Volume 26/issue 2 march 2018 US$15
Asia Pacific’s Largest Circulated Defence MagaZine
INDIAN ARMED FORCES AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING CBRN PROTECTION 3RD PARTY SATCOM MARITIME ELECTRONIC WARFARE BODY ARMOUR AND CONNECTIVITY MULTIMISSION MARITIME ROTORCRAFT
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Contents MARCH 2018 VOLUME 26 / ISSUE 2 06 10 Sgt. Daniel Schroeder
Maritime Indian Pvt. Kishan Singh from 6th Battalion of the 6th Kumaon Regiment Rotorcraft pulls security while conducting company movement procedures with 1st Brigade, Growth Predicted 2nd Infantry Division during the exercise Buying new, opting for Yudh Abhyas 15 culminating training less expensive upgrades or event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., BEYOND KINETIC Sept. 21. Yudh Abhyas is an annual, U.S. considering an alternative. Army Pacifi c-sponsored Theater Security Andrew Drwiega examines Cooperation Program bilateral exercise PROTECTION a few options as the military and the fi rst one held at JBLM. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Daniel Schroeder, 5th Dr. Joetey Attariwala examines the methods of electronic warfare that can helicopter market continues Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) be employed to protect naval surface vessels. to grow. 12 16 24
BRUNEI AIR FORCE 32 PILOTS ‘COOL’ WITH S-70i SIMULATOR INDIA’S ARMED PREPARING FOR SINGAPORE TRAINING FORCES THE WORST AIRSHOW REVIEW Editor Andrew Drwiega visits India has large and professional David Oliver takes a look at Andrew Drwiega reviews a Brunei to see how the CAE armed forces, although how the Australian Defence selection of opinions and products S-70i simulator has made a modernisation is often slowed Force is modernising its uncovered at this year’s Singapore difference to the Brunei Air by tradition and political process. capacity to react to CBRNe Airshow. Force. Brian Cloughly explains. challenges. 14 20 33
28 AIR REFUELLING RECEIVING YOU ANALYSTS MORE THAN LOUD AND CLEAR PROLIFERATES Situational awareness for the COLUMN BODY ARMOUR The increasing number of warfi ghter is now founded in Veerle Nouvens takes a look at Body armour is now a soldier fi ghter aircraft in Asia-Pacifi c has space-based communications US FONOPS operations in the system, supporting situational resulted in a larger requirement and surveillance systems. South China Sea and how the awareness. Andrew White explains. for AAR. Alan Warnes reports. JR Ng reports. UK might increase its support.
| MARCH 2018 | 03 Index of Advertisers
ADAS 27 Editorial EURONAVAL 19 EUROSATORY 29 CHINA’S ARMS GENERAL ATOMICS COVER 4
IDEAS COVER 3 EXPORTS, IDEAS SHOW DAILY 5 CONFIDENCE INDO DEFENCE 31 ISDEF 25 GROWS LAND FORCES 23
NORTHROP GRUMMAN COVER 2 ompetition among international suppliers of arms and military aviation is hotting up in the Asia- Pacifi c region. Traditional western suppliers now have a more challenging NEXTER 9 environment to sell their wares than perhaps at any time in past. There are signs that the growth in confi dence of China not only as a regional player, Advertising Offi ces C France/Spain but now one with economic involvement in countries globally, has ‘turned heads’ among Stephane de Remusat, REM International decision makers in Asia. The inconsistent and divisive Trump Administration, with its blatant Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 proclamation of ‘America First’ and negative comments made by President Trump about peoples E-Mail: [email protected] and countries classifi ed as developing nations, has broadly not gone down well in a region of the Germany world where relative prosperity has only recently surfaced. Confi dence in the United States has Sam Baird, Whitehill Media been a casualty and signifi cant political re-evaluation is under way. Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 E-Mail: [email protected] Chinese arms sales have been growing for some years, with all the dependence on a bi-lateral Turkey / Eastern Europe / UK relationship that such things bring, particularly in terms of the potential for operational lifetime Zena Coupé support and mid-life upgrades. Although this is not as strong by far as the US government-to- Tel: +44 1923 852537, [email protected] government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, advances have been made with countries Nordic Countries/Italy/ Switzerland that western arms manufacturers considered secure. As an example, the Thai Armed Forces are Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg Tel: (46) 31 799 9028 procuring nearly 40 Chinese VT-4 main battle tanks with a requirement for up to 150 over time E-Mail: [email protected] (they largely replace old American tanks of the early Vietnam era). There are also the three Russia well publicised Chinese Type S26T Class submarines that were recently purchased by the Thai Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Government (military). Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :[email protected] Whereas the bulk of Chinese arms sales used to go to a relatively small number of developing USA (East/South East)/Canada (East) countries that could be counted on one hand, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, recent reports Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC. indicate that China’s investment in, and diversifi cation of, its arms industry has resulted in an Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 increase in global exports to over 50 countries, from the Middle East and Asia to Latin America. Email: [email protected]
USA (West/South West)/Brazil/Canada (West) While political alignment with the US in Asia-Pacifi c based on national security, and therefore Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc arms sales, will continue in countries such as Singapore, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557 and the Republic of China (Taiwan), there is a growing trickle of new business being conducted Email: [email protected] as a result of uncertainty among others. The recent welcome extended by Singapore’s Defence All Other Countries Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Chinese Minister of National Defence General Chang Wanquan at Jakhongir Djalmetov, Media Transasia Limited Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654 a meeting of ASEAN defence ministers during the recent Singapore Airshow underlines how Email: [email protected] perceptions are changing. Roman Durksen, Media Transasia Limited Andrew Drwiega, Editor Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 9 8252 6243 E-Mail: [email protected]
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BEYONDBEYOND KINETICKINETIC PROTECTION Defeating inbound threats to naval vessels is now too fast to be left to a man behind a gunsight. Threats must now be defeated using electronic subterfuge and technological decoys. by Dr. Joetey Attariwala
lectronic Warfare (EW) in the to discuss, which emparts to this author Modern naval ship design also takes context of surface warships just how important EW is in the modern EW into account, specifically, considerable entails action to exploit the battlespace. efforts are taken to reduce a ship’s radar electromagnetic spectrum In short, EW entails intercepting cross section, and to suppress or mask which encompasses inter- electromagnetic signals, jamming signals, the electro-magnetic vulnerabilities of its ceptionE and identification of electromagnetic and/or using signals or decoys to sensors. emissions, the employment of electro- deceive or attack a foe. The EW domain One can arguably say that a significant magnetic energy and directed energy also includes a growing importance in growing threat to surface ships comes in to reduce or prevent hostile use of the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) which the form of supersonic and hypersonic electromagnetic spectrum, and actions to comprises either individually or in anti-ship missiles. These missiles pose a ensure its effective use by friendly forces. combination: Electronic Intelligence serious threat either through a function Overall, this is an extremely sensitive (ELINT), Communications Intelligence of their speed, or the intelligence within domain which navies and original (COMINT), and Foreign Instrumentation them: ie. smarter capability through equipment manufacturers are reticent Signals Intelligence (FISINT). design (such missiles can incorporate dual
06 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER
(CMS). Additional EW layers constituting integrated noise and deception jammer protection are Electronic Counter- with the ability to jam at long ranges and measures (ECM) or Electronic Attack deceive at closer distances. Systems like
Elbit Systems (EA) subsystems such as Passive (decoys) this can either blind a missile, or work in and Active (Jamming and Seduction) that combination with decoys. Newer systems are triggered by the ES System. are being designed to repeat signals back Inbound missiles threatening a to the missile - an echo of its radar - which surface ship can be detected in a number can be out of phase or out of polarity of ways, primarily through onboard IRST thereby serving to disrupt the missile. and ES sensors. In the case of RAMSES, the jamming parameters can be updated as the Passive Decoys result of infor-mation analysed during A well known passive electronic attack engagements. RAMSES can operate decoy system is Rheinmetall Canada’s continuous wave and high-pulse Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) jamming with high effective radiated system. This countermeasure system power. Multiple mode and multiple tar- provides protection against modern get jamming is also possible. The RAMSES sensor-guided missiles, as well as from system has been fielded for quite some asymmetric terrorist-type threats. With time, so Lockheed Martin Canada is in the information from on-board sensors the process of upgrading the system to and systems, the MASS calculates the best the RAMSES Baseline II configuration. missile defeat solution and, being fully Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and trainable in azimuth and elevation, then Mission Systems (RMS) also produces fires the decoys and places them in time the RA-VEN on-board Electronic in the optimal position without the ship Countermeasures (ECM) and Electronic having to manoeuvre to obtain an effective Attack (EA) system which provides countermeasure solution. Fully automatic, modern, effective jamming through a wide MASS offers tactical, operational, and range of techniques including deception, logistical advantages, and can be installed noise, and combinations thereof to deny on any type of ship. It can be integrated the exploitation of the electromagnetic into naval command and control systems, spectrum by hostile forces. RAVEN but can also operate in a stand-alone mode. provides 360-degree Anti-Ship Missile De- Elbit states that its Aqua Marine The decoys that MASS salvos with its fence (ASMD) self-protection for all naval is a suite of systems suitable for current ammunition is a mixture of chaff platforms and is highly scalable. all surface vessel types. and also EO/IR/laser obscurants, and will RAVEN builds upon the RAMSES eventually include the capability to salvo ECM system capabilities in service today corner reflectors. Also compatible with the with the Royal Canadian Navy and seekers - imaging infrared and radar) and Rheinmetall MASS launcher is Airborne supported by Lockheed Martin Canada the incorporation of electronic protection Systems’ ADS103 off-board corner reflector since 1986. RAVEN’s modern technologies measures. Current methods to kinetically (OCR) naval decoy which protects ships provide an open architecture that enables defeat these threats, either through from RF-missile threats. The ADS103 soft- the system to evolve more quickly to missiles or close-in weapons stations, are kill countermeasure is designed to defeat modern threats. RAVEN’s key capabilities becoming less and less capable, which threats with chaff discriminators. and technologies include: Predictive means that surface ships are using EW to In a similar fashion, large floating Digital radio frequency memory-based a greater extent to counter the supersonic decoy systems like Airborne Systems’ (DRFM-based) ECM Receiver; Predic- and hypersonic anti-ship missile threat. FDS3 floating passive off-board corner tion-Based Electronic Attack; Coherent/ EW serves as a major element reflector naval decoys protect ships from Non-coherent Electronic Attack; and in supporting warship survival and RF-missile threats. The DLF3 is a soft-kill System-On-Chip Technology situational awareness for ship and task countermeasure which is non-kinetic and Lockheed Martin Canada also produces force commanders. In broad overview, can function in all weather conditions. Coronis, claimed as the world’s first fully current naval EW systems are important The UK Royal Navy (RN), the US Navy inte-grated, automated, Windows-based as they provide an additional layer of (USN), the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), EW Operational Support solution. Coronis mission protection and mission support. and the Royal New Zealand Navy follows the success of Lockheed Martin EW systems create a fusion of various (RNZN) all rely on Airborne Systems’ Canada’s EW support products including aspects such as sensitive and selective DLF3 Corner Reflector off-board passive the Canadian Navy's Automated Maritime Electronic Support (ES) sensors including RF decoys to protect their ships. Electronic Warfare Library Generation Radar ES, Communication ES, and System (MEWLGS) and the UK’s Royal Infrared Search and Track (IRST), all Canada’s Active Jamming Navy Electronic Warfare Operational feeding real time processed data to create On the Active side of ECM are systems Support to Maritime Capability (EWOS to a dynamic Electronic Order of Battle like Lockheed Martin Canada’s SLQ-503 MC). Coronis provides a fully functional (EOB) picture for further fusion at the RAM-SES (Reprogrammable Advanced core EW Framework consisting of a data ship’s Combat Management System Multi-mode Shipborne ECM System), an warehouse, analysis tools and customisable
| march 2018 | 07 SEA POWER
Rheinmetall Defence was contracted to equip the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigates with the MASS
work flow. The data warehouse provides a (RESM), Counter Electronic Support sophisticated handling of agile communi- single consolidated data repository for all Measures (CESM), Laser Warning System cations. NATACS' scanning rates EW operations. (LWS) and Electronic Countermeasures enable the handling of extremely dense (ECM) suite for all surface vessel types. electromag-netic environments in the Israel’s Big Picture Approach It is a lightweight, small footprint system HF/VHF/UHF/HUHF frequency bands, Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT-Elisra providing highly needed capabilities of characterised by frequency hopping, burst Naval systems’ product line includes a situational awareness, ship self-defence and other agile transmissions. The system's wide spectrum of EW solutions (ES and and electronic intelligence. De-signed to COMINT antenna can be integrated with ECM). Elisra’s Naval EW systems are used operate in littoral and blue waters, Aqua an ESM antenna - thus allowing maximum by various navies worldwide including Marine is able to deal simultaneously with utilisation of the vessel’s mast, as well the Israeli Navy, RCN, RNZN and other the most advanced threats. Sophisticated as enabling significant space savings. navies in South America and Asia. software detects, analyses and identifies Combining the data extracted by NATACS These ystems are able to provide threats, while reporting to the operator 2020 with the data obtained from on-board passive sensors consisting of light Radar and to the ship's command and control. ESM systems enables completion of the Warning Receivers, compact ES systems, Aqua Marine enables connectivity mission-critical tactical naval picture. and also high level ES systems. These between platforms and allows multiple According to Elbit, iSNS is an sensors cover very wide radar and platforms to communicate with each exceptionally effective Global Positioning communication frequency bands, as other for mission coordination. System, Electronic Counter-Countermeasure well as optical bands. Also produced are Additionally Elbit Systems provides (GPS ECCM) system that ensures reliable, active ECM systems with high Effective the NATACS 2020 Naval Tactical non-stop GPS operation. The iSNS solution Radiated Power (ERP) and state-of-the-art COMINT/DF System, and the iSNS provides full jamming immunity for ECM techniques. Additional capabilities (Immune Satellite Navigation System). multiple satellite channels, and handles include ELINT systems. NATACS 2020 is a new gen-eration of multiple interfering signals and/or jammers Among the systems provided to the on-board Communications Intelligence operating on concurrent frequencies. Asia Pacific market is Aqua Marine, a (COMINT) Direction Finding (DF) systems Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Naval Radar Electronic Support Measures that delivers a full naval picture through all-in-one SEWS-DV on-board/off-board
08 | Asian Military Review | SEA POWER Rafael
SEWS-DV is Rafael’s naval EW suite comprised of digital receivers and digital technique generators, which can operate in very dense electromagnetic environments.
EW ship protection suite effectively almost $40 million to support the Glynn Phillips said: “The Company is addresses the challenge of advanced development of Electronic Warfare at the forefront of Australian electronic Electronic Counter-Countermeasures technology for the Royal Australian warfare innovation that enables military (ECCM) threats. The system deceives and Navy (RAN). The Cuttlefish system’ is platforms to operate in the presence disrupts hostile radar signals. In the event being developed through collaboration of hostile electronic signals… We have of a missile attack, ships can salvo C-Gem, between BAE Systems Australia and the purposefully worked to create a unique a shipbourne off-board active decoy as DST Group. The technology is unique domestic capability in Australia that is part of a vessels protective suite. Once in that it protects the integrity of RAN today an integral part of a stronger, more launched, C-Gem floats down using a plat-forms from an adversary’s Sovereign Australian industry.” parachute, all the while signaling to lure surveillance in real time. Funds will Electronic warfare is a broad and a missile off its designated track. enable BAE Systems to continue to necessarily secretive topic with many mature the Cuttlefish capability facets. This report has summarised some Australian Cuttlefish culminating in sea trials in 2019. BAE of the more public advances currently The Australian Government has invested Systems Australia chief executive being fielded to day’s navies. AMR
The artillery system of the 21st century ECPAD/France/A.Roine ©
® The Caesar artillery system in Mali Photo credits:
CREATING NEW REFERENCES IN DEFENSE I WWW.NEXTER-GROUP.COM
| march 2018 | 09
NexterCaesarMali_213x143_VA.indd 1 18/07/2017 11:48 air power
maritime helicopter segment of the overall market] will account for 43.7 percent of the total global rotorcraft market over the forecast period, followed by attack, transport, and training helicopters.” As defence budgets have either been declining or experiencing minimal The Royal Australian Navy, in the MH-60R, have a Australian Navy Royal growth, governments are looking to helicopter capability for virtually increase value for money by extending any mission laid before it. the role of helicopters bought for the military. Governments are looking all at multi-mission rotorcraft possiblities, from dedicated ‘made-for-purpose helicopters such as Leonardos AW159 Wildcat and Sikorsky’s UH-60 varients, including the submarine hunting MH-60R and the more utility minded MH-60S. Nowhere has an MH-60 programme been more successfully implemented that with the Royal Australian Navy and its acquisition of 24 MH-60Rs capable of both ASW and ASuW. Within three years of the first aircraft delivery in 2013 the RAN had all 24 helicopters. The multi-mission capability of the aircraft is underscored Maritime Rotorcraft by its ability to engage in secondary missions including search and rescue, Growth Predicted vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel With naval expansion happening across the transport, medical evacuation, and VHF/ UHF/link communication relay. Perhaps world, maritime helicopter operators can the most complete definition of an all- round helicopter capability. cross the gamut of options from the most The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) ‘built-for-purpose’ helicopters to breathing is persisting with its requirement for a dedicated sub-hunter and has plans new life into old machines. to procure 12 anti-submarine warfare helicopters for $780 million, with a caveat by Andrew Drwiega that it wants technology transfer and other benefits in return. "(We) plan to push for an offset package he military helicopter market is Governments across the world are with the size of around $400 million," currently in ebb rather than flow. increasingly favouring the procurement said a spokesperson for the Defense The relative lack of completely of multi-mission helicopters, although Acquisition Program Administration new designs has fed an upgrade naval helicopters tend to be designed for (DAPA). In January 2013, the South market for many military anti-submarine or anti-ship roles, or both. Korean government made a suprise Thelicopter types, although some smaller There is a necessity now with respect decision to buy eight AW-159 Wildcat fleet operators in Asia-Pacific have to military maritime rotorcraft that they anti-submarine helicopters, a type used traded in their older 1960s-70s analogue be part of a ship’s system of systems, by the UK’s Royal Navy. Whether this rotorcraft for newer and more expensive rather than just a lone platform carrying decision will be repeated is not know yet more capable ‘glass cockpit’ equipped out tasks semi-independently of the and bids are expected this year leading machines. naval platform. As is the trend with most to an acquisition project and fielding A survey published in April 2017 by military rotorcraft, there is no longer any of the new aircraft by 2020. In addition Indian market reseach company Absolute perceived value in an air asset that is only to Leonardo’s AW159, the competition Reports, entitled The Global Military specialised in one activity. Multi-mission expects to include Sikorsky's MH-60R Rotorcraft Market 2017-2027, stated that rotorcraft need to be adaptable to deliver and NHIndustries' NH-90. “the global military rotorcraft market everything from more covert electronic is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.14 intelligence (ELINT) through direct Civil Into Military percent over the forecast period driven kinetic action such as anti-submarine Budget restrain has sparked the growth by the need to replace aging fleets and (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). in civil-to-military projects witnessed by enhance capabilities pertaining to disaster Absolute Reports, in its document, Airbus Helicopter’s HForce concept; the relief operations.” states that “the multi-mission and adaption of a generic weapon system onto
10 | Asian Military Review | air power
Materiel Administration flight test centre. The helicopter then fired Thales FZ275 laser guided rockets downrange. In so far as this could be part of a maritime protection force, Airbus lists the
Sener Aerospace potential of the H145M’s mission profiles to include maritime counter-terrorism and piracy, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance and control, boarding parties deployment, search and rescue, and medical and casualty evacuation. Airbus’ more dedicated maritime helicopter is its medium twin-engine Panther AS565 MBe. It is well established with over 250 Panthers already serving in 20 countries. One of the most notable operators is the United States Coast Guard with over 100 helicopters in operation along its various coastlines. In early January 2018 the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) received two Sener Aerospace has extended the operational life of the Spanish Navy’s AB212 fleet by an additional AS565 Panthers to go with extra 15 years, by a wide variety of upgrades including replacing the electrical system and the the two initial aircraft that it received analogue cockpit for digital ‘glass’ cockpit. in November 2016. The TNI-AL’s full requirement is for 11 Panthers. They are equipped at state owned PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) located in Bandung with an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite which includes a dipping sonar and torpedo launch systems.
Airbus Helicopters Extended Life Extending the service life of a helicopter is, ultimately still a cheaper option than buying new. Sener Aerospace was appointed by the Spanish Navy to modernise seven of its 1974 vintage Agusta Bell AB212 helicopters. Spain, one of the European countries still suffering budgeting problems due to its poor economy, may not have the latest designs, but the AB212 fleet will be given a new lease of life which will be extended by 15 years. The Airbus H145M, with its HForce adaptability, could provide navy’s faced with littoral tasks Following a power generation system with a relatively less expensive, yet armed, patrol capability. upgrade the helicopters will have new avionics systems including a glass cockpit, military versions of Airbus Helicopters’ which is planned for end 2018”, said NVG compabilibility, integrated mission commercial helicopter range (H125M, Axel Humpert, head of H145 Programme. systems with a modern communications H145M, H225M). Such aircraft are “The positive results of this first ballistic sutie. Mission systems include a new retrofitted have the potential to be turned development test are the outcome of a surveillance radar, EO/IR sensor, into light attack helicopters fitted with very good and professional cooperation defensive aides and GPS guidance with guns such as the FN Herstal HMP400, between all parties involved, especially moving map. unguided rockets (Thales FZ231) and with the Hungarian Ministry of Defence.” According to Sener Aerospace, the cannons even larger caliber weapons The first ballistic firing tests were benefits that the upgrades will bring mean (Nexter NC621). The further addition of a conducted in Hungary during October that the Spanish Navy can now deploy sensor such as a Wescam MX15 were give 2017, followed by the successful firing the AB212s on multi-national missions in a high degree of coordination between of laser guided rockets by the H145M in low-level threat environments. They will sensor and shooter. early December 2017. Airbus Helicopters also be used for maritime surveillance “This is an important milestone towards took the aircraft to the Älvdalen test operating off Spain’s Oceanic Patrol the qualification of HForce on the H145M, range, part of the Swedish Defence Vessel (OPVs). AMR
| march 2018 | 11 CAE B R U N E I S T O R Y
was often difficult. Now those hours in the air conditioned training facility mean that the students are much more able to concentrate and absorb what they are being taught.
Andrew Drwiega While RBAirF pilots still enjoy around 60 percent of their flying time in the real aircraft, the other 40 percent is spent Col. Abdullah honing skills inside the S-70i simulator. demonstrates a deck CAE’s 3000 Series simulator presents landing in CAE's S-70i simulator. a high quality image with national terrain database that allows pilots geographically accurate to be familiar with the terrain that they are flying over. “With this simulator’s graphics and responsiveness you can feel and react as you would in a real aircraft,” said Abdullah. The CAE 3000 Series features a direct projection 12-foot dome display onto which images are projected from CAE’s high-fidelity Medallion-6000 image generator. Sitting in the cockpit, the pilot BRUNEI AIR FORCE experiences a wide field of view with chin windows providing a realistic S-70i visual cue. While not a full motion simulation, PILOTS ‘COOL’ WITH S-70i the 3000 Series in this instance has a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) electric motion SIMULATOR TRAINING system with a 3-DOF vibration system to ensure that pilots experience realistic Asian Military Review was recently invited to cues while training. According to CAE, the Brunei simulator is equivalent to US examine the Royal Brunei Air Force’s S-70i Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Level D standard. simulator in Brunei Darussalam. “Conversion to the S-70i takes between three to four months for existing pilots,” by Andrew Drwiega said Col. Abdullah. However ab initio pilots will take two years to gain enough experience to be given the right hard runei, the small soverign state International Airport. command seat he added. situated on the northern coast For the last 18 months however, the Brunei Air Force pilots can expect of the island of Borneo, is RBAirF has been using a CAE 3000 Series around 200 hours of live flying per year, perhaps known more for its oil S-70i Black Hawk helicopter simulator and gas wealth than anything located at CAE Brunei’s Multi- else.B It has a small tri-service defence force Purpose Training Centre which has been going through vaious (MPTC) to train its 24 Sikorsky modernisation programmes including the S-70i Black Hawk pilots in RBAirF relatively recently acquisition of 12 Sikorsky everything from procedural S-70i helicopters. techniques, through to Replacing the Bell Helicopter 212 recurrent training including meant that the existing pilots needed night flying with night vision conversion training and new pilots goggles (NVGs) for those who needed a higher level of ab initio training. have experience, through to Colonel Johar Abdullah, Head of mission-specific scenarios. Aviation Standards and Evaluation, Col Abdullah, a pilot with Brunei Royal Air Force (RBAirF), told over 3,500 hours experience on AMR that, due to Brunei’s tropical the old Bell Helicopter 212s that equatorial climate with its heat and the RBAirF retired in August humidity, it had been challenging for both 2014, said that he was delighted instructors and students to go through that his training team could get Two of the RBAirF's Sikorsky procedures and aircraft familiarisation away from the hours of ground S-70i Black Hawks fly in in a real cockpit sitting on the apron at based instruction in the heat of formation over Brunei's coastline. RBAirF Rimba Air Base within the Brunei the sun where consentration
12 | Asian Military Review | CAE B R U N E I S T O R Y
manager, the CAE Brunei Christophe Nurit, regional executive MPTC “represents a joint for Sikorsky in the Asia Pacifi c, told AMR commitment of $100 million that the collective Black Hawk fl eet around by the Government of the world had clocked up an impressive Brunei and CAE shared 10 million hours, with an incredible 2.4 on a 40/60 percent basis”. million of those as combat fl ight hours in This investment not only various theatres. He said that the US Army covers the S-70i simulator, now had over 1000 UH-60M (digital) Black but also another 3000 Series Hawks out of a total of around 2100 UH-60s, simulator that is used to virtually the same as those owned by the train civilian Sikorsky S-92 RBAirF with digital avionics. pilots, together with a fl ight CAE’s Brunei MPTC was deliberatedly training device (FTD) that designed for overcapacity to allow for The CAE 3000 Series S-70i has been used to train PC-7 the future expansion and introduction of Black Hawk simulator at pilots. The facility, which additional simulators. As a consequence CAE's MPTC facility. was established in 2012, also that are three spare bays that could be includes an Emergency and used to house future military and/or civil said Col. Abdullah. Recurrent training in Crisis Management Centre of Excellence fl ight simulators. the simulator is around one week every that is used by local authorities including Under the terms of operation, CAE will six months for line pilots. Missions include Brunei’s Ministry of Home Affairs and be allowed to provide training services to instrument fl ying, emergency drills and National Disaster Management Centre other regional Air Force pilots operating training as well as night vision fl ying. (NDMC) to train personnel in national the S-70i as the capacity currently exceeds According to Rozman Junaidi, general emergency planning. the demands of the RBAirF. AMR
RAAF ADDS THREE CAE FMS FOR LIFCAP TRAINING by Trevor Nash
ince ordering the Nick Rawlings, BAE Systems BAE Systems Hawk Australia operations manager at 127 Lead-In Fighter Williamtown. (LIF) in June 1997, The RAAF has two Hawk 127 the Royal Australian squadrons; 79 Squadron located AirS Force (RAAF) has undergone at RAAF Base Pearce undertakes some major changes to its combat type conversion and then pilots are aircraft fl eets. These changes have sent to Williamtown to undertake seen a transition from the F/A- the Introductory Fighter Course 18A/B Hornet to the F/A-18F (IFC) with 76 Squadron. Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler In terms of major aircraft and from later this year, to the modifi cations, the LIFCAP F-35 Lightning II. upgrade adds a Traffi c Collision In preparation for these new and Avoidance System (TCAS), combat aircraft, the RAAF decided Ground Proximity Warning to upgrade its fl eet of 33 Hawk 127 LIF the integration of Cubic Defense’s P5 Air System (GPWS), a new mission aircraft to close the technology gap Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation computer, a Mission Data Loading between the trainer and its new modern (ACMI) live training system. and Recording System (MDLRS), a frontline aircraft. The third major element of the LIFCAP new IFF system, Communications “In essence, the LIFCAP project upgrade is the creation of an Operational Audio Management Unit (CAMU) and was designed to address obsolescence, Support System (OSS) that provides a datalink. enhance safety and maintain or increase mission planning tool as well as a mission The latter enables the aircraft to [training] output,” said Group Captain and ACMI debriefi ng capability. undertake embedded training through Chris Hake, Offi cer Commanding 78 A joint team of BAE Systems and the use of simulated radar, weapons Wing. RAAF technicians has already completed and counter-measures systems. Awarded to BAE Systems Australia the upgrade of 20 of the 33 Hawk 127 One FMS is located at RAAF Base in 2014, Project Air 5438 LIF Capability aircraft at BAE Australia’s engineering Pearce and the remaining two, at Assurance Programme (LIFCAP) has facility at RAAF Base Williamtown. “The Williamtown. The devices feature CAE’s not only provided enhanced capabilities time taken for each upgrade is around Medallion 6000 image generator and to the aircraft but also added three CAE 15 weeks and all aircraft will have been Boeing’s Constant Resolution Visual Full Mission Simulators (FMS) and sees completed in early 2019,” explained System (CRVS) display.
| MARCH 2018 | 13 LAND WARFARE
concepts and includes ongoing collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology
DVIDS Laboratory (DSTL) which is currently in the midst of developing a Synthetic Biology body armour solution currently achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3. The organisation is in the process of creating a series of chest plate technology demonstrators, according to Professor Petra Oyston, technical fellow, Molecular The US Army has published Microbiology and Synthetic, Biology Chemical, a requirement calling for Biological and Radiological Division at DSTL, next-generation protective who addressed delegates at the Disruptive vests and sensor payloads for Technologies in Defence conference in London Multi-Purpose Canines (MPCs) on 25 October 2017. which continue to be relied This particular effort revolves around the upon during surveillance/ design of silicon carbide ceramic plate inserts reconnaissance and counter- derived from silicon-heavy agricultural waste, terrorism missions. resulting in a cheaper means of production MOREMORE THANTHAN over conventional solutions as well as potential for so-called transparent armour solutions. BODYBODY ARMOURARMOUR Transparent armour relies upon a layered manufacturing process which allows a single ceramic plate to survive multiple impacts at the As demand for personal protection equipment same precise point of impact. Legacy plates are able to withstand multiple hits across but face of (PPE) continues to rise, armed forces are also the plate but not multiple hits in the same place.
considering its integration into more holistic Liquid armour Other innovative concepts are being explored soldier modernisation concepts aimed at in Canada including the exploration of liquid enhancing the situation awareness (SA). armour technology which is being negotiated by BAE Systems and Canadian company Helios Global Technologies following a by Andrew White Memorandum of Understanding (MoU0 signed on 1 June 2017. ndustry is not only looking for lighter research at engineering and software design According to a joint statement published ballistic protection to maximise soldier services specialist SEA, explained how the by the companies at the time, liquid armour mobility, but looking at how this can be burden on dismounted personnel in particular comprises a ‘custard-like substance’ which has integrated with C4ISTAR (Command needed to be carefully considered, especially as demonstrated the capacity to stop projectiles and Control, Communications, power- and data-enabled equipment continues more effectively by hardening on impact, Computers,I Intelligence, Surveillance, Target to be fi elded on personnel. especially when combined with Kevlar. Acquisition and Reconnaisance) systems to “Whilst scalable protection systems allow for “Liquid armour could offer our troops increase an individual soldier’s situational adaptation to suit operations, there remains the increased protection but be lighter, allowing awareness (SA). overall issue of weight burden on the individual for greater manoeuvrability,” confi rmed Anne According to market research company soldier. Weight directly affects soldier mobility Healey, BAE Systems’ general manager–Canada. Technavio’s Military Lightweight Armor and is an important consideration for The statement went on to describe how Systems Market 2017-2021 report, published survivability, since a faster moving soldier is the companies’ liquid armour technology on 9 June 2017, soldier protection and safety less likely to be hit,” he explained. was capable of offering soldiers “increased remains a ‘prime concern for the defence Focusing on the proliferation of on-the- protection with reduced mass, wider area ministries’ with armed forces ‘adopting various man C4ISTAR solutions, Bedford also warned coverage, greater manoeuvrability and easy measures to facilitate the development and how the increasing use of power and data integration with other systems”, as well as procurement of systems and equipment that also presents ‘issues of signature management’ 45 percent reduction in plate thickness when enhance the protection level of the soldiers’. which can conversely, make soldiers easier combined with Kevlar. Referring to ongoing collaboration with targets to identify. It stated that when a projectile impacts the soldier modernisation efforts, the report also “Protection systems are often thought of material at speed, it hardens very quickly and stated how another trend gaining momentum as the ‘bullet stoppers’. However, protection absorbs the impact energy. When combined is the integration of electronic components: can be delivered through additional layers with Kevlar, the reduced fl ow of the fl uids in ‘The incorporation of electronic components including avoiding detection and acquisition the liquid armour restricts the motion of the into body armour is trending in the market. by hostile forces. The increase in man-worn fabric yarns. With the highly dynamic war environment, technology upon the battlefi eld means that “This means an increase in area over which soldiers must be provided with more situation soldier signatures are becoming increasingly the impact energy is dispersed. The material is awareness and connectivity for their constant diffi cult to manage. therefore far less likely to distort than standard interaction with command centres. “Additionally, the rapid spread of cheap body armour, which generally bends inwards ‘Therefore, designers are focusing on sensor technologies allows threat forces ready when a bullet strikes, preventing death, but making mission-centric, scalable and access to capabilities to enhance the detection, causing considerable pain.” modular armour (solutions), supported by recognition and identifi cation of targets. It Such a solution could eventually be advancements in electronics that have made is therefore key that enhancements in the integrated into body armour plate carriers and it possible to include sensors, communication power and data enabled soldier be conducted vests optimised for future soldier technology and data gathering instruments in body cognisant of the signature management issues,” programmes. Examples include BAE Systems’ armour,’ the report highlighted. Bedford concluded. Broadsword concept, which according to Echoing these requirements to Asian SEA continues to support the UK Ministry of product manager Richard Cross, achieved Military Review, Laurence Bedford, head of Defence (MoD) in various Future Soldier Vision internal certifi cation in September 2017.
14 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | land warfare
This particular solution comprises a development of nano-technology for lightweight Ratnik future soldier technology with significant family of e-textile based body armour plate body armour solutions. attention to the integration of ballistic protection, carriers and load carriage solutions providing The strategy is expected to support ongoing mobility and SA tools. Addressing the media on a wireless electronic network capable of procurement programmes to equip military 29 September 2017, Commander in Chief of the integrating C4ISTAR and power solutions into and security forces in India as well as across Russian Ground Forces, General Oleg Salyukov, a single soldier ensemble. Asia Pacific and the international community. described how the latest ensemble designated Similar indigenous solutions aimed at Domestic demand currently includes 50,000 Ratnik 3 - could enter service as by 2022. reducing external cabling are also available sets of body armour for the Police in addition ”We are completing the scientific research on across Asia Pacific with examples including to 186,000 sets for the Indian Army. A contract creating the future layout of the Ratnik 3 combat Indian company MKU’s Custom and Integrated fulfilling the army's requirement is expected gear,” he explained. “The implementation of the Body Armour (CIBA). According to a company to be concluded by the end of 2018, defence project will allow to increase the performance of a spokesperson, modern day warfare conditions sources explained to AMR. The news follows soldier by 1.5 times in completing various tasks.” and operational strategies continue to evolve, a $28 million contract awarded by the Indian The Russian MoD has unveiled a mock- forcing armed forces to not only incorporate Army to MKU for 158,000 combat helmets, up of the Ratnik 3 design which, similar to the new tactics, techniques and procedures but also agreed in June 2017. US Special Operations Command’s Tactical additional tools for extended SA. Elsewhere in Asia Pacific, Australian Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) concept, “Network centric warfare technology is company XTEK continues to proliferate its features a holistic head protection suite becoming the order of the day. Command technology across the international Special comprising not only ballistic protection but centres need to be updated in real time about Operations community with a contract also integrated C4ISTAR mission suite. the situation and status of each combatant. agreement signed with the US Countering The helmet’s weight is supported by a exo- Such systems require the modern soldier to Terrorism Tactics Support Office (CTTSO) skeleton frame which also features integrated be equipped with a gamut of communication to develop a combat helmet capable of ballistic protective plates across the chest, back, and control devices including GPRS systems, withstanding lethal ammunition up to 7.62mm arms, groin, thighs and lower legs. display and navigational gadgets, inter- and x 39mm mild steel core (MSC) projectiles. Salyukov claimed the Ratnik 3 ensemble intra- platoon communication devices. Signed on 14 June 2017, the $644,000 would provide airborne and special operations “Such requirements enhance the need of contract has a remit to ‘fabricate and test combat troops with a 30 percent reduction in all up body armour which can seamlessly integrate helmets and flat panels’ based upon XTEK’s weight of legacy solutions. Beyond ballistic and power these intricate equipment without XTclave Composite Consolidation Technology protection, Ratnik 3 also includes life support, compromising on the mobility, lethality or (CCT). The 18-month programme is aimed at the command and control, communications, target survivability of the combatant while allowing development of a light weight combat helmet. acquisition and power subsystems, MoD for scalability, and modularity of components CTTSO sources explained to AMR how sources added. TsNIITochMash remains the to suit mission centric requirements,” it was the development programme would continue systems integrator for the programme. explained. to support US Special Forces who routinely Finally, PPE and soldier modernisation MKU’s CIBA has been designed as a encounter high power rifle threats requiring upgrades are not only restricted to personnel central hub for the dismounted soldier, in ‘scalable personal protection equipment that on the battlefield. On 21 December 2017, the order to house not only soft armour and offers increased coverage and threat protection, US Army published a solicitation designed to ballistic protection ceramic plate inserts but allowing them to select appropriate protection equip military working dogs (MWDs) with also an internal cabling system within the for each mission’. next-generation ballistic protective solutions vest. It also includes a chest-mounted pouch Describing its XTclave technology to AMR, and missions suites. for the addition of end user devices (EUDs) a spokesperson for XTEK explained how the Designated the Multi-Purpose Canine such as a tablet; battery pouches; and capacity product was first designed to manufacture (MPC) Tactical Equipment programme, the to allow for the protected integration of ballistic protection laminates for small arms effort aims to equip MPCs such as the Belgian communications headsets and tactical radios; protective inserts (SAPIs). Malinois (popular with the international special GPS and other sensors. “XTclave CCT makes it possible to operations community) with customised tactical However, warning how an abundance of manufacture lighter, stronger and stiffer vests; camera systems; and sensors systems. PPE could impact the mobility of a soldier on composite articles, applicable to a wide range The MPC suite would be capable of the battlefield, an MKU official explained to of lightweight armour applications up to and providing enhanced levels of protection and AMR how body armour must now be required including NIJ Levels III and IV and has the third party SA to assaulting troops who regularly to remain comfortable and easy to wear for ability to form large complex shapes and panel use MPCs to enter buildings and compounds extended periods of time on the battlefield. joiners for vehicle protection,” a company ahead of dynamic entry by assault teams. “(Body armour] needs to allow the soldier source confirmed. Options include Tactical Electronics’ freedom of movement, agility and awareness. K-9MC4 Back Mounted Camera and Chest Badly designed body armour can hinder a The Smart Think Mounted Camera solutions, capable of soldier's movement and can pose a risk to Meanwhile, an Australian/Singaporean capturing and disseminating real time video his survivability jeopardising the success of venture called The Smart Think is also and sound back to an assault team or tactical his mission,” it was explained with reference collaborating closely with Australia’s Defence operations centre. Cameras are available with to added suitability for operations in extreme Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) to design an Infrared option for low light operations. environments. lightweight ballistic combat helmets and ‘next- Additionally, MWDs can be equipped with “It is also extremely important that body generation’ ballistic armour. Essentially, the GPS solutions to support wider Blue Force armour of a modern soldier seamlessly company is designing Para-Aramid combat Tracking software with options including the integrates with mission critical equipment helmets equivalent in weight to lighter Garmin Collier T5 GPS which allows an MPC required by a modern soldier,” MKU concluded. Polyethylene variants, it was explained to AMR. handler to monitor movements around and Such a solution is being considered by the The Smart Think aims to reduce average inside a target area for example. Indian Ministry of Defence which has established combat helmet weight by 25 percent with A careful balance of capability in ballistic a government committee to encourage domestic ‘non traditional’ manufacturing processes; as protection and SA systems must compliment production of lightweight body armour. This is well as 50 percent weight reductions in the the mobility of soldiers across what is fast part of a wider MoD approach, designated the development of body armour ballistic inserts. becoming a more congested, contested and ‘Roadmap for Make In India Body Armour’, a Designs have been made with the objective confined battlespace. The current operating report which was published in August 2017 to of maximising the mobility of special forces environment is set to focus more and more on encourage the foundation of test facilities; the operators and dismounted close combat littoral, urban and subterranean environments implementation of Indian ballistic protection personnel across the battlefield. where maximum levels of SA, protection standards; and a Centre of Excellence for In Russia, the Ministry of Defence continues and mobility will be required to successfully Research and Development focused on the to develop the latest generation in its family of execute operations at a tactical level. AMR
| march 2018 | 15 REGIONAL MILITARIES US Army
Indian Army soldiers with the 99th Mountain Brigade's 2nd Battalion, 5th Gurkha Rifles, train in the US during exercise Yudh Abhyas, an annual bilateral training event between the armies of the United States and India. INDIA’S ARMED FORCES India’s armed forces, while undoubtedly professional, continue to be hampered by their traditional structure, unhelpful political process including an adherence to ‘Made in India’ that is not getting the international buy-in to really make it work.
by Brian Cloughley
he armed forces of India standing bureaucratic resistance to revi- proposals it considers would diminish its are competent and highly sion and improvement of antiquated pro- powers. professional in the conduct curement procedures. Although efforts It is widely accepted that a chief of de- of their duties, although they have been made to refi ne and improve fence force with executive powers should are experiencing diffi culty in the process, it is further complicated by be appointed in lieu of the Chairman of Tattracting and retaining high quality emphasis on the government’s ‘Make in the Chiefs of Staff Committee who has personnel, and therefore in achieving India’ policy which necessitates, among no command responsibility, but although desired force structure. other criteria, ‘according preference to the Joint Doctrine Armed Forces (revised There are substantial problems in ac- procurement from Indian vendors.’ and updated in 2017), emphasises ‘joint quiring equipment in quantities and qual- A major shortcoming in combat capa- planning and integration’ it makes no rec- ity consistent with long-term planning, bilities is lack of a joint headquarters hav- ommendation for creation of such a post. and it is assessed that these diffi culties are ing command responsibility for the three In October 2017 Defence Minister Nir- caused largely by a combination of chang- services. One barrier to the creation of a mala Sitharaman said integration of the ing political priorities, comparatively joint military commander is resistance on armed forces was “essential” but gave modest budget allocations, and long- the part of the MoD’s civilian hierarchy to no indication that she might endorse ap-
16 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | REGIONAL MILITARIES
Arunachal Pradesh (referred to by China as Shortfalls in Personnel Numbers ‘Southern Tibet’). The most recent dispute involved the building by China of a road Totals, all ranks: in the Doklam plateau, claimed to be in Authorised Shortfall of which, Bhutan, where there was a non-violent but tense standoff from June to August 2017. Strength officers The effects of discord and frontier tension include India’s commitment of Army 1,264,981 27,864 7,679 growing numbers of troops abutting con- Navy 83,483 25,214 1,434 tested areas, infrastructure development, Air Force 155,079 15,357 146* and an ambitious equipment acquisition programme, all necessitating substantial defence expenditure which in the 2018 Source: Indian Ministry of Defence, 27 December 2017 budget increased modestly to $46.16 bil- lion from $43.59 billion in 2017. Note *: The authorised number of Indian Air Force (IAF) combat squadrons is 39.5 and it has One major initiative associated with submitted that this be increased to 42. As at December 2017, when 108 Squadron was disbanded developments along the LoAC is the for- (‘number-plated’), the squadron strength was 32. As new squadrons are formed (see below), it will mation in East Bengal of 17 Mountain be necessary to substantially increase the number of pilots, all of whom are commissioned officers. Strike Corps whose 59 Mountain Divi- sion, the first of two, was declared effec- pointment of a tri-service chief. There an Agni-I (700km range), and a Prithvi-II tive in May 2017. The raising of 72 Divi- are 17 Commands, directly answerable to (350km) liquid-fuelled missile. sion is continuing and the army chief has their parent services: seven army (North- India considers its main military pri- stated that the Corps will be fully opera- ern, Eastern, Southern, Western, Central, orities to be defence against Pakistan and tional in 2021. The army’s deployment South-western and Army Training Com- China with both of which it has territo- emphasis on the LoAC is complemented mand), six air force (Western, Eastern, rial disputes. Settlement of these would by road and bridge building in the region, Southern, South-western, Central, and remove major causes of tension, but it is and advanced landing grounds at Tuting, Training and Maintenance) and three most unlikely there will be positive move- Mechuka, Along, Tawang, Pasighat and navy (Western, Eastern, Southern). None ment towards a compromise or territory Walong have been rebuilt and improved, of these has matching geographic areas of allocation agreement in either case. Me- largely for the purpose of army resupply operational responsibility or inter-service diation, including that of the United Na- means of direct coordination. tions (UN), is eschewed, and in the case of Under current arrangements the HQ Kashmir the Indian position was enunci- Statements by India’s Chief Integrated Defence Staff in Delhi acts as ated in July 2017 as: “We are ready to talk of Army Staff about Pakistan ‘the principal arm and Secretariat to the Kashmir with Pakistan, but no third party and China Chiefs of Staff Committee’ and has no mediation. Our stand is absolutely clear.” On 6 September, 2017 General executive role, as the only two joint com- India’s disagreement with Pakistan Bipin Rawat said that “Differences with mands, the Strategic Forces Command involves the territory of Kashmir, di- our western adversary [Pakistan] are (SFC), and the Andaman and Nicobar vided between them on 1 January 1949, irreconcilable. We don’t see any scope Command (ANC) report directly to the following post-Independence conflict of reconciliation, because their military, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The SFC is in 1947-48. The ‘Line of Control’ (LoC) polity, and people have been made to responsible for management and adminis- demarcating the areas controlled by the believe that there is an adversary, India, two countries was then established and tration of nuclear weapons, but orders for which is all out to break their nation their use are issued by the Nuclear Com- remains in existence, being heavily gar- into pieces.” mand Authority, headed by the prime risoned on both sides by large forces of “As far as northern adversary is minister who makes the release decision. army and paramilitary troops. In spite of concerned, the flexing of muscle has Development of nuclear weapons con- a cease-fire agreed in 2003 there continue started. The salami slicing, taking over tinues, as does the ‘no first use’ policy en- to be regular exchanges of small arms and dorsed by Prime Minister Modi, and it is artillery fire across the Line, and India territory in a very gradual manner, test- estimated that the services have between accuses Pakistan of actively supporting ing our limits of threshold is something 110 and 120 warheads in various configu- anti-India terrorism and the widespread we have to be wary about and remain rations, aimed at achieving the ‘triad’ of violence which verges on insurrection in prepared for situations emerging which land, air and underwater nuclear delivery Indian-administered Kashmir. Incidents could gradually emerge into conflict.” systems which continue to be tested. It increased in early 2018, and the possibil- On 12 January, 2018, the General was, however, reported in the media that ity of escalation is considerable. stated in answer to a media question there had been failure of a test launch on The ‘Line of Actual Control’ (LoAC) that “If we will have to really confront 7 December 2017 of a K-4 missile from dividing territory disputed between In- the Pakistanis, and a task is given to an underwater pontoon. In January 2018 dia and China (no official boundary has us, we are not going to say we cannot there was a test firing of a nuclear-capa- been agreed) has three sectors: Western, in cross the border because they have ble Agni-V three-stage solid fuelled mis- Ladakh and Indian-administered Kash- nuclear weapons. We will have to call sile, with a reported range of 5,500+km, mir); middle, in Uttarakhand and Him- their nuclear bluff.” and in February tests were conducted of achal Pradesh; and eastern, in Sikkim and
| march 2018 | 17 REGIONAL MILITARIES
necessitating some 93 modifi cations, 13 of them major, required by the army. The IAF and IN acquisition pro- grammes also involve the ‘Make in India’ policy. The air force is acquiring the indig- enous Tejas, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA; under development since 1983) and at the moment operates fi ve of an expected 123, with production by HAL running at some eight per year. There had been a long-negotiated but unsigned agreement for supply of 126 French Dassault Rafale aircraft but in 2015 this was reduced by the prime min- ister to 36 ($7.8 billion). The fi nal contract, of September 2016, is for off-the shelf pro- India continues to vision of 36 with options for a further 18. test-fire its nuclear The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief capable Agni Marshal BS Dhanoa, said in October 2017 missiles, the most recent being at the that the IAF’s desired 42 fi ghter squad- start of the year. rons (currently 32) will be increased be- cause “There is a plan by the government to induct fi ghters and by the end of 15th and reinforcement, but with some being Aeronautics a 50.5 percent stake. Sixty are Plan, 2032, we will have the authorised able to accept combat aircraft. to be supplied in fl y-away condition and strength. But with the numbers that we In August 2016 it was decided to form the rest made in India. The army is to re- have got, we are capable of carrying out a fourth regiment of BrahMos cruise mis- ceive 133 and the IAF 64. operations anytime.” In January 2018 siles (range, 290km, conventional war- The Army has suffered from a lack of government approval was given for ac- head of 300kg) to be deployed to the far artillery since the late 1980s when a cor- quisition of 240 Russian-manufactured north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, ruption scandal (still being investigated) 1100kg, laser-guided KAB-1500 muni- which China observed would have a affected further tendering processes. This tions for the IAF’s Su-30MKI aircraft. ‘negative infl uence’ on frontier stability. badly delayed the 1999 artillery mod- The IN’s indigenously-built aircraft The other services continue to develop ernisation programme which was well- carrier Vikrant has a commissioning tar- the Brahmos, with the IAF having con- constructed and among other things get date of 2020, and the Rafale is one ducted a fi rst test-fi ring in November emphasised the importance of calibre possibility to meet the requirement for 2017 from an Sukhoi Su-30, 42 of which standardisation as far as practicable. Un- 57 carrier-borne multirole aircraft, the are to be modifi ed to operate the system. der the plan, which began to be imple- Tejas having been rejected on grounds of The Indian Navy (IN) , which already mented in 2016, major acquisitions are excess weight. A Request for Information operates anti-ship Brahmos from major to be 1,580 towed howitzers, 100 tracked (RfI) was issued in January 2017, and pos- surface vessels, conducted a land-attack self propelled (SP) guns, 180 wheeled SP sibilities include the Boeing F-18 Super version launch test in April 2017. guns and 814 truck-mounted systems. Hornet, Russia’s MIG-29K (49 in navy The army has a limited armed heli- 400 equipments are being acquired off service), Lockheed Martin’s F-35, and copter capability (one squadron of the in- the shelf from foreign vendors, with the the Gripen of Sweden which in February digenous Advanced Light Helicopter, the remainder being made or assembled in 2018 offered technology transfer in a pro- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Dhruv, India, with maximum involvement of lo- posed contract. on the western border) and has long been cal industry. Systems include the India- The IN is also acquiring six licence- contending that it, and not the air force, developed Dhanush howitzer, developed built French-origin Scorpene-class diesel- should be responsible for rotary close air from the Swedish Haubits 77A of which electric submarines of which the fi rst, INS support. A compromise was reached in 410 were purchased from Bofors in the Kalvari, was launched in October 2015 and 2014, with approval being given for ac- 1980s, and, thus far, 145 US M777s made delivered in September 2017. According quisition of advanced armed helicopters, by BAE’s Global Combat Systems ($750 to the manufacturer, Mazagon Dock Ship- and in August 2017 it was announced that million), and 100 South Korean (Hanwha builders Limited (MDL), it is expected to six Boeing AH-64E Apaches would be Techwin) K-9 SP guns, to be made by be commissioned “soon.” The second of purchased for the army for $655 million. Larsen and Toubro, Mumbai. class, Khanderi, was launched in January In 2015 the air force ordered 22 Apaches In September 2017 media reported that 2017 and is scheduled for commissioning and 15 Boeing CH-47F Chinooks for $3 the state-owned Ordnance Factory Board in 2018, with the remaining four to enter billion, with delivery beginning 2019. will probably receive an order in 2018 to service at one-year intervals thereafter. Negotiations have been completed licence-build 700 T-90S tanks, while the in- Four foreign submarine manufac- for acquisition of 197 Russian Kamov digenous 120 km range Arjun Mk 1 tank turers – Naval Group of France, Thys- KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters (weight 58.5 tonnes; under development senKrupp Marine Systems of Germany, in a joint venture, with Russian Helicop- since 1974), of which there are 124 in ser- Sweden’s Saab Kockums and Russia’s ters holding 49.5 percent and Hindustan vice, is being developed in a Mk2 version, Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine
18 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | REGIONAL MILITARIES
Engineering – responded positively to the 2017 international media reported that navy’s RfI of June 2017 for six attack sub- Make in India some $28 billion of defence tenders had “I want to tell the people of the marines, which, with the Scorpenes, will been terminated since the Modi govern- replace the nine Sindhughosh and four whole world: Come, make in India. ment took power in 2014. Senior sources Shishumar class boats. Come and manufacture in India. Go and indicated that responsibility lay with The navy operates one nuclear- sell in any country of the world, but ‘delays in decision-making, a complex powered attack submarine, the Chakra manufacture here. We have skill, talent, Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), (Akula II) class, on hire from Russia, and discipline and the desire to do some- corruption, and insistence on furthering has, thus far, one of a projected four thing. We want to give the world an op- the government’s ‘Make in India’ initia- ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), INS portunity [to] come make in India. . . ” tive.’ Additionally, in December 2017 the Arihant, reported to have been commis- parliamentary standing committee on Prime Minister Narendra Modi sioned without ceremony (an unprece- defence criticised the government for August 15, 2015 dented event) in late 2016. In January 2018 denying adequate funds for defence Indian media revealed that the Arihant had modernisation and for failing to fast-track been docked for over nine months follow- India by an Indian manufacturer with high priority defence procurement. ing a technical incident supposedly involv- extensive technology transfer. In spite of the unsatisfactory state ing fl ooding of the engine compartment. Defence technology transfer is a ma- of affairs as regards procurement, and In October 2017 the Defence Acqui- jor aspect of the ‘Make in India’ policy, the continuing reluctance to modernise sition Council approved procurement introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s the highest defence command structure (under an ‘acceptance of necessity’) of prime minister, Narendra Modi, in 2014. (which would conform with that of every 111 armed utility helicopters. Although It is an important initiative, and for domes- other nation of consequence), the defence these are urgently required for anti-sub- tic political reasons it is important, even forces of India are professionally compe- marine duties it is expected that the ten- essential, that it be seen to be successful. tent, commanded by high quality offi cers, der and contract negotiation processes It is notable that India ranks 130 out and for the moment moderately well will be lengthy, given the terms that 16 be of 189 on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing equipped. They would conduct them- provided in fl y-away, with 95 built in Business index and that in September selves well in confl ict. AMR EURONAVAL - Conception : Karbone studio - Conception EURONAVAL
Your Sales Contact Tel : +33 (0)1 56 59 15 15 • [email protected] | MARCH 2018 | 19 AIR POWER USAF
In December 2017 the JASDF placed a $279 million order for a single Airbus Grasps AAR Market. The USAF will expects to operate 179 of the aircraft.
AIR REFUELLING PROLIFERATES Fighters need fuel; Airbus and Boeing are competing with their own modern solutions in a region where range is crucial.
by Alan Warnes
ith so many large Most recently, the Japanese Air Self for both boom and receptacle refueling numbers of different Defence Force (JASDF) procurement missions. fighters operational of a single Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, A two-year delay caused by design in Asia Pacific, it is representing a $279 million deal, was issues meant the first aircraft never entered not surprising that the signed on 22 December, 2017 with delivery service with 404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Wregion contains a large array of air-to-air expected by 28 February, 2021. This Squadron/1st Tactical Airlift Group based refuelling (AAR) aircraft. In the past the marks the first international customer for at Komaki until 2009. They are mainly United States (US) has largely supported the KC-46 and is likely to be followed by used to refuel the local JASDF F-15C/ foreign allies with refuelling assets, but an order sometime in the future for two DJs as well as US jets, as part of the inter- over the last decade countries including further aircraft, to augment the JASDF’s operability agreement with the US Air Australia, Japan, and more recently South existing four Boeing KC-767s. Japan was Force (USAF), United States Marine Corps Korea have opted to acquire their own also the joint first international KC-767 (USMC) and US Navy (USN). The KC-46 AAR assets. These range from the older customer with Italy, when it ordered four is likely to operate with the same unit. Lockheed Martin KC-130/KC-135s to of the newly developed tankers in 2003 “We are excited to partner with Boeing brand new Airbus A330 MRTTs via old (designated KC-767J). as we assist Japan in advancing its aerial Russian Il-78MKIs. The KC-767 can be modified to refueling capabilities,” said Brigadier Operating these aircraft is expensive, accommodate refueling wing pods and General Donna Shipton, program executive but many fighter operating governments a centreline hose for probe and drogue officer, US Air Force Tanker Directorate on have recognised the tactical and strategic refueling, while the fuselage can also be 22 December, 2017 on the announcement requirements that AAR brings. fitted with a centre-line refueling boom of the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) through
20 | Asian Military Review | AIR POWER
Asia Pacific Tanker Operators Country No/Type Deliveries/On Order Australia 6 x KC-30A 2011/12/17 India 6 x IL-78MKIs 2004 Indonesia 2 x KC-130Bs 1987 Malaysia 5 x KC-130Ts 1998 Japan 4 x KC-767J 2009/10 1 x KC-46 on order by 2021 South Korea 4 x KC-30A on order 2018/19 Pakistan 4 x Il-78MKIs 2010/11 Singapore 4 x KC-135Rs 1999/2000 Japan 6 x KC-30A on order 2018/19/20 the USAF. “This is an important step to the A330MRTT. Known by its USAF style The KC-30A can carry more than strengthening the US-Japan alliance and KC-30A designation, the tanker has been 100 tonnes of fuel and is fitted with an will enhance our interoperability with both a phenomenal success since the first was Aerial Refuelling Boom System mounted nations flying KC-46s.” sold to the Royal Australian Air Force on the tail of the aircraft; and a pair of First flight of the fully-provisioned (RAAF) in 2004. The first of five originally all-electric refuelling pods under each KC-46 tanker took place in September ordered, entered service in September wing. These systems are controlled by an 2015. By the end of 2017 six test aircraft 2011 and remarkably, by October 2016 the air refuelling operator in the cockpit, who had completed more than 2,200 flight fleet had flown 20,000 hours. can view the recipients taking on fuel on hours and conducted refueling flights In 2015, the Australian Government 2D and 3D video screens. Working with with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC- ordered two second-hand A330-200s its own military, the RAAF KC-30As refuel 10 and KC-46 aircraft. modernised by Airbus at its Getafe facility. F/A-18A/B Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super The KC-46A can carry 213,000lb The sixth was delivered in September Hornets; E/A-18G Growlers, E-7A (96,300 kg) of fuel, which is 10 percent 2016 and the seventh, with a partly VIP Wedgetails; C-17A Globemaster III; and more than the KC-135, and 65,000 lb interior, will arrive later this year. They other KC-30As. While the RAAF F/A-18s (29,000 kg) of cargo. In addition to its are operated by No. 33 Squadron at RAAF flew their last combat mission for OIR on tanker capabilities, the KC-46 features a Amberley, Queensland which has played a January 17, the KC-30As will remain main deck cargo door and strengthened major part in Operation Okra, Australia’s behind along with the E-7s to continue cargo deck. The floor includes seat tracks contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve working as part of the RAAF’s Air Task and a cargo handling system, allowing (OIR) against Daesh in Syria, since Group. for a variety of mission configurations. September 2014. There is a longer term In March 2014, Singapore’s Defence The airframe can be configured to carry requirement for two more KC-30As which Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen confirmed 114 passengers and to serve as an aero- will be expected in the late-2020s. that the A330MRTT was being bought medical evacuation aircraft. The USAF has ordered 179 KC-46s to replace its 600-strong KC-135 fleet, but the tanker has suffered from several design problems in the past. These have included wiring issues, followed by redesigns and retrofits to address a faulty integrated fueling system leading to a Adrian Pingstone modified refueling boom. Japan has always maintained a close relationship with the US and was reportedly attracted to the KC-46 because of its ability to work with the Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey, 17 of which are to be acquired for the Japanese Ground Self Defence Foprce (JGSDF). Airbus did not bid with its A330 MRTT, because it viewed Japan's request for proposals as biased towards the KC-46. The JASDF will continue to use four Airbus Grasps AAR Market Boeing KC-767J tankers while waiting Aside from Japan, Airbus has secured for the first delivery of a new Boing many international sales, with Australia, KC-46A Pegasus tanker expected in 2021. Singapore and South Korea all opting for
| march 2018 | 21 AIR POWER
in service with a number of air forces around the world was also a factor in its RAAF favour, DAPA said. The tankers will be to the same New Standard confi guration as the RSAF aircraft, and equipped with the AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system. Each LAIRCM system includes three Guardian laser terminal assemblies (GLTA) and six AN/AAR-54 ultra-violet missile warning system (UVMWS) sensors,
Regional Firsts The fi rst air force to operate tankers was the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara, TNI–AU). Two Lockheed Martin C-130Bs acquired in 1961, were upgraded to the KC-130B confi guration in the mid-80s. The Indonesian Air Force Political issues in East Timor, where operates a single KC- separatists were fi ghting Government 130B, which is used to troops called for A-4 Skyhawks and train with Su-30MKMs. eventually Hawk Mk 209s to fl y long combat missions to the eastern edge of Indonesia. for the Republic of Singapore Air Force OIR, they off-load fuel to thirsty allied In November 1994 and July 1995, both (RSAF). He said, it would “boost air-to- fi ghters attacking Daesh targets in Iraq aircraft spent nine months with Malaysia’s air refuelling capabilities and extend the and Syria. The most recent deployment, AIROD based in Kuala Lumpur for their endurance of our fi ghters, and replace which lasted from May to August last service life extension, which saw the the ageing KC-135R aerial tankers bought year, saw the tanker fl y 50 missions replacement of major structural fi ttings, second-hand in the 1990s”. The contract refueling on average four to six fi ghters outer wing refurbishment and new for six aircraft will see the fi rst delivered per mission. The RSAF detachment avionics systems, together with upgraded by summer 2018. Commander told media just before Cobham Mk 32 In-Flight Refuelling pods. The RSAF A330MRTT/KC-30As will heading home: “Singapore is a small Unfortunately, one was lost on 30 June, be the fi rst to incorporate a number of country, but we recognise the importance 2015 when it crashed into a residential enhancements introduced on the basic of contributing to this global cause. I district of Medan, North Sumatra shortly A330 as well as upgraded military systems am glad that we are able to contribute after departure from Soeowndo Air Base. as part of Airbus and Airbus Defence and meaningfully to the OIR campaign. It claimed lives of 11 crew members plus Space’s continuous product improvement Our partnership with the United States 111 passengers and around 20 personnel programme. This new standard A330 and coalition nations is strong and will on the ground. The single aircraft MRTT features structural modifi cations, strengthen further as we improve our continues, but these days it is used for aerodynamic improvements giving a interoperability and contribute to each training missions which includes working fuel-burn reduction of up to 1 percent, other’s mission success.” with the TNI-AU’s Su-27/30 fi ghters. upgraded avionics computers and On 30 June, 2015, South Korea selected The Indonesian Air Force has a enhanced military systems. the A330MRTT to fulfi l a new requirement requirement for a modern tanker to The six new aircraft will replace four for its fi rst ever tankers. Under the four work with its fl eet of F-16s, but this is KC-135Rs which have been used by the aircraft deal, worth $1.33 billion, Airbus currently outside the scope of its budget. RSAF since 1999, to refuel its ever-growing will supply the Republic of Korea Air Undoubtedly given the close relationship fl eet of Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds and Force (ROKAF) with the fi rst aircraft between PTDI and Airbus, the Indonesian Boeing F-15SGs. They are regularly used for during the fourth quarter of 2018, with the Government is likely to opt for the tanking fi ghters en-route to exercises, like remainder following by the end of 2019. A330MRTT. Pitch Black at RAAF Pearce, Darwin. They The A330 MRTT beat off competition Malaysia operates fi ve C-130Ts which are operated by 112 Sqn based at Changi. from the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus and an serve 20 Sqn based at Subang. The fi rst The 122 Sqn based at Paya Lebar did operate IAI offer of a Boeing 767-300ER-based two were converted by AIROD in 1997 four hose and drogue –equipped KC-130Bs Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) and were operational with the RMAF the and two KC-130Hs. However, following conversion. The aircraft was selected following year and still occasionally train the retirement of the F-5s, they have now on the basis of price, performance, fuel with the local Su-30MKMs and Hawk been de-converted and lost their air-to-air capacity and the amount of personnel and Mk208s. Three further C-130Ts have been refuelling capabilities. cargo it could carry, according to a South converted from the C-130H-MPs. A RSAF KC-135R has deployed three Korean Defense Acquistion Program times to Al Udeid, Qatar since 2015 on Administration (DAPA) statement. The Pakistan and India three month detachments. Supporting fact that, unlike the KC-46A, it is already Both Pakistan and India operate the
22 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | AIR POWER
sees them on regular visits to Europe. The PAF has a requirement for a boom-
TNI-AU equipped tanker for it 60-strong fl eet of F-16s, but the USAF is unwilling to sell or donate KC-135Rs and other options are too expensive. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a fl eet of six Il-78MKIs, acquired in 2004 and based with 78 Sqn at Agra Air Force Station. They work with Dassault Mirage 2000s, Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and SEPECAT Jaguars. Like the PAF, the IAF is keen to acquire a more modern tanker. It has Six Airbus A330 MMTT (KC-30As) gone several steps further than its long- are currently operated by the RAAF, with one of them serving time antagonist though by selecting in the Middle East as part of the the A330MRTT in May 2009 only to be Operation Okra commitment. cancelled because of the high cost. After a re-bidding process was launched in 2012, the A330MRTT was selected again in Ilyushin Il-78MKI Midas to refuel their number of JF-17s. A Ukraine team worked 2013. However, in June 2016, the Indian fl eets of fi ghters. The Pakistan Air Force with 10 Sqn at PAF Base Chaklala (now Government terminated the six-year $2 (PAF) acquired four of these Russian Nur Khan) to train personnel in the early billion tender for six tankers, citing the monsters with a hose and drogue system days of operations, but this has now been high cost once again. Airbus has vowed to in in each wing, between late-2009 and taken over by PAF personnel. work the Indian Government in ‘fi nding late-2011. They are used to refuel the The Il-78s also provide the PAF with a a way to bringing the A330MRTT’s PAF’s huge fl eet of Mirages and growing long haul strategic airlift capability which capabilities to India.’ AMR
LF2018 184 x127 AD.qxp_LF2018 184 x127 AD 6/02/2018 9:17 AM Page 1
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Australian Army which is a subordinate unit of the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD). Raised in response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001 in the United States, in 2002 the Incident Response Regiment (IRR) was deployed to respond to CBRNE incidents. Elements of the IRR had seen combat in Afghanistan as part of the ADF’s Operation Slipper. All Commonwealth of Australia All Commonwealth of Australia In February 2012, the IRR was disbanded and re-raised as the SOER. The Regiment has a broad remit with roles supporting domestic and international contingencies and provides leading-edge mobility, survivability and specialist counter-CBRNE capabilities in support of Special Operations. This is achieved through agile and highly trained combat engineer teams. The SOER is able to Chemical, Biological, respond both domestically with its Tactical Radiological and Nuclear Assault and Contingency Groups (TAG) (CBRN) training at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and in support of ADF troops deployed Base Amberley. overseas with its Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) in high threat environments. In addition to Royal Australian Engi- neers corps soldiers, SOER also has Army personnel from a range of other corps, including intelligence, signals, medical, nursing, ordnance, transport, and electri- cal and mechanical engineers. SOER has a specialist CBRN medical capability with a small but highly dedicated team of medical personnel who are up skilled in parachut- ing, air and water insertion and extraction techniques, roping and other Special Op- erations skills in order to provide exemplar medical care for SOER and other Special Operations Force Elements (FE), in or out PREPARINGPREPARING FORFOR of a CBRN threat environment. SOER also employs specialist civilian staff to ensure that the unit is always op- THETHE WORSTWORST erating at the cutting edge of C-CBRNE technology. The Special Operations Engineer The Australian Defence Force has recently Regiment motto is ‘Inter Hastas et Hostes’, which is Latin for ‘Between spears and invested in its capability to react to chemical, enemies’. This signifies the traditional sapper role and enduring unit require- biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive ment to operate in the dangerous space CBRNe challenges. between enemy threat forces and own troops in order to ensure mission success. In July 2017 the Australian Department by David Oliver of Defence (DoD) in Canberra announced that the ADF will receive equipment he Australian Army is embarking Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive worth $230 million (AUD300m) for pro- on a major modernisation (CBRNE) incidents and part of this tection against CBRN threats as part of programme following the programme involves a considerable Project LAND 2110 Phase 1B. publication of its 2016 Defence investment in the Australian Defence The equipment will include detectors, White Paper that confirmed the Force’s (ADF) chemical, biological, radio- suits, masks, protection tents, decontami- Ttransformation of its land forces. Global logical and nuclear defence capability. nation systems, containers for contami- events and recent deployments have This is largely the responsibility of nated equipment, warning and reporting heightened awareness of the potential the Special Operations Engineer Regi- software and simulation systems, ac- for large-scale Chemical, Biological, ment (SOER), a specialised unit of the cording to Minister for Defence Industry
24 | Asian Military Review | LAND WARFARE
Christopher Pyne and Minister for De- and collective), hazard management procurements by the CBRNe sustainment fence Marise Payne in a joint statement. (HAZMAT), containment and decon- programme with Initial Operational Ca- “The new equipment enhances the tamination, medical support and training pability (IOC) in FY 2019-20 to FY 2020-21. Australian Defence Force’s ability to de- mechanisms. This investment will pro- The Brisbane-based company, EPE tect, identify, monitor and warn others of vide an integrated and layered CBRND which specialises in protecting soldiers CBRN hazards, protect personnel from capability that will replace ageing equip- and fi rst responders from non-tradition- exposure and decontaminate affected per- ment reaching the end of its service life. al threats, all hazards management and sonnel and equipment safely,” said Payne. The project will deliver individual CBRN defence, was selected to be on this “We will maximise Australian industry and collective protection from CBRN panel and is combining its extensive Spe- involvement to create local jobs through hazards including detectors, suits, masks, cial Operations experience with leading this important investment. The project protection tents, decontamination sys- edge technology to deliver the ADF prac- will also invest signifi cant funds in the tems, contaminated equipment contain- tical solutions for small-deployed teams sustainment of the capability over a 15 ers, warning and reporting software and as part of LAND 3025. EPE is using its year period and create opportunities for simulation systems. The 2016 Defence CBRND knowledge and expertise to gen- Australian industry around the country.” White Paper also outlined requirements erate integrated solutions for contempo- for the ADF to support civil authorities in rary CBRN environments. Project LAND 2110 Phase 1B the event of a CBRN incident in Australia. The Melbourne-based project man- LAND 2110 Phase 1B aims to improve A Request for Tender (RFT) was issued agement, logistics and engineering advi- the ADF CBRND capability through the in September 2013 to establish a standing sory services company, Noventus won a protection of personnel from the strate- offer panel arrangement for the provision Systems Engineering and Engineering gic, tactical and physiological impacts of of CBRNE equipment. The Panel will be Analysis solutions contract for the LAND exposure to Toxic Industrial Chemicals used for LAND 3025 Phase 1, a deploy- 3025 programme. Under the contract, it (TICs), Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) able Special Operations engineer capabil- mobilised a team of engineers and ana- and CBRN weapons. The project is fo- ity. This project’s objective is to evolve lysts who had signifi cant experience and cused on the typical capability elements the specialist engineer capabilities within skills related to Land Systems projects of CBRND, the detection identifi cation SOCMD in order to support manoeu- and in particular the ability to indepen- and monitoring, warning and report- vres, specialist searches and the ability to dently analyse CBRNE requirements and ing, physical protection (both personal counter CBRNe threats. with subsequent produce a large volume of corresponding
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project, as well as rectifying the identified provider of protective CBRN suits is ca- infrastructure deficit in respect to SOER’s pable of delivering wide-ranging support present-day operational requirements. to organisations preparing submissions for LAND 2110. With extensive CBRN ex- LAND 2110 Phase B perience in the Australian market, OPEC Request for Tender (RFT) for the currently sits on the Defence Environ- CBRND capability to be procured by ment and Heritage Panel (DEHP) in the Project LAND 2110 Phase 1B had already three areas of UXO Related Materials As- been issued in January 2015. This RFT sessment and Management, Contamina- sought a Prime Contractor for the pro- tion and Remediation Works Contractor, All Commonwealth of Australia curement of supplies and services for all and Toxic Remnants of War Contractor the five systems comprising the CBRND for Defence and other Commonwealth Capability. Qinetiq, the asset management Agencies with sites throughout Australia. company, worked with the Project Office It is the only company in these streams in to develop the Request for Tender (Acqui- Australia that both supplies CBRN equip- sition and Sustainment) and supported ment and provides the technical and op- the tender evaluation process. Amongst erational capability to undertake complex Trainee moves through a decontamination the companies responding to the RFT CBRN remediation projects. shower at 1st Combat Engineer Regiment’s out training facility during a visit by the were, Saab Australia, GHD Pty Ltd and OPEC supplied on-site engineering, Army Indigenous Development Programme Lockheed Martin. operational and logistical services on the to Robertson Barracks in November 2017. Saab Australia claimed at it put togeth- recent toxic remnants of war (TRW) reme- er for the Project LAND 2110 programme diation projects in Victoria, Queensland represented the most advanced integrated and Western Australia. Additionally, it Defence Purchase Descriptions (DPDs). CBRN Defence system that has been of- has provided decontamination, field hos- The Department of Defence Surveil- fered anywhere in the world for the Land pital and field shelter solutions to Defence lance, Simulation and CBRNE Systems 2110 programme but although its bid was and First Responder Agencies through- Programme Office (SPO) required a de- compliant, it was too expensive. GHD Pty out Australia. It also designed, supplied ployable CBRNE capability to support Ltd, a multinational technical professional and maintained the SOER’s mass decon- Special Operations and deployed ADF services firm providing engineering,- ar tamination capabilities under ‘Project forces under LAND 3025 Phase 1. chitecture, environmental and construc- Blood Hound’ and supplied Defence with To achieve this, Defence required a tion consulting and management services, the Remploy in-service MkIV and MkIVA trusted advisor with systems and soft- is priming an integrated project team of Alfa CBRN suits for many years. ware engineering skills and experience to Australian owned companies, provid- In 2015 Haven Protective Technology develop 53 CBRNE DPDs that could be is- ing established long term CBRN supply Solutions purchased Remploy with sued to industry as part of the LAND 3025 and support capabilities. Avon M50 Joint OPEC CBRNe, Remploy’s previous Phase 1 equipment acquisition process. Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) Australian Agent, and secured the Intel- Noventus provided a ‘turnkey’ service chemical-biological (CB) respirators are of- lectual property (IP) for the full range of to source all relevant data and then cre- fered as part of the GHD bid. Remploy CBRN suits and has entered ate, review and update all engineering/ In August 2016 Lockheed Martin sold into a production agreement to offer the technical documentation and related ad- off its Information Systems & Global So- fully accredited and thoroughly tested ministration and management processes lutions (IS&GS) business and merged original Remploy Phoenix lightweight required DPDs within budget and ahead with Leidos to create the defence indus- and Kestrel medium weight suits which of schedule. try’s largest IT services provider. A spin- were the latest CBRN designs produced LAND 3025 Phase 1 will provide the off of Science Applications International by Remploy prior to its closure. Special Operations Engineer Regiment Corporation (SAIC), Leidos is an Ameri- Following exhaustive year-long user with a deployable chemical, biological, ra- can defence company that provides scien- trials, OPEC was informed that the diological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) tific, engineering, systems integration and Kestrel CBRN ensemble was identified as defence capability to support special op- technical services that works extensively the preferred Medium Weight Protective erations and deployed ADF forces. The De- with the United States Department of suit for Project LAND 2110. The versatile partment of Defence invited tenders from Defense, Department of Homeland two-piece Kestrel is 30 percent lighter suitably qualified organisations to enter Security and the US Intelligence Commu- than many of its competitors and is ideally into a standing offer panel arrangement for nity. Leidos is considered to be in a lead suited to high-heat environments while the provision of CBRNE equipment to this position to win the Land 2110 Phase 1B delivering long-term comfort, breathability project. contract. and ease of movement with retained Subsequently the Australian St Hill- Australia’s Department of Defence safety features in a high threat environ- iers Group was appointed Head Contrac- had already signed a multi-million dol- ment. tor for the Infrastructure in Support of lars IT contract with a subsidiary of Lei- The cost of Project LAND 2110 Phase Land 3025 Phase 1 project at for the SOER dos Australia, Abacus Innovations Aus- 1B is only a fraction of Australia’s of $25.9 at Holsworthy Barracks. Defence project tralia, for the provision of centralised billion (AUD35.2bn) 2017-18 defence Infrastructure in support of LAND 3025 processing services to the government’s budget, an increase of 8.3 percent, but its Phase 1 provided the infrastructure re- Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG). commitment to the ADF’s CBRN defence quired to support the deliverables of the OPEC CBRNe, a British speciality is impressive. AMR
26 | Asian Military Review |
LAND WARFARE MoD
The UK Ministry of Defence uses Skynet as its Tactical Satellite (Tac SAT) provider, here being used by British forces in Afghanistan. Airbus Defence and Space has moved its Skynet 5A military satellite to increase its coverage of the Asia Pacific.
RECEIVING YOU LOUD AND CLEAR Space-based communications and surveillance systems have become indispensable to armed forces in the era of networked warfare, which is premised upon reliable and efficient connectivity between sensors, platforms, weapons, and warfighters throughout the battlespace.
by JR Ng
ith increasingly sophis- This can be a challenge for expedition- bandwidth it provides and data it delivers. ticated threats being posed ary or maritime forces which are typically by military and non-state spread across a wide area of responsibility Inmarsat opponents, the modern (AOR) and almost always over the horizon, Cognisant of this growing opportunity, warfighter requires a means particularly for forces deployed in the Asia global SATCOM service provider Inmar- Wto access critical information on demand Pacific. With terrestrial networks based on sat is aiming to boost its regional presence for situational awareness. In addition to radio and fibre-optic cables limited in range with its range of high bandwidth services. meeting warfighting requirements, armed by line of sight (LOS) and geography, space- These include the L-band Alphasat satellite forces must also consider providing their based solutions such as satellite communi- network and the Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) troops the ability to communicate home to cations (SATCOM) are essential. Global Xpress (GX) satellite network which maintain their morale and psychological However, given the communications offer military and commercial users down- well-being. As most young warfighters are satellite development is a costly and tech- load speeds of up to 50Mbps across the young men and women who have grown nically complex activity that remain out world. The company’s latest $1.6 billion GX up with communication devices in their of reach for some Asia Pacific countries, network became operational in December hands, they expect to be able to maintain SATCOM connectivity provided by 2015, and now comprises four high-speed, contact with home regardless of where they commercial satellite service providers is Ka-band, mobile broadband communica- are deployed in the world. becoming as essential to the military as the tions satellites.
28 | Asian Military Review |
LAND WARFARE
According to Inmarsat, the first GX Western Pacific regions. China’s telecommunications industry. satellite I-5 F1 was launched from the “(The) announcement that Airbus will be According to the company, it presently Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 6 moving one of the UK’s Skynet 5 satellites to operates at least 10 known geostationary December 2013 to serve Europe, the Middle the eastern Asia Pacific region is clear proof communications and broadcasting satellites, East, Africa and Asia; I-5 F2 was launched of how much our relationships with our including Apstar-5, Apstar-7, Apstar-6, on 1 February 2015 to serve the Americas international allies matter,” then UK Apstar-9, ChinaSat 5A, ChinaSat 6A, China- and the Atlantic Ocean region; I-5 F3 was defence minister Philip Dunne noted. “This Sat 6B, ChinaSat 9, ChinaSat 9A, ChinaSat launched on 28 August 2015 to serve the is the first time that we have had a secure 10, ChinaSat 11, ChinaSat 12, ChinaSat 15, Pacific Ocean region; and I-5 F4 was launched communications capability in the region, and and ChinaSat 16. These provide coverage from Cape Canaveral in Florida on 15 May shows the depth of our commitment to our over Africa, Australia, China, Europe the 2017 to provide additional capacity. Each I-5 allies and partners, including Malaysia, in Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South satellite is expected to have a commercial life humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.” Asia. With this constellation, ChinaSat offers of 15 years. With the satellite in place, Airbus short- and long-term services to interna- The company offers three main services Defence and Space is also partnering with tional customers, which it is actively push- under its Inmarsat 4 network, comprising service providers to deliver new military ing to countries located along China’s Belt the Broadband Global Area Network SATCOM services to the region. The and Road Initiative as part of China’s wider (BGAN) for land, FleetBroadband for mari- company signed Florida-based CopaSAT in charm offensive to bring their governments time, and SwiftBroadband for aeronauti- February 2016 as its new channel partner to Beijing’s embrace. cal services. These services operate in the for Skynet services, primarily using the relo- For short-term requirements, ChinaSat L-band (1-2 GHz) which provides resilient cated Skynet 5A. CopaSAT will be offering provides specific satellite transponder operation in inclement weather, which the Skynet services as part of a proven and resources on a temporary basis and allocates company claims is a particularly useful assured portfolio to their US government service time and bandwidth on demand. It feature for the tropical environment of and military users in the Pacific Rim, Asia, is also offering a long-term leasing service to Southeast Asia. and in the Arabian Peninsula. provide assured frequencies and bandwidth Inmarsat has also developed another Airbus Defence and Space has also for customers requiring services spanning innovative SATCOM-based communication partnered with CopaSAT and its SAT- several years. service called the L-TAC, which enhances COM terminal supplier Tampa Microwave To provide connectivity to international tactical radio systems with a beyond to conduct a series of successful network customers, Chinese firms have also devel- line-of-sight communication capability. tests with Skynet 5A. CopaSAT teams, oped a range of indigenous SATCOM-On- Using Spectra’s Slingshot appliqué device, employing CopaSAT’s teleport infrastructure The-Move (SOTM) systems for land and a portable antenna, and an associated power and Tampa Microwave’s remote manpack naval applications. supply unit, the service can convert tactical and fly-away terminals, as well as various Shaanxi Tianyi Antenna has developed UHF/VHF (ultra high-frequency/very high other small terminals, conducted end-to- the Seal SAT900L-A1 low-profile SOTM frequency) radios, including Single Channel end testing to validate the operation of an terminal for land-based applications. The Ground and Airborne Radio System (SIN- entire network and the performance of SAT900L-A1 employs a hybrid mechanical CGARS) and Bowman-type systems, into Skynet 5A at its new orbital slot. and electronically steerable passive wave- satellite-enabled devices. According to Since 2016, the company has added at guide array planar panel antenna and oper- Spectra, Slingshot is available in manpack, least four more firms – SpeedCast, Inmar- ates in the Ku-band, receiving in the 12.25 vehicle-mounted, and maritime form factors. sat Government, Hughes Network Systems, to12.75GHz frequency range and transmit- and more recently Planet Communications ting in the 14 to 14.5GHz frequency range. Airbus Defence and Space Asia Public to its channel partner pro- The SAT900L-A1 measures 138cm in Skynet is a constellation of hardened X-band gramme for Skynet services. diameter and features a reflector aperture (7.9 to 8.4GHz transmit and 7.25 to 7.75GHz SpeedCast will offer tactical secure com- size of 0.9m, with a height of less than receive) military communications satellites, munications services to the Australian and 51.5cm with its radome attached. The operated by Airbus Defence and Space on New Zealand governments. SpeedCast company also offers other low-profile behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), has also been appointed to manage a new terminals in 0.3m, 0.35m. and 0.6m aperture which provide strategic communication anchor station facility for Skynet 5A, which sizes. The copany has incorporated a dual- services to the UK armed forces. Skynet is based at the company’s existing teleport axis stabilised tracking capability, which presently comprises eight satellites and the in Adelaide, Australia. ensures reliable connection even during associated ground control systems, which Inmarsat Government and Hughes high speed manoeuvres and when travers- are also accessible by NATO forces engaged Network Systems will include Skynet ing difficult terrain. on coalition operations and allied govern- services as part of their service portfolio For maritime operations, Xian Satpro ments, such as the other members of the to US government customers, with the Measurement and Control Technology five-eyes intelligence community (Australia, latter offering its services for the US forces is offering it’s a range of C-, Ka-, and Canada, New Zealand and the US). involved in tactical missions, primarily Ku-band very small aperture terminals The company announced in March using the XEBRA service which employs (VSAT), which includes the K100 1.0m 2015 that its Skynet 5A satellite will journey the Hughes HM300 lightweight X-band lightweight Ku-band terminal for small to approximate 67,000km from its original 6° satellite terminal. medium-sized vessels. The system receives East position (covering Europe, the Middle in the 10.7-12.75GHz frequency range and East and Africa) to its new location of 95° China Satellite Communications transmits in the 13.75-14.5GHz frequency East to address increasing demand for high (China Satcom) range. throughput secure X-band communications Although primarily configured to serve The K100, which measures 120cm in over eastern Asia Pacific region including the vast domestic market for commercial, diameter,130cm in height, and weighs 70kg, Australia. The company subsequently government, and military communications, was launched in 2015. It has been designed declared in September that the satellite China Satcom – which was acquired by for coastal patrol craft and offshore patrol arrived at its intended orbit, broadening aerospace and defence prime China Aero- vessels with a compact footprint and three- coverage and services from 178° West to space Science and Technology Corporation axis stabilisation which compensates for 163° East to include the Indian Ocean and (CASC) in April 2009 part of reforms to ship motion. AMR
30 | Asian Military Review |
SiANALYSTSngapore ACOLUMN i r s h o w R e v i e w
Engineering’s Future Soldier Solution and includes a quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle armed with the world’s lightest 5.56mm machine gun, the 6.8kg ULTRA- MAX U100 Mk.8 with a constant recoil system with low-felt recoil which enables it to be fired accurately in full automotive mode from a UAV. The system can be controlled by ST Engineering’s Shielded Advanced Eyewear System (SHADES), an intelligent see- through Head-Up Display (HUD) which provides real-time reality information for command & control (C2) over wireless weapons stations. SHADES is designed for the man-in-the-loop interaction with unarmed platforms including the STINGER UAV when the soldier is able to provide intuitive commands to the UAV for improved fire support response. Rafael’s business development manager Singapore Ronen Leibovich said that one of the key products at Singapore was the Spike LR 2 (long reange) 5th generation missile. Airshow Review Operators of the Spike missile within NATO can attend a users club where they by Andrew Drwiega can exchange lessons learned. The next meeting will be held at the company’s
peaking on the first morning Golden Eagle trainers to of the show, Alexis Hammer, replace its existing Aero director of Americas & Asia L-39 Albatros trainers. Pacific with the United ST Engineering, with Kingdom Government’s its broad and growing DefenceS and Security Organisation told product base, divided AMR that British industrial was “helping its stand into three to drive progressive modernisation clusters – aviation, programmes, partnering in enduring defence and Smart long-term industrial developments and City. One of the main assisting in the technical education and highlights was the training of military personnel in the Asia first showing of its Pacific region.” New Generation He said that companies such as BAE Armoured Fighting Systems and Qinetiq had a long history Vehicle (NGAFV). of exporting not only into Southeast Asia, Designed in cooperation with the Defence site in Israel, giving non-NATO users the but also in the wider region particularly Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), opportunity to share lessons learned and Australia. With an eye on a post-Brexit the vehicle on show was one of seven experiences gained in operating the Spike economy, he added that UK companies protoypes but manufacturing is set to missile family. largely supported technology trans- begin soon with delivery to the lead Gene Cunningham, vice president fer and localisation, and were ready to customer, the Singapore Armed Forces, to Global Sales for Defence, Security & Space support regional growth through endur- begin in 2019. The NGAFV is a digitalised, at Boeing its military helicopter business ing relationships. highly mobile and developed to support was strong and that the company had Honeywell’s Tim van Luven, vice networked knowledge-based warfighting. already delivered three AH-64Es to the president Asia Pacific, Defence and Space, A fleet of seven prototypes had been Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indo- highlighted his company’s building rela- developed and robustly tested over nesia-Angkatan Darat: TNI-AD) and will tionship with Korea Aerospace Industries several years. deliver the final five during 2018. (KAI) in programmes including the supply Also showcased for the first time in Around 1,062 companies from 50 of its EGI Navigation system and radar ST Engineering’s Aviation Cluster was countries displayed products and services altimeter for the T-50 Golden Eagle, four of the STINGER Intelligent Network Gun during the four business days of the event which have initially been ordered by the Equipped Robotics system, reports AMR between 6-9 Febraury. The next Singapore Royal Thai Air Force as T-50TH (Thailand). contributor David Oliver. The system Airshow will take place at the same The eventual requirement is for 12 T-50TH is under development as part of ST location from 11-16 February, 2020. AMR
32 | Asian Military Review | ANALYSTS COLUMN
POST BREXIT UK READIES TO JOIN US IN FONOPS by Veerle Nouwens US Navy
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) transits the South China Sea on 10 February, 2018
he United States conducted another Freedom fortress the likes of which perhaps the world has of Navigation Operation (FONOP) on 17 January not seen.” FONOPs under the Trump administration 2018, the fi rst of this year. It was met with a started slowly. The fi rst took place on 24 May 2017 fi erce response from Chinese media, including and saw the USS Dewey sail within 12 nautical miles Ta new turn in reasoning for the militarisation of its (nm) of Mischief Reef. By doing this, the US in effect artifi cial islands in the Spratly’s. Namely, that the conducted a high-seas FONOP, rather than innocent United States’ exercise of rights upheld in the United passage, underlining that Mischief Reef was a low- Nation’s Convention on the Laws of the Sea is of such tide elevation that under UNCLOS has no rights to a threat that China must fortify its self-defence capa- maritime territory except a 500 metre safety zone, as bilities on the artifi cial islands. However, the US will was determined by the Permanent Court of Arbitra- no longer be the only player openly defying Chinese tion in its ruling on 12 July 2016. maritime claims when the United Kingdom sends a Since then, the Trump administration has stepped Royal Navy frigate to conduct a FONOP through the up the frequency of its FONOPs in the South China South China Sea in March. Beijing is not pleased. Sea, While the continuation of this policy in the For all the criticism that the Trump administration South China Sea is viewed positively by allies and has received for what has seemed to be a lack of a com- partners of the US in the region, it has become clear prehensive strategy in the Asia-Pacifi c, it has made that few countries seek a unipolar Indo-Pacifi c re- clear that FONOPs are here to stay. President Trump gion. The Trump administration’s slogan of ‘America has used strong rhetoric against China, at times First’ has evolved to underscore that ‘America fi rst referencing its island building in the South China is not America alone’. The return of the Quad (Japan, Sea. Speaking to the New York Times on 4 April 2016, the US, Australia and India) is an example of this. Trump stated that China was building “a military So too is the UK’s engagement in the Indo-Pacifi c
| MARCH 2018 | 33 ANALYSTS COLUMN
under the banner of ‘Global Britain’ post-Brexit. Indeed, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson described the UK’s future role in Asia as one which would help address the “emerging balance of power system in Asia
that needs the influence of friendly countries – with Navy Royal our emphasis on the rule-based system – in order to reduce the risk of miscalculation and unwanted confrontation.” There has been a lingering question over what sort of role the UK would play in Asia, particularly in the defence and security sphere. The focus has in particular been on whether the UK would risk con- fronting China in the South China Sea at a time when it seeks Free Trade Agreements and bilateral trade rela- tionships post-Brexit. Boris Johnson drew attention in Sydney last year when he stated that “one of the first things we will do with the two new colossal aircraft carriers that we have just built is send them on a freedom-of-navigation operation to this area to vindicate The Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in our belief in the rules-based international system and Gibraltar for her first overseas port visit. Deployments to Asia in support in the freedom of navigation through those water- of US FONOPs are on the agenda according to UK Foreign Secretary ways which are absolutely vital for world trade.” Boris Johnson. Although Southeast Asia won’t see a British Carrier Strike Group before 2020, the UK last week the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson announced that it would send HMS Sutherland, a noted it hoped that “relevant parties, especially non- type-23 anti-submarine frigate, through the South regional countries, could respect the efforts made by China Sea to conduct a FONOP on its return journey from regional countries to safeguard peace and stability Australia. The exact details of the FONOP are not yet in the region.” The reactions by Chinese media to known, but the message that London seeks to send to FONOPs by the US in the South China Sea often use Asia and China is that the UK is committed to upholding stronger language. Indeed, after the latest 17 January international norms and the rule of law, and that it 2018 FONOP, the state-run People’s Daily implied has a strategic interest in the Asia-Pacific beyond the that US FONOPs force China to “strengthen and realms of trade and investment. It is also committed speed up building of its abilities there,” which many to working with like-minded partners in doing so. As observers regard as Beijing justifying the milita- British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson stated, risation of its man-made islands. The justification “the US can only concentrate on so many things at once” is unconvincing, not only because the FONOPs and is “looking for other countries to do more. This are legal under international law, but particularly is a great opportunity for the UK and Australia to do because China has continued its activities in the more, to exercise leadership.” South China Sea despite statements in 2015 that In that light, the UK appears to be on a path of dredging of the islands had ceased and that China slowly consolidating its foreign policy towards the would not militarise the features. Both, as evidenced region after it exits the European Union, one which by recent aerial footage, have continued. has signalled that “Britain is back East of Suez.” While This should be of concern, not just to the region, this intent is likely to be governed by ongoing budget but to the international community, including the UK. restraints, in the past year alone, it sent four RAF It is this which Beijing fears – a renewed focus on the Typhoon fighters to participate in joint exercises with South China Sea island disputes by the internation- Japan and South Korea. The UK and Japan have al community and the engagement of more actors also concluded their bilateral Acquisition and Cross- in a region which it views as its rightful sphere of Servicing Arrangement (ACSA), the UK has under- influence. Although it remains to be seen what the scored its commitment to the Five Powers Defence Chinese reaction to the UK’s FONOP will be, it must Arrangements, and has established a regional British be remembered that its reaction is not just toward Defence Staffs hub in Singapore, while hinting at the UK, but to any actor seeking to support the the possibility of making use of its berthing rights in application of international law in the South China Singapore by basing its Type 31e frigates there and Sea. The UK is right to conduct FONOPs whenever having a permanent presence in the region along the assets are in the region, because the United States lines of France. can’t and shouldn’t be the only one to do so. The Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times has already responded critically, labelling the UK’s Note: Veerle Nouwens is a research analyst, Asia Studies at the Ministry of Defence an ‘attention seeker’ trying to Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, ‘validate its existence’. The more muted response by Whitehall, London. [email protected].
34 | 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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