02 Januari 2012

Philipinnes will acquire shore-based mobile anti-ship missiles (photo : Mylitaryphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered the military to look into the possibility of acquiring anti-ship weapons and beef up its maritime surveillance capability.

In its planning guidance for 2013 to 2018, the DND said maritime security is challenged by traditional concerns like safeguarding the Kalayaan Island Group and non-traditional concerns like terrorism, smuggling, piracy and human and drug trafficking.

DND, however, lamented the military’s maritime surveillance capability is “low” due to the unavailability of platforms and aging equipment.

“The Program 1 Resource Manager shall study the possibility and merits of acquiring a capability for delivering anti-ship weapons up to a range of about 100 miles through shore-based mobile missile batteries in the long term,” DND said, referring to military managers.

“The Program 2 Resource Manager shall gradually develop the capability for long-range maritime air patrol and surveillance,” it added.

Developing the maritime air surveillance would entail acquiring assets for long-range maritime air patrol, accompanying base support systems and other platforms to maintain and sustain deployable and deployed assets.

Military resource managers were also ordered to “gradually develop the capability for air surface and sub-surface surveillance detection and interdiction within maritime domain.”

The DND said such endeavor would require the acquisition of assets for offshore patrol, strategic sea- lift, and accompanying base support systems and platforms.

“Likewise, the development of the National Coast Watch System shall also be given priority,” the DND guidance read.

Last September, President Aquino issued Executive Order 57, which called for the creation of the national coast watch system. The order seeks to expand the country’s naval security operations and to protect its natural resources.

The DND is also planning to acquire a squadron of surface attack aircraft in the next few years to enhance the military’s capability to secure the country’s airspace. DND said enhancing the country’s air assets would address the Philippines’ territorial defense concerns.

The DND also wants to acquire air surveillance radars and to develop the military’s air defense system.

“The Program 2 Resource Manager shall gradually develop the capability of air surveillance and interdiction by reactivating the Philippine Air Defense System and acquiring air surveillance radars and one squadron of surface attack aircraft,” DND said.

A squadron consists of 12 to 24 aircraft units. A surface attack aircraft is capable of interception and maritime patrols.

DND admitted the military’s air defense capability is “insufficient to address territorial defense concerns.” It also admitted the Philippine Air Defense Control Center and other units cannot effectively perform their required duties like air intelligence, aerial patrol and air reconnaissance.

The military, for its part, has re-supplied its forces and deployed fresh troops in Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

Aside from troop deployment which the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) described as routine rotation of forces, all naval units in the region, along with the newly acquired Navy frigate, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, have been placed on standby and for any disaster response and other seaborne operations during the holidays.

(PhilStar)

23 Desember 2011

Cheongung medium range SAM, can reach target at 40km range (photo : Defense Update)

South Korea unveils a new medium-range surface-to-air missile the Cheongung M-SAM

In December 2011, South Korea unveils its new new medium-range surface-to-air missile. The Cheongung missile will be deployed from 2013. In the second phase from next year until 2018, the ADD plans to turn the Cheongung into a ballistic interceptor missile, which would lay the groundwork for a Korean version of the Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3.

Staff of the Agency for South Korean Defense Development demonstrate the Cheongung surface-to-air missile at the Daejeon headquarters of the Army.

South Korea Korea is the fifth country after Russia, France, Taiwan and Japan to have developed such a weapon. The U.S. is currently developing a high-tech medium-range surface-to-air missile in cooperation with Italy and Germany, under the name of MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense Missile Systems).

The new SAM called ‘Cheongung’ (Iron Hawk) can intercept targets at altitude up to 15 km and at a range of about 40 km. LIG Nex1 plans to begin production in 2012 and according to the original schedule, begin replacing the first MIM-23 Hawk batteries beginning 2013.

Following the induction of the new Cheongung Seoul plans to offer the missile for export. Seoul estimates the market potential of such missiles at over US$2.3 billion. Apparently, the Russian Company that developed the system, Almaz Antey, thought the same as they kept the program alive after transferring the prototypes to Korea. The Russian version known as Vityaz could be ready to replace first generation S-300PS (5V55R) missiles, covering a similar intercept envelope, by the end of their service in 2015.

The South Korean Agency for Defense Development began development of the Cheongung in 2006, but started research in 2001 based on Russia's S-400 missile system. In cooperation with Russia, a Korean engineering team replaced a massive Russian radar system with a small device, which can be installed on a truck. The team also began research on a missile propulsion system based on the small Russian-made 9M96 missile. The radar is installed at the head of the missile to let it trace its own target.

(Army Recognition)

09 November 2011

AIM-9X2 air-to-air missile (photo : Raytheon)

WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Malaysia for 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up-Round Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $52 million.

The Government of Malaysia has requested a possible sale of 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 4 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $52 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in East Asia.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense needs.

The proposed sale of AIM-9X-2 missiles will enhance Malaysia’s interoperability with the U.S. and among other South East Asian nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world.The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Malaysia on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(DSCA)

07 November 2011

S-125 Pechora missile launchers system has a range of up to 35km and destroying the target at an altitude of 18,000 m (all photos : Dat Viet)

Missile Regiment 213, Division 363 are always in combat readiness posture to firmly defend the airspace of Vietnam.


As one of the main unit of the Air Defense - Air Force, in recent years Regiment 213, Division 363 are successfully completing the training missions, combat readiness, firmly defend the airspace and sovereignty of the sea and the sacred island of the country.


The readiness of the missile launcher system is supported by an excellent training system and the dedication of the soldiers to the country.

(BaoDatViet)

20 Oktober 2011

Bastion P coastal defence system (photo : Militaryphotos)

Russian Missile Defense Allocation for Viet Nam

Reports say Russia has delivered second Bastion coast missile defense system to Vietnam under the investment contract signed in 2005.

Russia's Interfax news agency said a military source 18/10 Tuesday that the transfer of active defense system equipped with supersonic anti-ship missiles were made Yakhont last week.

Two Russia’s giant arms exporter Rosoboronexport and Mashinostroyeniya NPO that Russia have signed contracts with Vietnam in 2005, including two Bastion coastal defense system.

First Bastion system which Vietnam's purchase of Russia has been shipped from mid-year.

Recently, Russian media also announced Vietnam is negotiating with the Russian government to sign more contracts to purchase additional Bastion systems, the number is not published.

With modern equipment, defense of Vietnam's coast will be enhanced significantly, especially in the context of developments on the coast are many complex.

Prestigious defense journal Jane's Defence said negotiations of the contract will be made by state credit of Russia, and can hang will be provided around the year 2013-2014.

Increases defense

Bao said the Russian Bastion system was achievements of the industrial production of Russia's missiles, capable of destroying various types of amphibious warship from transport and support ship, destroyer warships and aircraft carrier, as well as kill targets in a single vessel fleet to 300 km distance.

Bastion is able to protect a coastal area extending to 600 km. State news agency of China, Xinhua, has said Vietnam will put the two systems Bastion in the central coast has to cope with threats on the South China Sea.

The system consists of four vehicles carrying reporters Bastion self K-340P (two tubes each vehicle carrying ammunition missiles TPS); 2 K380P MBU control car (25-ton truck on the chassis MZKT-65273) can be prepared to war within 3 to 4 minutes; 4 rounds K-342P truck TZM (on chassis MZKT-7930) equipped with cranes used to load 5.9 ton K-loader vehicles and equipment 340P technical support and other combat training.

Also mentioned basic configuration, customers can choose the configuration with the number of vehicles, car and truck drivers shot on demand.
Supersonic cruise missiles, K310 Yakhont flying over the sea using a static jet engines.

Missiles Bastion-P has two mode: low-flying cruise with a range of about 120km, and low-flying cruise mixed with a range of about 300km.

(BBC Vietnam)

20 September 2011

Brahmos air launched version (photo : Bharat Rakshak)

The BrahMos Aerospace —the Indo-Russian joint venture that has developed the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile — is keen to sell the missile to Vietnam with which India is developing a strong strategic relationship, sources have confirmed.

However, the Indian government’s approval will have to be taken for any such acquisition. Sources also confirmed that Vietnam is already on a list of about 15 “friendly countries” — that was decided by a joint Indo-Russian supervisory council — to whom the BrahMos missile can be sold.

“Informal talks are on but no concrete proposal has been made as yet,” a source who did not want to be identified, told this newspaper. “Any acquisition of the BrahMos missile will be of immense value to Vietnam and will boost its defence preparedness,” sources said.

So far, the BrahMos missile has not been sold to any third country although a few have already evinced interest in acquiring it.

In a move that signalled the importance of strategic ties between India and Vietnam in the wake of increased Chinese military assertion in Asia, defence secretary Shashi Kant Sharma had also recently begun an official visit to Vietnam. India is set to offer naval facilities for training and capacity building to Vietnam.

(Deccan Chronicle)

24 Agustus 2011

The upgraded RSN missile corvette RSS Valiant firing against an air drone target simulating a missile attack on the ship. (photos : Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted a live-firing of the Barak anti-missile missile in the South China Sea earlier today as part of the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise which the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is conducting with the United States Navy (USN). The missile was fired by the upgraded RSN missile corvette (MCV) RSS Valiant against an air drone target simulating a missile attack on the ship. The target was successfully destroyed.

Commanding Officer RSS Valiant, Lieutenant Colonel Goh Kian Ngiap said that the exercise was valuable to both the RSN and USN. "The CARAT exercise is a great opportunity for both the RSN and USN to interact and exercise with each together. Many good ideas were exchanged, and the bonds of friendship strengthened," said LTC Goh. In addition, RSN personnel who took part in the exercise found value in working alongside their USN counterparts. Weapon Systems (Control) Operator Military Expert 1 William Kang, who fired the Barak missile said, "This was a wonderful learning experience for me in exercising with personnel from the USN. It was also excellent to see the entire crew's teamwork in action and executing the successful missile hit."

Barak - short range surface to air missile with operational range 10-12 km (photo : Rafael)

Present at the firing was Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng. Similar missile firings have been conducted in previous CARAT exercises. The exercise is presently ongoing and will conclude on 29 Aug 2011.

(Mindef)

12 Agustus 2011

Bastion P long range coastal defense anti ship missile (photo : ttvnol)

NPO Mashinostroenia Group began preparing contracts to sell missile systems Bastion-P for the coast of Vietnam.

NPO Mashinostroenia Group began preparing export contracts coastal missile system Bastion-P with Vietnam not through arms export company Rosoboronoexport. Funding for this contract is taken from the Russian state credit for Vietnam.

Currently, the two sides are determined the preliminary conditions of the export contract: the exact amount of equipment purchase, the size of the Russian state credit and the transfer deadline.

A source close to the Russian Finance Ministry, Russia is negotiating with Vietnam on credit to buy Russian weapons.State credit scale has not been identified as "directly dependent on the number of weapons procurement, which it is currently being discussed." "One of the parties to the contract will be NPO Mashinostroenia. That role is defined for the NPO and the company is negotiating with Vietnam to provide a system Bastion. " This source also said the transfer of missiles to Vietnam can take place not earlier than in 2013-2014 by the Russian side to prepare and have added to the budget law to provide credit export to Vietnam.

A source close to Rosoboronoexport, 10/08 Thursday, said, "credit problems related to Vietnam to buy Russian weapons are at the stage to discuss and reach the final."

NPO Mashinostroenia has allowed himself of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to prepare the export contract, although it has not been formalized legally. This group will only be signing export contracts through Rosoboronoexport if not get this right legally.

A source in the Russian president's office revealed that President Dmitri Medvedev has been reported from January 6.2011 to plan an independent NPO arms export finished products, the person filing the report, Assistant President Sergei Prikhodko concurrently Chairman of the Board of the NPO Mashinostroenia and President Medvedev wrote up a report is "Yes", however no formal decree of the President.

A source in the field of military technical cooperation, said NPO Mashinostroenia are actually preparing themselves to the world market. By 2007, the NPO has self arms exports and understand Vietnam market, and has been President of Russia permission to continue doing it. Federal Agency for Technical Cooperation, the military announced this Rosoboronoexport.

NPO Mashinostroenia to export in 2007 was independent of some form of military products should have enough experience.In 2007, the export market Russian arms to form a clear and full military semi-finished products passed into the hands of state companies is a Rosoboronoexport act as intermediaries to supply arms.

Regulation on the subject of military technical cooperation is not empowered to export finished products, but allows to provide spare parts to foreign customers, the components, parts or service modernization and maintenance.

Currently, there are regulations on the subject of military technical cooperation is Rosoboronoexport (intermediate-owned companies), Rostechnologyy (marketing) and 21 firms to develop and produce military goods. Of these, only Rosoboronoexport may export all kinds of military, first of all finished products. The remaining firms can only export spare parts and other components and materials, as well as after-sales maintenance services for the weapons and equipment have been provided earlier.

Rosoboronoexport addition, only two companies may sell finished products to foreign countries - it is in its shipbuilding Zvezdochka Severidvinsk and Admiralteiskye Verfi in St.Petersburg. The two firms are in uniform Shipbuilding Corporation OSK. April 11.2010, Admiralteiskye Verfi announced its development strategy, which proposed to give them "the subject regulations and military technical cooperation."This Regulation will be given full independence group offers its products to world markets without the help of Rosoboronoexport.

Currently, the majority Rosoboronoexport control the export of Russian military. In 2010, Russia sold $ 10 billion of foreign weapons and equipment, including 8.6 channel Rosoboronoexport. Meanwhile, in 2009, the corresponding index is 8.8 and 7.4 billion USD. As of early 2011, the volume of orders Rosoboronoexport is 38 billion USD.

It is suggested that, if the direct sales contract Bastion for Vietnam to be signed, then this is the first pain attack on the monopoly of Rosoboronoexport, the export of military products into single products in Russia.

However, expert Konstantin Makienko, Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technology (TsAST, Russia) is that financial losses due to NPO Mashinostroenie Rosoboronoexport of independent arms exports is not large. "Many do is that contracts with the NPO may be signed, on average provide a system / year.

This system is very powerful, very expensive and very sensitive politically. In this segment, the market will undoubtedly focus on the alternative system is the Bal-E. So Rosoboronoexport possible countermeasures symmetry is to start marketing the system easier to sell than the Bal-E. In 2010, under the contracts signed earlier Rosoboronoexport, Russia, Vietnam has provided a valuable Bastion system USD 150 million.

In the opinion of the Council members under the Ministry of Social Defense, said Ruslan Pukhov, the loss is much greater loss of Rosoboronoexport image.

(BaoDatViet)

11 Agustus 2011

Hsiung Feng III misille (photo : missile defense)

TAIPEI - In the event of war, Taiwan plans to sink China's new aircraft carrier, the Varyag, with its new "aircraft carrier killer" missile, the ramjet-powered supersonic anti-ship cruise missile Hsiung Feng 3. The revelation was made Aug. 10 on the same day China launched the Varyag for its first sea trials.

The disclosure came during a preshow media tour of the biennial Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE). Journalists inspecting the Hsiung Feng 3 were shocked to see a large mural of the Varyag being attacked by three Hsiung Feng 3 missiles. Two of the missiles impact the carrier's starboard bow and starboard quarter, with a third missile is en route to the ship.



THIS MURAL WAS displayed at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition showing Taiwan Hsiung Feng 3 missiles attacking the new Chinese carrrier, Varyag. (photo : Wendell Minnick/DefenseNews)



The mural was reminiscent of similar displays at the 2010 Zhuhai Airshow in China, where anti-ship missiles were depicted attacking and sinking U.S. aircraft carriers.



The unveiling of the display comes at an uncomfortable time for Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou. Since coming into office in 2008, Ma has eased cross-Strait tensions and signed historic economic agreements with China.

Military officials denied that calling Hsiung Feng 3 the "aircraft carrier killer" or displaying a mural of a missile attack on the Varyag were intended to send Beijing a political message. In the past, the Taiwan military often used ambiguous phrases to describe the "enemy" without mentioning China. Therefore, the Hsiung Feng 3 display was out of synch with normal military protocol that avoids enraging China.

Hsiung Feng 3 supersonic anti-ship cruise missile powered by ramjet photo : pakdef)

The military-run Chungshun Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) produces the Hsiung Feng family of anti-ship missiles, including the Tien Kung (Sky Bow) air defense missile and the Tien Chien (Sky Sword) missile.



CSIST is working on a highly classified missile system called the Hsiung Feng 2E, which is reportedly a land-attack cruise missile capable of hitting targets on mainland China. This missile has never been displayed to the public and the military refuses to discuss its existence. Another missile program considered secret is the Tien Chien 2A, which is reportedly an anti-radiation missile designed to destroy ground-based radar systems.

A CSIST official said the Hsiung Feng 3 has been outfitted on the 1101 and 1103 Perry-class frigates for testing. "We began building the Hsiung Feng III around five years ago."

Hsiung Feng II missiles (photo : krblog)

The military might field the missile inland along the coast to fend off a Chinese invasion armada, he said. The Hsiung Feng 3 has a reported range of 130 kilometers.



Also on display at TADTE was the new Tien Kung 3 (Sky Bow) air defense missile. The Tien Kung is based on the U.S.-built Patriot missile defense system. Details of its probable deployment are classified.

(DefenseNews)

03 Agustus 2011

A JASSM is loaded onto ARDU’s F/A-18B test aircraft for testing and separation trials over the Jervis Bay weapons range in 2008. (photo : Aus DoD)

RAAF Hornet fighters to be armed with Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile

THE fleet of RAAF Hornet fighters will soon be armed with a potent new weapon following a successful test firing last week at the Woomera test range.

The Joint Air to Surface Stand-off Missile has a range of more than 200 kilometres and was selected in 2006 by the former Howard government to equip the F/A-18 Hornet fleet pending the retirement of the F-111 fleet.

The JASSM has been listed on the federal government's "projects of concern" watch list, but makers Lockheed Martin are optimistic the successful Woomera test will mean its removal.

"A second successful firing of the JASSM baseline missile off a RAAF F/A-18 Hornet was achieved at the Woomera test range in South Australia last week," a Lockheed Martin spokesman told The Australian.

"This now sets the RAAF up to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by the end of the year, and full entry into service in 2012."

RAAF chief Geoff Brown yesterday confirmed the semi-stealth missiles would soon enter service.

It is understood the missile tests involved the destruction of hardened concrete bunkers.

JASSM is in service with four other air forces including the US Air Force which has ordered more than 3000 of the semi-stealthy cruise missiles each worth about $700,000.

Experts say JASSM will give RAAF a leading weapons capability edge within the Asian region.

In related developments, RAAF, will get its first batch of 10 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters delivered to Williamtown Air Base for test and conversion flights in late 2017, a Lockheed Martin spokesman said yesterday.

(The Australian)

31 Juli 2011



Harpoon anti ship missiles (photo : rightwing)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will have missiles in its arsenal within President Benigno Aquino III's term of office, a senator and former soldier said Wednesday.

In his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, Aquino promised capability upgrades and modern equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, a former US Coast Guard cutter, may just be the first of "more vessels in the future — these, in addition to helicopters and patrol craft."

"If we mean decent armed forces that can maintain peace, that can be done within the next few years under President Aquino," Trillanes said.

"What we expect is that, finally, within his term, that we finally get missile technology. We're really lagging behind (other militaries)," he said, adding the AFP should also eventually buy submarines.

He said Filipino soldiers are trained well but lack equipment.

"We send officer to train abroad, so they have their skills upgraded. We are on standard as far as training and indoctrination is concerned," he said.

Trillanes, a former Navy lieutenant, said he has already seen some of the President's efforts to reform the AFP.

Aquino has put up housing projects for soldiers. Their combat pay has also been raised to P500 a month from P240 a month.

Soldiers in combat operations also get P150 a day as “combat incentive pay.”

"He exceeded the expectations in this regard," Trillanes said.

Trillanes was jailed for more than seven years for his participation in mutinies against the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He, along with more than 300 soldiers, was granted amnesty by the Aquino administration.

(SunStar)

22 Juni 2011

S-300: distance detection is 300 km, destroying targets in close range is 5 km, the distance is 150 km distance, altitude 27,000 m and the lowest is 10 meters. (all photos : Quansuvn/QDND)

Air Defense - Air Force recently held for the union officials, journalists and news agencies, press relations and sightseeing air workout recombinant S-300PMU1 missile air defense mission of the 64 - 361 air defense divisions.

Sports teams have to stand between the sun to see the training unit, but the sun is not up to the top of the dump fire drills have been completed since the process started and controlled combination of S-300 PMU1 operation takes only a few minutes.

S-300PMU1 System is not missiles range produced by the Russian Federation, is considered the most sophisticated appearance on the world arms market today. (The system owns Russian S-400, more modern S-300 but not exported. It is expected that the next time, Russia will complete the research and manufacture of air defense systems S-500, more modern , has a range of warfare in space).

Compare features with the U.S. Patriot missile, the S-300 PMU1 remarkable, as the farthest distance to destroy, destroy the highest altitude, velocity target the largest extinction; weight of the warhead, protected area coverage of air defense weaponry S-300 PMU1 also larger.

The complex missile defense system is not dynamic, multi-channel used to destroy all means of modern air raid of the enemy in the present and future, including strategic aircraft and tactics, the kind of strategic ballistic missiles, campaign-strategy at all elevations, velocities, under all conditions with intense noise and the technical tricks, different tactics.


Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Thanh - Doan Doan 64 air defense - said receiving unit has several weapons this year. Equipped with a combination of non determination of the Party, State and people, are receiving and using the most modern weapons was an honor and responsibility of the unit.

To master modern weaponry, the unit outside officials to study in your country of access to scientific and technological world while improving accountability, academic research, creative application of scientific and public technology, combat readiness, to cope with the situations occurring in the air, protecting the skies of Hanoi capital and the north.

With these weapons, air defense forces to preserve the peace of mind the sky of the country.

(DatViet)

14 Juni 2011

QW-18 shoulder antiaicraft missile (all photos : Royal Thai Marines)

On 27 May 2011 Royal Thai Marines are trained to demonstrate the shoulder fired antiaircraft missile QW-18.

Training was held in the area of practice at Long Beach Samaesan, Sattahip, Chonburi.

QW-18 is the development of the QW-11G with the improvement in the search system (seeker). Both QW and QW-18-11G is a derivative of QW-1 Vanguard. Vanguard is the Chinese version of the missile system 9K310 Igla-1 (SA-16 gimlet) by combining several features from the FIM-92 Stinger.

(Royal Thai Marines)

03 Juni 2011

RAAF's Hornet with AMRAAM and ASRAAM (photo : keypublishing)

WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Wednesday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of up to 110 AIM-120C-7 Advanced MediumRange Air-to-Air Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $202 million.

The Government of Australia requested a possible sale of up to 110 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, 10 AIM-120C-7 Air Vehicle-Instrumented, 16 AIM-120C-7 Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, weapon system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return, warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $202 million.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s Government policy places interoperability with US Forces as an important goal and objective for equipment acquisition. Accordingly, and in line with the overall procurement strategy, Australia seeks an acquisition FMS case which supports the procurement, integration and introduction into service of the AIM-120C-7 system for the F/A-18F Australian Super Hornet.

The proposed sale will allow the Australian Defense Force to complete Australia’s F/A-18 program under their Project AIR 5349. Phase I allowed acquisition of F/A-18 Block II aircraft and Phase II is for the acquisition of weapons. This proposed sale will provide standoff weapon capability required for Bridge Air Combat Capability for the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition, the upgrade is being viewed as an important step in maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Air Force. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its military.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile System Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(DSCA)

27 Mei 2011

Yakhont long range surface to surface cruise missile (all photos : VivaNews/TNI/Kompas)

Indonesia recently test-fired a Russian-made anti-ship missile, the Yakhont, in the Indian Ocean. There are fears that the modernising of armed forces across Southeast Asia may lead to an arms race.

There is no denying that a major upgrading of the defensive capabilities of Asean member countries is overdue, and that there is no reason to worry if and when any do so.

After all, we cannot expect Asean member countries to deal with present-day non-conventional security concerns, such as human trafficking, smuggling and piracy, while their armed forces are equipped with weapons so obsolete as to make pitchforks and parang a security threat.

There is, however, some cause for concern when the upgrading of the defensive capabilities of some countries lends the impression that the new weapons technologies that are being purchased may also be used for more belligerent intentions; and even more worrisome when there is the threat that such weapons technologies may fall into the wrong hands.

Furthermore, it has to be added that for most Asean member countries, the pressing needs of development have to come first: across both maritime and mainland Southeast Asia, there remains the dire need for better communication, transport infrastructure, schools and other educational facilities as well as the provision of healthcare -- all of which contribute to the sum total of a nation's social and material development. Nuclear weapons are not much use for countries where illiteracy remains a problem, it can be argued.

How then should the nations of Asean proceed in terms of the upgrading of their armed forces? Asean's formation in the 1960s was meant to serve as an instrument for the prevention of war: to prevent the Cold War from spilling into the region, and to prevent war from erupting between the member states. Thus far, Asean, along with the European Union, can claim some credit for being able to hold off the threat of both.

However, as the Asean member states continue to develop according to their own pace and trajectory, there is the need to ensure that communication between them remains at an optimum, real-time level. This has to be so in order to ward off any untoward incidents and concerns that might arise when one country suddenly ups the ante by acquiring a new weapon system that radically tips the balance of power in favour of it, at the expense of others.

It is in this light that we need to consider Indonesia's latest testing of its Yakhont anti-ship missile, which was launched in the Indian Ocean recently. The successful test-firing of the Russian-made missile marks a significant development in the military potential of Indonesia.


The anti-ship missile has a range of around 300km and flies at Mach 2.5, more than twice the speed of sound.

Vietnam, likewise, has the same missile capabilities, but its anti-ship missiles are based in land installations, rendering them useful for only defensive operations.

Over the past few years, other countries in Asean have beefed up their anti-ship missile capabilities: Malaysia has introduced underwater-launched anti-ship missiles in the Scorpene submarines.

The concern of some security analysts, however, is that these new arms purchases may inadvertently contribute to an arms race of sorts in Southeast Asia, and thereby decrease, rather than increase, Asean's role as a peacekeeping arrangement between its member states.

Furthermore, one has to wonder how anti-ship missiles contribute to the safety of our territorial waters where -- in some regions -- the threat of piracy, smuggling and human trafficking seem to be the real problems that need to be resolved. Are the naval forces of Asean going to stop the smuggling of pirated DVDs by launching million-dollar missiles in the future?

Countries like Indonesia do indeed need to upgrade and even expand their armed forces for reasons that ought to be clear to anyone with a grasp of arithmetic: it would be impossible for the armed forces of Indonesia to maintain security in an archipelago of 14,000 islands stretched across an area the size of Europe unless it has a bigger army that is professional and well-equipped.

But this also means purchasing less glamorous equipment like transport ships, coastal patrol boats, observation aircraft, and, of course, improving the salary, training and level of professionalism of the ordinary soldiers themselves.

Such stuff may not be to the liking of fans of Rambo and other gory war flicks, but the bottom line is that the running of a professional army is akin to the running of a well-organised company: the accounts have to be in order, logistics have to be accounted for, supplies have to be regular, and professionalism has to prevail always.

For the sake of the communities of Asean, whose combined population now stands on a par with Europe at well above 300 million, policymakers in the region need to remain lucid and cognisant of these simple economic facts.

Asean does need security and safety, but it does not need an arms race.

(New Straits Times)

07 Mei 2011

Kilo 636 submarine (photo :Navalshow)

Commentary Han Hoa Military Magazine in April, a leading source of military technology expert reputation in Moscow (Russia) said that under a bilateral agreement signed between Russia and Vietnam, in 2013, Vietnam will receive the first Kilo submarines, a year later as the second and the last one will be delivered in 2017.Compared with 636-MK submarines that use by the Chinese Navy, Kilo 636-MV submarines that Russia sold to Vietnam has many differences, of which the largest is about armament.

First, Vietnam's Kilo submarines will be fitted with land attack cruise missile 3M-14E latest type, with a range of 290 km. Missiles are not Russia's Defense Ministry approved the export to China. Apart from Vietnam, two other countries are exporting Russian 3M-14E missiles is India and Algeria.

Besides that, Kilo 636-MV submarine is equipped with radar-guided complex multi-effects post GE2-01 type. This has not been removed for export to China, the biggest advantage is minimizing the noise in the environment and help diversify measures directions.

Sonar system, Kilo 636-MK China submarines is equipped with sonar systems MGK 400E basic types. Meanwhile, the Kilo 636-MV submarines are installing sonar systems MGK 400E type improvements. Two sonar system has the same sounding range, but the sonar system type MGK 400E is equipped with improved signal processing speed and performance more digitized higher level.

Novator 3M-14E Club S missile type of land attack cruise missile, max range 290km (photo : Elforo)

On the periscope, both Kilo 636-MK submarine and Kilo 636-MV submarines are equipped with sounding optical system, but the periscope used for tasks Kilo 636-MV attack submarines are installation of additional equipment measuring distance from IR ray and TV monitoring systems, Meanwhile, Kilo 636MK submarines primarily use optical aiming device and no distance measurement beam from. That means fighting capability at night and the attack accuracy of the Kilo 636-MV submarine will be higher than Kilo 636-MK submarine.

Final difference is the air conditioning system that Kilo 636-MV submarines using more appropriate to the climate, tropical terrain.

Besides these differences, Kilo submarines that Russia sold to China and the Russian Kilo submarine exports to Vietnam have some similarities, such as the missile is equipped with 3M-54E anti-ship, and used batteries 476 E type of improvement, long life and meet the requirements of the water temperature in the Pacific Ocean.

Sources said that the production time of two submarines on each other for over 5 years, the technology equipped for Kilo 636-MV submarines is granted with more advanced than Kilo 636-MK. Considering the differences above, according to the magazine, although both are Kilo 636 M submarines, but the gap in technology between the Kilo 636-MV submarine and Kilo 636-MK submarine at least 10 years.

Novator 3M-54E Club S type of anti ship cruise missile, max range 220km (photo : Elforo)

About 6 Kilo submarines sold by Russia to Vietnam, long have information that Vietnam can use them to build two fleets. However, according to sources, six submarines of the Kilo 636-MV Vietnam will be arranged uniformly, forming a Russian fleet and the construction will be in charge of all media repository missiles at seaports and oxygen supply stations as part of the contents of bilateral agreements signed with Vietnam.

Related to the purchase price of Kilo 636-MVsubmarine, formerly reported that Vietnam Navy may have to buy Kilo 636-MV submarines with high prices. But according to sources, the price of Kilo 636-MV submarines that Russia sold to Vietnam is completely true and current prices Russia has started to manufacture first Kilo 636 submarines for Vietnam.

(Nghien Cuu Bien Dong)