The Camar is capability for their extended maritime such as the Boeing C-17 and Lockheed constructed from reinforced composites and economic exclusive zone (EEZ) Martin C-130J, which both countries operate. is 2.5m long with a 4m span. Deftech . However, no formal requirement states that the Camar will be capable of has been raised to date. Fielded Capabilities flying for up to six hours with a control In November 2018, NZDF chief Air IAI Heron 1/2: The (IAF) radius of approximately 80km Marshal Kevin Short noted in a televised is known to operate at least 20 Heron interview that the service is seeking a new MALE UAVs for long endurance ISR UAV capability by the mid-2020s. mission, with the first examples delivered The ( Lay) in 2001. Meanwhile, the is believed to be operating a squadron Fielded Capabilities signed a $218 million contract in February of Chinese-manufactured UAVs based Skycam UAV Kahu: The Kahu has 2013 for additional Heron UAVs that at Meiktila Air Base in north-central been designed as a high performance, were delivered from early 2014 to equip Myanmar. Reports of UAVs being tested aerodynamically efficient mini-UAV that its regiments situated along the by the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State is equipped with an autopilot system disputed Sino-Indian border. The army near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border designed by the New Zealand Defence earlier acquired 16 Heron UAVs in 2009. surfaced in early 2015 before the outbreak Technology Agency. It is presently The (IN) is believed to of the Kokang conflict. It is also pursuing operated by the New Zealand Army and operate at least 12 Heron UAVs, with a indigenously developed systems, with can carry a range of high performance number of these located at its Porbandar one example armed with small unguided still, motion video and forward-looking facility on the west coast to monitor the bombs showcased at its 71st anniversary infrared (FLIR) sensors, with a flight waters off Karachi. However, a Heron parade in December 2018. endurance of two hours and a range UAV crashed soon after take-off in March of 25km. 2018. Taken together, the total number Fielded Capabilities of these air vehicles in Indian military China Aerospace Science and service likely exceeds 50 units. Technology Corporation (CASC) Cai India has been involved in UAV Hong/Rainbow (CH)-3: CASC’s CH-3 development for over two decades, IAI Searcher Mk II: All three services of UAV, developed by its China Academy with research and development (R&D) the have also been of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) organisations such as the Aeronautical operators of the tactical-class Searcher subsidiary, features a cranked wing Development Establishment (ADE), II UAV since 2001. The MkII variant design a span of 8m as well as forward Limited (BEL), features extended-span wings and canards. The UAV has a maximum take- Defence Research and Development an AR 682 rotary engine that provide off weight of around 650kg. It is powered Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan improved flight endurance over the by a rear-mounted piston engine driving Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National earlier model. It is also configurable for a three-bladed pusher propeller and Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), tactical surveillance and communications can carry a payload of up to 180kg. The developing UAVs with ISR, targeting, relay and can carry multiple payloads company has stated that it can fly for up and weapon guidance capabilities for a simultaneously. to 12 hours with a control radius of 200km number of years. via line-of-sight (LOS) datalinks. Between The country has a growing UAV IAI Harop/Harpy: Although not 10-12 CH-3 UAVs are believed to have requirement for its military, paramilitary, specifically a UAV, the IAF has procured been acquired by Myanmar. border security forces, and commercial at least 10 units of the Harop loitering organisations across the platform size munition under a $100 million deal in NEW ZEALAND spectrum. Indigenous efforts have thus 2009, which were operational by 2013 The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) far resulted in a number of deployable to provide an all-in-one search, observe, has expressed its desire for aerial ISR mini- to tactical-class UAVs, although track, and attack capability against UAVs in its Future Land Operating local industry has been struggling to fleeting targets of opportunity. The IAF Concept 2035 paper, which outlines develop larger platforms in the MALE also operates a number of the Harpy anti- potential challenges for its armed forces and HALE class. attack munitions. in the next decade and beyond. However, collaboration with foreign A similar desire had also been developers such as Israel’s IAI as well as Under Development/Consideration/ highlighted by the NZDF in its latest technology research institutes – which Trials 2016 Defence White Paper, which has are also involved in R&D or part- IAI Heron TP/TP-XP: In September 2015 proposed $14 billion (NZ$20 billion) out manufacture of more advanced platforms India’s Minister of Defence approved to around 2030 to enhance the capabilities – could finally provide the necessary a US$400 million purchase of 10 Heron of its various services, although both breakthroughs in the development Turboprop (TP) MALE UAVs, with documents do not offer any specific of larger multi-role UAVs. In March deliveries within 12-18 months of contract timelines or preferred systems. 2019, US DoD acquisition head Ellen signing. However, these air vehicles have The Royal New Zealand Navy Lord revealed that the US Air Force yet to materialise – likely due to India›s (RNZN) has also indicated an interest to Research Laboratory is aiming to partner entry into the Missile Technology Control field a maritime UAV aboard its Otago- with DRDO to develop a small, air- Regime (MTCR). In February 2017, IAI class OPVs, which would greatly benefit launched UAV system that would likely announced a new export-version of the from an organic high-speed surveillance be deployed via air mobility transports Heron TP called the Heron TP-XP. This

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being the IAF’s updated Jaguar MAX IAI (Mothership for Augmented Xploitation). The company has said it aims to complete a prototype by 2022 and have a production-ready model ready by 2029.

INDONESIA has maintained a stated need for UAVs for several years in a bid to shore up defences across its huge territorial waters, which include around 17,000 islands. Attempts to procure and indigenously develop UAV platforms for the Indonesian armed forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI) have been hindered by a lack of industrial and technical capabilities as well as financial constraints. The country’s top defence officials IAI's Heron TP is under consideration by several Asian have reiterated a requirement for armed countries, with a delivery to India apparently imminent. MALE-class UAVs. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Turkish Aerospace indicated an interest in joint development – based on the Anka UAV – for the export variant has a reduced payload of Panchi, was under development but (TNI-Angkatan 450kg compared to the 1,000kg capacity of this effort also appears to have ceased Udara, TNI-AU) In January 2018 and the original model to enable members of following the cancellation of the again in August 2018. Officials have the MTCR to acquire it without violating army’s order. also outlined an interest to acquire the regime’s obligations. armed UAVs from China, with an eye on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems technology transfer that could eventually DRDO Rustom I/II: The DRDO’s Inc (GA-ASI) Predator B Guardian: Up enable PTDI to develop advanced UAV Rustom programme aims to produce an to 22 units of the Guardian, an unarmed platforms and systems. indigenously developed multirole MALE maritime variant of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV to equip all three Indian military MALE UAV system, worth $3 billion Fielded Capabilities services. The platform is expected to could be acquired for the Indian Navy Aeronautics Defense Systems Aerostar: undertake long-endurance missions, under the US Foreign Military Sales The TNI-AU operates an Israeli-made including communications relay, ISR, (FMS) programme. Capable of operating tactical UAV that features a stabilised, maritime patrol, as well as artillery fire at a maximum altitude of over 15,000m, gimbal-mounted day/night electro- direction and battle damage assessment the turboprop powered Guardian is fitted optic sensor, and a CommTact datalink. (BDA). In 2012, the agency suggested with a Raytheon SeaVue multimode It is powered by a 38hp Zanzottera that a strike capability involving the maritime radar under its belly that piston engine with a two-blade pusher integration of the Helina missile – an provides wide-area maritime ISR propeller, enabling it to reach a service air-launched variant of the anti- coverage for 27 hours. In July 2018, the US ceiling of 5,500m and an operational tank guided missile currently under government reportedly approved the sale radius of 200km with an endurance of 14 development – could be pursued at of these air vehicles to India, with local hours. This type is being operated by the some stage. Following its maiden flight media sources suggesting that the Modi service’s Aviation Squadron 51 based near in November 2016, Rustom II has been administration is planning to conclude a the city of Pontianak in West Kalimantan. renamed the Tactical Air-Borne Platform deal within 2019, should he be re-elected. for Surveillance-Beyond Horizon 201 PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI)/Agency (TAPAS BH 201) and is expected to be HAL Unmanned Wingman: The for the Assessment and Application employed primarily as an ISR platform. Unmanned Wingman programme adopts of Technology (BPPT) Wulung: The a similar configuration with the US XQ- Wulung UAV programme, which began DRDO Nishant: Work on the catapult- 58A Valkyrie and is currently envisaged in 2004, originally sought to produce an launched Nishant multirole tactical UAV as a low-observable, multirole unmanned indigenously developed UAV to perform began in the mid-1990s with its maiden combat air vehicle with a flight endurance a variety of civilian missions across flight in 2008. Four of these systems were of up to 80 minutes and powered by the the country’s extensive archipelagic acquired by the Indian Army in 2011, indigenously developed HAL PTAE 7 territory, from illegal fishing and logging although a series of crashes between 2013 turbojet engine with a cruise speed of 466 surveillance to cloud-seeding missions and 2015 prompted the service to cease knots (Mach 0.7), and a combat radius and supporting firefighting activities. The acquisition of the system. A conventional of up to 400km. The air vehicle can be TNI subsequently requested an improved take-off and landing variant with a directed by a combat aircraft at distances variant with increased endurance wheeled undercarriage, designated of up to 200km, with a possible candidate and range for potential intelligence,

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surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) can perform persistent ISR and early to acquire long-lead materials for three missions. PTDI is understood to have warning missions across it vast maritime Global Hawk Block 30s, two ground delivered up to 11 Wulung UAVs to the domain and airspace. control elements, as well as spares and TNI-AU by end of 2015. site survey. firmed up its order Fielded Capabilities in November 2018, awarding a $489.9 UMS Skeldar V-200: Indonesia became Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The March million contract to the company for the the first customer of UMS Skeldar to 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami three air vehicles. These will be equipped receive a heavy fuel variant of the Skeldar and nuclear crisis prompted the Japan with the Raytheon Enhanced Integrated V-200 VTOL UAV, with the Ministry of Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to Sensor Suite (EISS) – which comprises Defence (MoD) deploying the air vehicle improve its humanitarian assistance EO/IR, synthetic aperture radar, and for performance and acceptance tests in and disaster relief (HADR) and ISR ground moving target indicator systems late 2016 ahead of potential acquisition capabilities, awarding a contract with – and to be delivered by 1 September 2022. and pilot training. The number of Skeldar then Insitu Pacific to deliver a ScanEagle The Japanese government is also selecting V-200s delivered to Indonesia remains UAV via Mitsubishi Heavy Industries a base for the UAVs, which is anticipated undisclosed. (MHI) for operational testing. The system to be Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. was developed and tested by Insitu Under Development/Consideration/ Pacific in collaboration with MHI to meet Subaru IR-OPV: Subaru is developing Trials Japanese spectrum requirements and was three optionally piloted vehicles. Based UMS Skeldar Rajawali-330/F-330: delivered by May 2013. on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense The (TNI-Angkatan Force’s (JMSDF’s) Fuji T-5 (KM-2Kai) Darat, TNI-AD) acquired three fixed- Subaru FFOS: Development of a turboprop-driven primary trainer, wing Rajawali-330 surveillance and rotary UAV for the JGSDF for target the IR-OPV is an all-metal low-wing reconnaissance UAVs and associated acquisition, artillery fire-control, and cantilever monoplane powered by an equipment under a 2015 contract. The air BDA commenced in 1991. Known as the Allison 250-B17D turboprop with a three- vehicle – which is equipped with an EO/ Forward-Flying Observation System bladed constant speed propeller. Under IR camera, a hyper-spectral camera, and (FFOS), a prototype performed its maiden a March 2016 government contract, a mapping camera with light detection flight in December 1993 and trialled for Subaru integrated an EO/IR sensor and and ranging (LIDAR) capabilities – is a the Technical Research and Development an “advanced” flight control system derivative of the F-330 and is being co- Institute (TRDI) until 1997. The FFOS aboard one of the prototypes, with first developed under licence by Indonesian carries a daylight TV or FLIR sensor flight achieved in October 2018 before defence manufacturer PT Bhinneka Dwi mounted under the fuselage and can also delivery to the Acquisition, Technology & Persada (BDP). Training was conducted be equipped with a laser rangefinder. Logistics Agency (ATLA). Future testing from April 2016, with all three air vehicles will be performed by the agency. believed to be delivered by mid-2016. Yamaha R-MAX Mk IIG: A rotary UAV first developed as the R-50 from 1983 PT Indo Pacific Communication & for commercial agriculture and entered Pakistan has attempted to acquire Defence (IPCD) Tactical UAV: The hand- service in 1991. The more advanced Western made UAVs since the early 2000s, launched Tactical UAV was first unveiled R-MAX featuring an improved engine, but it was not until 2006 before it acquired by IPCD at the 2014 Indo Defence flight stability, and safety functions was the German-made Luna and Italian Falco exhibition in Jakarta. The air vehicle, introduced in late 1997. An evolved UAVs. Concerted efforts to develop its which typically carries a high-definition version, G-1, was introduced in October indigenous UAV production capabilities camera, is backpack transportable and 2005 and certified in January 2008. This have also borne fruit, with a number of is operated by a two-person team. It is was followed by a military variant, the domestically produced systems already believed that several of these examples MkIIG, which entered service with the in service with the . were trialled by the Komando Pasukan JGSDF and deployed for peacekeeping Khusus (KOPASSUS/Special Forces missions in Iraq in 2005. Fielded Capabilities Command) in mid-2014. Advanced Computer Engineering Under Development/Consideration/ Services (ACES) Uqab II: The Uqab JAPAN Trials II is a tactical short-range UAV system Although the Japan Self-Defense Force Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global developed from the Eagle Eye and has an (JSDF) is widely seen as one of the most Hawk: In December 2013, the Japanese operational range of 150km and a ceiling technologically advanced defence forces MoD confirmed plans to purchase three of 10,000ft. It is fitted with a pan-tilt-zoom in the Asia Pacific, it is interesting to RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE UAVs, and camera and can downlink digital video note that its present UAV capabilities announced its firm decision in January in real time. The Uqab UAVs have GPS- have been for many years comparatively 2015. This was followed by a US Defense based navigation and tracking systems modest compared to regional peers such Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) that can be pre-programmed and altered as China and . announcement in November detailing during flight. They can also operate under However, since 2014 the country the request and potential sale of three manual control and use conventional has outlined a series of initiatives to RQ-4 Block 30i (international) air vehicles take-off and landing. grow its indigenous UAV development to Japan at an estimated cost of $1.2 capabilities, with the aim of introducing billion. In October 2017, Northrop Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Pakistan new and more capable air vehicles that Grumman signed a $130 million contract has acquired an unspecified number of

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Under Development/Consideration/ Trials JR Ng Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) ZF-1 Viper: Promotional material of the ZF-1 Viper stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) concept emerged in May 2019, depicting a blended wing design with a 18m wingspan and a 16,000kg MTOW, which is expected to achieve a maximum speed of 533kts (988km/h) and a service ceiling in excess of 30,000ft, while carrying a 300 kg payload up to a range of 500km. The concept is aimed at performing deep penetration and suppression of enemy air defences, as well as reconnaissance and electronic warfare. The effort is part of Pakistan’s ‘Project Azm’ which seeks to develop next- generation military aviation capabilities.

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Chinese industry has introduced scores of unmanned systems over the past decade, mainly produced by state-owned defence primes such as the Aviation Industry China’s AVIC Wing Loong/Gongju-2. Corporation of China (AVIC) and CASC, although the number of private ScanEagle UAVs under a $15 million a 14 hour endurance, although this can be firms involved in military and dual-use FMS contract awarded in September 2015. further extended via command handover UAV development has also increased The contract, which emerged after nearly between ground control stations (GCS). significantly. Indeed, the US Department seven years since the country expressed its Deliveries of the Falco to the Pakistan Air of Defense (DoD) believes that the interest in the air vehicle, was handled via Force is believed to have been completed country could manufacture as many as the US Naval Air Systems Command and in 2008 with service entry in 2009. 41,800 UAVs worth over $10 billion by is believed to cover up to 30 systems if all 2023, with the majority of these acquired options were fully exercised. Deliveries Global Industry and Defence Solutions by the military. of the ScanEagles commenced from the (GIDS) Burraq: Claimed to be a fully The DoD also believes that the third quarter of 2016 to the . indigenous development by the state- development and acquisition of longer- owned National Engineering and range UAVs will increase the People’s CASC CH-3: At least 20 CH-3 UAV Scientific Commission (NESCOM), the Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) ability to systems are believed to have been Burraq appears to be heavily inspired by conduct long-range reconnaissance delivered to Pakistan in 2011. See earlier the Chinese-made CH-3 tactical UAV with and strike operations, with notable entry for air vehicle details. its canard and swept-wing configuration developments such as the Wing Loong and pusher-propeller propulsion (Pterodactyl) and Xianglong (Soaring EMT Luna: The fixed-wing Luna is a arrangement. The Burraq entered service Dragon). Although information about the short-range battlefield reconnaissance, with the in November capabilities of in-service systems remains surveillance, and target acquisition UAV 2013 and is equipped with two underwing shrouded in secrecy, these programmes with a flight endurance of approximately hard points, which can be used to launch represent advances in Chinese six hours and an operational radius a variety of munitions including Barq technology. of 100km. Potential payloads include laser-guided missiles. It is evident that Chinese developers a daylight CCD camera with zoom, a are rapidly moving up the value chain, thermal imager, or a miniature single Global Industry and Defence Solutions showcasing ambitious and sophisticated aperture radar. At least three systems (GIDS) Shahpar: Adopting a similar flying wing UAV designs that incorporate have been acquired for the Pakistan Army. airframe configuration with the Burraq, low-observable, large payload, and long the Shahpar is optimised for ISR missions range capabilities at the most recent Leonardo Falco: Originally developed and does not feature an offensive Airshow China exhibition in November by Selex ES/Finmeccanica, the long capability. It is presently equipped with 2018. range Falco UAV comprises a fuselage a four-stroke Rotax 912 ULS engine that module that supports a fixed tricycle provides up to seven hours with an Fielded Capabilities undercarriage, shoulder-mounted gull operating radius of 250km while carrying CASC CH-1: The short-range general- wings and a rear-mounted pusher engine. a 50kg payload, although the company is purpose CH-1 entered production for the The company states that the air vehicle planning to upgrade the air vehicle with a PLA’s artillery forces from around 2003. has an operational radius of 200km and new and more powerful engine. The tactical UAV carries a 20kg payload

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comprising a range of electro-optical Industry Group (HAIG) BZK-005: The which appears to be derived from the sensors appropriate for its intended existence of the multirole BZK-005 MALE earlier ASN-206/207 design, is believed missions, which include artillery fire UAV was first made known in 2006 in to have been acquired by the PLA direction, battlefield damage assessment, a promotional video. Equipped with a Navy (PLAN), with several examples as well as reconnaissance and surveillance satellite communications (SATCOM) reportedly sighted during a major within a radius of 100km. datalink and carrying up to 150kg of naval exercise between Hainan and the stores and equipment, the air vehicle Spratly Islands during July 2011 as a CASC CH-2: The CH-2 medium-range can stay airborne for up to 40 hours shore-based surveillance platform and general UAV is essentially a larger and and is specifically designed for long- communications relay. night operations-capable air vehicle based range reconnaissance missions. The type on the CH-1 design and was produced was confirmed in November 2018 to be Export-oriented systems from 2005. The newer platform improves operational across the PLA’s air, land, Beihang Unmanned Aircraft System on almost every aspect of its predecessor, and sea services for long-range COMINT, Technology TYW-1: The export-oriented including an increased operating radius ISR, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) TYW-1 is a strike-capable MALE UAV of 200km and an endurance of eight missions. An armed variant, designated derived from the in-service BZK-005 hours. An increased payload capacity of BZK-005C, was revealed to be under design. It reportedly features a 370kg 30kg enables the air vehicle to take on trials at the same time. payload capacity and is equipped with a greater variety of roles, such as data four underwing hard points, with a flight communications relay. Guizhou Aviation Industry Group endurance of up to 40 hours. Xianglong (Soaring Dragon): The AVIC Wing Loong-I/Gongji-1: Xianglong is believed to be the primary CASC CH-3: The CH-3 has found regional Developed by AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft HALE UAV operated by the PLAAF for success with Myanmar and Pakistan Design and Research Institute (CADI) high-end ISR missions. Often compared to acquiring a number of these systems subsidiary, the Wing Loong-1 is a MALE- the RQ-4 Global Hawk. The UAV debuted for armed reconnaissance missions. class UAV that has a wingspan of 14m and as a concept at Airshow China 2006, The company has also developed shares a close physical semblance to the with prototype reportedly performing civilian variants for applications such US-made RQ-1 Predator. The air vehicle its maiden flight in 2009. Commercial as geological survey and low-level – which is identified as the Gongji-1 (GJ- satellite imagery captured in February aerial mapping. Advanced flight control 1) in People’s Liberation Army Air Force 2018 showed at least two Xianglong UAVs technologies resulting from these efforts (PLAAF) service – has a payload capacity deployed to the Lingshui naval airbase have also benefited its military systems. of 200kg and can carry munitions, such as on Hainan Island: a strategic location for the indigenous HJ-10 anti-armour missile, military operations in the South China Sea. CASC CH-4: Inspired by the US-made CS/BBE2 50kg high-explosive bomb, and It is the third known operational location RQ-1 Predator, development of the LS-6-50 small-diameter bomb. The Wing for the Xianglong, which have been seen MALE-class CH-4 UAV commenced in Loong I is also being actively marketed operating from Shigatse airbase, which is 2009, with the first production-ready for export, and has been acquired by in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China example rolled out in 2014. Glass fibre- several countries including Egypt and near the disputed Doklam tri-junction, based composite materials are used Kazakhstan. since August 2017, as well as Yishuntun extensively to reduce the overall weight airbase in northeastern China in February of the air vehicle as well as its radar cross- AVIC Wing Loong II/Gongji-2: Unveiled 2018. section (RCS). Two variants are currently in its production-ready form at the 2016 offered: the CH-4A, which is configured Airshow China Exhibition, the Wing Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-206: principally for reconnaissance missions Loong II has an overall length of 11m and Development of the short-range tactical with a flight endurance of 30 hours; and wingspan of 20.5m. The air vehicle has a ASN-206, which reportedly incorporated the strike-oriented CH-4B, which can stated internal payload capacity of 200kg, technical assistance from Israeli firm carry a 345kg weapons payload but has with provision for up to 480kg of external Tadiran Spectralink, began in December a shorter flight endurance of 14 hours. At stores, and can operate for up to 20 hours. 1994 with serial production believed to least 30 CH-4s – valued at $700 million – It reportedly made its maiden flight on have occurred from 1996. The ASN-206 have been exported worldwide since 2014. 27 February 2017, with AVIC announcing has a payload capacity of 50kg and has that it had secured an unidentified an operational radius of 150km and flight CASC CH-5: Also unveiled in its international customer on the same day. endurance of up to eight hours. production-ready form at Airshow China The type was revealed in November 2016, the CH-5 features a lightweight all- 2018 to be in PLAAF service with the Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-207: composite airframe that measures 11.3m in-service designation of Gongji-2 and The ASN-207 was revealed in 2002 and long with a wingspan of 21m and bears is differentiated from the export variant is essentially a larger and more capable a striking resemblance to the US MQ-9 by the absence of winglets on the main version of the ASN-206, featuring a Reaper UAV. The company claims it can wings. It has also found export success, 100kg stores carrying ability, a 600km carry a maximum payload of 1,200kg. The with international customers including operational radius, and a 16 hour air vehicle has a stated flight endurance Saudi Arabia and the UAE. endurance. of over 40 hours, although a heavy fuel variant with an extended endurance Beijing University of Aeronautics and Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-209: of 60 hours is under development. The Astronautics (BUAA)/ Harbin Aircraft The ASN-209 multirole tactical UAV, company has specified an operating

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will have a service ceiling of over 40,000ft. It will also be be equipped with a secure

JR Ng satellite communications datalink for long-range operation.

Tengden Technology TB001 ‘Twin Tailed Scorpion’: A new starter in China’s UAV industry, Tengden took the opportunity at the 14th China- Association of Southeast Asian Nations Exposition in in Nanning in September 2017 to unveil its twin-engine, twin-boom TB001 armed reconnaissance UAV. The TB001 has a stated maximum range of 6,000km and an endurance of 35 hours, and is equipped with two hard points under each wing. State media reported that the prototype air vehicle performed its maiden flight just days after its public unveiling in Nanning.

Zhong Tian Guide Control Technology Company (ZT Guide) Feilong-1 (FL-1): The FL-1 adopts a similar configuration China’s CASC CH-7. to that of the CH-5, with a MTOW of 3,200kg with a payload capacity of 1,400kg inclusive of fuel. Two hard points radius of 250km via line-of-sight control, AVIC’s China Helicopter Research and can be mounted under each wing, with although this can be extended to 2,000km Development Institute (CHRDI), the each carrying up to 250kg of stores. The when a SATCOM datalink is fitted. AV500W is a modified version of the type performed its maiden flight in civilian model AV500 VTOL UAV with January 2019 following 18 months of China Aerospace Science and Industry a more robust structure and improved R&D work by ZT Guide’s Zhong Tian Fei Corporation (CASIC) WJ-600: The WJ- performance. The AV500W is stated to Long subsidiary. 600 is a high-speed, armed reconnaissance have a payload capacity of 160kg. This UAV that adopts a form factor that is typically comprises a chin-mounted, comparable to that of a and stabilised electro-optical infrared sensor Despite engaged in decades of is available with a turbojet (WJ-600) or turret as well as internally carried (COIN) operations, turbofan (WJ-600A) engine. It is believed payloads such as a synthetic aperture the modernisation of the Armed Forces of to have been acquired by the PLAAF, radar (SAR) or communications relay the Philippines (AFP) has been hampered although it has yet to be seen in operation systems. Weapons can also be carried on by a lack of funding and ineffective despite multiple public appearances at its stub wings. policy. The Department of National defence exhibitions around the world. Defense (DND) has in recent years made However, the existence of operational CASC CH-4C: CASC is developing an significant efforts to boost AFP capability WJ-600s was proven when at least improved variant of its widely exported and transform it from a COIN-oriented two examples were displayed during CH-4 MALE UAV with an updated force into one that can undertake the Turkmenistan’s Independence Day electronic architecture that will enable it full spectrum of military operations, parade in October 2016. to carry more powerful mission payloads. which has seen its services benefit from Designated the CH-4C, it has been seen a number of new acquisitions. The AFP Under Development/Consideration/ carrying what appears to be an electronic initially adapted hobby drones for tactical Trials warfare (EW) or signals intelligence ISR support, but has recently taken AVIC Wing Loong I-D: State media (SIGINT) pod during flight trials in early delivery of US-made military systems. reported in January 2018 that AVIC is 2018. developing the Wing Loong I-D, an Fielded Capabilities improved version of its Wing Loong I CASC CH-7: The CH-7 is a turbofan- AeroVironment RQ-11B Raven: The UAV. It will feature a wider wingspan of powered high-altitude UCAV with a has taken delivery of 17.6 m and be able to carry up to 400kg MTOW of 13,000kg, which will be capable the RQ-11B Raven system comprising of external stores. The type completed of carrying a range of payloads including three UAVs as part of a - its maiden flight in December 2018, active and passive sensors and electronic supported counterterrorism support signalling the end of its development and warfare systems, as well as precision air- programme. According to a US embassy marking it ready for production. to-ground/surface missiles and guided announcement in February 2017, the bombs. The air vehicle can achieve a high army will also receive operations and AVIC AV500W: Under development by subsonic speed of 500kts (926km/h) and maintenance training.

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Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The Philippines important element of the so-called ‹Kill hand-launched and recovered with an was revealed to have acquired the Chain› integrated surveillance and strike air-bag cushion system. The electrically ScanEagle UAV in a US Navy Naval system for detecting and neutralising powered air vehicle has an range and Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) hostile missile launches from the DPRK. endurance of 10km and 60 minutes, solicitation published in June 2017. In Beyond serving the needs of its and is equipped with a nose-mounted, September 2017, the US Department of armed forces, the country aspires to be stabilised electro-optical infrared payload State announced that the Philippines is one of the leading manufacturers and with pan and tilt scanning. to receive a ScanEagle system comprising exporters of world-class UAV systems, six UAVs by 2019. This was handed with key government agencies and IAI Heron 1: IAI announced in December over to the during industry primes such as the Agency for 2014 that the South Korean Defense a ceremony held at Villamor Air Base in Defense Development (ADD), Korea Acquisition Program Administration Pasay City in March 2018. The system Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), (DAPA) selected its Heron 1 MALE UAV is operated by 300 Air Intelligence and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and for the RoK armed forces’ corps-level UAV Security Wing (AISW) out of Antonio Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL- requirement. An unspecified number Bautista Air Base in Palawan. ASD) spearheading efforts to advance its of these air vehicles are understood to UAV technology base. be operated by the RoKA. At least one Philippine Army Research and of these air vehicles have been reported Development Center (PARDC) Raptor: Fielded Capabilities performing reconnaissance missions over Publicly unveiled at an AFP open house KAL-ASD Korean Unmanned System- the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). event in Camp Aguinaldo in December FT (KUS-FT) /RQ-102: KAL-ASD, a unit 2013, the Raptor is a fixed wing drone of the South Korean national airline Under Development/Consideration/ based on the airframe of a commercially specialising in military systems, secured Trials available remote-controlled aircraft. It a contract from the Defense Acquisition KAI Next Corps Reconnaissance has an endurance of around three hours Program Administration (DAPA) in UAV II, Tactical UAV, and unmanned and carries a video camera that provides 2016 to manufacture the KUS-FT tactical combat air vehicle (UCAV): KAI is real-time imagery and video out to an UAV system for the RoKA. The company developing a range of next-generation operating radius of 3km. The Raptor was will deliver 16 complete systems – each UAV platforms positioned to meet the first deployed during the Zamboanga comprising four UAVs – by the end of future requirements of the RoK armed City crisis in September 2013. 2020. The RQ-101is designed for short forces. Detailed information on these take-off and landing operations, and can developments have yet to be released. Philippine Army Research and stay aloft for 24 hours. It is equipped with Development Center (PARDC) Knight automatic target tracking capability with KAI Night Intruder 600 VT: KAI Falcon: Similar to the Raptor, the Knight an effective range of up to 10 km. has launched an internally funded Falcon is a fixed wing UAV that was programme to develop a VTOL UAV to adapted from a commercial airframe, Daewoo/KAI RQ-101 ‘Night Intruder meet a possible RoKA requirement, with although it is larger and features a longer 300’: The RQ-101 is the RoKA’s first flight trials expected to commence in 2019. range of around 7 km. tactical-class UAV platform, which adopts The prototype air vehicle has an overall a fixed-wing configuration and offers a length of 9m with a planned MTOW REPUBLIC OF KOREA 120km operating radius with line-of-sight of 600-750 kg. KAI has incorporated The Republic of Korea (RoK) is one control or up to 360km with ground relay patented anti-spoofing GPS systems to of a handful of Asia Pacific countries stations. It has a payload capacity of 45kg improve its ability to operate in contested that possess advanced aerospace which is dedicated to high-definition day EM environments. industries and are pursuing wide and infrared sensors as well as a SAR ranging unmanned aircraft system device. Deliveries are understood to have KAL-ASD KUS-FC: Very little is known development programmes. At present, been completed by the end of 2004. about the stealth-optimised, turbojet- the RoK’s military forces rely on a mix powered KUS-FC UCAV. The company of indigenously developed systems – Skylark II: Elbit’s has stated a wingspan of approximately with the majority of these operating Skylark II is a larger and more capable 16 m and a flight endurance of 6 hours at at the tactical level and below – from version of the hand-launched Skylark I the ADEX 2017 exhibition in Seoul, but established international manufacturers with an endurance of six hours and an has withheld further information. at the MALE-class and above, such as operational radius of approximately 59 IAI’s Heron I and Northrop Grumman km. The system typically comprises up to KAL-ASD KUS-FS: Previously known RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk. two air vehicles, associated payloads, and as the Medium-Altitude UAV, the KUS- Present domestic development efforts a truck-mounted rail launcher and GCS. FS MALE UAV is being developed for largely centre on MALE-class platforms the RoKAF and is in the same class as the for the Republic of Korea Air Force Foosung Group/UCON Systems US MQ-9 Reaper UAV. The multirole air (RoKAF) and Republic of Korea Army Remoeye: The RoKA signed a contract vehicle is expected to perform missions (RoKA), the introduction of an unmanned with Foosung Group for its RemoEye such as communications relay, electronic combat air vehicle (UCAV) capability, as 002B mini-UAV in 2013, with deliveries warfare (EW), ISR, as well as signals well as vertical take-off and landing of 120 systems – each comprising four intelligence (SIGINT). Images showing (VTOL), and tiltrotor platforms. air vehicles – commencing in the third a prototype in flight reveal that it is also UAVs are also expected to be an quarter of 2015. The RemoEye 002B is equipped with two hard points under

22 | Asian Military Review | Regional U A V D I R E C T O R Y JR Ng

China’s prototype NCSIST Teng Yun. each wing, indicating a potential strike will equip an RoKAF ISR unit. Delivery a $120 million contract inked in 2010. The capability. Development of the air vehicle of the first two air vehicles was originally package included eight complete control expected to be completed by end of scheduled in late 2018, although this has suites, each comprising a command 2018, which will then be transferred to since slipped to 2019 to improve its anti- post, GCS, launch and recovery system, the RoKAF for operational testing and hacking system and cyber security. remote video terminal, and other support evaluation. equipment. Three of these air vehicles REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) reportedly malfunctioned and were lost KAL-ASD KUS-VH: KAL-ASD is The Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) during routine operations and training developing a rotary-wing unmanned has been reluctant to adopt unmanned in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Further work platform based on the MD-500 light technologies, with no UAVs known to be is underway to improve reliability and . Flight endurance currently in service. The country’s largest performance. is extended to four hours with the and most capable UAV, the tactical-class installation of a large fuel tank in place Chung Shyang II, is operated by the Under Development/Consideration/ of the rear passenger seats. If successfully Republic of China Army (RoCA). Trials developed, the KUS-VH could potentially The country’s UAV development NCSIST Teng Yun: The prototype of a support manned/unmanned-teaming efforts are being spearheaded by the new MALE-class UAV was revealed at operations with the RoKA’s AH-64E National Chung-Shan Institute of Science the 2015 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Apache Guardians, which already feature and Technology (NCSIST). Technology Exhibition (TADTE), which the ability to command UAVs. appears to be modelled after the US Fielded Capabilities RQ-1 Predator platform with proposed KAL-ASD KUS-VT: An unmanned NCSIST Cardinal II: The Cardinal II mission sets including communications tiltrotor aircraft developed jointly with is a small hand-launched UAV that is relay, persistent ISR operations, as well the Korea Aerospace Research Institute understood to be in RoCA and Republic as coastal patrol and civilian research (KARI) and based on the TR-60 system. of China Navy (RoCN) service. The air missions. In December 2017, President The KUS-VT can carry a 30 kg payload vehicle is powered by an electric motor Tsai Ing-Wen announced that the air and has an operational radius of 200 and can stay aloft for up to 60 minutes, vehicle, now designated Teng Yun (Cloud km with an endurance of 6 hours. It is and is recovered via parachute-assisted Rider), would enter production. However, expected to perform autonomous VTOL landing. An electro-optic camera enables the programme was subsequently delayed and shipboard operations. it to capture ISR imagery. to 2020 to incorporate further updates on RoCAF’s behest, including additional Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global NCSIST Chung Shyang II: Also known external stores carrying capacity. Hawk: The RoK has acquired four RQ-4 as the Albatross, the Chung Shyang Block 30i Global Hawks along with two II is a reconnaissance platform that is GCS systems and two spare engines presently in RoCA service. Around 32 Singapore has been described by some under a $657 million FMS contract, which UAVs were acquired for the army under observers as an ‘enthusiastic user’ of

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of one hour and operating radius of up to 8km. It is equipped with an automatic

Boeing ‘return-home’ function and can be programmed to autonomously fly user- defined flight paths via waypoint-setting and also features three pre-determined loiter patterns.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace Skyblade III: At least six units have been equipped with the Skyblade III mini-UAV since 2010. The Skyblade III is a 5kg, man-portable UAV can be transported in two backpacks weighing 20kg each. It can be readied for flight within 20 minutes and launched by hand, flying for up to one hour out to a range of 8km. Boeing-Insitu’s ScanEagle is popular in the region and is in service with military forces Under Development/Consideration/ in Australia, Malaysia, Japna, Pakistan and Trials Singapore among others. DSO National Laboratories V15: The V15 is Singapore’s first locally developed fixed-wing surveillance UAV with a VTOL capability. Unveiled in November UAVs. The country first began unmanned were first delivered in 2007. The RSAF’s 2017, the V15 is equipped with a day/ aircraft operations with the army- Hermes 450 UAVs are operated by 116 night camera and is designed specifically operated Tadiran Mastiff tactical UAV in Squadron, which is based at the western for use in urban environments where 1979, but has since acquired newer and Tengah Air Base. The air vehicle carries conventional UAV take-off and recovery more capable platforms that are now a 150kg payload, although the service is a challenge. The V15 has a 3 hour operated by the Republic of Singapore opted for a belly-mounted turret with endurance and has also demonstrated an Air Force’s UAV Command, which was high-definition colour daylight TV and ability to take-off and land on a moving inaugurated in 2007 and now oversees all IR cameras, as well as a laser designator. unmanned ground vehicle. major military UAV operation. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen revealed With a perennial shortfall in that the type will be phased out “over the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter: The RSN has manpower, the Singapore Armed next few years” and replaced with a new reportedly conducted shipborne trials for Forces (SAF) see technology as a critical platform. the rotary-wing S-100 Camcopter aboard force multiplier with the ongoing one of its latest Independence-class modernisation effort focusing deeply on IAI Heron 1: The RSAF’s primary long- Littoral Mission Vessels. It is understood the integration of command and control, range UAV is the MALE-class Heron 1 that the service is yet to commit to a buy, ISR, and precision strike. In that regard, UAV, which was introduced in May 2012 and is also exploring other similar UAVs UAVs are seen as a key enabler for the and replaces the ageing IAI Searcher before it selects the appropriate platform. SAF’s transformational initiatives. tactical UAV. The service’s Heron 1 Singapore Technologies Kinetics UAVs were declared fully operational Stinger: The Stinger Unmanned Aerial Fielded Capabilities in March 2017, and are operated by the Multi-Rotor Gunship is envisioned to Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The Republic 119 and 138 Squadrons. It has opted for be a semi-autonomous, company-level of Singapore Navy (RSN) operates the a MAN 4x4 truck-based mobile GCS reconnaissance and fire-support platform. ScanEagle UAV as part of the upgrade configuration for general UAV and Although still in early development, the and life extension of its six Victory- mission payload operation, with two company is aiming for an endurance class missile , providing these modular workstations that handle critical of over 30 minutes when carrying high- vessels with an organic airborne ISR mission planning, control, command, and definition daylight and thermal imaging capability. The air vehicle is launched via processing functions. It was also revealed cameras, a fire-control system (FCS), and a pneumatic launch catapult installed on in March 2019 that the Heron 1 will be a 5.56mm calibre Ultimax 100 Mk8 light the aft deck. A Skyhook recovery system replaced by another system. machine gun. is fitted just astern of the superstructure to snare the returning vehicle in mid-air. Singapore Technologies Aerospace Skyblade II: The Skyblade II is described Since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War, Elbit Systems Hermes 450: The Republic as a short-range mini-UAV. The 5kg air the country’s armed forces have been of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has vehicle is hand-launched and parachute- tasked with an increasing spectrum of operationalised a number of Hermes recovered and is powered by a hybrid missions, including air defence, strike, 450 tactical UAVs in March 2015, which propulsion system and has an endurance and cyber warfare, but is primarily geared

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towards providing tactical air support AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven: The Royal Top Engineering Group Falcon V: The during COIN and naval interdiction Thai Army is believed to have acquired Falcon V is a fixed-wing surveillance operations. To this end, the Sri Lankan Air around 12 of these hand-launched mini- UAV with a VTOL capability that is being Force (SLAF) maintains a range of UAVs UAVs in 2010 for tactical ISR missions. developed under a DTI contract. It can that have supported the ground forces for carry a 5kg payload. more than a decade. Elbit Systems Hermes 450: The (RTA) revealed in June Fielded Capabilities 2018 that it had taken delivery of four There has been an observable emphasis IAI Searcher: Operated by SLAF’s 111 Hermes 450 UAVs, which are operated on UAV development in line with a UAV Squadron, the long-endurance by the 21st Aviation Battalion at the Army requirement to boost the ISR capabilities Searcher UAV is believed to have Aviation Centre at Lopburi. These are of the Vietnamese armed forces. The conducted 265 sorties in support of being employed for missions including country is understood to have begun ground troops during the civil war with ISR, mapping, and target designation. It developing UAV technologies such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from is understood that a deal worth around flight control and navigation systems, 1983 to 2009. $30 million was finalised in 2017, and operating software and airframe design, included a GCS and remote video since 2011. Moreover, programmes led EMIT Aviation Consult Ltd Blue terminals. by the state-owned Vietnam Aerospace Horizon II: An unspecified number of the Association (VASA) has ostensibly long-endurance Blue Horizon II tactical IAI Searcher: The RTA’s 21st Aviation resulted in cooperation with Russia’s UAVs – which have a flight endurance Battalion also operates four Searcher Mk Irkut and Sweden’s Unmanned Systems of 24 hours and an operational radius of II UAVs that were acquired in the late Group (UMS) to develop and produce up to 150km via a datalink – have been 1990s for around $12 million. tactical UAVs based on the Irkut-200 acquired after a 2009 request from the Sri and UMS Magic Eye 1 UAVs, although Lanka government. These are believed RTAF Research and Development it appears that the momentum has since to be operated by the SLAF’s 112 UAV Centre for Space and Aeronautical stalled with little known progress on Squadron. Science and Technology Tigershark development. II: Designed around 2015, the medium- range Tigershark II tactical UAV is stated Fielded Capabilities Thailand’s requirement for improved to have an operating range of up to 150km Viettel Group Patrol VT: The military- intelligence gathering has increased while carrying a 30kg payload. Ministry owned telecommunications firm Viettel in recent years, with a concomitant of Defence reportedly awarded a US$18 Group publicly showcased its indigenous growth in indigenous UAV research and million contract in 2016 to procure parts Patrol VT tactical UAV in 2014. The development capability. Earlier efforts to for up to 17 Tigershark II UAVs. Local air vehicle, which is developed by the manufacture locally made systems have firm AVIA Satcom reportedly responsible company’s Flight Instrument Centre, largely revolved around highly affordable for systems integration and testing, while is stated to be capable of operating but technically rudimentary products G-Force Composites is constructing the out to 50km and carries an optical from private- and military-owned firms airframe. infrared camera that provides real-time with foreign assistance from countries transmission of high-definition imagery. such as Israel. Under Development/Consideration/ However, increasingly sophisticated Trials Under Development/Consideration/ and capable UAVs are beginning to emerge R V Connex Sky Scout: A smaller Trials in recent years, following a Ministry of tactical UAV with a similar airframe Academy of Science and Industry/ Defence initiative that was introduced configuration is also being developed by Ministry of Public Security HS-6L: in 2009 to was reduce dependency on local firm R V Connex for DTI. The Sky Vietnamese media have reported the foreign UAV technologies and imports. Scout tactical UAV has a 10 m wingspan existence of the HALE-class HS-6L, Today, the ministry’s Defence Technology is capable of carrying a 10kg payload which has a twin-boom airframe and a Institute (DTI) is spearheading efforts with a flight endurance of up to six hours. wingspan of 22m. Stated performance to grow its indigenous UAV production It is said to have accumulated over 200 include a range of up to 4,000km and a 35 capabilities and spur innovation within hours in flight testing. hour flight endurance. The air vehicle is the local defence industry. thought to be destined for military patrols (RTN) Naval Research over the South China Sea, where Vietnam Fielded Capabilities and Development Office Tarem: maintains several claims. A prototype Aeronautics Defense Systems Aerostar: Unveiled at the 2017 Thailand Defence was reportedly completed by November The (RTAF) & Security Exhibition in , the 2015 with flight testing occurring during fielded its first UAV, the tactical-class multi-rotor Tarem tactical UAV is being the second quarter of 2016. Aerostar as part of the military’s wider developed by the Thai Naval Research and effort to introduce surveillance and Development Office for communication Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: It was revealed reconnaissance UAVs into service to and surveillance missions. It is also in March 2019 that Boeing is close to support its fighting forces. Local media equipped with a stabilised mount that can sealing a deal to sell the ScanEagle to the reported that a new unit, 404 Squadron, accommodate a 9mm calibre automatic Vietnam (CSBV) under a was created at Takhli to operate the pistol. government to government sale. AMR

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