Mil News Asian Nations Military News

[BravoZulu]

Taiwan:
The US State Department has approved a possible $2.2-billion arms deal for Taiwan – angering Beijing which called for Washington to “immediately cancel” the proposal.
The sale of more than 100 Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger missiles and other equipment was announced by the Pentagon on Monday. It said the sale of these weapons – plus armored vehicles, heavy equipment transporters and mounted machine guns – was requested by Taiwan and “would not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
China, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, had an angry reaction to the news, which has come at a sensitive time, just days after Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart talks on their protracted trade dispute.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang claimed on Tuesday that US arms sales to Taiwan were a violation of international law and a “crude interference in China’s internal affairs, harming China’s sovereignty and security interests,” Reutersreported.
“China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this and has already made stern representations to the US side,” Geng said at the daily news briefing. “Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory and nobody should underestimate the Chinese government’s and people’s firm determination to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose foreign interference.”
Threats and pressure
Taiwan, however, says the island stands on the frontline of China’s ambitious expansion and faces enormous threats and pressure from Beijing.
And President Tsai Ing-wen’s Democratic Progressive Party refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of “One China”.

More:https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/07/article/us-must-scrap-arms-deal-with-taiwan-beijing/

 

[BravoZulu]

Taiwan:
The Taiwan government recently confirmed it sent a letter of request to Washington to buy 66 F-16V fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, which would give the small independent island a fleet of the most advanced 4th generation fighters in the world. If the deal goes through, it would be the first major aircraft sale to Taiwan since 1992, through there are serious doubts the Trump administration would sign off on the deal while it is involved in delicate trade negotiations with Beijing.

There is also the question of what role the F-16s could play in any potential conflict with China. Facing off against China’s J-20 and J-31 5th generation fighters may be a daunting task, and the F-16s would likely be useful “in less than all-out scenarios, but probably highly vulnerable in an early, all-out missile strike and aerial bombardment,” said Scott Harold, associate director of the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy.

“Beijing will kvetch about anything,” Harold added, “but would probably complain more about F-16Vs primarily because these would be a politically embarrassing sale for Beijing.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2019/07/taiwan-buys-lots-of-tanks-but-really-wants-new-f-16vs/

 

[Junglejim]

The Philippines is considering an option acquire a submarine from France as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) multibillion-peso modernization program.
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana revealed he will schedule a visit to Paris this coming September to possibly shop for the military hardware.
“The Navy is considering France as source of our submarine [since] they [the French] are good at making them,” Lorenzana said during an ambush interview at the French ambassador’s residence while celebrating Bastille Day Sunday night.
“France has been making these equipment for the longest time and they have good qualities,” the defense chief added.
If the submarine deal with France, any other countries will push through, it will be the first time for the AFP to have such a vessel at its service and under its disposal.

PHL may acquire first submarine from France, DND’s Lorenzana says | Recto Mercene

The Philippines is considering an option acquire a submarine from France as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) multibillion-peso modernization program. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana revealed he will schedule a visit to Paris this coming September to possibly shop for...

businessmirror.com.ph

This would be the second attempt of the PN in getting this capability, first one was back in the 90's with the Germans. That was a more advanced stage as they had set up a unit already, much to the surprise of Germany, that was fluent in German. Germany helped in plotting out possible locations and told the AFP what was needed in terms of support. Sadly some brass didnt see the need and cancelled it.

 

[pigmode]

South Korea to build ship for short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing aircraft

South Korea is to launch a new version of a large-deck landing ship, amid naval buildups in China and Japan.

www.defensenews.com

"The new LPH is to be refit to displace 30,000 tons, double the capacity of the previous two LPHs — Dokdo and Marado — with 14,500 tons of displacement. The carrier-type vessel is also bigger than the 27,000 tons associated with Japan’s Izumo-class helicopter destroyers."

 

[BravoZulu]

JMU Launches ‘Haguro’ – Second Maya-Class AEGIS Destroyer For The JMSDF
The event took place at JMU’s Yokohama shipyard. Like her sister-ship, the vessel is named after a mountain: Mount Haguro (羽黒山 Haguro-san).

The previous vessel to bear this name was the famous heavy cruiser Haguro of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned in 1929, Haguro saw significant service during World War II, participating in nine naval engagements. She was sunk in 1945 during a fight with Royal Navy destroyers, one of the last major Japanese warships to be sunk in open waters during World War II.

DDG-180 Haguro is expected to be commissioned with the JMSDF in 2021.

The new destroyer class is 170 meters long and displaces 8,200 tons. She will operate with a crew of 310 sailors, and features a combined diesel electric and gas (COGLAG) propulsion system.

The Maya-class is the first of JMSDF’s Aegis destroyers ready for ballistic missile defense operations (BMD) from the time of commissioning, and is also the first of Japan’s AEGIS fleet to be equipped with Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) from the start. The CEC allows the ship to receive targeting information from other assets, such as US Navy of Royal Australian Navy AEGIS destroyers or American and Japanese E-2D AWACS aircraft.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-new...ond-maya-class-aegis-destroyer-for-the-jmsdf/

 

[BravoZulu]

Thailand:
The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Thailand for 60 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles with equipment and support. The deal is valued at $175 million.
Thailand had requested to buy 60 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles and 60 M2 Flex .50 cal machine guns. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and, during dismounted assault, supporting fire for the infantry squad.
The Stryker is a full-time four-wheel drive, selectively eight-wheel drive, armored vehicle weighing approximately 19t which carries an infantry squad with their equipment.

 

[Buster23]

The Philippines is considering an option acquire a submarine from France as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) multibillion-peso modernization program.
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana revealed he will schedule a visit to Paris this coming September to possibly shop for the military hardware.
“The Navy is considering France as source of our submarine [since] they [the French] are good at making them,” Lorenzana said during an ambush interview at the French ambassador’s residence while celebrating Bastille Day Sunday night.
“France has been making these equipment for the longest time and they have good qualities,” the defense chief added.
If the submarine deal with France, any other countries will push through, it will be the first time for the AFP to have such a vessel at its service and under its disposal.

PHL may acquire first submarine from France, DND’s Lorenzana says | Recto Mercene

The Philippines is considering an option acquire a submarine from France as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) multibillion-peso modernization program. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana revealed he will schedule a visit to Paris this coming September to possibly shop for...

businessmirror.com.ph

This would be the second attempt of the PN in getting this capability, first one was back in the 90's with the Germans. That was a more advanced stage as they had set up a unit already, much to the surprise of Germany, that was fluent in German. Germany helped in plotting out possible locations and told the AFP what was needed in terms of support. Sadly some brass didnt see the need and cancelled it.

European offers on this kind of "big ticket" item are enticing and I do hope this will work out well but the problem with western/european defense companies is that they are controlled by their self-righteous defender of "human rights and morality" governments, anytime a defense contract could be cancelled on the grounds that they just dont like the Duterte style of governance...so i would rather suggest stick to our reliable defense partners like Israel, South Korea, USA (yes she is also self-righteous but she delivers when really needed) and perhaps Japan & Russia.

 

[Junglejim]

You forget this is France we are talking about... they would have armed Germany in World War 2 if the Germans offered enough cash.

 

[BravoZulu]

Thailand’s Bangkok Dock has launched the Royal Thai Navy’s second Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel, the future HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan (552).
The ship, which was built under a licensing agreement with UK’s BAE Systems, was launched on August 2.
It is based on the River-class OPVs currently being built for the Royal Navy by BAE Systems.
The lead ship in the class, HTMS Krabi, was delivered to the navy from Bangkok Dock in 2013.
The 90-meter vessels feature Thales combat and communication suites and will be capable of launching Harpoon missiles via four launchers.

https://navaltoday.com/2019/08/05/royal-thai-navy-launches-second-krabi-class-opv/

 

[Junglejim]

MANILA -- After the activation of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) last December, plans are afoot to create and activate the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2BCT) to boost Philippine Army (PA)'s number of rapid deployable forces.

This was bared by Col. Romulo Manuel, PA chief of plans, during an interview with reporters in Fort Bonifacio, Wednesday.

The 2BCT along with the 1BCT are meant to address the need of the PA for forces that can be quickly committed for action, similar to such case as the 2013 Zamboanga City siege and the 2017 battle for Marawi City.

"(2BCT) will be combined arms-capable, (in order) to enhance our territorial defense capabilities," Manuel said.

Army activating another brigade of rapid deployment force

MANILA -- After the activation of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) last December, plans are afoot to create and activate the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2BCT) to boost Philippine Army (PA)'s number of rapid deployable forces.This was bared by Col. Romulo Manuel, PA chief of plans, during an...

www.pna.gov.ph

 

[Buster23]

Army to activate Aviation Regiment within this year

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) is set to activate its Aviation Regiment within this year as part of its modernization efforts.

"We'll be activating the regiment this year and we'll be equipping (it) gradually," Col. Romulo Manuel, Army chief of plans, said in an interview with reporters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday.

Manuel also said around four to eight helicopters will be acquired for the PA's Aviation Regiment and there are Army pilots undergoing training in civilian flight schools on how to operate these aircraft.

He added that that the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) acquired from South Korea will undergo its second visual inspection anytime soon.

Army to activate Aviation Regiment within this year

MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) is set to activate its Aviation Regiment within this year as part of its modernization efforts."We'll be activating the regiment this year and we'll be equipping (it) gradually," Col. Romulo Manuel, Army chief of plans, said in an interview with reporters in...

www.pna.gov.ph

 

[BravoZulu]

Taiwan:
The Trump administration has approved the sale of new Lockheed Martin F-16Vs to Taiwan, a long considered decision that will likely worsen tensions with China, which wants to bring the island nation back under its control.
Several media outlets pegged the sale at $8 billion for 66 jets, citing anonymous sources. The deal was confirmed by a joint statement from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, a Democrat, and ranking member Michael McCaul, a Republican.
“The sale of F-16s to Taiwan sends a strong message about the US commitment to security and democracy in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement reads. “As leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, we are pleased the administration is moving forward with this sale and have every confidence that it will be supported on a bipartisan and bicameral basis.”
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usa-approves-sale-of-f-16s-to-taiwan-460337/

 

[Junglejim]

Joke of the day....

President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Tuesday foreign ships faced "unfriendly" treatment if they ventured into Philippines' territorial waters without permission, in a swipe at China's deployment of warships a few miles off the coast.

UPDATE 1-Philippines' Duterte warns of 'unfriendly' greeting for uninvited warships

President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Tuesday foreign ships faced "unfriendly" treatment if they ventured into Philippines' territorial waters without permission, in a swipe at China's deployment of warships a few miles off the coast. The warning comes as Duterte faces critics at home who accuse...

www.yahoo.com

 

[BravoZulu]

The Philippine Navy’s newest corvette BRP Conrado Yap has arrived home after starting its journey from South Korea earlier this month.
Formerly known as ROK Navy Pohang-class corvette Chungju (PCC-762), the ship was officially handed over and commissioned into Philippine Navy service in a ceremony in Jinhae on August 5.
BRP Conrado Yap arrived at South Harbor, Manila, together with the 300-man Philippine contingent aboard BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) after its historic port visit to Vladivostok, Russia.
As the newest warship arrived home, Philippine news outlets reported that South Korea could donate an additional two corvettes from the class to the country.
South Korea has also donated Pohang-class corvettes to Egypt, Vietnam and Peru as it replaces the vessel class with newer and more capable FFX frigates.
BRP Conrado Yap measures 88 meters in length, displaces 1,216 tons and has a crew of 118. It carries two Oto Melara 76mm main guns, 30mm automatic cannon, and anti-submarine torpedoes.

 

[ao_sepia]

Thailand:
The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Thailand for 60 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles with equipment and support. The deal is valued at $175 million.
Thailand had requested to buy 60 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles and 60 M2 Flex .50 cal machine guns. The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and, during dismounted assault, supporting fire for the infantry squad.
The Stryker is a full-time four-wheel drive, selectively eight-wheel drive, armored vehicle weighing approximately 19t which carries an infantry squad with their equipment.

sell37 free23

 

[Buster23]

South Korea offering to finance PHL’s P30-B corvette purchase from Hyundai

South Korea is offering to finance the Philippines' acquisition for the Navy of two modern corvettes, worth P30 billion,from Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.

"Its government to government because we're having difficulty producing the amount. The two corvettes cost P30 billion," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

"And the Korean government is willing to finance it and we'll pay it through the years, maybe five to 10 years. So its a very enticing proposal because we don't have outright money," said Lorenzana.

The purchase of the two warships is among the big ticket items in the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces.

Hyundai is now building two frigates ordered that the Philippines ordered. The frigates are due in 2020 and 2021.

Lorenzana said the deal for the corvette is still being finalized.

"I would like it to be done as soon as possible. We're just finalizing the paperworks and how we're going to do it," Lorenzana said.

"The corvette is not yet signed with Hyundai but that is what the Navy wants so the builder of the frigates and the corvettes is going to be one only, so that the systems, parts are similar, there will be inter-operability and so that if they, its easy to repair them," he added. —NB, GMA News

South Korea offering to finance PHL’s P30-B corvette purchase from Hyundai

South Korea is offering to finance the Philippines' acquisition for the Navy of two modern corvettes, worth P30 billion,from Korean shipbuilder Hyudai Heavy Industries.

www.gmanetwork.com

 

[Junglejim]

The Philippines have about the same amount of dollar reserves as Australis, bigger than Australia or Spain and "we have difficulty producing P30 billion."

Lets face it, the biggest issue with our defense is our people dont care much... we would only fight China to the last american ship and sailor. ok add some aussies too, cause those bastards would never miss a rodeo.

Andaya flags some P50 billion in unused funds under DBM | BusinessWorld

www.bworldonline.com

 

[Buster23]

South Korea offering to finance PHL’s P30-B corvette purchase from Hyundai

South Korea is offering to finance the Philippines' acquisition for the Navy of two modern corvettes, worth P30 billion,from Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.

"Its government to government because we're having difficulty producing the amount. The two corvettes cost P30 billion," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

"And the Korean government is willing to finance it and we'll pay it through the years, maybe five to 10 years. So its a very enticing proposal because we don't have outright money," said Lorenzana.

The purchase of the two warships is among the big ticket items in the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces.

Hyundai is now building two frigates ordered that the Philippines ordered. The frigates are due in 2020 and 2021.

Lorenzana said the deal for the corvette is still being finalized.

"I would like it to be done as soon as possible. We're just finalizing the paperworks and how we're going to do it," Lorenzana said.

"The corvette is not yet signed with Hyundai but that is what the Navy wants so the builder of the frigates and the corvettes is going to be one only, so that the systems, parts are similar, there will be inter-operability and so that if they, its easy to repair them," he added. —NB, GMA News

South Korea offering to finance PHL’s P30-B corvette purchase from Hyundai

South Korea is offering to finance the Philippines' acquisition for the Navy of two modern corvettes, worth P30 billion,from Korean shipbuilder Hyudai Heavy Industries.

www.gmanetwork.com

Also, it has been rumored that South Korea will be donating two more 2nd hand corvettes (Pohang Class) on top of the financing of the new corvettes to sweeten the deal further. It seems the SK government is propping up Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to get new projects perhaps due to the latter's recent poor financial performance.

 

[Junglejim]

It's probably more to do with the old deal. I guess SoKor reactivated the old plan under GMa that using Korean loans, SoKor will upgrade the Philippine Navy. I'm waiting if they will get the whole shebang and include the Submarine tender.

 

[BravoZulu]

HHI has a decent AIP submarine that would be worthwhile PI looking at, especially from the point of view of just starting out in the sub field