Volume 25/issue 7 november 2017 US$15

Asia Pacific’s Largest Circulated Defence MagaZine

TRAINER AIRCRAFT AMPHIBIOUS AND LOGISTICAL VESSELS HELICOPTER UPGRADES STRATEGIC ANALYSIS THAILAND’S ARMED FORCES SATCOM ON-THE-MOVE SOLDIER MODERNISATION

www.asianmilitaryreview.com 02 | Asian Military Review | Contents NOVEMBER 2017 VOLUME 25 / ISSUE 7

The military government in Thailand is running a robust equipment procurement programme, from tanks to 06 submarines, but is it coordinated?

Front Cover Photo: The Thai Air Force has several fast-jet types including Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs, Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs and Saab THAILAND’S Gripen JAS 39C/Ds (pictured here). SPENDING SPREE 16 30 38

50 AMPHIBIOUS SATCOM ON SUSTAINED KEEPING THEM FACE-OFF, THE MOVE REACH FLYING AND STEP BACK Andrew White looks into Dr Lee Willett examines EFFECTIVE Beth Stevenson analyses evidence of SATCOMs disruption, the strategic signifi cance of Andrew Drwiega takes a look the latest stand-off between and what alternatives such as amphibious and logistical at a selection of recent China and India over Bhutan’s MANET might offer. platforms. rotorcraft upgrades. Doklam Plateau. 24 34 44

MITTENS OR COMBAT SYSTEMS MASTERS, BLUE FOR FUTURE MAGPIES OR SOLDIERS GOLDEN EAGLES? Andrew White profi les how soldier David Oliver takes a look at system development is set to the regional preferences when change not only the look but also it comes to selecting a fl ight Catch up on all the latest defence radio frequency news and the individual performance of training aircraft. analysis in Andrew Drwiega’s regular Pulse column. troops on the battlefi eld.

| NOVEMBER 2017 | 03 Index of Advertisers ADAS 45 AIRBUS 9 Editorial ALMAZ ANTEY COVER 3 ASELSAN 29 BELL HELICOPTER 11 BOEING V22 COVER 4 A QUESTION DB CONTROL 23 DIMDEX 43 EUROSATORY 49 OF LEADERSHIP IDEAS 37, 41 IMI 5 INDO DEFENCE 47 im Jong-un, the supreme leader of the JEHAN MOREL 33 MAN DIESEL TURBO 7 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea NEXTER 15 (DPRK), has revealed a worrying weakness in NORTHROP GRUMMAN COVER 2 the established understanding of global state-on-state deterrence. He has shown that ROSOBORONEXPORT 27 SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 51 Kthe leaders of the world’s great economic and military powers have all failed to defl ect him to any SOFEX 53 degree away from his stated aim - becoming a nuclear power armed with intercontinental ballistic SUBSCRIPTION 39 missiles (ICBMs). TAI 21 TELEPHONICS 35 President Trump’s fondness for rhetoric and tweeting has achieved nothing but to embolden Mr. TEXTRON 19 TYRON RUNFLAT 31 Kim to push rapidly ahead with his missile testing programme, to fi re missiles over Japan and on 3 UAC 17 September to conduct the biggest underground nuclear test to date. UTC AERO (ISR) 13 Mr. Trump, who was so critical of ex-President Obama’s statement that the use of chemical weapons Advertising Offi ces by Syria was a “red line” for the United States, followed by no immediate military action, has himself France/Spain been guilty of hollow threats. His tweet that Mr. Kim and his foreign minister, Ri Yong-ho “won’t be Stephane de Remusat, REM International Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 around much longer,” and statements that the US was “locked and loaded’ and that North Korea would E-Mail: [email protected] be met with “fi re and fury” were not only dangerous, but hugely infl ammatory to a regime that is Germany hallmarked by paranoia, unpredictability and a legendary lack of care for its own people. Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 E-Mail: [email protected] Now, Mr. Trump is threatening to ‘decertify’ the current agreement with Iran brokered by ex- India President Obama’s administration to restrict that country’s nuclear ambitions. Should that happen, Madhavi Gargesh will it send a message to Mr. Kim that a deal with the US can no longer be relied upon either? Tel: +91 9898 000266 Email: [email protected] The leader of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, has equally been shown to have less Turkey / Eastern Europe / UK Zena Coupé infl uence on Mr. Kim than that country would have the world believe. China wants to keep this Tel: +44 1923 852537, [email protected] buffer state intact as it fears the future prospect of a unifi ed Korea, friendly to the US, on its border. Nordic Countries/Italy/ Switzerland Will Mr. Xi use the 19th National Congress during October (as this issue goes to press) to initiate a Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg Tel: (46) 31 799 9028 new strategy towards its crisis centric ally? E-Mail: [email protected] Russia Russian president Vladimir Putin seems content to see both of his strategic advisories continue to Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 show their impotence at fi nding a workable solution. Putin’s stance that sanctions do not work and Email :[email protected] that dialogue will lead to a de-escalation ignores the fact that there is no evidence that such a tactic USA (East/South East)/Canada (East) has worked in the past, or would work in the future. Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC. Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email: [email protected] On 7 October, Mr. Trump tweeted that “Presidents and their administrations have been talking to USA (West/South West)/Brazil/Canada (West) North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid…Hasn’t worked, Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557 Email: [email protected] thing will work!” All Other Countries Jakhongir Djalmetov, Media Transasia Limited Strategic brinkmanship is never good. With existing US policy now being challenged by an Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654 unpredictable president, can China and Russia afford to let a ‘hot’ crisis drift unpredictably towards Email: [email protected] Roman Durksen, Media Transasia Limited a barely imaginable confl ict? If that does happen, there will be no winners. Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 9 8252 6243 E-Mail: [email protected] Andrew Drwiega, Editor

Editor: Andrew Drwiega Tel: +44 1494 765245, E-mail: [email protected] Publishing Offi ce: Chairman: J.S. Uberoi Audit Bureau Of Circulations Media Transasia Limited,1603, 16/F, Island Place Tower, 510 King’s Road, Hong Kong Controlled circulation: 21,271 (average per issue) certifi ed by ABC Hong Kong, Operations Offi ce: for the period 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015. President: Egasith Chotpakditrakul Subscription Information Gaurav Kumar Chief Financial Offi cer: ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW can be obtained

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04 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | Photo: Courtesy IDF See us at DEFENSE & SECURITY BANGKOK 2017 Israel Pavilion, Booth F-25 Regional Militaries

THAILAND’S SPENDING SPREE

With the Thai government being controlled he 22 May 2014 coup by the by the National Council for Peace and Order Royal Thai Armed Forces, led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, (NCPO), in other words the military, spending Commander of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), not only gave the on a range of hardware across all services Tmilitary authority over the whole country, has increased, a trend that looks set to it also gave them full contol over their own budget. continue. Since 2016, the new military government has placed additional focus on the procurement of armoured vehicles, by Andrew Drwiega and Dr Lee Willet helicopters and frigates to counter southern insurgency and strengthen its current military units.

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The modernisation of a Royal Thai Navy Cadillac Gage V-150 by Panus Assembly may lead to the company receiving a contract to transform the entire fleet of 24 vehicles to the new HMV-150 standard.

On 27 February this year, Thailand’s Financially, the Modernisation Plan sets piercing fin-stabilised discarding-sabot Ministry of Defence launched its 10- out to increase existing defence spending (APFSDS), high explosive anti tank year military development programme which is around 1.4 percent of Gross (HEAT) and gun mount (GM) rounds. entitled Modernisation Plan: Vision Domestic Product (GDP) to 2 percent of The Thai Army requirement is for at least 2026. It lays down three objectives: GDP by 2020. In 2018, the defence budget 49 Oplot-T MBTs. improve preparedness; enhance military is predicted to be close to 1.5 percent of As deliveries have been slow due to capabilities; and finally modernise its GDP which is in the region of $6 billion. Ukraine’s ongoing battle with the Russian structure. The US Department of Commerce’s backed insurgency in Donbass region of However, defence commentators export.gov website reveals that “an eastern Ukraine, this perhaps explains have highlighted the observation that estimated 48 percent of the defense why the Thai Army has now turned there appears to be an unclear strategy budget is assigned to the Royal Thai to China for a quicker procurement of in terms of coordinating equipment Army, another 19 percent is given to the additional Chinese made VT-4 tanks types and linking acquisition to strategic Royal Thai Navy and 18 percent is for the (previously MBT3000) built by China requirement. One aspect that is clear, Royal Thai Air Force.” North Industries Corporation (Norinco). is the continuation of the campagin to Like the Oplot-T, the VT-4 has a defeating the ongoing insurgency in the The Royal Thai Army 125mm smoothbore cannon which can south of the country near the border with It was reported by the Interfax-Ukraine also fire high explosive squash head Malaysia. agency that the Royal Thai Army has (HESH) rounds as well as APFSDS, HEAT Thailand has endured a long- already accepted at least five batches and HE rounds. General Chalermchai burning insurgency in the south, largely of Oplot-T modernised main battle Sitthisart, Commander-in-Chief, Royal personified by Pattani separatists, since tanks (MBT) supplied by the Morozov Thai Army, revealed on 11 October that the last century, but this became more Design Bureau and built at the Ukranian around 28 or the expected total order of active and violent after the millenium. Malyshev Plant in Kharkiv. A derivative 38 VT-4s would be delivered by the end Although largely contained in three of the Soviet era T-80 tank, a standard of the year. The order was stated to be provinces (Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat) weapons configuration would include a $148 million (Bt4.9 billion). bordering Malaysia, incidents have KBA-3 125mm smoothbore gun, a KT-7.62 At the same briefing with media, also occured outside of this area around (PKT) coaxial machine gun and a KT-12.7 General Chalermchai also said that Thailand. More recently in May three anti-aircraft machine gun. Ammuntion Thailand would buy 34 VN-1 armoured pipe bombings occured in serveral areas types avialalbe include high explosive cars from China with an order value of of Bangkok, including a military hospital. fragmentation (HE-FRAG), armour- $68 million (Bt 2.3 billion). He said that

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Bell Helicopter would like the Royal Thai Army to keep using its Cobra attack helicopters through the acquisition of the latest AH-1Z Viper.

Thailand’s buying decisions were not a the RTN will be sufficiently impressed 10 helicopters in a VIP role. Other matter of alliances, but that the tanks and by the improvement made that it will modernised helicopters being considered vehicles represented a more cost-effective want the other 24 V-150s to be similarly also include the Sikorsky UH-60M to go option for the country. modified. with its existing fleet of UH-60L/Ms. Indigenous industry is also being The Thai Army is also looking to involved in the modernisation process. upgrade its attack and utility helicopter The Royal Thai Navy Panus Assembly, an mainly automotive fleets. While no decision has been With naval power emerging as a major company based in Panusnikom province announced regarding the attack lever in the international strategic balance has rebuilt and modernised a Cadillac helicopters, Bell Helicopter has been in the Asia-Pacific region, a number of Gage V-150 4x4 light armoured vehicle particularly keen to offer its AH-1Z smaller regional navies are finding their (LAV) for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). Cobra which is currently replacing its position in this balance pulled in different This vehicle was originally designed as predecessor, the AH-1W, in the United ways. Such pulls principally are between an amphibious armoured car. The 16 ton States Marine Corps (USMC). The RTA the United States and China, although vehicle, previously damaged during an also operates a small number of AH-1F other actors such as Russia and the major insurgent operation, has had numerous Huey Cobras. However other challengers European powers have some leverage. improvements added to it. These include are said to include a broad range which Thailand is one of the ten Association thicker armour on the underside which covers all bases politically and includes of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been increased to 16mm, and 12mm the Leonardos AW129 Mangusta, Russian member states. The ASEAN countries, armour on the sides and upper surfaces. Helicopters Mil Mi-28, China’s CAIC as an holistic entity and as individual There is also a new 8.9 litre Cummins ISL Z-10, and the Boeing AH-64F Apache. members, find striking this strategic Euro 3 350 hp engine giving a top speed The utility fleet is wide and varied. balance between China and the United of around 110 km/h. The automatic Having relied on Bell UH-60s and States particularly challenging. As China transmission has been upgraded to an Bell 212/412s for many years, there becomes a major global strategic and Allison 4500 with six gears. nevertheless seems to be opportunity naval power with particular interest in The vehicle has been redesignated as here for other types such as Leonardos southeast Asian waters such as the South an HMV-150, and the company hopes that AW139, of which the Army now operates China Sea, so the United States looks to

10 | Asian Military Review | Untitled-1 1 BELLHELICOPTER.COM

© 2017 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. proven. andlife alow acquisition while price cycle All costs. offering in austere andcombat environments, andcapable theAH-1Zis highlyReady survivable while link reducing pilot data anddigital capability system workload. targeting helicopter in world. Afully the integrated an provides unequaled flightdeck AH-1Z Bell The multi-mission attack flexible, effective most is the most PROTECT AND DEFEND AND PROTECT 9/27/17 10:20 AM Regional Militaries US Navy

US and Royal Thai navy platforms transit the Andaman Sea during Exercise ‘Sea Guardian’ in 2017. Royal Thai Navy assets pictured are the Type 25T frigate HTMS Naresuan and the Khamronsin-class patrol ship HTMS Longlom. In recent years, the ‘Sea Guardian’ exercise has focused on anti-submarine warfare serials.

work ever more closely with regional companies would pitch in to the bid desire to play a role in security matters navies to counter-balance Beijing’s process. Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine in the South China Sea and round growing strength and influence. Systems (TKMS) and France’s Naval towards the Malacca Strait. The other The construct of the RTN reflects Group, both have had recent success in navies indigenous to this part of the this balancing act, with platforms and selling submarines in the region. South world – Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, equipment procured from both East Korean ship and submarine builder and Singapore, alongside China – are all and West. However, the RTN’s planned DSME could also have been a contender, building robust submarine capabilities. purchase of three Chinese Type 041/S26T and is already delivering a future frigate The RTN’s three new boats certainly will Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines for the RTN. Thailand’s selection of a not be alone in the region. (SSKs) arguably points to the emerging Chinese submarine, however, could be Thailand also has direct interests direction of Thailand’s strategic focus. seen as a tipping point in Bangkok’s in the Indian Ocean. Here, submarine strategic focus, in the direction of Beijing. activity is growing, too. Almost all of the Submarine capability Thailand’s decision to invest in a world’s major navies – France, India, the According to media reports, in April 2017 submarine capability reflects another United Kingdom, the United States, and the Thai government formally approved key regional issue, that of the growth in now China (but not, at this stage, Russia) the purchase of the first Yuan-class boat. strategic, operational, and procurement – are operating boats in the region. In July 2016, Thailand had revealed its focus on undersea warfare. Many navies The RTN’s presence in the Indian commitment to the programme for the are seeking to boost capability in this area. Ocean demonstrates Thailand’s desire to first time; this followed reports in June In military and wider strategic terms, play a role in strategic affairs beyond its 2015 that Thailand’s naval procurement the possession of a submarine brings own waters. RTN ships have contributed committee had provisionally selected significant punch and profile. to the US-led CTF 151 Combined the Chinese option. Each submarine is While Thailand has no strategic stake Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-piracy reputed to have a price tag of around $355 in any territorial disputes in and around campaign off Somalia. million. the South China Sea, its national interest The debate over whether Thailand in securing sea lines of communication Surface force would pursue a submarine programme and resource access, as well as meeting Thailand’s intent to support international included discussion of whether European other national needs, creates a natural operations at distance will be underpinned

12 | Asian Military Review | new UTC UTAS_Asian Military Review with bleed.pdf 1 10/17/17 3:59 PM

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The Royal Thai Navy amphibious ship HTMS Anthong, pictured in the Gulf of Thailand in 2016. Large-deck amphibious platforms can support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, as well as higher-end tasks such as projecting ground forces ashore from the sea.

going forward by the purchase of the DSME-built DW3000 F frigate. In January KAI 2017, the company launched the first of a planned pair of platforms, following a $410 million contract signed in August 2013. According to reports, DSME said that the 122 metre, 3,650-tonne frigate, based on South Korea’s KDX-1 destroyer, will undergo sea trials before scheduled handover in 2018. The new ships will provide a boost for the RTN, with its frigate fleet currently based around four relatively old vessel classes. The ships’ equipment fit also reflects a global trend that is seeing frigates re-positioned towards the higher end of the operational spectrum, with the platforms having surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile and close-in weapons system requirements alongside the traditional frigate fit of a helicopter The purchase of more Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and a gun. Most striking, perhaps, is T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft is set to make this the Royal the requirement for a towed array sonar, Thai Air Force’s fast-jet trainer for the foreseeable future. reflecting the Asia-Pacific anti-submarine warfare (ASW) focus. A number of these systems will come from Western suppliers. on Western options here can be explained Maritime security The Asia-Pacific ASW emphasis is also in part by a relative lack of comparable The counter-piracy risk for Thailand is reflected in Thailand’s reported interest in Chinese capability. prevalent not just in the Indian Ocean, a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Media In 2016, during Exercise Sea Guardian but closer to home in and around the Gulf reports have noted Japan’s Kawasaki P-1 in the Andaman Sea, a US Navy (USN) of Thailand, the South China Sea, and the and the Airbus Defence and Space C-295 P-8A Poseidon MPA joined USN and RTN Malacca Strait. Here, the RTN has joined as possible contenders. Perhaps the focus surface ships for ASW trials. forces with the Indonesian, Malaysian,

14 | Asian Military Review | Regional Militaries

and Singaporean navies to improve at-sea capability, with its single Endurance-class Training aircraft have also been on co-operation. landing platform dock (LPD), Anthong, the military’s shopping list. In July the The RTN’s ability to provide entering service in 2012. government stated that approval had constabulary capacity to contend been granted for the Cabinet on Tuesday with counter-piracy requirements is The Royal Thai Air Force approved a purchase an additional eight strengthened by the presence of a large On 1 August the Thai government Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50TH number of patrol craft within its force approved the upgrade of four Northrop Golden Eagle fighter training aircraft from structure. Perhaps the most prominent F-5s flown by the Royal Thai Air Forces South Korea. This trainer was selected in patrol platforms are the two 90 m Krabi- (RTAF) 221 Squardon at a cost of around preference to the Chinese Hongdu L-15 class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). $91 million. The upgrade will reportedly trainer. The cost of the purchase is $266 The first ship was delivered in 2013. A add around 15 years to the service life of million (Bt8.8 billion) and the aircraft contract for the second was signed in the aircraft, extending it to the early 2030s. will be added to four T-50s that the RTAF January 2016; according to Jane’s, its The F-5 upgrade will include new ordered in 2015 making a fleet size of keel was laid in June 2017: launch is communications and avionics suites, a 12 aircraft. scheduled for 2018. Link-T tactical datalink together with The Golden Eagles would replace A number of navies across the Asia- Rafael’s Litening III targeting pod, up to 40 existing Czech-made Aero Pacific region are also investing in large- Skyshield electronic jamming pods, Vodochody L-39ZA/ART Albatros jets deck platforms designed to support tasks Python-4 and I Derby beyond-visual- which feature Elbit avionics. across the operational spectrum, from range air-to-air missiles, and Elbit’s Evidencing the Thai government’s amphibious tasks at the higher end down DASH helmet-mounted display system. wish to be seen as neither favouring to humanitarian assistance and disaster The RTAF also operates 16 Lockheed military hardware suppliers in either the relief (HADR) operations at the lower Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcon and has East or the West, Thai Prime Minister end. Such large-deck ships, with the 11 JAS 39C/D Saab Gripens (a twelvth Prayuth Chan-ocha commented during well-deck and helicopter capacity they aircraft crashed during an airshow at the the announcement: “You can see that we bring, provide significant operational beginning of the year) with ambitions to are not tied to one particular country [in output. The RTN also has invested in this purchase a further six Gripens. terms of weapons procurement.” AMR

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SATCOM ON THE MOVE

Despite the proliferation of electronic warfare n the Ukraine, Asian Military Review understands from defence (EW) technology across the battlespace sources, that Russian proxy forces aimed at disrupting tactical and strategic continue to conduct mature offensive EW operations against communications of armed forces, satellite notI only tactical communications systems communications (SATCOM) remains a critical but also unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and intelligence, surveillance, target element to any expeditionary operation. acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) solutions, all of which continue to heavily rely upon GPS-data and SATCOM. by Andrew White Sources explained to AMR how these EW and other similar cyber warfare attacks,

16 | Asian Military Review | new UAC Asian Military Review Su-35 291x216.pdf 1 10/10/17 10:27 AM

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US Special Forces next- generation handheld and manpack radio systems will feature the ability to tap into the MUOS constellation for SOTM connectivity.

provide a “highly effective” alternative to coverage, improved security and increased operational success during rotations. non-kinetic attack, with less likelihood of throughput in data links, particularly to Previously, teams would need to being traced and therefore condemned by support forces deployed at reach. establish communications on-the-halt the wider international community. One of the most critical areas in (OTH) in order to successfully transmit Examples of Russian proxy inter- current SATCOM development, remains and receive to headquarter components ference against Ukrainian armed forces the ability to communicate On the Move as well as other deployed teams via conducting the Anti-Terrorist Operation (OTM). Such a SATCOM OTM (SOTM) SATCOM. This could mean individual (ATO) include the jamming of VHF, UHF capability allows armed forces at the units (callsigns) going static for periods and GSM signals, as well as so-called full tactical level the ability to share voice of time in order to establish linkages with network suppression in some areas of and data communications efficiently and satellites without interference. eastern Ukraine. effectively while travelling in tactical In some theatres, where geo-stationary Such targeting of tactical communi- ground vehicles at speeds up to nearly satellites remained almost overhead cations networks has resulted in multiple 130 km/h (80 mph). such as Afghanistan and Iraq, some armed forces around the world, including As defence sources associated with force elements were able to establish a the US Department of Defense (DoD), the international special operations limited SATCOM capability on the move, continuing to consider alternative community highlighted to AMR, the although this lacked the maturity to be means of communications in the tactical contemporary operating environment wholly relied upon and instead providing environment including Mobile Ad Hoc demands the capability to communicate an intermittent service. Network (MANET) solutions. while on the move in order to maximise The advent of SOTM however, is set to However, despite such disruption, intelligence cycles and reduce the so- significantly impact upon the concepts of developments in SATCOM continue to called ‘kill chain’ as special operations operation (CONOPS); tactics, techniques drive forward as armed forces seek greater teams in particular, seek to maximise and procedures (TTPs) undertaken

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Danish Special Forces are set to benefit from the MSS programme which aims to provide an enhanced SOTM capability for the wider armed forces.

by ground force elements in multiple considering a next generation solution (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) payloads. environments, where OTH drills may no in the area of SOTM is the US Special Wilcox explained how important the longer be necessary. Operations Command (USSOCOM), mobile environment (OTM) remained As sources explained to AMR, these which as AMR went to press, was in respect to the successful execution of revised TTPs continue to be developed preparing for the fi rst deliveries of the special operations in the expeditionary by the SOF com-munity in particular, as next-generation Special Operations Forces environment where “…operators must this type of SOTM capability continues to Tactical Communications (STC) Next be able to operate anywhere at anytime”. come online. Generation Handheld (NGHH) and Next He also called for 80 percent of the Generation Man Pack (NGMP) radio sets, USSOCOM force to have mobile SATCOM Size, Weight and Power both of which will be capable of enabling capability by 2020, which not only refers Critical to any development in SOTM is SOTM to the lowest tactical level. to an OTM capability but also non- the optimised reduction in size, weight Addressing delegates at the Special proprietary solutions capable of carrying and power (SWaP) of not only the radio Operations Forces Industry Conference multiple form factors and able to support set itself but also amplifying technology, (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida, on 16 May mission sets across non-permissive, semi- antennae and ancillaries. Hence the 2017, USSOCOM J6 director, John Wilcox permissive and permissive environments reason why armed forces continue described how the “next generation of as demanded; in addition to the provision to attempt to fi nd an optimal balance SATCOM has been evolving for a while”, of SATCOM-enabled and untethered between transportability and power with revolutionary change expected to be access to the SOF Command and Control output in a single solution. implemented between 2019 and 2020 with (C2) network anywhere in the world. One of the leading agencies globally the optimisation of Medium Earth Orbit In 2015, Harris Corporation was

20 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | LAND WARFARE

awarded a $390 million contract from waveform developments for specialist MUOS will provide force elements the DoD to design, develop and fi eld the requirements including Trellisware’s with simultaneous voice, video and data NGHH as a small, lightweight, multiband, MANET TSM-X waveform. Harris across a high-speed Internet Protocol (IP) multifunction, multi-mission tactical Corporation has been awarded both based solution, Lockheed Martin offi cials radio to replace in-service AN/PRC-152 NGHH and NGMP contracts. describe how the capa-bility would “… handsets. Another signifi cant capability uplift seamlessly connect around the globe and Similarly, in June 2017, Harris for USSOCOM teams which will be into the Global Information Grid, as well Corporation also won a $255 million integrated into both NGHH and NGMP as into the Defense Switching Network”. contract from the DoD to supply more than variants to provide operators with a STC NGHH and NGMP form 7,000 NGMP radio sets to replace legacy SOTM down to the lowest tactical level is factors will be able to feature the MUOS AN/PRC-117F and -117G models. Both the DoD’s Mobile User Objective System narrowband waveforms across a satellite AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-117 radio (MUOS) which has been optimised for use constellation comprising four orbiting solutions have retained a limited capability across the armed services through the US satellites and ground control stations, to conduct SOTM duties although Navy. However, MUOS waveforms will providing DoD forces with global company offi cials from Harris Corporation also be integrated into legacy SATCOM coverage. Each satellite includes a dual described to AMR how the STC family terminals including Harris Corporation’s payload to support of systems will provide a truly next- AN/PRC-117F and -117G models. Wideband Code Division Multiple generation capability to force elements. Access (WCDMA) waveforms as well as Designed to be carried by individual MUOS legacy UHF SAT-COM waveforms, the operators (NGHH) on the ground; as Developed by Lockheed Martin, MUOS latter of which will continue to be relied well as on board vehicles and other comprises an ultra-high frequency (UHF) upon in the short term. platforms (NGMP); these STC variants SATCOM capability for ‘mobile forces’, The MUOS constellation also includes feature the capability to operate between according to company literature, which is a fi fth satellite as a spare, capable of fi lling 30 and 512MHz; 225-450MHz; and 1300- capable of supporting mobile and tactical any network defi ciencies globally with 2600MHz frequency bands with the added mission sets in the land, air and maritime Lockheed Martin offi cials claiming how the benefi t of exploiting legacy and future environments. MOUS solution would provide up to ‘X16’

| NOVEMBER 2017 | 21 LAND WARFARE

configurations, SlingShot comprises an omni-directional antenna without loss of signal or quality, Taylor claimed. “There is no need to alter direction or stop to locate a beam, or stand or kneel to expose yourself,” he added while referring to changing CONOPS and TTPs. “As demand for better on-the-ground

Airbus Defence and Space communication continues to increase, users of the latest modern military mobility equipment have begun focusing their attention on implementing the technology in SATCOM to deliver data to and from hostile environments. To then implement the latest SATCOM technology and to make it militarily and commercially viable has become the challenge for SOTM equipment manufacturers,” Taylor added. Spectra Group also informed AMR of the latest addition to the SlingShot solution, the Satellite Emulator (SSE), designed to extend the availability of The UK Ministry of Defence power options to the holistic system. This has signed an agreement with Airbus to extend the includes an L-Band satellite emulator Skynet constellation to fill for full offline system testing without a projected future capability live satellite channel; a Universal Power gaps in SAT-COM services. Supply solution affording flexibility in power needs; as well as an AA battery cassette capable of powering SlingShot in manpack form. the capacity of current in-service systems. expected in 2019. Once this has been “The SSE comprises a programmable Furthermore and in line with emerging achieved, the army will be in a position test tool, permitting operators to train requirements from the operational to begin operational exploitation of the with the system as if it was in real-time environment, MUOS has been optimised constellation in an operational context. operational use by simulating satellite for connectivity across the Arctic Circle. In terms of the US Army, MUOS connectivity without expenditure,” a “Activity in the Arctic is growing is set to be integrated into the army’s company official explained to AMR. as the polar sheet cap recedes. More forthcoming Next Generation HMS “There is no need for reconfiguration or people, shipping, exploration and (Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Factor) frequency programming as it behaves as search and rescue expose the need Manpack radio requirement (worth up to a satellite and only reacts to the incoming for secure communications to protect $12.7 billion over a ten year period) which RF from SlingShot. All that needs to be the region. However, getting satellite is currently considering 101 variants done is to ensure the supplied Transmit/ communications signal is extremely from each of the programme participants Receive antennae are connected, plug it in difficult. But not anymore,” a Lockheed which includes General Dynamics, Harris and it’s ready for testing.” Martin data sheet revealed. Corporation and Rockwell Collins. Elsewhere, the Danish Ministry of The MUOS capability was most Omni-directional antennae currently Defence (MoD) has initiated the process recently tested down to the lowest available in the market include Spectra to significantly improve its SATCOM tactical level at the US Army’s Network Group’s SlingShot which, according capabilities in line with emerging Integration Evaluation (NIE) 17.2 exercise, to defence sources, is currently being operational requirements. In September, which took place at Fort Bliss, Texas on 16 considered by multiple SOF components the Danish Defence, Acquisition & August 2017. globally in order to ensure SOTM on foot Logistics Organisation (DALO) triggered According to the US Army Training and on vehicle as well as surface vessels. its Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), this According to Spectra Group business requirement, expected to comprise a total latest iteration of the NIE saw teams using development director, Steff Taylor, contract value of up to $3 million. omni-directional antennae to connect dismounted force elements need to Aimed at further enhancing the tactical communications solutions to the “…exercise command and control of widely personal communication devices of the MUOS constellation for SOTM. dispersed forces in austere environments Danish defence armed forces, the MSS is Force elements from the 101st Airborne without the delay of deploying terrestrial aimed at fulfilling requirements in light Division’s 26th Infantry Regiment tested infrastructures, or the operational burden of increasing demand for data-based a variety of antennae in man-pack and of protecting and sustaining them”. communications in the future. vehicle-mounted configurations, ahead Available in manpack, vehicle, “The communication is call-based as of full certification of the MUOS network, maritime as well as aviation well as data-traffic. It is foreseen that the

22 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE

data based communication will increase details to AMR at the present time. OTM communications with dismounted going forward as the satellite operators However, industry sources confi rmed ground users operating at reach. plan to expand the com-munication and that the capability would include the data capacity substantially within the integration of a SOTM solution in order Conclusion period [four years] of the framework to manipulated multiple platform types No matter how mature offensive EW agreement,” DALO offi cials confi rmed. including the MoD’s high altitude pseudo capabilities remain across the modern Defence sources also demanded that satellite (HAPS), the Zephyr unmanned operating space, requirement for effective the MSS satisfy emerging requirements aerial vehicle (UAV). and effi cient SOTM connectivity will across the Arctic Circle where Danish SOF The Zephyr HAPS UAV is currently remain an integral element to armed forces in particular, continue to witness growing undergoing an evaluation with the conducting expeditionary operations. operational demands. MoD to consider its future utility as not However, armed forces will need to SOTM terminals will also be supported only an intelligence, surveillance and consider alternative technologies such as by personal wearable phones with small reconnaissance (ISR) platform but also as MANET and High Frequency solutions weight and long battery, as well as fi xed- a communications relay system capable should SATCOM become disrupted by mounted terminals similar to those already of supporting its own organic network of enemy forces. AMR integrated on board surface vessels. “The satellite connection may also be in the form of a communication hub, connecting to other devices like smart phones or computers. The SATCOM device may also be connected to a VHF or UHF tactical radio to extend the range via a commercial satellite connection,” DALO literature added. MSS will provide force elements Harsh with a 24/7 SOTM capability, supported by a management solution capable of environments monitoring both voice and data traffi c as well as operational status of the satellite require even communication service. “Voice-based communication and data communication shall be routed to the harsher tests. Danish Defence internal communication network through dedicated connections and should, where possible, not be routed via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). In this setup a simpler dB Control control of cost and quality may be achieved. The access point for the satellite delivers. operator connection to the dedicated connection shall be located in a NATO country,” DALO offi cials added. TWT AMPLIFIERS | MICROWAVE POWER MODULES | POWER SUPPLIES Finally, the UK armed forces have moved a step closer to fi elding their own next-generation SATCOM capability with a contract awarded to Airbus on 3 August 2017 to supply the Skynet 6A payload to replace the legacy Skynet 5. An offi cial response from the MoD reads: “The Skynet 6A transitional satellite Before any TWT Amplifier (TWTA), microwave (whose purpose is to extend the life of the power module (MPM) or power supply ships from current ageing Skynet 5 constellation) will dB Control, it undergoes extensive environmental +1 (510) 656-2325 be acquired through single source award testing. Our capabilities include environmental [email protected] to Airbus Defence and Space. The MOD chambers accommodating enclosures from small reasserts that the more substantial and airborne to large rack-mount assemblies, www.dBControl.com less time-sensitive elements representing automated 24-hour ESS test cycling, HALT/ the new Service Delivery construct and HASS, high G-force vibration testing and custom Enduring Capability retain their default combinations of temperature and altitude testing. competitive position.” If you expect your high-power products to be just However, Skynet 6A is not expected as reliable in blistering heat as in bitter cold, to become operational until 2025 with contact us today. Airbus offi cials unable to provide further © 2017 dB Control Corp. All rights reserved. Photos provided courtesy U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. | NOVEMBER 2017 | 23 LAND WARFARE

COMBAT SYSTEMS FOR FUTURE SOLDIERS In a contemporary operating environment witnessing increasing levels of tension across the Korean Peninsula, the capabilities of dismounted, mounted and special operations units have once again risen to prominence. by Andrew White

24 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE

state actors closely studying technology Defence figures, approximately 50,000

IWI and materiel as they consider counter- personnel have now received second strategies as part of homeland and generation Ratnik ensembles, comprising internal security campaigns. a total of 10 sub-systems in an outfit. However, as defence sources These include small arms solutions; associated with the SOF community in personal protection equipment including Asia Pacific highlighted to Asian Military combat helmets and body armour; Review, the equipment employed by KPA tactical communications equipment; and units involved in the offensive action raid navigation equipment. appeared limited at best. However, on show at the Army One source, speaking to AMR upon International Military Technical Forum the condition of anonymity, explained this year was the Russian MoD’s next- how the so-called leading elements of generation solution which in appearance the KPA, lacked any visible future soldier at least, looks to be matching the USSO- technology beyond standard night vision COM TALOS programme regarding its goggles, combat helmet, body armour capabilities. and assault rifle. A mock-up solution of a third- The drills, which comprised maritime, generation Ratnik ensemble, on show at parachute and ground assaults, lacked any the event, featured an enclosed combat observable technology more commonly helmet with visor, night vision headset associated with future soldier programmes mount, scalable body armour and around the globe, which can include mandible protection feature; exo-skeleton command and control, communications, for assisted load carriage; and futuristic computers, intelligence, surveillance, small arms solution featuring polymer- target acquisition and reconnaissance based ammunition cartridges, although (C4ISTAR) systems; as well as materiel industry sources explained to AMR how designed to improve mobility and such a solution might not be witnessed on survivability on the battlefield. the battlefield for a further decade or more. Despite the lack of prevalence in such Industry sources described how a technology, the remainder of the Asia visor-integrated heads-up display featured Pacific theatre continues to ramp up the a target acquisition feed including ballistic future soldier capabilities as part of wider calculator while the combat helmet concerns to not only stave off any tactical itself comprised a built-in respirator interference from the DPRK but also as part for operating in chemical, biological of their own counter-insurgency (COIN) and radiological environments. Sources and counter-terrorism (CT) responses. associated with the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine Building Russia also explained to AMR how the display The Russian armed forces used its annual would allow soldiers to manipulate third- Army International Military Technical party platforms including unmanned IWI’s Negev NG7 Light Machine Forum, held near Moscow, on 22 August ground vehicles (UGVs) on the battlefield Gun had been selected as a 2017 to promote its latest future soldier while also monitoring the biometric data next-generation armament for the Indian Army although concepts as it bids to maintain some kind of an individual and networking it back to the downselection has been of pace with the United States Special a headquarters element. cancelled by service officials. Operations Command (USSOCOM) Additional claims made by the which is due to unveil a technology company included a camouflage system demonstrator of the Tactical Assault Light capable of morphing colours in response Operator Suit (TALOS) towards the latter to emerging operational requirements; n 25th August, Special part of 2018. as well as ballistic protection solutions Operations Forces (SOF) With first and second generation Ratnik capable of withstanding more than ten from the Democratic Repu- (Russian future soldier) technology already direct hits from undisclosed calibres. blic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) in service with its SOF and conventional Simliar to the TALOS effort, the Korean People’s Army ground units, the Russian armed forces Russian MoD is planning to unveil a (KPA)O conducted the latest in a series of have assisted the Rostec Corporation technology demonstrator concept of the offensive action ‘Show of Force’ exercises subsidiary, the Central Research Institute Ratnik-3 by the start of 2018 designed to imitate the invasion of various for Precision Machine Building, with next- Developments followed calls made island chains belonging to its southern generation solutions capable of assisting by Rostec subsidiary, Rosoboronexport, neighbour, the Republic of Korea (RoK). the airborne insertion of personnel by on 29th May 2017, calling for greater Aired by state media organisations, parachute; ISTAR-integrated visors for capabilities in the area of weapon systems the exercise provided a glimpse into combat helmets; and undisclosed variants and future soldier systems. some of the capabilities of the DPRK’s designed to assist special operations. “Rosoboronexport is gearing up to SOF component with neighbouring According to Russian Ministry of push to the world arms market advanced

| november 2017 | 25 LAND WARFARE

free-floating barrel, the AK-12 (5.45mm x 39mm) features a thirty round magazine and is capable of providing Ratnik- equipped soldiers with a maximum effective range out to 400m, a Kalashnikov

Revision Military Revision Group company source confirmed. The rifle also features a rail adaptor system for the integration of tactical accessories including laser target designators; torches; and weapon sights, providing scalability and modularity to respond to rapidly emerging operational requirements.

Singapore Celebrating its 50th anniversary as a company is Singapore Technologies Engineering which, according to its chief marketing officer, Winston Toh, is now concentrating on providing a more “holistic” future soldier solution capable of supporting both dismounted close combat; mounted close combat; and special operations forces. Centred around the concept of helping combat troops operate in a hybrid operating environment (comprising both high intensity and low intensity conflict), Toh explained to AMR how ST Engineering subsidiary, ST Kinetics, was offering a series of capabilities aimed at smoothing the transition between mounted and dismounted operations in line with mission demands from across the contemporary operating environment. The US Special Operations STK solutions span lethality, mobility Command’s Tactical Assault Light and protection as well as connectivity Operator Suit (TALOS) concept with the latter con-centrating on the remains a market leader in the art shortening of targeting cycles and of the possible of glob-al future intelligence chains, leading to increased soldier technology programmes. situation awareness; more rapid decision making; and integrated information pictures down to the lowest tactical level. individual combat systems and future supported by significant developments “STK is constantly developing and small arms,” explained director general in small arms solutions from companies building smart, innovative defence Alexander Mikheev. including the Kalashnikov Group. In systems for full-spectrum operations and “We are facing growing demand July 2017, the company announced how urban warfare,” Toh highlighted. “The for small arms, close combat systems, one of its latest assault rifles - the AK-12 - modern day dismounted sol-dier faces sights and ammunition in the world. To had successfully passed an evaluation even more challenges in the digitised improve chances and competitiveness programme with the Russian MoD in battlefield, requiring a high level of of the weapons that we deliver, Russian June 2017, thereby providing it with the protection and situational awareness in enterprises will develop new systems and green light for entry into service with order to be effective. mount an effort of upgrading existing combat components. “Cognisant of these challenges, STK models through the use of advanced The 5.45mm x 39mm assault rifle is developing the Army Individual materials and technologies,” he explained has been designated as one of nine Eco-Lightweight Equipment (ARIELE), while highlighting potential growth in selected small arms solutions certified which combines the latest in tactical the Asia Pacific and international arenas. for the Ratnik programme, a company communications, surveillance, and Future developments are also spokesperson confirmed to AMR. How- protection technologies in a compact expected to concentrate on optical ever, the AK-12 is also available in larger and ergonomic ensemble. Besides weapon sights and night vision devices, calibres including 7.62mm x 39mm and enhancing tactical fighting performance, as well as “state-of-the-art individual standard NATO configuration 5.56mm x ARIELE exploits information from the combat systems,” he added. 45mm rounds. C4ISR network to elevate the sol-dier’s Ongoing efforts are also being With an all up weight of 3.5kg and situational awareness,” a company

26 | Asian Military Review | STRONG SUPPORT

more info at ROE.RU/ENG/

Rosoboronexport is the sole state company in Russia authorized to export the full range of 27 Stromynka str., 107076, defense and dual-use products, technologies Moscow, Russian Federation and services. Rosoboronexport accounts for over 85% of Russia's annual arms sales and Phone: +7 (495) 534 61 83 maintains military-technical cooperation with ADVERTISEMENT Fax: +7 (495) 534 61 53 over 70 countries worldwide. www.roe.ru

Untitled-3 1 9/27/17 10:39 AM LAND WARFARE

partners with a dismounted and mounted

STK C2 capability, Aselsan’s Cenker concept has been designed to dissem-inate related situation awareness (SA) across the tactical battlespace, comprising both voice and data. Launched at the event on 11 May 2017, the solution, according to a company spokesperson from the company, has been designed to increase the individual and team skills of combat teams during “holistic warfare” with a series of modular and scalable solutions capable of being integrated together. Sub-systems include tactical inter- and intra-patrol communications through bone conduction microphone; data and power transmission e-textiles; health, position and activity tracking technology; navigation overlays and aids; day and low light (infrared) cameras; target detection and laser rangefinder technology; machine learning interface; power management module including harvesting technology; as well as organic protection for the individual against electronic warfare threats. The solution, which also includes an STK’s future soldier concept ballistic protected combat helmet with seeks to integrate mounted and integrated power management system, dismounted personnel in a single GPS and Electro-Optical/IR helmet operating picture with seamless transition between re-roling. camera, has also been designed to feature integration capabilities with vertical take-off/landing quadrotor UAVs, used for organic over-the-hill reconnaissance spokesperson confirmed to AMR. underslung grenade launcher, in-cluding duties at the squad/section level. ARIELE comprises a series of modular the company’s own STK 40GL. Technology subsystems are integrated solutions, any number of which can be Central to this technology solution into a plate carrier with end user device integrated with one another to form is power management with STK officials *typically tab-let or smartphone), worn as a mission-specific ensemble for the highlighting the POEMS technology which a wrist mounted solution for C2 and SA. customer. Options include the Shield-ed offers “a small, lightweight and easy way Cenker systems have also been integrated Advanced Eyewear System (SHADES); to draw power from sources such as fuel with a smart watch, capable of recording Adaptive Real Time Core Temperature cells, solar-mats, building power sockets biometric data of an individual mounted/ Intelligence Cooler (ARCTIC); Power and or even vehicle 12 VDC outlets”. dismounted soldier, Aselsan officials also Energy Management System (POEMS) “The power can then be used to explained. Furthermore, concept designs including enhanced wire-less charger; charge batteries, directly power military made available to AMR from Aselsan, Personal Reinforced Outer Tactical equipment or simply do both,” officials illustrated future designs which could Equipment Carrier (PROTEC); Personal added before concluding how the incorporate an enclosed combat helmet Light-weight Armour Technology Enhanced Wireless Charger relied design similar to those being undertaken (PLATE); Portable Watt-HR for Extended upon electric field induction allowing by the TALOS and Ratnik-3 programmes Range (POWER) fuel cell; and Bionic a deployed soldier to recharge end user in the US and Russia respectively. Regenerative Active Energy System. devices anywhere in the field. Company sources confirmed that All of these items can be integrated the Cenker concept continued to be with a central processing hub as well as Turkey developed in line with the Turkish Armed small arms solu-tion such as STK’s own Meanwhile, Turkish company Aselsan Forces with a technology demonstrator Bullpup Multirole Combat Rifle (BMCR) used the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul expected to be made available to combat which is available in standard NATO during May 2017 to highlight its latest elements in the short term. 5.56mm x 45mm calibre. effort in the future soldier technology Also featuring a rail adaptor system realm with the launch of the Cenker India for the integration of the usual tactical Command and Control solution. Finally, the Indian Army continues to accessories, the BMCR also features Aimed at providing Turkish armed receive mixed signals with regards to the ability to carry an integrated 40mm forces as well as international coalition future soldier technology improvements

28 | Asian Military Review | which have long been promised to a in May 2017, the MoD did issue another semi-automatic weapon would have currently under-equipped force. Request for Information (RfI) regarding provided the Indian Army with a On 30 August 2017, the Indian MoD a replacement 7.62mm rifle for the Indian maximum effective range of 800m announced it would be implementing Air Force’s Garud Commando unit. compared to the 5.56mm INSAS which a series of changes by December 2019 This was followed on 14th June by has a maximum effective range of 400m. following the publication of findings by a renewed effort by the army to field a However, Indian Army sources a government committee. These include carbine for the special forces with an RfI suggested to AMR that all competitions the structural reform of the army as for a total of 44,000 5.56mm x 45mm close would be revitalised in the near term in well as efforts to adjust and improve quarter battle rifles. order to fulfill a series of capability gaps the force’s combat effectiveness, defence However, industry sources suggested currently witnessed across the com-bat sources confirmed toAMR . to AMR that there appears little appetite arms of the MoD. The army and special operations for change across the MoD following the forces have been seeking replacements news of the cancellation of a three-year Conclusion for a variety of small arms and support programme aimed at equipping the army Armed forces across Asia Pacific now rely weapon systems for several years with with a total of nearly 10,000 next-generation upon a mix of indigenously designed India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) light machine gun weapon systems. and developed technology as well as having had rejected by the army it’s own The programme, understood to have international solutions, capable of sup- next-generation 7.62mm x 51mm assault been cancelled on 9 August, had been porting future soldier programmes. rifle. The army had been seeking a total of considering IWI’s 7.62mm x 51mm Negev However, as is the case with coalition 185,000 rifles as a next-generation system NG7 machine gun to replace in-service partners abroad, restricted funding to replace legacy options. 5.56mm INSAS (Indian Small Arms continues to constrain progress across Similar requirements for 45,000 System) LMGs. soldier modernisation programmes as carbines for SOF have also been curtailed The NG7 LMG is currently deployed governments struggle to confirm future due to indecision following extensive with the Israeli Defence Forcer (IDF) funding to optimise the capabilities field trials involving offerings from CZ, and is also available in standard NATO of dismounted, mounted and special Colt Defense, Beretta and IWI although 5.56mm x 45mm calibre. The belt-fed, operations soldiers. AMR SEA POWER

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) landing platform

dock (LPD) vessel RSS US Navy Endurance (background) sailing with the US Navy’s DDG 51 Arleigh Burke- class destroyer USS Benfold, during Exercise ‘Pacific Griffin’ off Guam in mid- 2017. Amphibious capability underlines the RSN’s ability to project power at distance, but the navy does not have a sovereign at-sea support capability.

AMPHIBIOUS SUSTAINED REACH Large ships can, by definition, support a number of tasks. Such flexibility inherent in both amphibious and logistics platforms is being exploited by a number of Asia-Pacific navies, as they seek to cover a range of operational requirements. by Dr Lee Willett

n December 2013, a US Navy ternational counter-piracy campaign off struck the south island’s Kaikoura region. (USN) Ticonderoga-class cruiser, Somalia). The ship also pulled into the The 9,000-tonne ship can embark a range USS Cowpens, was involved in an Sultanate of Oman’s port of Salalah, dem- of helicopters, and this capability was incident with a People’s Liberation onstrating a diplomatic role in the process. used to transport relief materials ashore Army Navy (PLAN) amphibious On a number of recent occasions, the and evacuate civilians. In this operation, shipI in the South China Sea. Cowpens was Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) Canterbury was joined by the RNZN’s reported to have deployed to observe multirole vessel HMNZS Canterbury also fleet tanker, HMNZS Endeavour. Canter- the operations of China’s first aircraft demonstrated this range of capabilities. bury was conceived as the cornerstone of carrier, Liaoning, and its associated task In April 2015 and in February 2016, the the New Zealand Defence Force’s emerg- group; the PLAN’s amphibious platform ship deployed to support humanitarian ing joint amphibious task force (JATF) moved to deter the USN cruiser from assistance and disaster relief (HADR) op- concept. Speaking at the Defence and conducting this task. erations in Vanuatu and Fiji respectively, Security Equipment International (DSEI) In October 2014, another PLAN am- both operations implemented in response maritime capability conference in Lon- phibious vessel, the Type 071 landing to tropical cyclones. In the Fiji operation, don on 11 September 2017, RNZN chief platform dock (LPD) Changbaishan, dem- HADR support was provided also by the Rear Admiral John Martin said that the onstrated the range of tasks large-deck Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) lead navy is seeking to maintain credible ca- platforms can undertake by deploying landing helicopter dock (LHD), HMAS pability across the spectrum of operations. to the Indian Ocean to support China’s Canberra. At home, in November 2016, Canterbury clearly provides capacity to naval escort flotilla rotations (which Canterbury played a central part in the cover a large part of this spectrum. generate Beijing’s contribution to the in- HADR response to the earthquake that During September 2017 three

30 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER TYRON develops the super lightweight ATR CARBON

The lightest The Royal Australian Navy’s lead rubber runflat LHD HMAS Canberra, operating with US and New Zealand naval in the world forces during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2017. The ship worked with Royal Australian Navy/Commonwealth of Australia Royal US Marines during the exercise, Australian Navy/Commonwealth of Australia Royal and the development of close ties between Australia and the US is one of the main features of amphibious developments in the Asia-Pacific region.

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ships – to their size and fl exibility. In this context, it including the navy’s lead LPD RSS Endurance, is notable that the use of large, multi-purpose sailed almost 5,000 km to waters off Guam in vessels in the region is growing, both in terms the western Pacifi c to participate in Exercise of navies procuring multirole vessels and in Pacifi c Griffi n with the USN, covering anti- how they are using single-role ships for a range submarine, anti-surface, and air-defence drills. of purposes. The patented metal According to a US 7th Fleet statement released on 5 September, the exercise was the fi rst bilater- Amphibious operations spine in our rubber al activity between the two navies away from Amphibious platforms are generally procured runflat has been Singaporean waters. One striking element was to support higher-end operations, principally that the RSN deployed at distance once again the need to project power ashore from the re-designed in without an auxiliary ship. The RSN has deployed sea, with military force deployed over the carbon fibre which ships to support Indian Ocean counter-piracy beach by helicopter and/or landing craft. At has reduced the total operations, including taking command of the a time of signifi cant strategic instability in the USN-led Combined Task Force (CTF)-151. Such Asia-Pacifi c region, due in part to a number runflat weight by distant deployments demonstrate that the RSN of territorial disputes (especially in the South over 50% has ocean-going capacity with its surface ships China Sea), some analysts see amphibious and amphibious platforms. This raises the capability as being central to shaping the question of if and when the RSN may procure regional power balance. Recent years have seen a sovereign auxiliary capability to support its amphibious patrols and exercises conducted extensive area of operations. in disputed areas, demonstrating a different These are a selection of examples dem- aspect of the utility of amphibious ships in onstrating why and how Asia-Pacifi c navies fl ying the fl ag. deploy platforms such as amphibious and Nick Childs, senior research fellow for naval logistics vessels. Such ships, with their size forces and maritime security at the International and the inherent fl exibility this brings, provide Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), told AMR navies with the opportunity to maximise plat- that “in a region of contested territorial and mar- form use for a range of operations, regardless itime claims, a key driver is, if not classic pow- of the platform’s design and broad capability er projection, at least the ability to deploy and outfi t. Refl ecting also a trend across the sustain forces at range over a wide area”. Asia-Pacifi c region, this means a range of opera- Amphibious forces based on large, fl exible tions across the spectrum of requirements can platforms are a core component of this capability. be met with one platform. A number of different Asia-Pacifi c navies are A general discussion of amphibious and investing in new amphibious capabilities. The logistics ships might not fi nd much overlap in RAN has welcomed into service its two Canberra- capability or role. However, naval operations class LHDs, Canberra and HMAS Adelaide. The in the Asia-Pacifi c region are seeing both types 26,000-tonne ships, commissioned in November www.tyron.com employed for a range of tasks, in large part due 2014 and December 2015 respectively, bring the

| NOVEMBER 2017 | 31 SEA POWER

The spokesperson added that “further The Republic of Korea’s opportunities are being explored by amphibious assault ship which the USMC can work with the RAN US Navy Dokdo, pictured in the East and the Australian Army across a range of China Sea in 2014 during an training programmes,” adding that “this exercise. The ship’s ability to put helicopters, armoured collaboration is expected to progress as vehicles, and personnel across the ADF amphibious capability matures.” the beach demonstrates South Australia of course has direct interests Korea’s focus on higher-end in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean is naval operations. seeing a signifi cant increase in strategic focus from the world’s naval powers, and the potential deployment of a RAN task group including a number of amphibi- ous platforms supported by air warfare destroyers and future frigates and subma- rines would create a powerful presence in this particular region. As noted above, the PLAN has already been using amphibious forces to support operations in the ‘Near Seas’ (in and around capacity to deploy eight helicopters and wide range of government agencies and the South China Sea) and ‘Far Seas’ (at 1,000 troops. Along with the 16,400-tonne non-government organisations”; such distance in the Asia-Pacifi c, into the Indian Bay-class landing ship dock (LSD) HMAS capacity, the spokesperson continued, Ocean, and beyond). It has also been working Choules, the ‘Canberra’ class provides will be developed further to build the up amphibious task groups in home waters, Australia’s amphibious capability. platforms’ impact, including through as well as conducting amphibious exercises A defence spokesperson told AMR that embarking other government stakeholders in the Asia-Pacifi c region. the ‘Canberra’ class provides the Austra- for training and exercise activities. The presence of PLAN amphibious lian Defence Force (ADF) “with the ability As regards the amphibious output, ships in the Indian Ocean today is striking, to undertake a range of operations, includ- the spokesperson said this capability is especially in terms of China’s strategic ing supporting the maritime security of scalable, ranging from one ship embarking balance with India. For example, the South East Asia and Pacifi c Island coun- a combat team landing force “through Indian Navy only has one large amphibious tries, and addressing emergent threats in to the full amphibious capability of the vessel, Jalawasha (a retired US Navy ship the broader Indo-Pacifi c region”. medium-weight battlegroup, requiring that fi rst entered service in 1971). Pushing “The fl exibility inherent in the amphib- all three vessels and a supporting maritime on from the Indian Ocean, and once ious capability of the LHD provides the task group”. again underscoring the diplomatic role capacity to respond to a range of contin- The ships’ amphibious capability is that high-end amphibious ships can play, gencies,” the spokesperson added: such something the RAN shares with joint and early 2015 saw Changbaishan and other contingencies include short-notice HADR combined partners, with the Australian PLAN platforms conduct port visits across operations, non-combatant evacuation Army providing the landing force and the Mediterranean and northern Europe. operations (NEOs), and “opening a point the US Marine Corps keen to tap into the While the navy has a number of amphi- of entry in a hostile environment”. RAN’s capacity so as to boost its own bious platforms, Changbaishan and her The RAN’s concept of operations is to regional presence. three Type 071 Yuzhao-class sister ships ensure that “at least one of these [three] For the recent exercise, ‘Talisman are perhaps the PLAN’s most prominent ships is available at very short notice Sabre 17’, Canberra worked alongside a LPDs. The 19,800-tonne ships can embark throughout the high-risk weather season USMC contingent in amphibious serials. four landing craft air cushion (LCAC) (November through April) to support the During Exercise ‘Hamel 2016’, USMC vessels, four helicopters, and 800 troops. provision of HADR if required”, said the personnel were embarked in Canberra. China’s recent and rather rapid boost- spokesperson. This three-ship capability also allows “a regional response capability [to] be maintained in addition to year- round international engagement, support of raise/train/sustain activities, and, US Navy importantly, the development of ADF amphibious warfi ghting capabilities.” For the ‘Canberra’ class in particular, the spokesperson added that its com- mand, control, and communications (C3) capabilities mean that, in terms of sup- porting cross-government responses to The PLAN’s Type 903 Fuchi-class support ship Qiandao Hu, pictured during a port visit to regional contingencies such as HADR, Naval Station Mayport, Florida in November 2015. The PLAN’s support ship are central the ships are “well suited for the embar- elements in projecting its ‘Far Seas’ presence. kation of non-military personnel from a

32 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | SEA POWER

ing of its ‘Far Seas’ operational capacity has been driven by the Logistics support requirement to conduct NEOs for Chinese nationals caught up in Some Asia-Pacifi c navies with robust amphibious and other crisis regions (such as Libya and Yemen). According to Childs, this platform types designed for distant operations nonetheless have is one particular area where amphibious shipping offers signifi - relatively limited support ship capacity. cant value for China. The RSN, for example, has yet to invest in such capability. The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) has a The JMSDF has extremely robust amphibious and surface robust set of amphibious capabilities. Of prominence are its two ship capabilities, but has a modest support fl eet including two 24,000-tonne Izumo-class ships, commissioned in 2015 and 2017 ‘Mashu’-class and three ‘Towada’-class ships. Like all other respectively. These platforms have been defi ned as destroyers or elements of Japan’s armed forces, the JMSDF’s structure is built carriers, but are amphibious platforms capable of embarking up around a defensive disposition. It also has extremely robust to 14 helicopters of various types. The JMSDF has another fi ve operational ties with the USN. This explains its relatively small amphibious platforms: two 18,000-tonne Hyuga-class helicopter number of support ships, given its fl eet size. carriers, and three 14,000-tonne Osumi-class LPDs. The former Conversely, the PLAN’s focus on boosting its ‘Far Seas’ can embark 10 helicopters, with the latter able to deploy over 300 operational capability – especially in the Indian Ocean and troops via two LCACs. West of Suez – is refl ected in its signifi cant investment in afl oat South Korea is perhaps the other regional navy with a support. Of note here is the PLAN’s eight-strong fl eet of Type robust amphibious capability focused on higher-end operations. 903/903A Fuchi-class replenishment ships. While the PLAN’s In 2007, it commissioned its single ‘Dokdo’-class landing plat- new basing access in Djibouti will bolster the operational capacity form helicopter (LPH) ship. The 16,000-tonne vessel can carry of ships operating in the Indian Ocean, as the navy deploys more 10 armoured vehicles and can deploy 700 troops ashore using regularly West of Suez then so afl oat support becomes more two LCACs. The navy’s older fl eet of ‘Alligator’-class landing important, as shore-based resupply points will be harder to fi nd ship tank (LST) vessels was boosted in 2014 with the arrival of in the Mediterranean and beyond. Cheonwangbong, the fi rst of four new 7,000-tonne LSTs; the Other navies have used logistics ships to provide presence remaining three are scheduled to arrive by 2019. at distance. For example, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has A number of other navies have been building amphibious deployed the fi rst of its two 9,000-tonne ‘Bunga Mas’ support capabilities, although arguably with such forces focused towards ships on Indian Ocean counter-piracy operations. the lower end of the operational spectrum, such as for HADR Russia has a signifi cant focus on developing its strategic operations. In the Asia-Pacifi c region, higher-end operations presence in the Asia-Pacifi c region. Its surface ships operating tend to be a source of confrontation between navies whereas there are supported by eight auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) tasks at the lower end of the scale tend to generate co-operation. vessels. Four LSTs (three ‘Ropucha’ and one ‘Alligator’ class) are According to Childs, using amphibious shipping to support also based in the region. It is notable, however, that Russia has HADR operations “can be a catalyst for growing regional and no larger amphibious platforms operating there. Russian plans extra-regional naval and maritime partnering and co-operation”. in this area received a setback when France cancelled the sale of Such co-operation has been demonstrated in the recent two ‘Mistral’-class LHDs in 2015: reports suggested these ships exercise ‘Indo-Pacifi c Endeavour’, which took place in September were set to be deployed to the Asia-Pacifi c region. AMR 2017. According to an Australian government media release, Adelaide joined other RAN and ADF assets for the exercise, along with participation from more than a dozen regional countries: the exercise would also “[demonstrate] Australia’s ability to Guerrilla & Counter-Guerrilla support humanitarian assistance and disaster responses Theory & PraCTiCe throughout the region”, the release noted. Indonesia is procuring a total of six ‘Dr Soeharso/Makassar’- class multirole vessels. Five of the 11,500-tonne ships are in service, with a sixth ordered in 2017. Providing both support and helicopter capabilities, the ships can embark two Airbus seasoned counter-guerrilla Helicopters AS332L Super Puma helicopters; 13 tanks or 500 operative, the author troops can be deployed by landing craft from a well-deck. aintroduces us to the world of The ‘Makassar’ design has also been used by Indonesia to asymmetric warfare. His captivating book, which is a true practical manual build two strategic support vessels (SSVs) for the Philippine Navy. gives the reader every detail of guerrilla In a second example of sharing amphibious ship designs, and counter-guerrilla infrastructure, Thailand’s 7,600-tonne LPD Anthong is based on the RSN’s resources needed as well as the ‘Endurance’-class design and was built by Singapore shipyard minutiae of its typical actions. ST Marine. The ship can embark 500 troops or 19 main battle He describes the attack of an outpost, tanks (MBTs), with landing craft utility (LCU) vessels used to a road or fluvial convoy, a headquarters, deploy these capabilities. a patrol, jungle combat and urban The RSN itself has four ‘Endurance’-class LPDs, which guerrilla. It will be a great help for those backing a guerrilla behind entered service between 2000 and 2001. These are slightly larger, enemy’s lines or fighting against an at 8,500 tonnes, and can embark two Super Puma helicopters, insurgency. four landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVPs), 18 MBTs, and 350 troops. The ships have been used in a range of operations at Available at : amazon.uk distance, including supporting Indian Ocean counter-piracy operations and conducting round-the-world deployments. Jehan Morel, Counter-insurgency Consultant email: [email protected] | NOVEMBER 2017 | 33

Jehan.indd 1 10/18/17 11:02 AM AIR POWER

to Asia-Pacifi c air arms. Number three in the basic trainer league is the Korea Aerospace Industries (KIA) KAI KT-1, 85

David Oliver of which are operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF), and 14 by the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara, TNI–AU). The most numerous advanced jet trainer in service in the Asia-Pacifi c regions remains the BAE Systems Hawk with more than 100 extant. The RMAF and TNI- AU continue to operate small numbers of 100 Series aircraft, the RAAF is upgrading its 33 Hawk Mk.127s to RAF Hawk T.2 standard under project Air 5438 Phase 1. More than 700 Beechcraft T-6 basic trainers are in service The IAF has a fl eet of 99 Hawk Mk.132s with the US Air Force and Navy, only the Royal New most of which were assembled by HAL. Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the Republic of China Air An additional 24 upgraded aircraft with Force are the only Asia-Pacific customers for the Harvard II. a new dual-redundant mission computer and an embedded virtual training system, are being delivered by HAL called the Hawk-i. MITTENS OR MASTERS, In the basic jet trainer sector, the People’s Republic of China has made BLUE MAGPIES OR inroads to the region with sales of its Hongdu Aviation Industries Group (HAIC) K-8 Karakoram co-developed GOLDEN EAGLES? with Pakistan. The People’s Liberation As the complexity of fighter aircraft keeps Army Air Force (PLAAF) has some 200 JL-8 trainers in service, which are increasing, the need for better training powered by a single 3,792 lb thrust (16.87 kN) Ukrainian Ivchenko Progress AI- aircraft that can prepare pilots for this higher 25TLK turbofan. The Pakistan-built K-8P, level of performance are required. examples of which have been delivered to the Sri Lankan Air Force and the Myanmar Air Force (MAF), have the by David Oliver 3,600 lb thrust (16.01 kN) Honeywell TFE- 731-2A-2A turbofan the Lucas Aerospace he world’s air forces operate more Air Force (RMAF) and the Indian Air FADEC. A total of 12 K-8s were delivered than 7,500 fi xed-wing training Force (IAF). A total of 75 PC-7 Mk.IIs to the MAF in 1999 and an additional 60 aircraft, with a further 600 on have been delivered to the IAF and in were ordered in 2010 to be supplied as order. Of this total, there are March 2015, India’s defence acquisition completely knocked down (CKD) kits 1,852 in the Asia-Pacifi c region council approved an option for 38 for the assembly by MAF technicians. Twith 250 on order. Over 1,100 fi xed-wing additional aircraft as part of the IAF’s However, none of these have been military training aircraft are forecast to be requirement for 181 basic trainer aircraft delivered to date. delivered in the next ten years, valued at (BTA). However, earlier this year, the China is also breaking into the lead- nearly $20 billion. then defence minister Manohar Parrikar in fi ghter trainer (LIFT) market with The most numerous turboprop basic announced that the IAF had reached the supersonic HAIC L-15A Falcon that trainer is the Beechcraft T-6A/B/C Texan Stage II of the BTA programme and that fi rst fl ew in 2006. The two-seat, twin- II, 760 of which are operated by the United it will procure the Hindustan Aeronautics engine L-15 features the latest advanced States (US) armed forces. The Royal New (HAL) HTT-40 basic trainer instead of technologies developed by China, such Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the the further import of foreign-built basic as a three-axis quadruple-redundancy Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) are trainer aircraft. fl y-by-wire fl ight (FBW) control system the only Asia-Pacifi c customers for the T-6C. The latest turboprop basic trainer from and an advanced avionics system based Outside the US, Pilatus of Switzerland the Pilatus stable is the PC-21 which is in on fl exible data bus technology, a glass dominates the basic trainer market service with the Republic of Singapore Air cockpit with two multi-colour head down with the PC-9 in service with the Royal Force (RSAF) and 49 are being delivered to displays for both the front and rear cockpit, Thai Air Force (RTAF), and the Royal the RAAF to replace its fl eet of PC-9s. and an additional head-up display (HUD) Australian Air Force (RAAF), while the Although Brazil’s Embraer Tucano/ for the front cockpit, and hands-on- PC-7 Mk.II, which is still in production, Super Tucano is the second most throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) fl ight control. has been delivered to the Royal Brunei successful basic trainer in terms of The aircraft features two zero/zero Air Force (RBAirF), the Royal Malaysian numbers delivered none have been sold (zero altitude, zero speed) ejection seats

34 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | AIR POWER

in tandem, a single vertical fi n, fully under wing hard points that can carry a with a marketing agreement that assigned movable stabilizer, tricycle landing maximum payload of 7,716 lb (3,500 kg) NATO customers to Aermacchi, the gear, and one-piece canopy and blended including LT-2 laser-guided bombs and a Commonwealth of Independent States wing-fuselage design. The aerodynamic centerline cannon pod. (CIS) to Yakovlev while the two variants performance of the aircraft is enhanced The HAIC Falcon was designed in would compete in the remaining markets. by its large leading edge root extensions collaboration with the Russian Yakovlev With an all-swept mid-wing with (LERX) design, that gives a high angle of Design Bureau which was responsible for swept tailplane and fi n, the Yak-130 attack (AoA) of up to 30 degrees. the twinjet Yak-130 advanced jet trainer design features large leading edge The L-15 LIFT variant entering service (AJT). Assigned the NATO reporting root extensions (LERX) that were later with the PLAAF as the JL-10, is powered name, Mitten, the Yak-130 was designed adopted for the HAIC L-15. With the by two Ukrainian 9,260 lb (41.1 kN) thrust in collaboration with Aermacchi of Italy use of open architecture digital avionics Ivchenko-Progress afterburning AI-222K- in the 1990s. In April 2002 the Yak-130 compliant with a 1553 Databus, a full 25F turbofans with full authority digital was announced as the winner of the digital glass cockpit, four-channel digital engine control (FADEC) built under Russian Air Force’s advanced jet trainer fl y-by-wire system (FBWS) and instructor licence by China's Aviation Industry competition to replace the Aero L-39. controlled and variable FBWS handling Corporation (AVIC) Research Institute Following a protracted development characteristics and embedded simulation. 608 as the WS15, giving it a maximum caused by funding issues rather that the The type also has a head-up display speed of Mach 1.4. The L-15 is also the aircraft’s performance, and state trials (HUD) and a helmet-mounted-sighting- fi rst jet trainer to be fi tted with a passive were completed in December 2009. In system (HMSS), with a double GPS/ electronically scanned array (PESA) December 2011 the Russian MoD and the GLONASS receiver updating an inertial combat radar developed by Research Irkut Corporation signed a contract to reference system (IRS) for highly accurate Institute 607. supply 55 Yak-130 AJTs to be delivered navigation and precision targeting. A light attack variant, the L-15B variant by 2015. An additional 30 aircraft were Powered by two 5,512 lb (24.5 kN) thrust was launched earlier this year. It features ordered in April 2016. Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 turbofans, a larger nose that houses indigenous PL- Aermacchi shared the design and the Yak-130 has a maximum speed of 1,060 12 PESA multi-function radar. Fitted with production and modifi cation rights for km/h (648 mph) and a combat radius of a radar warning receiver (RWR) and nine a westernised variant to be built in Italy 555 km (345 miles). A weapon load of up

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a maximum speed of Mach 1.3. With BAE Systems digital FBW flight controls with HOTAS, a BAE Systems wide-angle HUD, the cockpit has two MFD and Honeywell instrumentation displays that include, attitude indicator, electronic altimeter and Mach speed indicator. Apart from in service with the RoKAF, Commonwealth of Australia Commonwealth of Australia 16 T-50i have been delivered to the TNI–AU, one of which crashed during an air display in December 2015. The Philippines Air Force (PAF) is taking delivery of 12 LIFT/light attack variant of In service with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the the Golden Eagle, the F/A-50. Equipped Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with Elta EL/M-2032The R radar, the is taking delivery of 49 Pilatus PC- two-seat F/A-50 has an internal General 21s to replace its PC-9s. Dynamics M197 20 mm three-barrel Gatling-type cannon and has seven hard points capable of carrying up to 10,500 lb to 6,600 lb (3,000 kg) consisting of various FADEC that give the M-346 a maximum (4,758 kg) of weapons. guided and un-guided weapons, auxiliary level speed of 590 knots (1,095 km/h). In 2017 the Royal Thai Air Force fuel tanks and electronics pods can be Equipped with two Martin-Baker (Kong Thap Akat Thai) selected the carried on nine hard points: Mk.16D zero/zero ejection seats, and Golden Eagle to replace its fleet of 40 Aero In January 2014, Bangladesh ordered HOTAS controls, the M-346's glass cockpit L-39ZA/ART Albatros in the training and 24 Yak-130s to replace the Bangladesh is representative of the latest generation combat roles, with the first four of eight Air Force’s (BAF) fleets of L-39s and FT- cockpit and is night vision goggle (NVG) aircraft expected to be delivered by July 6s as lead-in fighter trainers but the order compatible. It has three colour LCD 2018. The T-50TH will be fully combat was later reduced to 16 aircraft. The first multifunctional displays, a HUD and an capable, being fitted with fire control batch was delivered in September 2015 optional helmet-mounted display. radar, a MIL-STD-1760 databus and will since when one crashed during a training A key feature of the M-346 is the have provision for the Link 16 data link. flight in July 2017. In March 2017, Mikhail embedded tactical training system (ETTS) Lockheed Martin is competing in the Petukhov, deputy director of Russia’s that is capable of emulating various US Air Force’s T-X competition to replace Federal Service for Military-Technical equipment, such as radar, targeting pods, its fleet of 490 T-38A/C Talons, with a Cooperation (FSMTC) confirmed that weapons, and EW systems. Additionally, variant of the T-50A designated the TX-1 three Yak-130s, of twelve on order, had the ETTS can interface with various to be built in the United Sates. Should been delivered to the Myanmar Air Force munitions and other equipment actually it win the competition it would be a (Tatmadaw Lei). carried on the M-346’s nine hard points. considerable boost to its sales potential in With more than 145 Yak-130s on order, However, all this capability comes at a the Asia-Pacific region. the Russian manufacturer has eclipsed high price which may be responsible for Taiwan is planning to purchase a new its erstwhile Italian partner Aermacchi, the fact that only 59 M-346s have been AJT to replace 49 AIDC AT-3 basic jet in the marketing of its westernised ordered to date with the RSAF being the trainers and 25 Northrop/AIDC F-5E/F variant that later became the M-346 region’s only Master customer. fighters that have been acting as lead-in Master. Development of the aircraft was Another expensive AJT option is the fighter trainers for decades in the Republic transferred to Italy in 1998 to prevent supersonic Korea Aerospace Industries of China Air Force (RoCAF). AIDC has delays resulting from the economic (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle with a reported proposed an AJT based on the two-seat situation in Russia with limited funding unit cost of $30 million. Originally designed AIDC Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) from the Italian Ministry of Industry. The by Samsong Aerospace with assistance called the XAT-5 Blue Magpie, equipped first flight of the M-346 prototype took from Lockheed Martin as an offset for the with reinforced landing gear, increased place in July 2004. F-16 Korean Fighter Programme as the fuel capacity, a glass cockpit and the Retaining much of the Yak-130’s KTX-2, it made its first flight in August 2002. same Honeywell F125 turbofan engines. airframe design, considerable weight In December 2003 a contract was placed In February 2017 a memorandum of reduction was achieved by the increased with KAI for the manufacture of 25 lead- cooperation was signed between the use of composites, the M-346 had a in fighter trainers (LIFT) to be delivered RoCAF and the National Chung-Shan redesigned landing gear with increased to the RoKAF in 2007. The RoKAF have a Institute of Science and Technology track, and a modified canopy for requirement for 94 T-50s, of which 82 had (NCSIST) to develop the Blue Magpie. improved visibility. A more powerful been ordered by 2008. The RoKAF has a requirement for 66 new flight control system was fitted, and new With mid-mounted variable camber AJTs for deliveries starting in 2023. software for an expanded flight envelope wings with leading edge LERX, swept With Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam to 8 g. The air intakes and exhaust were fin and tailplane, the T-50 is powered by amongst others, with requirements for redesigned for the two 6,280 lb (27.9 kN) a single 17,700 lb (78.7 kN) thrust with new basic and advanced trainers, the trust Honeywell F-124-GA-200 twin- afterburning General electric F404-GE-102 choice is wide open but as always, will be shaft turbofan engines with dual-channel turbofan equipped with FADEC, giving it subject to funding. AMR

36 | Asian Military Review | Major General Ahmad Mahmood Hayat, HI(M) Director General DEPO

nternational Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) is a mega regional event in South Asia; biennially organized by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) in Pakistan. A continuous Isuccess story since 2000, IDEAS is now an established rendezvous for convergence of international defence exhibitors, delegations, security analysts and top level policy planners; enabling IDEAS to attain an iconic standing on the canvas of global defence exhibitions.

IDEAS is an ideal platform to showcase latest innovations in defence and technologies of future; with a variety of weapon systems and equipment on display. During the exhibition, defence and security outlook of the future is discussed through a series of conferences and a capstone seminar. It also brings together international manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to explore new avenues of defence cooperation through joint ventures, outsourcing and collaboration. In addition, the high profile of visiting delegates adds to its prestige and stature.

IDEAS truly demonstrates a successful public-private partnership model. Its participation and international attendance is a true reflection of our deeply embedded and mutually beneficial relations with international fraternity. In fact, IDEAS is a shared platform for global peace, stability and prosperity. IDEAS 2018, our 10th eventful edition is scheduled to be held at Expo Centre Karachi from 27- 30 November 2018.

I look forward to welcoming the distinguished participants.

Director DG.indd 1 10/19/17 3:15 PM AIR POWER Australian Department of Defence

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has replaced its old Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawks with modern MH-60R helicopters. The US Department’s Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) recently approved a $360 million, ten- year FMS upgrade for the RAN’s 24 strong MH-60R fleet.

KEEPING THEM FLYING AND EFFECTIVE New helicopters, to maintain effectiveness, need a planned upgrade path - something that the Royal Australian Navy is addressing early. Older aircraft may swap owners, or get a new lease of life where none seemed to exist.

by Andrew Drwiega

he Royal Australian Navy (RAN) On 31 August the US State Depart- Wales, is the training unit fl ying eleven has now found a helicopter in ment’s Defense Security and Cooperation of the MH-60Rs, while operational fl y- the Sikorsky MH-60 Romeo that Agency (DSCA) announced the confi rma- ing is the responsibility of 816 Squadron it is not only happy with, but tion of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) up- whose 17 aircraft primarily operate from wishes to ensure the capability grade programme for the RAN’s 24 MH- the RAN’s Adelaide and Anzac class frig- Tis kept in step with the US Navy and is 60Rs at an estimated cost of $360 million. ates in the anti-submarine/anti-surface therefore taking measures for the fl eet to be The RAN’s 725 Squadron based at warfare (ASW/ASuW) role. The helicop- continually upgraded over the next decade. HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South ter’s weapons systems include Raytheon

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support provided by our skilled associates here at Fleetlands, and we look forward to seeing these aircraft back in service with their new owner later in the year.”

Old to New - Part Two Vector Aerosapace Vector Exhibiting a thirst for even greater lon- gevity, it can be safely said that there aren’t many military helicopter fl eets old- er than the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAFs) Sikorsky S-61 Nuris that are still fl ying. However, following the successful upgrade of one of its number the RMAF fl eet may now be open to an upgrade that could extend the out-of-service date of some, if not all Nuris to the mid-2020s. The fi rst of 10 initial Sikorsky S-61s, The UK Ministry of Defence may have retired its Sea Kings, but the Pakistan Navy designated Nuri by the RMAF, arrived saw an opportunity to acquire seven of those helicopters, putting them throught into Malaysia during late 1967. Since then the experienced hands of Vector Aerospace to bring them back to flying status. the whole fl eet of around 26 helicopters has fl own many thousands of hours to the point where the aircraft have been Mk.54 Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo and Kings will be returned to fl ight status, scheduled to go out-of-service on sev- Lockheed-Martin AGM-114N Hellfi re air- with the others being stripped down for eral occasions. Most are operated by the to-ground missile. parts. The work was the responsibility RMAF but around 11 were transferred The Australian Government acquired of Vector’s UK-based Aviation Services to the Malaysian Army. A new type was the MH-60R under the $2.34 billion Air team, which knows the aircraft very well even sought in 2008 although fi nancially 9000 Phase 8 programme with the intent having previously provided depth main- the government was not able to acquire a that it be as close to US Navy MH-60Rs as tenance and repair for the UK’s Royal Air brand new type of helicopter to take over, such an FMS contract would allow. Air- Force and Royal Navy Sea King fl eets. so the Nuris remained in service. crew and maintainers were sent to the Talking about the opportunity present- The S-61s are divided between two US Navy training base, Naval Air Station ed to Vector to once again provide MRO squadrons, No. 3 Squadron at Butterworth (NAS) Jacksonville in Florida for their services to three of the Sea Kings that have Air Force Base (AFB) in western Malaysia conversion to type training. The RAN visited Fleetlands over the years, Owen and No. 7 Squadron at Kuching AFB in the had operated the older Sikorsky S-70B-2 McClave, managing director for Vector east of the country. The helicopter fl eet’s until its newer replacement arrived. Aerospace UK, said: “Vector has a long main roles have been military transport as The wide ranging upgrades cover history of supporting the Sea King fl eet, well as search and rescue. operational capability as well as any ad- and we are delighted that this signifi cant However, now it seems that the out- vances made to the training regime. This programme to refurbish these aircraft for of-service date could be pushed back includes Engineering Change Proposals return to service has now started. We are again and the aircraft handed a new lease (ECPs) for both the aircraft and associ- very proud of the responsive maintenance of life by Malaysian aviation company ated training devices, classifi ed software upgrades for Joint Mission Planning Sys- tems (JMPS/MDLs), engineering and technical assistance (ETA/LTA) as well as other supply and logistical support.

Old to New - Part One The exit from service of the UK’s Sea King fl eet in 2016 brought an immediate bene- fi t to the Pakistan Navy through the quick acquisition of seven of iconic aircraft. Fol- lowing a formal handover ceremony on 24 May by the UK MoD’s Disposal Servic- No sunset yet for the S-61 Nuri. es Authority (DSA) to the Pakistan Navy A Royal Malaysian Air Force S-61A-4 Nuri utility helicopter at Fleetlands in Gosport, attended by the leads the way during a joint Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, search and rescue exercise a few years ago. The S-61 Nuris

Syed Ibne Abbas, and Bob Richardson photo/Master Sgt. Matt Summers Air Force U.S. from the DSA, the helicopters were re- are being given a new lease of life thanks to a modernisation ceived by the international maintenance conducted by Airod in Malaysia. specialist Vector Aerospace (UK). Only three of the (ex-Westland) Sea

40 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | new IDEAS 2018 276mm x 216mm with 3mm bleed (Armada International).pdf 1 8/7/17 5:36 PM

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The Airbus H225M has been acquired by the Thai Armed Forces, and a new contract with Safran will guarantee engine support and aircraft availability.

Airod. The upgrade to the first Sikorsky well-established and proven platform in During the summer, a Memorandum S-61A-4 Nuri focused on transforming a variety of roles,” said Christophe Nurit, of Understanding (MoU) was signed the analogue avionics into a digital glass regional executive for Sikorsky in Asia. between Safran Helicopter Engines and cockpit which would include a new mov- At the end of 2016,the Royal Thai Air Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to support ing map. To achieve this, AIROD ‘s con- Force (RTAF) revealed that it was increas- helicopter engines operated by the Thai ducted the work at its Subang, Selangor, ing its fleet of Airbus H225M Caracal’s (ex armed forces,. facility with technology transfer being EC725s) with an order for an additional The MoU, signed on 20 June, is an ex- made possible through its technical two helicopters. The twin-engine, 11-ton tension of an earlier global support agree- partner Heli-One of Norway. H225Ms are operated by several air forces ment and means that Safran will support The first aircraft was handed over by in the region including the RMAF and the Makila-powered H225M Caracal and Airod Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ma- Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Arriel-powered fleet of H125M, H145M, jor General (Rtd) Datuk Ibrahim Bahari to Indonesia-Angkatan Udara, or TNI–AU). AS365 N3+ and H155 helicopters that are RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Affendi The four Airbus M225s delivered to used by both the RTAF and other military Buang in March at the Langkawi airshow. date have got a variety of features in- and government users. The RMAF have given Airod a cluding electro-optical sensor, fast roping According to a statement from Safran, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for and search light applicable for a variety “the agreement will deliver guaranteed the work completed on the first Nuri of role from general combat search and engine availability, including engine line upgrade which, reports state, took less rescue through to civil rescue and ordi- maintenance, depot repair, inventory than a year to complete. nary troop transportation. Airbus state management and technical support ex- A ceremony was staged on 17 Septem- that two Caracal’s from the first order pertise.” This will principally be delivered ber to commemorate the 50th Anniversa- are still to be delivered by the end of the by TAI backed by Safran support. ry of the S-61 Nuri with the RMAF. It was year, which will eventually make a fleet Other upgrade related military attended by Malaysian Chief of Air Force, of eight aircraft when the final two are helicopter news this year included an an- General Tan Sri Dato Sri Hj Affendi bin delivered in 2019. nouncement by Elbit Systems that it had Buang, together with a variety of RMAF Philippe Monteux, head of Airbus’ won a $110 million contract from an un- helicopter crew members. Southeast Asia and Pacific region said disclosed country within the Asia-Pacific “We are honoured to celebrate the gold- that the contract “marks the great confi- region that would see it maintain and en anniversary of the S-61 Nuri with the dence the RTAF has placed in the EC725 upgrade ‘dozens’ of Mi-17 helicopters over Royal Malaysian Air Force, and commem- and its proven capabilities to fulfil its a five-year period. No details of the con- orate 50 years of continuous service of the most challenging missions.” tract or the customer were revealed. AMR

42 | Asian Military Review |

by Andrew Drwiega

Ballistic missile tracking has been a feature of recent multi-national exercises, while the Royal Air Force received its third Rivet Joint RC-135. Meanwhile a new longer endurance and future ready satellite is available for launch. Thales

Thales’ SMART-L EWC Multi Mission (MM) radar system in the Netherlands detected and tracked a ballistic missile launched from Scotland for over 1,500km as part of exercise Formidable Shield 2017.

Radar On 25 September, Thales tested its tower based SMART-L EWC that the SMART-L MM “can provide armed forces all over the Multi Mission (MM) radar system during exercise Formidable world with a powerful sensor that enables the protection of Shield 2017 (24 September to 18 October), detecting a ballistic nation states against the increasing threat of ballistic missiles.” missile launched from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence’s Another successful missile flight track test was achieved Hebrides range located on the Western Isles of Scotland. in September when Raytheon’s AN/SPY-6(V) air and The SMART-L is sited on a test tower at Thales’ Hengelo missile defence radar acquired and tracked multiple threat- facility in the Netherlands. Thales reported that the ballistic representative targets simultaneously during its third dedicated missile was detected and tracked at a range of over 1,500km. flight test at the US Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility, in Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, Formidable Shield was an Kauai, Hawaii. international ballistic missile defence exercise held in order ‘to The AN/SPY-6(V) detected and tracked a short-range ballistic improve allied interoperability in a live-fire integrated air and missile target and multiple anti-ship cruise missile targets from missile defence (IAMD) environment, using NATO command launch throughout their flights. and control reporting structures.’ Participating nations included “The speed, range, trajectory and complexity of multiple Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the targets proved no match for AN/SPY-6,” said Raytheon’s Tad United Kingdom, and the United States. Dickenson, AN/SPY-6(V) programme director. According to a company statement, ‘the system maintained According to US Navy Captain Seiko Okano, major programme a stable track for more than 300 seconds. The track quality was manager, Above Water Sensors, Programme Executive Office sufficient to enable Launch On Remote (LOR) by ballistic missile Integrated Warfare Systems, the radar was “specifically defence-capable warships. designed to handle ballistic missiles and cruise missiles Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales in the Netherlands commented simultaneously.

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UK MOD

The third and final RC- 135 Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft was delivered by L3 Technologies to the UK’s Royal Air Force as part of the Airseeker programme.

Raytheon reported that over the tests, the AN/SPY-6(V) sensors and antennae reveal it detects signals and transmissions, had performed successfully against single and multiple live identifies frequencies being used as well as mobile radars and targets “including integrated air and missile defence targets of communications relay sites. i opportunity, satellites and aircraft.” “This partnership has provided our UK allies with an Meanwhile NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency intelligence-gathering platform that supports near-real-time (NSPA) based in Luxembourg has contracted Swedish defence on-scene collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities,” company Saab to upgrade three SINDRE I air surveillance radars said Christopher E. Kubasik, L3’s president and chief operating in Norway. The work will involve replacing obsolete hardware as officer. Analysts describe the defence cooperation over Airseeker well as upgrading software and will be conducted between 2017 as “the highest level of intelligence cooperation between the two and 2020. countries since World War II,” according to Mark Von Schwarz, Saab Technologies will be responsible for the work together L3’s senior VP, Aerospace Systems. with Saab Defense and Security in Syracuse, New York, USA. ”Saab’s radar upgrading approach is a proven and effective way Tactical radios to extend the service life of existing air surveillance radars,” said On 2 October, Harris Corporation announced that it had received Tore Bekkevold, managing director, Saab Norway. a $260 million order from an undisclosed Asia-Pacific nation to develop an integrated tactical communications network as Electronic warfare part of that country’s modernisation program. The order was The UK’s Royal Air Force has received its third and last RC- received in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. 135V/W Rivet Joint (RJ) signals intelligence aircraft from L3 This integrated network order will include tactical radios, Technologies under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement network planning, monitoring and routing software as well as valued at $1 billion. The three aircraft form 51 Squadron based at ancillary systems. Harris revealed that this would include its Falcon RAF Waddington together with other ISTAR assets. III AN/PRC-158 multi-channel manpack radios, vehicle amplifiers Under the Airseeker programme, the RJ intelligence, and would provide voice and data for LOS and BLOS needs. surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were converted In a separate announcement, Harris has also been awarded by L3 from KC-135R tankers to the RC-135W configuration. a five year, $765 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity The aircraft have been delivered every two years since the first (IDIQ) contract to supply the US Navy (USN) and US Marine arrived in the UK in 2013. Corps (USMC) with tactical radios and ancillary equipment. The combined US Air Force / RAF fleet is 20 aircraft, with L3 This replaces a $300 million contract that expired in August. providing baseline upgrades and depot maintenance. The precise The radios within the contract include the Harris AN/PRC- capability of the systems onboard the RJ aircraft is secret but its 117G, AN/PRC-152A and the new AN/PRC-160 wideband

46 | Asian Military Review |

Harris

The Harris AN/ PRC-160(V) (formerly RF-300H) is a standalone radio for Beyond-Line- Of-Sight (BLOS) communications in the absence of satellite communications.

HF/VHF radio, as well as peripheral attachments to support Technologies announced that it would be providing the US handheld, manpack, vehicle and base station requirements. Air National Guard’s Joint Incident Site Communications Cooperation between Barrett Communications and Thales Capability (JISCC) teams with Hawkeye III Lite VSAT satellite Australia has led to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) communications terminals, together with training. now using ten reconditioned Bushmaster armoured troop Called Army Strategic Command (ARSTRAT)-certified carrying vehicles fitted with Barrett PRC-2090 HF mobile terminals, they will not only provide direct communications systems and PRC-2080+ VHF mobile systems. to the Guard from remote locations within the US, but provide The Barrett HF and VHF system and the Thales SOTAS access to the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network of Intercom system allows both long range HF and line-of-sight military satellites. VHF communications through the headset of an operator Details of the contract show that the Guard will receive 46 in each vehicle. The system also provides for intra-vehicle Hawkeye III Lite 1.2-meter tri-band VSATs in the fourth quarter communications, such as during a convoy mission. of 2017. The JISCC delivers military Command and Control (C2) Said Barrett Communications managing director, Greg and National Incident Management System-compatible data O’Neill: “The way the tactical communications market is evolving information to Guard units. means our products need to be interoperable with other systems.” Following that, Lockheed Martin’s new military Global The RFMF has already deployed seven of the vehicles as part Positioning System (GPS) III satellite (SV01) is now ‘available for of its United Nations peacekeeping mission to the Middle East. launch’ according to the US Air Force (USAF). This is expected The remaining three are used in Fiji to train operators. to take place in 2018. On 10 October Turkish defence contractor Aselsan revealed GPS III represents a new satellite design and has a host of a contract with the Ukrainian State foreign trade enterprise new and improved capabilities. These include: three times SpetsTechnoExport. Aselsan will supply military radios better accuracy than current GPS II satellites; a stated eight fold with software defined architecture, multiple waveforms and increase in anti-jamming capability; strong design giving an electronic protection measures against electronic warfare threats. operational life of around 15 years; and the ability to broadcast This is believed to meet the Ukrainian government’s tender for the L1C common signal being used by other Global Navigation new radios that was initiated in 2016. It has been reported that the Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as Galileo, for civilian use. contract would be for up to 600 VHF systems. The satellite has a modular design which Mark Stewart, vice Aselsan’s product line includes a V/UHF Software Defined president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems says will Radio (SDR) family designed within 30-512 MHz band to allow the insertion of new technology into the production line support land, marine and air platform applications. The company when it becomes available. states that its Software Defined Networking Radios (SDNR’s) The first ten GPS III satellites are now being produced at “are designed to provide public safety and air-to-ground-to-air Lockheed Martin’s processing facility near Denver, Colorado. communications capability as well as tactical communications The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems under severe electronic warfare threats.” Directorate at the USAF’s Space and Missile Systems centre. Air Force Space Command’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), SATCOM based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates In the satellite communications field, on 9 October L3 the GPS constellation for both civil and military users. AMR

48 | Asian Military Review | | november 2017 | 49 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

The Doklam Plateau area is a strategically important area and potentially exposes the vulnerability of India’s Siliguri Corridor that links the northwest of the country to the rest of India.

International, told Asian Military Review. Mr. Darling added that India has become alarmed by China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, which includes the development of a road linking China to Pakistan, which unnerves the Indian Government in New Delhi. Pakistan is also one of the largest recipients of Chinese technology, further demon-strating the strength of the relationship between the two nations.

Clarification statement A statement released by the Indian Ministry FACE-OFF, STEP BACK of External Affairs on 30 June claimed that a People’s Liberation Army construction While the mini-crisis between India and party entered the Doklam area on 16 June China over a road-building programme in a to construct a road, at which point it is understood that a Royal Bhutan Army controversial area claimed by Bhutan has been patrol attempted to “dissuade them from this unilateral activity”. averted (for now), China continues to push its Furthermore, the foreign ministry tactics for territorial and maritime influence. of Bhutan also issued a statement claiming that the road construction is a direct violation of both 1988 and 1998 by Beth Stevenson agreements between Bhutan and China. “India is deeply concerned at the n 16 June 2017, China deploying troops, weapons and bulldozers recent Chinese actions and has conveyed (People’s Republic of China) to the plateau in order to counter Chinese to the Chinese Government that such began moving troops into troops with construction equipment that construction would represent a significant the Doklam/Donglang had located themselves in the area. change of status quo with serious security plateau, an area located Tension between China and India is implica-tions for India,” its ministry betweenO Tibet's Chumbi Valley to the not new, with previous conflicts occurring statement noted. north, Bhutan's Ha Valley to the east over border areas, given that they touch “In this context, the Indian side has and India's Sikkim state to the west. The at several strategic points. Disagreements underlined that the two governments reason for the incident was founded between the two have been underway for had in 2012 reached agreement that the in China’s desire to further extend an some 100 years. tri-junction boundary points between existing road in Tibet southward. A In 1962 a border war occurred India, China and third countries will military face-off between Indian and between the two countries over disputes be finalised in consultation with the Chinese troops ensued. relating to the McMahon Line. a border concerned countries. While seemingly low key in terms established between India and Tibet “Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally of military action, the area into which through the Simla Accord initiated by determine tri-junction points is in Chinese troops were planning to extend is the United Kingdom in 1914, which was violation of this understanding,” the a plateau disputed by China and Bhutan, rejected by China. statement stressed. which caused the latter’s ally India to In addition to the disputed McMahon Soldiers from both sides eventually intervene on its behalf, starting a stand- Line, another area, Aksai Chin, is stood down on 28 August, but the off between the two larger nations. considered by India to be part of the disagreement is representative of existing Bhutan and India’s alliance is one Jammu and Kashmir state, but China tensions between the two countries, that runs deep, with the latter guiding administers it through its Xinjiang who still dispute a number of bordering the former’s diplomatic and defence autonomous region. territories. affairs from 1949 to 2007, at which point “In general, relations between China The Ministry of External Affairs the existing treaty was replaced with and India are [both] pragmatic (as seen claimed that India has “consistently taken a friendship treaty that softened the in the trade volume between the two a positive approach to the settlement of requirements of the old agreement. countries) and tense,” Daniel Darling, its own boundary with China”, as well To this end, India acted on behalf of senior military markets analyst for Europe as with the related issue of tri-junctions Bhutan throughout the stand-off in 2017, and the Asia-Pacific Rim at Forecast within the region.

50 | Asian Military Review | SA18_Exhibitor01_Armada_213x286mm.pdf 1 3/3/2017 11:32:59 AM STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

is a strategic vulnerability due to its narrowness and for the rail and road links that it provides. It is used for transiting troops, military equipment and supplies Indian Army to the units in the north of the country, troops that would be utilised first if another conflict arose between India and China.

Chinese strategy Mr. Darling offered insight into the thought process behind China’s The King of Bhutan, determination to build the road, sug- Jigme Khesar Namgyal gesting three gains it hoped to achieve. Wangchuck, receives Firstly, it wanted to further its Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat territorial claims against Bhutan in a during a goodwill visit fashion typical of China, which includes to Bhutan from 27 to creating infrastructure and logistical 30 April. Gen. Bipin networks – roadways, railways, military assured the King that the Indian Army would camps and refuelling stations – “thereby continue with its special rendering the situation a fait accompli relationship with the through overwhelming presence on the Royal Bhutan Army, ground”, Darling said. something that was soon “This, it should be noted, is how Beijing called up at the border. has pressed its claims in the South China Sea, only with ships instead of ground troops and land-reclamation instead “India cherishes peace and tranquillity extension. It added that following the 28 of roadways. It seeks to shift a de jure in the India-China border areas,” it noted. August withdrawal, Chinese forces would dispute into a de facto reality, meaning “It has not come easily. Both sides have bolster patrols and defence in the area “to one side can lay claim to territory, but worked hard to establish institutional resolutely safeguard sovereign security”. another side dictates the actual terms on framework to discuss all issues to ensure In terms of the outcome, India the ground.” peace and tranquillity in the India-China managed the situation “both firmly and The actions of China would border areas. deftly on the diplomatic side of things”, additionally apply pressure to the Siliguri “India is committed to working with which resulted in a halting of the building Corridor, which India is wary would be a China to find peaceful resolution of work for now, Darling noted. weakness if there was a war between the all issues in the border areas through Although relations are once again two countries, given that Beijing would dialogue.” civil from an outside standpoint, tension be likely to annex off the northern part of Leaders of China and India – Xi between the nations remains. India isolating troops based in the Sikkim Jinping and Narendra Modi, respectively One issue that is particularly sensitive area that borders China. – met at a the 9th Brazil, Russia, India, for India is the Siliguri Corridor – or Thirdly, in more practical terms, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit Chicken’s Neck – which is a narrow belt physically shifting the junction where the in Xiamen, China in early September, of land that connects the northwestern three nations – Bhutan, China and India after which it was reported that they India to the main body of the country to – meet from the plateau to Gamochen/ had agreed to concentrate on bolstering the south. It is pinched by Bangladesh to Mt Gipmochi, which is the start of the bilateral ties. the south and Nepal to the north-west. Jampheri Ridge, would allow China “China and India should see each With Chinese territory directly to protect the Chumbi Valley, its own other as development opportunities north of the corridor, hypothetically, the territory that is equally vulnerable to any rather than threats,” Xi said, adding northwestern part of India and Bhutan po-tential strike from India. that “peaceful coexistence and win-win would be vulnerable if China made “This land route signals an attempt by cooperation are the only right choice for an advance into the area, which could Beijing to circumvent a crucial Chinese the two countries,” according to reports cut them off from the rest of India, and vulnerability, one that India might from Chinese government-controlled from access to the sea, something that exploit in the event of another outbreak news outlet, Xinhua. happened during the 1962 dispute. of hostilities between the two nations: Both nations agreed that there should “I don't think it is a matter of who is the China's lack of, and thus requirement for, not be rivalry in Sino-Indian relations, most diplomatic, per se, but who has the secure shipping lanes that ensure its vital rather there should be cooperation and most to lose. India does not wish to see energy supplies from the Middle East are stable ties, the agency added. further (or any) encroachment by China not disrupted,” he said. Nevertheless, Xinhua reiterated that towards what is perceived by New Delhi Mr. Darling noted that a withdrawal the Donglang/Doklam area was Chinese as a sensitive – indeed critical – strategic by Indian forces is likely to stick, subject to territory, claiming that Indian troops chokepoint,” Mr. Darling said. China not continuing the road-extension were obstructing the construction of the He noted that for India the corridor in the plateau.

52 | Asian Military Review | THE th

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Untitled-2 1 10/9/17 10:22 AM STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

in the world, with around 200 ships in service and is targeting an ability to operate a number of carrier battle groups by the mid-2020s. Indian Navy “India also aims to expand its military- basing infrastructure and maintenance capabilities in its Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, located 1,200km off the country's coast, thus enabling its military to rapidly respond to Chinese naval forays near these strategically located offshore territories,” Mr. Darling said in 2016. “This dual naval build-up has become worrisome for those with vested interests in the greater Indian Ocean.” Furthermore, the US presence in the region could serve to alter the balance. India is more aligned with the US than The runway serving the new Indian Naval Station (INS) Baaz, on the Nicobar Islands chain. was China, particularly strategically. But recently commissioned in July 2012 as the IN expands its operational footprint. This allows the due to India’s diplomatic ‘soft-hands’ Indian Navy (IN) to overwatch the Malacca Straits. approach as recently witnessed, more serious disputes seem unlikely at present. “That is a red line for India, which according to Mr. Darling. Additionally, although China is already has two nuclear-armed rivals Its well publicised expansion through evidently keeping of focus on its defence perched on both its flanks (Pakistan, island building in the South China Sea investments, it is heavily reliant on its naturally, being the other),” he added. has likewise served to raise tension in own developments, which is not the case “Thus, a return to the status quo of that region. for India. before is what India sought and what China’s defence budget of $151 billion China is responsible for manufacturing it has achieved through firmness and for 2017 is helping to underline it as a much of the military equipment it uses, diplomatic patience.” modernising military power is of strategic and is eager to increase its share of the It is expected that both nations will importance. export market. India on the other hand, continue to base forces in the area, which However, while exact numbers while it has the best intentions to become typically includes light artillery, anti- are rarely released by Beijing, Xinhua a defence equipment powerhouse in years aircraft and anti-tank weaponry, and reported in March that the 2017 defence to come, heavily relies on sophisticated mortars. budget for the nation had risen by 7 technology imports to equip its forces. “India has a much larger manpower percent, marking the slowest increase It also continues to demonstrated very presence in the areas of dispute with China, in six years and the first single digit rise slow decision making in indigenous but China is – by many estimates – better since 2010. manufacturing and military procurement. capable of manoeuvring its forces and “China’s military capacity building India is also targeting the transfer of supporting them in the event of conflict will be continued,” Fu Ying, spokesperson intellectual property (IP) rights into the as well as bringing greater immediate for the 12th National People’s Congress country by mandating that countries that firepower to bear,” Mr. Darling added. annual session, told a press conference on want to sell it equipment must also carry Both nations have gains to be made 4 March this year. “This is the requirement out manufacturing in India to bolster the from being regional powers, and presence for safeguarding our national sovereignty defence industry. in the Indian Ocean is key to that. In 2016, and security.” China had the second largest military Major General Chen Zhou, head of Unresolved issue expenditure in the world behind the the Research Centre for Defense Policies In terms of tensions in this part of the United States (US) and the largest in the at the PLA Academy of Military Science, world, North Korea has been holding the Asia-Pacific according to the Stockholm added that China’s defence budget world’s attention and territorial disputes International Peace Research Institute. increase is “reasonable and moderate”, evident between India and China are India was ranked joint fifth with France. Xinhua said, against the backdrop of not the most concerning to either of the China’s share of the global budget is 13 "profound changes in China's overall nations involved, or to neighbouring percent, while India’s is 3.3 percent. strength, its security environment and the countries. China’s ambition to protect its wider world's strategic situation". However, the core issues remain international commercial interests unresolved which may again lead to is reflected in its programme of port Indian defence more face-offs, or worse. Rhetoric from development and construction witnessed India’s 2017 defence budget is $53.5 billion, both nations, albeit relatively passive and in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the India-based Institute for Defence not particularly threatening remains, and Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania. A positive Studies and Analyses revealed, which is a with reputations and their position on the relationship with nations adjacent to the rise of 7 percent on the previous year. world stage at stake, there is more to be Indian Ocean has been a target of Beijing, The Indian Navy is one of the largest lost than just physical territory. AMR

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184mm Live 213mm Trim

219mm Bleed

Job Number: BOEG_BDS_V22_3162M_A Approved Client: Boeing Product: Boeing Defense Space & Security Date/Initials Date: 12/5/14 GCD: P. Serchuk File Name: BOEG_BDS_V22_3162M_A Creative Director: P. Serchuk Output Printed at: 100% Art Director: J. Alexander Fonts: Helvetica Neue 65 Copy Writer: P. Serchuk Media: Asian Military Review Print Producer: Account Executive: D. McAuliffe 3C Space/Color: Page — 4 Color — Bleed 50K Client: Boeing 50C Live: 184mm x 260mm 4C 41M Proof Reader: 41Y Trim: 213mm x 286mm Legal: Bleed: 219mm x 292mm Traffic Manager: Patty Lee Gutter: 0 25 50 75 100 Digital Artist: Production Artist: S. Bowman Art Buyer: Retoucher: Vendor: Garvey Group

PUBLICATION NOTE: Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order. Material for this insertion is to be examined carefully upon receipt. If it is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact: Print Production at 310-601-1493.

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