ENGINE ge MILITARY REVIEVY: ASIA PACIFIC'S LARGEST CIRCULATED DEFENCE ai SOT il Quen) A UE P98A MBPA Ready to meet the m EXceLLENce demanding onl Ceol Eee ia * METEOR Oren CaN oN LVAY ley3 ASIAN sunesuw 208 AYU AUN REVIEW VOLUME 26 / ISSUE 4 nes ie"Bepbie soe ened Face) DEFENCE SERVICES BIG PUNCH WEAPONS ASIA 2018 SNAPSHOT © FORTROOPSINCONTACT LIGHT AND PRACTICAL - reviews some ofthe wtes thatthe importance t «ESTAR ON ho Go Rrenteteeiaareneseml sqislpwate syreteeepre asic ks tron tdovarce on odo TiN os denoted oy TO THE BEACH ‘AND BEYOND cane - AMPHIBIOUS NO PEACE YET THE NAVAL ANALYSTS ASSAULT Vocsrossctenng WORKHORSE COLUMN anding 2s in the littoral maintain ‘examines the rise in iinese Navy és showing Senckrnespedandpeser oe ppleinal tee Misagael pagans volume than ever. oan Patrol Vessels. “blue water’ navy, says. reviews progess made. | JUNE/JULY 2018 | 038=. Editorial -“" om) STOP io ee RADICALISATION ae : BEFORE IT STARTS ‘on covers hose who attended the Defence Service Asa oe i (DSA) exposiéon in Malaysia during February poneonon370RT : may hve been ity tps tear te regional defence ministers dressing the Wee i thet of extemisinsugene. But een tors tacks inindonesa have proved that te treat very real with he potential for growth re “The ministers wer dressing te theme of Regional Security Crescendes ands Impiaion oe on Sabi during DSA in Kua Lumpur Malaysian Defence Minter Hishammudin Hasen ace eee eres Si that South Eas Asia had Been an" casis of peace and stabil" but ha was now beng menssarom ndangered y "rowing det of xr tram = ‘ASEAN condemns the rise in violence and of Daesh,” he declared, adding that there was “already ae ‘xidens Function of south Piippnes (insurgent groups) with Dash Heute waned SSG ETEEND ——ecrsttnaldlognes“Given tat SE Avaism Dest cota forstrang Sgr, cal Reece {soups or lone wolves they will sek to expt he vulnerable hoops in our region” “g/t shana : Fehoing the concer that European goverment have aleay shown ver raised “national os tempting to retum to tc home counties aftr the defeat of Daesh in and Syria ec eres Hisharoddin td image eoncoe of vicar was ong tm on ongoing Thy ai a eee fo undomine aes" resale o prot ter tzen andere. and da the itary i eine i wba crrnnent (ech a ve month ong se of Marin the Philippe) ESS cre eee evostezn Vulnerable groups such as the Rohingya who have been forced into refugee camps are open to ie cvoma us ‘plitaton a subversion by radical mils ineloing hose om: Dash coats osu! nea ont ag. anton! Hishammuddin warmed that insurgent groups would look to unify and strengthen across ae ‘state boundaries and said that a unified approach by countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Whe amar RaSarate EAR) ‘Singapore and Brunei had to ensure that this did not happen. He added that it was “unrealistic” Mage Brow, Sess es, LC Tas (+4 5030 81 that individual nations could face this challenge alone. nal magesnagre.cm ASEAN leaders previously voiced this concem regarding the return of insurgents from foreign ‘Usa auth vinta ae ‘wars back into the region at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Diana obi, ioc ae Ministers’ Meeting retreat in Singapore, during early February (held at the same time as the Tw: 1 89) 7503887 eee 2 Singapore Airshow). ‘ALO Counties At that meeting, there was a collective agreement fo improve cooperation between ASEAN “blheng Dato, Marsa Lint nations to shae intelligence and improve cooperation, as well as with other nations ouside the “Te 26 2202370, Mbt: 860 ASL region. The challenge is to make this happen over traditional suspicions and distrust that have hie aeapERURRS: ‘been endemic in SE Asia, The attacks in Indonesia show that there is no time to lose. Roman Durae, Moda Taras ts “a 26 2042370, Mt 89 25263 Andrew Drwiega, Editor Enda oneness Eaitor: Arc Dowiens “ot s44 1408 785245, Ema anrewmedtansaia com Publishing Oice: coinage 8 Une Ait Bama Of Ciclo Modia Traneaela Usrited 1603, 10, steer ei com neem eS Tar rea a chit Fanta Ofear Gaurav Kumar Goneral Manager sathongi Djanetor ae peed oe ceed Spansion Suberstont r on yo trata rag Manager Roman Carson pee eee gta hanger: avd Storshancan sot as anne sales 8 hrtotng Covrnaor: roan Puy ES ‘rants Delg sana fnen emote eprint ction Manager: Kar nator cto Creal Anna: Yipae Sesbea 0 en a a, ited Wansasla ia, ah Fosr, Coen Ton’ Soin 1, er rere aa ‘Sushae Roa Bargin 100, Talan cera ae nnae ser eo or 220470, P60 (072208 2900-1 ee peers 04 | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |DEFENCE SERVICES ASIA 2018 SNAPSHOT DSA has become one of South East Asia’s leading defence shows which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary, having started in 1988. Here are some of the highlights. by Andrew Drwiega nder a UK government backed financing. initiative, BAE Systems is offering to provide the Malaysian government witha” payment holiday” itit were to select the Eurofighter Typhoon as its next generation fighter, John Brosnan, managing director of BAE Systems (International) told Asian Military Review at the start of the DSA, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (16-19 April) As part of the European consortium that builds the Typhoon (alongside Airbus Defence & Space and Leonardo), BAE would share in the deal which could be worth over $2 billion In addition to promoting other types 06 of military equipment such as the 155mm M777, the ‘future of arillery’ as. the company states, BAE also continued its partnership with CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) by: signing a memorandum of tunderstanding (MoU) that expands a knowledge, experience and capability sharing partnership for a further two years. According to Alan Garwood, group business development director at DAE Systems, there were only 25 people working on eyber security in 2013 when the venture was started. "This is now a ‘world recognised cyber centre with over 400 people employed in Kuala Lumpur. Cyber is also one of the fastest growing business areas in BAF,” Garwood stated | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | ‘The major news from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace during DSA was the announcement of a $148 million (€124 million) order to supply the Royal Malaysian Navy with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) for their six new Littoral Combat Ships.The ships will be build at the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Malaysia and will feature the NSM in a deck ‘mounted configuration and integrated to the SETIS combat management system provided by Naval Group. “This contract provides the Royal Malaysian Navy with an important surfaceto-surfacemissile capability’ said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, Other naval‘customers for the NSM include Norway, Poland and Germany, Leonardo's main focus at psa, towards requirements, in particular its ATR72-MP maritime patrol aircraft ‘and its latest AWI59 Wildcat helicopter. The ATR72MP can be equipped with the Airborne Tactical Observation and Survei- lance (ATOS) mission system which draws intelligence from C4l mmission suite which can incorporate rmulti-datalink integrating Link 16, Link 11, Satcom Ku/Ka, VORTEX, MF and radar classifier, as well ‘as Electronic Support Measures = ELectronic INTelligence (FSM ELINT), Members of the UK's 817 Royal Naval Air Squadron demonstrated two British Army Leonardo AW159 Lynx helicopters to pilots and crewmen of the Royal Malaysian Air Force prior to the opening of DSA 2018. The Royal Malaysian Navy acquired six Leonardo Super Lynx 300 helicopters between 2003-4 to operate in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) roles. Ithas plans to acquire up to six new helicopters in the 11th Malaysian Plan (up to 2020) and Leonardo is keen to offer the AWI59 as the logical successor. The current AWI59 operates with the Leonardo Seaspray 7DQ0E series Active Flectronically-Seannved Array (AESA) radar, 2 dipping sonar system, electro-optical sensor and an electronic warfare systems. In 2013 the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) selected the AWI59 to deliver its ASW and ASuW requirements, purchasing ‘eight helicopters. The Philippine Navy has also ordered two AWI59s that will be in service by early 2019. Wessie van de Westhuizen, senior executive of business development at Denel said that the Umkhonto (meaning spear in Zulu) surface-to-air interceptor missile had created interest during, the show. It is a short to medium range vertically launched missile that can be based on land or onboard ships as a containerised system. Aside from the South African Navy where they are based ‘on Valor class frigates, foreign customers include Finland where they are part of the armament of the Hamina class missile boats ‘Air Tractor’s AT-S02L ‘Longsword! is a very suitable aircraft for SE Asia's was maritime Pea eed ees with the Mal Cet rarer ‘maritime patrol requirements said business development representative ‘Tom Menker. The endurance of the aircraft can be between eight to 10 hours, depending on the oad carried, which can bbe up to 8,000Ibs (3,628kgs). Its cruise speed is 192kts (356km/h) with a range ‘of 400 nautical miles The —‘Longsword’ configuration indicates a military light attack and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (ISR) version modified bby L3 Technlogies. This means that the aircraftcan be equipped with L¥'sWescam MX-15 EO/IR sensor and ForceX Widow mission management system. Widow combines video feeds from multiple sources, moving maps and intuitive tools to the pilot through onboard visual displays. It is both modular and scalable. ‘As the Air Tractor was originally designed as an agricultural aircraft with a hopper between the engine and the pilot, once this is removed it creates space for the additional ISR and mission systems or an extra fuel reserve, ‘Menker confirmed that the company has recently conducted weapons tests using the AT-8(2 which resulted inthe safe separation of missiles from the platform as well as live fire continu AT-802 include the United Arab Emirates | JUNE/JULY 2018 | DSA REPORT Air Force with 18 aireraft and the Jordanian Air Force who have received a total of six aircrat. During the show, Poland's WB Group concluded an offset agreement for the ‘Transfer of Technology (TOT) with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). Among the products on display was’ the FlyEye unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Already operated by the Polish Armed Forces during their engagement in Afghanistan, over 100 have been delivered to date. The FlyEye can be readied for flight in around 10 minutes and is hand launched. It has an endurance of around three hours and can travel at speeds between 27.92 knots (0-70km/h) at an altitude up to 4000m, Honeywell had a_ number of products on show, including its Aspire 200 satellite communications system which can be used by civil and military helicopters such as. Sikorsky’s UHL-60 Black Hawk to maintain satellite communications without being impacted by the action of the rotor blades. Communications specialist Dartron launched its ruggedised hand-held tactical HH3100 series multi-hand radio at the show. John Biljan, vice president sales and marketing told AMR that this new model had “a higher level of encryption and resistance to jamming”. He added that the HH3100 was backward compatible with any Datron VHF radio and the ergonomic design made it easier for soldiers to carry and operate. An advantage in wet climates is that the radio is sealed and waterproof having passed a ‘one metre immersion test for 30 minutes. ‘As the DSA exposition drew to a close, Malaysia's MINDEF announced an order for 18 Nexter 105LG1 artillery systems through its Malaysian facilitator ADS. ‘The delivery cycle of six guns will begin in November 2019 through to February 2020. The 105LGI is designed for light, rapid reaction forces, has a range of I7km and can reach the battlefield either towed or by helicopter or even parachuted from a fixed-wing transport. ‘The gun is operated within the SE Asia region by Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as by Belgium, Canada and Colombia in addition to the French Army. ERE 07With US President Trump due to begin talks with North Korea’s President Kim Jong-un over denuclearisation, Asian Military Review Presents two perspectives on anti-tactical and anti-ballistic missile systems. by Jon Lake efending the civilian population, national infras- tructure, and specific fixed and mobile military targets (including deployed forces) against air and missile attack is becoming, fan increasingly complex, expensive and difficult task, and one that requires new and innovative solutions, Nowhere is this ‘more apparent than in Asia. In the Far East the Republic of Korea and Japan are urgently building state of the art defences against the North Korean ballistic missile threat to augment the existing defensive systems that they have deployed to counter more conventional air threats, Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the UAE is leading Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) efforts to build anti-missile defences in the Gulf region, while Saudi Arabia has experienced missile attacks from neighbouring Yemen's Houthi insurgents In all regions, the air and missile threat is a broad one, encompassing land, sea- and airlaunched threats, manned and unmanned, simple and and following every possible variation in Alightpath and trajectory: 08 sophisticated, Conventional air defences have long ‘been layered, with SHORAD (short range air defence) provided by point defence surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), fighters and longer ranged missiles taking, care of threats further out from the ‘and with manned target. But the development of higher speed bombers and attack aircraft, with sophicticated electronic warfare capabilities, often equipped with stand ‘off weapons (including cruise missiles) and sometimes incorporating Low Observable (LO) technology has made it necessary to detect and engage targets at ever longer range, sometimes far beyond friendly borders. Intercepting hostile aircraft and missiles far enough out to prevent the launch of long range stand-off weapons ccan require the use of airborne early ‘warning aircraft to provide early enough detection, and may sometimes prevent air forces from reactively scrambling fighters, instead forcing them to maintain standing patrols. The task of air defence commanders has been further complicated by the | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | cemergenceofnew types of threat In recent times, non-state actors, including terrorist ‘groups, have demonstrated a willingness to use hijacked aircraft (from light aircraft to jot airliners), as well as small drones and captured missile systems, to attack a wide variety of targets, If the bomber threat is difficult to defend against, then the missile presents an even greater problem for air defence commanders. Ballistic missiles are notoriously hard to intercept. Even ifthe launch is detected, a ballistic missile's trajectory will rapidly take it into the upper reaches of the atmosphere (or even out of it altogether) Such a missile is quickly out of range fof conventional air defences, and. into the realms of exo-atmospheric intercept systems that are unaffordable for many nations, before plunging down onto its target ina very fast terminal phase during ‘which itis again difficult to hit And that is without multiple reentry vehicles, decoys, and other systems designed to further complicate the job ofthe defender. ‘There has been a proliferation of ballistic missiles and missile technologysince the end of the Cold War, with a number of former Soviet client states gaining arsenals of redundant ballistic missiles - primarily Korolyey R-17/R-300 (GS-1B ‘Scud-B') tactical ballistic missiles Used in anger in Afghanistan, Yemen, Chechenya, Libya, and Syria and by Egypt, Iraq, Iran, the ‘Scud! has formed the basis of a series of longer-range and more effective derivatives produced by ‘North Korea, Iran and Pakistan, North Korea acquired a small number ‘of Scud-B missiles, support equipment and technology in about 1980, probably from Egypt, and immediately set about producing an indigenous copy, based fon reverse engineering, By 1986 this had. resulted in the 300 kilometze (186 mile) range Hwasong-5, while the 1500km (930 mile) range No Dong 1 followed in 1994, the 5,000km (3,100 mile) Taepodong 1 in 1998 and the 10,000km (6,200 mile) Taepociong 2 in 2006. North Korean missile developments haveblurred the linebetween traditionally short to intermediate range non-nuclear tactical and longer-ranged often nuclear tipped strategic ballistic missiles, and have provided a major stimulus to the development of integrated air and missile defence systems in the wider region. North Korean Scud derivatives have also been widely exported, some-times to nations that have further developed and improved them. Pakistan's Hatf-5 (also known as the Ghauri 1) missile is understood to tuse technology from the North Korean No Dong 1 and Rodong 1 (Hovasong-7) missiles, apparently traded for Pakistani help with uraniim enrichment. The missile is understood to be in service ‘with the Pakistan Army's Strategic Forces ‘Command, and apparently gives Pakistan an ability to strike most of India Iran has similarly developed its own derivatives of the North Korean-supplied No Dong, producing the Shahab-1 in 1987, the Shahab-2 in 1997, and the 1,290km. (800 mile) Shahab-3 in 1997-98, The newer Ghadr, revealed in 2007, has a 1,950km (1.210 mile) range and is claimed to have ‘been designed to carry a nuclear payload, when available, The solid-fuelled Sajjl-2 and the liquic-fuelled Qiam have the same distinctively shaped nosecone and may also have been designed for the delivery ‘ofa nuclear warhead, while the Emad has a newly designed reentry vehicle with a more advanced precision guidance and control system, ‘Though it has been denied by Iran, there has been widespread speculation that the ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces in Yorven against targets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE were supplied by the Iranians. Integrated Air Defence ‘The best solution to the ballistic missile threat, whether it comes from a peer adversary or a non-state group, is an integrated air and missile defence system, Such a system will ideally integrate air defence systems across different domains, ineluding ground-based and sea-based systems, and will incorporate dedicated sensors and weapons. In the Future these TROT cialis eee ee ne ere net ae Eran | JUNE/JULY 2018 | Ll w ARFARE will no doubt include directed energy weapons, as well as new missle systems and advanced sensors. ‘The end of the Cold War has led to a renewed fort to develop defensive anvibllistic missile (ABM) systems, During the Cold War, the ABM Treaty limited the development and deployment of such systems, but with a dramatically reduced threat of all-out nuclear war with Russia or China the US withdrew from the treaty in 2002 citing the need to protect itself from nuclear Blackmail by a rogue state. Other states have followed the US lead, commissioning new missile defence systems, and it has been calculated that the value of the air and missile defence market will exceed $35 billion by 2025 Geographic considerations and. ver high costs mean that missile defences are probably best tackled at a supranational level. If was the prospect of a ballistic missile threat from the Midlle East, jn particular, that prompted the deployment of a new US-backed ballistic missile defence (BMD) system by NATO in Europe. This was soon being cited by Russia as evidence that it was a besieged nation, surrounded by hostile powers, all determined to threalen the viability of its own nuclear deterrent and thereby to undermine Russian security. The territorial ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability developed by NATO in the wake of the Lishon Summit in November 2010 never represented a threat to Russia, however, as the then-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg explained atthe time. Geography and physics made it impossible. for the NATO system to shoot down Russian’ intercontinental ogThe 5-300 family of surface to oi miles known os the SA-10 “Grumble, $812 “Gion” and SA-20 “Gargoyle’ to NATO) is recognised as being one ofthe most potent enti-lrcraf missile systems in service This version mode Up part ofthe Noth Korean miliary eplayin February 2018. missiles using the interceptors available for NATO BMD, They were too few in ‘number, and were located too far south ‘oF t00 close to Russia to be able to do so. They were designed to tackle threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. There ‘were some efforts to assuage Russian fears, with joint exercises and attempts to establish a degree of interoperability, but in April 2014, in response to. the Ukraine crisis, NATO suspended all co- ‘operation with Russia, including missile defence. Russia had already unilaterally paused discussions on missile defence in October 2013, after a steady deterioration in relations. In 2012, President Dmitry Medvedev had said that Russia would retaliate militarily if it was unableto reach an agreement with the United States and NATO on the missile defense system, while Nikolai Makarov, Russia's. then- (Chief of General Staff had threatened 10 use “destructive force pre-emptively” if the situation worsened. Despite Russian opposition, NATO. has pressed ahead with its ‘purely defen- sive” ABM system, This is based on an AEGIS Ashore system, consisting of a collection of sophisticated phased-array radars, fire control directors, computers and missiles which are based in Romania and will soon be deployed in Poland and Turkey. Other NATO assets will be integrated with the system. In Asia, most new missile defence systems have been national projects, or are the product of joint procurement programmes with the USA, 10 Inthe wake of series of North Korean intermediate-range ballistic missile tests, beginning in June 2016, South Korea decided to deploy the US Army THAAD (Clerminal High Altitude Area Defense) system in response, augmenting the Patriot point defence missile systems and Aegis-equipped destroyers. already operated by South Korean forces, The THAAD batteries were deployed to Osan ABon 6 March 2017, on the same day that North Korea testlaunched four more iissles, one of which landed in the Sea of Japan, with the other three landing in Japan's economic zone. Japan's reaction to the new North Korean missile tests was to purchase two Acgis Ashore systems, using SM3 Block A missiles against ballistic missile targets, and SM-6 missiles against cruise missile targets. These systems augmented PAC-3 Patriot missile batteries operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) and Japan Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), and a range of other missile systems. ‘China's ABM defences rely heavily on versions of the Russian S-300 including, the PMU, PMU and PMU2 and the navalised S300FM Rif, which equips the PLAN’s two Type 51C Luzhou air- defence destroyer These Russian SAMs are augmented by Chinese-built HQ9 missiles, and by the derived HQ-19 (an HQ-9 derivative similar in some respects to THAAD), the naval HQ-26, and the HQ-29, which features a modified final stage motor. A | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | number of other indigenous anti-satellite and antismissile weapons have been successfully tested. India operates a squadron of Russian- supplied $300V systems as an ‘anti- tactical ballistic missile screen’, and. has looked at the lsracli Arrow system, and at the Almaz design bureau's $300 PMU- 1/-2 and $-400 and at the Antey design Dureau's Antey 2500/S300VM. India is also developing its own upper layer ADM capability using the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high-altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. Phase 1 of India’s Ballistic Missi Defence Programme was completed in May 2012, when it was declared that the system could be deployed to protect two Indian cities (New Delhi and Mumbai). In order to counter the threat posed. by cruise missiles India has made great efforts to deploy AEW and AWACS capabilities, and has developed and deployed the Barak-8 long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system {in association with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAD. A land-based variant is still being developed by IAL andl India’s Defence Research & — Development Organisation (DRDO). Tn the Middle East, the threat posed by Iranian ballistic missiles has led to a sudden growth in miscile defence requirements across the region. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Israel has led the way, and now deploys a threetier miss defence system, This used the Arrow missile system (developed from 1986 and declared fully operational in October 2000) against short- to long-range missles, and using, the David's Sling system to intercept medium. to long-range rockets and cruise missiles (fired from distances ‘40.300 km), and the Iron Dome system to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from 4-70km (25-44 mile) range. AnumberofGulfstatesareestablishi their own air and missile defence capabi- lites, led by the UAE, which has become the “the first GCC partner to possess an upper tier ballistic missile defense capability, and the first non-US unit in the world to possess the premiere medium- range ballistic missile killer on the planet =the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Air Defense) weapon sys-tem,” according to US Army Brigadier General Donald C. Frye, commander of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, EzDELIVERING ON TARGET Precision munitions guidance proven to withstand 20,000g shock Ultra-reliable, gun-hard guidance technology that extends the range and performance of many munition types — and now delivers fibre optic gyro (FOG) levels of performance without the added size, weight and cost. Learn more about our guidance, navigation and control systems at utcaerospacesystems.com/gnc Atlantic saat Inertial SystemsUS No The guided-misile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (B06 62) launches a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) 05 ‘part of a joint ballistic missle defense exercise, 125 October, 2012, PART 2: BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE IN ASIA PACIFIC The topic of ballistic missile defence, regardless of geographic region, is rife with complexities, and two major areas stand out - the geopolitical aspect and the technological aspect. by Dr. Joetey Attariwala from a geopolitical perspective, fone can clearly understand that if a shooting conflict arises, it can often be traced to a failure in diplomacy Politicians often use military capability as a lever in diplomacy, and that usually turns into a competition of move and counter-move between opponents, with each party spending enormous amounts of resources in the process It is no secret that aligned nations in the Asia-Pacific region are expending research ‘considerable investment in and development and weapon systems acquisition to growing ballistic missile threat posed by state actors like Russia and China, the later of which is developing the DF-21 and 12 counter the DF-26 missiles which offer improved range, accuracy, lethality, and reliability over legacy Chinese systems, Speaking to the threat posed by China's missile forces was US Navy Admiral Philip Davidson, the expected nominee for Commander US. Pacific ‘Command, who responded to Advance Policy Questions by saying: “The threat to US forces and bases is substantial and growing. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Forces havea growing inventory of rmedium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles than can threaten US bases in the region, including those in South Korea, Japan, and Guam, as well as naval forces ‘operating inside the Second Island Chain, Many are purpose-built for specific targets, such as aircraft carriers or air bases, and | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | PLA Rocket Forces maintain a high degree cof combat readiness. Moreover, China is technology, survivability, constantly evolving its missi increasing their range, accuracy, and lethality. (Of particular concer in the Asia Pacific are the destabilizing actions of North Korea through its numerous launches of ballistic missiles in recent months, These actions have focused allied nations in the region to accelerate deployment of ballistic missile defences. urally, the United States leads the way in this capability and isa key partner with Japan and South Korea, Speaking to US foree posture in the PACOM area of responsibility which could improve deterrence against North Korea Admiral Davidson wrote: T believe wehave the capability today to deter North Korean aggression, but given where we think the North Kerean capability might be in terms of their missiles in the next five ‘years, I think we must continue to explore, improve, and resource our entire missile defense capabilites... 1 support planned. Jmprovementstothe BMDofthe Homeland architecture via the new Homeland Defense Radar for Hawaii, additional purchase of Ground Based Interceptors, and a detailed study that ascertains the efficacy ‘of positioning interceptors. in Hawai Lastly, I support continued improvements in the capability and capacity of ballistic/ cruise missile defense interceptors that will further enhance homeland defense ‘capabilities and protect key regional nodes from North Korea's aggressive action against the United States.” Technological challenges to ballistic missile defence To understand ballistic missile defence, ‘one must first understand the key phases of flight that these missiles take. Upon launch, a ballistic missile begins its boost/ ascent phase which lasts approximately three to five minutes, this is followed by a mid-course phase to apogee, and finally a re-entry terminal descent phase ‘One may think that the boost/ascent phase is the easiest to intercept, however there are various reasons why this phase is particularly challenging. First, a launch must be detected within seconds to formulate a response. Second, the course ‘of the ballistic missile must be determined to ascertain if it is a legitimate threat, and this is best known upon approaching apogee. Third, an interceptor must be close enough to react, however the ramifications of launching a weapon Into a sovereign country t0 intercept a ballistic missile in the boost phase, even if that country is a foe, is fraught with potentially perilous consequences. It is for these reasons that ballistic missile defence is primarily focused at the mid- ‘course and terminal phases of fight. It should be noted that the United States has explored intercepting ballistic ‘missiles in the ascent phase, notably with the Boeing YAL-I Airborne Laser Testbed weapons system, which was a modified Boeing 747-400F fitted with a chemical ‘oxygen iodine laser. After years of testing, ‘YAL-1 system continued to face a number of operational and technical challenges, let alone being extremely ‘expensive, which resulted in its funding being eat in 2010, ‘An MIM-104 Patriot micsile system stonds ready during Potrot Advanced Capobiliy-3 {(PAC-3) deployment taining ‘t Marine Corps Air Station ‘The idea of a persistent aizborne laser which can intercept ballistic missiles in the boost phase has not been put to rest however, as the United States is ‘examining ways to mount newer types of lasers on unmanned aerial vehicles; but fielding of such a system, if viable at all, is sll years away. ‘Speaking to Asian Military Review for this feature was Dr. Bill Wieninger, a Professor of Security Studies atthe Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, and a former lecturer at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, “After spending an awful amount of money, we've gotten somewhat effective at shooting down shorter range missiles, but ‘we cannot have confidence in shooting down long range intercontinental ballistic missiles, The big istinguisher seemsto be how fast the missile is going - ICBMs goat approximately seven kilometers a second, so that's an amazingly dificult technical challenge which I'm not sure we'll ever be able to master,” said Dr. Wieninger. "A further challenge are decoys which are relatively easy to field and dramatically complicate the targeting challenge. From a technological perspective we may be able to intercept some, perhaps ZOpercent, but from a geopolitical perspective, let alone a humanitarian perspective, even | JUNE/JULY 2018 | usme just one nuclear tipped missile getting through would clearly be devastating. Moreover, misplaced confidence in BMD may lead to unacceptably dangerous ‘The United States Department of Defense (DoD) FY19 budget highlights the importance of missile defence programs and calls for investments that will “focus on layered. miss defenses and disruptive capabilities for both theater missile threats and North Korean ballistic missile threats.” Those investments for FY 2019 include: 43 AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (6M) - $17 billion; Ground Based Midcourse Defense -$2.1 billion; 82 THAAD Ballistic Missile Defense - $1.1 billion; 240 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC3). Mis Segment Enhancements - $1.1. billion. ‘The budget also supports US Forces Korea to improve missile defence capability on the Korean peninsula Layered Approach ‘There are a number of effectors which are brought to bear against the ballistic missile threat. The first part of the kill chain is missile launch detection and tracking, One of the key systems focused fn this i the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) which uses infrared surveillance to provide early missile waming. for 13"un =m a> A Stondord Missle-3(SM-3) Block meat) a te eer eT ASAT ons Defense Agency and U.S. Nowy test Eee the US military. The system includes 2 combination of satellites and hosted payloads in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HBO), andl ground hardware and software. The recent US DoD FYI9 budget funds the Air Force's Next-Generation Strategic Missile Waning system as part ofa tranition to the future Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) satelite architecture. This Next- Generation system will increase strategic survivability and will incorporate a technology refresh of the sensor to assure rissile warning, capabilites equal to or greater than today’s SBIRS. In addition to SBIRS, the United States operates @ number of other radar systems in the Asia-Pacific region. One ‘of these systems is the Seacbased X-band radar (SBX-1), which is part of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system which links to Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) missiles based at Fort Greely, Alaska, and at Vandenberg AFB in Califo ‘Another Key component of ballistic missile defence in the Asia-Pacific is the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. Aegis BMD builds upon the existing. Aegis Weapon System and is designed to detect and track ballistic missles of various ranges in all phases of flight with the ability to destroy short 14 through intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the midcourse and terminal phases for flight with the Standard Missile3 (SM-3) and Standard Missile-6 (GM.6) missiles. Ships in the US Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force are configured with Aegis BMD, land are on routine patrol throughout the Asia-Pacific. In late 2017, Japan decided to ‘acquire two Aegis Ashore BMD systems, ‘Upgrades are being made to the Aegis BMD weapon system and FYI9 begins a 5-year multiyear procurement contract for the SM.3 Block IB missile, with 37 being procured in the first year, The budget also Supports procurement of six SM-3 Block A missiles; integrates SM-3 Block ILA into the BMD Weapon Systems; and continues development of the Aegis BMD 5.1 and Aegis BMD 6 Weapon Systems. “Another radar system, the Army/ Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance-2 (AN/TPY2) isan X-band missile defence radar built by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. The AN/TPY.2 radar can be deployed in two different modes. In forward-based mode, the radar is positioned near hostile territory, and acquires ballistic missiles in the boost phase of flight. It then tracks and discriminates the threat, and passes critical information required by decision makers to the Command and Control | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | Battle Management network. When the AN/TPY.2 radar is deployed in terminal mode, the radar’s job is to detect, acquire, track and discriminate ballistic missiles in the terminal (descent) phase of flight. ‘The AN/TPY.2 radar links to Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. THAAD missiles are able to engage a wide class of short and medium-range ballistic missiles in both the enclo-and exo- atmosphere using hit-to-kill technology. THAAD is in operation on the US territory of Guam; and a single THAAD battery has recently been deployed to South Korea. A THAAD Battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors (eight per launcher), one AN/TPY-2, and one Tactical Fire Control/ ‘Communications component, Patriot Upgrade ‘The Patriot, a high to medium altitude Jong range air defence missile system has a number of variants and types of missles which offer blast fragmentation warheads, cor kinetic hit-to-kill capacity. Patriot Systems are fielded in the Asia-Pacific by the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. ‘The Patriot Advanced Capability 2 (PAC-2) launches MIM-I04C missiles, some of which have been modified to Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM) which are built by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. William G. Patterson, senior director IAMD programs, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems said: “We are now looking at helping some of our partners in upgrading and re-certifying the Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles that are nearing the endl of their service life. The GEM missile has a blast-fragmentation warhead and has proved incredibly effective in combat, Since Jan of 2015, Patriot has intercepted more than 100 tactical ballistic missiles in combat operation, and more than 90 of those engagements were with the GEM." Patterson added, “What we've learned from recent combat operations is that not all threats require hit-to-kill interception. In some cases, the blast-frag warhead is actually moreetfectiveat engaging threats, So we are proposing to recertify GEM, upgrade it, and keep it in the inventory of ceriain customers. Doing this will only cost a fraction of the cost of purchasing new Patriot hitto-kill missiles, and give them the capability they need.” Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire‘Control builds the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defense system. The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade ‘consists of the PAC-3 Missile (MIM-104F), PAC.3 Missile canisters (in four packs), a fire solution computer and an Enhanced Launcher Electronics System, ‘The ‘Hit-To-Kill’ PACS Missile is a high velocity interceptor that defeats i ees incoming targets by direct, body-to-body impact. PAC-3 Missiles, when deployed in a Patriot battery, significantly increase the Patriot system’s firepower since 16 PAC-3s load-out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four Patriot PAC-2 missiles, According to the US DoD, joint efforts between the US Amy and the Missile Defense Agency have been successful in SEA POWER integrating PACS capabilities into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (MDS). Lockheed Martin has further enhanced PAC-3 capability with the PAC. 3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), an evolution of the PAC-3 Missile. The PAC-3 MSE incorporates a larger, dual pulse solid rocket motor; larger fins; and ‘upgraded actuators andl thermal batteries to accommodate increased performance. Speaking to Asian Military Review Howard Bromberg, vice president for Strategy and Business Development, Integrated Air and Missile Defense for Lockheed Martin Corporation, aie: “THAAD is part of our hit-to-kill family fof missiles which are able to engaj both inside the atmosphere and outside the atmosphere. The Aegis Ashore system and the Aegis BMD ships use the Standard 3 miscle, and they only engage outside the atmosphere. Then you have the PAC-3 missile that engages inside the atmosphere down below where THAAD engages. We're in full production with PAC MSE; it's fielded with the US military and we're starting to field it to international customers. 12. 7 J - The artillery system of the NIEXTCE KN creanna new REFERENCES IN DEFENSE Keov D'sCorl Gurtv ie a reloodable shoulder fired recolless weapon thot wos first fielded in 1948. Both the weapon and its ammunition have been: improved 10 that ‘continues in service wih 4 countries. igh “FOR TROOPS IN CONTACT | The use of direct fire weapons gives the infantry the punch that they often need to maintain momentum without waiting for additional support. by Stephen W. Miller inect fire weapons have a decisive impact in supporting dismounted. infantry by providing. the means” to carry-on, against opposition where they would ‘otherwise be stopped, The contribution ‘of these weapons in close support of the infantryman on the battlefield was first applied in 1626 by Gustavus Adolphus by using light regimental leather bound cannon on line with his infantry Infantry support weapons utilise explosive projectiles for effect rather than the kinetic energy of bullets and are employed against fortifications, ‘emplaced crew served weapons, buildings, troop groups as well as armoured and tactical vehicles, New technologies have significantly enhanced accuracy, increased range, magnified lethality and decreased the weight of the weapon, Infantry direct fire support weapons 16 share a common characteristic - they all require direct acquisition of the target for engagement. This differentiates them from indirect fire infantry weapons like mortars that have a high trajectory and, thus, can be fired from and hit targets in defilade. However, advances in warhead fusing are now providing programmable ‘warheads for some weapons that can be ‘optimised for the target and desired effect, These options inclucle proximity and delay settings that can detonate behind or ‘over an obstruction. Weapons used by the infantry for direct support include the soldier grenade launcher, the shoulder fired individual ‘weapon, the shoulder fired crew served weapon, and the medium anti-tank guided missile. Many of these have been fielded with a specifi use and purpose in ‘mind but have been specifically adapted or simply used by soldiers in the field in other roles. In Iraq, for example, Javelin | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | anti-tank guided missiles were used against snipers in building. Though this ‘may not have been what the weapon was designed or intended to be used of, for the soldier it filled his need! and did the jo. Grenade Launchers ‘The M79 40mm grenade launcher was introduced by United States (US) forces in 1961 and used extensively in Vietnam. It could place an explosive projectile con a target out to 350 metres. It was highly appreciated and. its application to other tasks quickly followed as other ammunitions were developed. These new rounds included smoke for target ‘marking, illumination and anti-personnel rounds. It required a dedicated gunner and was later replaced by the M203 which placed the 40mm launcher under the M16 Fifle. The M208 does sacrifice range as it is accurate to only 150m but allowed the ‘gunner to also continue asa rifleman,In 2008 the US Army found a replacement selecting the Heckler & Koch M320 which is based on the AG36, The ‘Army began fielding the M320 in 2009 with the US Marines Corps (USMO) also choosing itin 2019, It loads from the side and accepts newer rounds that are longer including nonlethal projectiles. Provided with a laser range-finder equipped sight and a folding forward grip the M320 ‘an also be used independent of the rifle Advanced ammunitions include a door breaching round developed by Chemering, A company spokesperson indicated that “the round is ideally suited for urban ‘combat n that tallow the soldier to breach cither an inward or outward opening door from a distance 15-60m yet minimises the fragmentation both inside and outside.” Shoulder Fired Disposable Weapons ‘One of the challenges for the squad and platoon is having the explosive power needed to defeat bunkers and armoured vehicles. One answer is in the ‘disposable’ weapon which is issued as an item of ammunition when required. This concept ‘was first introduced by the German Army in World War Il in its Panzerfaust. The US Nammo LAW (Light Anti-Armour Weapon) first fielded in 1963and continues to be popular, Tim Clawitter, director Business Development of Nammofalley, indicated that “the LAW has undergone ‘2 number of improvements and new ‘capabilities including a M72B8 version able to be fired from a confined space.” ‘The M72 uses 2 66mm high-explosive antitank (HEAT) warhead rocket inside a fibreglass launch tube that is collapsed for carry and then expended for firing. At 25kg (S51b) and 630mm collapsed length it is easily carried. The latest model is the 1M-72E10 with an improved fragmentation ‘warhead and launcher design, The M72 approach has been cluplicated by the Russians in their RPG-18 Mukha, the later RPG-22, and RPG-26, Generally all of these weapons are used inside 200m, Developed by FEV of Sweden, the ATH is now offered by SAAB Bofors Dynamics and draws from the successful and widely fielded Carl Gustav recoilless weapon. It shares the 84mm calibre and projectiles. ‘Adopted by the US forces in the mid 19805 as the Lightweight Multiparpose Weapon ‘M136 it remains in use in by 29 countries, ‘The CS version can be fired from inside a room or other enclosed space. It weights 6.7kg (14.77Ibs) and isabout one metrelong, ‘The weapon is accurate to 300m against a point target and can be used to 500m as fan area weapon. The relatively high (285 metre per second) velocity improves hit probability both at maximum range and against moving targets. By drawing from the wide range of ammunitions available for the Carl Gustav, the company declares that “versions of the AT-4 have been developed that are optimised for a range of roles and targets. These include high explosive dual purpose that has a delayed detonation, an anti-structure with tandem- ‘warheadsround that penetrates a structure then explodes inside, an extended $00 range version, and a high explosive round with selective fusing for point or Proximity/air burst detonation.” These provide a unit the ability to be issued with | JUNE/JULY 2018 | LAND WARFARE FAR weapons that are optimised for a specific mission and the targets that they are likely toencounter, Panzerfaust 3 (P2f 3) developed by Dynamit Nobel Defence uses a disposable round to which a reusable firing device with sight is attached, Although the rocket is 601mm its warhead is 110mm. The original shaped charge version has been superseded by the Pzf 31, Pzf 3IT and Bunkerfaust (BKF) which utilise a more effective tandem warhead. According to the company, “these have two charges with the first intended to make an initial penetration. ‘Then less than one millisecond later, the main charge of the tandem warhead ignites penetrating the ‘mainarmour.” Both versions are designed for engaging modern armoured vehicles. ‘The tandem — warhead — significantly inereases the effectiveness against add- on armour. The BKF is optimised for destroying walls and bunkers. The company also offers Dynarange a fi control with laser rangefinder that extends the effective range to 600m induding moving targets. At 15.25kg (lbs) and a total length of 950mm itis @ load to carry. It does, however, have excellent target effect and, by using a firing counter-mass both minimises the weapon's jerk that can affect accuracy and can be used in a confined space. The manufactured in Germany and Japan other users include Austria, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, and Switzerland, It has also ‘boon provided to the Peshmerga Crew Served Weapons By assigning a crew of several soldiers to a weapon it is possible to practically employ a system with a greater weight and, therefore, often longer range and combat effectiveness. These soldiers are also likely to be more proficient in action since using the weapon is their primary role, Typically these teams are part of a separate. weapons platoon/section but ray be then assigned to work with or support rifle platoon or even squad. ‘One of the longest serving weapons in this category is the Carl Gustav M3 which was developed and produced by Saab Bofors Dynamics. It was frst fielded in 198 by the Swedish Army. It is a recoilles weapon which is breach loaded and uses a rifled barrel of 84mm calibre ‘Asa reloadable system it has a variety of ammunition types which give the system the capability to take on a wide range of tasksain targets in supporting the combat ‘Ammunitions. available include 7stor the objective of the AT-t designers. Following a competive evclucon i wos edopted bythe US military as the M136 Lightweight Multipurpose Weapon. It subsequently hos been improved with both confined spoce fring capabiliy and introduction of new ammunition types. High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP), High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), High Explosive (HE) that can have a dual fuse allowing point or air-burst detonation, illumination, smoke, anda high explosive antistank ~ rocket assisted rounds. Its ‘original 3x optical sight has been largely replaced by a Swedish Aimpoint sight Its velocity allows the Carl Gustav's rounds to engage stationary targets beyond 1000m and even moving targets accurately to 600m. The ammunition versatility and performance give the small unita ‘hip pocket artillery’ capability that is immediately responsive to the combat situation, The design of the Carl Gustay has been continuously improved with special attention to reducing its weight Originally 14.2kg,(31.241b) as the M2, this was decreased to 8.5kg (18.71b) in the M3, and most recently 7kg (15.4lb) in the M4 ‘model. This has been accomplished by adopting new lighter weight materials ‘and has been accomplished without ‘compromising performance or durability, The M4 is also even shorter at less than 100mm (versus 1065mm of the M2) Improvements have also been made to the ammunition with the development ‘of multi-option fusing, tandem warheads, confined space firing, and other ‘capabilities, Being reusable itis also a prime platform for adding more advance 18 sights and fire controls. Saab also pointed ‘out that the “Md has been designed to be fully compatible with intelligent sighting systems and. prepared to accept future programmable ammunitions”. Overall, Carl Gustav is one of the most widely fielded weapons with over 45. users ‘worldwide including the United States. The Russian RPG-7 and Chinese NORINCO Type 69 (a copy of the RPG- 2) were first seen in 1961 and continue in tuse worldwide. At 68kg (15Ib) and with an overall length of 950mm itis relatively easy to carry and is simple to operate ‘The rocket projectile is inserted into the forward end of the sight/launcher. It is effective against a stationary point target to 200m but has also been used as an area ‘weapon to up to 950m. Against a moving, target its high probability is less than 50 percent at 200m. Warheads offered include fragmentation (FRAG), HE and HEAT including a tandem charge version, The Russian Army uses the latest version the RPG-7V2 which is carried by a member of each rifle squad. Guided Systems ‘The tend in both individual dedicated and crew served weapons at the ‘small unit level has largely been toward aimed, unguided systems. This makes them simple, less costly, and often multi- purpose. Italso limits their effective range | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | to around 1000m at best against point targets and less for moving targets, To fill these requirements guided systems are considered preferable. This is particularly the case where the primary mission engaging and defeating main battle tanks and armoured combat vehicles, The FGM- 18 Javelin fills this requirement for the United States and 20 other militar Although rather heavy at 22:3kg (49.21bs) its components, the Command Launch Unit (CLU) and missile are broken down for carrying so it is mar-portable. Its thermal sight allows the gunner to acquire a target and ‘lock-on before launch’ so that ince he fires the missile itself itis ‘fire and forget using its own on-board seeker. The tandem warhead is designed 0 defeat advanced armour plus it has a top-attack approach. Based on its employment in Iraq and Afghanistan engaging other non-armoured targets the warhead was improved in the FGM-148F to enhance its fragmentation. With a range of 4700m, Javelin has the farthest reach of any direct fire weapon in the infantry company. Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike - SR guided missile is specifically designed for the infantry platoon. It consists of a CLU and the ‘missile with alock-on before launch mode that allows fire and forget engagement ut to 1500m. Spike is shoulder fred and uses a unique sighting technique whereby the gunner views the target through a link to the missile’s thermal seeker. ‘The missile is available with tandem anti-armour, a fragmentation and_anti- structural warheads, At 9.6kg, (21.1216) it is well within the carrying capacity ofa single soldier. Spike SR introduced in 2012 received its first export order in 2016 with Singapore where it became ‘operational in mid-2017, ‘Another take on providing long range precision engagement forthe infantryman is the next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), a joint development by Saab Bofors and the United Kingdom’s Thales, It uses Predicted Line of Sight (PLOS) guidance whereby the gunner initiates the missile secker and tracks the target for a short time then launches this missile when a lock-on is achieved. The missile then computes its attack which can be Overflying Top Attack (OTA) for armoured vehicles or Direct Attack (DA) for structures and bunkers. The latest version has a range of over 800m which it reaches in less than four seconds. Once launched the missile requires no gunner action meaning he can displace or initiateLAND WARFARE B]_sxewengpgment Te ez mm wvarhead combine with the OTA seek to BB ircrese the etleciverese against main tattle tanke, With total weight 15k ib) ard 12 feng ti intend fo be cared and wea «dispose afer the weapon, NLAW was fist elded in 2000 alr now in servic in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Switzerland, Future Challenges The capability to readily engag destroy threats that cannot be addressed and by small arms allows the combat unit to maintain its momentum. Direct fire supporting weapons are particularly valuable in urban combat and can provide the only immediate and local counter to tank and armoured vehicles. Being able to respond with an appropriate weapon ie inereases the infantry’s ability to adapt to changing situations while reducing the i risk of taking casualties, The challen; To provide precision occuroey ageinst point moving torgets at extended ranges guided missle for these weapons remains achieving ystems have become preferred. The Javelin provides thie capably in weapon that con be he balance between performance and Cartied by an infantry Yeam. Is also a “fire end forget” system that alleviates the need forthe Sorin om tery am he ee rm a weapon weight that can be carried by the soldier ET Nv a LEP PLACE aS PEOPLE RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY! Peete eae ed Ce ee Te ea ee Ty Ce ee eee et CeCe Oe ec cee Auoust 2930 JUNE 4-6 2018 2019 JAPAN.ISDEFEXPO.COM WWW.ISDEFEXPO.COM TOKYO [iAPan]) TeL-avi (iat)LAND Vaan rf 3 H Bs threats at night and in bod weather Variety is not only the spice of life, but representative of new ISTAR aids that are available for dispounted troops. by Peter Donaldson equipment that dismounted troops have to carry must ‘more than justly the burden of weight and bulk that it imposes, particularly ‘on reconnaissance troops and special forces who are all too often overloaded with everything they need to live for the duration of a mission in the field along with weapons and ammunitio In addition to desirable performanc mprovements, new kit that industry ‘offers for dismounted ISTAR applications needs to justify itself with benefits such as the ability to do several jobs well, and this applies to more than just electro-optical devices, more of which later. For convenience, it helps if day and night capable electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) devices can be used with one hand or mounted on a weapon without making it unwieldy, s0 larger devices that require both hands must offer something ‘extra, It is also important that they are frugal in their power consumption to minimise the number of batteries that hhave to be carried. Biocular Day/Night observation One of the latest offerings is the TiCam 20 1000B from Thermoteknix, which the company exhibited at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 16 to 19 April Described asa iocular (one objective lens and two eyepieces) security, surveillance ‘and observation sensor for day and night tuse, the TiCam 1000B packages a Laser Range Finder (LRP), laser target marker, @ Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC), 2 GPS receiver and digital recording, capability along with the uncooled thermal imaging sensor. The company claims eight hours of operation ona set of eight lithium ion AA batteries, although itcan also be plugged into external power sources. It can also be connected to bat- Ulefield command information systems to enable real-time data exchange, the company emphasises. Thermoteknix says that the device is suitable for forward observation squads, search and rescue, infantry, border security and special units with varying levels of training, The company quotes a weight of less than 2kg and measurements of 96mm long, 88mm deep and 16min wide “The infra-red sensor is a 610x480 element amorphous silicon array with 17 micron pitch, which is the distance | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | between the centres of the individual detector elements. It operates in. the long-wave (S-ld microns) region of the infrared spectrum and can be supplied with different lenses of either 60mm, 75mm or 100mm focal length and with ‘manual focus from 10m to infinity and continuous zoom up to 4x, The lens can optionally be fitted with a removable ‘ill flash’ antireflection grid to reduce the tisk of sunlight reflections revealing the observers position when using the TiCam 10008 in daylight. Viewed through the eyepieces, the display is a dual OLED device measuring 800 pixels by 600 (600x600) ancl refreshing at 60H The eye-safe laser range finder operates, at 1,550 nanometres in wavelength and offers maximum measurement ranges cof 3km against a standard NATO target or up to 3km depending on target and atmospheric conditions, according, to the company, while the laser target marker can be specified as a 650nm visible light device or an 850nm device that can be seen by night vision devices. For longer duration observation tasks, it can be mounted on a 2.65kg carbon fibre heavy duty tripod with an integral goniometer. With a folded length of63.5cm and a minimum deployed height ‘of 38cm, the tripod can be extended to 2 maximum height of L9m with a 24 degree leg angle ‘The goniometer is used when very accurate and precise angular _measure ments of target positions have to be taken, such as azimuth registration, It is made from non-magnetic materials, primarily brass and steel, and featuresa pointer that locks precisely in the selected position and comes with angle measurement dises with laser etched markings calibrated to 6,000 mils per revolution on one side and £6,400 mils per revolution on the other Australia’s Multi-Spectral Needs In Australia, the Department of Defence (DoD) is in dialogue with industry through the likes ofthe Integrated Soldier Systems industry forum. At a meeting of this forum in November, the Armament Systems Program Office laid out the top level requirements for the second tranche of night fighting equipment to be procured under Land 53 Phase IBR. Budgeting around $165 million (AUD $220m), they want the new equipment to ‘enhance or supplement the night vision binoculars and laser aiming devices bought under the first tranche, gaining leverage from emerging technology to provide multi-spectral capability to dismounted combatants, emphasising, that the technology use must be mature and capable of being supported in ‘Australia from 2020. Industry was invited to register their interest by March this year, with a deadline for tenders by October, leading to evaluation and negotiation scheduled to take place between December of next year and May of 2020, when the effort is set to transition into acquisition and service introduction. ‘One company likely to take a keen interest is L-3 Communications, whose Warrior Systems and Oceania divisions is working to deliver a range of first tranche devices ordered uncer Land 53 Phase 1BR in an award announced in November of 2016, under which deliveries were scheduled between May ‘of last year and May 2021, These include binocular night vision goggles that feature image intensifier tubes with white phosphor screens instead of green ones, 2 compact multifunction aiming laser with integrated white light capability, and the next generation of lightweight, miniature laser range finders, according to the company. In late December, L3 announced that it had won a contract worth around $150 zillion from an undisclosed international customer for a number of next-generation devices including its binocular NVG, holographic weapon sights, light weapon thermal sights and advanced target pointer/illuminator aiming lasers to improve dismounted troops! ability t0 locate and target operational threats at night and in bad weather. ‘Commenting atthe time, 3's, president and chief operating. officer Christopher E. Kubasik said that the company “..continues to invest in promising new soldier technologies, such a fusion and augmented reality” Singapore Eyes Armed Multicopter Soldiers given ISTAR related tasks frequently seek a high vantage point for their observations, and increasingly that can be provided by small UAVs. However, Singapore's ST Kinetic has taken this a step further by integrating armaments, With the unveiling of the company's armed Stinger UAV concept at the Singapore Airshow, in 2017 the region's industry is showing that it is as capable as any other of generating innovative concepts for supporting ground troops in need of a very responsive armed ISTAR asset under their own control that can act {asa significant force multiplier. Technically an octocopter, the Stinger features four pairs of counter-otating v2 The Falcon V is also designed to be operoted by smoll teams, who can assemble it in the field LAND WARFARE FAR electrically driven rotors at the ends of four arms that form a cross, under the centre of which is the vehicle's fuselage pod. Visually and in terms of weight, this is dominated by the 556mm Ultimax 100 light machine gun from the same company on a gimbal mount, chosen for its low recoil forces and its ability to accommodate a 100-round drum magazine. Still under development, the complete system is intended to be transported in a support vehicle or carried by a team of thre. While no details of the Stinger's key performance parameters such as endurance, speed and range, or of reconnaissance and targeting sensor package, the company reportedly intends to make the vehicle compatible with its SHielded ADvanced Eyewear System (SHADES) augmented reality display. Thailand's Hybrid VTOL UAVs ‘Thailand has also shown innovative small UAV designs, including some that combine vertical take-offand landingcapability with the greater speed, range and endurance of fixed wing UAVS from the Top Engineering Corporation. These are capabilities that ‘make such vehicles potentially more practical for small dismounted teams to operate as they can launch from and recover to small spaces automatically and without the need to carry, set up, operate and dismantle any specialised launch and recovery equipment, ‘bringing clear potential fe support dismounted organic ISTAR operations. Ground control station ‘equipment con be tailored fo suit the type of operation envisaged, | JUNE/JULY 2018 | developer 21eee ee Sacre einer irs pert es rae eee aberrant pa eee prisms oy ar rane et Ne eee) eyed The UAVs in question are the Falcon V and the smaller Pigeon, both of which feature four vertically mounted propellers for VTOL operation and a single pusher propeller for cruising like ‘conventional aeroplane. The Falcon V has an 18kg Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) including 5kg of payload and ‘optional wing spans of either 3m or 445m, the latter increasing, its maximum ‘operating altitude from 3,000m to 5,000m, ISRisatthetop of thelist of applications for this UAV, and the company offers 2 sensor suite that includes a high- resolution day/night capable DST OTUS L205 stabilised camera turret with 8 200% IR zoom lens, plus downward looking ‘camera to assist with landings and a forward looking situational awareness ‘camera. However, its modular payload bays can accommodate a variety of other sensor types. The company claims more than six hours of endurance or a range of ‘more than 300km with a cruise speed of between 100-120 knots (185-222km/h), although the communications range with a 900MHz. two-way data link that handles command and control (C2), te-lemetry and sensor video signals is quoted as 50km. The VTOL capability ‘can extend endurance though a perch- and-stare mode in which it can capture full motion video for up to six hours before it needs to recharge its batteries, The Falcon V variant with the greatest endurance is powered by a petzol engine, 22 although electric alternatives are offered, ‘one powered by lithium ion batteries and another by a fuel cell. To complete the system, of course, requires a ground control station that includes a15in aptop for mission planning, C2 and UAV data communication, a high-brightness monitor for the video, a video receiver and a data transceiver, a remote control transmitter, a joystick for camera control antennas and an antenna tracking unit. It also. requites spare batteries, a battery charger and other items of hardware, This can make UAVs impractical for field use by small units with other tasks, so reducing the overall footprint of these systems is critical. However, the company says its system is modular and adaptable to individual customer requirements, while several leading military communi- cations companies. offer means of controlling UAVs and receiving. their sensor information through standard military radios, Miniature Alternative ‘The Falcon V's smaller sibling. might bbe of more interest to. small. tactical reconnaissance units. Top Engineering quotes an MTOW of Skg with 60 minutes of endurance and a C2 range of 20km Powered by a lithium ion battery pack, Pigeon has a claimed top speed is 43 kts (GOken/h), with 27Kts (SOkin/h) cruise and a minimum speed in wing-borne flight of 22kts (40k). | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | In ISR operations, the company says it will cover 45 km? at once with an illustrative sensor suite of either a 30 MP digital stills camera with 1080p vi capability or a dedicated 1080p HD vi Pigeon's small dimensions - a wingspan of 1.8m, a length of 65cm and 16cm in width - and its VTOL capability allow it to operate from very small areas, the company quoting jungle clearings no bigger than 5x5m or the deck of a small ship. Autonomous Transport Ground robots are now firmly established in key military operations including bomb disposal and broader counter-IED and counter-mining, while light tactical vehicles are a staple of special operations and reconnaissance missions. Therefore combining these ideas is an almost inevitable development, and it is one that the French military is pursuing through a science and technology project named Furious, for which defence procurement agency the Direction Générale de Armement (DGA) has chosen Safran to lay the groundwork for the integration of robotics into the armed forces under the auspices of the wider Scorpion :modernisation programme. Safran employs around 2,500 people in Asia in the aerospace, defence and security sectors, including 500 employees at five manufacturing, engineering and maintenance sites in Singapore, and describes itself as a long-standing partner of the Singaporean armed forces. This five year effort under project Furious will’ see Safran, chosen as prime contractor for its core expertise in navigation, electro-optics and safety critical electronics, work with research organisations, small and medium enterprises and start-up businesses over five years to develop three robotic ‘ground vehicles of different sizes and ‘mission profiles, Plans cal for them to be tested by an infantry platoon in missions such as reconnaissance (including inside buildings) and load carriage. ‘The biggest of these will be the Rider, a vehicle that Safran developed in cooperation with Valeo, a specialist in sensors such as miniature radars and lidars for autonomous cars, and French automotive giant PSA. Unveiled in 2016, eRider is a hybrid diesel-cletric all terrain vehicle capable of carrying four soldiers and their equipment at speeds of up to 70km/h and over aIn this frontal view of the TiCom 1008, the largest aperture, with its removal reflection- suppressing “il flash” grid, belongs tothe Lneooled thermal imager, withthe smaller laser transmitting and receiving windows between it end the large connector, plus fop- ‘mounted controls ‘maximum range of 300km. While itean be driven manually, it can also be controlled remotely or operate autonomously according to an uploaded mission plan and with the aid of navigation and colli- sion avoidance sensors, Its also equipped with another suite of sensors to enable it to act as a reconnaissance, situational awareness and targeting asset in addition to its transport capabilites, although Rider's primary ISTAR assets are the soldiers itcarries, Robot Assisted Recce Safran has created a vignette to illustrate the vehicles capabilities, in which Special Operations Force (SOF) soldiers are briefed on a desert mission to reconnoitre a village at night in an oasis to watch for signs of terrorist presenceor activity ahead of a planned delivery of humanitarian aid. The oasis is about 50km away, s0 the eRider is driven manually and under diesel power for the first 45km, then switching to electric mode to reduce the vehi-cle's thermal and acoustic signatures, navigating with the aid of night vision systems to avoid the use of lights ‘After getting out of the vehicle, the soldiers make their own way to their individual observation points, leaving the eRider to move autonomously to a programmed location to wait for them while providing overwatch with ts thermal, electro-optical and acoustic sensors. The ‘acoustic sensors include a gunfize location system that can cue the electro-optical sensors and send the threat location data LAND WARFARE FAR and imagery to the team’s devices. Linked to their radios, their smartphonedike devices can be used to command the vehicle to move itself to a better postion from which to monitor the threat to they can avoid itor to come tothe tear bringing, ‘more weapons such as shoulder launched rocks, for example, to engage it. For this, a team member might use a homing request to summon the vehicle and then have it follow that individual, With the mission complete they return to the vehicle, making their immediate egress under electrical power before engaging the diesel engine for the rest of the journey, making their reports to base en route using the eRider's secure comms system, ‘The combination of new multi purpose handheld electro-optical devi hybrid UAVs and smart, optionally ‘manned ground vehicles linked by reliable and secure communications is potentially ‘game changing, and means that the ISTAR capabilites that dismounted troops can exploit need no longer be limited to what they can carry, indeed some of the technology will carry them. £2 THE RIGHT PLACE THE RIGHT TIME THE RIGHT PEOPLE ‘SECURE YOUR PARTICIPATION AT ISDEF JAPAN TODAY Exhibition & Sponsorship Opportunities: solesGicdefexpo.com General Information: expoatfairs@isdefexpo.com Tel, +972 3 691 4564 | Fax. +9723 691 4567 JAPAN.ISDEFEXPO.COM TOKYO ara) ToDo ARENA2 BEACH ere HIBIGUS ASSAULT - The development of ship-to-shore landing vessels means more volume arriving per trip at higher sp: by Stephen W. Miller Je amphibious operation is Konsidered by many military analysts and historians as the most difficult naval expedi- tionary operation. Its objective is to transition forces and their supporting vehicles and logistics from the sea to the land. Asearly efforts to move troops and supplies from ships to the beach using ‘existing boats proved inadequate, it increasingly became clear that specially designed craft would be essential. By the mid-1930s landing craft designs were being introduced by forces of the Japanese, the Soviets, the British ‘and the US Marine Corps (USMC). These solutions were very similar and even drawing from each other. Each used a relatively flat bottom with the engine ‘and most weight aft. This lowered draft forward facilitating beaching the craft. A ‘powerful engine allowed the craft to back off thebeach. Mostused a propeller drive located in a ‘tunnel’ to protect it from damage in shallow water. The Royal Navy (RN), however, did field prototypes ‘of a simple water jet propulsion design by Samuel Wright. A feature that was also widely adopted was the bow ramp. Seen on the Japanese 14 metre Daihatsu- class landing craft used from 1957 to 1945, 24 ed. the benefits were quickly recognised by other military observers, The USMC encouraged Andrews Higgins to include such a ramp on his landing craft design that they were acquiring. His Landing Craft Vehicle & Personnel (LCVP) became the most widely used craft of its type ‘with over 23,300 produced and fielded. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in World War I, stated that the LCVP "won the war”, It also contributed to establishing. the amphibious landing as a viable operation, Landing operations from the sea have traditionally been defined by two distinct phases, the assault followed by the build-up of forces ashore. The assault is intended to make an intial lodgement con land and to secure a beachhead. For militaries with an established Marine force this assault is often conducted using armoured amphibious vehicles. These are specifically designed to swim from ships to the beach and then either disembark infantry to secure the beach area or to proceed inland as combat vehicles. The BAE Systems AAV tracked amphibious assault vehicle, IVECO SuperAV wheeled armouredamphibious vehicleand Russian ‘wheeled BTR 80 have filed this role. Just as the LCVP landing craft, these assault | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | vehicles are primarily infantry carriers. Bringing armoured vehicles, particularly tanks, and artillery ashore is accomplished by bigger landing craft (LC): the LCM. Medium, LCU-Utility and, since the 1980s Air Cushion Craft. These are intended to transit to the beach, drop their ramp, off- load and then return to their mother ship to repeat the task. Their objective is to build-up forces as quickly as possible to support the push inland. These were then followed by larger Landing Ships (LS) that would beach and off-load their content of various combat, logistics and support vehicles directly conto the beach. The LS are capable of ‘open ocean sailing but have a hull and bow configuration that permits them to approach the water's edge. They have large bow doors or a ramp for vehicles to disembark. Once olf-loaded they back off the beach and return to sea. The flat- ottomed World War I LST (Landing Ship Tank) is the most renowned of this type. The term Landing Ship encompasses vessels as lange as the 8,500 ton displacement Newport Class to the Polish 843 ton Polnocny-class ships, The Newports have a distinctive over-the- bow ramp as well as a stem gate that allows the launch of AAVs, It remains inservice with nine navies including those of Malaysia, Australia and the Republic of China, The Polnocny, which is classified as amedium’ landing ship, is also widely deployed with eight navies including those of Russia, Vietnam and India Each of these assets directly supports the viability of the amphibious landin 4 strong case can be made that itis the landing craf’s capability that is the kes to the success of an extended amphibious operation a range of other tasks such as disaster in their own specialised way. Howe Te also is the most suited for and humanitarian relief ‘open vehicle/cargo area and forward ramp make them ideal for littoral areas as Their low draft, well as on inland waterways and rivers. It is, therefore, useful to explore them, their capabilities and contribution to expeditionary operations. Landing Craft The basic configuration used in the LCVP and Daihatsu-class continues to be reflected even today in most landing craft that have been developed. Most have a central payload area with a forward ramp, The LCVP wos bared on boats designed to ‘operate inthe bayous of US Gulf area. This plywood censtructed croft become the most ‘widely fielded landing raf and served in very theatre in World War I a relatively flat bottom, and traditional propulsion system. They have size drawing on the Landing Craft Tank (LCT) also used in World War IL with the SEA ability to carry not just troops but trucks and armoured vehicles as well. The LCM- 8 (Landing Craft Medium) is typical of this traditional design and is used by the US Navy and Army, as well as by forces in Australia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and India, With a capacity: of 54360kg and a top speed of 12 knots (17km/h) they are also widely employed off-shore and on large river ways, The US is pursuing a replacement for the LCM. In 2017 the US Army awarded a contract to Vi 1 Shipyards in Portland Oregon valued at $950 million for the Manoeuvre Support Vessel (Light) (MSV (L). This 30m vessel will be faster at 18 knots (G3 km/h) and have a greater payload including the heavier MIA2 Abrams main battle tank (MBI). A Vigor statement noted: “Our MSV (L) design was developed in partnership with BMT following a detailed study of the Army's unique needs and the available design options. The trcbow monohull is an innovative yet deceptively simple design that provides superior manoeuvrability and stability in high cea states, through the lttorals and within inland waterways” 3rd Azerbaijan International 25-27 SEPTEMBER BAKU EXPO CENTER / BAKU, AZERBAIJAN a R baThe contract calls for one prototype vessel, four vessels in low rate production and up to 32 additional vessels by 2027. The first MSV(L) is scheduled for delivery in 2019. ‘The Spanish firm Navantia has also developed and sold its own LCM design. The LCM-E uses water jet propulsion and has a capacity to carry a Main Battle ‘Tank (MBI) or six trucks or 170 troops. With a 22k's (41km/h) maximum speed it is one of the fastest landing craft Loading, can be achieved through either the forward and stern ramp, which also assists craft to transfer loads from one craft to another. An analysis provided by Navantia demonstrated that the LMC- AE could move more loads to the beach faster than traditional LCM. designs Even transiting 20nm per trip from ship to beach the IE could complete twice as many round trips in less time as the LCM. It has been acquired by Spain, aly, Australia, and Turkey. ‘The latter two navies are fielding them in conjunction with their Landing Helicopter Dock (LCD) shipsthatare based ‘on Spain’s Juan Carlos 1 multi-purpose amphibious assault ship. This ship, as well as many of the latest amphibious ships, has a ‘well deck’, a feature that has significantly expanded the ability to deploy landing craft more widely and in far distant operations. The well deck can be flooded and accessed by landing craft through an aft door or ramp which means they can be reloaded and sent back to the beach ata quicker cycle rate Moving larger loads and particularly multiple vehicles falls to the Landing Craft Utility (CU) and. similar larger craft. The US LCUs include the 1466, 1610 and. 1627 classes some of which have 26 ‘been in service for 40 years. They share a configuration with the coxswain’s station onthe starboard (right side allowing a fall aft to bow load area and straight passage between. They havea capacity of between 127 000-183, 000k, meaning they can carry Up to two MBTS, The US Army, however, utilises the Runaymede clas large landing craft or LCU 2000 class which has a large aft superstructure. Itis classified as an ‘open ocean vessel with up to 10,000km range and 18 days endurance. It also can carry up to 26800kg which is equivalent to five M1 MBs or 24150 containers In April 2018 the US navy awarded a contract to Swiltshipe for the design land construction ofits new LCUI700. A "Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) spokesperson indicated that “the new CU 1700 class will be approximately 42m (1398) long witha beam of 9.4m (14) anda displacement of approximately 480 tons witha fll load. Iwill have a range cf 1200nm at 8kts (14.8km/) and a crew (f13. They will becapable of transporting two MIAL tanks of 350 combat troops, oF 170 tons.” The 1700 will replace the LCU 1610 with the first vessel isto be delivered {n 2020. Under the contract upto 31 craft can be built through 2027. The Indian Navy has also introduced a new class of LCU, the Mk 1V LCU class Which succeed the current Mk Ill LCUs. Designed and built by Garden Reach hip Builders (GRSE) under a $340 million contract awarded in 201, the frst of eight vessels were commissioned in the Spring (of 2017. Constructed for sea movement they can transport vehicles including MBTs or up to 260 troops up toa distance of 1500nm at 15kts (78km/>h). The Mk IV is well armed including two 30mm | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | CRN-91 guns with Bharat Electonics FON.SI electro-optic directors, twoheavy ‘machine guns, four medium machine ‘guns, plus an Russian Igla air-defence missile system. The vessels support the security presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and Lak-shadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, ‘The Russian Navy with its major waterways and seas, particularly the Baltic and Black Seas, continues to operate a sizeable landing fleet. These include the Dyugon-class landing craft Which can carry up t0 154 tons of cargo, three MBTS or five BIR personnel carriers and up to 50-100 marines. Its top speed ‘of 35kts (65km/h) is made possible by its air cavity hull design powered by two ‘9000hp M507A.2D diesel engines and high efficiency water jets. The Sema class isa smaller landing craft that also uses the air cavity system. They carry fone MBT or two BTR wheeled fighting vehicles. Twenty craft are operational in the Caspian Sea flotillas ‘The Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has also sought to field its own Jandingcraft with higher speeds. Its Type 074A Landing Ship uses a catamaran hull that offers a top speed of 18kts (33km/h) Ithasa200,000kgcapacitythatcan include Upto three MBTs plus 70 equipped troops Its 1000nm range and 15 day endurance ‘make it wel suited to coastal and offshore operations. It complements the ea ‘Type 74 with a traditional hull that can carry 100,000kg. ‘The French Navy has also determined to focus on high speed transit in this case with a uniqueeatamaran hull landing craft, the L-CAT by CNIM, It can reach up to 30kts (55.6km/h) when empty and 18kts (@34 km/h) when loaded to maximum payload of 72575kg, With forwant and aft ramps is can quickly load and disembark up to 40 troops and vehicles including an MBT. CNIM indicated that itis planning a larger L-CAT based version with greater endurance that can carry two MBIs. The current LCAT is in service with the French and Egyptian Navies. ‘Air Cushion Landing Craft Landing assets with higher speeds means that amphibious ships can remain further offshore without increasing the transit time to the beach. The application of air ‘cushion craft designs tothe landing craft role as in the Textron LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) allows —40kts+ (4km/) fully loaded. The frst LACS were fielded in 1986 with 91. produced.Russian MoD Russio’s Dyugon Clas LCU is well uted t0 the transport of troops and armoured vehicles inthe Bale, Caspian, and Black Seos. Is eit coviy hull design allows speeds of up 10.35, Knots. Here BTR wheeled armoured vehicles core transported. They can carry 60 tons normally and up to 75 tons in an ‘overload’ condition, The latter provides the ability to transport the latest ML MBT. The latest Service Life Extension Programme —(SLEP) incorporates four Vericor Power Systems ETE-40B gas turbines; two for lift and two for propulsion. LCACs typically are transported to a landing area and ‘operate from the well deck of amphibious ships. Currently, both the US Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force use the LCAC which the later began acquiring inthe late 1990s, Presently the US Navy's Ship-t- Shore Connector (€SC) programme is pursuing the replacement for the LCAC In July 2012, the Navy awarded a contact to Textron Marine & Defense for development of the SSC vice president Marine Systems at Textron advised AMR that the SSC or LCAC 100 would “particularly incorporate ‘a number of reliability and operating improvements. New technology would offer computer assisted, stick & rudder controls to reduce pilot workload. Overall, systems have simplified with attention to reducing maintenance and increasing reliability The first craft will be delivered for Navy testing in the summer of 2018. The Soviet Navy beg cushion landing craft in the mid-1970s Aist Class. £80,000kg capacity (up to four light tanks or two MBTS) and speed of 70kts (130km/h), with the These have an Scott Allen, fly-by-wire, SEA They were followed by the Gus class and Tsaplya class in the 1990s all of which appear to no longer be in Russian service {although the Republic of Korea acquired three Teaplya craft in 2003). Its current Zubr cla gest, with a full load displacement of 555 tons and a top speed of 63kts (1167km/h). It can carry three MBTs (up to 150 tons), or ten combat vehicles plus 140 troops. Zubr is also well is the world’s la armed with Strela3 man-portable air defence missiles, two 30mm AK-630 close and two multiple rocket launchers for shore bombardment. in weapon systems, Craft are in service with the Russian and Hellenic Navies and the PLAN. Future Trends With amphibious ships ideally remaining 52km off-shore, the push today is toward landing craft designs with greater speed and higher payloads. The objective is to reduce the round trip time and to place ‘moreassets on the beach in ess time. That industry innovators have demonstrated this is possible suggests that landing craft will remain a primary means of ship-to- shore movement, EG 3 EURONAVAL EXHIBITION / PARIS LE BOURGET Vee OCTOBER ZUTO 22 OCT. / CONFERENCE’ PARIS ] SS ere kGAlthough growing interaction with North Korea seems to offer long awaited detante, it is still too early for the South Korean government to slow any of its military modernisation programmes. by JR_Ng Jor nearly 70 years since its respective services were formed, the armed forces of the Republicof Korea (Rok), better Known as South Korea, has stood sentinel against the threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), or North Korea, which invaded its southern neighbour in June 1950 with the covert support of Russia (then the Soviet Union) and China. Open warfare ended on 27 July 1953, when an armistice was signed. However, the two Koreas remain technically at war, ‘engaged ina frozen conflict “According to theSouth Korean Ministry ‘of National” Defence's (MND‘s) latest Defence White Paper released in 2014, the present Korean People's Army (KPA) is believed to be maintaining an inventory ‘of approximately 4,300 tanks and 2,500 wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles ‘of varying types and tonnages, although many of these are possibly unserviceable ‘or operating at reduced capacities. The MND also noted that the KPA maintains 70 percent of its forces south of the Pyongyang-Wonsan line, a posture that enables itto conduct surprise attack 28 at short notice. While the capabilities land readiness of the KPA’s land combat platforms may be debatable, vehicles attacking southwards would be preceded by deep fires from 8,500 artillery pieces and 5,100 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs), the majority of which are forward deployed in fortified underground ‘emplacements Army Modernisation ‘The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) is South Korea's largest military service and has primary responsibility for defending the country from the north, Established in 1945 by US forces occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, the RoKA ‘was initially configured as nine lightly armed infantry regiments with a total ‘manpower of around 50,000 troops close to the outbreak of the Korean War. The contemporary RoKA has adopted a force structure and utilises equipment Comparable to the US Army ~a reflection of the heavy infusions of US training and equipment, combined with large-scale joint planning and training exercises for combat operations. ‘The decades of transformation and | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | modernisation, combined with South Korea's alliance with the United States, hhas largely negated the vast numerical and artillery advantages of the otherwise qualitatively inferior KPA. Moreover, the 1960-91 Gulf War provided South Korea with valuable insights on how emerging technologies hhave enabled fast paced, information: based combined arms battlefield doctrines. With a robust economy vis- auvis the growing belligerence of North Ko-rea over the past decade, the country hhas embarked on a wide-ranging ‘modernisation programme that has seen the RoK armed forces benefit from the acquisition of new weapons, aircraft and systems that have significantly improved battlefield mobility and lethality, as well as operational command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4) ‘According to the MHDYs White Paper “The ground forces will acquire manoeuvre and strike capabilities to conduct offensive ‘manceuvre warfare. As the operational area of responsibility of each unit expands, ‘manoeuvre, fire, protection, and precision strike capabilites will be improved, andfan automated combat system will be ‘acquired, The present RoKAis understood. to field 41 divisions and 15 separate brigades organised into II corps, and is ‘equipped with around 2400 main battle tanks (MBI), 2,600 armoured personnel carriers (AFVs)_ and infantry” fighting vehicles and 5,180 pieces of field artillery. [At the forefront of its forces is the latest Hyundai Rotem K2 MBT, which entered production in 2008 following 1B years of development under the XK2 development programme. The 56 ton K2 is armed with a 120mm L55 smoothbore {gun that has been fitted with a dynamic ‘muzzle reference system, thermal sleeve, land fume extractor. The weapon offers 4 significant increase in effective combat range when compared with the shorter 120mm LAL gun installed in the earlier K1/KIAI MBTs in service since the late 1980s, while an advanced fire-conteol system with automatic target detection and tacking system enables the K2's ‘crew to identify enemy vehicles at longer distances and engage them accurately. Recent developments are improving, ‘overall RoKA operational effectiveness in the near term. These include converting infantry formations into mechanised forces with significantly enhanced mobility and firepower. To achieve this goal, its mechanised infantry forces will also be boosted with the new Hyundai Rotem 6x6 K806 and 8x8 K808 wheeled armoured vehicles (WAVS). Up to 100 K806 and 500 S08 WAVs are expected to be fielded. Both the 16 ton K806 and 20 ton K808. will be operated by a two-person crew with accommodation for up to nine fully equipped troops, and share many of the same performance characteristics given that major mechanical components such as the engine - a 420hp Hyundai Motor Company diesel engine that provides a maximum road speed of 100km/h ~ and transmission are employed in both vehicles, The K806 is aimed at operating in the rear echelon for defending military facilities, transporting passengers and protecting logistics convoys, while the KS08 will conduct high-intensity combat ‘operations in front-line areas alongside KIAL and K2 MBTs. Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) ‘Similarly, the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) is rapidly acquiring a range of high-end naval capabilities aimed at improving its ability to conduct amphibious, antisubmarine, precision strike, and ballistic missile defence (BMD) ‘operations through the fielding of several lasses of new surface combatants and submarines - with the goal of securing its growing economic and political interests in the region as well as countering the asymmetric threats posed by the KPN in the extensive littoral areas of the ‘peninsula closer to home. With its ability to manoeuvre along the Yellow Sea tothe west and the Sea of Japan to the East, the RoKN must be prepared to ‘execute multiple complex missions before, during, and after the outbreak of general hostilities with North Korea, such as delivering precision strikes on key targets deep in North Korea using submarine and surface war-ship-launched land-attack cruise missiles, and countering the KPN’s | JUNE/JULY 2018 | RE M GIONAL TLITARIES East and West Fleets, which operate naval assets inchiding nearly 300 fast attack craft with some of those missile-carrying, platforms, around 50 midget and diesel- electric submarines, and even a ballistic ‘missile submarine. Although most of its combatants are straggling with obsolescence issues and zarely venture beyond coastal waters, the RoKS Cheonan incident demonstrated the willingness of the North Korean regime to employ deadly force will little to no warning. As a result, the RoKN is expected to contain or destroy its counterpart’s attack submarine force and its sole Gorae-class ballistic missile submarine; defend itself against fast craft attacks while blockading the entire North Korean coast; well as have the potential to perform amphibious operations on both coasts to insert large RoK Marine Corps, RoKA and US Army forces into North Korea above the 38th parallel. In the past decade, the ReKN has steadily increased its surface combat capability with new Incheon-class (FFX) frigates, with plans to operate up to 20 of these vessels in three progressively improved batches by 2028. The service will also benefit from 18 new PKX-A missile boats, as well as 16 PKX-B Batch Land 18 PKX-B Batch 2 patrol boats, which are replacing its Chamsuri and Gumdoksuri-class patrol vessels. “The service's largest and most capable surface combat capabilities currently reside in its three KDX=3 guided-missile destroyers, which are equipped with the Aegis Combat System comprising Lockheed Martin's SPY-1 multifunction radar and paired with the MK 4 vertical launching system. The first’ KDX3 destroyer, RoKSSejong Daewang, wasbuilt and tested by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan and commissioned in Busan in November 2008, The second and third KDX-3 platforms, RoKS Yulgok Yil and RoKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, were commissioned in August 2010 and 2012 respectively ‘The Aegis combat system can detect and track any flying objects within 1,000km, can simultaneously track up to 9€0 targets within 300km, and. can intercept any target within 170km. KDX- 3 weapon systems include SM-? fleet air defence missiles, SSM-700K Haeseong, (Gea Star) long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, Hongsangeo (Red Shark) long-range anti-submarine torpedoes, and Chungsangeo (Blue Shark) light torpedoes, RIM-II6 Rolling Airframe 2g——_ = tae pes Eat reenter re eee Pe Missile (RAM) short-range anti-air missiles and Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS) defend the ships against incoming missile threats. Each vessel is ‘manned by 300 crew members and carries two anti-submarine helicopters. Although South Korea intended to acquire only three KDX-3 destroyers, continued provecations by North Korea and mounting regional uncertainties, prompted the country to procure three more KDX3 platforms to create an integrated network of two or more ‘Ac-gis-equipped destroyers in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan. In late 2013 an order for a second batch of three KDX-3s was confirmed by the navy and approved by the government with the ships expected tocenter service around 2023 to 2027. The RoKN established a new submarine 201510 improve coordination of its growing submarine capability, which comprise the indigenously constructed Chang Bogo- class diesel-electric attack submarines based on the German Type 209/1200 design and the more recent KSS-2 attack submarines based on the Type 214 design. There will eventually be nine KSS-2s in service, to be followed from 2020 by up to nine 3,000-onne KSS-3. submarines. Current plans also call for a modernised midget submarine force to replace its ageing Dolgorae (Dolphin)-class midget submarines with HHI's larger and more ‘capable KSS-500A platform, The introduction of the helicopter- ‘capable landing ship dock RoKS Dokdo in July 2007 provided a significant boost to the RoKN’s amphibious capabilities, With a troop carrying capacity of 700 marines, 10 helicopters, two high-speed air-cushioned landing craft, and 10 MBT3), Dokdo is capable of undertaking a wide 30 command in ge oe ee ede spectrum of missions, including disaster response, international peacekeeping, and special operations forces (SOF) support Up to three of these vessels could be in service by the 2020s to operate alongside new landing ship tank (LST) platforms Republic of Korea Air Force ‘The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), known locally as Han-Guk Kong Goon, is a well-trained and powerful organisation that is recognised to be one of the best equipped and trained air forces in the Asia Pacific, if not the world. ROKAF modernisation is focused on developing world-class, independent operational capabilities, including _ long-range precisionstrikeand advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in addition to enabling rapid response to threats originating from within the Korean peninsula and beyond. The RoKAF presently operates approximately 800 aircraft, including around 450 tactical platforms and a system with an extensive network of radars and surface to-air missile (SAM) sites, comprising army-operated Raytheon Patriot Ad- vanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) missiles brought up to the Guidance Enhanced Missile-TBM (GEM-T) standard for improved BMD performance, with new PAC-3s systems expected to be deployed in2n8. ‘The backbone of the ROKAF's combat power currently resides in around 170 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 50/32 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters and 60 Boeing F-15K Slam Eagle strike fighters, although i still operates a number fof ageing McDonnell Douglas F-AE Phantom Il and Northrop Grumman F.5E Tiger Il fighters. Lockheed Mar- national air defence | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | tin was awarded a $12 billion contract in November 2016 to upgrade 134 F-16 fighters - known as KF-16 in RoKAF 5 November 2025, following the cancellation of a similar deal with BAE Systems in November 2014 after a dispute over costs, ‘The RoKAF is also rapidly gaining new capabilities with the acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35A. Lightning I Joint Strike Fighter (SP), the first of which was rolled out at the company’s Fort Worth manufacturing facility in March 2018. South Korea had committed toa buy of 40 JSPs in March 2014 in a deal worth $63 billion (KRW 73 trillion) under Phase II ofits F-X next-generation fighter programme, which will also see Lock- heed Martin transfer core technologies ~ including advanced materials, avionics, flight control techniques, and systems integration - under a defence’ offset programme attached to the deal to support development of its indigenous Korean Fighter Experimental (KFX) aircraft The process of replacing the service's ageing FE Tiger Il fighters with 60 Korean Aerospace Industries (KA) FA-30 Golden Eagle light attack aircraft is in progress, with additional orders expected to increase the number to over 100 platforms. Strike capabilities have likewise received a significant boostin recent years, with the introduction of the stealthy and long-range MBDA Taurus KEPD 350K air- launched stand-off cruise missiles, with 1 company-stated range of aver 500km, onboard the F-15K Slam Eagles. An intial batch of the missiles were acquired in November 2013, with an additional batch announced in March 2018, The 1400kg missile is specifically designed for use against hardened and buried targets and is armed with a 000k Mulli-Effect Penetrator Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimised (MEPHISTO) penetrator warhead. The weapon is guided using a combination of inertial navigation systems (INS) aided by GPS, a radar mapping altimeter and, an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker. “If armed with the Taurus missile, the (aircraft) can hitNNorth Korea's capita city of Pyongyang while flying over Daejeon, ‘I68km south of Seoul,” military officials told local media, and also noted that the F-5Ks could launch a Taurus munition over the Sea of Japan to destroy hardened and deeply buried targets such as aircraft fon the ground, bridges, bunkers, caves, runways, shelters, surface-to-air-miss sites, as well as ships in port.INDI DEFENCE 2 2018 EXPO & FORUM INDONESIA’S NO.1 OFFICIAL TRI-SERVICE DEFENCE, AEROSPACE, HELICOPTER AND MARITIME SECURITY EVENT “BUILDING GLOBAL DEFENCE PARTNERSHIPS TO SECURE THE FUTURE” a INCORPORATING WITH = INDOMARINE £2018 Fi Make sure you don't miss out on a prime position at 2018 by reserving your space TODAY! CONTACT: LOCAL INDUSTRY (INDONESIA) MS. 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ERIKE BRIGITHA MALONDA Project Manager M +62 815 9254 215 erite@napindo.com ROC aa Tsar DA en Da eo MEDEA Fo eS SHEPHARD Op rennce Bee Croce Tr ana,a i7- = THE NAVAL WORKHORSE Offshore Patrol Vessels are gaining popularity as a cheaper but increasingly more capable option ta more navy’ warships. by Tim Fish pre Asia-Pacific region has Mraditionally been the domain of the corvette as naval requirements were focussed on warfighting ships with a need for 4 large number of weapons and sensors, But this has started to change with more Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) entering the market This is a reflection of the emerging security envizonment, restricted budgets and recognition of the value of OPVs as 4a less expensive multipurpose vessel to carry out non-warfighting maritime tasks suchas counter-piracy, patrolling, counter drug trafficking, preventingillegal fishing, search and rescue and more, Piet van Rooii, design and proposal manager at Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval Shipbuilding told Asian Military Review (AMR) that most ofthe navies and coastguards in the Asia-Pacific region “had doubts about OPVs and prefer to have corvettes and frigates, but budgets push in the direction of OPVs’. He Said the OPV had been budget-driven vessel but it is becoming more mature with beter weapons systems to provide ‘greater military capability while retaining, 32 eable and expensive ‘grey cheaper operating costs “Taking care of borders and operational areas can be easier done with an OPV than a very costly frigate or corvette.” He added that regional navies are more focused on OPVs “now or in the near future” because ofthe tensions in the area, Countries in the region tend to have both coastguards and navies, with the former more inclined towards OPVs while the navies retain the corvette- size ships. But the set size of an OPV is vague, with the displacement ranging from 1,400 tons to 4,000 tons depending fon the requirements. China is pushing, the boundaries of coastguard vessel size by incorporating vessels displacing up to 10,000 tons, triggering regional reaction to counter this’ move with bigger ships too. ‘Damen is delivering its 9014 OPV design to the Viettam Coastguard. in partnership with the domestic shipbuilder the Song Thu Group, which is completing the manufacturing, in Danang. The project is intially for two DN 2000 class vessels fas part of a coastguard modemisation programme approved in 2014, The first ship was launched six months early in | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | November 2015. Vietnam's focus is on securing its economic exclusive zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea and protecting its fishing industry, where China has been encroaching in recent years near the Spratly and Paracel Islands, “OPV 2400 is the most popular 90 metre vessel," van Roo said, “particularly in the Far East as it has a litte more size capability than the OPVI800 80m-long, version.” This allows for improved helicopters operations, the use of dedicated mission modules, as well as extra space for erew and better sea keeping in rougher conditions. That is not to say that the company’s 1800 design has not been successful ‘The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is due to receive three 1,800 ton OPVs from a Malaysian Joint enture company that comprises) TH Heavy Engineering (THHE) and Destini Shipbuilding, The ships are being built at THHE's Pulah Indiah yard to Damen’s OPV1800 design under a contract valued at $160 million that will see the three vessels delivered by mid-2020. These will be the largest ships operated by the MMEA and their ability to mount fast interceptor boats, RHIBs and a 75 ton helicopter will increase Malaysia's ability to patrol its coastal zones. more effectively. The ship's armament includes 30mm SMASH cannon from Turkish manufacturer Aselsan and a 127mm ‘machine gun. Indonesia has followed suit. Fresh from the success of its SIGMA corvette/ frigate programme (alsoa Damen design), the coastguard agency, the Maritime Security Board (Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia - BAKAMLA) will receive a new l0m-long OPVs built by PT Malindo Marine to its own design that displaces 2,00 tons and will be named KN Tanjung Datu, Plans are to build a second OPV and more 80m-long. patrol ships to enhance BAKAMLA'S capabilities that are sorely lacking in numbers of vessels considering the country’s archipelago geography. In Thailand the navy is procuri Krabi-class vessels that are built to BAE Systems’ 90m OPV design that is being delivered to the UK Royal Navy (RN) as well to that of Brazil. Clive Marchant, international business _ development ‘manager for the Asia-Pacific region told AMR that the export of the design also included “technology transfer” with some amendments: “they wanted to change the electrical system to their localIne ytdagl IDEX 2019 INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE ABU DHABI, UAE DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE im@adnec.ae 0° rashedialkaabi@adnec-2e 17-21 FEBRUARY idexuae.ae OQEDIC fun S ADNEC & &Q@ Sul clea ag 52 ES oy ADCED Ene seater &standard and they wanted to fit a larger omm gun in place of the 30mm gun in the original specification.” ‘The ships are built for the Royal Thai Navy at the state-owned Bangkok Dock in Sattahip. Thales has been contracted to provide the combat management system but a lot of equipment has been sourced in Thailand or across Asia, The first ship ‘was delivered in 2013 and performed so well that they ordered another. "In the first three years of service that ship had only one month of down time for maintenance. So what they really noted was the reliability you get with a new build ship, compared to many of their ‘vessels in the past that were second hand. and pretty old”, The second OPV has further changes to the design and started construction in 2016. “The Navy moved their Command ‘and Information Centre (CIC) down one deck to givea larger area to operate the ship from and addled anti-ship missiles and with ‘a bigger gun its pretty capable and is more than an OPV now,” Marchant said. Itis due to be launched later this year and there is requirement for a further four OPYs, In the Philippines, another country that has a dire need for more maritime patrol capability to control its EEZ, the ‘coastguard has selected the aluminium hulled OPV270 ship design from France's OCEA shipyard alongside four fast patrol boats. The vessel will be delivered in 2019 and it is the first time the company has been contracted for an OPV of this size having earlier exported smaller variants to Indonesia and Senegal. Financing from the French government was key to the ‘company securing the contract. There are 34 requirements for a further 18 OPVs. ‘German shipbuilder Larssen has won, the $27 billion competition to provide 12 OPVs for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Project Sea 1180. The company’s OPVS0 design beat competition from Damen and rival German firm Fassmet Construction is due to begin later this year at ASC Shipbuilding in Adelaide, ‘which will build the first two vessels. The remaining 10 will be constructed in the Western Australian marine complex at Henderson using the facilities of domestic shipbuilders Austal and Civmec. How the work will be split between the yards is unclear but the selection of ASC is to censure that skills are retained in South Australia until the start of the RAN's Sea 5000 Future Frigate programme. The goverment expects each ship to take thrce years to complete with the first due tobe commissioned in 2021 and the others following on an annual drumbeat of one pper year. In neighbouring New Zealand, there are plans to procure third Protector class OPV, probably from BAE Systems ‘under the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan but no announcement has been made. The RAN variants will have a 40mm gun, three RHIBs, a stern flight deck, space for modular mission packages and the 9LV combat management system from Saab. Dirk Malgowski, managing director of Larsen Defence told AMR: “Procurement programmes often aim to more affordable platforms with versatile usage, modular mission equipment arranged on a suitable mission deck.” Liirssen's OPVS0 has also been selected ‘by Brunei for its Darussalam-class OPVs. After the attacks in Mumbai, India has | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW | devoted considerable effort to improving the patrol capability in the Indian Coast Guard, which had until then been a secondary consideration compared to the Navy. The Coast Guard is due to receive seven OPVs from domestic shipbuilder Larsen & Toubro after the company was awarded a contract from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in March 2015. ‘The first ship was launched in October last year and is undergoing, tials, whi the second was launched in January 2018, In 2017 Goa Shipyard Ltd (CSL) ‘completed the delivery of six OPVs for the Indian Coast Guard under a $274 million contract awarded in May 2012. ‘The ships, known as the Samarth-clas, are 105m long and displace some 2500- 3000 tons. The company has secured another contract to build an extra five vessels with amenclments ‘The Indian Navy is getting five OPVS under its P-21 programme with Pipavav Shipyard/RDEL, which has launched the first two at its yard in Gujarat. Unlike the coastguard OPVs, it has considerable armament including a 76mm Super Rapid Gun from Italian company Leonardo and two 30mm AK-630 air defence guns from Russia. GSL also delivered a new OPVs to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in July 2017 fitted with a 30mm gun and two 12.7mm guns, The firm has also delivered the fifth of six OPVs to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (GLCG). Operations by theSLN and SLCG were critical in the war against the Tamil Sea Tigers by defeating the insurgent’s ‘mother ships at sea that hosted the Tigers fast small boat attack capability In neighbouring Bangladesh, Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has delivered four second-hand OPVs to the Coast Guard completing the project in October 2017. ‘The ships were exItalian Navy Minerva class corveites that were converted by the company under a contract signed in July 2015. ‘At the same time as developing its maritime constabulary forces with new OPVs, nations in the Asia-Pacific region are also attempting to establish a nascent shipbuilding capability to construct more complex warships with Western assistance in design and production. It isa first step but will require long-term planning and financing to ensure that this success is built upon and does not wither asvay: But as long as the maritime security challenges are heightened in the region, the focus on developing naval forces and building OPVs is set to continue.DEFENCE & SECURITY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION eee een EUROSATORY 11 - 15 JUNE 2018 / PARIS 15 LAND & AIRLAND REFERENCE Ho(=nldiaVAn (ele) ace)pn) eye lay, as a key player CGICSAT” ss wwweeurosatory.com @CcoGcESA c hin NALYSTS o Lu MN CHINA FLEXES MARITIME MUSCLE TO WARN TAIWAN AND REGIONAL RIVALS by Veerle Nouwens Peeeccaae) ee eens demonstrating show of force. 36 Jhe South China Sea has witnessed growing. ‘Chinese naval presence, but the People's Lib- eral Army Navy (PLAN) parade on 12 April ‘was of another magnitude, Chinese ambitions to become a leading ‘blue water’ navy and maritime power were on full display, with President XiJinpi as chairman of the Central Military Commissi donning camouflage military fatigues. ‘The parade was the largest ever held by the PLAN since its creation in 1949. It included the Liaoning air- craft carries, type 052D destroyers, type 052C destroy- crs, type 071 amphibious transport dock and type 093 nnuclear-powered submarines (two of which carry ‘nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles). In total, 48 vessels, 76 aircraft and over 10,000 service personnel were reported to be involved, According to articles published on the English language version of the Chinese Central Military Committee wek the PLAN “clisplayed its latest equipment and best strength with unprecedented transparency”, thereby sending “subtle messages to the outside world”. In his remarks, President Xi noted the need to accelerate the development of new types of com- bat forces and build a modern maritime combat system, and that “the task of building a powerful navy hasnever beens urgentas itistoday”.Itwasno | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |vid THE LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL MARITIME & AEROSPACE EXHIBITION The essential platform to showcase best-in-bread emerging technologies and equipment. Secure your space now. Don’t miss it. 26-30 March 2019 Langkawi, Malaysia #LIMA19. For more information please contact EN EN PROJECTS (M) SDN BHD se W™ Suite 2.02, Level 2, Wisma E&C, No 2. Lorong Dungun Kir, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA. 7 +603 2011 7293 | Fr +608.2011 7235 | E: sales@limaexhibition.com Connect with us Gifb.com/ima.tangkawi | ©@lima exhibition | (]@LimaExhibition wwwlimaexhibition.comA c 38 NALYSTS o LouoM oN coincidence that the naval parade coincided with live fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. In doing so, Beijing of- fered two messages. ‘The primary message is to Taiwan (Republic of China), whose relationship with the United States under President Trump has strengthened. Beijing. sent a clear reminder to Taipei that it will not tol- crate any moves toward independence. Since the phone call between President Trump and Taiwan's President Teai Ing-wen in 2016, the relationship be- tween Taiwan and the United States has continued to strengthen through decisions in 2017 by the US to sell $1.42 billion in arms to Taiwan, the signing in 2018 of the Taiwan Travel Act into US law thereby allowing. bilateral visits of serving US and Taiwanese officials at all levels’, the decision by the US Department of State to allow American manufacturers to sell tive technology to Taiwan to help further Taiwan's in- digenous submarine programme, as well as tumours that US Marines will stand guard at the new premises of the American representative office in Taipei. These moves have angered Beijing, which has increased pressure on Taiwan's pro-independence government since it came to power in May 2016, Indeed, Taiwan now counts only 19 diplomatic allies, with the loss of diplomatic recognition from Sao Tome and Principe, Panama and the Dominican Republic since 2016. Beijing's displeasure over the current Taiwan- ese government's refusal to formally recognise the so-called ‘1992 consensus’ on the One China Policy, has also been increasingly noticeable in official state- ‘ments by President Xi inping. As President Xinoted at the National People’s Congress in March this vear, “All manoeuvres and tricks to split the motherland are sure to fail ...]. Not one inch of the territory of the great motherland can be carved off from China’, (China's live-fire naval exercises in the Taiwan Strat, held alongside its Naval Parade in the South Chi- nna Sea, served as a direct warning to Taiwan and follows a steady in- ‘crease in military exercises around the island. However, the naval parade also served as a nod to the wider Indo-Pacific region that the grow- ing power of the Chinese nav} a reality they'll have to accept. The ‘comerstone of China's public di- plomacy effort as a rising benevo- lent porver has been to promote the ideal of ‘mutual benefit’, ‘common destiny’ and ‘win-win cooperation’ While the Belt and Road Initiative has sought to promote this image of China, Beijing is clearly showing that its path to becoming a super power on the world stage includes the development of a modern mili- tary, with a focus on becoming a maritime power. By 2035, China aims to have accomplished military ‘modernisation and by 2050 seeks to have a top-tier military that is capable of winning wars. There has been some discussion on what kind of super pow- er China would like to be ~ including the responsi- bilities that come along with the ttle? Time will tell hhow China's military forces will be used, but pace at which it continues to address its capability gaps are an indication that President Xi is living up to his statement a the 13th National People’s Congress that Beijing is “resolved to fight the bloodly battle against four enemies...with a strong determination to take ‘our place in the world”. In the short-to-medium term, this will mean that China's priorities will focus on furthering its military modernisation programme to be able to protect its core interests, Those include Tai- ‘wan, but they also include positioning China as the regional hegemon in Asia by displacing the United States and dissuading other regional actors from challenging Beijing's dominance. ‘The question, however, is whether by showing that Beijing is not just an economic power but a mili- tary power, it will create the very obstacles to its own rise that itis currently seeking to overcome. This will, depend on two things: whether other countries are up to the task of challenging the notion of Chinese dominance in the region, and how fast China can overcome its own limitations in military capabili- ties, If t's accomplishments to-date as shown in the Naval Parade are any indication, Beijing will continue to strive to meet its 2085 and 2050 goals, ‘Note: Verde Nomen is a rescarch analyst, Asia Studies at the Roya United Serces Institute for Defence and Security Studies, Whiteal, London. Emai-VeerleNrus org. | ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW |INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR 10" IDEAS emoncce, PAKISTAN | sem zzece., ARMS FOR PEACE 27- 30 November 2018 Karachi Expo Centre www.ideaspakistan.gov.pk 2 & © & DEFENCE EXPORT PROMOTION ORGANIZATION Media Partners aurvARY REVIEW | wena © ARMADA"ADY as NC DEFENSE} Derenceaela, oma’ 22ccrity [YC] PaNas ARMS COM @ Azeri Defence jefence IDEAS SECRETARIAT igh C-175, Block-9, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Near Aziz Bhatti Park, Karachi. Pee Tel: +92-21 34821159, +92-21 34821160 Fax: +92-21 34821179 Email: info@ideaspakistan.gov.pk ioIDENTIFY AND NEUTRALIZE THREATS. CONTROL THE AIRSPACE. FULFILL THE MISSION. Rapidly evolving battlespace conditions and scenarios demand a flexible and innovative approach to electronic warfare. Harris is the EW industry leader, leveraging our unrivaled electromagnetic spectrum experience for fixed-wing aircraft. From pod upgrades to on-board systems, we're ready to work on your platform and on your schedule. Look to Harris for the expertise and agility to complete your mission affordably. HARRIS: TECHNOLOGY TO CONNECT, wi CT haris.co iscorp