25 Januari 2012

Type 206A is a diesel electric submarine with 48.6m in length and displacement 498 ton (photo : denizaltici)

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday vowed to re-examine the navy's plan to buy submarines.

On his first day in office at the Defence Ministry, ACM Sukumpol said he would continue to push for the implementation of incomplete plans and projects, including the submarine purchase.

"We will look at it. The navy must explain to the public why the submarine purchase is an appropriate project," ACM Sukumpol said. The minister also told navy chief Adm Surasak Roonroengrom to clarify details of the submarine project to the cabinet and the public.

The navy had planned to buy six second-hand submarines from Germany.

However, as the cabinet has not yet approved the plan, Germany has since sold two of the submarines to Colombia. The navy now hopes to buy the remaining four subs for 5.5 billion baht.

"If the navy had submarines, the balance of military power in the region would change," a navy source said.

He warned Cambodia may well obtain submarines before Thailand as it can rely on its alliances with "superpowers".

(Bangkok Post)

20 Januari 2012

KRI Nanggala 402 (photo : DSME)

(BUSINESS WIRE) - - Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (http://www.dsme.co.kr/) has successfully completed the upgrade Indonesian Navy submarines.

Submission of KRI Nanggala by DSME attended by naval officers and 20 crew of the submarine's 1400 tonnes of Indonesia.

KRI Nanggala in length 59.5m, width 7.3m, displacement while diving of 1420 tons and 1285 tons of submerged. Maximum speed of 21.5 knots (39.8km per hour) at underwater operation, and speeds of 11 knots (about 20.4km per hour) while afloat.

For this second submarine project, a bid to be awarded to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in last April 2009. The first performance improvement project of Indonesian Navy Type 209 submarine was awarded in the 2003. after the second submarine project.

DSME in doing a second submarine upgrade work began in December 2009, takes about 25 months with an increased capability of combat systems, radar, sonar and other major equipment replaced by the new cuts, and hull-mounted equipment to disassemble, repair such a great work of improvement performance has been shown.

The successful of upgrades project, especially in two Type 209 submarines have been triggered Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering can get a high confidence of the Indonesian government, and last year led to the Republic of Korea can export submarines for the first time.

DSME first get an order to upgrade Indonesia's first submarine in 2006, followed by a second submarine upgrades. Last year, Indonesia gave the job of making the three submarines, which puts DSME of the world lay submarine positioned in the market.

(NewsWire)

09 Januari 2012

The submarine will be equipped with Klub-S, anti ship/anti submarine missile with max range 300km (photo : pakdef)

According to some unofficial sources from the Russian media, from the beginning of the month 6 / 2011 the Russian side has begun work on two Kilo 636M project class submarines for the Vietnam Navy.

The first will be delivered in 2013. Expected that Russia will hand over to Vietnam annually to a submarine in 2018.

The above information has not been officially confirmed, but according to Mr. Roman Trotsenko, chairman of Admiralty Shipyard, this company is implementing all necessary work to close on time and handed over six submarines for Vietnam orders. "This contract for us not only great value financially, but also has special meaning. We will endeavor to implement 100% of the components of the project ", - Roman Trotsenko statement on the website of the Admiralty Group.

Admiralty has completed the clearance Novoadmiralteysky entire island has an area of ​​16 hectares, construction of schools and facilities for the closure of the Kilo 636M submarines for Vietnam. "We have invested in purchasing new equipment and the best to serve the building of submarines and underwater vehicles at a cost of more than 3 billion rubles," said Roman Trotsenko.

Admiralty Shipyard Group is one of the most prestigious companies in the field of Russian ship with more than 300 years of tradition.

Submarine Project 636 diesel-electric submarine is the third generation and is the modernized version of Project 877 and 877 EKM.

Project 636M (Kilo class) is considered to effectively project combat capability and is one of quiet submarines in the world. It is a combination of optimum target detection range, the inertial navigation, the most advanced information management system, automatically modern weapons with torpedoes, powerful and high speed missiles of at least 4 Club-S missiles, 18 torpedoes and 24 mines.

In addition, the ship also includes shoulder-aircraft missile and weapons of personal combat crew on ships. Submarine Project 636 is designed to destroy submarines and surface ships of the enemy, protect naval bases, ensuring communications, and reconnaissance .

(BaoDatViet)

05 Desember 2012

Type 209 submarine (photo : TKMS)

Indonesia Buying Submarines from S Korea on Technology Transfer Terms

BATAM, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia has signed a contract with a South Korean shipbuilding company on the purchase of three submarines with emphasis on technology transfer in the manufacturing process, Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoedin said.

Under the contract, South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuidling and Marine Engineering (DSME) would build two of the submarines in Korea with the participation of Indonesian personnel in the manufacturing process and the third one in Indonesia in the dockyard of PT PAL in East Java, he said.

"The purpose of the US$ 1.80 billion scheme is also transfer of technology in the building of submarines," Sjafrie said.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Ediwan Prabowo, head of the defense ministry’s defense facilities agency, said the first submarine would be entirely built in South Korea with 30 personnel of PT PAL participating in the project as interns.

The PT PAL people would be assigned to master the designing phase of the submarine building project and participate in preparations to construct the second submarine. Later, Indonesia would send up to 130 shipbuilding personnel to Korea to be involved in the process of making the second submarine.

"Eventually, we hope the third submarine can be wholly built at the dockyard of PT PAL in Indonesia so that local human resources can gain full submarine building competence," he said.

Ediwan said the government expected the first submarine to be completed in 2015, the second in 2016 and the third in 2017. "With the acquisition of the three new submarines, the Indonesian Navy’s combat and deterrent capability will be significantly enhanced."

(Kompas)

29 Desember 2011

HDW U-216 conventional submarines (all images : Militaryphotos)

U-boats may be on navy's shopping list

Australia's ''future submarine'' could be a super U-boat built by a German company that made many of the submarines that nearly brought Britain to its knees in World War II.

HDW has released details of a concept design, designated the Type 216, for a long-range conventional submarine.

Experts say the design, based on the successful Type 214, is specifically targeted at Sea 1000 - Defence's future submarine program.

Rex Patrick, a former submariner and the director of Acoustic Force, said yesterday the information available indicated Type 216 would meet the requirements spelt out in the 2009 Defence white paper and there was no reason the submarines could not be built in Adelaide.

''I think they [HDW] have been working on the Type 216 for some time with candidates like Australia, India and Canada in mind,'' he said.

Another HDW design, the Type 209, is the basis for three submarines Indonesia is buying from Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering.

The $1billion contract for the three, two of which will be built in South Korea and one in Indonesia, was signed on December 20.

Defence has been considering a number of European submarines, including the HDW 214, the Spanish Navantia S-80 and French DCNS Scorpene, as replacements for the trouble-plagued Collins for some time. It has confirmed ''requests for information'' are to be sent to the three manufacturers.

Defence has also signed a contract with Babcock to research a land-based submarine propulsion test facility and a ''Future Submarine Industry Skills Plan'' is being prepared.

While Defence has acknowledged the European vessels offer proven designs and shorter delivery times than an Australian-designed submarine, the concern is they are too small to meet Australia's broad needs as outlined in the 2009 white paper.

The ''supersized'' HDW Type 216 may change that. It is more than twice the size of the three submarines that have just been commissioned by Indonesia.

Designated the Type 1400, the Indonesian boats will still be very capable. The first is expected to be in use by 2015 with the second scheduled for delivery in 2018.

There is grave concern delays in the Government's decision making process means there is no longer sufficient time to design and build an ''evolved'' Collins class boat by the 2025 deadline.

Former ASC chief executive officer, Greg Tunney, is on the record as having said ''serious concept work and definition studies'' should have begun in 2010.

HDW's Type 216 concept, the subject of a special report in the current edition of Jane's International Defence Review, overcomes the shortcomings of small European submarines and would take less time - and money - to build than a ''son of Collins'' analysts claim. At almost 4000t, 89m long and with an extendable minimum range of 10,400 nautical miles (19,240km), it outclasses the existing Collins in every way.

The evolved 216 would come with air-independent propulsion giving it a nuclear submarine-like ability to linger underwater in choke points such as the Straits of Malacca for weeks on end. It would have the ability to launch cruise missiles, carry a ''swimmer delivery vehicle'' for special operations and be extremely quiet thanks to propulsion design parameters and an outer shell that absorbs sound.

(Canberra Times)

17 Desember 2011

Type 209 submarines (photo : pakdef)

A partnership consisting of Turkey’s procurement office, German shipyard HDW and a smaller Turkish shipyard is expected to submit a joint bid next week to build two 209-class submarines for Indonesia’s Navy, a senior official said yesterday.

“Just a few formalities need to be completed with the German side and then our joint bid will be submitted,” the senior Turkish procurement official told the Hürriyet Daily News. “Our bid is good and we will wait for Indonesia’s decision.”

The bid, which is worth $1 billion, will be competing against South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, which has offered to build three 209 submarines worth $1.2 billion. One major problem for the Korean side, however, is that Daewoo is trying to sell submarines whose license belongs to HDW (Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft), which has teamed up with the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, Turkey’s procurement agency. Daewoo has the capability to produce the 209s, but it is not clear if it may do so without HDW’s license, according to analysts.

Led by Deputy Defense Minister Kemal Yardımcı, a senior Turkish defense team visited Indonesia for talks late last week and early this week. Those talks coincided with Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç’s visit to the Indonesian island of Bali.

Yardımcı and his aides had extensive defense industry talks with Indonesian authorities, the procurement official said.

“Even a road map has emerged about future defense industry cooperation between our countries,” he said. “In addition to the submarine matter, we discussed major projects that could include our [military electronics conglomerate] Aselsan, our [rocket manufacturer] Roketsan and our armored vehicle manufacturers.”

French and Russian offers fell out of the running early in the submarine tender opened last year by the Indonesian Navy, and South Korea’s Daewoo emerged as the leading candidate. Daewoo was expected to bid together with Germany’s HDW, but later decided to join the competition on its own.

HDW is also co-manufacturing with Turkey six modern U 214-type diesel submarines for the Turkish Navy. Earlier with HDW, Turkey built 14 U-209 submarines, which Indonesia now wants to buy.

(Hurriyet)

02 Desember 2011

RSS Archer conducting sea trials as part of its operationalisation process following her return to Singapore. (all photos : Mindef)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the commissioning of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) first Archer-class submarine, RSS Archer, at Changi Naval Base this morning. During the ceremony, Dr Ng presented the commissioning warrant to Commanding Officer, RSS Archer, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Jack Nyeo. Dr Ng also visited RSS Archer where he was briefed by LTC Jack Nyeo on the enhanced capabilities of RSS Archer.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted that the RSN would continue to build up and modernise its maritime warfare capabilities to better safeguard Singapore's interest. "The strengthening of our submarine capability is in line with this overall development plan to allow the RSN to better exploit the underwater dimension in maritime operations," said Dr Ng. He added that, RSS Archer, as the first Archer-class submarine, significantly enhances the RSN's submarine capability and strengthens Singapore's ability to contribute to the peace and stability of the region.

The Archer-class submarines were acquired from the Royal Swedish Navy in 2005 and RSS Archer was launched on 16 June 2009 in Karlskrona, Sweden. The first Archer-class submarine arrived in Singapore on 17 August 2011 and had successfully conducted various system verifications and sea trials in local conditions as part of its operationalisation process. With the enhanced capabilities and combat system such as the Air Independent Propulsion and advanced sonar systems, the Archer-class submarines will increase the RSN's operational readiness to better secure the seaward defence of Singapore. The pioneer crew of RSS Archer had completed comprehensive training comprising a Submarine System Training Phase, where they were taught to operate the various advanced systems, as well as a Team Training phase, where mission-oriented trainings were conducted.

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Dr Tan Kim Siew, Chief Defence Scientist Quek Tong Boon, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng as well as senior officers from the SAF.

(Mindef)

01 Desember 2011

KS-550A Mini-Sub concept for RoKN (all photos : Network54)

South Korea's Agency for Defence Development (ADD) has unveiled an innovative mini-submarine concept - known as the KSS 500A - for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).

The 37 m-long craft is intended to form the basis for a replacement of the two surviving Dolgorae-class mini-submarines, which entered service in the early 1980s. Design work is believed to have started in 2008 and the ADD is now selecting key systems suppliers.

According to a model and accompanying data released at the Marine Week 2011 exhibition in Busan in early November, the KSS 500A has a beam of 4.5 m, surfaced displacement of 510 tons and maximum diving depth of 250 m.

Notably, there are no onboard electrical generators; all electrical power is provided instead by two banks of lithium ion batteries. While the Dolgarae-class boats require frequent snorkelling, the KSS 500A is designed to require minimal snorkelling during a typical three-week patrol.

The streamlined sail houses up to four masts for electro-optic, radar, satellite communications and electronic security measures systems, and there is a fifth - modular payload - mast for launching small unmanned aerial vehicles.

The pressure hull has four compartments: combat information centre, machinery room, special forces area and accommodation/messing. Weapons and sonars are installed in the forward section, while the integrated electric motor with coaxial flexible payload module (FPM) occupies the aft section.

Control surfaces include two bow-mounted dive planes and an X-shaped stern. A podded motor, stator and rotor propel the submarine at a cruise speed of 5-7 kt, although a sprint speed of 20 kt is possible. However, the endurance of 21 days and range of 2,000 n miles at low speeds are severely curtailed at higher speeds.

Although the boat can be operated by a crew of five, the design complement is 10 persons using a two-watch system. Up to 14 special forces personnel can also be embarked. The FPM at the stern allows the deployment of divers, swimmer delivery vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles.

Armament comprises tubes for two heavyweight torpedoes and four lightweight torpedoes, located close to a payload interface module containing two box launchers: one for vertical-launch missiles, the other for mines. The KSS 500A is considerably larger than the Dolgorae-class boats. Built amid much secrecy, three Dolgoraes were commissioned in 1982-83 with pennant numbers 051-053. The legacy craft are about 25 m in length with a surfaced displacement of 250 tons. It is understood that five new mini-submarines are required by the RoKN, although induction timelines could not be ascertained.

(Jane's)

27 Oktober 2011

If Indonesia chooses Turkey’s bid, SSM will build two submarines at the Gölcük naval shipyard with an HDW license. (photo : Hurriyet)

Turkish procurement officials have denied a South Korean claim that the Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine has defeated a joint bid by Germany and Turkey to sell submarines to the Indonesian Navy.

‘’We are constantly in touch with Indonesian authorities. Together with Germany, we will soon submit an offer outlining our final offer with very favorable conditions. Indonesia is waiting for that,’’ a procurement official told the Hürriyet Daily News recently on condition of anonymity.

‘’In addition, Germany’s Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft [HDW] is our full partner and is the builder of the HDW-class 209 submarines that Indonesia wants to buy. We don’t know how the South Koreans may overcome this license problem, because HDW is working with us,’’ the official said. ‘’For us, the competition is continuing.’’

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Engineering said earlier this month that it aimed to seal a $1.1 billion agreement with the Indonesian government by November to build three submarines. The South Korean shipbuilder said in a statement that this would mark the first exports of submarines from the country.

“We have launched talks to sign a submarine contract with Indonesia’s Defense Ministry,’’ Daewoo said in a statement.

A team of Turkish and German companies and Turkey’s procurement office are also jointly seeking a contract to sell two HDW-class 209 diesel submarines to Indonesia worth about $1 billion in an offer with sweeteners against the South Korean rivals.

French and Russian companies dropped out of the bidding for the Indonesian Nay deal earlier, allowing South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine to emerge as the leading candidate. Daewoo was expected to bid together with HDW, but it later decided to bid on its own.

Facing the threat of being left out of the deal, HDW, a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, approached the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), Turkey’s defense procurement agency.

Together with Turkey, HDW also is manufacturing six modern U-214 diesel submarines for the Turkish Navy. In partnership with HDW, Turkey earlier built 14 U-209 submarines, which Indonesia now wants to buy.

(Hurriyet)

17 Oktober 2011

Royal Australian Navy's Collins classsubmarine in the floating dock. (photo : cumminscommentary)

AUSTRALIA'S troubled Collins Class submarines are more than twice as expensive to operate as US Navy nuclear submarines that are more than three times bigger.

Figures obtained by the Herald Sun, show the six Collins subs cost about $630 million a year - or $105 million each - to maintain, making them the most expensive submarines ever to put to sea.
Only two of the fleet of six could go to war at the moment.

The annual price for "sustainment" (maintenance and support) is $415.9 million for 2011-12 with operating costs running at $213.4 million for the year, for a total of $629.3 million.

A US Navy Ohio Class nuclear attack submarine - more than three times the size of a Collins boat - costs about $50 million a year to operate.

The cost figures are revealed as Defence officials say at least two possible contenders for the navy's new submarine fleet - the Spanish S-80 and French-Spanish Scorpene class boat - have been ruled out of the future submarine project.

In 2008, embarrassed navy brass stopped reporting on the performance of the Collins fleet in the Defence annual report.

The 2007-08 performance outcome for the Collins fleet showed it achieved 64 per cent of its mission capability, or 559 days of actual availability.

Since then the figures have been classified "secret", but assuming a similar outcome, then sustaining the subs now costs taxpayers $1,643,835 a day for all six vessels.

With only two or three available for duty, that cost blows out to more than $500,000 a day.
Sustainment costs are forecast to be $443 million this year. Since 2004, the costs have more than doubled from $204 million.

Opposition defence spokesman Senator David Johnston accused the Government and Defence Minister Stephen Smith of taking their eye off the ball when it came to the submarines.

Mr Smith said the Government was being careful about plans for 12 new submarines because 80 per cent of problems with the Collins could be traced back to mistakes in the planning stage.

OHIO CLASS NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE
Displacement = 16,500 tonnes
Length =170 metres
Speed = 12 knots surfaced 20 kts submerged
Crew = 155
Armament = Mark 68 torpedoes, Trident ballistic nuclear armed missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles

COLLINS CLASS SUBMARINES
Displacement = 3000 tonnes
Length = 77 metres
Speed = 10 knots surfaced 21 knots submerged
Crew = 38 to 48
Armament = 6 X 53cm torpedo tubes, Mark 48 torpedoes

(Herald Sun)

10 Oktober 2011

DSME get technology transfer of Type 209 submarine (1200 tonnes) from Germany in the early 1990s. Through continuous technical development is a proprietary 1,400-ton submarines for export and features a variety of torpedoes and mines, and can launch missiles. (photo : daum)

(Reuters) - Daewoo Shipbuilding & Engineering said on Monday that it aimed to seal a $1.1 billion agreement with the Indonesian government by November to build three submarines.
The South Korean shipbuilder said in a statement that this would mark the first exports of submarines from the country.

"We have launched talks to sign a submarine contract with Indonesia's defense ministry and marine," Daewoo said in a statement.

(Reuter)

04 Oktober 2011

The new navy chief said it is the navy's desire to have submarines to protect the country's marine resources and to ensure a strategic balance in the region.(photo : pixlie)

New navy chief Surasak Runroengrom still hopes the plan to buy used submarines from Germany will be considered by the cabinet today despite opposition from the Defence Ministry.

The expectation is based on his retired predecessor Kamthorn Phumhiran's claim that he met a phu yai (influential person) in the government who agrees in principle to the deal with Germany.

"I will push ahead with the plan," Adm Surasak said yesterday, adding that the navy has asked the German defence ministry to extend the deal settlement period again after the Sept 30 deadline.

Earlier this year, during the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration, the navy asked Germany to extend the sale period after the 7.5-billion-baht plan to buy six used German U206A submarines did not receive approval from the Defence Council.

The plan faced a setback again with the Yingluck Shinawatra government when Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa rejected the plan following a study by a special panel appointed to consider its merits.

Gen Yutthasak wants the navy to conduct a review on the cost-effectiveness of the plan and stressed the need for a transparent procurement.

Adm Surasak said the navy had reduced the purchase cost to 6.9 billion baht from 7.5 billion. He insisted the submarines are needed to make Thailand "strategically equal" to neighbouring countries.

(Bangkok Post)

26 September 2011

The crew of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak had trained in a Ouessant Agosta 70 submarine. (photo : Defencetalk)

KUALA LUMPUR: A signing ceremony was held at the Malaysian embassy in Paris on Friday for the transfer of ownership of an Agosta 70 submarine, which is to be converted into a museum in Malacca.

Director of International Development in the French Ministry of Defence, Yves Blanc, and Malaysian Ambassador to France Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal signed the transfer of ownership documents, according to a statement by the embassy.It said the agreement on the transfer of ownership was signed here on May 16.

The Agosta 70 submarine was used for the training of the crew of Malaysia's two French Scorpene submarines between 2005 and 2009 after the purchase contract was signed in 2002.

The vessel is to be transported on a floating dock to Malaysia next week in an operation organised by Felda Transport.It is to be handed over to the Malacca government for conversion into a museum at Klebang.

(New Straits Times)

20 September 2011

Type 206A submarines (photo : Ulrich Wrede)

Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa has rejected the navy's plan to pay 7.5 billion baht for six used submarines from Germany and questioned the cost-effectiveness and transparency.

He said yesterday a defence scrutiny committee he appointed had resolved to return the project to the navy for review. Gen Jongsak Panichkul, adviser to the defence minister, is chairing the committee, which also includes former navy chief Adm Prasert Boonsong.

"I want a review on the cost-effectiveness," Gen Yutthasak said. "The past government approved the establishment of a submarine fleet and the recruitment of personnel has been completed but transparent procurement has yet to be done."

He said he was not concerned about the Sept 30 deadline that Germany had set for the navy to confirm the purchase of its used U206A submarines. He said the German navy could be asked to extend the deadline.

"But if Germany refuses to extend the deadline, it will be up to the navy to propose submarines from any country for my consideration," the defence minister said. He is open to either new or used vessels.

A navy source said the defence scrutiny committee had recommended submarines from Russia, China and South Korea.

"The navy will let politicians make the choice," the source said. "It will just wait."

He said the German submarines were the best choice in terms of practicality for study, training and price.

(Bangkok Post)

13 September 2011

Type 206A submarine (photo : Chosun)

The navy is unlikely to meet the Sept 30 deadline set by a German company for the purchase of six second-hand submarines as a review by the Defence Ministry looks set to delay the purchase.

An eight-member panel appointed by Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa will look into the merits of purchasing the used U-206A submarines at a cost of 7.5 billion baht.

Critics say the deal does not represent value for money.

Gen Yutthasak last week asked for a week to study the plan after the navy handed him the 200-page purchase details.

The minister expects the panel to pass on its recommendations by Wednesday.
"It's likely that the panel will suggest further consideration or ask for more details," said a source at the Defence Ministry.

The panel comprises former senior navy officers, led by former navy chief Prasoet Bunsong, as well as officers from the army and air force.

The source said there are former navy officers on the panel who disagree with the purchase.

"Perhaps this will provide Gen Yutthasak with an excuse to reject the purchase of the German submarines," said the source.

Germany has given Thailand until Sept 30 to decide whether it will buy the used U-206A submarines, designed for coastal patrol operations, after the purchase plan was not approved by the Defence Council under the preceding Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

An approval from the council is needed before the plan can be forwarded to the cabinet. Former council chairman and defence minister Prawit Wongsuwon was reportedly interested in buying new submarines from South Korea rather than used ones from Germany.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party might support the purchase, the source added, however it also might prefer that the submarines be purchased from from Russia or China instead.

Navy chief Kamthorn Phumhiran, who supports the deal with Germany, is due to retire on Sept 30 and hopes the new government approves the deal by then.

He said the navy has not kept abreast of developments in submarine technology for nearly 60 years, since it owned four submarines in World War II.

"In fact, navy officers want new submarines, but we have to spend up to 40 billion baht," Adm Kamthorn said.

"We don't have such a huge budget."

(Bangkok Post)

27 Agustus 2011

This photo shows a HDW-class U 209/1400 submarine of the Turkish Navy as it is passing through Istanbul’s Bosphorus. Turkey aims to make two U 209s for Indonesia. (photo : Hurriyet)

A joint group of Turkish and German companies are competing with a South Korean attempt to sell two HDW-class 209-type diesel submarines to Indonesia.

A team of Turkish and German companies, as well as Turkey’s procurement office, are jointly looking to sell two HDW-class 209-type diesel submarines to Indonesia in a $1 billion deal, a senior Turkish procurement official said Friday.

“Our package is excellent. We are hopeful and waiting for Indonesia’s decision,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The only competitor for the German-Turkish partnership is South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine, which emerged as the favorite after French and Russian bidders for the Indonesian Navy’s tender fell off.

Daewoo was expected to bid together with Germany’s Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, or HDW, but later decided to join the competition on its own.

Facing the threat of being left out of the deal, HDW, a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, then approached the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, or SSM, Turkey’s defense procurement agency, to seek the Indonesian contract jointly; at the same time, President Abdullah Gül was paying an official visit to Indonesia in April during which the two countries signed a comprehensive defense industry cooperation agreement. Both Muslim nations, Turkey and Indonesia share close political and cultural ties and are developing their industrial relations.

HDW is also co-manufacturing six modern U 214-type diesel submarines with Turkey for the country’s Navy. Turkey earlier built 14 U 209-type submarines with the German company that Indonesia now wants to buy.

In June HDW sent a letter to SSM, confirming that “SSM is entitled to market and sell HDW class U 209 1,400-tonne submarines to be built in Turkey for the Project of Procurement of Diesel Electric Submarines by the Indonesian Navy.”

A decision on the bid is expected either late this year or in early 2012.

A 2-billion-euro submarine deal between SSM and HDW for the joint manufacture of six U 214 platforms for the Turkish Navy formally took effect July 1.

Sweetening the deal

In an effort to win the bid over their Korean rivals, SSM is reported to be offering sweeteners. In a letter sent to Indonesian Adm. Soeparno, who uses one name like many Indonesians, SSM chief Murad Bayar said, “Our offer includes one or two 209-class submarine leases to the Indonesian Navy as a ‘gap-filler’ solution until your submarines have been built.”

Bayar also pledged a maximum work share for Indonesian defense companies, including the Indonesian national shipyard PT-PAL, in emphasizing HDW’s full support for the Turkish bid.

“A very attractive and advantageous financial package will be included as well,” Bayar said.

“Our Navy and defense companies shall provide full support to your Navy and defense companies for operational and maintenance training, as well as military exercises in the shallow waters of your country,” he said.

“As a well-known worldwide brand and proven technology, 209-Class submarines will increase your country’s industrial capabilities and will bring us a chance to share our knowledge to provide regional peace and stability,” Bayar said.

In a letter to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in late July, Gül confirmed and reiterated Turkey’s sweeteners and stated his desire for increased defense industry cooperation.

If the Turkish bid is chosen, the two Class-209 submarines will be built at Turkey’s Gölcük naval shipyard in the northwestern province of Kocaeli by the Turkish company STM under license from HDW.

South Korea optimistic

Despite Turkey’s hard push for the deal, many in the South Korean press are convinced that their country will win the bid. The Korea Times quoted a South Korean industry source as saying that “Indonesia will likely pick Korea as the preferred bidder for its submarine acquisition program, worth $1.08 billion.”

One South Korean official said he was aware of his country’s rivalry in the project with Turkey, but did not comment further.

Despite competing against each other this time, Turkey and South Korea are very close allies, particularly in terms of the defense industry. Turkey is building howitzers under a South Korean license and the two countries are jointly producing basic aircraft trainers for the Turkish Air Force. South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries is among the strongest candidates in a bid being offered by Turkey to design, develop and manufacture a fighter aircraft by 2020.

(HurriyetDailyNews)

24 Agustus 2011

Collins class submarien (photo : TheConversation)

The Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today released the terms of reference for the Review of the Sustainment of Australia’s Collins Class submarines.

This review will be led by Mr John Coles, an independent expert from BMT Defence Services in the UK.

Mr Smith and Mr Clare today met with Mr Coles yesterday to discuss the Review and its Terms of Reference.

Mr Coles has more than 30 years experience in the design, acquisition and sustainment of ships and submarines, principally in the United Kingdom. Between 1997 and 2005 he was the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom’s Warship Support Agency (previously the Ships Support Agency), which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all Royal Navy submarines, ships, and auxiliaries. Between 2005 and 2007 Mr Coles was head of the British Future Aircraft Carrier Project.

The sustainment of the submarine fleet is vital to Australia’s national security. It is a complex task that has proven challenging for Defence and for ASC, the prime contractor, for a lengthy period of time. Sustainment of the Collins Class submarines is at the top of the Government’s Projects of Concern list.

Just as the Rizzo Report, released on July 18, provides a plan to improve the repair and management of the Navy’s amphibious fleet, Mr Coles will provide a plan to improve the repair and management of our submarine fleet.

This Review will involve a detailed examination of complex engineering issues associated with submarine sustainment and is likely to involve support from international experts and companies in this field.

Mr Coles’ terms of reference are to examine, report and provide recommendations on:

• The optimal commercial arrangements for conduct of submarine sustainment;

• Appropriate performance goals for sustainment activity, based on world’s best practice efficiency and effectiveness benchmarks;

• Options for demonstrating value for money in sustainment activity and the supply chain;

• Opportunities for improvements in management arrangements between ASC, DMO and the Navy to achieve efficiencies;

• Future infrastructure needs to support the submarine sustainment activity;

• Measures to be implemented by DMO and the Navy to ensure that ASC is able to operate under a performance-based contract; and

• The subsequent priorities for ASC and Defence reform to effect greatest improvement, given time, budget and system constraints.

An interim report will be provided to Government by December 2011 and a final report by April 2012.

(Aus DoD)

17 Agustus 2011

RSS Archer, which arrived from Sweden today, berthed at Changi Naval Base.(photo : Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) first Archer-class submarine, RSS Archer, arrived at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from Sweden earlier today. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at CNB to witness its return.

Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden on 16 Jun 2009, RSS Archer is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Vaastergotland-class submarines acquired by Singapore in 2005. RSS Archer has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. Crew members of RSS Archer have also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2007 to acquire the skillsets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.

RSS Archer will join 171 Squadron, under the RSN's Fleet Command, to enhance the RSN's capability to secure the seaward defence of Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication.

(Mindef)

10 Agustus 2011

Kilo submarine of the Indian Navy (photo : Military Pictures)

In the framework of building a strategic partnership, the Indian Navy will help Vietnam develop Navy submarine fleet. Cooperation in the field of defense is a fundamental part of the framework to build a strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.

Like Vietnam, the staff of the Indian Army in general and in particular the Navy has a lot of equipment originating from the Soviet Union and Russia. India is one of the foreign country to use as soon as Kilo submarines, with rich experience. Indian Navy ready to share this with Vietnam for the Navy plans to build a submarine fleet in time to Kilo.

An official of the Indian Navy, said: "We are helping Vietnam to build their submarine fleet. Our experience in the operation of Kilo submarines will be shared with them.

" The official declined to provide information, whether the crew Vietnam has provided practical experience on the Kilo submarines in India or not.

With his rich experience of India will help Vietnam build a submarine fleet. In the photo, an Indian naval officers outside observers by Kilo submarine periscope.

Vietnam has officially announced the purchase of six diesel-electric submarines from Russia in 2009 and most recently, Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh has also spoken to confirm the construction of a submarine fleet of about 5-6 yearsto.

Currently in the Indian Navy personnel are 10 class diesel electric submarines Sindhughosh, this variant is exported to India's Kilo submarines of Project 877EKM.

Mr. Uday Bhaskar, director Institute of Oceanography Commodore stressed that Vietnam is an important strategic partner of India, we have much in common in the historical issues. "We both have a lot of weapons and equipment from Russia, so that India can bring technical assistance to Vietnam," he said.

Earlier during the visit of Indian Defense Minister AK Antony to Vietnam in 2010, the Indian side pledged to help Vietnam strengthen the modernization of the military, especially naval.

These include programs to upgrade the ships from the Soviet Union, also in the framework of the visit, the Indian Navy has transferred to Vietnam a lot of technical equipment to upgrade the fleet from Soviet Union.

(BaodatViet)

27 Juli 2011

HMAS Sheean and HMAS Collins (photo : Gnangarra)

The January 2010 failure of a generator aboard HMAS Farncomb was just the latest in a long history of problems faced by its fleet of 6 Collins Class diesel-electric submarines – which have sometimes been reduced to just 1 operational vessel. That readiness issue presents an immediate financial headache for Australia’s government, and adds a longer-term challenge to the centerpiece of Australia’s future naval force.

With just 6 submarines in its fleet, Australia’s current deployment set-up leaves little room for error. Even a normal setup of 2 in maintenance, 2 for training but available if needed, and 2 on operations makes for a thin line, given Australia’s long coastline and sea lanes. Almost 15 years after the first Collins Class boat was delivered, they are still short of this goal. When crewing problems are added to the mechanical issues, Australia’s 2009 White Paper plan to build 12 diesel-electric fast attack submarines as the centerpiece of the 2030 Australian Navy is attracting questions…

It present, 2 submarines are in “deep maintenance” and completely unavailable (HMAS Sheean, and Rankin), 1 submarine back is in port facing indeterminate maintenance (HMAS Farncomb), and 1 “limited availability” submarine is fit only for training (HMAS Collins). Of its 2 operational boats, HMAS Waller was in port for major battery repairs as recently as May 2009, and HMAS Dechaineux is just out of dock.

The latest issue with HMAS Farncomb involves failures in 1 of the submarine’s 3 French Jeumont-Schneider, 1,400 kW/ 440-volt DC generators. As the Australian Department of Defence puts it:

“The problem stems from the way some of the generators were manufactured. At no time was the crew at risk but investigations are continuing in order to determine the impact this deficiency might have on the remainder of the submarine fleet.”

A generator failure is a serious issue for a diesel-electric submarine. The generators must power all systems on board, from oxygen generation to combat electronics, and also drive the Collins Class’ 7,200 shp Jeumont-Schneider DC motor. Given the dangers inherent in a submarine’s mission, electrical redundancy, back-up capability, and reliability are all critical.

There are fears that fixing HMAS Farncomb’s generator problem could require cutting open the pressurized hull. If that’s the case, repair costs would be high, and Farncomb would join 3 other boats in a long “deep maintenance cycle”.

HMAS Deschaineux was due back in the water in early 2010, but didn;t re-enter service until May 2010. HMAS Sheean isn’t due back in service until 2011, and HMAS Rankin has no set date yet – it is merely “in queue” behind Sheean. While HMAS Collins has reportedly had its generators given a clean bill of health, investigation of the entire fleet’s generators is underway. If additional problems are discovered, the repair schedules for Deschaineux, Sheean, and Rankin become much less predictable.

So, too, does the future success of Australia’s estimated A$ 36 billion future submarine program.

One of the goals for the Collins Class program was to advance Australian shipbuilding capabilities, by creating state-owned ASC Pty Ltd. to build a foreign submarine design. ThyssenKrupp’s Swedish Kockums subsidiary was chosen to design them, based on the A19 Gotland Class. At 3,000t, their long-range design is the largest diesel-electric submarine type in the world.

Launching a submarine building industry is very difficult, however, and using what amounts to a new design adds to that risk. The Collins Class has performed well in exercises with the US Navy, where it has scored successes against American Los Angeles Class nuclear-powered fast attack subs. On the other hand, it has also encountered a long-running sequence of issues, including significant difficulties with its (Australian chosen) combat systems, issues with acoustic signature due to mechanical faults, major program cost growth to A$ 6+ billion, and schedule slippage.

The effects aren’t just mechanical, or financial. Crew retention issues are exacerbated by low mechanical readiness, which restricts training opportunities and so limits the available pool of crew. That forces higher deployment rates away from home and family among qualified submariners, which in turn feeds back into low recruitment and retention.

Collins was launched in 1993, and delivered in 1996. Its successor boats of class were commissioned in 1998 (Farncomb), 1999 (Waller), 2001 (Deschaineux and Sheean), and 2003 (Rankin). The persistence of serious mechanical issues and very low readiness rates, into 2010 and beyond, raises legitimate questions concerning the long-term risks of Australia’s 12-submarine plan for its future navy.

Australia is a middle power with a small population, without a long submarine building tradition, and without an active submarine construction line. That it overcame these disadvantages to build and field the Collins Class is a respectable achievement, notwithstanding the problems that class as faced in service. At the same time, the strategic stakes in Asia are rising rapidly, and submarines are becoming more important as the country’s neighbors grow their economic and military power into the sea lanes around Australia. An expanded submarine force makes strong strategic sense as a key guarantor of Australian interests and sovereignty – but in some respects, any new program will be starting again from square one. Over a decade can be expected between the commissioning of HMAS Waller in 2003, and construction of any new submarines.

Does repeating the Collins program’s industrial structure for the core of Australia’s future defense risk creating the same cost and readiness issues in the new submarines? If not, why not, especially given the long interval between delivery of HMAS Rankin and future construction of the next submarine type? What are the strategic risks of treating the core of Australia’s future defensive posture as a make work program first, and a defense program second? What savings might be had by simply ordering some or all of the proposed 12 boats from a foreign manufacturer? Should ASC become a wholly-owned subsidiary of whichever firm wins the competition to build Australia’s next 12 boats? Or should the 12-sub program just be scaled back sharply, as too big a risk for cost inflation and low value for money?

Some of these questions are already being raised, by politicians and media editorials. Unless these readiness and technical issues can be turned around, Australia’s governments, of whatever party, should expect more questions.

(Defense Industry Daily)