Mil News Asian Nations Military News

[BravoZulu]

Philippines:
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has activated a new Army battalion that would be tasked to reinforce the ongoing operations to end insurgency problems in the northern part of Luzon.

Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), said the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion is part of the modernization program of the military, thus, its personnel would be equipped with modern armaments.

A mechanized battalion is equipped with tanks and other armored military vehicles.

“The battalion is an addition to the MID forces which forms part of the Army’s cutting edge in conducting prompt and sustained ground operations in support of AFP’s mission,” said Alberto.

“Its activation is an offshoot of the continuing Army capability upgrade as it undertakes transformation to give rise to a modular force structure aimed at creating standardized, flexible and versatile elements capable of accomplishing virtually any assigned task,” he added.

Alberto said the 6th MIB will be the mechanized component of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) of the Philippine Army which was just recently activated in December 2018.

The 1BCT, it was recalled, was formed as a contingency force that is readily deployable and capable in addressing unconventional threats to national security.

Other maneuver components of the 1BCT are two infantry battalions and maneuver support consisting of specialized enablers such as field artillery and engineering combat battalions.

Alberto said the Brigade Combat Team also has a reconnaissance company and units from signal, intelligence, civil-military operations, military police, explosive ordnance, CBRN (chemical biological radiological and nuclear), and sustainment components composed of a forward service support unit and a forward medical platoon.

“True to your name ‘Salaknib,’ which means shield in Ilocano, your unit symbolizes protection, strength, and security as you serve as the rapid deployment force of the Mechanized Infantry Division responding to the requirements of the Philippine Army in the conduct of ground operations against emerging security threats,” said Macairog in his speech.

President Duterte has been pushing for additional police and military units, particularly those engaged in combating insurgency problems.

In the police, he had recently ordered the creation and recruitment of at least six new battalions of police elite Special Action Force.

 

[BravoZulu]

Thailand:
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has requested for the acquisition of another batch of Chinese-built NORINCO VN1 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles, with the Thai Ministry of Defence expected to give a decision soon.

The total value of the proposal is expected to reach THB2.25 billion (US$72 million).

Based on documents sourced from the RTA's Ordnance Department, the total breakdown of the 41 vehicles being proposed are as follows:

· 3 units of VN1 armored personnel carriers (APC),
· 12 units of VN1 armored mortar carrier with a 120mm mortar system,
· 9 units of VS27 armored recovery vehicles,
· 12 units of VN1 armored command vehicles,
· 3 units of VN1 armored ambulance,
· 2 units of VN1 maintenance vehicles
· associated simulator, logistics support, maintenance support equipment, ammunition

Thailand currently has an ongoing deal for a batch of 34 NORINCO VN1 vehicles ordered earlier at a cost of THB2.3 billion, and are expected to arrive within 2019.

It is expected that the VN1 fleet would replace the Cadillac Gage V150 Commando 4x4 armored vehicles in service with the RTA since the 1970s.

The NORINCO VN1 is also called the ZBL-08 in service with the China People's Liberation Army. It was also ordered by Argentina and Venezuela, aside from Thailand. China is also offering the VN1 to several other countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.

 

[Gordus]

Indonesia:
Indonesia has ordered an undisclosed number of Didgori AMEVs from STC Delta according to company director. Further details are unknown.

The General Director of the STC Delta has recently reported that a contract has been signed and a payment has been made between Indonesia and Georgia for the purchase of these AMEVs. For the moment, details have not been communicated. The Delta State Military Scientific-Technical Centre is the Georgian production center for military and civilian hardware.

Sources:

Spoiler

Indonesia has purchased Didgori armored medical vehicles from Georgia | January 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2019 | Archive News year

Indonesia recently ordered several Didgori Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicles (AMEVs) from Georgia’s Delta State Military Scientific-Technical Centre

www.armyrecognition.com

Indonesia reportedly orders Didgori AMEVs from Georgia

Indonesia has ordered Didgori Armoured Medical Evacuation Vehicles (AMEV) from Georgia’s Delta State Military Scientific-Technical Centre (STC Delta), according to

defence-blog.com

The purchase was also confirmed in an interview.

 

[BravoZulu]

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be receiving two brand new ELM-2288ER AD-STAR Extended Range long range ground based air defense and surveillance radars very soon. This is after the delivery of both radars were delayed by several months based on the contract signed by the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) and Israeli defense technology company IAI Elta Systems Ltd.

MaxDefense received first hand information that the two radars, which were supposed to have been delivered last 2018, will be received by the Philippine Air Force in a very short time.

After all the self-inflicted delays, the transfer of a Pohang-class corvette to the Philippine Navy (PN) is indeed finally happening before the middle of 2019.

Aside from the press statement made by the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad confirming that the Pohang-class corvette donated by the South Korean government will be delivered by March or April 2019, MaxDefense was also able to obtain similar information from several defense and naval sources.

The Pohang-class combat corvette ROKS Chungju (PCC-762), which was transferred to the Philippine Navy and will be named BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).

On 29 August 2018, the Philippine Navy's flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), a Del Pilar-class frigate, was steaming en route to Palawan from patrols in the West Philippine Sea when it was grounded on the shallow water surrounding Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the Kalayaan Island Group.

According to reports received by MaxDefense on the incident, among those damaged were parts of the hull, although the main problem was on the starboard side Controllable Pitch Propeller of the frigate, although the port side also incurred minor damage.

On 04 September 2018, the frigate was pulled out of the shoal, and was towed to Subic Bay for assessment and repairs. It was also noted that the US Navy, through its Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) will provide assistance as the ship is covered by the PMS 326 International Fleet Support Program wherein ships provided by the US will be provided assistance by the US government.

While the last media statement released by the Philippine Navy last October 2018 mentioned that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be operational soon, MaxDefense received a not-so good news on its actual status.

Based on information we received, the frigate was already out of dry dock but is just docked but is clearly non-operational. (MaxDefense would defer naming it's current location due to OPSEC reasons), and has only completed repairs on the minor damages including the hull breach.

But no considerable work has been done yet on the major damage which is on the starboard propeller. Apparently the damaged parts were only removed from the ship last November 2018, and has not been shipped to the US for inspection and assessment by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and the entire process of shipping, assessing, repair or replacement, re-shipping to the Philippines, installation, testing and commissioning, may take several months to do.

Thus, it is safe to assume that BRP Gregorio del Pilar will be out of action for most or even the entire year 2019.

http://maxdefense.blogspot.com/

 

[BravoZulu]

Invincible, first of Singapore's biggest and most advanced submarines, launches in Germany
Singapore's acquisition of four new Type 218SG submarines, which offer more firepower and combat options, is a timely move as maritime security challenges evolve and countries beef up their submarine fleets, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Speaking on Monday (Feb 18) at the launch of the first Type 218SG submarine named Invincible, Dr Ng said Singapore faces threats in the maritime domain, including terrorism, the shipping of illegal arms, weapons of mass destruction and people, as well as piracy.

He also noted that in Asia, defence spending has increased significantly, reaching US$447 billion in 2017, an increase of about 61 per cent from 2008, with many countries modernising their armed forces.

Citing countries such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, India and South Korea that are planning to expand their submarine fleets, Dr Ng added: "In this context, the acquisition of the new Type 218SG submarines is timely."

Speaking to reporters later, Dr Ng also pointed out that Singapore sits astride two of the busiest sea lines of communication in the world - the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca - through which about one-third of the world's maritime trade is transported.

"So I think that most people will receive this development by the RSN with assurance that it is able to do its part in keeping our sea lines of communication open not only for Singapore, but the world." he added.

The new Type 218SG submarine - custom-made to Singapore's needs - will have 50 per cent longer endurance, more firepower, more capable sensors and advanced automation than the current fleet of submarines in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

It will undergo sea trials in Germany before it is delivered to Singapore in 2021.

It is the first of four Type 218SG submarines that are slated to be delivered from 2021 to replace the four refurbished Challenger- and Archer-class submarines that RSN has operated for more than two decades.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...ubmarine-launched-in-germany-named-invincible

 

[BravoZulu]

Japan:
Japan’s first amphibious assault force became fully operational after the Amphibious Rapid deployment Brigade was certified during the Iron Fist 2019 Exercise in California, Jane’s reports.

Iron Fist, held in Southern California, was one of two training exercises between the US Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force this month. Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers with the newly minted 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade took part in the Iron Fist exercises, which included tasks in sharpshooting, amphibious reconnaissance and landing missions, and other areas.

 

[BravoZulu]

South Korea:
Although South Korean Hanwha’s display centered on the gigantic tracked K9 155mm/52cal self-propelled howitzer it could be its 6x6 that is garnering attention in the Middle East.

It seems that the new Tigon 6x6 armoured wheeled vehicle could be conducting summer trials in the UAE in 2019 and the company is also planning a demonstration of the vehicle in Saudi Arabia, an official told Shephard.

This follows trials conducted in 2018 to the Malaysian Army and promotion of the vehicle in Australia. The company had previously showcased the vehicle for the first time at DSA 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Tigon has a total weight of 11t and a possible crew of up to 12. The maximum road speed is 100km/h, the range is 800km and it has a 525hp engine. The Tigon is a successor to the Black Fox, which was developed by Doosan DST.

 

[BravoZulu]

Taiwan makes official request to buy new American fighter jets
2019/03/06 21:49:24

Image taken from Lockheed Martin website (lockheedmartin.com)
Taipei, March 6 (CNA) Taiwan has submitted an official request to the United States to purchase a fleet of new fighter jets to beef up its air defense capability, the Air Force confirmed Wednesday.

The Air Force, however, declined to say when the request was made, what model planes it was hoping to buy from the U.S., or how many.

Asked to comment on an exclusive report published in the Apple Daily earlier in the day, the Air Force confirmed that it had made the request to the U.S. via an official channel and said that its budget would be open to negotiation and would depend on what model aircraft the U.S. decided to sell Taiwan.

According to the Apple Daily, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Feb. 27 made a request to the U.S. to purchase a fleet of 66 F-16V or F-16 Viper fighter jets at a cost of US$13 billion, which would include missiles and related logistics and the training of pilots and maintenance personnel.

Several sources familiar with the matter told CNA that the F-16V would be the preferred model to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-5s.

Taiwan's military is currently upgrading its 144 F-16 A/B jets to F-16Vs as part of a US$3.68 billion project launched by the government in 2016.

The retrofit program includes installing advanced equipment such as the AN/APG active electronically scanning array radar system, which is in use on American F-22 and F-35 fighters.

The comprehensive upgrade of the Air Force's entire F-16 fleet is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, according to the MND.
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201903060018.aspx

 

[BravoZulu]

The Philippines defense ministry has awarded French defense contractor MBDA a contract to deliver surface-to-air missiles for its two José Rizal-class frigates currently under construction in South Korea.
The contract is worth EUR 10.6 million (approx. USD 12 million) and will see the French company deliver the SIMBAD-RC system with MISTRAL missiles for the Hyundai Heavy Industries-built vessels.
The first of the two ships, the future BRP Jose Rizal, is scheduled to be launched in May, twelve months after starting construction. It is expected to be delivered to the Philippines in the second half of 2020. The second ship in the class, BRP Antonio Luna, is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2021.
The two 107-meter frigates are being built under a contract from October 2016. Based on the Hyundai HDF-3000 FFX-I multipurpose frigate design, they will have a speed of 25 knots and a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/03/11/m...-to-air-missiles-for-new-philippine-frigates/

 

[BravoZulu]

Philippines:
Last January 2019, MaxDefense reported that the delivery of the two remaining Israeli-made ELM-2288ER AD-STAR Extended Radar air defense and surveillance radar systems was "imminent". Back then, the delivery of the said radars were already behind schedule due to issues within the manufacturer Elta Systems Ltd.

Based on updated information from MaxDefense sources, we can now confirm that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) already received the two AD-STAR long range air defense radars, and MaxDefense expects that these radars should already be installed at the radar stations they were assigned to be fixed.

With this, the physical delivery of the three (3) ELM-2288ER radars under the Philippine Air Force's Air Defense Radar acquisition project under the Horizon 1 phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program can be considered as complete, although Elta Systems could still be under contract to provide installation, training, and aftersales support to the Philippine Air Force.

The radars were acquired under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal with the Israel's Ministry of Defense, which in turn has Elta Systems as the proponent.

These radars are assigned with the 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing, the unit under the Philippine Air Force that is in charge of air defense and surveillance radar systems.

 

[BravoZulu]

Taiwan:
Taiwan requested more than 100 main battle tanks, designated as M1A2X, from the US.
The M1A2X is a special configuration of the M1A2C, the latest variant of Abrams tanks in production.
The M1 Abrams is a highly mobile main-battle tank for modern armored ground. Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection, and electronics with each new model.
These improvements and other upgrades to in-service tanks have allowed the vehicle to remain in front-line service.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense plans to acquire US-made Abrams tanks to replace some M60A3 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger tanks in service. Washington said it will make a decision on the tanks within 120 days of the application date.

 

[BravoZulu]

Malaysia:
A contract to build Littoral Mission Ships (LMSs) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has been revised.
As part of the revision, Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) will no longer build two of the vessels in-country as originally negotiated for in 2017. As such, all four vessels ordered under the contract will now be built in China.
The contract price has also been revised from MYR1.17 billion (USD286.1 million) to MYR1.05 billion, said Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC) in a filing with the stock exchange of Malaysia on 15 March. BHIC is the publicly listed parent company of BNS.
The Malaysian government, which was then under the administration of beleaguered former prime minister Najib Razak, signed a contract for four LMSs with China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) in April 2017. It is the country’s first-ever major naval ship contract with China.
Under the contract the first two vessels in the programme were to be built in China by a CSIC-affiliated shipyard, while the remaining two hulls would be constructed by BNS with Chinese assistance as part of a technology transfer arrangement.
The keel for the first vessel was laid down by China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding in October 2018, while steel for the second-of-class was cut on the same day.
The LMS has an overall length of 68.8 m, an overall beam of 9 m, and a hull draught of 2.8 m, and will displace about 700 tonnes at full load. It will have a top speed of 22 kt and a standard range of about 2,000 n miles (3,704 km) at 15 kt.
The vessel can be armed with a 20 mm or 30 mm naval gun in a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) turret as a primary weapon and can accommodate two 12.7 mm machine gun positions on the deck area behind the vessel’s bridge.

https://www.janes.com/article/87277/malaysia-revises-contract-for-littoral-mission-ships

 

[BravoZulu]

Malaysia:
The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi fleet won a new lease of life, for the next 15 years, under a $539.5 million full refurbishment package.
Two squadrons of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM, based at Gong Kedak in Terengganu, are being given a full refurbishment package which includes service life extension for the Flankers' airframe, avionics, weapons systems and overhaul of its engines, until 2035.
The SU-30MKM is a supermaneuverable fighter that carries missile approach warning sensor (MAWS) and laser warning sensor (LWS) manufactured by South African company Avitronics. It can carry up to 8,000 kg of weapons and payloads over 700 nmi unrefueled combat radius.

 

[BravoZulu]

US, Philippine forces stage amphibious drill during Balikatan 2019
AAVs approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) off the coast of the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan 2019. Photo: US Navy

Philippine and US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force service members on April 11 carried out an amphibious drill as part of the bilateral annual exercise Balikatan 2019.
The amphibious assault took place at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), Zambales, and involved the movement of assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) from L-class ships to shore, demonstrated the bilateral force’s ability to seize a littoral objective as part of a complex, combined arms operation between Philippine and US ground, naval and aviation assets.
During the drill, a team of US infantry Marines launched AAVs from the USS Wasp to seize a beach at NETC, in order to enable a follow-on team of Philippine Marines to land. The Philippine Marines aboard US AAVs then launched from the landing platform dock ship BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and conducted the main effort attack on the objective. Philippine and U.S. fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft provided tactical and logistical support throughout the amphibious and ground maneuvers.
“The Amphibious Exercise remains a relevant training opportunity for both the Philippine and US military forces, as it further enhances our capabilities during operations from sea to land,” said Philippine Marine Corps LtCol. Rommel B. Bogñalbal, Commander, 8 Marine Battalion.
This year’s evolution was particularly important for the Philippine and US militaries because the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will begin using their own AAVs later this year, as part of the AFP Modernization Project.
The exercise allowed the Philippine and US crewman to share best AAV practices, techniques and procedures with one another, in order to assist in the development of the AFP’s new AAV doctrine.
“We are very excited to be adding our own AAVs to our inventory of military assets later this year,” Bogñalbal said. “They are a great advancement for our military, since they increase our amphibious capability. It has been very beneficial working with the US on their AAVs the past few years, which has been the basis for us to build off of, and we look forward to furthering those capabilities together even more.”
The amphibious assault was the culminating event of a broader series of joint US-Philippine interoperability training exercises during Balikatan 2019, which also included a combined arms live-fire exercise, military operations in urban terrain, and aviation operations.
https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/12/us-philippine-forces-stage-amphibious-drill-during-balikatan-2019/

 

[BravoZulu]

The Indonesian defense ministry ordered an additional three 1,400-ton submarines under a contract signed on the day of the launch of the country’s first locally-assembled submarine.
On April 12, Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL launched KRI Alugoro (405), the third Nagapasa-class submarine which was assembled in Indonesia under a transfer of technology agreement with South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).
In addition to launching the KRI Alugoro, Indonesia has also signed a contract with DSME worth an estimated USD 1 billion for the construction of an additional three submarines in the class.
Indonesia’s first two Nagapasa-class boats were built at DSME’s shipyard in Okpo, Geoje, and delivered in August 2017, and April 2018, while the third boat was built by PT PAL in Indonesia.
PT PAL and DSME will also collaborate on the second three-unit contract, according to an April 12 announcement from South Korea’s state arms procurement agency DAPA, but it is unclear where exactly the next batch of three submarines will be built.
The latest contract, once completed, will bring the number of submarines operated by the Indonesian Navy to eight.
The country already operates two smaller Type 209 submarines, Type 209/1300 KRI Cakra and KRI Nanggala, which were built over 30 years ago. DSME is contracted for work on the upgrades of Cakra-class submarines which will include a modernized periscope mast, hull works and new combat management systems (CMS).
The more advanced Nagapasa-class submarines are 61 meters long, displace 1,400 tonnes and are operated by a crew of 40 sailors. They have an operating range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles and reach a speed of 21 knots while submerged.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/12/s...ee-submarines-to-indonesia-under-usd-1b-deal/

 

[BravoZulu]

Indonesia:
On April 12, 2019, Indonesian Defense Minister Ramisard Ryakuda signed a large package of contracts with enterprises of the Indonesian defense industry in Bandung, the most significant of which was the order for the Indonesian shipbuilding association PT PAL to build three more diesel-electric submarines in cooperation with South Korean corporation Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME). Another significant contract was the order for the Indonesian state defense industry association PT Pindad to build the first batch of the Harimau ("Tiger") serial Turkish-Indonesian production for the Indonesian army.

The cost of the contract for the Harimau tanks was $ 135 million. The number of vehicles ordered was not officially disclosed, but, according to the head of the defense division PT Pindad Vijayanto, is 18-20 tanks (the final number must also be determined depending on the cost of equipment). PT Pindad of the Indonesian Army should be supplied within three years.

 

[TIGREDELAIRE]

Is it a hybrid between several vehicles? It looks pretty interesting! cannon 105 or less, right?

 

[BravoZulu]

Is it a hybrid between several vehicles? It looks pretty interesting! cannon 105 or less, right?

Turkish design vehicle and a Cockerill 105mm high pressure gun

 

[Buster23]

(Kinda old news > Dec. 19, 2018)
Philippines:

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) formally activated the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division during formal ceremonies presided by President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the covered court of the Kuta Heneral Teofilo Bautista, Barangay Busbus in Jolo, Sulu Monday.
PA commanding general Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto was also present in the activation ceremonies, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said in statement Wednesday.
The 11th Infantry Division was provisionally activated last Dec. 1.
The President officiated the symbolic unfurling of the unit colors, the Army’s traditional way of recognizing the birth of a new unit and commencement of its given mission.
The event was also highlighted by the assumption of Brig. Gen. Divino Rey C. Pabayo as the commander of the new division.
The 11th Infantry Division will be comprised of basic maneuver elements, combat support and service support components.
"The creation of another Army division aims to strengthen the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) current troop deployment in Sulu as well as to have a permanent presence and dedicated force that will address the peace and order problem in the area," Villanueva added.
The activation of the 11th Infantry Division aims to address the security threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and nearby areas known to be bulwarks of the terror group.
While the AFP has been relentless in curbing the problem and significantly attained numerous tactical victories, the lawless elements remained resilient due to the evolving traits of terrorism, which became global in nature.
In his message, Alberto told officers and enlisted personnel of the new unit that "your distinct gallantry and heroism in the fight against terrorism and insurgency was already ingrained in the hearts and minds of every Filipinos."
"As we intensify our effort to finally address the security concern in this corner of our country, I assure everyone that the Philippine Army is in better position now to provide the necessary combat essential tools so that you could better accomplish your task. Amidst complexities, I guarantee the 'Sulu-anon' that the 11ID composed of professional soldiers will do their very best to bring normalcy and tranquillity in the area,” he added. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057022

 

[Buster23]

PH Navy sends off ship for China fleet review

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday sent off BRP Tarlac (LD-601), one of its two amphibious warfare ships, to participate in the International Fleet Review in Qingdao, China in line with the 70th anniversary of People's Liberation Army Navy celebration on April 22 to 25.

During the send-off rite at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor, Navy spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata said BRP Tarlac is expected to arrive and join ships of other participating navies by April 21.

Zata said the 400-man PN contingent, led by Capt. Francisco Tagamolila, consists of a helicopter detachment, cadets from the graduating Philippine Military Academy Class of 2019 and students from various naval training programs, and the crew of BRP Tarlac.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067434