REGIONAL NEWS
A N D D E V E L O P M E N T S
Asia Pacific Procurement Update
AUSTRALIA
Aegis Weapon System ready
for RAN Air Warfare
Destroyer
Lockheed Martin has successfully completed
a full range of acceptance tests to verify the
system performance of the first Aegis
Weapon System being built for the
Australian Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyer
(AWD-1) programme.
Lockheed Martin celebrated with a ‘pull the
plug’ ceremony at its Morestown facility after
several months of testing. The Royal Australian
Navy’s (RAN’s) Hobart Class AWDs will now
be fitted with the completed system at the
Australian Submarine Corporation Shipyard in
Adelaide. HMAS Hobart is the first of three
destroyers to be fitted with the Aegis System.
The Aegis system is quickly becoming the
maritime weapon system of choice for armed
forces around the world, with 92 Aegis-
equipped ships currently in service with the
US, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Spain.
The advanced system allows destroyers to
engage multiple threats simultaneously from
the air, surface and under-sea.
Rear Admiral Terry Benedict, Program
Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare
Systems, US Navy, said, ‘This ceremony rep-
resents the culmination of an exceptional
effort to deliver a tested Aegis Weapon
System for the Australia Air Warfare
Destroyer. I want to congratulate the AWD
Team, both in Australia and in the United
States, on this significant achievement.’
RAN Guided Missile Frigate
fires SM 2
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has fired
its first Standard Missile 2 (SM 2) during an
exercise in the East Australian Exercise Area
off Jervis Bay.
The missile was fired from HMAS
Melbourne, an Adelaide Class guided mis-
sile frigate (FFG) that has recently completed
58
BAE Systems will maintain the Blackhawk until
it leaves service © Australian DoD
the multi-million dollar FFG Upgrade
Programme and undergone additional SM2
related alterations to its combat system.
It is the first time an Adelaide class frigate
has fired an SM 2, and shows the strengthen-
ing air defence capability of the RAN.
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence
Personnel, Materiel and Science, said of the
exercise, ‘The launch of the SM 2 demon-
strates an updated Naval Air Defence capa-
bility for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN),
which will be further enhanced over the next
year. The missile was prepared, launched and
supported in flight before engaging a target.
‘HMAS Melbourne is now equipped with
two modern missile systems to combat anti-
ship missiles and aircraft. The missile was
fired from the Missile Launching System that
has recently been modified as part of the
project to replace the SM 1 in the Upgraded
FFG. This firing is a significant achievement
and provides confidence in the ship’s updat-
ed weapon control system.’
The FFG upgrade project, headed by
Thales, has seen the RAN’s four Adelaide
Class Guided Missile Frigates (HMAS
Sydney, HMAS Darwin, HMAS Melbourne
and HMAS Newcastle) undergo complete
upgrades in order to regain a capable region-
al maritime presence for the RAN, and to
extend their lifespan until 2021, when they
will be replaced by the new Hobart Class air
defence destroyers.
Upgrades to the vessels, which as used for
air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveil-
lance, interdiction and reconnaissance,
included improved anti-ship missile defence,
improved on-board training systems and
electronic support systems, and enhanced
tactical data link capability, underwater war-
fare system, ship service diesel generators,
and other systems.
ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW
BAE Systems wins
Australian Black Hawk
support contract
The Australian Department of Defence has
awarded BAE Systems a contract worth $35
million to support the Australian Army
Black Hawk helicopter fleet for the remain-
der of their service life.
The contract will run for three years with
five one year options, and will ensure the
Black Hawk helicopter fleet remains a viable
asset for the Australian army. The contract
will begin in February, and will replace the
current Black Hawk Deeper Maintenance
contract that has been held between BAE
Systems and Australia since 1995.
The contract will cover both scheduled and
unscheduled maintenance, including deeper
maintenance and special servicing, structural
repairs, and a wide range of other modifica-
tions, to 34 Black Hawk aircraft at the new
BAE Systems hangar facility located in the
Northern Australian Aerospace Centre of
Excellence (NAACEX) at Townsville Airport.
Announcing the contract, Greg Combet,
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and
Science, said,
‘The Black Hawk is a critical asset sup-
porting Australian soldiers. This new con-
tract ensures the continued employment of
nearly 100 local maintenance technicians and
support personnel in Townsville.
‘This new contract offers increased value
for money and a more balanced approach to
risk when compared to the previous arrange-
ments. This is in line with the principles that
have been outlined in the Government’s
Strategic Reform Program for Defence’.
The Black Hawk helicopter has been oper-
ated by the Australian Army since 1986, and
has seen service in numerous theatres and
humanitarian efforts. The Black Hawk will
remain the primary troop lift capability for
the Army until it is replaced by the MRH 90
and then withdrawn from service.
REGIONAL NEWS
A N D D E V E L O P M E N T S
INDONESIA
Indonesian Navy orders
three CN235-220 aircraft
The Indonesian Defence Ministry has
signed a contract to acquire three
Dirgantara Maritime Patrol CN235-220 air-
craft for the Indonesian Navy.
The contract for the three aircraft is worth
$80 million, and will bring the total units
ordered by the Indonesian Navy as part of
the 2010 – 2014 Strategic Planning pro-
gramme, to six. The Navy is currently carry-
ing out the programme to fulfil its concept of
‘Minimal Essential Force’.
The contract was signed by Budi Santoso,
Dirgantara Indonesia CEO, and General
Director of Indonesia Defence Facility,
Marshall Eris Herryanto, on 11 December at
the closing of the National Workshop on
Defence Industry Revitalisation.
The Indonesian Navy currently operates
Maritime Patrol NC212-200, another
Digantara product. The new aircraft will
replace the old Nomad fleet, and is expect-
ed to strengthen the national fleet in order
to meet the Navy’s operational require-
ments and protect the Indonesian oceanic
zone and littoral waters.
The aircraft’s sophisticated suite of sen-
sors for surveillance and targeting will allow
the fleet to carry out a range of missions,
including fisheries protection, marine traffic
control, search and rescue, anti-surface and
anti-warfare, as well as providing defence
against smuggling, terrorism, and smug-
gling. The aircraft is also prepared for future
modification according to the Indonesian
JAPAN
Japan takes delivery of first
EC135 T2i
The Japan Maritime Self Defence Force
(JMSDF) has taken delivery of the first of
two Eurocopter EC135T2i training helicop-
ters in a ceremony at Tokyo heliport.
The contract between the JMSDF and
Eurocopter was signed in February, with
the second helicopter due for delivery in
February 2010. A second contract for a fur-
ther three units is expected to follow within
months, to meet the JMSDF’s requirement
of a total of 15 training aircraft.
The aircraft will be instrumented and
evaluated by the JMSDF Test & Evaluation
60
The deal for CN235-220 aircraft for the Indonesian Navy is valued at $80 million © Gordon Arthur
Navy’s Operational Requirement and
Technical Specifications.
Indonesia eyes Chinese ASMs
Dozens of Chinese-built anti-ship missiles
(ASMs) may soon be acquired by the
Indonesian Navy following trials if con-
tinuing negotiations with China prove
successful.
The Indonesian Navy is believed to be
considering placing an order for C-802 Anti-
Ship Missiles (ASMs) for the navy’s fleet of
fast patrol boats and Van Speijk Class
frigates if testing gives positive results.
Discussions with China to also purchase the
smaller and cheaper C-705 ASMs are ongo-
ing. If successful, these will also be carried
by the Navy’s fast patrol boats and Van
air squadron prior to Naval pilot training
commencing; which is expected to begin
in the second half of 2010. JMSDF’s
instructor pilots and technicians under-
took training at Eurocopter Deutschland’s
training academy in Donauwörth and
Manching between September and
November 2009.
The EC135 will fulfil an advanced training
mission role with the MSDF. The aircraft is
well adapted for air crews from defence
forces that operate new generation multi-role
or combat helicopters, as is the case in Japan.
Eurocopter Vice President for the EC135
programme, Xavier Poupardin, commented
at the ceremony, ‘We are extremely proud
ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW
Speijk frigates.
Indonesia’s inability to develop its own
domestic missiles continues to make the
country reliant on foreign technology; how-
ever state-owned naval shipbuilder PT Pal
does have the technology to integrate
weapons systems imported from foreign
manufacturers onto existing TNI-AL vessels.
PT Pal acquired the integration technol-
ogy as part of an original deal with China’s
National Precision Machinery Import and
Export Corporation when two YJ-2/C-802
ASMs were fitted onto one of the Navy’s
PB-57 large patrol craft in 2008.
The size of the order is unknown, how-
ever industry sources believe it will be siz-
able if sufficient funding can be raised by
Indonesia for the deal.
that our helicopters have been chosen by
JMSDF. This clearly shows the customer’s
confidence in our products. We have
worked hard to deliver the first helicopter
to JMSDF on time, only 9 months after the
contract signature in February. We will con-
tinue to serve our customer for a successful
start of operation and for the future helicop-
ter deliveries’.
According to Eurocopter, The main
advantages of the light twin-engine EC135
is its superior manoeuvrability, high visibil-
ity and low vibration level. With a glass
cockpit and advanced technologies, the air-
craft allows instructors to perform training
missions in optimal safety conditions.
REGIONAL NEWS
A N D D E V E L O P M E N T S

THAILAND development of a National Tactical Command and Control systems, simulators,

Saab and Avia Satcom in
joint venture
Thai company Avia Satcom has joined with
Saab in a partnership to jointly develop and
produce high technology aviation and
defence products as ‘Avia Saab
Technologies’ in Bankgkok, Thailand.
The venture will initially focus on the
The establishment of ‘Avia Saab Technologies’ will support Thailand’s most advanced combat capabilities © Saab
Datalink in the Gripen fighter, six of which
were ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force
from the Swedish government in 2008,
along with one Saab 340 Erieye Airborne
Early Warning unit.
Delivery of the aircraft are due to begin
in 2011, and following technology transfers,
Avia Saab Technologies will also focus on
training, mission support systems, elec-
tronic warfare systems, and upgrade pro-
grammes and logistics support.
‘The joint venture will offer locally
developed products for the Thai Armed
Forces and the export market. It will also
bring investments and leading edge tech-
nology to Thailand, and create highly
advanced job opportunities
for Thai professionals,” says
Kaj Rosander, Saab’s
Campaign Director for
Gripen in Thailand.
Kajohnsak Watanangura,
Avia Satcom’s manager
responsible for the joint ven-
ture programme, said, ‘This
is really special for Thailand.
Firstly, the technology trans-
ferred must be developed
further before it can be
incorporated into the prod-
uct. This definitely calls for
employees who are highly
technologically competent,
which Thailand has and
over time the skill levels will
rise even further.’

INDIA TAIWAN The Patriot system is a long-

India considers US howitzers Taiwan to receive new range, all-altitude, all-weather
New Delhi is considering purchasing 140 BAE Land Patriot Air and Missile air defence system used to count-
Systems M-777A1 ultra-light howitzers for the Indian Defence System er tactical ballistic missiles,
Army in a $612 million deal as part of a foreign military Raytheon has been awarded a cruise missiles and advanced air-
sale with the US. $1.1 billion contract to produce a craft. The system is fielded by US
India is currently seeking a range of new weapons for new Patriot Air and Missile NATO allies in Germany, The
the Army as part of its artillery modernisation pro- Defence System for Taiwan. The Netherlands, Space, Greece,
gramme, including the 145 howitzers, and 160 towed and contract was issued through a Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
wheeled guns. Part of the Army’s requirement is Foreign Military Sale by the US Japan, and South Korea.
weapons that are light enough to be transported in the Army Aviation and Missile Daniel L. Smith, president of
mountainous region of the Himalayas, for fast deploy- Command in Redstone Arsenal, Raytheon Integrated Defence
ment via helicopter against possible Chinese threats. Alabama. Systems (IDS), said of the con-
India’s weapons are in urgent need of upgrading, with The contract will see the new tract, ‘The Patriot system is a vital
no new artillery guns having been purchased since 1986. production of the Patriot fire units element to providing superior
In 2009 the Singapore Technology Kinetic’s Pegasus light that will include new advances in integrated air and missile defence
howitzer underwent 10 months of evaluation, but the technology, improved man- capabilities for the protection of
process was abandoned before field trials due to allega- machine interface, and reduced Taiwan. Raytheon has provided
tions of corruption in the bidding process. life-cycle costs. Included is advanced technology, innovation
It is believed New Delhi may fast-track the howitzer ground-system hardware in an and support in Taiwan for more
acquisition in order to quick start its Rs20,000 crore initial contract valued at $965.6 than 40 years, and we are hon-
artillery modernisation programme into motion after million and an initial spares con- oured to continue that partner-
lengthy delays. tract valued at $134.4 million. ship today and in the future.’

62 ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

REGIONAL NEWS
A N D D E V E L O P M E N T S
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea rethinks light
attack helicopter programme
South Korea’s long running Korea Attack
Helicopter (KAH) programme is under
pressure from the Republic of Korea Army
(ROKA) to refocus its plans on a light 4
tonne platform, to be developed in partner-
ship with a foreign manufacturer.
The Defence Acquisition Programme
Administration (DAPA) has been consider-
ing the construction of the KAH since 2007,
as its current fleet of Boeing MD 500MD
and Bell AH-1 attack helicopters are in
urgent need of replacement, having been in
service for almost 30 years.
The biggest difficulty faced by the
indigenous KAH development programme
has been budget constraints. By partnering
with a foreign manufacturer Seoul will keep
costs down, while stimulating South
Korea’s helicopter industry with the con-
struction of 270 units locally by 2020.
As part of a compromise to move
towards a lighter platform, Seoul is
believed to be considering the purchase of
35 heavy attack helicopters from overseas
for delivery from 2013, with Boeing’s AH-
64 Apache a likely favourite.
Korean Aersospace Industries (KAI) is
also working on a light version of its Korean
Utility Helicopter (KUH) as a replacement
for the Boeing and Bell fleets. The project
has long been in doubt, with industry
sources claiming the KUH platform does
not lend itself to becoming effectively a
MALAYSIA
Malaysian Eurocopter deal
remains a question of
affordability
Malaysia’s plan to acquire a Eurocopter
EC725 Cougar medium multi-mission heli-
copter fleet as a replacement for their age-
ing Sikorsky S-61 Nuri fleet remains a ques-
tion of affordability following last month’s
Langkawi International Maritime and
Aerospace exhibition.
The EC725 has been confirmed by the
government as the aircraft of choice, with
budget issues the only delay in the process
at this stage.
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun
64
Korea ordered its first three KSS-II/Type 214 boats in 2000, now it plans six more © ThyssenKrupp
Marine Systems/HDW
light attack helicopter.
DAPA is expected to reissue operational
requirements for the KAH in 2010.
South Korea to get six more
U-214 AIP Submarines
The South Korean Defence Acquisition
Programme Administration (DAPA) has
ordered six new U-214 Air Independent
Propulsion (AIP) submarines in a deal that
will double the number of modern sub-
marines in South Korea’s fleet. The German
Type 214 was selected over the
French/Spanish Scorpene Class so far
ordered by Chile, India and Malaysia.
Korea ordered its first three KSS-II/Type
214 boats in 2000, which were assembled by
Hyundai heavy industries. The first of the
Razak, told a news conference that the
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had
‘cleared the whole inquiry process’ regard-
ing the proposed purchase of Eurocopter
Cougar helicopters.
When asked when the deal would be
complete the Prime Minister said,
‘There's no doubt that the Defence
Ministry and the Royal Malaysian Air Force
(RMAF) want that particular aircraft and
the government is satisfied. The integrity of
the whole process cannot be questioned, so
now, it is a question of affordability,’
The Government announced its inten-
tion to purchase Eurocopter’s EC 725
Cougar medium multi-mission helicopter
ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW
second batch is to be assembled by Daewoo
Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, with
a set of tenders expected to be issued by
DAPA for the construction of the fifth boat.
The new submarines will reportedly
include improvements to the original, name-
ly the AIP system. The existing boats’ AIP
system uses Siemens PEM fuel cells, produc-
ing 120 kW per module, and giving the boat
a 2 week underwater endurance limit.
The new contract is in addition to South
Korea’s plans to develop self-reliance in the
area of defence technology. In 2006 the
Defence Ministry outlined plans to develop
three 3,500-ton class next-generation sub-
marines, KSS-III, featuring indigenous tech-
nology. At the time, the development plan
was scheduled to run between 2010 and 2020.
in 2008, as a replacement for their Sikorsky
S-61 Nuri fleet.
The Nuri fleet, in service for nearly 50
years, requires replacing due to various
capability constraints, including the abili-
ty to carry out search-and-rescue opera-
tions in low light. At an estimated cost of
US$650 million, the project has been
uncertain for some time due to lack
of funds.
Najib said the government would work
out in terms of financing capability and
affordability. ‘We will have to work out in
terms of the financing capability and
affordability. It is a very high performance
helicopter’.