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Volume 28/issue 2 march 2020
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Contents
march 2020
VOLUME 28 / ISSUE 2

06

A pair of Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G PUSHING BACK WITH OPVS
Growlers of 6 Squadron ready for a mission
during Exercise Pitch Black 2018. (ADF) Offshore patrol vessels are increasingly being viewed as
a solution to Economic Zone protection. Tim Fish reports.
10
16 30

A DEEPER GROWL ASIA-PACIFIC FFOIROETPSOLWOEGRGER
UNMANNED AERIAL
Mark Ayton discusses how the US Navy’s VEHICLE DIRECTORY Stephen W Miller reviews up and coming
electronic warfare EA-18G Growler is being 2020 automatic rifles and machine guns for
substantially improved. combat troops.
JR Ng presents a country-by-country guide
34 to military UAV ownership, development 42
and future acquisition.

38

BETTER THAN EVER? ALLIANCES DRIVE ANALYSTS COLUMN
ASUPSENTRDAINLIGAN DEFENCE
Arguably Australia’s Collins class Ben Ho discusses air defence in the context
submarines have come of age. Dr Lee Tim Fish outlines the driving forces behind of cruise missiles and UAV threats.
Willett details the reasons why. Australian defence modernisation.
03
| march 2020 |

Index of Advertisers Editorial

AERONAUTICS 17 CINHFILNUAE’SNCE(ZA)
FREEZES BUSINESS
BARZAN HOLDINGS 5 AT SINGAPORE
AIRSHOW
DND 19
This year’s Singapore Airshow went ahead despite the rapidly looming threat of coronavirus
EUROSATORY COVER 3 (COVID-19). Ahead of the opening on Tuesday 11 February, Leck Chet Lam, managing director of
organising company Experia Events revealed that 12 Chinese companies were no longer participating
EW EUROPE 37 as exhibitors at the airshow, and that international Chinese visitors were also unable to attend.

GENERAL ATOMICS COVER 2 The Pentagon, through a late decision to limit its official presence at the airshow following the Singapore
Ministry of Health’s 7 February declaration of a Code Orange health alert (heightened risk), in effect gave
INDO DEFENCE 15 ‘the green light’ to defence companies to do the same or pull out, prompting giants Lockheed Martin, Raytheon,
Northrop Grumman, Textron, CAE and others such as Italian OEM Leonardo to withdraw completely.
LAND FORCES 35
The ‘word on the street’ was that one of the reasons behind the US-based companies withdrawal was that
MAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS 9 they feared litigation from employees who could have travelled to the event and subsequently contracted the
virus (at time of writing near the end of February no cases have been announced that have been linked to any
ROTOCRAFT / exhibitor or participant at the event).

UNMANNED SYSTEMS ASIA COVER 4 There was, however, another potential reason for the US Government to turn ‘a cold shoulder’ to the
event. In the days before the start of the airshow the Singapore government announced that it had given its
SUBSCRIPTION 33 permission for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s August 1st aerobatics team (Ba Yi) to participate in
the flying display for the first time. This action ‘stole the thunder’ from the participation of the US Marine
Advertising Offices Corps’ F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and US Pacific Air Forces’ F-22 Raptor, both of which were making their
own flying debuts. It was particularly surprising as the Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen told the
France/Spain nation’s Parliament only the month before that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had
Stephane de Remusat, REM International given its approval for his country’s acquisition of up to 12 Lockheed Martin F-35Bs at a cost of around $2.75
Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 billion.
E-Mail: [email protected]
In the end, although around 70 companies did not participate in the airshow (around eight percent of the
Germany total) this still left over 850 who were represented. The numbers of trade visitors were not there however,
Sam Baird, Whitehill Media and there was little evidence of international defence delegations that usually appear at shows such as this.
Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646
E-Mail: [email protected] It was however, an unavoidable and temporary brake on what will continue to be a leading defence event
in Asia for years to come. Chinese acrobatic teams aside, Singapore is still a key linchpin in the region’s
Turkey / Eastern Europe / UK defence environment, both as a manufacturer, customer and strategic partner, a factor wholly acknowledged
Zena Coupé by all Western leaning countries.
Tel: +44 1923 852537, [email protected]
Andrew Drwiega, Editor-in-Chief
Nordic Countries/Italy/ Switzerland
Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg
Tel: (46) 31 799 9028
E-Mail: [email protected]

Russia
Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd,
Tel/Fax: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653
Email :[email protected]

USA (East/South East)/Canada (East)
Margie Brown, Blessall Media, LLC.
Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581
Email: [email protected]

USA (West/South West)/Brazil/Canada (West)
Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc
Tel : (+1 858) 759 3557
Email: [email protected]

All Other Countries
Jakhongir Djalmetov, Media Transasia Limited
Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile: +66 81 6455654
Email: [email protected]

Roman Durksen, Media Transasia Limited
Tel: +66 2204 2370, Mobile +66 83 6037989
E-Mail: [email protected]

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04 | Asian Military Review |



sea

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Damen

The Vietnamese Coast Guard is bringing new ships into service in
an effort to deter Chinese coercion following the HYSY981 incident.

PUSHING BACK WITH OPVS
China’s maritime expansion has triggered a surge in interest for
offshore patrol vessels to help police EEZs.

There are numerous offshore by Tim Fish regions. ‘We see more resources invested
patrol vessels (OPVs) and patrol into MLEAs in Northeast Asia and to a
ships programmes activated smuggling, piracy, armed robbery and lesser extent India in South Asia. But we
by countries across the Indo- trafficing among other activities, making still don’t witness a more radical shift in
Pacific that are delivering them a useful constabulary vessel. funding priorities towards MLEAs in SE
new platforms that are set to improve Governments since the 1990s have Asia,” he said.
maritime security across the region. recognised the importance of maritime
However, these ships are being procured territory and the economic value it Apart from the obvious law
for very different reasons and they are has. Since then, OPVs have become a enforcement reasons for buying OPVs,
operated by a myriad of different services procurement priority for Asian maritime there are other procurement drivers
from navies to coastguards or police nations alongside more traditional war- for these ships. Often countries simply
forces, depending on local structures fighting ships such as corvettes and want to replace older vessels, but some
and departmental responsibilities. frigates. governments are keen to develop a naval
shipbuilding industry and building OPVs
OPVs are capable of providing But Dr Collin Koh Swee Lean, is the easiest and least complex platform
maritime sovereignty and law Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam it can start with. By selecting a foreign
enforcement in offshore areas and as School of International Studies told AMR design and partnering with an overseas
such they can counter a range of trans- that depending on the government, there shipbuilder, some governments are
border challenges such as illegal fishing, are varying levels of importance granted investing in the skills and facilities needed
to maritime law enforcement agencies
(MLEAs) and this differs between sub-

06 | Asian Military Review |

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to build these ships that should provide waters as its own under its nine-dash line CIA
a more permanent local construction policy but this overlaps with the maritime
capability. boundaries and Economic Exclusive The green lines – known commonly as the
Zones (EEZ) of other countries there. nine-dash line – indicate the extent of the
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Since 2013 the CCG has been sending claims on the South China Sea by the People’s
Vietnam and the Philippines are all ships to the area and building permanent Republic of China (CIA).
examples of countries that are building islands in the Spratly Islands and Paracel
OPVs of various types and using Islands that are close to the Philippines build-up of the Philippines Coast Guard
transfers of technology with outside help and Vietnam respectively. There are also (PCG). Although there is little chance of
to build up a naval shipbuilding base. In disputes over Scarborough Shoal, which the PCG matching the Chinese capacity
the future these countries will not only be is also near the Philippines and even the Collin said that if even it does achieve its
able to build ships for their own navies Natuna Islands at the southern end of the aims with new vessels from France and
or coastguards but also export them at a South China Sea in between Malaysia possible local construction of an Austal
competitive price. and Indonesia. design “at best, the PCG may hope for
Territorial grab push-back a bigger OPV capacity that can better
Some countries that have specific security For Vietnam, the Hai Yang Shi You 981 allow it to project presence and assert its
concerns that are pushing forwards the (HYSY981) incident in 2014 was one of the own claims in SCS.” He added that the
acquisition of OPVs. The creation of most serious disputes between the two PCG still “wants to tap on this support
the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in 2013 countries for almost 30 years. HYSY981 to build its long-neglected capabilities.
and the deployment of its vessels into is a Chinese oil rig that was moved into And it doesn’t want the Philippine Navy
disputed waters to bolster Beijing’s claims waters near the Paracel Island violating to upstage it.” This highlights an inter-
has caused a series of crises in North East international agreement. Vietnam sent service rivalry element in the region that
Asia and the South China Sea (SCS). The ships to prevent the platform from taking is the same as that experienced between
programme of island building largely by up a permanent position and conducting many other MLEAs.
dredging and reefs to create a small land operations there and these vessels
mass, has resulted in China establishing eventually clashed with the escorting In December 2019 a diplomatic
a set of bases that can be used overtly to Chinese ships resulting in collisions and incident with Indonesia was sparked after
support its fishing fleets and CCG vessels injuries to sailors. An international outcry 60 Chinese fishing vessels entered the
further into the SCS. and anti-Chinese sentiments caused Natuna Sea near islands within its EEZ.
China to eventually withdraw the ship. The Indonesian Navy deployed patrol
In North East Asia, Japan is seeking a ships to the area and lodged a complaint
fleet of large OPVs to improve deterrence As China flexes its muscles, Collin said with China whilst also sending ships to
beyond the 12nm Territorial Sea, Vietnam is ‘well aware’ of its shortfalls its maritime boundary with Vietnam,
particularly over the disputed Senkaku/ in OPVs and is building ships for the which has also conducted incursions of
Diaoyu islands. The Japan Coast Guard Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) and is also fishing boats into Indonesian waters.
(JCG) is responding to continuous looking at buying larger ships. “Without
incursions by the CCG around Japan’s offshore-capable assets such as OPVs to However, Collin said the new
Contiguous Zone and Territorial Sea. The remain on station for long durations out to OPVs for the Indonesian Coast Guard
JCG is expected to get three new patrol the EEZ limit, it’s impossible for Vietnam (BAKAMLA) are large enough in size to
ships and the Japan Maritime Self Defence to sustain in any protracted standoff with match those deployed by Vietnam and
Force (JMSDF) is to start a programme for the Chinese in SCS,” he said. China but the build-up ‘is painstakingly
12 vessels. slow’. He added: “While each new OPV
Another confrontation took place as is good in itself there’s just not enough
“This will free up the destroyers for recently as mid-2019 at Vanguard Bank built within a short time. Funding is still
other duties, especially peacetime prep – a set of reefs that make up the Western a concern. Whether Jakarta’s recent talk
for high-intensity ops. At present, the most part of the Spratly Islands within following the standoff with China over
JMSDF is deploying its destroyers in the 200nm limit of the Vietnamese EEZ. Natuna about acquiring offshore-capable
support of the JCG presence in Extended The Chinese survey ship Haiyang Dizhi
Continental Shelf, revolving around the 8 (HD8) escorted by as many as 20 ships
isles, to deter the PLA and also conduct entered waters in the vicinity of the reefs
ISR missions,” Collin said. where Vietnam hosts its key DK1 oil rigs
resulting in a stand-off between them and
For Taiwan the issue is more about the VCG. Vietnam is likely to take China
replacing older assets in the Coast to international arbitration, something
Guard Administration and procurement that the Philippines did successfully in
is underway for at least three OPV 2016.
programmes. Collin explained that its
priorities include the Senkaku/Diaoyu A dispute between the Philippines
islands too, but also the SCS “by building and China over maritime claims came to
up Taiwan’s presence around Itu Aba” a head in July that year when a tribunal
and the outlying islands off Fujian coast, at the Permanent Court of Arbitration
such as Penghu and Matsu “where in The Hague, ruled in favour of Manila.
CGA routinely confronts Chinese illegal This was largely ignored by China and
fishermen and sand dredgers.” despite friendly relations between the
new President of the Philippines Rodrigo
In the SCS, China has claimed these Duterte and Beijing, there is support for a

| march 2020 | 07

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Tim Fish Elsewhere, India has been expanding
its OPV fleet following the terror attacks
Austal’s 83m-long OPV proposal for the Philippines Navy patrol boat procurement programme. in Mumbai in 2008 that will serve both the
President Duterte has approved the acquisition of six ships for $577 million. coastguard and the navy. The ships will
also improve maritime security in India’s
assets for the TNI-AL and BAKAMLA carried out increasing its presence. large EEZ. Pakistan is following suit to
will come to fruition remains a question Malaysia also has other security match India but also has many older ships
mark.” that need replacing. Sri Lanka is getting
concerns following a succession of new OPVs from China and India also to
Earlier in December prior to the incursions into the province of Sabah bolster maritime security in its large EEZ
Natuna Sea incident Malaysia applied to in Borneo by insurgent forces from the and harness the resources of its maritime
the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and Philippines. The most serious incident territory. Collin said this has been a long
Law of the Sea to extend its continental was the Lahad Datu incident in 2013 time coming ‘because of the earlier focus
shelf claims. This signals a partial fight when over 200 armed militants in the on defeating the LTTE insurgency, which
back by the SE Asian states in the SCS district there by boat to claim the territory. placed greater emphasis on acquiring
against Chinese incursions and although That such a large group was able to land coastal and inshore fast interdiction craft
Malaysia can do little physically to and occupy the town of Tanduo for some to support army operations and tackle
prevent China from entering its seas due weeks and that the situation was only the Sea Tigers (the LTTE naval wing).’
as it has so few ships, a concerted legal resolved after heavy engagement by the
effort to uphold the UN Convention of Malaysian Armed Forces and several In Oceania, the Royal Australian
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will bolster shootouts, showed how porous the Navy is embarking on a large OPV
resistance, especially if Vietnam follows maritime border was and how unprepared programme to replacing older ships but
suit. security forces were. Malaysia has since also to increase capacity. Australia not
established the Eastern Sabah Security only need to conduct routine maritime
Possessing too few ships has been Command (ESSCOM) but there is still security and border management duties
a persistent problem for the SCS states regular activity by Moro pirates and the (such as Operation Sovereign Borders to
when facing the coercive tactics of China. terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in the area counter refugee boats) but also conduct
Malaysia has just four OPVs in the that include incidents of kidnapping. theatre security engagements with its
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency neighbours.
(MMEA), which is not sufficient. The CCG The only SE Asian country not in
maintains a permanent presence around dispute with China is Thailand, which Collin said that “a good bulk of
the Luconia Shoals reef north of Sarawak, does not see China as a threat. The Royal offshore protection duties, for the energy
which it considers part of the Spratly Thai Navy is buying new submarines and sector, is performed by the RAN’s frigates.
Islands. Whilst the Royal Malaysian Navy an amphibious ship from China and has Using frigates to do such constabulary
(RMN) conducts patrols with its corvettes purchased frigates and OPVs from Beijing duties isn’t economical at all and diverts
it could use more support and the MMEA in the past. But like the other SE Asian such precious assets away from other
is expected to get another three OPVs nations, Thailand is building its new mission requirements.” He added that
should its programmes deliver the ships OPVs locally to Western designs with as the Adelaide-class frigates are leaving
this year. Whether they will make any technology transfer and development service it puts pressure on the RAN,
difference remains to be seen, but more of construction facilities to enhance its which also facing crewing difficulties
ships means more regular patrols can be industrial capacity. so ‘husbanding scarce manpower can
be accomplished by deploying OPVs
with leaner crews compared to frigates
for peacetime constabulary duties.’
This makes the introduction of a dozen
OPVs a useful long-term solution to the
challenges of maritime security.

The expansion of Chinese influence in
NE Asia and the SCS using non-combatant
platforms for presence and coercion is the
primary driver for the focus on OPVs
across the Indo-Pacific. Despite the rulings
of the international court this situation is
likely to continue for some time and the
pressures on maritime security are only
going to increase. Wealthier countries
like India, Japan and Australia that also
have a naval shipbuilding base are able to
order, build and introduce new OPVs into
service. However, the lack of funds and
facilities means that for most states in the
SCS the number of active OPVs remains
woeful and despite current programmes
their capabilities will remain limited. AMR

08 | Asian Military Review |

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AIR

power

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Janweb Lagazo/US Navy

An EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141)
‘Shadowhawks’ lands on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS
Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Note the different side profiles of the under
wing ALQ-99 pods compared to the centreline example.

A DEEPER GROWL
One of the most powerful weapon systems in America’s arsenal, the
EA-18G Growler, is about to get even better with the introduction of

the Next Gen Jammer.

Today, all Boeing EA-18G Growler by Mark Ayton However, the Growler’s Pacific
aircraft are assigned to bases theatre footprint is not just down to the
located around the Pacific. Naval Both the carrier-assigned and land- USN, as Australia also operates the EA-
Air Station Whidbey Island in based Growler squadrons regularly 18G with a single Royal Australian Air
Washington state is the EA-18G deployed around the Pacific theatre. Force (RAAF) squadron based at RAAF
Growler master jet base. Whidbey is also Joint expeditionary squadrons deploy Base Amberley, Queensland. Despite
home to Commander, Electronic Attack to Misawa Air Base in northern Japan, its one-squadron force, the presence
Wing, US Pacific Fleet, the parent wing for Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Anderson of Australian Growlers on the Pacific
all Growler-equipped Electronic Attack Air Base, Guam and Australia. Squadrons theatre’s southern flank, based within
Squadrons; a fleet replacement squadron, assigned to Pacific Fleet carriers transit deployable range of many areas of
nine carrier-assigned squadrons and across the theatre on regular deployments South East Asia represents a formidable
five land-based joint expeditionary to the Persian Gulf, and on short cruises capability in a politically tense part of the
squadrons. The latter are manned by both to participate in major exercises such as world.
US Navy (USN) and US Air Force (USAF) RIMPAC, Valiant Shield and Northern Growler
personnel. One of the carrier-assigned Edge. These collective deployments make Back in 2001, the US Department of
squadrons is based at Marine Corps Air a much greater footprint around the Defense (DoD) tasked the Department
Station Iwakuni in Japan. Pacific theatre compared to those staged
in the European and Central Command
theatres.

10 | Asian Military Review |

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of the Navy to undertake an analysis Royal Australian Air Force
of alternatives for a new-generation
electronic attack aircraft. Royal Australian Air Force Growlers from No.6 Squadron prepare
for a mission during Exercise Pitch Black 2018.
The result of the study was the EA-18G
Growler, a variant of the F/A-18F Super are inter-linked to the front seat. system in US Navy operation since
Hornet, built and configured as a stand- Bring back (the stores load an aircraft 1971. Continual upgrades have enabled
off and escort jammer for the USN. Now the ALQ-99 to remain relevant against
in its second decade of service, the EA- is permitted to land back on the carrier’s potential threats from around the world.
18G continues to be the only dedicated flight deck with) is a design feature of all Different types of ALQ-99 pod are
tactical electronic attack aircraft in the carrier-capable aircraft. Growlers only dedicated to notional wave bands and
DoD’s inventory. releasable stores (weapons) are AGM-88 therefore target sets and what the attack
HARM, AGM-88E AARGM and AIM- solution should be. Over the past 35
Captain Jason Denney, the F/A-18 120 AMRAAM missiles; otherwise its years, the ALQ-99 has been upgraded in
Hornet and EA-18G Growler programme full stores load has to return to the ship. different ways; by either wave band, by
manager with Naval Air Systems During carrier suitability trials, VX- radio frequency exciter or by universal
Command’s PMA-265 said the aircraft 23 undertook gross-weight expansion exciter. Back in 2005 the ALQ-99 system
has a fantastic ability to disrupt signals, testing to increase the Growler’s bring- hit its technology ceiling. Certain new
deny communications, jam radars and back capability to 48,000lb (21,773kg) target sets can be accommodated with
provide crucial support and intelligence, including fuels, up from the Super small tweaks to the system, those
not just to a Navy strike group, but Hornet’s 44,000lb (19,958kg) load. This of a communication or asymmetric
deployed combatant commanders. “The involved launch and recovery operations warfare type, but for the latest surface-
Growler’s ability to work with all other using a test aircraft loaded to its heaviest to-air missile systems, the ceiling
aircraft, not just those in the carrier air configuration. was inhibitive. New architecture was
wing but within the DoD, makes it a required. An alternative of alternatives
critical node operating with deployed Catapult shots had to ensure tow-bar, for a Next Generation Jammer (NGJ)
Air Force, Army and Marine Corps nose-bar, gear and hook point loads were was undertaken, and completed in
expeditionary units; interoperability is a within the required limits for launching April 2010. That November, a resources,
large key performance parameter for the the aircraft. Arrested landings with a requirements and review (R3) board sat at
Growler.” gross weight of 48,000lb were conducted the Pentagon, which provided validation
under various simulated conditions to build the system for use by the EA-18G.
The EA-18G’s primary antennas and to test de-acceleration, high-sink rate During 2010, technology and maturity
sensors are housed in two Northrop landings, roll/yaw offset landings and contracts were awarded to Raytheon,
Grumman ALQ-218 wing-tip pods different attitudes. Northrop Grumman, ITT with Boeing,
with additional antennas located on Tactical jamming systems and BAE Systems focussed on maturing
the forward and aft of the aircraft However, the EA-18G aircraft is only the technology required for the context of
appropriately separated so the system part of the Growler weapons system. The the NGJ system.
correctly processes signals. electronic attack mission is conducted
by the EDO ALQ-99 tactical jamming Providing sufficient power and
Threats can be detected throughout
the RF spectrum measured in small
elements. The signal is handed over to a
secondary receiver which measures very
fine and parametric measurements of the
frequency and amplitude. Geo-location of
the threat is calculated by interferometry;
measuring differences in phase, the
waveform angle relative to the aircraft’s
position in time.

Growler system software is embedded
into the standard Super Hornet release
but features a third level displaying all
electronic attack options. Recognition of
the aircraft’s electronic attack systems
and the ALQ-218 activates the third level.
Aircrew use HOTAS (hands on throttle
and stick) controls to view, operate from
and switch between all three levels of
display.

One control capability of the advanced
crew station is interlinking of the forward
(pilot) and aft cockpits (electronic warfare
officer or EWO) that allow the two crew
to operate the aircraft and its system with
full co-ordination; the EWO uses four
primary displays in the aft cockpit which

| march 2020 | 11

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Raytheon in the Engineering and Manufacturing
Development (EMD) phase.
This image of a ALQ-249 NGJ Mid-band pod shows the aft and forward arrays.
- Increment 2 is the low-band, which
cooling for an electronic attack capability advanced jamming techniques designed includes important threat waveforms and
on a tactical size aircraft is a big challenge. for rapid upgrades with a modular, open has an initial operating capability (IOC)
There’s a trade-off between power and systems architecture. targeted for after 2022.
range which is constrained by physics; the
more power the more generation required, Equipped with agile, active - Increment 3 is the high-band with an
but the EA-18G does not generate a lot of electronically scanned arrays and an all- IOC after 2024. This will be housed in a
excess power so power generation needs digital back end, the ALQ-249 conducts smaller pod carried on the outer wing
to be built into the pod. The ALQ-99 uses precise jamming assignments against stations 2 and 10.
externally-mounted RAM air turbines, a advanced and emerging threats operating
pitched propeller that generates a lot of throughout a wide range of radio Naval Air Systems Command
power. That’s not an option for the NGJ frequency bands. currently describes Increment 2 and
because the power required by its solid Increment 3 as planned future efforts.
state and active array technologies is too Confronted with integrated air
great for an externally-mounted RAM air defence system radars, communications, April 2016 was an important month
turbine as used by the ALQ-99; instead and data links, the ALQ-249’s ability to for the NGJ Mid-Band programme; it
the pod uses an internal RAM air turbine engage threat systems and conduct robust received Milestone B approval to enter
generator dubbed the RAT G. jamming at standoff distances is vital. EMD, and Raytheon was awarded a
Consequently, the ALQ-249 must provide 56-month contract valued at $1 billion
Arrays also present unique challenges. sufficient effective isotropic radiated for execution of the EMD phase. In
An active electronically scanned array power (EIRP); the measured  radiated accordance with the contract, Raytheon
radar works best using a large flat plate, (output) power of an antenna in a specific will deliver 15 engineering development
an arrangement that allows a good beam direction. model pods to be used for mission
to be formed by focussing a lot of energy. systems testing and qualification, and 14
Electronic attack is no different but for Once integrated on the EA-18G, the aeromechanical pods for airworthiness
the requirement to have almost a 100 ALQ-249 will be capable of contributing to certification.
percent duty cycle active array for full-on the full range of warfare from air strikes in
jamming, which requires efficient beam anti-access/area denial environments to On 27 April, 2017, the NGJ
formers and amplifiers. Use of gallium the type of irregular warfare encountered programme completed its critical design
nitride circuits to enable close to 100 in Afghanistan. review which identified deficiencies that
percent duty cycle jamming required deemed a redesign of the pod structure,
this technology to be matured, such that The ALQ-249 pod is approximately which caused schedule and cost breaches
development contracts were awarded 14ft (4.27m) long with a fuselage diameter to the programme. Despite the structure
to four companies in 2010. A follow-on close to 30 inches (760mm). redesign development, manufacturing,
contract for gallium nitride circuits was integration and testing of the antenna
awarded to Raytheon in July 2013. One outcome of the November arrays, power generation system,
Next Generation Jammer 2010 R3 board was to return the NGJ software, common electronics unit
Under the Joint Electronics Type programme into incremental capabilities. continued, in accordance with the EA-
Designation System, the NGJ Mid-band 18G H16 software integration schedule.
is dubbed the ALQ-249; a high-powered, - Increment 1 is the mid-band, which
agile, electronic attack system capable of covers the most critical threat waveforms On 18 October, 2017, a memorandum
operating at stand-off ranges, attacking across a full spectrum of agile and of understanding was signed with
multiple targets simultaneously with adaptive communications, datalinks, and Australia forming a joint program
non-traditional radio frequency targets. office and a cooperative development
programme. The Royal Australian Air
Increment 1 will be used to Force is the only other air arm currently
deny, degrade, or deceive use of the operating the EA-18G Growler.
electromagnetic spectrum employing Testing
both reactive and pre-emptive Naval Air System Command’s anechoic
jamming techniques and is currently chamber at Patuxent River is currently
occupied by an EA-18G Growler aircraft
fitted with the first set of two engineering
development model mission system pods.

The aircraft and pods were first placed
in the chamber last November. To date
they have undertaken over 400 hours of
testing with both pods radiating to check
basic pod functionality and to capture
electromagnetic interference data. The
latter being the measurement of radiation
data which is used to ensure the pod
does not overheat or adversely affect the
aircraft and the aircrew. Data captured
in the chamber is also being used to gain

12 | Asian Military Review |

AIR

power

an interim flight clearance authorisation should take place by early 2022. If the PMA-265 is now underway with the
to operate a Growler aircraft fitted review is successful, the NGJ pod will developmental test of the subsequent H16
with a set of NGJ pods in non-standard enter operational test that year, followed software which will provide
configurations, flight envelopes, or by an initial operating capability
conditions. declaration in FY2022. - software and hardware upgrades to
Growler’scontinuous improvement the ALQ-218 digital receiver
The chamber testing is now providing As part of the Growler’s road map, the
real data, as opposed to analysed data, aircraft is continually improved primarily - an open architecture, multi-level
for use in the mission system modelling by the roughly biennial introduction of secure processor known as the Distributed
process to begin validation of the system. new operational flight program software Tactical Processor-Network (DTP-N)
Prior to that, extensive mission system drops. As a backdrop to the latest H14 reckoned to be 17-times more powerful
modelling of the pod’s application to software, the previous H12 release than the original Growler system
electronic attack and jamming was based included another phase of multi-sensor
entirely on analysed data captured from integration improvements, enhanced - the Tactical Targeting Networking
ALQ-99 pods in operational scenarios. ALQ-218 geolocation, communication Technology (TTNT), a high throughput,
Stores integration countermeasures set improvements, low latency datalink called with satellite
Last summer, Raytheon delivered the first display improvements (symbology and communications  for advanced network
NGJ Mid-Band EMD pod to Patuxent crew-vehicle interface) to enhance air-to- connectivity.
River to begin initial stores integration. surface, air-to-air and counter electronic
This includes verification of ground attack sensor integration to manage Equipped with DTP-N and TTNT,
procedures, mass properties, aircraft aircrew workload, and additional a pair of Growlers will be able to fuse
installation, and built in test checks, all capabilities to operate in ATC-controlled data acquired by on board and off
in preparation for chamber and flight airspace. board sensors to generate a common
testing. tactical picture of the battlespace and
The latest, H14, commenced rapidly exchange that information with
Different types of tests require operational test in October 2018, other assets. What does that achieve?
different configurations of pods such as concluded earlier this year, and has just It enhances targeting capabilities and
fatigue, static, jettison and aeromechanical been released to the fleet to meet the latest improves air-to-air timelines and
versions; the latter used for flying qualities operational requirements. Last March, performance. This capability is scheduled
and aircraft integration. Pods used for Naval Air Systems Command staged to be implemented with several H-series
mission system testing are in full-up numerous fire control missions in an software builds.
configuration with all of the sub-systems electronic attack environment at the sea
installed. Unsurprisingly mission system test range off the coast of California. Back in August 2017, the Navy
pods are expensive and are actually staged a series of fleet experiments called
unnecessary for some elements of the In July, live fire missile testing Netted Sensors 2017 conducted by the
flight test programme. was undertaken to demonstrate the Navy Warfare Development Command
integration of the AIM-120 AMRAAM involving, amongst others, F/A-18 Super
Prior to first flight, the NGJ pod is missile with the Super Hornet and Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
undergoing all of the standard tests Growler aircraft operating with the H14
required for stores integration. Static software. Focus of the experiments was sensor
strength testing was completed in the networking over the TTNT data link to
early autumn of 2019. Once flights begin, enable distribution of information from
a set of NGJ pods will undergo captive around the maritime battlespace to all
carriage tests; loads, environmental, participating assets; aircraft, ships and
flying qualities, performance, drag and shore stations.
structural integrity. Performance and
jettison tests will follow as part of the Raytheon
employment phase.
An interesting perspective of electronic attack activity radiated from
Captain Orr described the forthcoming two ALQ-249 NGJ mid-band pods.
NGJ flight test programme as thorough
and extensive, involving hundreds of
missions. It will involve aero mechanical
testing of the pod’s physical integration
on the aircraft; mission systems testing
of the pod’s performance, and ultimately
carrier suitability testing.

Chamber testing will continue for
quite some time as its focus changes to
increased performance. Milestone C, the
low-rate initial production decision, is
anticipated at the end of FY2020. Flight
testing is expected to start this spring and
continue through most of 2021.

An operational test readiness review

| march 2020 | 13

AIR

power

Naval Air Systems Command

An EA-18G Growler assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 loaded
with a ALQ-249 Next Gen Jammer pod on station 3 (middle).

EA-18Gs were focused on working keep pace with the fleet’s demands; this for the mid-2040s, PMA-265 is already
a common tactical picture, multi-ship will continue with H16. conducting a service life assessment
electronic surveillance, Growler manned- Block II Growler and the number programme to assess utilisation and when
unmanned teaming, and network- one mission a service life extension programme will
centric collaborative targeting (NCCT) Ongoing work is defining the Block II need to start. Captain Denney explained
technologies. What does this all mean? capability development programme, that because of the Growler’s utilisation, a
It means using joint data standards and which will include conformal fuel tanks, service life extension programme will not
interfaces to speed up sensor cueing and in pretty much the same configuration as start until after conversion to the Block II
targeting through to launching strikes in those under development for the Block is complete. He said: “We are forecasting
multi-sensor geolocation events. III Super Hornet. Similarly, the advanced 2025 as the Block II IOC.”
crew station featuring a large area display
Captain Denney outlined other and low-profile head-up display will When asked whether the PMA-265
initiatives to deliver new capability to the initially deploy on the Block III Super team will be able to stay ahead of fast
fleet faster to outpace potential threats, Hornet and then the Block II Growler. developing emerging threats, Captain
to improve and sustain aircraft mission Denney said it was the team’s number
capability rates by using predictive Growlers are not equipped with a one mission: ”Our motto is to support,
maintenance in order to spend time cannon, but the internal space is not left to sustain and advance the fleet. That is
performing effective and proactive empty, it’s fitted out with an airborne what we do, whether that’s getting the
maintenance rather than reactive electronic attack palette; this will be mission capability rate above 80 percent,
maintenance. replaced with Block II to overcome or making sure the aircraft is able to fight
obsolescence. and win against potential adversaries,
One change already in effect and in that is why we make incremental
support of the above is migration from Given the relatively small fleet of improvements. We are developing the
multi-sensor integration to multi-system aircraft, their ongoing utilisation rates, and Block II Growler to exceed the capabilities
integration. This allows for insertion of an out-of-service date currently pitched of our potential adversaries.” AMR
new technologies and requirements to

14 | Asian Military Review |



SPECIAL GA-ASI

SUPPLEMENT

A Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) General Atomics
Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B
SkyGuardian.

ASIAV-EPHAICCILFEICDUIRNEMCATONRNYED20A2E0RIAL
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) continue to proliferate in the Asia
Pacific region, driven by increasing demand for persistent presence
and surveillance from countries with large land and maritime domains

to secure.

For large and small regional by JR Ng operational squadron in the RAN’s Fleet
stakeholders, UAVs are seen Air Arm. The unit oversees the service’s
as an attractive proposition to the Asia Pacific accounts for over a third fleet of Boeing Insitu’s ScanEagle and
reduce the strain on manpower of the projected growth, second only to Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter vertical take-
and aircraft resources, not to North America which accounts for nearly off and landing (VTOL) UAVs.
mention getting good value from defence half of the total growth rate. The Royal Australian Air Force
budgets. AUSTRALIA (RAAF) formerly operated four Israel
Regional interest in larger UAV The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron 1
platforms – especially in the medium- emerged as a leading regional UAV user, MALE UAVs leased from Canadian
altitude and high-altitude long with its three services simultaneously company MDA, while an Memorandum
endurance (MALE and HALE) classes – pursuing a broad range of development of Understanding (MoU) for logistics and
has clearly been observed in recent years and acquisition programmes that is training support was concluded with
with countries such as Australia, China, noteworthy for being diverse, from Canadian forces deployed in Afghanistan.
Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, pocket-sized ‘nanocopters’ to high-end In February 2019, Boeing and the
and Taiwan all fielding such capabilities. MALE and HALE systems. Australian Department of Defence (DoD)
This upward trend is indicative of the The Australian Army was announced a partnership to develop a
increasing maturity of such platforms experimenting with UAVs as early as the large UAV concept demonstrator that
and their associated technologies, as well 1990s before introducing some of these will be capable of smart teaming with
as the growing confidence and desire of capabilities during overseas deployments existing military aircraft, using artificial
regional countries to incorporate these – including Afghanistan, East Timor, intelligence (AI) enabled technologies to
into their military forces. and Iraq – from 2005. The service is fly independently or in support while
According to US-based consultancy looking into expanding its use of such maintaining safe separation between
Market and Markets, the global UAV systems following more than a decade other aircraft.
market was valued at estimated $19.3 of successful UAV operations, with new Fielded Capabilities
billion in 2019 and is projected to reach capabilities expected to be introduced by Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Initial flight
$45.8 billion by 2025, at a compound the mid-2020s. trials to assess the operability of the long-
annual growth rate of 15.5 percent from The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has endurance ScanEagle UAV system aboard
2019 to 2025. The demand for UAVs in stood up a dedicated UAV unit known as
822X Squadron, which is also the fourth

16 | Asian Military Review |

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SUPPLEMENT

the RAN’s three Adelaide class FFG-7 to two VTOL UAV platforms to conduct the Australian Army was announced in
frigates were completed aboard HMAS operations from the RAN’s Future August 2010 under Joint Project 129 Phase
Newcastle in June 2016. The system is now Frigates and offshore patrol vessels 2. The package comprised 18 air vehicles,
in operational use aboard the Adelaide- (OPVs). Delivery of the first S-100 systems four ground control systems, support
class frigates and was deployed in June powered by 55hp (41kW) Diamond systems, and initial training. It also
2017 along with HMAS Newcastle as part gasoline piston engines occurred in mid- included funding to deliver the UAVs
of Operation Manitou in the Middle East, 2017, with additional systems equipped to Australian troops in Afghanistan. The
where its visual and ranging system with modified Rotron 600 HFE propulsion two systems were delivered by April 2012
(ViDAR) helped gather surveillance data. systems delivered in December 2017. and were operated by 20 Surveillance
While on its deployment, the ScanEagle Schiebel will update two of these vehicles and Target Acquisition (STA) Regiment.
UAV was also involved in the RAN’s first with the internally developed S-2 HFE By September 2013, the type had
operational manned/unmanned teaming system, which is expected to be delivered completed 10,000 flying hours in support
(MUM-T) with the frigate’s Sikorsky MH- to the RAN in the third quarter of 2019 of International Security Assistance
60R helicopter in September 2017. The for acceptance testing. The Australian Force (ISAF) troops before returning
Australian Army also leased army leased Army is also operating the type under to Australia the following month. The
ScanEagles and completed 45,000 flying lease, and in December 2018 tested Elta army is presently seeking its replacement
hours while deploying the system in Systems’ ELK-7065 high frequency (HF) under the Land 129 Phase 3 programme
Afghanistan before acquiring the Shadow communications intelligence (COMINT) with the aim of acquiring a new capability
200 system. and direction-finding system and by around 2022.
Schiebel Camcopter S-100: The RAN Overwatch Imaging’s TK-5 Firewatch AeroVironment RQ-12 Wasp AE: In
selected the S-100 Camcopter under the smart tactical mapping payload aboard June 2017 the Australian government
Navy Minor Project 1942 tender request. one of its leased platforms. announced a contract worth up to $36.5
Although the number of S-100 systems AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems/ million for the delivery of hand-launched
was not disclosed, the rotary UAV was Textron Systems RQ-7B Shadow: The AeroVironment Wasp AE UAVs to fulfil
to be used for operational training and acquisition of two complete RQ-7B the army’s small unmanned aerial system
development ahead of a future phase of Shadow 200 tactical UAV systems at a (UAS) requirement under Project Land
Joint Project 129 that aims to select one cost of $133 million (AUD$175m) for 129 Phase 4. The Army plans for every

SPECIAL

SUPPLEMENT

combat team to be equipped with the The Royal Australian Navy selected Schiebel's Schiebel
1.2kg Wasp AE mini-UAV, which can S-100 Camcopter under Navy Minor Project
operate for up to 50 minutes out to a 1942. It will be used for operational training
range of 5km. The UAV is equipped with and development.
a pan-tilt-zoom Mantis i22 AE gimballed
payload that delivers live, streaming
colour and infrared IR) video.

FLIR Systems PD-100 Black Hornet 2020s. The DoD ultimately committed to and associated training and logistical
II: The Australian Army outlined plans six Tritons, with the first being contracted support. Delivery is said to be made in
in 2017 for each combat platoon to be in June 2018 and the second in March mid- to late-2019.
equipped with FLIR PD-100 Black Hornet 2019. The first air vehicle is also expected
II ‘nano-UAVs’. Weighing approximately to enter service in mid-2023 and be fully DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC
18g, the hand-launched UAV features a operational by 2025. All six platforms OF KOREA (DPRK)
tadpole-shaped fuselage design that is are planned to be delivered by late 2025 The DPRK’s interest in UAVs can be
propelled by an electric motor driving a and based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in traced back to the 1970s, although it was
120mm two-bladed main rotor and tail South Australia, When in service, the not until the late 1980s when a number
rotor. It can stay airborne for up to 25 Triton UAVs are expected to complement of ASN-104/D-4 UAVs were acquired
minutes on a full charge, and can operate the RAAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidon from China. During the 1990s a small
to a maximum range of 2km from the maritime patrol aircraft, paving the way number of Russian-made DR-3 Reys were
base station. Around 160 Black Hornet for the retirement of the service’s ageing received from Syria and Pchela-1T UAVs
systems will be deployed across every Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orions. The total from Russia.
combat platoon as a reconnaissance asset value of the programme is expected to be By the early 2000s North Korea
with deliveries commencing in early 2018 worth approximately $5 billion. possessed not only a growing inventory
and expected to be completed by 2019. BANGLADESH of UAVs but had begun to manufacture
Although Bangladesh does not presently a UAV based on the ASN 104, known
Under Development/Consideration/ operate any military UAVs, the country’s locally as the Panghyon I. The improved
Trials procurement agency – the Directorate Panghyon II based on the ASN-105
Boeing Airpower Teaming System General Defence Purchase (DGDP) – followed several years later.
(BATS): The 11.7m long BATS features issued a tender notice in December 2017 Reports also indicate that the DPRK
a design range of around 3,700km and to procure a MALE-class UAV for the is developing a long-endurance UAV,
is expected to make its first flight in 2020, Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). The DGDP with Republic of Korea (RoK) officials
following its unveiling in mock-up form said the UAV will be used for intelligence, revealing that “numerous test flights”
at the Australian International Airshow surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and by such prototypes have been detected
in March 2019. The DoD is investing $28 targeting operations under the military’s since early 2016. In June 2017, a crashed
million in the development programme. Forces Goal 2030 modernisation plan. 1.8m-long and 2.4m-wide UAV was
Boeing also stated that it will build three The UAV is expected to have a discovered in the South Korean county
prototypes in Australia. maximum speed of 108 knots (200km/h) of Inje, Gangwon province. South
and maximum range of 1,000km, as well Korean officials subsequently revealed
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems as a maximum ceiling of nearly 20,000 that the UAV had taken photographs of
MQ-9B SkyGuardian: The DoD feet (6,000m). Also desired is a ground the deployment site of the US Army’s
downselected the MQ-9B SkyGuardian control station, avionics systems, sensors, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
for its AIR 7003 requirement for an datalinks, electro-optical and IR payloads, (THAAD) system in Seongju prior to the
armed UAV capability, favouring the and the provision to carry weapons. crash, suggesting that the communist
type over the MQ-9A Reaper. Following Unconfirmed reports have suggested that state has significantly improved the range
the shortlisting of the MQ-9B, a proposal the BAF has selected China’s Wing Loong of its UAVs.
for the acquisition will be put together II strike-capable reconnaissance UAV,
for considering in the 2021-22 timeframe. with an initial contract covering four air Fielded Capabilities
It is understood that between 12-16 air vehicles, a ground control station (GCS), Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-
vehicles – valued at $880 million (A$1.3 104/D-4: Development of the D-4 began in
billion) – will be acquired for the RAAF
to stand up its first armed MALE UAV
capability.

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton:
A HALE UAV capability for persistent
long-range maritime patrol and other
surveillance missions is being sought
under Project AIR 7000 Phase 1B, with
the latest Defence White Paper in 2016
stating that up to seven of these UAVs
are expected to be acquired from the early

18 | Asian Military Review |

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SUPPLEMENT

March 1980 and was originally intended blade propeller driven by a tractor engine System (KUS)-FS MALE UAV, the KUS-
to be a low-altitude, low-speed UAV for mounted in the nose. It is now likely that FT tactical UAV, the KUS-VH vertical
civilian applications such as aerial survey the DPRK is locally manufacturing the helicopter, the KUS-VT tiltrotor, and the
and mapping. This was subsequently type, following the acquisition of several KUS-HD hybrid multi-rotor UAV.
acquired by the People’s Liberation of these UAVs in the 1990s. Deftech is also partnering with
Army (PLA) for tactical missions such as MALAYSIA Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to
front-line reconnaissance and electronic The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) meet an anticipated RMAF requirement
jamming. presently operates leased UAVs – the for wide area surveillance with its
Panghyon I and II: Domestically Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle and the Anka MALE UAV, also with potential
manufactured versions of the X’ian ASN- indigenously developed Alliance technology transfers in advanced aero
104 (described above) and ASN-105 UAVs. Unmanned Developmental Research composites and control technology.
The Panghyon II is essentially the same Aircraft (ALUDRA) Mk1 tactical UAV. In August 2018, the RMAF released
airframe but incorporates an extended The country is looking to expand its its Capability 55 (CAP55) roadmap that
range control system. use of UAVs – particularly by the Royal outlines its modernisation plans up to
Yakovlev OKB Pchela-1T: Developed Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Royal 2055, which also highlighted the need
in the early 1990s to meet a Malaysian Navy (RMN) as it seeks for a MALE-class reconnaissance UAV. A
tactical surveillance and electronic cost-effective measures to monitor request for information was issued in late
countermeasures requirement, the developments in the South China Sea, December and called for responses by
Pchela-1T adopts a pusher-propeller Straits of Malacca, and the Sulu Sea near February 2019, indicating that the service
propulsion arrangement and carries a Sabah. has yet to firm up its requirements.
TV camera with zoom lens. It is believed Korean Air Aerospace Division Fielded Capabilities
that the DPRK acquired up to 10 of these (KAL-ASD) agreed in April 2018 to Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Malaysian
UAVs. transfer technologies and expertise to company Unmanned Systems Technology
Taiyuan Navigation Technologies Sky- the Malaysian company DRB-HICOM (UST), a subsidiary of Composites
09P: The Sky-09P is powered by a two- Defence Technologies (Deftech). This Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM),
would allow it to support local co- is contracted to provide UAV surveillance
production of the Korean Unmanned covering sections of land and sea in and

We focus on outperforming technology

RGW 90

 Long Range Multi-Purpose High Explosive
 Anti-Tank (HEAT/HESH)

 Anti-Structure
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www.dn-defence.com | [email protected]

RGW90_englischAMR_2020.indd 1 28.02.2020 12:10:40

SPECIAL

SUPPLEMENT

around Sabah. ScanEagle UAVs have indigenously developed systems, with still, motion video and forward-looking
been leased by the MAF Joint Force one example armed with small unguided infrared (FLIR) sensors, with a flight
Headquarters to operate from its Kudat bombs showcased at its 71st anniversary endurance of two hours and a range of
base. parade in December 2018. 25km.

Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) Fielded Capabilities INDIA
ALUDRA Mk1: Development of the China Aerospace Science and India has been involved in UAV
ALUDRA Mk1 can be traced back to Technology Corporation (CASC) Cai development for over two decades,
a number of earlier efforts by CTRM Hong/Rainbow (CH)-3: CASC’s CH-3 with research and development (R&D)
and SCS (SR-1 and SR-2; Nyamok) UAV, developed by its China Academy organisations such as the Aeronautical
that commenced from 2003. At least of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA) Development Establishment (ADE),
15 systems are believed to be operated subsidiary, features a cranked wing Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Defence
under lease since 2006, with UST as main design a span of 8m as well as forward Research and Development Organisation
contractor. canards. The UAV has a maximum take- (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
off weight of around 650kg. It is powered (HAL), National Aerospace Laboratories
Thales España Fulmar: The Malaysian by a rear-mounted piston engine driving (NAL), developing UAVs with ISR,
Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) a three-bladed pusher propeller and targeting, and weapon guidance
acquired six Fulmar UAVs for its latest can carry a payload of up to 180kg. The capabilities for a number of years.
New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC) company has stated that it can fly for up The country has a growing UAV
in 2016. The Fulmar UAV is designed to to 12 hours with a control radius of 200km requirement for its military, paramilitary,
support ISR roles and can carry an 8kg via line-of-sight (LOS) datalinks. Between border security forces, and commercial
payload. The MMEA-specific model 10-12 CH-3 UAVs are believed to have organisations across the platform size
will carry one high-resolution video been acquired by Myanmar. spectrum. Indigenous efforts have thus
camera with automatic target tracking far resulted in a number of deployable
capabilities. The MMEA’s Fulmar UAV is NEW ZEALAND mini- to tactical-class UAVs, although
launched via a catapult launcher, situated The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) local industry has been struggling to
just behind the ships’ SMASH 30mm has expressed its desire for aerial ISR develop larger platforms in the MALE
naval gun system. The UAV is recovered UAVs in its Future Land Operating and HALE class.
using an impact-absorbing net deployed Concept 2035 paper, which outlines However, collaboration with foreign
on the deck space immediately behind potential challenges for its armed forces developers such as Israel’s IAI as well as
the bridge. in the next decade and beyond. technology research institutes – which
Under Development/Consideration/ A similar desire had also been are also involved in R&D or part-
Trials highlighted by the NZDF in its latest manufacture of more advanced platforms
Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) 2016 Defence White Paper, which has – could finally provide the necessary
ALUDRA Mk2: The ALUDRA Mk2 is proposed $14 billion (NZ$20 billion) out breakthroughs in the development of
intended to be acquired by the MAF, to around 2030 to enhance the capabilities larger multi-role UAVs. In March 2019,
although this requirement appears to of its various services, although both US DoD acquisition head Ellen Lord
have lapsed with the armed forces still documents do not offer any specific revealed that the US Air Force Research
operating the Mk1. timelines or preferred systems. Laboratory is aiming to partner with
The Royal New Zealand Navy DRDO to develop a small, air-launched
Deftech ALUDRA Camar: Deftech and (RNZN) has also indicated an interest to UAV system that would likely be
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) field a maritime UAV aboard its Otago- deployed via air mobility transports such
are jointly developing a 40kg-class class OPVs, which would greatly benefit as the Boeing C-17 and Lockheed Martin
surveillance UAV which is expected to from an organic high-speed surveillance C-130J, which both countries operate.
be completed by 2019. The Camar is capability for their extended maritime Fielded Capabilities
constructed from reinforced composites and economic exclusive zone (EEZ) IAI Heron 1/2: The Indian Air Force (IAF)
is 2.5m long with a 4m span. Deftech patrols. However, no formal requirement is known to operate at least 20 Heron
states that the Camar will be capable of has been raised to date. MALE UAVs for long endurance ISR
flying for up to six hours with a control In November 2018, NZDF chief Air mission, with the first examples delivered
radius of approximately 80km Marshal Kevin Short noted in a televised in 2001. Meanwhile, the Indian Army
MYANMAR interview that the service is seeking a new signed a $218 million contract in February
The Myanmar Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) UAV capability by the mid-2020s. 2013 for additional Heron UAVs that
is believed to be operating a squadron were delivered from early 2014 to equip
of Chinese-manufactured UAVs based Fielded Capabilities its artillery regiments situated along the
at Meiktila Air Base in north-central Skycam UAV Kahu: The Kahu has disputed Sino-Indian border. The army
Myanmar. Reports of UAVs being tested been designed as a high performance, earlier acquired 16 Heron UAVs in 2009.
by the Tatmadaw in Rakhine State aerodynamically efficient mini-UAV that The Indian Navy (IN) is believed to
near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border is equipped with an autopilot system operate at least 12 Heron UAVs, with a
surfaced in early 2015 before the outbreak designed by the New Zealand Defence number of these located at its Porbandar
of the Kokang conflict. It is also pursuing Technology Agency. It is presently facility on the west coast to monitor the
operated by the New Zealand Army and waters off Karachi. However, a Heron
can carry a range of high performance

20 | Asian Military Review |

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UAV crashed soon after take-off in March some stage. Following its maiden flight indigenously develop UAV platforms
2018. Taken together, the total number in November 2016, Rustom II has been for the Indonesian armed forces (Tentara
of these air vehicles in Indian military renamed the Tactical Air-Borne Platform Nasional Indonesia, TNI) have been
service likely exceeds 50 units. for Surveillance-Beyond Horizon 201 hindered by a lack of industrial and
IAI Searcher Mk II: All three services of (TAPAS BH 201) and is expected to be technical capabilities as well as financial
the Indian armed forces have also been employed primarily as an ISR platform. constraints.
operators of the tactical-class Searcher DRDO Nishant: Work on the catapult- The country’s top defence officials
II UAV since 2001. The MkII variant launched Nishant multirole tactical UAV have reiterated a requirement for armed
features extended-span wings and began in the mid-1990s with its maiden MALE-class UAVs. PT Dirgantara
an AR 682 rotary engine that provide flight in 2008. Four of these systems were Indonesia (PTDI) and Turkish Aerospace
improved flight endurance over the acquired by the Indian Army in 2011, (TAI) indicated an interest in joint
earlier model. It is also configurable for although a series of crashes between 2013 development – based on the Anka UAV
tactical surveillance and communications and 2015 prompted the service to cease – for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-
relay and can carry multiple payloads acquisition of the system. A conventional Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU) In January
simultaneously. take-off and landing variant with a 2018 and again in August 2018. Officials
IAI Harop/Harpy: Although not wheeled undercarriage, designated have also outlined an interest to acquire
specifically a UAV, the IAF has procured Panchi, was under development but armed UAVs from China, with an eye on
at least 10 units of the Harop loitering this effort also appears to have ceased technology transfer that could eventually
munition under a $100 million deal in following the cancellation of the army’s enable PTDI to develop advanced UAV
2009, which were operational by 2013 order. platforms and systems.
to provide an all-in-one search, observe, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
track, and attack capability against Inc (GA-ASI) Predator B Guardian: Up Fielded Capabilities
fleeting targets of opportunity. The IAF to 22 units of the Guardian, an unarmed Aeronautics Defense Systems Aerostar:
also operates a number of the Harpy anti- maritime variant of the MQ-9 Reaper The TNI-AU operates an Israeli-made
radar attack munitions. MALE UAV system, worth $3 billion tactical UAV that features a stabilised,
Under Consideration/Development/ could be acquired for the Indian Navy gimbal-mounted day/night electro-optic
Trials under the US Foreign Military Sales sensor, and a CommTact datalink. It is
IAI Heron TP/TP-XP: In September 2015 (FMS) programme. Capable of operating powered by a 38hp Zanzottera piston
India’s Minister of Defence approved at a maximum altitude of over 49.200ft engine with a two-blade pusher propeller,
a $400 million purchase of 10 Heron (15,000m), the turboprop powered enabling it to reach a service ceiling of
Turboprop (TP) MALE UAVs, with Guardian is fitted with a Raytheon 18,000ft (5,500m) and an operational
deliveries within 12-18 months of contract SeaVue multimode maritime radar under radius of 200km with an endurance of 14
signing. However, these air vehicles have its belly that provides wide-area maritime hours. This type is being operated by the
yet to materialise – likely due to India’s ISR coverage for 27 hours. service’s Aviation Squadron 51 based near
entry into the Missile Technology Control HAL Unmanned Wingman: The the city of Pontianak in West Kalimantan.
Regime (MTCR). In February 2017, IAI Unmanned Wingman programme
announced a new export-version of the adopts a similar configuration with the China Aerospace Science and
Heron TP called the Heron TP-XP. This US XQ-58A Valkyrie and is currently Technology Corporation Cai Hong-4
export variant has a reduced payload of envisaged as a low-observable, multirole (CH-4): The TNI-AU has taken delivery
450kg compared to the 1,000kg capacity of unmanned combat air vehicle with a of at least two CH-4 armed UAVs, which
the original model to enable members of flight endurance of up to 80 minutes and have been equipped with satellite
the MTCR to acquire it without violating powered by the indigenously developed communications systems that enable
the regime’s obligations. HAL PTAE 7 turbojet engine with a cruise these air vehicles to operate out to 2,000
DRDO Rustom I/II: The DRDO’s speed of Mach 0.7, and a combat radius km. Indonesia is understood to have
Rustom programme aims to produce an of up to 400km. The air vehicle can be signed for six CH-4 UAVs as well as
indigenously developed multirole MALE directed by a combat aircraft at distances associated technology transfer.
UAV to equip all three Indian military of up to 200km, with a possible candidate
services. The platform is expected to being the IAF’s updated Jaguar MAX PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI)/Agency
undertake long-endurance missions, (Mothership for Augmented Xploitation). for the Assessment and Application
including communications relay, ISR, The company has said it aims to of Technology (BPPT) Wulung: The
maritime patrol, as well as artillery fire complete a prototype by 2022 and have Wulung UAV programme, which began
direction and battle damage assessment a production-ready model ready by 2029. in 2004, originally sought to produce an
(BDA). In 2012, the agency suggested INDONESIA indigenously developed UAV to perform
that a strike capability involving the Indonesia has maintained a stated need a variety of civilian missions across
integration of the Helina missile – an for UAVs for several years in a bid the country’s extensive archipelagic
air-launched variant of the Nag anti- to shore up defences across its huge territory, from illegal fishing and logging
tank guided missile currently under territorial waters, which include around surveillance to cloud-seeding missions
development – could be pursued at 17,000 islands. Attempts to procure and and supporting firefighting activities. The
TNI subsequently requested an improved
variant with increased endurance
and range for potential intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)

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missions. PTDI is understood to have camera, is backpack transportable and Subaru FFOS: Development of a
delivered up to 11 Wulung UAVs to the is operated by a two-person team. It is rotary UAV for the JGSDF for target
TNI-AU by end of 2015. believed that several of these examples acquisition, artillery fire-control, and
were trialled by the Komando Pasukan BDA commenced in 1991. Known as the
Under Development/Consideration/ Khusus (KOPASSUS/Special Forces Forward-Flying Observation System
Trials Command) in mid-2014. (FFOS), a prototype performed its maiden
UMS Skeldar Rajawali-330/F-330: JAPAN flight in December 1993 and trialled for
The Indonesian Army (TNI-Angkatan Although the Japan Self-Defense Force the Technical Research and Development
Darat, TNI-AD) acquired three fixed- (JSDF) is widely seen as one of the most Institute (TRDI) until 1997. The FFOS
wing Rajawali-330 surveillance and technologically advanced defence forces carries a daylight TV or FLIR sensor
reconnaissance UAVs and associated in the Asia Pacific, it is interesting to mounted under the fuselage and can also
equipment under a 2015 contract. The air note that its present UAV capabilities be equipped with a laser rangefinder.
vehicle – which is equipped with an EO/ have been for many years comparatively
IR camera, hyper-spectral camera, and modest compared to regional peers such Yamaha R-MAX Mk IIG: A rotary UAV
a mapping camera with light detection as China and South Korea. first developed as the R-50 from 1983
and ranging (LIDAR) capabilities – is a However, since 2014 the country for commercial agriculture and entered
derivative of the F-330 and is being co- has outlined a series of initiatives to service in 1991. The more advanced
developed under licence by Indonesian grow its indigenous UAV development R-MAX featuring an improved engine,
defence manufacturer PT Bhinneka Dwi capabilities, with the aim of introducing flight stability, and safety functions was
Persada (BDP). Training was conducted new and more capable air vehicles that introduced in late 1997. An evolved
from April 2016, with all three air vehicles can perform persistent ISR and early version, G-1, was introduced in October
believed to be delivered by mid-2016. warning missions across it vast maritime 2005 and certified in January 2008. This
domain and airspace. was followed by a military variant, the
PDTI Elang Hitam (Black Eagle): PTDI Fielded Capabilities MkIIG, which entered service with the
revealed in December 2019 that it is Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The March JGSDF and deployed for peacekeeping
leading the development of an indigenous 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami missions in Iraq in 2005.
armed MALE UAV called the Black Eagle, and nuclear crisis prompted the Japan
which features a 16m wingspan and a Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru)
MTOW of 1,300kg. According to PTDI, improve its humanitarian assistance TACOM: The Fuji TACOM (TAyouto
the air vehicle will eventually be capable and disaster relief (HADR) and ISR COgata Mujinki, or Small Multirole
of 30-hour flights and carry up to 300kg capabilities, awarding a contract with UAV) is a unique air-launched UAV
of mission equipment and/or weapons. then Insitu Pacific to deliver a ScanEagle that was used by the JASDF to evaluate
Flight trials are expected to commence in UAV via Mitsubishi Heavy Industries autonomous high-speed flight and
2020. (MHI) for operational testing. The system manoeuvring techniques. Although
was developed and tested by Insitu primarily a test platform, the TACOM
PT Indo Pacific Communication & Pacific in collaboration with MHI to meet could potentially undertake a range of
Defence (IPCD) Tactical UAV: The hand- Japanese spectrum requirements and was missions including surveillance and
launched Tactical UAV was first unveiled delivered by May 2013. reconnaissance.
by IPCD at the 2014 Indo Defence
exhibition in Jakarta. The air vehicle, Under Development/Consideration/
which typically carries a high-definition Trials
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global
Several navies in Boeing Hawk: In December 2013, the Japanese
the region are using MoD confirmed plans to purchase three
Boeing's ScanEagle. RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE UAVs, and
announced its firm decision in January
2015. This was followed by a US Defense
Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)
announcement in November detailing
the request and potential sale of three
RQ-4 Block 30i (international) air vehicles
to Japan at an estimated cost of $1.2
billion. In October 2017, Northrop
Grumman signed a $130 million contract
to acquire long-lead materials for three
Global Hawk Block 30s, two ground
control elements, as well as spares and
site survey. Japan firmed up its order in
November 2018, awarding a $490 million
contract to the company for the three air
vehicles. These will be equipped with the
Raytheon Enhanced Integrated Sensor

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Suite (EISS) – which comprises EO/IR, Leonardo Falco: Originally developed PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
synthetic aperture radar, and ground by Selex ES/Finmeccanica, the long Chinese industry has introduced scores of
moving target indicator systems – and range Falco UAV comprises a fuselage unmanned systems over the past decade,
to be delivered by 1 September 2022. The module that supports a fixed tricycle mainly produced by state-owned defence
Japanese government is also selecting a undercarriage, shoulder-mounted gull primes such as the Aviation Industry
base for the UAVs, which is anticipated wings and a rear-mounted pusher engine. Corporation of China (AVIC) and China
to be Misawa Air Base in northern Japan. The company states that the air vehicle Aerospace Science and Technology
PAKISTAN has an operational radius of 200km and Corporation (CASC), although the
Pakistan has attempted to acquire a 14 hour endurance, although this can be number of private firms involved in
Western made UAVs since the early 2000s, further extended via command handover military and dual-use UAV development
but it was not until 2006 before it acquired between ground control stations (GCS). has also increased significantly. Indeed,
the German-made Luna and Italian Falco Deliveries of the Falco to the Pakistan Air the US DoD believes that the country
UAVs. Concerted efforts to develop its Force is believed to have been completed could manufacture as many as 41,800
indigenous UAV production capabilities in 2008 with service entry in 2009. UAVs worth over $10 billion by 2023.
have also borne fruit, with a number of The DoD also believes that the
domestically produced systems already Global Industry and Defence Solutions development and acquisition of longer-
in service with the Pakistan armed forces. (GIDS) Burraq: Claimed to be a fully range UAVs will increase the People’s
Fielded Capabilities indigenous development by the state- Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) ability to
Advanced Computer Engineering owned National Engineering and conduct long-range reconnaissance
Services (ACES) Uqab II: The Uqab Scientific Commission (NESCOM), the and strike operations, with notable
II is a tactical short-range UAV system Burraq appears to be heavily inspired by developments such as the Wing Loong
developed from the Eagle Eye and has an the Chinese-made CH-3 tactical UAV with (Pterodactyl) and Xianglong (Soaring
operational range of 150km and a ceiling its canard and swept-wing configuration Dragon). Although information about the
of 10,000ft (3,000m). It is fitted with a and pusher-propeller propulsion capabilities of in-service systems remains
pan-tilt-zoom camera and can downlink arrangement. The Burraq entered service shrouded in secrecy, these programmes
digital video in real time. The Uqab UAVs with the Pakistan Air Force in November represent major advances in Chinese
have GPS-based navigation and tracking 2013 and is equipped with two underwing technology.
systems that can be pre-programmed hard points, which can be used to launch
and altered during flight. They can also a variety of munitions including Barq Fielded Capabilities
operate under manual control and use laser-guided missiles. CASC CH-1: The short-range general-
conventional take-off and landing. Global Industry and Defence purpose CH-1 entered production for the
Solutions (GIDS) Shahpar: Adopting a PLA’s artillery forces from around 2003.
Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: Pakistan similar airframe configuration with the The tactical UAV carries a 20kg payload
has acquired an unspecified number of Burraq, the Shahpar is optimised for ISR comprising a range of electro-optical
ScanEagle UAVs under a $15 million missions and does not feature an offensive sensors appropriate for its intended
FMS contract awarded in September 2015. capability. It is presently equipped with missions, which include artillery fire
The contract, which emerged after nearly a four-stroke Rotax 912 ULS engine that direction, battlefield damage assessment,
seven years since the country expressed its provides up to seven hours with an as well as reconnaissance and surveillance
interest in the air vehicle, was handled via operating radius of 250km while carrying within a radius of 100km.
the US Naval Air Systems Command and a 50kg payload, although the company is
is believed to cover up to 30 systems if all planning to upgrade the air vehicle with CASC CH-2: The CH-2 medium-range
options were fully exercised. Deliveries a new and more powerful engine. general UAV is essentially a larger and
of the ScanEagles commenced from the night operations-capable air vehicle based
third quarter of 2016 to the Pakistan Navy. Under Development/Consideration/ on the CH-1 design and was produced
Trials from 2005. The newer platform improves
CASC CH-3: At least 20 CH-3 UAV Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) on almost every aspect of its predecessor,
systems are believed to have been ZF-1 Viper: Promotional material of the including an increased operating radius
delivered to Pakistan in 2011. See earlier ZF-1 Viper stealthy unmanned combat air of 200km and an endurance of eight
entry for air vehicle details. vehicle (UCAV) concept emerged in May hours. An increased payload capacity of
2019, depicting a blended wing design 30kg enables the air vehicle to take on
EMT Luna: The fixed-wing Luna is a with a 18m wingspan and a 16,000kg a greater variety of roles, such as data
short-range battlefield reconnaissance, MTOW, which is expected to achieve a communications relay.
surveillance, and target acquisition UAV maximum speed of 533kts (988km/h)
with a flight endurance of approximately and a service ceiling in excess of 30,000ft AVIC Wing Loong-1/Gongji-1:
six hours and an operational radius (9,100m), while carrying a 300kg payload Developed by AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft
of 100km. Potential payloads include up to a range of 500km. The concept is Design and Research Institute (CADI)
a daylight CCD camera with zoom, a aimed at performing deep penetration subsidiary, the Wing Loong-1 is a MALE-
thermal imager, or a miniature single and suppression of enemy air defences, class UAV that has a wingspan of 14m and
aperture radar. At least three systems as well as reconnaissance and electronic shares a close physical semblance to the
have been acquired for the Pakistan Army. warfare. The effort is part of Pakistan’s US-made RQ-1 Predator. The air vehicle
‘Project Azm’ which seeks to develop next- – which is identified as the Gongji-1 (GJ-
generation military aviation capabilities. 1) in People’s Liberation Army Air Force

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JR Ng Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-209:
The ASN-209 multirole tactical UAV,
which appears to be derived from the
earlier ASN-206/207 design, is believed
to have been acquired by the PLA
Navy (PLAN), with several examples
reportedly sighted during a major
naval exercise between Hainan and the
Spratly Islands during July 2011 as a
shore-based surveillance platform and
communications relay.

A PLAAF Wing Loong-2 MALE UAV, otherwise known as the Gongji-2 (GJ-2). China Aerospace Science and Industry
Corporation (CASIC) WJ-600: The WJ-
(PLAAF) service – has a payload capacity satellite communications (SATCOM) 600 is a high-speed, armed reconnaissance
of 200kg and can carry munitions, such as datalink and carrying up to 150kg of UAV that adopts a form factor that is
the indigenous HJ-10 anti-armour missile, stores and equipment, the air vehicle comparable to that of a cruise missile and
CS/BBE2 50kg high-explosive bomb, and can stay airborne for up to 40 hours and is available with a turbojet (WJ-600) or
LS-6-50 small-diameter bomb. is specifically designed for long-range turbofan (WJ-600A) engine. It is believed
reconnaissance missions. It is believed to have been acquired by the PLAAF,
AVIC Wing Loong-2/Gongji-2: The to be in People’s Liberation Army Navy although it has yet to be seen in operation
PLAAF revealed in November 2018 that Air Force (PLANAF) service, and this despite multiple public appearances at
it has fielded the Wing Loong-2 MALE was proven in April 2018 when the defence exhibitions around the world.
UAV with the in-service designation of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) However, the existence of operational
Gongji-2 (GJ-2). Performance is believed announced that it had photographed a WJ-600s was proven when at least
to remain largely unchanged from the BZK-005 flying over the East China Sea to two examples were displayed during
export Wing Loong-2 platform, although the north of Taiwan. Turkmenistan’s Independence Day
the GJ-2 can be differentiated with its lack Guizhou Aviation Industry Group parade in October 2016.
of wingtip devices. Xianglong (Soaring Dragon): The Export-oriented systems
Xianglong is believed to be the primary AVIC Wing Loong II: Unveiled in
Wuzhen-8 (WZ-8) and Gongji-11 (GJ-11): HALE UAV operated by the PLAAF its production-ready form at the 2016
The PLA made a surprise unveil of two for high-end ISR missions and is often Airshow China Exhibition, the Wing
hitherto unknown special mission UAVs compared to the US-made RQ-4 Global Loong II has an overall length of 11m and
at a military parade commemorating the Hawk. wingspan of 20.5m. The air vehicle has a
70th anniversary of China’s founding. Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-206: stated internal payload capacity of 200kg,
Although no official information has Development of the short-range tactical with provision for up to 480kg of external
been released, the WZ-8 is believed to ASN-206, which reportedly incorporated stores, and can operate for up to 20 hours.
be powered by two solid-state rocket technical assistance from Israeli firm It reportedly made its maiden flight on
engines and designed to be launched by Tadiran Spectralink, began in December 27 February 2017, with AVIC announcing
a host aircraft such as the H-6 bomber. 1994 with serial production believed to that it had secured an unidentified
In contrast, the GJ-11 is believed to be have occurred from 1996. The ASN-206 international customer on the same day.
derived from AVIC’s Lijian (Sharp Sword) has a payload capacity of 50kg and has Beihang Unmanned Aircraft System
UCAV development albeit improved with an operational radius of 150km and flight Technology TYW-1: The export-oriented
a blended fuselage that features enclosed endurance of up to eight hours. TYW-1 is thought to be a strike-capable
exhaust nozzles. Close-up imagery Xi’an ASN Technical Group ASN-207: MALE UAV that is based on the in-
indicates that the air vehicle is equipped The ASN-207 was revealed in 2002 and service BZK-005. It reportedly features a
with two internal payload bays. is essentially a larger and more capable 370kg payload capacity and is equipped
version of the ASN-206, featuring a with four underwing hard points, with a
Beijing University of Aeronautics and 100kg stores carrying ability, a 600km flight endurance of up to 40 hours.
Astronautics (BUAA)/ Harbin Aircraft operational radius, and a 16 hour CASC CH-3: The CH-3 has found regional
Industry Group (HAIG) BZK-005: The endurance. success with Myanmar and Pakistan
existence of the multirole BZK-005 MALE acquiring a number of these systems
UAV was first made known in 2006 in for armed reconnaissance missions.
a promotional video. Equipped with a The company has also developed
civilian variants for applications such
as geological survey and low-level
aerial mapping. Advanced flight control
technologies resulting from these efforts

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have also benefited its military systems. UAV. It will feature a wider wingspan of and is equipped with two hard points
CASC CH-4: Inspired by the US-made 17.6m and be able to carry up to 400kg under each wing. State media reported
RQ-1 Predator, development of the of external stores. The company has that the prototype air vehicle performed
MALE-class CH-4 UAV commenced in stated that it aims to have the I-D variant its maiden flight just days after its public
2009, with the first production-ready production-ready by the end of 2018. unveiling in Nanning.
example rolled out in 2014. Glass fibre- AVIC AV500W: Under development by
based composite materials are used AVIC’s China Helicopter Research and PHILIPPINES
extensively to reduce the overall weight Development Institute (CHRDI), the Despite engaged in decades of
of the air vehicle as well as its radar cross- AV500W is a modified version of the counterinsurgency (COIN) operations,
section (RCS). Two variants are currently civilian model AV500 VTOL UAV with the modernisation of the Armed Forces of
offered: the CH-4A, which is configured a more robust structure and improved the Philippines (AFP) has been hampered
principally for reconnaissance missions performance. The AV500W is stated to by a lack of funding and ineffective
with a flight endurance of 30 hours; and have a payload capacity of 160kg. This policy. The Department of National
the strike-oriented CH-4B, which can typically comprises a chin-mounted, Defense (DND) has in recent years made
carry a 345kg weapons payload but has stabilised electro-optical infrared sensor significant efforts to boost AFP capability
a shorter flight endurance of 14 hours. At turret as well as internally carried and transform it from a COIN-oriented
least 30 CH-4s – valued at $700 million – payloads such as a synthetic aperture force into one that can undertake the full
have been exported worldwide since 2014. radar (SAR) or communications relay spectrum of military operations, which
CASC CH-5: Also unveiled in its systems. Weapons can also be carried on has seen its services benefit from a number
production-ready form at Airshow China its stub wings. of new acquisitions. The AFP initially
2016, the CH-5 features a lightweight all- CASC CH-4C: CASC is developing an adapted hobby drones for tactical ISR
composite airframe that measures 11.3m improved variant of its widely exported support but has recently taken delivery of
long with a wingspan of 21m and bears CH-4 MALE UAV with an updated US-made military systems.
a striking resemblance to the US MQ-9 electronic architecture that will enable it
Reaper UAV. The company claims it can to carry more powerful mission payloads. Fielded Capabilities
carry a maximum payload of 1,200kg. The Designated the CH-4C, it has been seen AeroVironment RQ-11B Raven: The
air vehicle has a stated flight endurance carrying what appears to be an electronic Philippine Army has taken delivery of
of over 40 hours, although a heavy fuel warfare (EW) or signals intelligence the RQ-11B Raven system comprising
variant with an extended endurance (SIGINT) pod during flight trials in early three UAVs as part of a United States-
of 60 hours is under development. The 2018. supported counterterrorism support
company has specified an operating Tengoen Technology TB001 ‘Twin programme. According to a US embassy
radius of 250km via line-of-sight control, Tailed Scorpion’: A new starter in announcement in February 2017, the
although this can be extended to 2,000km China’s UAV industry, Tengoen took army will also receive operations and
when a SATCOM datalink is fitted. the opportunity at the 14th China- maintenance training.
Under Development/Consideration/ Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Trials Exposition in in Nanning in September Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The
AVIC Wing Loong I-D: State media 2017 to unveil its twin-engine, twin-boom Philippines was revealed to have
reported in January 2018 that AVIC is TB001 armed reconnaissance UAV. The acquired the ScanEagle UAV in a US Navy
developing the Wing Loong I-D, an TB001 has a stated maximum range of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
improved version of its Wing Loong I 6,000km and an endurance of 35 hours, solicitation published in June 2017. In
September 2017, the US Department of
State announced that the Philippines is
to receive a ScanEagle system comprising
six UAVs by 2019. This was handed
over to the Philippine Air Force during
JR Ng a ceremony held at Villamor Air Base in
Pasay City in March 2018. The system
is operated by 300 Air Intelligence and
Security Wing (AISW) out of Antonio
Bautista Air Base in Palawan.

Reports indicate that a new version of the Elbit Sytems Hermes 450: The Hermes
CASC CH-4 MALE UAV, which will be known 450 is a tactical-class UAV with a MTOW
of 550kg and a 10.5m wingspan that can
as the CH4C, is being developed. be operated via a single-person GCS. An
unspecified number of these air vehicles
| march 2020 | were acquired under a $153 million
package announced in October 2019.
Elbit Sytems Hermes 900: The Hermes 900
is the first MALE-class UAV platform to
be acquired by the Philippines, featuring

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a MTOW of approximately 1,200kg and a Philippine Army Research and Aerospace Research Institute (KARI),
15m wingspan. An unspecified number Development Center (PARDC) Knight Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and
of these air vehicles were acquired under Falcon: Similar to the Raptor, the Knight Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-
a $153 million package announced in Falcon is a fixed wing UAV that was ASD) spearheading efforts to advance its
October 2019. adapted from a commercial airframe, UAV technology base.
although it is larger and features a longer
Elbit Sytems Skylark 3: The Skylark 3 is range of around 7km. Fielded Capabilities
a tactical ISR platform that is launched KAL-ASD Korean Unmanned System-
via a pneumatic launcher. An unspecified REPUBLIC OF KOREA FT (KUS-FT) /RQ-102: KAL-ASD, a unit
number of these air vehicles were The Republic of Korea (RoK) is one of the South Korean national airline
acquired under a $153 million package of a handful of Asia Pacific countries specialising in military systems, secured
announced in October 2019. that possess advanced aerospace a contract from the Defense Acquisition
industries and are pursuing wide Program Administration (DAPA) in
Elbit Sytems Skylark I-LEX: The hand- ranging unmanned aircraft system 2016 to manufacture the KUS-FT tactical
launched I-LEX is a stealthy, battalion- development programmes. At present, UAV system for the RoKA. The company
level ISR UAV acquired under a $153 the RoK’s military forces rely on a mix will deliver 16 complete systems – each
million package announced in October of indigenously developed systems – comprising four UAVs – by the end of
2019. According to the company, the type with the majority of these operating 2020. The RQ-101is designed for short
is designed for tactical surveillance and is at the tactical level and below – from take-off and landing operations, and can
almost inaudible at altitudes of 330 feet established international manufacturers stay aloft for 24 hours. It is equipped with
(100m) or higher. at the MALE-class and above, such as automatic target tracking capability with
IAI’s Heron I and Northrop Grumman an effective range of up to 10km.
Elbit Sytems Thor quadrotor UAV: The RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk.
Thor is a quadrotor VTOL UAV that is Present domestic development efforts Daewoo/KAI RQ-101 ‘Night Intruder
designed for military and homeland largely centre on MALE-class platforms 300’: The RQ-101 is the RoKA’s first
security missions. The Philippines for the Republic of Korea Air Force tactical-class UAV platform, which adopts
acquired 1,000 Thor UAVs under a $153 (RoKAF) and Republic of Korea Army a fixed-wing configuration and offers a
million package announced in October (RoKA), the introduction of an unmanned 120km operating radius with line-of-sight
2019. combat air vehicle (UCAV) capability, as control or up to 360km with ground relay
well as vertical take-off and landing stations. It has a payload capacity of 45kg
Philippine Army Research and (VTOL), and tiltrotor platforms. which is dedicated to high-definition day
Development Center (PARDC) Raptor: UAVs are also expected to be an and infrared sensors as well as a SAR
Publicly unveiled at an AFP open house important element of the so-called ‘Kill device. Deliveries are understood to have
event in Camp Aguinaldo in December Chain’ integrated surveillance and strike been completed by the end of 2004.
2013, the Raptor is a fixed wing drone system for detecting and neutralising
based on the airframe of a commercially hostile missile launches from the DPRK. Elbit Systems Skylark II: Elbit’s Skylark
available remote-controlled aircraft. It Beyond serving the needs of its II is a larger and more capable version
has an endurance of around three hours armed forces, the country aspires to be of the hand-launched Skylark I with an
and carries a video camera that provides one of the leading manufacturers and endurance of six hours and an operational
real-time imagery and video out to an exporters of world-class UAV systems, radius of approximately 59km. The
operating radius of 3km. The Raptor was with key government agencies and system typically comprises up to two
first deployed during the Zamboanga industry primes such as the Agency for air vehicles, associated payloads, and a
City crisis in September 2013. Defense Development (ADD), Korea truck-mounted rail launcher and GCS.

The Philippine armed forces are Elbit Foosung Group/UCON Systems
using Elbit's Hermes 900 MALE UAV. Remoeye: The RoKA signed a contract
with Foosung Group for its RemoEye
002B mini-UAV in 2013, with deliveries
of 120 systems – each comprising four
air vehicles – commencing in the third
quarter of 2015. The RemoEye 002B is
hand-launched and recovered with an
air-bag cushion system. The electrically
powered air vehicle has an range and
endurance of 10km and 60 minutes,
and is equipped with a nose-mounted,
stabilised electro-optical infrared payload
with pan and tilt scanning.

IAI Heron 1: IAI announced in December
2014 that the South Korean Defense
Acquisition Program Administration

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(DAPA) selected its Heron 1 MALE UAV JR Ng
for the RoK armed forces’ corps-level UAV
requirement. An unspecified number (KARI) and based on the TR-60 system. At the recent Singapore Airshow
of these air vehicles are understood to The KUS-VT can carry a 30kg payload ST Engineering unveiled its Veloce
be operated by the RoKA. At least one and has an operational radius of 200km
of these air vehicles have been reported with an endurance of six hours. It is family of fixed-wing VTOL UAVs.
performing reconnaissance missions over expected to perform autonomous VTOL Shown here is the Veloce 15.
the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). and shipboard operations.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk: remote video terminal, and other support
Under Development/Consideration/ The RoK has acquired four RQ-4 Block equipment. Three of these air vehicles
Trials 30 Global Hawks along with two GCS reportedly malfunctioned and were lost
KAI Next Corps Reconnaissance systems and two spare engines under during routine operations and training
UAV II, Tactical UAV, and unmanned a $657 million FMS contract, which will in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Further work
combat air vehicle (UCAV): KAI is equip a RoKAF ISR unit. Two aircraft are is underway to improve reliability and
developing a range of next-generation scheduled to be delivered in 2018, with a performance.
UAV platforms positioned to meet the further two in 2019. Under Development/Consideration/
future requirements of the RoK armed REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) Trials
forces. Detailed information on these The Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) NCSIST Teng Yun: The prototype of a
developments have yet to be released. has been reluctant to adopt unmanned new MALE-class UAV was revealed at
technologies, with no UAVs known to be the 2015 Taipei Aerospace & Defense
KAL-ASD KUS-FC: Very little is known currently in service. The country’s largest Technology Exhibition (TADTE), which
about the stealth-optimised, turbojet- and most capable UAV, the tactical-class appears to be modelled after the US
powered KUS-FC UCAV. The company Chung Shyang II, is operated by the RQ-1 Predator platform with proposed
has stated a wingspan of approximately Republic of China Army (RoCA). mission sets including communications
16m and a flight endurance of six hours The country’s UAV development relay, persistent ISR operations, as well
at the ADEX 2017 exhibition in Seoul, but efforts are being spearheaded by the as coastal patrol and civilian research
has withheld further information. National Chung-Shan Institute of Science missions. An updated prototype with
and Technology (NCSIST). underwing hard points was subsequently
KAL-ASD KUS-FS: Previously known Fielded Capabilities rolled out at TADTE 2017. In December
as the Medium-Altitude UAV, the KUS- NCSIST Cardinal II: The Cardinal II 2017, President Tsai Ing-Wen announced
FS MALE UAV is being developed for is a small hand-launched UAV that is that the air vehicle, now designated
the RoKAF and is in the same class as the understood to be in RoCA and Republic Teng Yun (Cloud Rider), would enter
US MQ-9 Reaper UAV. The multirole air of China Navy (RoCN) service. The air production.
vehicle is expected to perform missions vehicle is powered by an electric motor SINGAPORE
such as communications relay, electronic and can stay aloft for up to 60 minutes, Singapore has been described by some
warfare (EW), ISR, as well as signals and is recovered via parachute-assisted observers as an ‘enthusiastic user’ of
intelligence (SIGINT). Images showing landing. An electro-optic camera enables UAVs. The country first began unmanned
a prototype in flight reveal that it is also it to capture ISR imagery. aircraft operations with the army-
equipped with two hard points under NCSIST Chung Shyang II: Also known operated Tadiran Mastiff tactical UAV in
each wing, indicating a potential strike as the Albatross, the Chung Shyang 1979, but has since acquired newer and
capability. Development of the air vehicle II is a reconnaissance platform that is more capable platforms that are now
expected to be completed by end of presently in RoCA service. Around 32 operated by the Republic of Singapore
2018, which will then be transferred to UAVs were acquired for the army under Air Force’s (RSAF) UAV Command,
the RoKAF for operational testing and a $120 million contract inked in 2010. The which was inaugurated in 2007 and now
evaluation. package included eight complete control oversees all major military UAV operation.
suites, each comprising a command With a perennial shortfall in manpower,
KAL-ASD KUS-VH: KAL-ASD is post, GCS, launch and recovery system, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) see
developing a rotary-wing unmanned technology as a critical force multiplier
platform based on the MD-500 light with the ongoing modernisation effort
attack helicopter. Flight endurance focusing deeply on the integration of
is extended to four hours with the command and control, ISR, and precision
installation of a large fuel tank in place strike. In that regard, UAVs are seen as a
of the rear passenger seats. If successfully key enabler for the SAF’s transformational
developed, the KUS-VH could potentially initiatives.
support manned/unmanned-teaming
operations with the RoKA’s AH-64E
Apache Guardians, which already feature
the ability to command UAVs.

KAL-ASD KUS-VT: An unmanned
tiltrotor aircraft developed jointly with
the Korea Aerospace Research Institute

| march 2020 | 27

SPECIAL

SUPPLEMENT

The IAI Heron 1 is the RSAF's primary long-range UAV. JR Ng that the service is yet to commit to a buy,
and is also exploring other similar UAVs
before it selects the appropriate platform.

ST Engineering Stinger: The Stinger
Unmanned Aerial Multi-Rotor Gunship
is envisioned to be a semi-autonomous,
company-level reconnaissance and fire-
support platform. Although still in early
development, the company is aiming for
an endurance of over 30 minutes when
carrying high-definition daylight and
thermal imaging cameras, a fire-control
system (FCS), and a 5.56mm calibre
Ultimax 100 Mk8 light machine gun.

Fielded Capabilities mini-UAV. The 5kg air vehicle is hand- ST Engineering Veloce 15 (V15) and
Boeing-Insitu ScanEagle: The Republic launched and parachute-recovered and Veloce 60 (V60): The land systems
of Singapore Navy (RSN) operates the is powered by a hybrid propulsion division of ST Engineering unveiled the
ScanEagle UAV as part of the upgrade system and has an endurance of one Veloce family of fixed-wing VTOL UAVs
and life extension of its six Victory- hour and operating radius of up to 8km. that are designed to offer the tactical
class missile corvettes, providing these It is equipped with an automatic ‘return- advantages of VTOL with high-speed
vessels with an organic airborne ISR home’ function and can be programmed conventional flight. The V15 and V60
capability. The air vehicle is launched via to autonomously fly user-defined flight have respective MTOWs of 16-17kg and
a pneumatic launch catapult installed on paths via waypoint-setting and also 50-70kg and are designed to be quickly
the aft deck. A Skyhook recovery system features three pre-determined loiter transported and assembled.
is fitted just astern of the superstructure patterns. SRI LANKA
to snare the returning vehicle in mid-air. ST Engineering Skyblade III: At least Since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War,
Elbit Systems Hermes 450: The RSAF six Singapore Army units have been the country’s armed forces have been
has operationalised a number of Hermes equipped with the Skyblade III mini-UAV tasked with an increasing spectrum of
450 tactical UAVs in March 2015, which since 2010. The Skyblade III is a 5kg, man- missions, including air defence, strike,
were first delivered in 2007. The RSAF’s portable UAV can be transported in two and cyber warfare, but is primarily geared
Hermes 450 UAVs are operated by 116 backpacks weighing 20kg each. It can be towards providing tactical air support
Squadron, which is based at the western readied for flight within 20 minutes and during COIN and naval interdiction
Tengah Air Base. The air vehicle carries launched by hand, flying for up to one operations. To this end, the Sri Lankan Air
a 150kg payload, although the service hour out to a range of 8km. Force (SLAF) maintains a range of UAVs
opted for a belly-mounted turret with Under Development/Consideration/ that have supported the ground forces for
high-definition colour daylight TV and IR Trials more than a decade.
cameras, as well as a laser designator. DSO National Laboratories V15: The Fielded Capabilities
IAI Heron 1: The RSAF’s primary long- V15 is Singapore’s first locally developed IAI Searcher: Operated by SLAF’s 111
range UAV is the MALE-class Heron 1 fixed-wing surveillance UAV with a UAV Squadron, the long-endurance
UAV, which was introduced in May 2012 VTOL capability. Unveiled in November Searcher UAV is believed to have
and replaces the ageing IAI Searcher 2017, the V15 is equipped with a day/ conducted 265 sorties in support of
tactical UAV. The service’s Heron 1 night camera and is designed specifically ground troops during the civil war with
UAVs were declared fully operational for use in urban environments where the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from
in March 2017, and are operated by the conventional UAV take-off and recovery 1983 to 2009.
119 and 138 Squadrons. It has opted for is a challenge. The V15 has a three hour EMIT Aviation Consult Ltd Blue
a MAN 4x4 truck-based mobile GCS endurance and has also demonstrated an Horizon II: An unspecified number of the
configuration for general UAV and ability to take-off and land on a moving long-endurance Blue Horizon II tactical
mission payload operation, with two unmanned ground vehicle. UAVs – which have a flight endurance
modular workstations that handle critical Schiebel S-100 Camcopter: The RSN has of 24 hours and an operational radius of
mission planning, control, command, and reportedly conducted shipborne trials for up to 150km via a datalink – have been
processing functions. the rotary-wing S-100 Camcopter aboard acquired after a 2009 request from the Sri
ST Engineering Skyblade II: The one of its latest Independence-class Lanka government. These are believed
Skyblade II is described as a short-range Littoral Mission Vessels. It is understood to be operated by the SLAF’s 112 UAV
Squadron.
THAILAND
Thailand’s requirement for improved

28 | Asian Military Review |

SPECIAL

SUPPLEMENT

intelligence gathering has increased JR Ng
in recent years, with a concomitant
growth in indigenous UAV research and The RTAF's indigenously developed U1-M tactical UAV.
development capability. Earlier efforts to
manufacture locally made systems have It is said to have accumulated over 200 since 2011. Moreover, programmes led
largely revolved around highly affordable hours in flight testing. by the state-owned Vietnam Aerospace
but technically rudimentary products Association (VASA) has ostensibly
from private- and military-owned firms R V Connex U1-M: The RTAF has fielded resulted in cooperation with Russia’s
with foreign assistance from countries the indigenously developed U1-M Irkut and Sweden’s Unmanned Systems
such as Israel. tactical UAV, which is understood to Group (UMS) to develop and produce
However, increasingly sophisticated be based on technologies derived from tactical UAVs based on the Irkut-200
and capable UAVs are beginning to emerge the earlier Tigershark II and Sky Scout and UMS Magic Eye 1 UAVs, although
in recent years, following a Ministry of developments. The company is also it appears that the momentum has since
Defence initiative that was introduced integrating lightweight air-to-surface stalled with little known progress on
in 2009 to was reduce dependency on missiles to the air vehicle, with a potential development.
foreign UAV technologies and imports. candidate being the Thales Lightweight
Today, the ministry’s Defence Technology Multirole Missile. Fielded Capabilities
Institute (DTI) is spearheading efforts Viettel Group Patrol VT: The military-
to grow its indigenous UAV production Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Naval Research owned telecommunications firm Viettel
capabilities and spur innovation within and Development Office Tarem: Group publicly showcased its indigenous
the local defence industry. Unveiled at the 2017 Thailand Defence Patrol VT tactical UAV in 2014. The
& Security Exhibition in Bangkok, the air vehicle, which is developed by the
Fielded Capabilities multi-rotor Tarem tactical UAV is being company’s Flight Instrument Centre,
Aeronautics Defense Systems Aerostar: developed by the Thai Naval Research and is stated to be capable of operating
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Development Office for communication out to 50km and carries an optical
fielded its first UAV, the tactical-class and surveillance missions. It is also infrared camera that provides real-time
Aerostar as part of the military’s wider equipped with a stabilised mount that can transmission of high-definition imagery.
effort to introduce surveillance and accommodate a 9mm calibre automatic
reconnaissance UAVs into service to pistol. Under Development/Consideration/
support its fighting forces. Local media Trials
reported that a new unit, 404 Squadron, Top Engineering Group Falcon V: The Academy of Science and Industry/
was created at Takhli to operate the Falcon V is a fixed-wing surveillance Ministry of Public Security HS-6L:
UAV with a VTOL capability that is being Vietnamese media have reported the
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven: The Royal developed under a DTI contract. It can existence of the HALE-class HS-6L,
Thai Army is believed to have acquired carry a 5kg payload. which has a twin-boom airframe and a
around 12 of these hand-launched mini- VIETNAM wingspan of 22m. Stated performance
UAVs in 2010 for tactical ISR missions. There has been an observable emphasis include a range of up to 4,000km and a 35
on UAV development in line with a hour flight endurance. The air vehicle is
RTAF Research and Development requirement to boost the ISR capabilities thought to be destined for military patrols
Centre for Space and Aeronautical of the Vietnamese armed forces. The over the South China Sea, where Vietnam
Science and Technology Tigershark country is understood to have begun maintains several claims. A prototype
II: Designed around 2015, the medium- developing UAV technologies such as was reportedly completed by November
range Tigershark II tactical UAV is stated flight control and navigation systems, 2015 with flight testing occurring during
to have an operating range of up to 150km operating software and airframe design, the second quarter of 2016. AMR
while carrying a 30kg payload. Ministry
of Defence reportedly awarded a $18
million contract in 2016 to procure parts
for up to 17 Tigershark II UAVs. Local
firm AVIA Satcom reportedly responsible
for systems integration and testing, while
G-Force Composites is constructing the
airframe.

Under Development/Consideration/
Trials
R V Connex Sky Scout: A smaller
tactical UAV with a similar airframe
configuration is also being developed by
local firm R V Connex for DTI. The Sky
Scout tactical UAV has a 10 m wingspan
is capable of carrying a 10kg payload
with a flight endurance of up to six hours.

| march 2020 | 29

land

warfare

USMC (AR) as represented by the renowned
Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), the
light machinegun (LMG) such as the FN
Minimi/M249, or a medium or general
purpose machine gun (GPMG) like the
Russian PK. The challenge is in achieving
the characteristics seen desirable for a
weapon to be used within the constraints
of the front line small infantry unit.

The fire team is an element of the infantry rifle squad that typically includes an automatic GPMGs
weapon (Automatic rifle or light machine gun), several rifleman, and a team leader. This is the The GPMG have proved to reliably
most basic infantry combat unit. Here a US Marine fire team conducts live firing. provide well aimed sustained fires,
although their weight discourages its
FOFOIRTESPLOOWGEGRER adoption by the small unit. However,
A review of some of the latest firepower industry initiatives have sought to
overcome this. Russian infantry still
becoming available to riflemen and those firing employ the PKM or Modernizirovanniy
Pulemyot Kalashnikova (PK Machinegun
automatic weapons in today’s infantry. Modernised) first introduced in the 1960s.
It is also widely exported and produced
W by Stephen W. Miller and to protect the machine guns. under license gaining particular mention
eapons of the combat Similarly the machine gun is critical to by US soldiers in Afghanistan on its
infantry small unit must the friendly attack. Here it provides the ability to engage at ranges of up to 1000m.
address tasks ranging base of fire which will keep the defenders This is further facilitated by its use of
from suppression a 1P29 optical sight. The PK is readily
of enemy in dug-in ‘heads-down’ reducing their ability to fit to a tripod mount which enhances
positions by automatic riflemen and effectively engage the attack. Rifleman its accuracy over the bipod. Using an
machine gunners to the dedicated with automatic weapons moving with operating mechanism similar to the AK,
marksman’s precise engagement of the attack force supplements these at 16.53lb (7.5kg) with bipod and using
individual targets and the arms of each suppressive fires. They will also take up 7.62x54R ammunition it is not particularly
rifleman. Developments in small arms the machine gunners task when they must light but has proved to be reliable even in
and recent initiatives by a number of the shift their fires so as friendlies sweep over the extreme conditions. This is reflected
world’s militaries suggest it is timely to the objective. in its fielding by over eight-five armies.
examine the direction of each of these Given the need to place sustained fires
classes of squad and platoon arms. on either an enemy defensive positions or The FN MAG58 designated M240 by
on their attacking assault these weapons the US, is another widely used GPMG.
Rifles and machine guns need to reliably deliver continuous It has also been the subject of a number
The heart of the dismounted ground fires without stoppage or failure. The of improvement efforts. One by Barrett
defence has been and continues to be challenge has been how to assure this Firearms Manufacturing has resulted in
the machine gun and automatic rifle. while also reducing the carry weight of the M240LW (Lightweight). Bill Geissele,
The former are given priority in being the weapon to make it more manageable. president of Geissele Automatics, who
positioned to provide flanking an enfilade In fact, there is considerable debate has technical rights, explained: “The
fires covering the most likely avenues of regarding the most appropriate automatic 7.62mm 240LW/LWS is improved in
attack by the enemy. The later then are weapon for the squad. The question is every performance aspect: it is lighter,
placed to cover secondary approaches whether this should be an automatic rifle more reliable, easier to load, easier to
maintain, more ergonomic and more
controllable making it a machine gun
for the 21st century.” The new M240LW
is lighter at weighs 21lbs (9.55kg) and
shorter at 44in (112cm).

The issue with the GPMG at squad
level is that it was designed as a crew
served weapon which even at reduced
weight remains requires a trade-off in
personnel that may not be acceptable
with a squad size of eight or less.
LMGs
The light machine gun traces it origin to the
Great War and the German introduction
of Stormtrooper tactics. These small units
required a fast firing but light weapon

30 | Asian Military Review |

Textron land

warfare

when collapsed and lighter at 13.89lb
(6.3kg).
A new machine gun, the K12, is being
developed which draws on the K3 design
it is, however, 7.62mm. This calibre is
being is driven by the Army’s need to
replace its ageing M60 GPMG inventory
used on vehicles and helicopters as well
as the desire to have return to the longer
range and power of the 7.62 in at least
some infantry roles. Currently at 26.4lbs
(12kg) it falls outside the LMG category
but it does have a unique feature in that
it incorporates not only a pistol grip but
also a rear spade grip and metal sliding
stock in each weapon. This allows the
same design to be used in a variety of
mountings. The Indian Army reported
The US Army is evaluating three candidates for its Next Generation Squad visited S&T Motiv in May 2019 and may
Weapon. One of them being offered by Textron uses a unique CT Cased be considering the K12 as a candidate for
Telescoped ammunition that is lighter and shorter than conventional cartridges.  its next machinegun.
The LMG version (shown) uses belted ammunition with polymer links.

Singapore’s ST-Engineering has made
improvements to its Ultimax 100 in the
they could carry with the assault force. (Daewoo Precision Industries) to replace new Mark 8 model. Already known for
The ability of today’s LMG to achieve the the M60 machine gun. Fielded in 1989 having the lightest recoil and exceptional
desired portability has been significantly it is substantially lighter at 15.10lb accuracy in a 5.56mm calibre machine
enhanced by the introduction of (6.68kg) with the flexibility of feeding gun due to its patented constant recoil
smaller calibre ammunition such as from a 30 round magazine and 200-round feature the Mk 8 adds both automatic
the 5.56x45mm NATO and the Russian disintegrating M27 belt. It too has an and semi-automatic fire modes, as well as
5.45x39. Their lower recoil permits integrated bipod but also fits to a tripod a quick-change barrel. At 11lbs (5kg) it is
lighter weapon designs while smaller for more accurate firing. The largest easily operated by a single soldier. An ST-
cartridge size allows for carrying more user outside Korea is the Philippine Engineering spokesperson shared that:
rounds. The trade-off is reduced lethality Army which acquired 6,540 units in 2008 “Ultimax’s features like its removable and
and accuracy at longer ranges. The US although it is also used by Indonesia’s the retractable stock with height adjustments,
military in 1984 fielded the M249, an Komando Pasukan special forces. The inclusion of picatinny rails and ability
adaption of the FN Minimi which is used company introduced it Para version in to use M16 type box magazines, 100
over 50 countries. Minimi is widely used 2015 which at 31.7in (805mm) is shorter rounds C-MAG and ULTIMAX 100 drum
by Asian-Pacific armies with the weapon
licence manufactured by Sumitomo
Heavy Industries for the Japanese Self Kalashnikov
Defence Forces, by Thales Australia as the
F89 for the Australian Army and as the
Pindad SM-3 in Indonesia. In addition,
the Republic of China (Taiwan) uses a
local design, the T75 Light machine gun
produced by the 205th Armoury which is
based on the FN weapon.
An FN Herstal spokesperson
explained that its latest Mk3 version
“offers improvements based on
operational experience and user feedback
over the past 10–15 years.” New features
include the ability to convert to either
5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm rounds, a five
position adjustable stock, picatinny rails,
and a three position adjustable bipod.
The Mk3 features can be incorporated
into existing weapons as an upgrade.
Taking a similar path the Republic
of Korea’s Agency for Defence Kalashnikov has developed an new light machine gun, the RPK-16, using the same
Development designed its 5.56mm 5.45×39mm ammunition as the AK-74 assault rifle. It can use both a high capacity drum
K3 LMG manufactured by S&T Motiv and standard AK magazines. In testing now it is intended to replace the PK.

| march 2020 | 31

land

warfare

magazines offer flexibility in a variety of S&T Motiv in the S&T Motiv
roles” Ultimax is used by 25 countries. Republic of Korea
is presenting the point of aim at 100m. Subsequently the
The Russian military is also K12 machine gun Marines determined to field the M27 to
considering a new squad machine gun in 7.62mm as a all members of the infantry squad, thus,
the RPK-16. First shown in 2017, it a complement to the providing an AR capability to every
new iteration of the iconic Kalashnikov 5.56 mm K3 design. infantryman. Its further adoption of a
light machine gun using the same The requirement is more accurate M27 version, the M38, with
5.45×39 cartridge as the AK-74. It has driven by the Army’s better optics as the Squad Designated
an interchangeable barrel with both a need to replace its Marksman Rifle rounded out the Marine’s
full-length and a short barrel offered. Its aging M60 GPMGs squad commonality.
stock not only folds but is telescoping that remain in use. 
and can be adjusted. The bipod is Currently the US Army is seeking a
detachable bipod; it has rails for scopes can also use the standard 30-round box Next Generation Squad Weapon which
and other equipment, and can be fit with magazine. These features begin to blur is built around a new 6.8mm cartridge
a suppressor. The gun has a 96 round the difference between the LMG and AR. intended to have better accuracy at longer
high capacity magazine but can also use An improved version, the QBB-95-1, has ranges and to be effective against personal
any existing AK-style magazines. The since been fielded addressing several body armour. Three candidates have been
bipod is no longer an integral part of the reliability and ergonomic issues as well as, selected and are competing. Sig Sauer,
machine gun and it can be attached and firing a heavier 5.8×42mm DBP10 round. Textron, and General Dynamics each will
detached freely. The weapon according This places the PRC military in the offer a replacement for the M249 SAW
to Kalashnikov is undergoing field tests forefront in providing a level of weapon and assault rifle to substitute for the M4.
but it may have been fielded in limited and ammunition commonality with its Of the candidates two former employ
numbers to Spetnaz. advantages within the squad. belted ammunition as a LMG while the
Common Squad Weapons later is a magazine fed AR design. Army
The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) The US Marines have moved to a programme officials indicate they plan
had largely employed either the Type similar squad commonality though it to select a final design from a single
67or Type 80 GPMG, either locally might be said in their case it was ‘backed company in early 2022 and begin fielding
designed or adapted and using 7.62x54R into’. Their initial push was to find an in 2023.
ammunition. However, in 1997 the QBZ- alternate to the M249 LMG for the squad Squad Automatic Weapon
95 Infantry Weapons Family appeared. automatic rifleman (AR). Following direction
Designed and manufactured by Norino evaluation of a number of candidates The number of programmes defining a
it is a bullpup-style weapon that fires a they selected the Heckler & Koch HK416 new standard for the squad automatic
new 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge. The a magazine feed automatic rifle. The weapon suggests continued recognition
family consists of an assault rifle, a weapon is already adopted by the of its key role in small unit combat. Each
carbine and the QBB-95 Light Support German, French, Norwegian and other seeks to concurrently reduce the automatic
Weapon (LSW). The LSW is intended as forces. With the Marine’s adaption’s it rifleman’s load, while increasing effective
the squad automatic weapon variant and was designated the M27. It met the range and lethality. In addition, weapons
adds a bipod, a longer, a heavier barrel Marines requirement for a more accurate like the M27/HK416 particularly enhance
and 80-round drum magazine, though it AR offering 2 Minute of Angle (MOA) the unit’s tactical flexibility by essentially
accuracy vs. 12 of the M249 meaning a providing every squad member the
round would strike within 50mm of the ability to assume the AR role on direction.
When combined with new ammunition
Norino and the introduction of more advanced
optics, miniaturised range finding and
The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has fielded its QBZ-95 family of squad weapons which ballistic computation the capabilities of
includes the QBB-95 Light Support Weapon. The latter is designed with a heavy barrel these weapons is approaching that of
for sustained automatic fires. It uses an 80-round drum magazine but also accepts the previously found in the Company level
standard 30-round box magazine. The latest model QBB-95-1 fires a heavier 5.8×42mm GPMG. This introduction holds the
DBP10 round that offers improved performance at range. potential to have significant implications
for the infantry combat unit, its future
organisation and employment. AMR

32 | Asian Military Review |

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sea

power

Collins Class submarines RAN boats from 2035 and beyond).
HMAS Collins, HMAS Speaking at the Undersea Defence
Farncomb, HMAS
Dechaineux and HMAS Technology conference in Stockholm
Sheean in formation in May 2019, Commodore Michael
while transiting through Houghton – Director General Future
Cockburn Sound, Submarines in the Australian Department
Western Australia. of Defence said that, alongside the focus
on technology in delivering required
BETETEVRERT?HAN operational outcomes, “one of the things
The Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins-class … [is] the need for presence, and with
diesel-electric submarines are delivering presence means availability of platforms”.
improved operational output, just as The presence of high-end technology
onboard a platform is no use for a navy
Australia’s requirement for anti-submarine if the platform itself is unavailable, he
warfare (ASW) appears to be increasing. explained. This is where the Collins
boats’ increased operational availability
I by Dr Lee Willett is adding much value to the outputs
n August 2019, the Royal this deployment included participation the RAN can generate in the critical
Australian Navy (RAN) Collins- in the French Navy-led multinational underwater domain, including in terms
class diesel-electric submarine exercise La Perouse, in the Bay of Bengal in of generating anti-submarine warfare
(SSK) HMAS Farncomb completed May and June: participants included the (ASW) effect.
a five-month deployment across French Navy aircraft carrier FS Charles de
the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment Gaulle, and ships from the Japan Maritime According to the RAN website, as of
included participation in several high- Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). January 2020 four of the Collins boats
profile exercises. These included the Navies tend not to talk much about – HMA Submarines Collins, Dechaineux,
Australia-United States bilateral Talisman submarine operations. However, the level Farncomb, and Sheean – appear to be
Sabre exercise, which took place off of operational output currently being available for operations. HMAS Rankin
Australia’s east coast between June and generated by the Collins-class boats, as and HMAS Waller are listed specifically
August, and the US-led Pacific Vanguard demonstrated by these two deployments, as being in short- and longer-term
exercise in May-June where, alongside underlines how far the class has come maintenance respectively.
the US, Japanese, and South Korean in terms of delivering improved output.
navies, the boat worked through various Certainly, the programme appears to Notwithstanding the fact that
maritime task group scenarios. have moved on somewhat from what was precise details regarding submarine
In 2019, another Collins-class a difficult period in terms of acquisition operational availability is not something
submarine HMAS Collins was engaged in and initial operations. navies routinely reveal, having four
another high-profile deployment, as part The level of output also is highlighting boats available from a flotilla of six
of the task group based around the RAN’s the enduring importance of a submarine prospectively is a high level of availability.
lead landing helicopter dock (LHD) capability for Australia just as the country It also supports the provision of robust
amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra is doubling the number of boats in its fleet, operational presence in the underwater
for the ‘Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019’ with the purchase of 12 Attack-class SSKs domain at a critical strategic time in the
deployment. Collins’ activities during (which it is hoped will replace the Collins Indo-Pacific maritime arena.
Strategic environment
The RAN operates across the Indo-Pacific
theatre, from the littoral waters around
Australia, across the Southeast Asian
region, up into the North Pacific, and also
across the Indian Ocean to the Gulf. These
various waters all contain a complex mix
of shallow and deep waters, and different
environmental conditions that challenge
even the most capable submarine and
submariner.

Perhaps more notably, the Pacific
Ocean region in particular was arguably
the first theatre in which, going
back a decade or more, state-based
naval competition – especially in the
underwater domain – began to re-emerge.
Such competition is now evident across
the entire Indo-Pacific arena.

Broadly, the Indo-Pacific theatre is “a
very dynamic environment where there
is competition for influence”, said Cdre

34 | Asian Military Review |

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power

Houghton. “The proliferation of submarines does will take on the ASW burden, but until
Alongside generating presence complicate the security of Australia’s then a large part of this burden sits with
and contributing to maritime domain SLOCs in the medium to long term.”  the Collins boats.
awareness, the primary operational task In ASW terms, the RAN faces the Collins capability
for an SSK like a Collins-class boat is ASW twin requirement of providing coverage Homeported at Fleet Base West in Western
– especially in terms of its contribution to across the Indo-Pacific theatre, with other Australia, the six Collins boats are
high-end operations. navies increasingly active underwater strategically well positioned there to meet
Even at the lower end of the operational in areas of critical Australian strategic what the RAN states is a requirement for
scale, however, ASW still plays a key interest, and of providing ASW coverage defence capability that includes a two-
role. As with most countries around the for the RAN’s emerging and increasingly ocean surveillance role.
world, Australia remains dependent on active task group capability. These
maritime trade that moves along sea task groups are based around different They are also well equipped to meet
lines of communication (SLOCs). Across combinations of high-value assets such this requirement. The principal ASW
Australia’s theatre of strategic national as the two Canberra-class LHDs and the capabilities of the 78m, 3,400-tonne (dived
interest, such SLOCs pass through key three Hobart-class, air warfare-focused displacement) Collins boats are the sonar
maritime choke points such as the Straits guided-missile destroyers. Such is the and torpedoes.
of Hormuz in the Gulf, and the Malacca, RAN’s growing task group capability
Sunda, and Lombok Straits in Southeast that, during ‘Talisman Sabre’, its two The boats are fitted with the
Asia. Cdre Houghton noted that keeping LHDs – Canberra and sister ship HMAS Thomson Sintra Scylla sonar bow/flank,
SLOCs open is a key role for submarines. Adelaide – operated together for the first active/passive sonar array and the
Simple presence is key here. time. Thales  SHORTAS retractable, passive
“In terms of Australia’s ASW Working in partnership with other sonar. In March 2019, Waller became
requirement, the major driver is the navies is a central element of how the the first boat to receive the new Thales
regional proliferation of submarines,” RAN helps provide this ASW coverage. modular cylindrical bow sonar array,
Dr Sidharth Kaushal, research fellow in In the future, the Attack-class SSKs under the Collins Sonar Capability
sea power at the Royal United Services and the Hunter-class frigates (which will Assurance Programme (CSCAP) within
LF2020 AMInRst&itAurtme a(dRaU1S/2Ip)agine.qLxopn_LdFo2n0,20toAldMRA&MARrm. adabe1g/2inpaagreriv2i5n/2g/2in0 s3e:r2v5icpeminPtahgeel1ate 2020s) the wider SEA 1439 programme. Kaushal
said the new sonar fit “provides the

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RAN part of the joint force”. Several elements them. Once again, this has been evident
listed under the headmark reflect neatly in recent exercises, such as Ocean Explorer
The Collins-class submarines are looking what a submarine capability brings here and Lungfish.
at a prolonged period of life extension in particular. These include lethality,
until the new Attack-class SSKs arrive in integration with joint and combined forces, Ocean Explorer, part of the RAN’s
the mid-to-late 2030s. persistence to enable the maintenance of ‘Ocean’ exercise series, trains high-end,
“long-term presence away from … home blue-water warfighting capability.
submarines with a step change in ports”, and the ability to engage with
situational awareness, which has close partners across the Indo-Pacific At the time of this activity, the
ramifications for their role in ASW”. region. RAN’s Navy News publication quoted
Commodore Tim Brown, director general
The torpedo capability is provided “The  Collins-class [boats] are highly Submarines, as saying the Collins boats
by the Raytheon Mk 48 Mod 7AT CBASS, capable and very quiet SSKs, with “[in 2018] spent more than 600 days at
an active/passive homing weapon that excellent (and being kept up-to-date) sea, which was the highest tempo ever
delivers a 300kg warhead at speeds of sensor and weapon systems,” James achieved by the Collins class”. The RAN’s
up to 55 knots. The boats can carry 22 Goldrick, a retired RAN rear admiral and aim for 2019 was something closer to 700
weapons in total, with these fired out of currently a fellow at the Lowy Institute, days, AMR understands..
six 533mm torpedo tubes in the boats’ told AMR. The boats “are obviously very
for’ard end.. effective ASW units in a wide variety of In written evidence submitted in
situations and locations,” he continued, November 2019 to a Senate Reference
Operation of such sonar and torpedo adding. “It is intended they remain so.” Committee inquiry on Australia’s
capabilities is supported and integrated sovereign shipbuilding capability, the
by the Raytheon AN-BYG 1 tactical In its most recent defence white paper, Department of Defence (DoD) stated
weapon control system. published in 2016, Australia underlined that, over the previous two-and-a-half
its intent to ensure the Collins boats years, “Operational availability of the
One of the most important elements of continue to be operationally relevant Collins-class submarines [was] at the
the Collins capability is its displacement, through a programme of “priority highest levels ever achieved, exceeding
a size that supports the boats’ ability capability enhancements, obsolescence international benchmarks.” Writing
to deploy at the distances and for the management, and fleet sustainment in Navy News in December 2019, Vice
durations Australia requires. According …. This will include upgrades to the Admiral Noonan said the RAN was
to the RAN, the Collins boats have a Collins-class communications and sensor “continuing to achieve record days of
range of 9,000 nautical miles while dived capabilities.” availability for Collins-class submarines”.
and snorting.
The white paper also noted the The DoD submission also noted that
Stressing the strategic contribution improvements in Collins availability, work to improve boat availability was
the boats make to Australian defence pointing to previous times when as many enabling the introduction of “capability
capability, the RAN’s Chief of Navy Vice as three boats might have been in longer- enhancements … during routine docking
Admiral Michael Noonan said in a letter to term maintenance at once. activities”, with such enhancements
The Australian newspaper on 12 December ASW focus “including the installation of new bow and
2019, that the Collins boats provide “a Across the navy, Goldrick assessed, flank sonar arrays as well as improved
world-class submarine capability” that “There is a renewed emphasis on ASW communications and electronic warfare
is “an essential part of Australia’s naval at all levels, and the RAN is seeking to capabilities”. “These upgrades and
capability”. In particular, he pointed to strengthen its technical and operational ongoing updates across the Collins fleet
the Collins boats’ role as “a powerful capabilities.” will ensure we retain a potent and agile
instrument for deterring conflict and a submarine capability as we introduce the
potent weapon should conflict occur”. More broadly, Goldrick continued, Attack-class submarine from the early
“ASW has to be considered as 2030s,” the DoD added.
Under the Chief of Navy’s ‘Plan a theatre problem, not as a task group or
Pelorus’, designed to provide guidance even single unit one.” While individual As well as focusing on current
and reference for the navy to enable it to navies are developing improved operational challenges, Australia clearly
maintain bearing in delivering its mission platforms and are integrating these today is already planning for the long-
of fighting and winning at sea, the RAN’s more coherently into task groups, what term sustainability of its submarine
headmark aim is that by 2022 it will be consideration of ASW as a theatre issue programme and the ASW capability it
“ready to conduct sustained operations as means is there needs to be increasing brings, even looking beyond the Attack-
development too of multinational co- class boats. In the 2016 defence white
operation in ASW, for example. Goldrick paper, the government stated that “To
pointed to the importance of such ensure no capability gap and the ability to
co-operation, including the sharing progress development of a replacement
of surveillance information, as key to submarine in the 2050s, the government
building future ASW capability. has decided to implement a rolling
acquisition programme for Australia’s
Certainly, the RAN and its partner submarine fleet. A rolling acquisition
navies such as the US Navy (USN), UK programme will ensure that Australia is
Royal Navy (RN), and JMSDF are already able to maintain a fleet of 12 regionally
doing this, building different bilateral superior submarines as submarine and
and multilateral ASW links between anti-submarine technologies develop
over the coming decades.” AMR

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Militaries

A digital impression of Naval Group Australia's Shortfin
Barracuda attach-class submarine.

ALLIADNECFEESNDCREISVPEEANUDSITNRGALIAN

Australian defence modernisation is moving ahead across a broad
front with a ‘build in Australia’ impetus behind many major projects.

Australia’s defence by Tim Fish it will replace the RAN’s existing six
modernisation programme Collins-class submarines with 12 new
is following the route set out security in the region. Attack-class boats.
for it under the government’s Australia’s procurement decisions
last Defence White Paper The new SSKs will be built at a new
published in 2016. It committed to have largely been taken with this alliance manufacturing facility at ASC in Osborne
spending two percent of Gross Domestic structure in mind and it has forged North near Adelaide, South Australia. The
Product (GDP) on defence by 2020-21 and ahead with a wholesale modernisation prime contractor is French shipbuilder
a total of $129 billion (AD$195 billion) of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Naval Group, which is providing a new
over 10 years. Australian Army and Royal Australian design called Shortfin Barracuda that is
Its analysis of the global strategic Navy (RAN). Australian Defence has an adaptation of its Barracuda design
environment for the next 20 years out embarked on some large and expensive used to build the French Navy’s new
to 2035 has informed its equipment programmes that, when brought to Suffren-class SSNs. But it could be that
procurement programmes and while it fruition, will give the Australian Defence Defence has been over-ambitious.
anticipates increased prosperity across Force (ADF) the most modern and
the Indo-Pacific region through to 2050 capable platforms available. In a report by the Australian National
it acknowledges that the relationship Audit Office on Future Submarine
between China and the US will be key to The White Paper also committed published in January 2020, it highlighted
maintaining peace. Australia to the “most ambitious plan an overall programme delay of nine
The White Paper stated that: “A to regenerate the RAN since the Second months in achieving the original pre-
strong and deep alliance is at the core World War.” But here, the Department of set milestones and a further five-week
of Australia’s security and defence Defence has been more than ambitious as delay since the project was re-baselined
planning” and that the US “will continue it wants most of its new platforms to be with revised milestone dates. This has
to be Australia’s most important strategic built in Australia rather than imported been down to a failure of communication
partner.” Therefore it committed to from overseas. This means it has devoted between Naval Group and Defence and
“broaden and deepen” the relationship huge sums towards developing its what seems to be a lack of understanding
and support its role in underpinning domestic naval shipbuilding industry about what the company is expected to
to undertake this task. Its largest ever provide at each project stage.
acquisition project SEA 1000 Future
Submarine is projected to cost an After some extensive bartering a
estimated $53 billion (A$80 billion) and

38 | Asian Military Review |

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Lürssen programme will mean the RAN will not
get its first new frigate for another 10 years
Lürssen Australia will deliver 12 OPVs meeting the RAN's requirement and its first new submarine not for 15
for its SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project. years. Final ship and boat deliveries will
not take place until the 2040s and 2050s
Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) out over a long time period is that respectively, and by then technology
was belatedly signed in February 2019 Defence wants to establish a continuous and the strategic environment is likely
setting out the long-term relationship shipbuilding programme that will see to have changed. Hellyer’s concerns is
between them. Marcus Hellyer, senior a steady stream of naval vessels built at that Defence has overcommitted itself
analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy ASC once the Hunter-class are completed with SEA1000 and SEA5000 taking up so
Institute (ASPI) told AMR: “It may be that in the 2040s. The intention is to avoid much of the budget and leaves little room
now they are working together under a boom-and-bust cycle where orders to change.
the SPA things will improve.” However, and work dries up causing the loss of
he added: “The construction schedule personnel with skills and experience The RAN is also getting 12 new
and IOC [Initial Operational Capabiltiy] to other sectors whilst facilities and Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels
schedule is still rather opaque (i.e. start equipment lays dormant. (OPVs). The first two are being built at
of construction in 2022-23 really means ASC before production shifts to Civmec’s
2024). IOC seems to have slid over the However, this has raised criticism facility in Henderson, Western Australia.
past few years to 2034.” as Hellyer believes that new ships and Luerssen is prime contractor and the ships
submarines are needed sooner than this. are being built under a Joint Venture with
The project has other areas of risk. The He told AMR that a long procurement Civmec to its OPV80 design for nearly
extent to which Australian industry is able $2 billion (A$3 billion). ASC has already
to provide what is required in the supply started construction of the first two OPVs
chain is also in doubt and the project does and Civmec is due to start cutting steel for
not have much scope for error. If there the third this year at a new facility in WA.
are significant overall delays in excess of
three years then it could affect the RAN’s Outside of the big three programmes
submarine capability. the RAN is expecting to receive two new
auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR)
The RAN is also set to receive nine vessels under Project SEA 1654 phase 3
new frigates under the $23 billion (A$35 Maritime Operational Support Capablity
billion) SEA 5000 Hunter-class frigate (MOSC). Built by Spanish shipyard
programme that will replace the existing Navantia for $424 million (A$642 million),
ANZAC-class. Construction will take the vessels Supply and Stalwart are due to
place at a new facility in ASC South, arrive in June this year and May 2021 for
adjacent to the new submarine shipyard in handover to the RAN. The programme is
Osborne. Prime contractor BAE Systems running about a year late due to logistical
is expected to deliver the frigates from support issues.
2029 built to its Type 26 design and it has
been granted temporary ownership of the Defence
ASC South shipyard for the duration of
the contract. Prototyping will commence
this year including the procurement of
long-lead items and steel cutting for the
first ship is expected in late-2022.

AVOIDING BOOM AND BUST An F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from No. 3 Squadron about to conduct night
The reason the programme is drawn flying at RAAF Base Williamtown as part of pilot familiarisation training.

| march 2020 | 39

Regional

Militaries

Defence there is nothing official from Defence and
there is still some time before a decision
A decision needs to be made whether the RAAF should buy more F-35As or upgrade their has to be made therefore the debate
existing F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft to the Block III standard. within the RAAF is set to continue.

LIGHTNING ARRIVES Squadron – will be proficient in air combat, DefenceAn original 12 Growler aircraft were
Meanwhile the RAAF is in the process strike and offensive air support, and delivered in July 2017 under Project AIR
ready to deploy in support of Australia’s 5349 Phase 3 but in January 2018 the
of receiving 72 new F-35A Lightning II national interests,” Defence said. engine of one plane failed on the runway
Joint Strike Fighters under Project AIR at Nellis AFB in the US and the damage
6000 phase 2A/B. Lockheed Martin is The question for the RAAF is whether was beyond repair. The RAAF originally
delivering the planes under a Foreign it should proceed with Phase 2C, the wanted to replace the aircraft but
Military Sales (FMS) agreement. So far acquisition of more aircraft to develop compensation from neither the suppliers
the RAAF has just 20 fighters. Pilots and a fourth squadron of F-35As. However, (General Electric and Boeing) or the US
maintainers are undertaking training there is debate within the service if it Navy has been forthcoming and so the
at Luke Air Force Base in the US and would not be better served to instead Growler fleet will remain at 11 aircraft.
Defence has announced that 34 pilots opt for upgrading their existing F/A- The initial operating capability (IOC) for
and 16 instructors have been certified. It 18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft to the Growler was mid-2018 and this was
means that training can begin in Australia. the Block III standard. Malcolm Davis, pushed back to April 2019.
The final aircraft is due to be handed over a senior analyst at ASPI, told AMR that
in 2023 when the programme will achieve “the issue is still under consideration” and Defence told AMR that IOC was
Full Operational Capability (FOC) and he believes the Super Hornet upgrade delayed “to ensure sufficient maturity
they will be split into three squadrons of option has its merits. for training and support systems”
24 aircraft. and that “The US Navy continues to
“The F/A-18Fs still have a lot of life in pursue remediation from the Engine
Defence told AMR: “After their their airframes, and there is no reason for Manufacturer General Electric. Defences
arrival at RAAF Base Williamtown, the them to be replaced. Certainly upgrading continue to engage with the US Navy
aircraft will be used in a Verification them to Block III would make a great deal over the engine claim.”
and Validation (V&V) program during of sense, and save a great deal of money
2019-2020. The V&V programme is an in comparison to buying an extra batch of It added that one less aircraft “has an
important milestone in the lead-up F-35As,” he said. An upgrade of 24 Super effect on aircraft availability but does not
to the declaration of Initial Operating Hornets and 11 EA-18G Growler aircraft affect the Growler capability to achieve its
Capability (IOC) in December 2020.” to an advanced model is estimated to cost Airborne Electronic Attack mission. Final
Lockheed Martin has stated there should a total of $568 million rather than $2.8 Material Release is still planned for 2022.”
be 33 aircraft in Australia by then to reach billion for 28 additional F-35As. But it is
IOC and the first fighter squadron of not just about money, the F-35A’s stealth Another major capability upgrade
operational F-35 will be created within characteristics are thought to be less than is the acquisition of 12 P-8A Poseidon
the next three years. effective and the F/A-18s have a larger maritime patrol aircraft under AIR7000
weapons payload capacity. However, Phase 2 that will replace the RAAF’s
“The first operational squadron – No. 3
Australia’s first Boxer vehicle received by the
Army on 24 September 2019 at Enoggera
Barracks, Brisbane that will replace the
ageing ASLAV. The vehicles will also come
with 223 Mission Modules.

40 | Asian Military Review |

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Militaries

existing AP-3C Orion aircraft. The final Defence
aircraft was delivered to RAAF Base
Edinburgh in December 2019 and some A Boeing P-8A aircraft from No. 11 Squadron undertaking a search
P-8s already in-service have completed and rescue exercise in the Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
a deployment with Operation Manitou,
which is Australia’s contribution to are reconnaissance vehicles and 13 are the major projects “particularly Future
international security efforts in the multipurpose variants. It means that the Submarine, and address the slow delivery
Middle East. Meanwhile the P-8As are Army can begin training earlier. of capability”. He is concerned that the
being supplemented by a new Unmanned first boat won’t enter service until 2034 at
Aerial Systems (UAS) capability under Under Phase 3 worth about $6.6-10 the earliest.
Phase 1 of AIR 7000 with the acquisition billion (A$10-15 billion), the Army will
of six Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton get 450 new Infantry Fighting Vehicles Davis also said that Australia needs to
systems. Valued at Anearly $1 billion, the (IFVs) that will replace its ageing M113 “think seriously” about options to meet an
aircraft will enter service from 2023-25. Armoured Personnel Carriers. Known air strike capability gap in the ADF and
as the Mounted Close Combat (MCC) whether this should be met with manned
The Army is progressing with its capability, the competition to provide aircraft, long-range missiles or Unmanned
flagship procurement programme the new vehicle has been narrowed with Combat Air Vehicles “and how we might
Land 400. Under the Phase 2 Combat two companies remaining: Rheinmetall better utilise forward basing”.
Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) element offering the KF41 Lynx and South Korea’s
worth about $3.4 billion (A$5.2 billion) it Hanwha Defense Systems offering the The role of unmanned systems along
is replacing its existing ASLAV vehicles AS21 Redback. These beat rival offerings with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
with the Boxer 8x8. Defence made from BAE Systems with the CV90 and autonomy could be key capabilities for
the choice of Boxer to meet its CRV General Dynamics with a variant of the the military in the future and these are
requirements in March 2018 and prime Ajax. Rheinmetall and Hanwha have been only just starting to play a larger role.
contractor Rheinmetall will deliver awarded Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) Defence needs a strategy to exploit these
211 vehicles. The first 25 are being built contracts that will allow them to ensure technologies better and analyse how
in Germany with construction of the their vehicles meet the MCC requirements. they could change the whole structure of
rest taking place at a new facility near This RMA is expected to last about two military forces.
Brisbane, Queensland. Defence wanted years with a Gate 2 approval due in 2022
the initial batch from Germany because and an IOC slated for 2024-25. Overall with the increasing amount of
the facility in Australia would not have DERISK REQUIRED commitments on the horizon, changing
been up and running until 2022 and it will With large acquisition programmes technologies and rapid rise of China,
deliver the remaining platforms through underway for the land, sea and air Davis believes Defence needs to think
to 2026. Rheinmetall handed over the domains, there are significant challenges about whether the size of the ADF “is
first German-built unit in September ahead for Australia. Davis said that right for the worsening strategic outlook
2019 and of these initial vehicles, 12 the priorities for Defence are to de-risk we face” – and by extension – “to what
extent do we need to increase defence
spending to levels above that suggested
in the Defence 2016 White Paper.” AMR

| march 2020 | 41

Analyst

Column

AIDCNIHERTCA-HADLELDEEFENNEEGNWECSE

ABy Ben Ho work cut for them in the coming decade. section. Moreover, it simply does not
ir defence is coming to the fore UAVs are the up-and-coming threat make economic sense to launch expensive
of Western military planning surface-to-air missiles (SAM) against
after being neglected in the air-defence planners are grappling such makeshift drones. In any case, most
20-plus years of permissive with. These platforms have been largely SAM batteries lack the magazine capacity
campaigns since the end of used in the intelligence, surveillance, to effectively intercept UAV swarms
the Cold War. The low-threat operating and reconnaissance (ISR) role until the numbering in the dozens.
environment in Afghanistan and Iraq first decade of the 21st Century, where
lulled defence chieftains into a false sense they took on limited strike missions A more ominous challenge for air
of security, but the increasing use of low- in permissive environments. The defences would be an integrated drone-
observable, massed capabilities in the democratisation of technology and the and-cruise missile operation such as the
form of cruise missiles and/or unmanned availability of commercial off-the-shelf September 2019 strike on the Abqaiq
aerial vehicles (UAVs) are making them drones mean that non-state actors are and Khurais oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
sit up. embracing the UAV as an asymmetric Despite the lavish amounts the kingdom
weapon against their more powerful state spent on its air defences, none of the 25
The threat posed by cruise missiles is foes. Think the Islamic State in Iraq and drones and cruise missiles used during
well-established and yet they have been Syria and its fleet of weaponised drones the attack were intercepted. Arguably it
able to circumvent modern air defences toting “shuttlecock bomblets”. heralded the dawn of a challenging new
time and again. These legacy weapons era in air defence in the 2020s.
usually fly on a nap-of-the earth profile Various observers have contended
to evade ground-based sensors, and this that such makeshift armed UAVs are An Abqaiq–Khurais 2.0 in the
challenge is exacerbated by the stealthy of meagre tactical utility owing to coming decade could see a larger-scale
features incorporated by some of them. their limited payload and navigation and fully-networked strike involving
To illustrate, the Russian KH-101 travels capability. However, events in recent not just ‘kamikaze’ drones and cruise
at a terrain-hugging attitude of 30 metres years have rendered this argument missiles, but also more combat-capable
and its composition of radar-absorbing problematic. To illustrate, in January 2018, drones launching their own ordnance.
material makes it hard to detect. And Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base in Syria To compound matters, their approach
because cruise missiles fly at such low came under attack from a drone swarm, to the target could be coordinated from
levels, the detection time for air defences which was the first of its kind in history. different vectors to overwhelm the
is rather short. Against a notional terrain- Photographs taken of the aftermath show defender. These weapons could also be
hugging KH-101, the response time for rudders of fighter planes being torn, in preconfigured to approach the target
the defender may be a matter of just essence rendering these aircraft ‘mission where they are least expected. Or perhaps
minutes. In such circumstances, not being kills’. Not a bad deal indeed to trade to increase deniability in this day and age
on the highest alert makes interception of improvised drones wrapped in plastic where ‘grey-zone’ operations are par the
the weapon an uphill task. sheet and with parts held together by course. While the defender is currently
tape for mission-killed multi-million- playing catch-up, it is still not too late
Moreover, modern cruise missiles dollar combat jets. if the challenge is duly recognised and
have surgical precision given that many if authorities could muster the political
of them incorporate inertial navigation Traditional air defences are not (and financial) capital to tackle these
system and/or satellite-based navigation particularly well-equipped to deal with threats head-on. AMR
for guidance. Indeed, the KH-101/102’s UAV swarms. Firstly, the air defences
accuracy is such that its circular error of most advanced nations are designed *This column was adapted from a
probability is reportedly six metres. With largely to deal with higher-end threats presentation of the same title given to
more cruise missiles being capable of like conventional aircraft and ballistic officers and senior enlistees of the Republic
supersonic speeds and perhaps in the missiles. Like cruise missiles, drones are of Singapore Air Force’s Air Defence and
not-so-distant future, hypersonic speeds, hard to detect owing to their small size Operations Command on 6 February 2020
anti-air warfare managers will have their and concomitantly minuscule radar cross-

42 | Asian Military Review |

LAND AND AIRLAND DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXHIBITION

08-12 JUNE 2020 / PARIS

THE UNMISSABLE

WORLDWIDE

EXHIBITION

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exhibitors +14,7%

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227

Official delegations

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696

journalists

from 44 countries

75 Conferences
2,102 Business meetings made

2018 key figures

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