Jan 2007 - Defence Review Asia

Transcription

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ASIAN AIRPOWER DIRECTORY
INDIAN DEFENCE SCENE
FEBRUARY 2007
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Contents
VOLUME 1. NUMBER 1.
3
COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
FEATURES
4
The Indian Air Force – Transition
For A New Century
9
A New Factor – Airborne Radar
Options For India
11
Indian Defence Programmes –
Succeeding Despite The System
16
36 Building Hope In A Harsh,
Neglected Land – Dutch
Counter-Insurgency
Methodology In Afghanistan
43 New Japanese Prime Minister
In European Talks
Defence Review Asia Directory
– ‘Asian Airpower’
29 Air Force Procurement
Programmes In Asia –
Continuing Capability Growth
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
46 China Goes Public
With J-10 Fighter
50 PLA Navy Growth Receives
Political Support
WORLD VIEW
52 Industry
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ASIAN OUTLOOK
33 Leopard 2A4 Selected For SAF
35 RSAF Joins Singapore’s
Editorial Director
David Saw
Email: [email protected]
Contributing Editors
Jean-Michel Guhl ([email protected])
Miroslav Gyürösi
James C. O’Halloran
S.K. Park
Simon Watson
Leo M. van Westerhoven
Publisher
David Saw
CEO
Ross Butler
Advertising Offices & Representation
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Ross Butler
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‘3G SAF’ Transformation
53 World View - Systems
BMP-2 Upgrades – Algeria Opts
For Berezhok Solution
55 New Interest In
Counter-Insurgency Aircraft
56 The Editor’s Bookshelf
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DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
1
EDITORIAL
By David Saw
“COMMENTS & QUESTIONS”
Welcome to Defence Review Asia! This is the first issue of a new defence
magazine published by the Asian Press Group in Singapore. With Defence
Review Asia our aim is to provide Asian defence professionals with a new
type of defence magazine, one that truly covers the rapidly changing nature
of the regional security scene. Our mission is to offer the highest standards
of information, analysis and comment in a unique and attractive package.
We hope that you will find Defence Review Asia to be a useful addition to
your professional reading.
s this first ‘Comments & Questions’ piece
is being written, 2007 already promises to
be extremely complicated in terms of security issues. Almost inevitably the situation in the
Middle East continues to prove extremely troubling.
In an already unstable region the potential for further instability is apparent, and at the centre of this
is Iran. Iran’s security and foreign policy goals are
such that they not only risk totally destabilising the
region, they could even trigger a fratricidal religious
war across the region pitting Sunni against Shi’ite.
The consequences of misjudgement by any of the
regional actors, be they either Arab or Iranian, could
be extremely severe.
In Lebanon, Hizbullah, an Iranian proxy, has taken
to the streets to oust an elected government and the
situation remains tense. At present the level of violence is manageable, but in certain circumstances it
is not hard to imagine matters spiralling out of control and a conflict between Shi’ite Hizbullah and the
Sunni population of Lebanon developing. To be fair
to Iran it would seem that chaos in Lebanon is not
in their best interests, but it is in the best interests of
Iran’s ally, Syria. Damascus seems to believe that if
chaos results in Lebanon the international community will allow it to waltz back in and ‘restore order’,
whilst forgetting about ‘little matters’ such as the assassination of Rafik Hariri allegedly at the behest of
the Syrian leadership. So while the protests continue
in Beirut, weapons continue to flow from Syria and
Iran to Hizbullah, rebuilding their strength after last
year’s conflict with Israel. If the situation does spiral
out of control Hizbullah is strong enough and well
equipped enough to win the opening rounds in a
conflict, but it is not big enough to take the whole
of Lebanon. Nor will Saudi Arabia stand by and let
Hizbullah prevail.
A
Iran and Hizbullah are also expanding their reach
into the Palestinian territories, sponsoring Hamas
and even some factions in Fatah with money and
weapons. One result of this is the virtual ‘civil war’
between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip. From
the Iranian perspective this ‘civil war’ is a mere
inconvenience, their next aim is to expand their
reach into the West Bank and sponsor various
armed factions there. Religious affiliation is not
important here, as Iran wants to be able to direct
military power through its surrogates against Israel.
This will allow Iran to show that only it can strike
Israel and win itself plaudits from the so-called
‘Arab Street’.
While all of this is going on, with the Americans
distracted by Iraq and the Europeans proving easily malleable, Iran can proceed with its ‘peaceful
nuclear programme’ until it suddenly discovers it
has a nuclear weapon capability. At this point Iran
has abundant leverage to achieve its strategic goals
in the Middle East and beyond. Of course, the other
actors in the Middle East are not going to just let
this happen, hence the sudden interest of Saudi
Arabia and other Arab states in ‘peaceful nuclear
energy’. A nuclear-armed and strategically dominant
Iran is not in the interest of the Arab states.
If Iran miscalculates or if the Arabs do, the
situation could rapidly become uncontrollable.
Initially Lebanon might be a trigger, or should the
US withdraw from Iraq that could become a trigger.
The point is that we are not dealing with rational
actors here and that is tremendously destabilising.
Once again the situation in the Middle East hangs
in the balance and once again the rest of the world
will watch from the sidelines. We do not need more
nuclear weapon states, especially in this region, but
will anyone take the trouble to stop this?
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
3
THE INDIAN AIR FORCE
– TRANSITION FOR A NEW CENTURY
An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-27M deploys its chute on landing.
India will upgrade 40 of its MiG-27M aircraft in a programme due
to be completed by HAL in 2008. The rest of the fleet will be
retired in 2010. (Photo Simon Watson)
By David Saw
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established on 8th October
1932 and this year it will celebrate 75 years of existence
– its platinum jubilee. There can be no doubt that the
world has changed massively in that time, at its birth the
IAF was an airpower adjunct to a foreign imperial army,
less than 15 years later it became the air force of a new
independent state. Today, India itself is changing, arguably at a pace far greater than at any time in its recent
history. For so long a sleeping giant, India has burst on
to the world stage as a significant and growing economic
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DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
force. As such India’s economic and security interests are
far broader in scope than they have ever been before, but
with that comes a set of new and complex challenges.
These complex challenges also apply to the IAF, for many
years the fundamental task for the service was to be the
dominant air power in South Asia. Now with India’s areas
of economic and strategic interest expanding, the IAF must
seek to play a role in defending the national interest in these
new areas. This will require the IAF to evolve to address
the new strategic realities that India will be facing; in many
respects this is the main complex challenge that the IAF will
have to contend with.
INDIA
Asian Outlook
The new strategic realities will, of course, also impact on the other Indian services
and there has been some recognition of the fact that the tradition of inter-service
rivalry will not work and that there is a need for cooperation and the ability to
conduct joint operations. Although the services have signed up for this joint
doctrine in public, behind the scenes it is a different story. Single service interest
outweighs the pull of joint service, especially since the aim appears to be protecting one’s own territory whilst attempting to expand into areas that had previously
been the prerogative of another service. To be fair this situation in not unique
to the Indian military scene, the development of a joint operations culture takes
time to become a reality.
Beyond the development of a joint operations culture and the need to operate
in a vastly expanded strategic sphere of interest, the IAF still has to discharge its
fundamental mission of being the dominant air power in South Asia. Meeting
the requirements of this fundamental mission in the current era is another
challenge that the IAF must surmount. This is equally as complex a challenge
as the others listed above, principally due to the immense size of the IAF and its
aircraft holdings. It is reaching a point where it must make some hard choices
on the type of force it wants to be in the future, what size it ought to be and what
equipment it ought to have. To an extent these decisions need to be addressed
in parallel with the requirement to move towards a joint operations culture and a
full analysis of what is necessary to meet Indian strategic policy goals through the
next thirty years and beyond. The problem is that this has not taken place.
FINDING THE PATH
In this environment the IAF is going to have to base its future plans on somewhat
unstable foundations. It is also going to have to come to terms with modern
economics in terms of purchasing aircraft, crewing them and supporting them.
In the recent past, unlike most air forces, the IAF has not really had to confront
the issue of quality versus quantity. What was important was to have a large
number of combat aircraft and operational squadrons; it was numbers that were
important. This policy actually made a lot of sense for many years, as the most
likely adversary did not, in any real sense, have any qualitative advantage over the
IAF and so in this situation numbers were critical.
Things are very different for the IAF today. There can be no doubt that in the
form of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3, the IAF fields the most sophisticated combat
aircraft in South Asia and the surrounding regions. The Soviet Union was the
main equipment supplier to India, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the
emergence of a ‘new’ Russia a different relationship emerged between India and
Russia. Initially things were difficult for the IAF, traditional channels of support
for its aircraft had disappeared and it took time to build new channels of supply.
After this has been resolved and the Russian government and defence industry
had got their house in order, new opportunities emerged.
During the Soviet era, India was only able to acquire what the Soviet Union
was prepared to offer and this was a major limitation to the development of IAF
capabilities. With the Russian government and defence industry the situation was
different, the customer actually mattered and if the money was on the table there
were very few limitations on what you could acquire. This opened the door to
India’s acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-30, not only could they get top-of-the line
equipment they could also specify that non-Russian avionics and other systems
would be integrated with the aircraft. This saw Israeli, French, Indian and other
international systems being integrated into the Su-30. On top of this India could
insist on license production of the aircraft in India on most satisfactory terms.
Initially the IAF acquired the Su-30K from Russia and then Irkut was responsible for the manufacture of the full specification Su-30MKI. This was not a trouble
free programme, but in the end it delivered a very high quality combat aircraft.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now producing the aircraft at the Nasik
The Sukhoi Su30MKI is the most
advanced combat
aircraft in the IAF.
HAL are building
140 under license
and India is due
to place an order
for another 40
with Russia, which
will bring the fleet
number to over
220. (Photo
Simon Watson)
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
5
INDIA
A Mirage 2000TH
heads for the sky. The
Mirage 2000H/TH
fleet numbers some 52
aircraft and these will
be upgraded, in addition the IAF hopes to
acquire more aircraft,
most probably from
French Air Force
surplus. (Photo Simon
Watson)
facility, with 10 of the 140 Su-30MKI aircraft on order built. The license production programme has come in for some criticism over delays, HAL have denied
this and have also stated that they are responding to the request of the IAF and
speeding up the pace of the programme, with last deliveries now due in 2015
instead of 2018.
The initial batch of 18 Sukhoi Su-30K aircraft received by the IAF is being traded
in for 12 new current specification Su-30MKI-3 aircraft from Irkut and on top of
this, India apparently intends to order 40 more Su-30MKI-3 aircraft from Irkut as
well. Thus by 2015, the IAF Su-30MKI fleet could reach a highpoint of a total of
224 aircraft. By any standards this would be a powerful force in both offensive and
defensive missions.
MIG MATTERS
India has been one of the largest export customers for the products of RAC MiG
over the years, acquiring vast numbers of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-25s, MiG-27s
and MiG-29 aircraft and also manufacturing the MiG-21 and MiG-27M under
license. The various MiG fleets have come to a point where they must either be
discarded or upgraded. Thus far the MiG-25 has been retired and now the IAF has
put together a plan that decides the fate of the other aircraft.
Some years ago it was decided to embark on the upgrade of the MiG-21 bis in
IAF service, RAC MiG upgraded the first two aircraft with HAL responsible for the
rest. The programme did suffer from delays, but in the end it has left the IAF with
a force of some 120 (out of 125 originally upgraded) MiG-21 Bison aircraft. The
remaining MiG-21M/UM/FL/U and unmodified MiG-21 bis aircraft, more than
128 aircraft, will be retired by 2010. HAL is also responsible for the upgrade of part
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DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
of the IAF MiG-27M force and although this programme running behind schedule
by at least a year, the IAF is due to receive upgraded aircraft by the end of 2008.
Some MiG-23UM trainers will be retained to support this fleet, but the remaining
130 or so MiG-27 and MiG-23BN/MF/UM aircraft currently in service will also
be retired in 2010. The entire MiG-29 B/S/UM fleet, now consisting of some 64
aircraft, is also to be upgraded in a programme led by RAC MiG and valued at
over $800 million, with a completion date of 2010/2011.
The point of these upgrade programmes is to add at least ten to fifteen years
of operational life to the MiG-21 bis, MiG-27M and MiG-29 fleets. Certainly the
performance of these upgraded aircraft will be far above that of their original
configuration. This is a positive point, yet in 2010 the IAF, according to its
current plans, will lose some 250 combat aircraft and this is undoubtedly a major
concern.
THE BROADER FORCE
The IAF has a large fleet of Jaguar aircraft in service, some 95, with an additional
40 on order from HAL at Bangalore. All of which indicates that the Jaguar, with
various upgrades, will be in IAF service for at least another 20 years. One type that
will not is the old Canberra, some 11 of these remain in service, and are incredibly
useful for reconnaissance missions, but their time is coming to an end. Eventually the reconnaissance mission will be devolved to UAVs.
The Dassault Mirage 2000H/TH fleet is extremely popular with the IAF and
an additional 10 aircraft were acquired from French Air Force stocks, bringing the
current fleet to 52 aircraft. What the IAF would like to do is acquire more Mirage
2000 aircraft, hence the failed attempts to acquire the Qatari Mirage 2000-5
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INDIA
The MiG-29B/S/UM
fleet of 64 aircraft
will be upgraded
in an $800 million
programme led by
RAC MiG and due
for completion in
2010/2011. This programme will give the
IAF MiG-29 fleet ten
to fifteen years more
operational life. (Photo
Simon Watson)
fleet. The current plan is to try and acquire at least 20 aircraft and if possible
more (figures of 40 aircraft have been mentioned) from French Air Force surplus
stocks. The aim is to embark on an upgrade programme for the existing Mirage
2000H/TH fleet to extend service life and improve operational capabilities and
then as further aircraft are acquired include them in the upgrade programme.
One new system that the IAF is due to be receiving is the HAL Tejas, the fabled
Light Combat Aircraft, of which 20 are on order and 20 on option. This is one of
those Indian indigenous programmes that contain all of the ingredients necessary
to turn into a farce. The programme is late and it is doubtful if the IAF even
needs or wants the aircraft, unfortunately whatever the IAF thinks it will receive
the aircraft at some as yet unknown point in the future. On the positive side for
both HAL and the IAF, the HJT-36 Sitara training aircraft is progressing well and
this will replace the existing Kiran fleet. Add to this 66 BAE Systems Hawk Mk 132
advanced jet trainers on order and at last real progress is being made in addressing the training deficiencies that have plagued to IAF.
FUTURE SYSTEMS
The capabilities of the IAF will be enhanced by the end of this year with the
arrival of the first of three AEW&C systems, comprising of the Elta Phalcon system
mated with the Ilyushin Il-76MD airframe. However, there is recognition of
the fact that more AEW&C platforms will be needed and a more affordable
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DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
solution is being defined as an indigenous programme.
The headline programme for the next few years will be the MRCA fighter
programme for 126 aircraft, which, for the first time, will see the IAF evaluate US,
European and Russian aircraft in the form of the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,
Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 60+,
the RAC MiG-35 and the Saab Gripen. In terms of selection criteria politics will
outweigh performance, with another factor being the ability to cope with India’s
new and complicated offset rules. Despite this, it is a very attractive programme
and is important enough to the politicians and the IAF to overcome the elephantine pace of the Indian bureaucracy. As to when a procurement decision can be
expected is a different story though and here we are back into the unknown in the
form of the mysterious world of Indian defence procurement behaviour.
In terms of future projects there are two key programmes on the horizon, the
first of these is the Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA), which will be a collaborative programme between Irkut and HAL to develop a new transport aircraft and
the programme is to receive official government support by both Moscow and
New Delhi. The most interesting programme is Indian participation in a Russian
programme to develop a new ‘5th Generation’ fighter, with Sukhoi leading on the
design and working towards a first flight in 2009. Talks on Indian involvement in
the programme are taking place and the aircraft could be the answer to India’s
need for and advanced combat aircraft in the next decade. ■
AIR FORCES
By David Saw
A NEW FACTOR – AIRBORNE
RADAR OPTIONS FOR INDIA
If there is one thing to be said about the Indian Air Force (IAF) MRCA fighter
programme, it is that it has attracted a list of very credible contenders from the
US, Europe and Russia. All of these aircraft vying for the programme appear
more than capable of filling the operational requirements that the IAF has set,
so finding a winner is not going to be an easy process. In these circumstances
other factors will come into play and these could provide the decisive edge for
the winning candidate. One of these factors could be airborne radar.
Through 2006 it became increasingly apparent that
many people in the IAF and in the broader Indian
defence community were becoming fascinated by
the potential offered by active electronically scanned
array (AESA) radars. In the context of the MRCA
programme only two contenders currently have
AESA radars, these are the Boeing F/A-18E/F Block
II Super Hornet with the Raytheon AN/APG-79 and
the Lockheed Martin F-16C/D which could be fitted
with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-80 as sold to
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their Block 60
F-16C/D aircraft.
The other contenders for the MRCA programme
are also making tremendous efforts to acquire AESA
radars. In France Thales is working to replace the
passive electronically scanned array in the Rafale with
a new AESA system, in Russia Phazotron is working
on providing the MiG-35 with an AESA capability. For
Eurofighter, Selex and EADS are developing a new
AESA radar, and work is also underway in Sweden to
develop an AESA radar for the Saab Gripen. It would
seem that the AESA radar is suddenly the capability
to have.
Back in 2000, the US Air Force introduced the
world’s first fighter AESA radar, when a total of 18
F-15C aircraft entered service equipped with the
Raytheon AN/APG-63(V)2. This radar is actually an
upgraded APG-63(V)1 back-end mated with an AESA
front-end. More recently Raytheon received a contract
to provide six full specification AN/APG-63(V)3 AESA
radars to upgrade US Air National Guard F-15C
aircraft, with another 42 radars being required. Also
included in the contract was a single AESA radar
for the US Air Force which is working on plans to
upgrade its F-15C force and beyond that is looking
at upgrading the F-15E force with an AESA radar, the
aircraft currently has the Raytheon-manufactured
AN/APG-70 with a mechanically scanned array.
Initially the problem with AESA radars was that
they were expensive, as with any new technology.
This is the reason that the Republic of Korea Air
Force (ROKAF) chose to stay with the conventional
APG-63(V)1 for its F-15K aircraft, yet in 2005 when
the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) ordered
its F-15SG aircraft it could opt for the AESA APG63(V)3 as the capability had become so much more
affordable and the increase in performance was such
that any price advantages offered by a conventional
radar were totally eroded. Should ROKAF decide that
it needs an AESA capability, the back-end of its
APG-63 radars can support integration with an AESA
front-end.
TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ADVANTAGES
Today with an AESA fighter radar being roughly cost
competitive with a mechanically scanned array, many
more air forces will at last have the opportunity
to make an analysis of the pros and cons of each
category of system. What they will discover, as the
IAF is discovering, is that an AESA radar confers
tremendous advantages compared to a mechani-
The AN/APG-79 AESA radar is installed in the F/A-18E/F Batch II Super Hornet, providing greater performance and far higher reliability than a conventional mechanically steered array radar. (Photo Raytheon)
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
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AIR FORCES
A Batch II Boeing F/A-18E/F comes into land. Some 32 AESA-equipped F/A-18E/F have already been delivered and 135 earlier F/A-18E aircraft are due to be equipped
with the AESA radar. (Photo: Boeing)
cally scanned array, real operational advantages and
significant advantages in availability and reduced
maintenance.
The advantage of the AESA radar is that it has
more power and a wide bandwidth capability and
this allows it to generate a wider variety of waveforms
than a conventional radar, allowing simultaneous airto-air and air-to-ground coverage. More practically
this means that an aircraft with an AESA radar has
a greater range than its conventional equivalent and
can detect and track more targets virtually instantaneously, all of which means the pilot has the complete
air battle picture sooner, can react faster and be the
first to engage with all of the advantages that brings
in being able to use the full performance envelope of
air weapons.
AESA also gains other advantages from its power
and the wide variety of waveforms that it can generate.
It has an electronic attack capability in that it can jam
hostile radars or communications systems, it could
also be linked with radar warning receivers and other
equipment to provide an integrated electronic warfare
capability so that the aircraft could undertake air
defence suppression missions if so desired. Another
opportunity offered by AESA radar is in the field of
10 DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
An aircraft with an AESA
radar has a greater range
than its conventional equivalent and can detect and track
more targets virtually instantaneously, all of which means
the pilot has the complete air
battle picture sooner.
communications, current data links, such as Link 16,
have tremendous bandwidth limitations. AESA is free
of these limitations and its high data rate means that
you can move vast amounts of information between
platforms, something that is essential in networked
operations.
All of these possibilities offered by AESA radar
would be meaningless of the system was not reliable.
The system is. Raytheon state that the AN/APG-79
has a Meant Time Between Critical Failure (MTBCF)
for the array of 15,000 hours and an MTBCF for the
system of 1,250 hours. The figure that matters is the
MTBCF for the system, the AESA radar is at least three
to five times more reliable than a conventional radar.
In fact older mechanically steered array radars were
often experiencing MTBCF of around 15-18 hours.
The AESA radar is also upgradeable through its
service life through software improvements and
as these systems are modular in structure, new
elements can be installed as required. In the US
the Batch II F-/A-18E/F Super Hornet is equipped
with the AN/APG-79 radar from the start, some 32
of these aircraft have already been delivered, and
135 earlier build aircraft are to be retrofitted with the
radar at a later date. For other applications there is
no reason why an AESA radar cannot be installed in
numerous existing combat aircraft, the size of the
antenna can be adjusted to fit the space available.
The key though is power and cooling, the cooling
issue in a smaller aircraft would probably require
liquid cooling. All things considered though, it would
seem with AESA technology that we are on the verge
of a fighter aircraft revolution.
INDIA
By David Saw
INDIAN DEFENCE PROGRAMMES –
SUCCEEDING DESPITE THE SYSTEM
Thee procurement of defence equipment is never an easy process and
that is true of anywhere in the world,
in India, however, the degree of difficulty in efficient defence procurement has risen, at various times, to an
unprecedented level. In this article our
aim is to look at the defence procurement scene in India and define some
of the key upcoming programmes,
whilst looking at the importance of
external suppliers and the role of the
indigenous defence industry.
Today India is growing at a tremendous rate
economically, it is estimated that in 2006 the Indian
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at some 8.3%
and that in 2007, GDP growth will reach at least
7.4%. Foreign direct investment into India in 2006
is believed to grown over 44% above the amount
invested in 2005. There is still much to be done to
unleash the economic potential of India, government
and bureaucratic interference in the economy is still
far too high and there needs to be major investment in infrastructure. Despite this, now that it has
returned to the economic mainstream of the world,
the momentum of development in India will contain
to gain traction and bring growth in its wake.
Economic growth translates into more government
revenue and this revenue finds its way to increasing
financial support for India’s large armed forces.
A growing defence budget is a welcome development for the military, but the side effects of national
economic growth eat away at the gains made in the
budget. These side effects include increased pension
liabilities and the need to increase pay and conditions in the military, as the retention/recruitment of
officers and technically trained personnel is starting
to fall short. For example continued growth in the
Indian airline industry will create even more demand
for pilots and technical personnel and, inevitably, the
INS Vikrant is currently the only carrier in Indian Navy service; it will be joined by INS Vikramaditya (ex-Gorshkov) in 2008, and then by the indigenous Air Defence Ship being built at Cochin.
(Photo: Simon Watson)
Indian Air Force will suffer from increased retention
problems. As such this means that the military will
inevitably see its personnel costs rise.
This economic growth also brings other problems
in its wake, freed from the insularity of the past India
now has global interests and, as we mentioned
in our earlier article on the Indian Air Force in this
issue, this has created a new strategic environment
for the Indian military. Previously Indian strategic
interests were centred on South Asia, now they are
much broader. In this new environment, the Indian
Navy, for example, will have a greatly expanded area
of interest. This will cover the Indian Ocean to the
east coast of Africa, up to the Straits of Hormuz,
rising Indian energy demand requires that Indian
access to the oil producing states of the Middle East
be protected, and through to the South China Sea.
To put this into context the Indian Navy intends to
have four of the most important maritime trade route
‘choke points’ in its operational area: the Suez Canal,
Bab el Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait
of Malacca.
MEETING REQUIREMENTS
These expanding strategic areas of interest for India
will inevitably create a demand for new and more
sophisticated equipment. The situation in South Asia
itself also drives increased demand for advanced
equipment, Pakistan’s nuclear forces and improvements in conventional weapons must be countered
and, in addition, India continues to keep a wary
eye on China’s growing strength. On top of this
comes the need to deal with terrorism and domestic
insurgencies, all of which creates a diverse range of
strategic threats to contend with and a need for a
broad spectrum of equipment.
For years the Indian military found itself locked
into a situation where the bulk of its equipment
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
11
INDIA
Indigenous programmes play a key role in India. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is in service with the three
services and the Coast Guard. (Photo: Simon Watson)
needs came from one main external source – the
Soviet Union. To this could be added the acquisition, on a selected project basis, of equipment
from France, Germany, Sweden and the UK. The
other critical element in meeting equipment needs
was the government-run national defence industry.
Local programmes were either based on the license
production of foreign designs, subsequent modification of those designs to meet Indian requirements or
totally indigenous developments. It was government
policy to support self-reliance, apart from making
some strategic sense; it also provided employment
and fitted in with the overall dogma of the government controlling major sectors of the economy.
In the 1990s with collapse of the Soviet Union,
the comfortable certainties that had shaped Indian
defence procurement were gone. There were also
changes in the political landscape in India, it was
finally understood that India could no longer hide
behind tariff barriers and that protectionism and
government interference in the economy were
harmful rather than helpful. The Indian economy
was finally unshackled and since 1996 has grown
at a fast pace. In parallel with economic liberalisation came an understanding that the international
situation had changed dramatically and that India
had to find new ways to engage with the rest of the
world.
The removal from the scene of the Soviet Union
did cause the Indian military problems, but as the
Russian defence industry emerged from the wreckage
normal service was resumed. More importantly for
India, with Russia and the new Russian defence
industry they had access to a far more sophisticated
selection of equipment than they would have had in
the Soviet era. In addition equipment could also be
sourced from the Ukraine and other former parts of
the Soviet Union if required.
NEW MARKET FORCES
New players also entered the Indian defence scene,
the most significant being Israel. This relationship
gave both sides tremendous advantages, for India it
provided access to a highly sophisticated source of
equipment both in terms of direct supply of systems
and equally as important expertise. Working with
Israel would also allow India to upgrade existing
equipment to make it viable for modern conditions.
For Israel their ability to do business with India gave
them access to a vast new market and one with
seemingly limitless potential.
Across the course of this decade Israeli defence
business with India has grown by leaps and bounds.
In 2004 the highlight was the signature of a
INDIA
Indian Army T-72M1 Ajeya tanks during a UN peacekeeping mission in Africa. India is to place a second order for the T-90S tank and produce up 1,000 of them
under license at Avadi. (Photo: S.K. Park)
$1.2 billion contract to supply the IAI Elta Phalcon
AEW&C system on three Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft for
the IAF. By 2006, India had become the largest
export customer for the Israeli defence industry with
sales amounting to $1.6 billion, according to SIBAT
the defence export agency of the Israeli Ministry of
Defence (IMOD). Significantly the largest contributor to the $1.6 billion sales total was a $400 million
contract between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
and the Indian Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) covering the joint development of the Barak 8 naval air defence system.
A whole list of Israeli companies is working on
major programmes in India. IAI is a major supplier of
UAV systems, Tadiran Communications has become
a key supplier of combat net radios, Elbit is working
on numerous programmes, Soltam has upgraded
M-46 130 mm guns and transferred the technology
for the upgrade, Rafael and its Spyder system have
won a major contract for a low-level air defence
system, IMI are supplying ammunition and IWI are
supplying Tavor assault rifles. There are many other
Israeli companies that we have not mentioned, but
they are also working on Indian programmes. India
India is also moving on joining another collaborative
programme with Russia. This
covers the development of a
‘5th Generation Fighter’.
has become that important a market for the Israeli
defence industry.
For Russia and its defence industry India is tremendously important, but they have had to learn to adapt
to the fact that India is now a tremendously competitive defence marketplace. In 2006, Russia secured an
order, valued at some $1.6 billion for the construction of a second batch of three Talwar class frigates at
the Yantar Shipyard. There was a license production
arrangement for the Klimov RD-33 jet engine, as used
in the MiG-29, for $250 million and an upgrade and
overhaul contract for Indian Navy Il-38 MPA aircraft
at $205 million. Thus major contracts brought in over
$2 billion in business for Russia in 2006, this was a
better year than 2005, but was not in the same league
as in previous years.
RUSSIAN RESPONSES
Russia still remains the primary supplier of defence
equipment to India and Russian industry has learned
to adapt to keep itself at the summit of the Indian
market. Initially this saw new flexibility in meeting
Indian needs, for example the integration of French,
Israeli and Indian equipment on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI
combat aircraft. The next stage was the establishment of collaborative ventures, the most significant
being BrahMos Aerospace to develop the BrahMos
ASCM and deliver it to the three Indian services and
then move on to exploit the third-country export
market.
New collaborative ventures were a fundamental
part of talks held in January under the auspices of
the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission
on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC),
INDIA
India and Russia are to jointly develop the Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MRTA) to meet the needs of their air forces. The prototype is due to fly in 2010 and the
aircraft should be in service by 2015. (Photo: Irkut)
where Indian Defence Minister Shri A.K. Antony and
Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister
Sergey Ivanov presided. Both India and Russia have
committed to pursuing the development of the MultiRole Transport Aircraft (MRTA), with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) joining with Irkut of Russia to
jointly develop and produce the aircraft. The MRTA is
due to make its first flight in 2010, with testing being
completed by 2012 and the projected in-service date
being 2015. Both the IAF and the Russian Air Force
will be acquiring the MRTA.
Although not covered by the protocols resulting
from the IRIGC-MTC meeting, India is also moving
on joining another collaborative programme with
Russia. This covers the development and production of a ‘5th Generation Fighter’, which is being
developed by Sukhoi and is due to make its first
flight in 2009. India will contribute funding to the
programme and once again HAL will be involved. For
the IAF this new fighter will be an extremely welcome
addition to its combat aircraft strength and Indian
participation ought to secure the programme for the
Russian Air Force as well.
More traditional defence deals are also proceed-
ing between Russia and India. In 2001 India signed
a contract to acquire 310 T-90S tanks from Uralvagonzavod, valued at some $800 million, covering the
direct supply of 124 tanks and local assembly of the
remainder in India. Now a second contract is to be
signed covering the delivery of 347 T-90S tanks and
the local production of up to 1,000 more at Avadi in
India. A new batch of 40 Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3 aircraft is
to be acquired from Irkut and a long awaited contract
for 80 Mi-17 helicopters is finally to be signed. It
would seem that 2007 is going to be a good year for
the Russian defence industry in India.
While Russia seeks to secure its position as the
premier supplier of defence equipment to India, it
is watching with some concern the arrival of a new
player in the marketplace – the US. Thus far the US
has not made a major penetration into the Indian
defence market, the first success was a contract to
Raytheon to supply AN-TPQ-36/37 weapon locating
radars. Now the US Navy has transferred the USS
Trenton, an LPD, to the Indian Navy as well as six
HH-3 helicopters. More recently India has requested
information on the acquisition of six C-130J aircraft
with options on a further six. After the settlement of
the nuclear issues between the US and India, the US
defence industry can now look forward to attempting to broaden its franchise in India. The first test of
these new possibilities will be how Bell fares in its
contest with Eurocopter for the Indian Army requirement for 197 Light Observation Helicopters.
The programme that will define the new shape of
the Indian defence market is the IAF MRCA fighter
competition, where, for the first time, US, Russian
and European aircraft will all be considered for a
major defence programme. With 126 aircraft required
the size of this programme is enormous and it will
be a difficult competition to win. The programme
will have to comply with India’s offset regulations,
which will be difficult enough, and then there will
have to be local content. Those aspects will be part
of the selection process, and then you will have the
involvement of the IAF in selecting to aircraft that
most closely meets their needs. Finally, and most
critically, you have the input of the politicians and the
bureaucrats in the selection process. How the MRCA
programme plays out will tell us if defence procurement in India is changing or although dressed differently is still as it was.
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 15
16
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
DIRECTORY
ASIAN AIRPOWER
By David Saw
This is the first of what will become a series of annual ‘Defence Review Asia
Directory’ features. Our first Directory covers ‘Asian Airpower’, the second (to
be published in the March/April issue) is the ‘Asian Air Defence Directory’ and
the third (to be published in the May issue) is the ‘Asian Naval Forces Directory’.
The aim of these features is to present a credible set of baseline data that can be
used for the analysis of airpower, air defence and naval assets in the region.
DIRECTORY
A S I A N
The airpower scene in Asia promises to be extremely
interesting over the next year. The decision of China to
publicise the J-10 (see ‘China Defence Watch’ in this
issue) puts the spotlight on the People’s Liberation Army
Air Force (PLAAF) and its development plans. Rumours
are now surfacing that the even more advanced J-14
fighter could fly in 2008. The PLA Navy Air Arm is also
worthy of note with its carrier programme developing
Our ‘Asian Airpower Directory’ covers a total of
24 countries from Afghanistan to Vietnam. With
each country we have attempted to define the
number of aircraft and helicopters actually in
service with each air arm. To achieve this we have
utilised a number of ‘open’ sources to generate
an overall picture of aircraft strengths across each
country and then subtracted aircraft that have
been retired and recent attrition. We have then
noted new orders as they have been placed, or
in certain cases are about to be placed. Sadly it
is impossible to claim total accuracy in covering
the airpower strengths of regional nations, as
many are extremely reluctant to go public with
the numbers of aircraft or helicopter assets that
they have.
What this ‘Directory’ intends to achieve is a
basis upon which we can build a real picture of
the regional airpower scene and then develop
it to become a standard reference source in the
discussion of regional security issues. The second
edition of this ‘Directory’ will be published in
February 2008, between now and then we will be
upgrading the data in the ‘Directory’, but readers
have a role to play as well. What we would like is
for you to respond to this ‘Directory’ and correct
any inaccuracies that appear, so that we can
improve the information for the next edition. We
would be delighted to credit you with assisting
us, but we understand that there are those
who whilst willing to help are unwilling to be
recognized for their assistance. If you have a
contribution to make please contact us by e-mail
at [email protected]
and interest in the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-33 as a
carrier fighter. The Republic of Korea Air Force will
move forward on a plan to by 20 more combat aircraft,
but are being coy on whether they will opt for more
Boeing F-15K or do something unexpected. The F-X
programme in Japan is also worthy of note, as delays
in the schedule could open up the competition to both
the F-22 and the F-35.
18
DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA
Of course, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea are
not the only countries of interest. Our coverage of India
in this issue has shown the depth of their aircraft and
helicopter requirements, and then there is Pakistan,
which is building up the striking power of its air force.
The only certainty in all of this is that Asia has become
one of the most important markets for combat aircraft
in the world and looks set to remain so.
Some assets of the old Afghan Air Force, such as this Sukhoi Su-22, survive to serve the new Afghan
National Army Air Corps. Russian assistance has been pivotal in the acquisition of aircraft and helicopters.
(Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
AFGHANISTAN
Afghan National Army Air Corps
2
2+
4+
10+
10
2+
2+
Aero Vodochody L39 (supplied by Russia)
Antonov An-12
Antonov An-26/An-32
Mil Mi-8/Mi-17
Mil Mi-24/-35
Sukhoi Su-22
RAC MiG-21
Note: The dumps at airfields in Afghanistan contain most of the
former Afghan Air Force. A number of old aircraft have been
returned to flight status and Russia has supplied helicopters
and transport aircraft, as well as spare parts. However, the
insurgency that this force is facing will demand the acquisition
of more helicopters to support Afghan and coalition troops.
AUSTRALIA
Royal Australian Air Force
55
16
17
4
24
We would like to thank Leo M. van Westerhoven
for delivering some extraordinary Afghan National
Army Air Corps photos, S.K. Park for his photo
assistance, Simon Watson for a selection from
his encyclopaedic Indian military photo collection
and Nick Merrett of our sister magazine AsiaPacific Defence Reporter (APDR) for his help on
the Australia and New Zealand sections.
A I R P O W E R
33
17
2
3
6
5
1
3
Boeing F/A-18A(upgraded under Air 5376)
Boeing F/A-18B (upgraded under Air 5376)
General Dynamics F-111C (to be retired)
General Dynamics RF-111C (to be retired.
An RF-111C crashed on landing at
Amberly last year but will be repaired)
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet (interim aircraft until
JSF arrives, for 2010 delivery. Order currently
being negotiated)
BAE Systems Hawk Mk 127
Lockheed Martin AP 3C Orion (being upgraded)
Lockheed Martin EP- 3C Orion (ELINT mission)
Lockheed Martin TAP-3 (P-3B) Orion
Boeing 737 Wedgetail AEW&C
(1st delivery now due August 2008)
Airbus A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
(on order – 2008 service entry)
Boeing C-17
Boeing C-17
(one to arrive mid- 2007 the other two in 2008)
4
61
12
11
1
5
14
3
3
7
Pilatus PC-9 (FAC mission)
Pilatus PC-9
Lockheed Martin C-130J-30
Lockheed Martin C-130H (due for upgrade)
Lockheed Martin EC-130
Boeing 707-320/338C (tanker/transport
– to be retired when A330 arrives)
DHC-4 Caribou (limited life
extension programme in effect)
Canadair Challenge CL604 (leased from Qantas)
Boeing 737-700 BBJ (leased from Qantas)
Beech Super King Air 350
Note: The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has been selected as
the eventual replacement for the F/A-18 and F-111 fleets; the
latter aircraft is due to be retired from RAAF service in 2010.
The sudden arrival of the F/A-18F as an interim fighter was a
surprise, but is actually logical as a replacement for the F-111 in
the strike role. There appears to be no turning back as regards
the F-35 decision, but Defence must make its mind up on
numbers and what it can afford by the end of 2008. Originally it
was the be 100 JSF, but now the JSF force will probably number
around 72 aircraft and will be procured in three phases, with the
first phase amounting to some 40 aircraft. Original JSF in-service
date was to be 2012, being realistic events are out of the control
of Australia and a definitive in-service date has yet to be set.
Royal Australian Navy
6
11
16
7
12
1
NH Industries/ Australian Aerospace MRH-90 (on order,
part of large purchase for both RAN and Army)
Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite (The fate of the
SH-2G(A) remains uncertain, this has been
a very complex programme)
Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk
AgustaWestland Sea King Mk
50/50A (to be replaced by MRH90)
Eurocopter AS.350B Ecureuil
Bombardier Learjet (leased, for training mission)
Australian Army
32
Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk
DIRECTORY
The first Boeing C-17 for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flies over Canberra in December. The RAAF is
to receive one more C-17 by the middle of this year and the remaining two in 2008. (Photo: Defence, Australia)
6
2
20
40
25
42
2
3
Boeing CH-47D
Eurocopter Tiger ARH (operational test & evaluation)
Australian Aerospace/Eurocopter Tiger ARH
(on order, operational 2008)
Australian Aerospace/NH
Industries MRH-90 (on order)
Bell UH-1H (to be retired this year)
Bell 206B-1 Kiowa
DHC-6-300 Twin Otter (leased)
Beech King Air 350 (leased)
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Air Force
12
4
8
12
8
9
6
8
31
10
39
10
4
2
3
3
4
15
5
11
3
Chengdu F-7BG (delivered 2006)
Chengdu FT-7BG (delivered 2006)
RAC MiG MiG-29A/UB
Chengdu F-7MG
Chengdu FT-7
Hongdu A-5C (to be retired)
Shenyang FT-6 (to be retired)
Aero L-39ZA
Cessna T-37B (ex-US and Pakistan Air Force)
CM.170 Magister
Nanchang CJ-6
PAC Mushshak
Cessna 152
Cessna 337
Antonov An-26
Antonov An-32
Lockheed Martin C-130B
Mil Mi-17/Mi-171
Mil Mi-17 (to be ordered)
Bell 212
Bell 206L
Note: The Bangladesh order for a new batch of F-7BG and
FT-7BG was unexpected. There seems to be more money for
defence, but that might not last in the current political climate.
Bangladesh Navy
2
Beechcraft King Air 200 (MPA mission)
Note: This fixed wing capability is a recent acquisition for the
Bangladesh Navy, through a company in Singapore. There
is still a plan to acquire a naval helicopter capability.
BRUNEI
Royal Brunei Air Force
4
1
5
1
Pilatus PC-7 Mk 2
PTDI (IAe) CN-235-110M
Eurocopter BO105 with HOT ATGW
Eurocopter BO105
4
2
10
2
Sikorsky S-70A
Sikorsky S-70L VIP
Bell 212
Bell 206B
CAMBODIA
Royal Cambodian Air Force
1
1
8
3
5
3
2
6
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
2
2
RAC MiG-21bis (IAI Modernised)
RAC MiG-21UM (IAI Modernised)
RAC MiG-21bis (lack of funding halted upgrade)
RAC MiG-21 UM (lack of funding halted upgrade)
Aero L-39 (IAI Modernised)
Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-8MT (others exist but unserviceable)
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-26
Eurocopter AS.350B Ecureuil
(VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Eurocopter AS.365 Dauphin
(VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Beech 200 (VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Cessna 402 (VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Cessna 421 (VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Dassault Falcon 20E (VIP - under Council of Ministry)
Tecnam P92 Echo
Antonov An-24RV
Antonov An-26
Harbin Y-12
Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Note: The VIP aircraft fleet was formerly under air
force control but is now under central government
control through the Council of Ministry. Current status
of the force is limited due to lack of funding.
CHINA
People’s Liberation Army Air Force
100+ Xian H-6A/C/F/H
20+ Xian H-6U (tanker – now in production)
100 Harbin H-5/HJ-5/HZ-5/HD-5 (few of the standard
version, trainer, reconnaissance
version and HJ-5 ELINT version)
550 Hongdu Q-5
10+ Hongdu JQ-5J (new trainer version for Q-5 replacing JJ-6)
160+ Sukhoi Su-27SK/Su-27UBK/J-11B
(upgrade programme likely soon)
90+ Sukhoi Su-27SK/UBK (J-11B/JJ-11) (on order from
local production, with these aircraft having Chinese
engines and other modifications)
73
Sukhoi Su-30MKK
72+ Chengdu J-10A/B (prototypes, evaluation unit at
CFTE, and at least two Air Regiments ith the
44th and 3rd Air Divisions.
Production rate is two per month)
200+ Shenyang J-8/J-8II
547 Chengdu J-7C/D/E/EB/G/JJ-7
(early J-7C/D models being retired)
8
Chengdu FC-1 (JF-17) (on order for evaluation)
100+ Shenyang J-6 (fleet being run down)
3
Tupolev Tu-154MD ELINT
7
Tupolev Tu-154M (transport use, most stored)
40
Xian Y-7
12
Xian Y-14
14
Ilyushin Il-76MD (transport, 30 more aircraft on order)
34
Ilyushin Il-76MD (on order, delivery delays)
4
Ilyushin Il-78 (tanker, on order – delivery delays)
1
Beriev A-5OM (Il-76) (was in Israel - now at CFTE,
provided basis for KJ-2000 indienous AEW programme)
3+
KJ-2000 (Il-76 AEW conversion)
35+ Shaanxi Y-8 (transport, special versions include
airborne command post, UAV carrier, EW aircraft,
ELINT and an AEW version, the prototype
of which crashed, with an ESA radar)
20+ Harbin Y-11/Y-12
298 Harbin Y-5
1
Boeing 767-332ER (VIP)
1
Boeing 737-300 (Airborne Command Post/ELINT)
2
Boeing 737-700
7
Boeing 737-300
5
Canadair CRJ200BLR
2
Canadair Challenger 601
50+ Nanchang K-8
100+ Shenyang JJ-5 (to be retired)
100+ Shenyang JJ-6 (to be retired)
1,200 Nanchang CJ-6
20+ Harbin Z-5
Note: The PLAAF recently unveiled the J-10 marking its official
arrival as an in-service system. Rumours of progress on the J-14,
potentially even a first flight in 2008, have surfaced. This will be
the most advanced Chinese aircraft yet. There will be a decision
on a new advanced jet trainer this year, with the Guizhou
FTC-2000 and the Hongdu L15 as the contenders. Training is a
major issue for PLAAF; the arrival of the Sukhoi Su-27 exposed
the limitations in its pilot training with significant losses since
the mid-1990s. This issue is gradually being dealt with. It is
interesting to note that China acquired a single Su-27 from the
Ukraine in 2004. The Su-27/J-11B fleet is to be upgraded, with
a programme being negotiated with Russia, although indigenous
systems will be integrated. Older combat aircraft are being
retired, with some converted into target drones. In summary the
quality of the PLAAF continues to improve at a dramatic rate.
People’s Liberation Army Navy Aviation
20+
90
5
70+
12
50+
200+
16
20+
23
100
10+
3+
10+
10
20+
24
6
25
15
3
Xian H-6A/D/F
Harbin H-5/HJ-5/HZ-5/HD-5
Harbin SH-5
Shenyang J-8/J-8II
Beriev Be-6
Chengdu J-7/JJ-7
Shenyang J-6 (force being rundown)
Xian JH-7
Xian JH-7A (entered full service 2004)
Sukhoi Su-30MK2
Hongdu Q-5
Xian Y-7
Shaanxi Y-8J (AEW conversion, with Skymaster radar)
Shaanxi Y-8 (transport, ELINT, EW aircraft. Possibility
of AEW version with Chinese ESA radar being acquired)
Eurocopter SA.321 Super Frelon
Changhe Z-8 (Chinese Super Frelon version)
Harbin Y-5
Harbin Z-5
Harbin Z-9
Kamov Ka-28 (more on order)
Sukhoi Su-33 (evaluation order in negotiation, there are
thought to be options on 12 more, with up to 50
required. The Su-33 would be deployed from the
Chinese aircraft carrier (ex-Varyag)
being refurbished at Dalian)
DIRECTORY
32
140
58
6
95
40+
52
14
One of the five Harbin SH-5 amphibians in service with PLAN Navy Aviation experiencing some significant
‘technical difficulties’. PLAN interest in amphibians could lead to an order for 15 Beriev Be-200 for the MPA
mission. (Photo: S.K. Park)
15
40
20+
Beriev Be-200 (order under negotiation
for ASW mission)
Kamov Ka-29 (order under negotiation, utility helicopter
potentially for deployment with new Type 071 LPD)
Kamov Ka-31 (order under negotiation, radar
picket and over the horizon targeting system)
People’s Liberation Army
- Army Aviation Corps
8
100+
100+
20
10+
20+
22
6
Eurocopter SA.342L Gazelle
Harbin Y-5
Harbin Z-9 (including attack helicopter version)
Changhe Z-11
Harbin HC-120 (40+ more required)
Changhe Z-8A (Super Frelon)
Sikorsky S-70C-II Black Hawk
Eurocopter AS.322L Super Puma
150+ Mil Mi-8/Mi-17/Mi-17V-5/Mi-171
3
Mil Mi-6
6
Changhe WZ-10 (new attack helicopter in state
testing, 6 prototypes flying
Substantial numbers required)
Note: PLA Army Aviation Corps also has a number of
fixed wing Y-8 and Y-7 aircraft in service. Order for
24 Mil Mi-171 placed with Ulan-Ude in 2006.
28
60
49
25
6
120
27
36
INDIA
65
Indian Air Force
20
12
40
Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3
(on order, in exchange for the original 18 Su-30K)
Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3
(second new batch recently
agreed, contract yet to be signed)
11
66
100
140
32
80
3
6
2
2
3
6
24
100
6
4
60
2
3
25
56
73
80
The Indian Air Force is upgrading a total of 40 MiG-27M aircraft, with all upgraded aircraft due to have been delivered by the end of 2008. All remaining unmodified MiG-27 aircraft will be retired by 2010. (Photo: Simon Watson)
11
25
10
20+
Sukhoi Su-30MKI
(being upgraded to latest MKI-3 version)
Sukhoi Su-30MKI
(built in India, production commenced in 2004, first
10 already built at HAL Nasik)
RAC MiG-29 (upgrade in progress)
RAC MiG-29UB (upgrade in progress)
Sepecat/HAL Jaguar IS/IT/IM/B
(includes July HAL delivery of nine Jaguar
B aircraft. Upgrade planned for 40 existing
aircraft to bring them to the new-build standard)
Sepecat Jaguar IB/IS
(new production/on order)
Dassault Mirage 2000H/TH
(includes delivery of 10 more Mirage 2000 H/TH
aircraft from France. Fleet upgrade to take place,also
interest in purchase of a minimum
of 20 ex-French Air Force Mirage 2000)
RAC MiG-27M
(prototypes and first upgrade batch from HAL)
RAC MiG-27M
(second batch for upgrade,
all to be delivered by end-2008)
RAC MiG-27M
(to be retired by 2010, unless
upgrade programme extended)
RAC MiG-23BN/UM (to be retired by 2010)
RAC MiG-23MF/UM (to be retired by 2010)
RAC MiG-23UM
(ex-Ukraine for MiG-27 trainers)
RAC MiG-21bis
(MiG-21-93 upgrade, at least 3 lost)
RAC MiG-21UM (acquired from Kyrgyzstan
and the Ukraine)
RAC MiG-21bis/U (potentially could get
MiG-21-93 ‘Bison’ upgrade)
RAC MiG-21M/UM/FL/U
(to be retired by 2010)
HAL Tejas (20 on order and 20 on option,
actual delivery date and eventual entry into operational
service is still uncertain)
BAE Canberra B(I).58/T.54/PR.57/PR.67/TT.418
BAE Systems Hawk Mk132
(on order, first deliveries in September)
HAL HPT-32
HAL Kiran 1/2
HAL HJT-36 Sitara (first batch of 16, including
prototypes, second batch of 16 ordered in March 2006)
Zenair STOL CH701 (air experience trainer)
Gulfstream III
Astra SPX
Learjet 29
Boeing 707-320C
Ilyushin Il-76MD (on order – for AEW
conversion with Elta Phalcon system,
deliveries start December 2007)
Ilyushin Il-78MKI
Ilyushin Il-76MD (being upgraded)
Antonov An-32 (to be upgraded)
Lockheed Martin C-130J
(India has sent an RFI to the US on this and would also
have options on 6 more. Aircraft will
support Special Operations Forces)
Embraer Legacy EMB-135BJ
BAE 748
Boeing 737-200 (to be replaced by BBJ)
Boeing 737-7H1 BBJ
(on order, in delivery)
Dornier 228 (HAL manufactured)
Mil Mi-8P/T
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-17 (on order from Kazan
as Mi-8 replacement)
Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-35 (IAI Tamam upgrade)
Mil Mi-26
HAL Dhruv ALH (more on order)
DIRECTORY
Note: The key issue for the IAF is its 126 aircraft MRCA
requirement and upgrading existing assets such as the
MiG-29 and MiG-27, to be followed by the Dassault Mirage
2000H/TH fleet. There is still interest in acquiring surplus
Mirage 2000 aircraft from France. The An-32 transport fleet
will eventually be replaced by the Irkut Multi-Role Transport
Aircraft (MRTA) that is due to be built in association with HAL,
in service date is set for 2015. India will also collaborate
on the design of a 5th generation fighter with Russia.
Indian Navy
12
4
16
4
2
11
8
16
24
3
8
5
27
6
32
RAC MiG-29K (on order, with 16 more on option,
some sources suggest 30 aircraft on option)
RAC MiG-29KUB (on order)
BAE Sea Harrier FRS.51
BAE Harrier T.60
BAE Harrier T.4
HAL Kiran 1/2
HAL HPT-32
HAL HJT-36 Sitara (on order)
CFM Shadow (microlight trainer)
Britten-Norman BN-2T Defender
Tupolev Tu-142M
Ilyushin Il-38SD
HAL Dornier 228
Sikorsky UH-3A Sea King (ex-USN, being refurbished
for use with former USS Trenton)
AgustaWestland Sea King Mk42B/42C
(AgustaWestland contracted to
bring seven back to operational service)
10
9
6
22
10+
Kamov Ka-28
Kamov Ka-31
(on order, most delivered)
Kamov Ka-28/-31 (on order
– Gorshkov/Vikramaditya package)
HAL Chetak
HAL Dhruv (more on order)
Note: The Indian Navy has a requirement for 16 ASW helicopters
to replace the Sea King Mk42 fleet in that role. There is
also a programme for 8 MPA aircraft, likely to attract bids
from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, IAI, Airbus and Ilyushin.
Indian Army Aviation Corps
12
60
115
20
20+
HAL Lancer
HAL Chetak
HAL Cheetah
HAL Dhruv Light Combat Helicopter
(on order, attack helicopter with
Nexter THL 20 turret with
20 mm cannon and MBDA
Mistral ATAM air-to-air missile system)
HAL Dhruv (more on order)
Note: Army Aviation is receiving new priority in India. The
Light Utility Helicopter requirement for 197 helicopters
is on the verge of being settled, with the Bell 407ARH
seemingly favoured over Eurocopter. Requirement for fixed
wing transport aircraft and a new utility helicopter.
INDONESIA
Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU)
2
2
3
3
27
11
5
7
3
9
2
1
6
3
20
3
30
4
3
6
1
31
5
7
Sukhoi Su-27SKM
Sukhoi Su-30MK
Sukhoi Su-27SMK (order to be finalised)
Sukhoi Su-30MK (order to be finalised)
BAE Hawk Mk209
BAE Hawk Mk1O9
BAE Hawk Mk 53
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 15 OCU
(only 4 of F-16A/B flyable)
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block 15 OCU
Northrop Grumman F-5E
Northrop Grumman F-5F
Northrop Grumman F-5E (in reserve, received in 2006
from US after being embargoed)
Rockwell OV-1OF Bronco (not all serviceable)
Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller
Lockheed Martin C-130B/KC-130B/C-130H/C-130H-30
(ST Aero have contract for MRO for 6 TNI-AU
C-130 to return them to service, currently only 6 flying)
Lockheed Martin L-100(unlikely more than 1 serviceable)
Boeing 737 (ex-Merpati 737-200 arrived in 2005)
Transall C-160P
Transall C-160NG
BAE Systems 146 Series 100 (VIP aircraft)
PTDI (IAe) CN-235M
PTDI (IAe) NC-212M-200
Fokker F-27-400M
DIRECTORY
3
1
10
5
2
28
17
12
19
2
2
2
10
11
11
8
12
5
10
8
Fokker F-28-1000
Shorts Skyvan 3M
PTDI (IAe) NC-212 Aviocar
Cessna 401
Cessna 402
AS-202 Bravo
Beech T-34C
KAI KT-1
SIAI Marchetti SF.260W (transferred from Singapore)
Cessna T-41D
Cessna 172
Piper PA-34
PTDI (IAe) AS.330/L Puma
(1 helicopter upgraded in France)
PTDI (IAe) NAS.322 Super Puma
PTDI (IAe) NBO-105
Sikorsky S-58T
Hughes 500
Bell 204B
Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri
Bell 47G (to be replaced)
Note: The key issue is getting the majority of the air force
inventory back to flight status, which has proved difficult
although money is now becoming available for this purpose.
The orders for the Sukhoi aircraft ought to be resolved by the
end of this year and further business could result, depending
on the attitude of Russia to extending more soft loans.
Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
12
23
10
8
11
4
3
7
14
GAF Nomad N.24
GAF Nomad N.22
PTDI (IAe) NAS.322L Super Puma
PTDI (IAe) NAS.322 Super Puma (on order)
PTDI (IAe) NBO-105 (1 more on order)
PTDI (IAe) NB-412S (1 more on order)
Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri (on order)
Mil Mi-17 (some delivered/on order)
Mil Mi-2 (2 delivered and not used, order in dispute)
3
6
11
8
2
6
4
2
4
7
3
5
PTDI (IAe) CN-235-220 MPA (on order, delivery this year)
PTDI (IAe) CN-235
PTDI (IAe) NC-212
PTDI (IAe) NC-212MPA (1 more aircraft being built)
DHC-5D Buffalo
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk
Rockwell Commander 100
Beech F-33A Bonanza
PZL Mielec M-28.05
PZL Mielec M-28B-1RI (MPA aircraft on order)
PZL Mielec M-28B-1TDI (on order – transport)
EADS Socata Tobago GT
Indonesian Army (TNI-AD)
2
5
9
5
28
14
17
6
3
1
2
2
18
Mil Mi-35P
MilMi-35P (order to be finalised, in Sukhoi package)
Mil Mi-17V-5 (order to finalised, in Sukhoi package)
Bell 205A-1
PTDI (IAe) NB-412SP
PTDI (IAe) NBO-105 (2 more on order)
Hughes 300C
PTDI (IAe) NC.212M-200 (1 more on order)
DHC-5D Buffalo
Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Cessna 310
PZL Wilga 32
JAPAN
Japan Air Self Defense Force
60
Mitsubishi F-2A/B
(60 in service out of 81 on order, with
an additional 8 due to be ordered
under the 2007 budget.
The original requirement was for 130
F-2A/B and its seems unlikely
that this will be met)
210
91
27
13
4
4
5
208
25
59
13
27
16
13
2
25
4
1
3
15
10
31
Mitsubishi F-l5J/DJ
(80 to be upgraded, 2 upgrades in 2006 budget)
Mitsubishi F-4EJ
Mitsubishi RF-4EJ
Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye
Boeing E-767
Boeing K-767 (tanker – 1 to be
delivered February, rest on order)
Gulfstream U-4
Kawasaki T-4
Fuji T-3 (to be upgraded)
Fuji T-7 (first 23 received, 3 more
ordered in 2006 budget)
Raytheon T-400
Kawasaki C-1/EC-1
Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules
NAMC YS-11P/PC/NT/FC
Boeing 747-47C
Raytheon U-125/125A
(1 more ordered in 2006 budget,
1 more ordered in 2007 budget)
Mitsubishi Mu-2J/S
Eurocopter EC225
(2 more on order to be
delivered in 2008, for Royal Flight)
Eurocopter AS.332L (to be retired)
Kawasaki Boeing CH-47J Chinook
(1 more on order in 2006 budget
Kawasaki KV-107 (being withdrawn)
Mitsubishi UH-60J Black Hawk
(2 more ordered in 2006 budget,
Note: The C-1 transport is to be replaced by the Kawasaki C-X,
with the prototype to be delivered in 2008 and the anticipated
in-service date for the new aircraft is 2011, with more than
30 aircraft required. The F-X requirement covers a replacement for the F-4EJ, with 40+ aircraft required. A selection was
expected this year, but now a 2009 date is being discussed.
Past and present in the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF), an F-2A accompanied by two F-4EJ Phantoms. There are 60 F-2A/B in service with more on order.
The F-4EJ is to be replaced by the eventual winner of the F-X programme. (Photo: JASDF)
DIRECTORY
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) now has 17 Boeing F-15K in service, with another aircraft lost in a crash. Across this year and next Boeing will deliver 22
more F-15K aircraft to ROKAF. (Photo: Boeing)
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
98
5
1
3
1
6
4
8
34
34
36
4
10
11
3
3
39
95
3+
12
8
Kawasaki P-3C Orion
Kawasaki EP-3C Orion
Kawasaki OP-3C
Kawasaki OP-3D
Kawasaki UP-3C
Shin Maywa US-1A
Shin Maywa US-2 (in testing/on order)
NAMC YS-11M/T/A
Beechcraft King Air LC/TC-90
(2 more ordered in 2007 budget)
Fuji T-5 (1 more in 2006 budget,
4 more in 2007 budget)
Fuji KM-2D Kai
Learjet U-36A
Sikorsky MH-53E (to be replaced - see below)
AgustaWestland MCH101
(1st aircraft built in UK,
Kawasaki will build the rest. On order)
AgustaWestland CH101
(Antarctic support helicopter – to be delivered)
Sikorsky S-61A
Sikorsky HSS-2B Sea King
Mitsubishi SH/UH-60J
Mitsubishi SH-60K (36 required, 8 more
ordered in 2006/2007 budget)
Kawasaki OH-6D
Kawasaki OH-6DA
Note: Kawasaki are due to deliver the P-X prototype
in 2008, this will replace the P-3 in JMSDF service
with 80 aircraft required from 2011 onwards.
Japan Ground Self Defense Force
10
16
5
10
76
56
Boeing AH-64DJP Apache (on order to be built by Fuji.
First 2 handed over by Boeing to Fuji and delivered. In
total 55 required, but this number is becoming
doubtful. 1 ordered in 2006
budget and 1 in 2007 budget)
Mitsubishi LR-1
Beechcraft King Air LR-2
Kawasaki XOH/OH-1 (2 ordered in 2006
and 2 in 2007 budget)
Bell AH-1F/S Cobra
Kawasaki CH-47J Chinook
(1 more ordered in 2006
and 1 more in 2007 budget)
20
3
142
150
Mitsubishi UH-60J Black Hawk
(in delivery. 1 more ordered
in 2006 and 1 more in 2007 budget)
Eurocopter AS322L Super Puma
Fuji Bell UH-1H/J
(4 more ordered in 2006
budget and 16 in 2007 budget)
Kawasaki OH-6
(to be retired as OH- 1 becomes available)
KOREA (DPRK)
Korean People’s Air Force
25
5
10
45
110
30
40
100+
18
34
2
80
10
35
160
250
2
6
2
4
4
3
70
24+
20
10
130
48
RAC MiG-29A
RAC MiG-29B
RAC MiG-29 (built from Russian parts)
RAC MiG-23ML/U
RAC MiG-21PF/PFMA/Chengdu J-7
RAC MiG-21 (ex-Kazakhstan)
Hongdu A-5
Shenyang F-6
Sukhoi Su-7BMK
Sukhoi Su-25
Sukhoi Su-25 UBK
Harbin H-5
RAC MiG-21U
Shenyang FT-2
CJ-5/CJ-6/Yak-18
Y-5 (An-2)
Ilyushin Il-18
Antonov An-24
Tupolev Tu-134
Tupolev Tu-154M
Ilyushin Il-62M
Ilyushin Il-76MD
Hughes 500
Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-14
Mil Mi-2
Harbin Z-5 (Mi-4)
Note: The KPAF does have real issues in obtaining spare parts
for its fleet and fuel for training. However, the real status of the
KPAF is shrouded by numerous ‘unknown unknowns’, we can
only assume that they are capable of an operational surge if
required and have fuel, spares and munitions for this purpose.
KOREA (ROK)
Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF)
17
28
9
93
45
109
18
117
47
15
25
24
4
23
20
50
30
17
2
85
20
10
10
23
4
4
12
8
10
2
1
3
3
2
6
3
7
5
Boeing F-l5K Slam Eagle
(1 aircraft lost, remaining 22 to be
delivered across this year and into next)
Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 32
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 32
Lockheed Martin/KAI KF-16C Block 52D
Lockheed Martin/KAI KF-16D Block 52D
McDonnell Douglas F-4D/E Phantom
McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom
Northrop Grumman F-5A
Northrop Grumman F-5B
Cessna A-37B
Boeing 737AEW
(won EX competition,
first deliveries 2011)
Cessna T-37C
KAI T-5O Golden Eagle
(8 delivered, 12 in build)
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
(on order, second batch)
Northrop Grumman T-38
(leased from USAF)
BAE Hawk Mk 67
Mudry CAP 10
KAI KT-1 (KTX-1)
KAI KO-1 (on order)
Cessna 0-2A
Cessna 0-1
Ilyushin Il-103 (19 on option)
Hawker 800RA (surveillance aircraft)
Hawker 800SIG (SIGINT aircraft)
EADS CASA CN.235M
PTDI (IAe) CN.235-220M
Lockheed Martin C-130H/H-30
BAE 748
Boeing 737-300
Rockwell Commander 520/560
Sikorsky S-92 (on order, VIP helicopter)
Eurocopter AS.332L Super Puma
Sikorsky UH-60P
Bell 412
Bell 212
Bell UH-1H
DIRECTORY
Mongolia has one of the forgotten air forces in Asia. Although most of its combat assets are stored, these MiG-21s and the Mil Mi-24 are still available if required.
(Photo: S.K. Park)
7
Kamov Ka-32
(CSAR mission, upgraded
with IAI Lahav avionics)
Note: ROKAF has a requirement for a ‘next generation
fighter jet’ to be decided by 2009, 20 aircraft are required
and more F-15K is the logical choice although recently
reference was made to inviting Eurofighter and Rafale to
bid. For the future the main issue is the KF-X, an indigenous programme to replace the KF-16C/D. The planned
KF-X in-service date is 2018, with 40 aircraft required.
Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)
8
8
24
12
15
25
9
2
5
Lockheed Martin P-3C Update III
Lockheed Martin P-3B
(to be upgraded by KAI & L3,
in-service date is December 2007)
AgustaWestland Super Lynx/Mk 99
Sikorsky UH-60P (transferred from ROKAF)
Northrop Grumman S-2 Tracker
McDonnell Douglas MDC 500
Eurocopter SA.316 Alouette III
Bell 206
Reims Cessna F406 Caravan II
Note: The ROKN is working on a programme to acquire
up 24 helicopters in the NH90/S-70 class for use
from the new Dokdo class LPD in a utility role and
from the future KFX frigates in an ASW role.
Republic of Korea Army (ROKA)
245
50+
18
80
20
10
168
50+
10
KAI KHP (in development. KAI and prime
industrial partner Eurocopter will be
working on the Korea Helicopter Programme)
Bell AH-1
Boeing CH-47D Chinook
Sikorsky UH-60P
Bell UH-1S
Eurocopter BO-105CBS-5
McDonnell Douglas 500MD
McDonnell Douglas 500MD/TOW
Cessna 0-1
LAOS
Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force
29
12
9
1
6
RAC MiG-21 bis/PFM/UM
(most considered beyond economic repair, but HAL has
won a maintenance contract and presumably the
aim must be to get at least a flyable squadron.
At least 17 aircraft are in open storage)
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-8C
Mil Mi-6
Kamov Ka-32T
10
5
2
1
Antonov An-2
Antonov An-24V/RV/Xian Y-7-100
(some in store)
Antonov An-26
Yak-40
any C-130 upgrade activity for the moment. The acquisition of
more PC-7 Mk II trainers and the MB-339CM shows that the
pilot shortage is being tackled, but not soon enough as the
future grounding of the MiG-29N/NUB fleet demonstrates.
Royal Malaysian Navy
MALAYSIA
Royal Malaysian Air Force
18
8
14
2
11
3
2
13
5
8
8
40
10
4
5
2
2
2
5
3
1
1
2
6
10
4
1
1
9
3
2
26
2
Sukhoi Su-30MKM
(on order, first deliveries this year)
Boeing F/A-18D Hornet
RAC MiG-29N (MiG-29N/NUB fleet to be grounded
to provide crew for the new Sukhoi Su-30MKM fleet)
RAC MiG-29UB
Northrop Grumman F-5E (probably only 4 flyable)
(single unit prototype upgrade)
Northrop Grumman RF-5E
BAE Hawk 208
BAE Hawk 108
Aermacchi MB339
Aermacchi MB-339CM
(on order, delivery from November 2008)
Pilatus PC-7/PC-7 MkII
Pilatus PC-7 MkII (on order)
Airbus Military A400M
(on order, first two to be delivered
in 2013, second two in 2014)
Lockheed Martin C-130H (3 had minor upgrade by Airod)
Lockheed Martin C-130H tankers
Lockheed Martin C-130H
(converted to tanker)
(stretched to C-130H-30)
Lockheed Martin C-130H-30
Lockheed Martin C-130H-MP
Boeing 737-7H6
Boeing Business Jet (VIP)
Airbus A319-115X (VIP)
PTDI (IAe) CN-235 (VIP aircraft)
PTDI (IAe) CN-235-220
DHC-4A Caribou (to be retired)
Beech King Air 200 MPA (2 being upgrade by Airod
with Thales mission equipment)
Dassault Falcon 900
Bombardier CRJ700
Cessna 402B
PTDI (IAe) NAS.322M Super Puma
Sikorsky S-70A VIP
Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri (6 to receive autohover system)
Mil Mi-17 (military operated but
used to support fire fighters)
Note: The decision to order the A400M has effectively halted
6
6
AgustaWestland Super Lynx Series 300
Eurocopter AS.555N Fennec
Note: The decision to acquire two more frigates opens
the way to the procurement of more helicopters, either
six more Super Lynx or a different larger type.
Army Aviation
8
11
2
SA-316B Alouette III (being withdrawn)
AugustaWestland A 109LOH
Eurocopter EC-120
MONGOLIA
Mongolian Air Force
36
2
4
3
10
4
12
3
11
12
RAC MiG-21 PFM (some operational, some
stored and most scrapped)
RAC MiG-21UM (stored)
Antonov An-24
Antonov An-26
Antonov An-2
Harbin Y-12
Yak-18
PZL-104 Wilga
Mil Mi-24 (some stored)
Mil Mi-8
MYANMAR
Myanmar Air Force
10
2
21
8
21
5
12
15
7
4
1
3
2
7
1
RAC MiG-29C
RAC MiG-29UB
Chengdu F-7
Guizhou FT-7
Hongdu A-5C
Soko Super Galeb
(now back in service, after repair
and upgrade by Serbian technicians)
Karakoram K-8
Pilatus PC-9
Pilatus PC-7
Shaanxi Y-8D
Fokker F-27
Fairchild FH.227
CASA C.212 Aviocar
Pilatus PC-6B
Cessna Citation II
DIRECTORY
6
2
11
12
12
15
8
Cessna 180
Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender
(ex-Indian Navy, delivered August 2006)
Mil Mi-17B/Mi-8
Bell 205A-1
PZL W-3 Sokol
PZL Mi-2US/URN
Eurocopter SA-316B Alouette III
2
5
8
14
5
Boeing 757-2K2 (ST Aerospace to provide cargo
door in upgrade/modification programme)
Beech King Air 200 (leased – lease expires 2008)
NH Industries NH90 (on order, to be in service by 2010)
Bell UH-1H (to be retired once NH90 arrives)
Bell 47GB-2 (replacement to be selected this year)
Note: Next major programme is selection of Bell
47GB-2 replacement to be available from 2008.
Note: It is believed that another order will or has been
placed for more MiG-29 aircraft. India is in discussions of the supply of HAL Dhruv helicopters.
Royal New Zealand Navy
NEPAL
PAKISTAN
Royal Nepalese Army Air Wing
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
BAE HS748-2A (grounded)
Shorts Skyvan 3M-400
PZL Mielec M28 Skytruck
Xian MA-60 (on order, VIP aircraft)
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander (British donation)
Eurocopter SA330C/SA330G Puma
Eurocopter AS350BS Ecureuil
Bell 206L
HAL Chetak
Mil Mi-17H
HAL Dhruv ALH
5
Pakistan Air Force
4
8
8
134
36
NEW ZEALAND
12
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)
6
24
13
6
5
PAC CT-4E Airtrainer (leased)
Lockheed Martin P-3K (being upgraded by L3 as prime)
Lockheed Martin C-130H (to be upgraded by L-3 Spar)
Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite
10
Chengdu JF-17 Thunder (to be delivered in March)
Chengdu JF-17 Thunder
(second batch from China on order)
Chengdu/PAC JF-17 Thunder
(first batch to be assembled by PAC at Kamra)
Chengdu/PAC JF-17 Thunder (full requirement, will
be built assembled at PAC Kamra, production rate
to be 20 aircraft per year with prodctiontion
starting in early 2008)
Chengdu J-10A/B
(order to be finalised will be
designated FC-20A/B by the PAF)
(on order, 18 more F-16C/D on option)
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 (on order)
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 15/Block 15OCU
(to be upgraded to MLU configuration)
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block 15
(to be upgraded to MLU configuration)
34
6
78
106
75
55
9
47
25
15
20
63
20+
12
6
3
5
4
6
1
2
4
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
4
Dassault Mirage 5F (Sagem modernised)
Dassault Mirage IIIBE (Sagem modernised)
Dassault Mirage IIIEP/O/RP/DP/EL/BL
(some PAC modernised, some broken up for spares)
Dassault Mirage 5PADPA/PA2/DPA2/DD/DE/DR
(includes ex-Libyan aircraft, many broken up for spares)
Chengdu F-7P/FT-7P (some being upgraded
with Fiar Grifo-7 radar)
Chengdu F-7PG
Chengdu FT-7PG
Hongdu A-5
Shenyang FT-5
Shenyang FT-6
Cessna T-37B
PAC Mushshak
PAC Super Mushshak (in delivery)
Karakoram K-8
Saab 2000/Erieye AEW (009 delivery)
Boeing 707-320
Lockheed Martin C-130E
Lockheed Martin C-130E
(U.S. surplus stocks. Contract also includes a C-130H
airframe acquired for spares)
Lockheed Martin L-100
Fokker F-27-200
PTDI (IAe) CN-235-220 (1 is a VIP aircraft)
Gulfstream IV-P (VIP aircraft)
Harbin Y-12 (2 more on order)
Dassault Falcon 20 (ELINT/ECM fit)
Beech Super King Air
Beech Bonanza
Piper PA-34 Seneca
Cessna 172 N
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DIRECTORY
1
12
8
5+
16
4
Eurocopter SA.330J Puma
Eurocopter Alouette III
Eurocopter SA.315B Lama
Mil Mi-35 (up to 10 supposed to have been
received in 2004, no firm data available)
Mil Mi-17-V (report of 12 heicopters
on order with Ulan-Ude)
Mil Mi-171Sh (CSAR mission)
Note: The long awaited F-16 order has now happened, with 18
F-16C/D on order and 18 more on option, the US package also
includes an enormous selection of air weapons. A Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Tusas of Turkey towards
the MLU upgrade of the F-16A/B fleet, more F-16A/Bs are likely
to be acquired from surplus stocks. Pakistan also signed an
MoU in November 2006 with China on the development of a new
Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft,
possibly based on the Y-8 aircraft. The JF-17 programme is
moving ahead, but China will be putting pressure on Russia
to safeguard the supply of engines, something India has been
trying to block. Recently there has been press comment out
of India that Russia had agreed not to supply RD-93 engines
for the JF-17 aircraft destined for Pakistan, this might force
China to re-engine the aircraft with the indigenous WS-13
engine. There has also been interest in the acquisition of tanker
aircraft, with up to four Il-78 aircraft being mentioned, though
how these tankers would be acquired was not specified.
Pakistan Navy
3
2
8
3
5
2
2
6
3
6
12
Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion AEW (DSCA offer
valued at $855 million AEW system would be from
Northrop Grumman Hawkeye 2000)
Lockheed Martin P-3C Update II.5 Orion (aircraft
returned to full flight status by OGMA of Portugal)
Lockheed Martin P-3C
(US surplus, first aircraft delivered)
Dassault Atlantic 1
Fokker F-27-200/-400
Britten-Norman BN-2T Defender
AgustaWestland Sea King 45
AgustaWestland Lynx HAS.3 (grounded)
Harbin Z-9EC (on order with F22P frigates from China)
Eurocopter Alouette III (8 additional examples recieved
from French surplus stocks)
Pakistan Army
40
96
2
1
2
20
20
27
10
10
25
40
10
32
20
13
10
12
10
Cessna O-1
PAC Mushshak
Rockwell Aero Commander 840
Cessna 421
Bell AH-1S Cobra (to be upgraded)
Bell AH-1S (US surplus – to be confirmed)
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-8
Bell UH-1H
Bell 412EP
Bell 407 (US aid - to be confirmed)
Bell 206
Eurocopter SA.330J Puma
Eurocopter Alouette III
Eurocopter SA.315 Lama
Eurocopter AS.350B3 Fennec
Bell 47G
Schweitzer 300
PHILIPPINES
Philippine Air Force
19
15
19
15
5
1
3
1
10
4
1
2
10
2
2
9
11
1
Rockwell OV-1OA Bronco (2 aircraft upgraded, 8
V-10C donated by Thailand, rest of fleet not flyable)
SIAI Marchetti S211 (4 flying,
ore being returned to service status)
SIAI Marchetti SF.260M/W
SIAI Marchetti SF.260TP
Cessna T-41D
Fokker RF-27 MPA
Fokker F-27 (now returned to service after repair)
Fokker F-28
Lockheed Martin C-130B/H/L100-20
(1 refurbished aircraft received, only
3 others operational, C-130B cannibalised)
Lockheed Martin C-130K (ex-RAF)
Lockheed Martin C-130 (ex-US)
Lockheed Martin C-130 (on order – ex-US)
GAF Nomad (most not flying)
Cessna 172
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander (donation from ROK)
Sikorsky S-76
McDonnell Douglas Helicopters 520MG
Eurocopter SA330
1
4
29
44
10
20
2
Sikorsky S-70A-5
Bell 412
Bell UH-1H/205A-1 (less than 17 airworthy)
Bell UH-1H (US surplus)
Bell UH-1H (to be ordered from US this year)
Bell UH-1H (refurbished in Singapore and
delivered, PAF wants 5 more)
Bell UH-1H Huey II (First Huey II
upgrade flew in February 2004)
Note: The capabilities of the PAF are improving gradually,
more money is available and US Excess Defense Articles
(EDA) surplus has been delivered. There is now an Armed
Forces Capability Upgrade programme, initially this will
see the acquisition of 6 attack helicopters. The pre-bidding
conference is due on February 8 and a decision will be made
this year. The second phase of the upgrade programme
calls for the acquisition of 6 more attack helicopters, 17
more UH-1H, 18 primary trainers and 8 basic trainers.
Philippine Navy
5
1
1
7
Eurocopter BO105 (3 grounded)
Cessna 177
Cessna 152
Britten-Norman BN-2A/B Islander
Philippine Army
1
1
1
1
Beech Queen Air
Cessna 170
Cessna 172N
Cessna 150
SINGAPORE
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
12
20
40
36
7
6
18
Boeing F-15SG (on order, deliveries commence
in 2008 and complete in 2009.
There are 8 more F-15SG aircraft on option)
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52
ST Aero/Northrop Grumman F-5S
ST Aero/Northrop Grumman F-5T
ST Aero/Northrop Grumman RF-5S
McDonnell Douglas A-4SU/TA-4SU
(rest of fleet withdrawn, the 18
that remain are a training detachment
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) upgraded its F-5E/F fleet to the F-5S/T configuration. This RSAF F-5S of 149 Squadron was participating in
the multinational Pitch Black air exercise in Australia in 2006. (Photo: Defence, Australia)
DIRECTORY
An RSAF F-16C participating in an exercise in Australia in 2006. The RSAF will soon have to resolve its plans regarding the acquisition of the JSF.
(Photo: Defence, Australia)
27
19
4
5
4
2
2
5
1
4
20
6
10
5
13
5
5
at Cazaux in Frances 150 Squadron, RSAF)
SIAI Marchetti S211 (to be replaced)
Pilatus PC-21 (on order. S-211 replacement,
part of 20 year ‘Basic Wings’ pilot
training contract won by Lockheed Martin)
Northrop Grumman E-2C Block 0
(to remain in service until 2011)
Fokker 50 MPA (1 is an ELINT platform)
Fokker 50
Lockheed Martin KC-130B
Lockheed Martin KC-130H
Boeing KC-135R
Boeing AH-64D Apache
Boeing CH-47D (3 in U.S.)
Boeing CH-47SD
Eurocopter AS.332B Super Puma
Eurocopter AS.332M Super Puma
Bell UH-1H (rest of fleet withdrawn, the 5 that
remain are based in Brunei to support SAF training)
Eurocopter EC-120 Colibri (will be used as a
training helicopter for the RSAF under a Private Finance
Initiative (PFI) contract run by Singapore Technolo
gies Aerospace, with the contract running for 20 years)
Note: The RSAF is working on an advanced jet trainer
programme, with progress on defining candidates
expected this year. The decision on taking up the F-15SG
on option has yet to be taken, though timing could be
influenced by the fate of the potential F-15K second
batch for Korea. Intentions towards the JSF programme
and timings should become clearer this year as well.
1
4
3
1
2
5
5
3
1
1
1
3
2
6
4
2
7
3
11
4
Note: The decline of the security situation in Sri Lanka has seen
the SLAF receive more funding, hence the 4 more MiG-27M and
the overhaul of the existing MiG-27/MiG-23UM fleet. Pakistan
is helping to bring certain systems back to operational status.
TAIWAN
Republic of China Air Force
47
10
129
Republic of Singapore Navy
6
Sikorsky S-70B (on order, delivery 2008-2010. Options
on 2 more helicopters were allowed to lapse)
26
111
SRI LANKA
26
10
Sri Lanka Air Force
66
6
2
2
3
IAI Kfir C-2
IAI Kfir C-7
IAI Kfir TC.2
RAC MiG-27M (to be overhauled in Ukraine)
RAC MiG-23UB
(to be overhauled in Ukraine)
RAC MiG-27M (delivered from Ukraine)
Chengdu F-7BS
Guizhou FT-7
Guizhou FT-5 (upgraded in Pakistan)
SIAI Marchetti SF.260TP
SIAI Marchetti SF.260W
Hongdu K-8
Cessna 150
Cessna 421
Beech 200 King Air (ELINT)
Lockheed Martin C-130K/C.1 (ex-RAF)
Antonov An-32B
Harbin Y-12 (3 for spares)
Mil Mi-35P
Mil Mi-24V
Mil Mi-17
Bell 206
Bell 212
Bell 412
198
Dassault Mirage 2000-5Ei
Dassault Mirage 2000-5Di
AIDC Ching Guo F-CK-1A (AIDC has proposed
an upgrade to the F-CK-1A/B force to the new
F-CK-1C/D configurationtion – funding awaited)
AIDC Ching Guo F-CK-1B
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 20
(14 F-16A/B in U.S. for pilot training at Luke AFB)
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block 20
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 20
(conversion to RF-16A configuration)
Lockheed Martin F-16C/D (ROC MND
has made a request to the US to acquire
these aircraft, but has been rebuffed for the moment)
(numbers being withdrawn & stored)
49
7
39
53
4
2
19
1
3
11
1
3
9
4
4
ST Aero/Northrop Grumman RF-5E (to be replaced)
Beech T-34C
AIDC AT-3
Northrop Grumman E-2T Group 2
Northrop Grumman E-2K Hawkeye 2000
Lockheed C-130HE (ELINT aircraft)
Fokker 50
Beech 1900C (UC-25)
Boeing 737-8AR (upgraded with winglets)
Sikorsky S-92 (on order for
SAR mission, delivery this year)
Sikorsky S-70C-1A
Sikorsky S-70C-1
Sikorsky S-70C-6 (SAR)
Republic of China Navy
26
12
9
9
9
Grumman S-2T Tracker (difficult to maintain, availability
rate not higher than 40%)
Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion (order is on the verge of
going ahead, assuming that there is not
another change of heart in the legislature)
Sikorsky S-70CM-2
Sikorsky S-70CM-1
MDC 500MD/ASW
Republic of China Army
62
38
9
71
29
Bell AH-1W Super Cobra
Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Boeing CH-47SD Chinook
Bell UH-1H
Bell TH-67
THAILAND
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)
28
14
15
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 15OCU
(structural upgrade to go ahead
later this year for F-16A/B
Block 15 OCU fleet)
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block 15OCU
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block 15ADF
(Peace Naresuan IV)
DIRECTORY
A C-130H Hercules of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) at Darwin during the Pitch Black 2006 exercise. The RTAF is to upgrade six C-130H aircraft in a programme
led by Rockwell Collins and Thai Aviation Industries. (Photo: Defence, Australia)
1
34
3
2
25
19
19
18
21
6
3
16
7
5
6
4
8
6
4
1
1
1
2
1
1
3
1
2
8
6
18
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block 15ADF
(Peace Naresuan IV)
Northrop Grumman F-5E (being upgraded)
Northrop Grumman F-5F (being upgraded)
Northrop Grumman F-5B (F-5A fleet retired)
Aero L-39ZA (refurbished by Aero Vodochody,
last aircraft delivered 29th September
2005. Non-refubished aircraft are in store
Alpha Jet (ex-Luftwaffe, all said to be airworthy)
Pilatus PC-9
NZAI CT-4A/B Airtrainer
NZAI CT-4E Airtrainer
Cessna T-41 D
Cessna 150H
Fairchild AU-23
Lockheed Martin C-130H (6 C-130H to be upgraded by
Rockwell Collins and Thai Aviation Industries in
Thailand, due for completion by 2009. To be
followed by second batch of 6 C-130H)
Lockheed Martin C-130H-30
Alenia G222 (3 non-flying)
PTDI (IAe) CN-235 (on order)
Basler Turbo 67
BAE 748-208 (due for
retirement, 3 recently overhauled)
GAF N-22B Nomad
Airbus A310-300
Airbus A319-115X Airbus Corporate Jetliner
Boeing 737-3Z6
Boeing 737-4Z6
Boeing 737-448
Boeing 737-800
IAI Arava (ELINT)
Learjet 35A
Bell 412HP
Bell 412EP
Bell 206B-3
Bell UH-1H
Note: The September 19th 2006 military coup has put
plans to buy a new fighter out of reach for the RTAF for
the foreseeable future. Military expenditure and force
development plans put forward by the Thaksin government
have now been discarded. There can be no doubt that the
aviation assets of all three Thai services are in need of
major expenditure to bring them back to flying status.
Royal Thai Navy
14
14
7
2
2
1
3
2
7
2
7
2
10
4
2
7
5
4
6
2
6
6
LTV A-7E Corsair II (not flyable)
LTV TA-7E Corsair II (not flyable)
McDonnell Douglas AV-8(S) (most not flyable)
McDonnell Douglas TAV-8A(S) (flying, but not often)
Lockheed Martin P-3A
Lockheed Martin UP-3T
Fokker F27-200ME (MPA)
Fokker F27-400M
Dornier 228-212
Canadair CL-215-111
Grumman U/S-2C/F
GAF N-24 Searchmaster L (3 others in store)
Summit Sentry 02-337
Cessna U-17B
AgustaWestland Super Lynx Series 300
Bell 212
Bell 214ST
Bell UH-1H (stored at U-Tapao)
Sikorsky S-70B-7 Seahawk
Sikorsky UH-60L (DSCA advisory July 2005)
Sikorsky S-76N
Sikorsky MH-60S (DSCA advisory, April 2006)
Note: The A-7 fleet is grounded and is out of service. The
TAV-8S still flies, but spares shortages restrict AV-8(S)
availability. The RTN needs to acquire more spares and
refurbish existing aircraft and helicopter assets.
Royal Thai Army
5
2
3
50
30
66
18
7
4
6
45
2
2
2
2
60
9
Sikorsky UH-60L
Sikorsky S-70A-50
Bell AH-1F
Bell 212
Bell UH-1H (refurbished from US)
Bell UH-1H/D
Bell 206B-3
Bell 206B-2
Bell206A
Boeing CH-47D
Schweitzer TH-300C
BAE Jetstream 41
Beech 200
Beech 1900-C1
CASA C-212-300
Cessna O-1A/G
Cessna T-41D
10
8
2
Cessna U-17
Cessna U-27A
Shorts 330UTT (in store at RTAF Don Muang)
Note: The coup has cut the RTA off from US assistance until
the return of a civilian government. Once that happens the
aim would be to acquire more helicopters under the US
Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. Some 70% of the
UH-1, Bell 212, CH-47D and Bell 206 fleets are currently not
airworthy due to lack of spares and maintenance. Serviceability rates for fixed wing aircraft not much better.
VIETNAM
Vietnamese People’s Air Force
7
5
4
8
32
7
28
118
27
4
30
10
20
9
35
1
14
10
49
2
30
6
15
2+
4
Sukhoi Su-27SK
Sukhoi Su-27UBK
Sukhoi Su-30MKV2
Sukhoi Su-30MKV2 (on option)
Sukhoi Su-22M4
Sukhoi Su-22UM3K
Sukhoi Su-22M3/M-3R
RAC MiG-21 bis/UM
Aero L-39C
Aero L-29RS
Yak-18
Yak-52 (from Aerostar in Romania)
Antonov An-2
Antonov An-24
Antonov An-26
PZL Mielec M28 Skytruck
Yak-40
Mil Mi-6
Mil Mi-8
Kazan Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-24/Mi-24U
Mil Mi-14
Kamov Ka-25Bsh/Ka-28
Kamov Ka-32
PZL Swidnik W-3 Sokol (on order)
Note: Vietnam has been acquiring aircraft and spares in
Eastern Europe in recent years, through such countries
as the Czech Republic, Poland and the Ukraine. Links
with Russia on defence equipment are still strong.
AIR FORCES
The Boeing F-15K won the Korean F-X programme with 40 aircraft ordered, of which 22 remain to be delivered by 2008. A second batch of 20 aircraft for Korea is highly
likely, but not guaranteed at this point. (Photo: Boeing)
AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT PROGRAMMES IN ASIA
– CONTINUING CAPABILITY GROWTH
By David Saw
In this issue of DEFENCE REVIEW ASIA we have already looked at the Indian Air Force in some detail and with our
‘Asian Airpower’ Directory the current status of regional air forces has been described. The aim of this article is to look
at some of the key air force acquisition programmes evolving across the region to add some more analysis to the detail
already contained in this issue. Our starting point is the assertion that the majority of regional air forces are far better
equipped than they were a decade ago and that this qualitative growth shows no signs of losing momentum.
AIR FORCES
USAF F-22A aircraft from Langley AFB, Virginia are deploying to Kadena in Japan for exercises. Marking the arrival of the type in the region and potentially
showing the aircraft as a contender for the Japanese FX programme. (Photo: USAF by Tech. Sgt Ben Blocker)
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-X fighter competition was in
many respects the overture to a wave of major combat aircraft acquisition
programmes in Asia. Originally F-X called for the acquisition of a total of 120
combat aircraft, with the requirement being built around an F-15 type of capability. Then came the late 1990s recession and work on the programme was
suspended, but when economic conditions improved ROKAF was able to
return to F-X although the number of aircraft to be acquired had declined to 40.
The spectrum of contenders for the programme also evolved to include Boeing,
Dassault, Eurofighter and Sukhoi. Eventually the F-X competition came down to
the consideration of two candidates: the Boeing F-15K and the Dassault Rafale.
This was a critical contest for both companies, Boeing needed another F-15
customer to keep their production line open and for Dassault it was imperative to
find a launch export customer for Rafale. F-X had become a high stakes competition, not just in terms of Korea but also for upcoming requirements across the
region, for example those in Singapore and potentially in Australia. In the end,
and not with acrimony, ROKAF decided to select the F-15K for the F-X requirement. By the end of last year Boeing had delivered 18 F-15K aircraft to ROKAF,
though one was lost in an accident on 7th June. The remaining 22 aircraft are due
to be delivered across the course of this year and into next.
ROKAF is now working towards the acquisition of a second batch of 20 aircraft
for delivery from 2009, although they are attempting to strengthen their negotiating
position by suggesting that it is by no means certain that they will acquire 20 more F15K. In fact there have been mentions of both Rafale and even Eurofighter as possible
contenders for this new requirement. It is difficult to see why there is any need to go
through the F-X competition again, and little point in having two different aircraft for
the same requirement. However, this is the ROK and anything is possible!
Into the future ROKAF will need to replace its KF-16C/D fleet and at one stage
this would have been a natural target for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter (JSF). There has been ROKAF interest in JSF, though not to any really
serious degree. In fact the KF-16C/D replacement, which is known as the KF-X or
‘next generation fighter jet’ is to be an indigenous programme. This will be the
culmination of ROK aerospace ambitions that started with the KT-1 trainer and
then evolved further into the T-50/A-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer/light
attack aircraft. The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has conducted a full
feasibility study on the programme and the Ministry for National Defence (MND)
has allocated development funding to cover the period from now until 2010.
AIR FORCES
The Pakistan Air Force
(PAF) was looking to
acquire some 150 JF-17
aircraft, but with Russia
not supplying RD-93
engines there is a problem.
The solution is the integration of the Chinese WS-13
engine, but this will take
time. (Photo: S.K. Park)
The aim is to have 40 KF-X aircraft in service from 2018 onwards, with the total
programme being budgeted at some $12 billion.
SOLUTION SETS
As stated above the ROK F-X programme had linkage to other programmes in
the region, this was certainly the case in Singapore where all the KF-X contenders
gathered to do battle once again for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
Next Fighter Replacement Programme (NFRP) to select a successor to the A-4SU
Super Skyhawk. Once again matters came down to a contest between the F-15 and
Rafale, and once again the F-15 won. In 2005 Singapore ordered 12 F-15SG aircraft
for delivery between 2008 and 2009, and it placed an option on an additional 8
aircraft.
The linkage between the ROK F-X programme and the RSAF NFRP programme
still exists. If ROKAF orders 20 more F-15K these will fit on to the F-15 line on
the completion of the first RSAF F-15SG batch, giving Singapore more time to
turn its options into firm orders. Should the ROK do something unexpected,
this might create a problem, as Singapore would have to decide on the status
of its options at the end of 2008. At one stage a way out of this quandary could
have been the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) F-X programme for some 40
aircraft to replace the F-4 Phantom. Unfortunately the timing on this has slipped
to around 2009 for a decision, and has potentially widened the field of contenders to include the JSF and perhaps even the F-22. Thus what happens in the ROK
remains important.
Singapore has moved towards the future acquisition of the F-35A Lightning
II, the JSF, as a replacement for its F-5S/T fleet and potentially elements of its
F-16C/D fleet. The first flight of the Lightning II on 15th December 2006 gave this
programme new visibility, as did the signature by Australia of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on F-35 Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) on December 12th. It is expected that the intentions of Singapore
regarding the JSF will become clearer this year as they move to negotiate their
participation in the programme and potentially the number of aircraft they would
be interested in.
As for Australia, their decision to select the JSF for the Air 6000 New Air Combat
Capability programme to replace the existing F-111 and F/A-18 fleets in the Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) dashed the hopes of Dassault, Eurofighter and others
who hoped that there would at least be an interim buy of aircraft to replace the
F-111. As the JSF timetable stands at present, Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP)
will commence this year followed by full production in 2013. In the meantime
Australia will make its official acquisition decision on JSF, primarily numbers and
programme timing in late 2008. A new factor entered the
RAAF equation last year, when Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson suddenly
admitted that there would be a capability gap between the retirement of the F-111
and the JSF, and that this gap would be filled with the acquisition of 24 Boeing
F/A-18F Super Hornet, although no details on whether this would be a lease of a
purchase were released.
NEW ARRIVALS
This Australian surprise finally marks the arrival of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in
the region and can do no harm to its chances in India where it is a contender for
the MRCA competition. Across the border in Pakistan procurement matters are
also becoming very interesting as well. An order for 18 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D
Block 52 aircraft has been placed, with an option on 18 more and an enormous
air weapons package containing 500 Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM is also being
acquired. The existing F-16A/B fleet will be upgraded to the MLU configuration,
most probably by Tusas of Turkey, and more F-16A/B will be acquired from surplus
stocks around the world and they will be upgraded as well. The Pakistan Air Force
(PAF) will also become the first export customer for the Chengdu J-10A/B with 36
aircraft to be acquired, at least initially.
The programme that will have a key impact on the future of the PAF is the
JF-17, which will be manufactured as a joint venture between Chengdu in China
and PAC at Kamra in Pakistan. The PAF requires some 150 JF-17 aircraft to replace
its existing A-5, J-7, Mirage III and Mirage V combat aircraft. This is a critical
programme for the PAF and for the development of aerospace industries in
Pakistan. All appeared to be going well until Indian pressure on Russia, who was
supplying the RD-93 engine for the JF-17, appeared to succeed and all of a sudden
the JF-17 programme was in jeopardy. Without the RD-93 the JF-17 programme is
in trouble, unless China can integrate the WS-13 engine with the aircraft and this
will take time. This is a matter of great concern for the PAF.
As for China, the Russian refusal to supply the RD-93 to allow them to progress
an export programme is an annoyance. However, they must have suspected that
Russia might be swayed by Indian pressure and block re-export of the engines
to power the JF-17. Could this explain the delays in the JF-17 programme, time
that might have been needed for WS-13 engine integration? Bearing in mind the
fact that Russian technology is used in the WS-13 and that Russian industry was
allegedly involved in the development of the engine, might the refusal to supply
the RD-93 actually be part of an understanding between China and Russia? Russia
shows goodwill to India and then on the other hand helps China with the WS-13
to power the JF-17. As for Pakistan, they are effectively compensated for the delay
in the JF-17 programme by the acquisition of the far more effective J-10A/B. Only
speculation, but stranger things have happened.
ASIAN OUTLOOK
The Singapore
Armed Forces
(SAF) will be
acquiring Leopard
2A4 tanks from
German surplus
stocks. In total 66
refurbished tanks
will be acquired,
along with 30 spare
tanks and supporting equipment.
SAF crews will
be trained on the
tanks in Germany.
(Photo: Leo M. Van
Westerhoven)
LEOPARD 2A4
SELECTED FOR SAF
On 11th December 2006, the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced that
Singapore and Germany intended to agree on the acquisition of Leopard 2A4 tanks from
German Army surplus stocks. According to the MINDEF statement, “The acquisition
package will consist of 66 refurbished Leopard 2A4 tanks, together with 30 spare tanks
and supporting equipment. Training on the Leopard tanks will be provided by the German
Army.” Some news sources in Asia have suggested that the price of the tanks and associated equipment could be in the region of $48 million. Whether this is true or not, for
the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) the Leopard 2A4 acquisition is a tremendously astute
piece of business.
ASIAN OUTLOOK
Currently the SAF armoured force consists of up the tank for our purposes.” The SAF will send a cadre BMS installation for integration with the networked
to 100 modified Centurion tanks, the number of of tank specialists to Germany in the latter part of 3G SAF. However, there are other issues that need to
viable vehicles could be as low as 60. Known as the this year for training, with the Leopard tanks likely to be addressed, a new AVLB system will be needed and
here an option is the German Army Leopard 2 PanzerTempest in Singapore, these tanks have been signifi- be delivered to Singapore in 2008.
schnellbrücke, which uses the KMW Leguan bridging
cantly upgraded over the years to a standard equivasystem and this will be of obvious interest to the SAF
lent to the Israeli Sho’t Centurion upgrade. A small UPGRADE STRATEGY
number of Tempest (probably around 15) were based More than 3,000 Leopard 2 tanks have been as they are already a user of multiple varieties of the
in Taiwan for training over a number of years, though delivered and some fourteen nations operate or will Leguan. Another area to be addressed is recovery
more recently it has been alleged that these vehicles be operating the tank. This large installed user base and here the logical solution is the German Bergepanzer 3 Buffel ARV; engihave been withdrawn.
neering vehicles will also be
Although the Tempest has
required with the Leopard
never been shown publicly
2 Pionierpanzer Kodiak as
in Singapore, other ‘heavier’
a potential solution. The
armour systems have, there
30 spare Leopard 2 tanks
are some 12 M60 AVLB
would be an ideal source
bridging systems and some
for these specialist vehicles,
8 M728 Combat Engineer
alternatively the SAF could
Vehicles (CEV), both based
define its own requirements
on the US M60 tank chassis.
and the vehicles could be
The most numerous tank
integrated by Singapore
available to the SAF is the
Technologies (ST) Kinetics
upgraded
AMX-13SM1
in Singapore.
light tank, some 350 of
The 120 mm smooththese vehicles are in the
bore gun in the Leopard
inventory, although not all
2A4 is the de facto NATO
are in service. According to
standard tank gun, also
Defence Minister Teo Chee
used in the US Abrams,
Hean, the current AMXthe French Leclerc and in
13SM-1 tanks will not be
time the British Challenger
phased out “as they serve a
2. Israeli Merkava 3 and
good purpose”.
Merkava 4 tanks also use
On the day of the
a version of this ordnance.
announcement
Minister
Currently the ‘heavy’ armour option available to the SAF is the Tempest a locally upgraded
This will provide the SAF
Teo toured the Armour
version of the venerable Centurion tank. The Centurion first saw operational service in 1945,
with a range of credible
Training
Institute
at
an ex-British Army version is shown here. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
sources of ammunition for
Sungei Gedong Camp and
its new tanks and create a
discussed the Leopard
competitive environment
acquisition. “We looked at a
for procurement, as well
number of different alternatives and the German offer of refurbished Leopard virtually guarantees extended long-term support as providing numerous sources for the transfer of
tanks is a very good cost-effective option for us to from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) technology to allow ST to manufacture ammunition
start replacing some of the SM-1s.” On the Leopard Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It also offers an locally if required.
The Leopard 2A4 will mark a revolution in SAF
2A4 he said that it “has good mobility, protection already defined growth path. The German Army KWS
and firepower, and it provides a good baseline for II upgrade saw the addition of increased armour armour capabilities, but more changes are in
us to further upgrade the tanks should we want to protection, sighting system improvements and other prospect. The AMX-13SM1 can still provide good
move into the next phase of 3G (3rd Generation) SAF new systems to bring the Leopard 2A4 to the Leopard service to the SAF, but the numbers of operational
armour.” The local defence industry will play a signifi- 2A5 configuration. The next upgrade solution was the vehicles will be gradually rundown. There has long
cant role in supporting the future SAF Leopard 2A4 KWS I, which saw the replacement of L44 calibre been interest in the acquisition of a new light tank
tank fleet and upgrading it, according to Minister Teo. 120 mm smoothbore gun with the Rheinmetall L55 by the SAF as a replacement for the SM1, whether it
“They have to maintain it for us. We will be bringing 120 mm gun and the availability of new ammunition is decided to purchase from overseas or develop an
indigenous design to be built by ST Kinetics remains
in some of the facilities that we have developed such natures.
as the Battle Management System (BMS), and as we
At this stage the full SAF Leopard 2A4 upgrade to be seen. The timing of the arrival of a new light
go along, other types of systems as well to upgrade strategy has yet to defined, with the exception of the tank will also be of interest.
ASIAN OUTLOOK
RSAF JOINS SINGAPORE’S
‘3G SAF’ TRANSFORMATION
In early January, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean
presided over a parade to inaugurate the new Air
Defence and Operations Command (ADOC) of the
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) at Chong
Pang Camp. This new RSAF Command is the start of
a major reorganisation of the RSAF as a part of the
military transformation agenda of the 3rd Generation
(3G) Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Minister Teo made a speech at the parade, which
put the reorganisation of the RSAF and the establishment of ADOC into context. “The RSAF also has to
make the transformation to the Third Generation
Air Force. The RSAF has adopted a comprehensive
framework along three key dimensions to achieve
this transformation. First, hardware or exploiting advanced technology. Second, software, which
includes innovative operational concepts and a
new organisational structure. Third, ‘heartware’ or
grooming quality people.”
”In hardware terms, the development of the
3G RSAF is proceeding steadily with the introduction of advanced platforms and capabilities able
to undertake networked, integrated joint warfare
with the RSAF and across the SAF. We brought our
Apache helicopters home last year, and will be taking
delivery of our F-15SGs in the coming years. We will
continue to field rapidly evolving technologies like
UAVs and network them with ground based and
airborne surveillance platforms. In terms of software
and systems, the transformation of the RSAF’s
organisational structure will allow the 3G RSAF capabilities to be fully developed and exploited to decisively influence operational outcomes over the whole
range of missions that the SAF will be expected to
undertake in the air, on land and at sea.”
The Minister also discussed the importance of
RSAF people in making the transformation agenda
possible. “However, our aircraft and systems are only
as good as the people who operate and maintain
them. Our ‘heartware’ – our servicemen and women
– are the key factor in the success of the RSAF. The
RSAF must therefore continue to bring out the best
in every one of our servicemen and servicewomen
and ensure that we maintain the highest professional
standards. To achieve transformation in hardware
and software, RSAF personnel need to have a flexible
and adaptable mindset. Change management, leadership and people development therefore will be a
key focus of the RSAF’s overall transformation.”
Teo Chee Hean put the establishment of ADOC
into context, describing it as “the first step in the
most fundamental restructuring of the RSAF’s
organisation since it was first established.” ADOC
will have the primary responsibility for the planning,
control and execution of all peacetime air operations, including air defence. The aim is to achieve
more effective management of the full spectrum
of air operations that the RSAF performs, whether
it is the air defence of Singapore, participation in
multinational operations or responding to what the
Minister called “the increased intensity and demands
of peacetime contingencies.”
After ADOC, the transformation of the RSAF will
see the establishment of four other
commands over the next two years.
Air Combat Command will have the
lead in integrating air combat capabilities and will control all RSAF combat
and transport aircraft. Participation
Command will drive the integrated development and deployment of air power
for the land and maritime theatres,
whilst strengthening the integration of
all assets in the networked and integrated 3G SAF. Air Power Generation
Command is tasked with unifying and
strengthening RSAF airfield operations
to provide “robust and continuous
launch and recovery operations for all air
assets.” UAV Command will be responsible for developing UAV capabilities for
the whole of the 3G SAF.
The new operational structure of
the Republic of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF) will have five commands. Air
Defence and Operations Command is
the first to be established and will be
followed by the other four over the
next two years. (Photo by; MINDEF)
ASIAN OUTLOOK
Waiting for the Chinook’s – a Quick Reaction Force mission from Kandahar for the Dutch ‘Kingscoy’. There are 1,900 Dutch troops in Afghanistan, but they see their
mission as being much broader than a conventional counter-insurgency campaign. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
BUILDING HOPE IN A
HARSH NEGLECTED LAND
DUTCH COUNTER-INSURGENCY METHODOLOGY IN AFGANISTAN
By Leo M. van Westerhoven
Since NATO took over control from the Americans, Dutch
troops are at the forefront of efforts to rebuild the strifetorn province of Uruzgan in southern Afghanistan. Amid a
resurgent Taliban and decades of neglect and destruction
the task is formidable. Afghan history shows that foreign
interventionists, especially non-Muslims, only have a
small window of time to show that they are there to do
good. But that time runs out fast, particularly in the
Pashtun south, the traditional heartland of the radical
Taliban. The Dutch, however, believe they have a plan for
a lasting end to hostilities. And the plan does not rely on
wiping out by force those attracted towards the extremist
teachings and jihad offered by the Taliban, but in the
support of the people.
ASIAN OUTLOOK
Afghanistan has known violence almost constantly
over recent decades - no Afghan under the age of 27
has experienced real peace! Through a war with the
Soviet Union in the 1980s, to the Taliban takeover in
1996 and then the arrival of US-led troops in 2001.
The Americans rapidly ousted the Taliban forces from
power, with them melting away into the villages and
over the border into Pakistan. Regressive and savagely
anti-Western, the Taliban had turned Afghanistan
into a medieval fiefdom, with public executions and
savage reprisals for women venturing out of their
homes.
NATO has enlarged its area of operations three
times since taking command of the UN-sanctioned
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in
the summer of 2003. First moving from Kabul into
northern Afghanistan later that year, then expanding
westward in June 2005. The move into southern
Afghanistan in August 2006 and then into the east
in October 2006, were the next logical steps in this
process.
Uruzgan is physically demanding country, with
temperatures ranging from 65º Celsius in summer
to freezing in winter. Sitting above Kandahar and
Helmand in the south, it is one of Afghanistan’s
most mountainous and least developed provinces,
with government authority extending little beyond
the provincial capital of Tarin Kowt. Those conditions
have made it vulnerable to the Taliban. Yet, the Dutch
have sent a task force trying to facilitate a permanent
solution to the problems of the province, not just
having a fight. With this effort the province is having
a more permanent presence of international troops
than it has ever had before.
On the ground in Afghanistan since August 2006,
‘1 (NLD/AUS) Task Force Uruzgan’ include elements
to perform command, reconstruction, communications, intelligence, reconnaissance, protection and
logistic support. The nucleus of the task force is a
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT); its mission
is to increase security and stability, promote good
governance and facilitate the reconstruction of the
province. A Battle Group, strong and well equipped
for force protection, and other units will support
the PRT. In addition, the Dutch are supported by
a fully integrated Australian detachment of 400
troops. Both countries have committed to stay in the
region until August 2008. At first the Dutch Government envisaged a 1,400-strong deployment. But the
increase in the threat posed by heavily armed Taliban
militants - and because the Dutch took over the lead
role for 6 months in southern Afghanistan on 1st
November from the Canadians - has seen the force
increase to about 1,900.
BUILDING SECURITY AND STABILITY
Two children from the village of Gang
Kalacheh, near Kandahar, during a Village
Medical Outreach mission by ISAF. The real
measure of success in Afghanistan will be if
these children have the opportunity for a better
life. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
“No Afghan under the age
of 27 has experienced real
peace. Almost 90 percent
of the Afghan population is
illiterate and 60 percent struggle each day to survive. Only 13
percent of Afghans have access
to sufficient water.”
During December 2006, the first four-month rotation
of Dutch task force units left Uruzgan after establishing the main base in Tarin Kowt (Kamp Holland), the
provincial capital and birthplace of Taliban leader
Mullah Omar, and another smaller base near the
town of Deh Rawod (Camp Hadrian), while also
starting their reconstruction efforts. During these
months the people in both districts were going
about their lives in a more secure way than they did
before - all without a single Dutch soldier killed in
action. However, since the start of the mission the
Dutch have lost four men. One soldier committed
suicide, a Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 fighter
pilot lost his life when his aircraft crashed en route to
a close air support (CAS) mission for British troops
in Helmand province, and a Dutch officer and a NCO
lost their lives in a helicopter crash. One soldier was
badly wounded and three more have suffered minor
injuries at the hands of the Taliban.
The so-called ‘Dutch philosophy’ to the problems
in Afghanistan is a novel approach, which is attracting the attention of other coalition members in
neighbouring provinces. Even though some bristle at
the idea that it might be applicable to Kandahar or
any other province in the south, some say the Dutch
are doing what they would also like to do. Others say
that the Dutch simply were lucky, or link it with the
cautious pace of their arrival. Some critics discount
the Dutch success in Uruzgan altogether, by accusing
them of leaving most of the province to the Taliban
without putting up a fight.
Lieutenant-Colonel Piet van der Sar, the Battle
Group commander, disagrees totally with that last
assertion: “Dutch forces have been in the thick of
fighting since the beginning. Rarely a day went by
when there was not some sort of TIC (troops in
contact with the enemy). Also the dangers of IEDs
(Improvised Explosive Devices) or roadside bombs,
which we encountered several times, and suicide
attacks lurk every step of the way. In less than four
months we conducted over 400 patrols and were
involved in multiple combat incidents ranging from
small skirmishes with small groups to pitched battles
involving hundreds of fighters lasting hours. And if I
deem it appropriate, I will take pre-emptive action.
But we are not going in with guns blazing - we are
going in after very careful preparation and in cooperation with the village elders. We have worked very
hard over the last months to establish a dialogue with
the local leaders, and now this effort is beginning to
pay off.”
Dutch soldiers went into Uruzgan prepared for
combat, expecting the same kind of gory reception that
ASIAN OUTLOOK
the Canadians and the British have found in Kandahar
and Helmand. After all, Uruzgan was a sanctuary for
adherents of Afghanistan’s former Taliban regime
and it was not a surprise they reacted extremely
aggressively to Dutch troops in their backyard. Given
more than four years to stockpile weapons and pull in
new recruits, the opposing militant forces comprised
a hard core of Taliban leadership and their supporters, local militants and criminal groups engaged in
Afghanistan’s prolific drug industry - so intertwined
as to be virtually indistinguishable. Frustration over a
failed government coupled with promises of a fistful
of dollars by extremist Mullahs teaching jihad have
driven many young unemployed Afghans into signing
up with the Taliban.
“Successful counterinsurgency
is ultimately a political
and socio-economic struggle to build confidence in
public institutions”.
RECONSTRUCTION AND NEW TACTICS
A solid reconstruction effort is therefore vital to
win some public support. Almost 90 percent of the
Afghan population is illiterate and 60 percent struggle
each day to survive. Only 13 percent of Afghans have
access to sufficient water. Roads are often so bad that
Uruzganis cannot take advantage of the Kandahar
markets to sell their wheat, maize, watermelons,
almonds and figs. The Taliban frequently ambush
convoys on these roads and shoot or behead anyone
they suspect of working for the central government or foreign forces. Retribution by the Taliban
against Afghans who support the coalition is not
uncommon. Near Deh Rawod a Dutch patrol found
a 13-year old boy, hung from a tree branch. He had
been severely tortured before being killed, not only
an act of violence against perceived traitors, but also
a brutal warning to other Afghans considering siding
Dawn comes up over a British Royal Marine patrol from Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. The British have seen significant combat at Helmand, perhaps more than
they expected, and there have been questions over whether they have enough men and the appropriate equipment. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
ASIAN OUTLOOK
with the coalition. Fear and insecurity fuels the power
of the insurgents. Yet many Afghans still have the
courage and the will to continue the push for peace
and stability.
The Dutch have developed a new type of counterinsurgency tactics to tackle the challenging task that
they are facing in Afghanistan. It is along the lines of
‘Winning Hearts and Minds’, but more sophisticated
and with a greater emphasis on respect and cooperation with the local people. Dutch soldiers display
an understanding of Afghan society that is rare
amongst their coalition partners. The Dutch have
studied closely the complex tribal, political, family
and financial ties that govern Afghan society.
“It takes a lot more analysis before you jump into
it, because if you do the wrong thing, it could have
major implications,” LTCOL Van der Sar said. “You
have to be sure you are applying the right solution to
the right problem. Awareness of cultural differences
and basic respect for host-nation culture are crucial
to force security and/or mission success. We are not
intruding into their personal affairs; we do not wish
to mingle with their regular and lawful business;
we do not want to change their customs; we
respect their way of life; we are respectful of their
family-structures and their laws and we support the
provincial government.”
Therefore, cultural training is a standard part of
the curriculum for every unit and member of the
Dutch Armed Forces assigned to a specific mission
abroad. The key factors in this cultural training are
to combine the warrior spirit with a basic level of
cultural sensitivity, especially when troops in the
field face hostile elements. Differences in style of
communication between Dutch culture and local
culture are mentioned in full detail, including how
to avoid offensive body language, facial expressions
and gestures. Instructors use many examples from
everyday situations to explain the various do’s and
don’ts found in the mission area. Soldiers learn that
a strong adherence to the honour code of ‘Pashtunwali’ does not automatically mean that every conflict
among Pashtuns ends in revenge killing on a massive
scale; the code also offers opportunities for the negotiated settlement of disputes.
CULTURAL KEYS
In short, Dutch soldiers are told that culture is never
one-dimensional, black or white, or unchangeable.
Befriending local populations is on the other hand
the best way to get intelligence on what is going.
Getting this intelligence and cooperation is the best,
often the only, way to find insurgents who live among
local populations and cannot be distinguished from
A Dutch foot patrol in the village of Shingolah, near the Dutch base at Camp Hadrian, in Deh Rawod.
The Dutch believe that gaining the trust and support of the Afghan people is the only way to prevail.
(Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
“Reconstruction will only be
effective if political dialogue,
development, humanitarian,
economic and military aid are
deployed together”.
them without the help of the locals or, if they hide in
remote areas, cannot be found without information
supplied by the locals. Thanks to this kind of intelligence the Dutch have captured numerous weapons
caches, explosives and electronic devices that could
have been used to trigger roadside bombs.
LTCOL Van der Sar: “Primarily shooting and
blowing up stuff, that is not why we are here, but I
will do it if I need to. The ‘Dutch philosophy’ is more
about influence, and gaining the support of the local
population. It is not centred on killing the enemy, but
we are here to bring what protection we reasonably
can to people in peril and to maintain some level of
public safety while other reconstruction and diplomatic initiatives - through the Provincial Reconstruction Mission Teams, for example - pursue solutions
to underlying problems. The point is not to abandon
the effort to defeat the insurgency; the point is that to
be successful it has to be done by other means.”
“Our focus is on security patrols and protection
functions rather than on pursuing and attacking
insurgents, the effort needs to be on providing
security and opportunity to people in their homes
and communities and thereby denying insurgents the
popular support they need. As Canadian and British
forces have tragically learned, in the age of roadside
bombs and suicide bombers security patrols are no
ASIAN OUTLOOK
less dangerous than search and destroy missions
against insurgents. Both courses of action come with
risks - risks of failure, of course, and risks to those
on the front lines. The question is: which serves the
objectives of the mission more effectively? The effort
to capture or kill insurgents at a faster rate than they
can be recruited is generally not a winning strategy.
Indeed, we are unable to provide security throughout the province at once. Rather, the focus lies on
gradually expanding regions of relative stability and
additionally moving further into the province stepby-step - the ‘so-called’ inkblot strategy, whereas
the Canadians and British pushed deep into enemy
territory”.
“As the benefits of gradually expanding security,
development and extended public services and
safety are felt, support for the insurgency will eventually decline. This long-term strategy is measured in
decades rather than years. Successful counter-insurgency is ultimately a political and social-economic
struggle to build confidence in public institutions,
to develop alternatives to the current dependence
on opium production, and to marginalise the
warlords and insurgents as spoilers that increasingly
are rejected and estranged from the local population, then the Taliban have no power bases from
which they can launch operations. Reconstruction
will only be effective if political dialogue, development, humanitarian, economic and military aid are
deployed together. Through building basic infrastructure, providing health care and establishing an
education system, the taskforce aims to show the
Afghan people a better future exists for them under
a coalition-supported Afghan national government
than under the Taliban.”
SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE AND
THE GOVERNMENT
As a further measure to win local support and
improve the credibility of the Afghan government,
Dutch troops are helping the Afghans stand up and
build their own capable, credible, respected security
forces, the Afghan National Army and Afghan National
Auxiliary Police. Which is vital to their exercise of
sovereignty. Progress is however slow. Every instruction must go through an interpreter and many of the
students are illiterate. “Once trained, we will incorporate them into our missions where appropriate,
and where they can effectively contribute, and essentially provide that Afghan face, the legitimacy that the
Afghan people really need to see,” says LTCOL Van
der Sar. “At the same time they are our exit strategy,
by making the region a better place, which then puts
them in a position where all of these kinds of security
Dutch troops conduct live fire training with one of their 81 mm mortars. All Dutch platoons have organic
81 mm mortar support. Afghanistan presents ISAF troops with difficult conditions, extreme heat and dust
or intense cold. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
force operations are being conducted by Afghans and
we can expand our inkblot strategy.”
On a daily basis, Dutch soldiers and their civilian
advisors are in contact with the population. They
are implementing many projects: small scale irrigation, repair of country roads, water pumps, repair
of agricultural machinery, public transport, building
of bridges and rehabilitation of Mosques. They also
assist in the health and education sectors. All of
these projects have been chosen in close cooperation with the local population and the Dutch let them
participate fully in the decisions that will affect their
future. “But of course they have to remain owners of
their own problems,” LTCOL Van der Sar says. “We
are the auxiliary troops of the local government. And
if that government is no good, it must go.”
At the same time the Dutch forces are also trying
to protect villagers from the depredations of corrupt
or undisciplined Afghan soldiers and police, by
“Dutch troops have facilities, equipment and rules of
engagement that are the envy
of their coalition partners.
No effort has been spared to
provide the Dutch soldiers
with the maximum and best
available
protection
by
purchasing modern equipment
and upgrading existing systems.”
ASIAN OUTLOOK
watching them closely for bad behaviour. Further, to
build trust with the local population the Dutch have
established a permanent presence in both districts.
Each platoon is given its own area of responsibility, measuring 12 to 30 square kilometres, where
they visit every household and monitor their needs.
Security patrols through the villages are mainly on
foot, backed by their armoured vehicles. Whereas in
comparison, US forces toured the same villages and
the surrounding area in armoured vehicles, usually
with a heavily armed soldier in the turret waving
Afghans out of the way.
The Dutch troops have also established two hilltop
outposts on the fringes of Taliban territory. One is
built on Kakrakah Hill near Deh Rawod, with the
other built on Surkh Murghab, near Tarin Kowt. To
establish a balance between accessibility and defen-
sibility, these outposts are build like a traditional
Pashtun home (quala), where thick and high mud
walls surround the living and reception quarters. It is
designed as a base for Dutch soldiers and as a place
for local people to air grievances and talk about their
needs. Even though the multifunctional qualas lack
the conventional sandbags, razor wire and machine
gun posts, they bear a striking resemblance to a
‘small fortress’. These outposts have recently been
under attack several times. For LTCOL Van der Sar,
this increased Taliban activity has not been unexpected: “The more successful we are (in establishing infrastructure and winning the support of the
people), the more upset they (the Taliban) get.”
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AND EQUIPMENT
Military personnel put up with a lot of discom-
fort. They accept this in full realization that it is all
part of their profession. One thing they do expect,
however, is having the right tools to do the job. One
of the greatest sources of dissatisfaction is the lack
of proper equipment and a mandate. Something with
which Dutch soldiers have been all too familiar over
the years - not least because of their bitter memories
of peacekeeping in Bosnia, where, in 1995, a Dutch
force with poor equipment and a flimsy UN mandate
was unable to prevent the massacre of thousands of
Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica. That legacy led to
fierce debate in parliament before the Dutch joined
the NATO mission in Afghanistan.
As a result, Dutch troops have facilities, equipment
and rules of engagement that are the envy of their
coalition partners. No effort has been spared to
provide the Dutch soldiers with the maximum and
A Dutch PzH-2000NL 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery system during a fire mission in support of Dutch and Afghan troops fighting the Taliban in the
Baluchi Pass. The Dutch have 3 PzH-2000NL systems for heavy fire support. (Photo: Leo M. van Westerhoven)
ASIAN OUTLOOK
A Dutch Sperwer
UAV is launched
from the main
Dutch base at ‘Kamp
Holland’ in Uruzgan
Province. The
Dutch have 8 Sagem
Sperwer UAVs in
Afghanistan, with
other ISAF members
using their own
Sperwer systems.
(Photo: Leo M. van
Westerhoven)
best available protection, by purchasing modern
equipment and upgrading existing systems. Both
base camps are arguably some of the most modern
and secure in the world. They eat, sleep and work
there not in tents, but in blast-proof reinforced-steel
containers. They have wi-fi internet access throughout both bases. They have their own air support
comprising six heavily armed AH-64D Apache
combat helicopters, just around the corner at the
helipad at Kamp Holland, and further they have eight
F-16AM fighter-bombers, typically armed with up to
four GBU-12 laser-guided 500 lb (225 kg) bombs,
a LANTIRN targeting pod and a 20 mm internal
cannon, 25 minutes distance away at Kandahar air
base. For intra-theatre air transport they can count
on five Eurocopter AS532U2 Cougar Mk 2 tactical
transport helicopters, also based at Kandahar.
Three PzH-2000NL 155 mm/52 calibre selfpropelled (SP) artillery systems cover the ground
between both bases. Two of them made their combatdebut upon arrival in September in aid of Operation
Medusa to protect Canadian troops participating in
this mission. Dutch ISAF artillerymen demonstrated
their ability to reach out and touch the Taliban with
precise and devastating effect at ranges of more than
thirty kilometres.
The Dutch Bushmaster IMVs deployed in Afghanistan have received an add-on ballistic armour kit. This
add-on protection package also includes a ballistic
protection upgrade to the windows. The extra weight
has already been compensated for by removing a
270-litre fresh water tank and by operating the vehicle
with up to five personnel on board, rather than up
to 10. The 18 YPR-765 armoured infantry fighting
vehicles (AIFVs), deployed in Uruzgan, have received
add-on armour kits. This involves YPR-765-conformal
chemical energy (explosive reactive armour [ERA])
tiles installed by Rafael of Israel. The Dutch also
received 12 Krauss-Maffei Wegmann ‘Fennek’ 4x4
light armoured reconnaissance vehicles to support
their operations in Uruzgan province, as well as in
Kandahar. Other vehicles in theatre are the Patria 6x6
XA-188 wheeled armoured personnel carriers and
soft-top Mercedes-Benz 4x4 vehicles from which it is
easier to make contact with the local Afghan population. For aerial reconnaissance the Dutch have two
UAV systems at their disposal in the form of the
Sperwer and Aladin.
LTCOL Van der Sar: “There are security challenges here. No one can suggest otherwise. But we
have shown we are well trained and equipped for
this mission, and we have the capabilities to go out
and undertake security and development missions
whenever we want, and I am sure we are all willing to
take whatever comes our way.”
About the author:
Leo M. van Westerhoven is a reporter for ‘Dutch
Defence Press’ and a Contributing Editor to
Defence Review Asia. This article is the result of
a month spent with the Dutch Forces in Afghanistan at the end of 2006.
ASIAN OUTLOOK
Japan’s new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talking to the
press while in Paris on January 13, 2007. In Tokyo
Abe’s prominent position on defence issues are conflicting with the fact that Shinzo Abe is the grandson
of Nobusuke Kishi, a former Minister of Commerce
and Industry (1941-1945) in the Tojo cabinet who was
convicted as a Class A War Criminal by the Americans
after Japan’s defeat. Imprisoned until 1948, Kishi was
never tried by the International Military Tribunal for
the Far East, but was prohibited from entering public
affairs because of the Allied occupation’s purge of
members of the old regime. When the purge was fully
rescinded in 1952, Kishi decided to go into politics and
joined the new Democratic Party. In 1957, Kishi was
voted in as Prime Minister of Japan. In the first year of
Kishi’s term, Japan joined the United Nations Security
Council, paid reparations to Indonesia and, in January
1960, signed a new and unpopular Treaty of Mutual
Cooperation with the US; subsequently he resigned
amidst growing public opposition. He died in 1987.
(Photo: Jean-Michel Guhl)
NEW JAPANESE
PRIME MINISTER
IN EUPOPEAN TALKS
By Jean-Michel Guhl
In an unusual diplomatic move, Shinzo Abe, the new Japanese Prime
Minister began his January 9th to 13th, 2007, world tour with ‘Old
Europe’. There he met successively with the foremost Heads of State of
the European Union (EU) in London, Berlin, Brussels and Paris and, as a
sign of the times, with the Secretary General of NATO, Mr Jaap de Hoop
Scheffer. A truly historical step, considering Japan’s staunch neutrality
since World War 2, Mr Abe’s visit to the NATO Headquarters in Belgium
is actually the first ever by a Japanese Head of Government.
A bilateral meeting with the Secretary General highlighted the importance of this visit to NATO and
this was followed with a meeting with the full North
Atlantic Council. Prime Minister Abe expressed to
the Council Japan’s interest in building a stronger
partnership with NATO, both politically and in
practical terms - an interest actually both echoed and
welcomed by the Alliance, which is in need of strong
new partners. All parties agreed that NATO and
Japan share an interest in more profound cooperation to defend shared values in a world where security
threats - such as the obvious menace posed by North
Korea’s long range missile and nuclear programmes
- are fully transnational in nature. NATO welcomed
Prime Minister Abe’s announcement that Japan
would enhance its already substantial role in Afghanistan by directly supporting NATO’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams, namely in the areas of humanitarian
assistance where the Japanese have been very active
so far, providing both manpower and money.
While in Europe, Premier Abe’s longest stay was
in Paris where President Jacques Chirac outlined the
central role of Japan in the current stability of Asia.
With regard to the United Nations, President Chirac
restated France’s support of Japan becoming a
permanent member of the enlarged Security Council.
Defence issues were at the heart of the conversations Mr Abe had with the European leaders. All have
expressed support, at Japan’s insistence, in seeing
North Korea fully respect its international responsibilDEFENCE REVIEW ASIA 43
ASIAN OUTLOOK
An F-15J of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). The JASDF is hoping to replace its old F-4EJ Phantom fleet with the new FX fighter. In the meantime some of
the F-15J fleet is being upgraded. (Photo: JASDF)
ities in the nuclear domain and making sure that the UN’s latest Resolution 1718
is enforced. During their meeting, President Chirac and Premier Abe discussed in
detail the situation in Burma, Afghanistan and the Middle East, as Japan’s role in
that region is increasing. Mr Chirac and Mr Abe also insisted on their common
view with regard to Iran’s nuclear programme asking for an immediate suspension of all nuclear activities by Tehran in full compliance with the NPT (Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty) of which Iran is a signatory state.
There has been strong concern, mainly by the US, France, Great Britain,
Germany and Japan, as well as Israel over the possibility of a nuclear armed
Iranian state, with general fears regarding the goals of Iran’s clerical leaders and
specific anxieties raised after numerous controversial remarks made by Iranian
president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about the state of Israel. Incidentally, it is a
little known fact outside of the Muslim world that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the
highest leader of the Islamic Republic, issued a religious fatwa forbidding the
production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons on August 9, 2005. The full
text of this legal pronouncement was released in an official statement at the
meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna about a year
ago. In nations where Islamic law (sharia) is the basis of civil law a fatwa by the
national religious leadership is mandatory which means that if Iran goes forth
with any military nuclear programme it will be not only in contradiction with the
NPT regulations, but with Ayatollah Khamenei’s orders!
Premier Abe’s visit to Europe was made just as Japan, on January 9th 2007,
established a Ministry of State for Defence to replace the former National Defence
Agency created in 1954 after the Korean War. This is the first time Japan has had
a Defence Ministry since 1945. The new Defence Ministry was established as a
result of a promise made earlier by the Japanese conservative party (LDP) and the
consequence of the present turmoil in world’s security affairs, this move is seen
as a means to foster Japan’s influence on the international scene.
Mr Fukushiro Nukaga was officially named the first Minister of National
Defence, thus severing the traditional subordination that the National Defence
Agency had to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over half a century. Among the
tasks assigned to the new minister is the submission before 2012 to the National
Diet of a new draft for the Japanese ‘Pacifist’ constitution of 1947 thus modifying
the US-inspired Article 9 which reads “Aspiring sincerely to an international
peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a
sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling
international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph,
land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.
The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized”.
Of course, the present need for the Japanese armed forces to deploy contingents in support of UN or US operations worldwide have rendered over the years
this ‘renunciation of war’ chapter completely obsolete in a country which spends
yearly almost $40 billion for its national defence. However, Japan will encounter
firm resistance to its new assertive defence role from both China and the Republic
of Korea, two countries wary of any resurgence of Japanese militarism. Whatever
the views of LDP hardliners in Japan, who dream of giving their country a larger
diplomatic and military role on the world stage, changing the constitution will not
be an easy task for Mr Abe’s government. There will be opposition in Japan, for
example, the logistic support of US troops in Iraq, until last July, was considered
a true constitutional infringement by many in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, Mr Abe who held a large press conference at the Concorde-La
Fayette hotel in Paris on January 13 said he would return to Europe shortly to
attend the Paris Conference for Global Ecological Governance in early February at
the invitation of President Chirac and that he would only visit Washington in early
May for a summit with US president George W. Bush.
About the author:
Jean-Michel Guhl is a Contributing Editor to Defence Review Asia and is based
in Paris. A highly experienced defence and strategic affairs editor, he will be
reporting extensively for Defence Review Asia from around the world.
CHINA
GOES PUBLIC
WITH J-10 FIGHTER
The end of December 2006 saw an avalanche of publicity for the Chinese J-10 fighter aircraft marking its official public debut. The Chengdu J-10A/B represents a
new level of achievement by the Chinese aerospace industry. (Photo: AVIC1)
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
At the end of December China finally decided to officially reveal the J-10 fighter to the world, CCTV featured
the aircraft, the Xinhua news agency released photos
and then in early January China Aviation Industry
Corporation 1 (AVIC 1) even held a press conference.
Of course those seeking enlightenment from the
press conference doubtless left disappointed, they
got to see a model of the aircraft and were shown a
film of the aircraft in action. Despite this, the arrival
of the J-10 into the public spotlight is an extremely
important event.
Over the years photos of the J-10 have surfaced
from various sources, but real knowledge of the
performance of the aircraft has remained slight. The
potential reasons for this sudden burst of publicity
are varied, with Pakistan having evaluated the aircraft
and being virtually committed to acquiring it, raising
awareness of the J-10 and its capabilities does no
harm. However, we should not ignore the fact that the
J-10 is a major achievement for China and the Chinese
aerospace industry. There are very few countries in the
world that can design, develop and field a high performance combat aircraft of this level of sophistication
– reason enough to publicise the J-10. Another consideration is export sales, with the J-10 China will have a
contender for advanced combat aircraft requirements
to work in tandem with the FC-1 (JF-17) which will be
aimed at lower-end requirements.
Work on the J-10 commenced in the mid-1980s at
the 611 Aircraft Design Institute in Chengdu, after
earlier attempts to built an indigenous high performance combat aircraft for the People’s Liberation
At the end of December China finally decided to officially reveal
the J-10 fighter to the world,
CCTV featured the aircraft, the
Xinhua news agency released
photos and then in early January
China Aviation Industry Corporation 1 (AVIC 1) even held a press
conference. Of course those
seeking enlightenment from the
press conference doubtless left
di appointed, they got to see a
model of the aircraft and were
shown a film of the aircraft in
action. Despite this, the arrival of
the J-10 into the public spotlight is
an extremely important event.
01 was the J-10 prototype and is currently stored at Chengdu. Failures with
an indigenous engine delayed the programme, as did problems with the flight
controls and radar. (Photo: AVIC1)
Army Air Force (PLAAF) had ended in abject failure.
With this new project, Chinese aircraft designers
would enjoy some advantages previously denied
to them, principally the fact that they could benefit
from access to aerospace technologies from the US,
Europe and Israel amongst others. That being said,
PLAAF were asking for a state-of-the-art aircraft from
an industry that was barely comfortable with 1950s
Soviet technology. In that environment, the fact that
the project would suffer from delays is no surprise
and matters were not helped by the embargo imposed
on China after the 1989 Tiananmen Incident. PostTiananmen the US halted participation in and assistance to Chinese defence programmes, although
commercial aerospace links continued.
The loss of access to US military aerospace
technology was a blow, though that has been more
than compensated for by the ability to purchase US
commercial aerospace technology, machine tools and
acquire a host of US technologies through legitimate
and illegitimate means. The Europeans proved more
accommodating to Chinese needs, some with more
enthusiasm than others, and this has been particularly useful in terms of avionics, including such areas
as radars. It was Israel though that opened the eyes
of China to the mysteries of modern fighter aircraft
design. The Israeli Lavi fighter programme provided
the basis for collaboration between Israel and China,
but to characterise the J-10 as a Chinese version of
the Lavi would be very wrong. Israel made a significant contribution to the Chinese programme, though
it is not alone in that regard.
The J-10B first flew on 23rd December 2003 and received state certification at the end of 2005. Each J-10A regiment will receive at least two J-10B
aircraft. (Photo S.K. Park)
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT
The collapse of the Soviet Union opened up a new source of aerospace technology to China as Russia and then the Ukraine rushed to meet Chinese demands.
The most visible manifestation of this process was the sale and then the license
production of the Sukhoi Su-27SK/UBK series of aircraft. Equally as significant
though was the transfer of technology that took place as a part of this process.
The modern Chinese aerospace industry was established on the Soviet model and
therefore a renewal of access to similar working practices was welcome, as was
the ability to acquire technologies far in advance of indigenous efforts.
Thus China, or to be more precise those at the 611 Institute tasked with
designing the J-10, found themselves with the possibility of drawing on aerospace
technologies from both Western and Russian sources. Yet the J-10 is an authentic
Chinese system, from the start the aim was to utilise foreign technology inputs in
order to develop the ability of Chinese industry to produce indigenous solutions.
This approach did have its drawbacks, the inability of China to develop a suitable
powerplant, problems with the fly-by-wire control systems that led to the loss of
one of the prototypes and difficulties with the radar are just some of the obstacles
that had to be surmounted.
The J-10 is manufactured by the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Corporation
(CAIC), part of AVIC 1. The timeline for the programme saw the first prototype fly
on 23rd March 1998, it had been hoped that the prototype would actually fly in
1996. However, the indigenous WS-10 engine (allegedly based on the commercial
CFM 56 engine core) failed to deliver what was required. Here links with Russia
came to the rescue and it was decided to order 54 AL-31FN engines, which were
test and evaluation purposes towards the granting of state certification for full
production and entry into PLAAF service. It should be noted that the production
J-10A featured the Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FN engine, whereas earlier aircraft with the
WS-10 engine are credited with the J-10 designator. After a full evaluation the
J-10A received state certification at the end of 2003 and first deliveries to the
44th Air Division of the PLAAF in Yunnan province commenced in 2004, the 3rd
Air Division of the PLAAF is now also operating the J-10A. The next member of
the J-10 family to arrive was the two-seater J-10B for the training and operational
conversion mission. The prototype J-10B first flew on 23rd December 2003 and
this received state certification at the end of 2005.
It is believed that J-10A/B production at Chengdu is running at a rate of some
two aircraft per month, this had led to speculation that a second production
line will be opened in China to meet PLAAF needs and potentially those of the
People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Aviation. With the former Soviet carrier
Varyag being brought back to operational status at the Dalian Shipyard, there
could be a requirement for a carrier version of the J-10 at some point, although
PLAN is currently said to be more interested in the Sukhoi Su-33. However, even if
a carrier-version of the J-10 were not developed, older PLAN land-based aviation
assets, such as the J-7 and the J-8, would be an obvious target for replacement
by the far more capable J-10. There are no accurate figures for the number of
J-10A/Bs produced or in service, taking into account the number of engines
acquired from Russia a minimum of 50 aircraft are in service. Taking into account
production rates it is more likely that PLAAF actually has some 72 J-10A/B aircraft
in service.
It is believed that
Chengdu produces
two J-10 aircraft
every month for the
People’s Liberation
Army Air Force
(PLAAF). Pakistan
will be the first
export customer for
the J-10A/B and is
likely to purchase
36 aircraft. (Photo:
AVIC 2)
delivered between 2001 and 2003. The AL-31FN required a redesign of the aircraft,
further delaying matters. It should be noted that the WS-10 engine was further
developed into the current WS-10A Taihang and this now seems to be providing
satisfactory results. Manufactured at Shenyang by a subsidiary of AVIC 1, WS10A development was completed at the end of 2005 and state certification was
granted in December of that year. Indeed it is believed that the WS-10A is to be
installed in J-11B (license produced Su-27SK) aircraft being built by Shenyang for
PLAAF. More recently in July 2005, it is understood that China placed an order for
a further 100 AL-31FN engines from Russia to be used in the J-10A/B.
The first J-10A production aircraft flew on 28th June 2002 and then a batch
of aircraft were delivered to the Central Flight Test Establishment (CFTE) for
TODAY AND TOMORROW
At this stage the full performance of the J-10A/B generally still remains unknown,
despite this the aircraft is often credited with being the equivalent of the F-16C/D
in the Block 40 or, depending on who you are prepared to believe, the Block 50
variant. Compared to earlier indigenous Chinese combat aircraft efforts this is a
tremendous advance. The truth of the matter will only be known in reality when
the Pakistan Air Force has the opportunity to operate both aircraft, so the jury is
still out on the real capabilities of the J-10A/B. Even so we do have some information that we can work from, the Salyut AL-31FN engine provides 79.43 kN dry
thrust and 122.58 kN thrust with reheat. The maximum speed at sea level is Mach
1.18; at altitude the aircraft has a speed of Mach 2.0 with a load of 3 droptanks and
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
4 Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) or a speed of Mach 2.34
clean. The J-10A is reported to have a combat radius
of 1,100 km with 3 droptanks and 4 AAM or a combat
radius of 900 km with a load of 4 PL-12 BVR missiles,
2 PL-8 missiles and a single droptank. The J-10A/B
also has a probe for aerial refuelling.
The J-10A has 11 hardpoints on the fuselage and
wings, and an extensive array of weapon options is
available for the aircraft. Initially it was believed that
the aircraft would primarily have an air combat role,
but increasingly the ground attack capabilities of the
aircraft are being stressed. In the AVIC 1 press conference in early January the J-10A model was shown with
both a targeting and a navigation pod, and images
of the aircraft dropping conventional bombs were
shown. Other weapon options include the Lei Ting
(Thunder) or LT-2 500 kg laser guided bomb and the
Lei Shi (Thunder Stone) 500 kg bomb-based standoff
weapon with GPS/INS guidance. It is anticipated that
other air-to-ground weapons will be integrated with
the J-10A/B in due course. In terms of AAM systems
the standard load of the J-10A/B is based on the PL-8
(a Chinese version of the Rafael Python 3) for within
visual range engagements and the PL-12 (SD-10) for
beyond visual range engagements. The PL-12 has a
range in excess of 70 km and incorporates a Russian
seeker, electronics, a control system and fins from the
Ukraine, with a Chinese designed motor section. The
radar in the J-10A/B has a mechanically scanned array
(MSA) and is reputed to have a range of 100 km and
can simultaneously track between 4 and 6 targets.
The next stage of J-10A/B evolution is already in
hand, with strong rumours of an indigenous actively
electronically scanned array (AESA) radar being in
development to replace the current MSA system.
A development of the two-seat J-10B into the J-10S
is also reportedly in hand to provide an aircraft
with a similar strike role to the Israeli or Republic
of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D. There is also
talk of interest in a new engine for the J-10. A new
version of the Lyulka-Saturn AL-31 FN with thrust
vector control (TVC) has also been offered to China.
There is certainly plenty of development potential in
the J-10 family.
The irony in the public unveiling of the J-10A/B is
that rumours about the J-14 next generation fighter
programme have now started to emerge, with some
reports suggesting a first flight in 2008. The truth
of that remains to be seen, as potentially the J-14
is China’s counter to the F-22 and the JSF and this
would require an extraordinary effort by the Chinese
aerospace industry to make this a reality. There is
no doubt that the Chinese aerospace industry has
made a great leap forward with the J-10, this begs
the question of is it ready for an even greater leap
to make the J-14 meet an even more sophisticated
requirement?
The handover ceremony for the second batch of J-10 aircraft delivered to the 131 Regiment, 44 Air Division, PLAAF, in Yunnan Province. The J-10 is also in service
with the 3rd Air Division of PLAAF. Both of these units are still building up to full strength with the J-10A/B. (S.K. Park)
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
PLA NAVY
GROWTH
RECEIVES
POLITICAL
SUPPORT
Chinese President and Chairman of the Central
Military Commission Hu Jintao addressed the 10th
National Congress of the People’s Liberation Army
Navy (PLAN) Communist Party on 27th December
in Beijing. The speech received major coverage in
the People’s Daily and PLA Daily. Notably Hu Jintao
wore a military style uniform for his speech, he has
never served in the PLA, but this was more a symbol
of the links between the Party and the PLA, and the
supremacy of the Party over the PLA.
Hu Jintao said that: “the navy force should be
strengthened and modernised under the guidance of
Deng Xiaoping Thought and the ‘Three Represents’
to serve the country and its people more effectively.”
This is standard ideological stuff in China, but the
mention of the ‘Three Represents’ is worthy of note
as this is the contribution of former leader Jiang
Zemin to the political discourse in China. Jiang
Zemin is still thought to have influence in the PLA,
so this mention of a political theory linked to him is
perhaps recognition of that fact. Inevitably ideology
was an important part of the speech, this was after
all a Party Congress, albeit at PLAN level.
President Hu continued: “we should strive to
build a powerful navy that adapts to the needs of
our military’s historic mission in this new century
and at this new stage.” The “new stage” comment
reflects China’s growing economic strength and
its increasing global role. Indeed China’s position
as the ‘workshop of the world’ and its massive
demand for imported energy are a classic reason
for demanding a strong and capable ‘blue water’
navy. Hu Jintao that went on to say that: “we should
make sound preparations for military struggles
and ensure that the forces can effectively carry out
missions at any time.”
All of this amounts to a continued political
commitment to the further expansion of PLAN. It
was not all positive comments though, reference
was made to fighting corruption, this is not really
a surprise after a PLAN Vice Admiral was recently
been tried and convicted on charges of corruption.
The December speech also came at an important
time for PLAN as two impressive new units had
been launched at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard
in Shanghai a few days earlier.
The first Type 071 LPD for People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was launched on 20th December 2006 at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
This unit is a dramatic enhancement to the amphibious warfare capabilities of PLAN. (Photo: S.K. Park)
CHINA DEFENCE WATCH
NEW LPD FOR PLAN
The first Type 071 (not the official Chinese designation) Landing Platform Dock (LPD) for PLAN was
launched at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard on
20th December 2006. This provides visible proof of
PLAN efforts to increase their amphibious warfare
capabilities, a process that has become increasingly
apparent in recent years. The Type 071 LPD will give
PLAN a new dimension in amphibious warfare
operations. Estimated displacement of the Type 071
ranges from around 15,000 tons at the low end to
20,000 tons at the high end. The LPD has two deck
spots for helicopters, indicating the ability to use
the large Z-8 (Super Frelon) helicopter, it is thought
that two would be carried, alternatively four helicopters could be carried if a smaller type were used.
Apart from conventional landing craft, the Type
071 will operate Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)
with up to four being carried. These will be of an
indigenous design, although none have been seen
yet. The Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai has been
suggested as the place where this new LCAC class
will be built, but others have pointed to Wuhan as
a possible build location. It has been reported in
Russia that PLAN is to acquire six Zubr class LCAC
from Almaz in 2007, whilst these are apparently not
destined for use with the Type 071, they will provide
a major boost to the indigenous LCAC production programme. The Chinese LCAC will have the
capacity to carry a single main battle tank, indicating a minimum 50-ton payload. In total the Type 071
is being credited with the capability to carry between
25 and 50 vehicles of various types, and over 500
troops.
FRIGATE FORCE ENHANCED
PLAN needs to upgrade the capabilities of its frigate
force, many of which are old Jianghu and Jiangwei
class units, and this led to the Type 054 Jiangkai
frigate class. Two Type 054 frigates were commissioned by PLAN in 2005, but the Type 054 is being
superseded by the more advanced Type 054A variant.
The most visible difference is that the Type 054A has
a 32-cell vertical launch system for the HHQ-16 air
defence system (a mixed of Chinese and Russian
technology) in place of the HQ-7 air defence system
mounted in a conventional launcher (8-cell) on the
Type 054. Other changes include the installation
of a new 76 mm gun presumably derived from the
Russian AK-176 system. The Type 054A also has
two indigenous Type 730 CIWS mounts in place of
the Russian AK-630 CIWS mounts used on the
Type 054.
With a displacement of around 3,400 tons, the
inspiration for the Type 054/054A was obviously
the French La Fayette frigate class. There are also
suggestions that Russian technical assistance
was received with the design. The first Type 054A
frigate was launched at the Huangpu Shipyard
in Guangzhou on 30th September 2006, with
the second unit being launched at the Hudong
Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai in December.
Huangpu currently has another Type 054A in an
advanced stage of construction, while a fourth unit
is under construction at Hudong Zhonghua. The
Type 054A is the most capable frigate yet delivered
to PLAN. It will be interesting to see if PLAN intends
to have more than four Type 054A units, or will look
to a further advance on the basic design.
Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou launched the first Type 054A frigate on 30th September 2006, with a second unit being launched at Hudong Zhonghua in
December and two further units under construction. The Type 054A frigate is the most impressive Chinese frigate design yet seen. (S.K. Park)
INDUSTRY
WORLD VIEW
The Rheinmetall Kodiak Armoured Engineer Vehicle (AEV) has been ordered by the Swiss Army as the ‘Geniepanzer’, with 12 systems to be delivered from 2009.
This system will be of great interest to Leopard 2 tank operators.
NEW LEOPARD ENGINEERING VEHICLE
The Swiss Army have ordered a new Armoured
Engineer Vehicle (AEV) based on the Leopard
2 tank chassis from Rheinmetall Landsysteme.
The Kodiak AEV will be supplied by Rheinmetall
in association with their Swiss partner RUAG
Land Systems and first deliveries will commence
RAFALE GENERATES LIBYAN INTEREST
There is much speculation in the French media that
Libya could become the first export customer for
the Dassault Rafale. Defence links between France
and Colonel Ghadafi’s Libya had been halted, but
the French government has now authorised the
resumption of defence exports to Libya and this
move has already brought results.
Last December, during the ‘Lavex 2006’ exhibition in Tripoli (December 4th-6th), the Libyan
government announced it had just concluded
a contract with France, valued at around $130
million for the refurbishment of 12 Dassault
Mirage F1 fighters, out of an inventory of some 40
aircraft delivered back in the 1970s. Currently all
of these aircraft are grounded, despite having very
low airframe hours. Prime contractor for this deal
will be Sofema, France’s military hardware export
agency, but the companies directly involved in
doing the work will be Dassault Aviation (airframe),
Snecma (engines) and Thales (avionics).
As only a small number of the old Mirage F1s
are to be retrofitted, some experts in Paris think
that this could open the way to a Rafale contract, a
move which would mark the very first export sale
Dassault aircraft. However, Dassault has most
in 2009. In Swiss Army service the Kodiak will
be known as the ‘Geniepanzer’ and in total 12
vehicles are being acquired. Kodiak will be of
obvious interest to the Singapore Armed Forces
(SAF), who have just acquired the Leopard 2A4,
and to other Leopard 2 users. The AEV has
an excavator system and a dozer system. The
excavator bucket can be replaced with a range of
different tools, whilst the dozer can be replaced
with a full-width mine plough. In addition the
vehicle has two nine-ton capstan winches which,
when combined, have pulling power equivalent to
63 tons.
By Jean-Michel Guhl
Exhibited during ‘Lavex 2006’, one of the Libyan Sukhoi Su-22M3 aircraft acquired from the former
Soviet Union. Today, the Su-22M3 is the mainstay of Colonel Ghadafi’s air force; these potent strike
fighters are in fairly good condition and are being maintained by Russian industry.
definitely not confirmed this possibility. Despite
this, the uncontested star of the ‘Lavex 2006’
exhibition held at the Okba Bin Nafi airbase was
the Rafale. It attracted many visitors, including Mr
Shukri Ghanem, the Libyan Prime Minister who
spent some time seated in the French fighter.
An official visit to France by Libyan President
Muhammar Ghadafi is being scheduled for
this coming Spring, where he will meet French
President Jacques Chirac. Many believe that this
visit could see significant defence contracts signed
with France. However, being a totally undermanned
and very large air arm relying mostly on foreign
contracted technicians, the present Libyan Air
Force has a very limited capacity to accept fourth
or fifth generation fighters without providing its
personnel with adequate high profile training
abroad or without hiring more expatriates.
The only fighters currently flying today with the
Libyan Air Force are ex-Soviet types such as the
MiG-21, MiG-23 or Su-22M3, which were also on
display during ‘Lavex 2006’. Purchased in very high
numbers in the 1970s and 1980s, these aircraft are
regularly maintained by Russian contractors.
WORLD VIEW
SYSTEMS
BMP-2 UPGRADES
ALGERIA OPTS FOR BEREZHOK SOLUTION
By Miroslav Gyürösi
Some 300 Algerian
BMP-2 IFVs are
to be upgraded
by KBP with the
Berezhok armament
upgraded package
in a $700 million
contract that came
into effect in the
third quarter of
2006. The upgrade
dramatically
enhances BMP-2
combat capabilities.
(Photo: Miroslav
Gyürösi)
The Russian company KBP Instrument Design Bureau, based in Tula, signed
a major contract with Algeria in the second half of 2005 to upgrade over
300 BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) with installation of the new
Berezhok armament upgrade package. That contract, with an approximate
value of $700 million, came into force at the end of the third quarter of 2006.
This upgrade provides a significant addition to the combat capabilities of
the BMP-2 IFV, which will make it of interest to the large number of BMP-2
operators in this region and around the world.
The upgrade package includes the replacement of the original Konkurs
(AT-5) ATGM system by the new Kornet-E (AT-13) ATGM system which has a
different guidance system, longer range and much higher effectiveness. The
Kornet system offers two separate missile options - the 9M133-1 missile has
a tandem shaped-charge warhead, while the 9M133-1F missile is equipped
with a thermobaric warhead. The upgraded IFV has a newly installed 30 mm
calibre AG-30 type automatic grenade launcher (AGL) and the Berezhok
day/night fire control system with automatic target tracking capability. The
upgrade retains the 30 mm 2A42 cannon and co-axial 7.62 mm PKT/PKTM
machine, but also improves their performance as well. The new weapon
systems, allied to the new fire control system, allows the BMP-2 to accurately
engage targets out 5,500 metres.
The key features of this new upgrade is that it gives the BMP-2 a full
day/night combat capability, a fire on the move capability, automatic target
tracking and the capability to engage aerial targets. The central element of
this is the Berezhok automated fire control system. This comprises of a
combined sight for the gunner; panoramic sight for the commander; VSU12 type monitors for the gunner and commander; automatic target tracking
system; weapon stabilisation system; digital ballistic computer with sensors;
electronic control unit; control panels for the gunner and the commander
SYSTEMS
WORLD VIEW
SYSTEM ELEMENTS - GUNNER’S COMBINED SIGHT
The gunner’s sight has a field of view stabilised in both planes, monitoring
channel with zoom, integrated laser rangefinder, 3rd generation thermal night
channel and ATGM guidance channel.
Gunner’s sight main characteristics
Day channel magnification
12 x / 2.5 x
Day channel field of view
4.5° / 20°
LOS stabilisation accuracy in both planes
0.05 - 0.1 mrad
LOS angles:
INCREASED COMBAT POWER
- vertical
-15° ÷ +30°
- horizontal
±10°
Night channel
IIR
Firing range (depends on conditions)
up to 5,500 m
Range measuring capability
200 - 10,000 m
Range measuring error
Maximum 5 m
Pulse repetition frequency
5 Hz
COMMANDER’S PANORAMIC SIGHT
The commander’s sight, which is located inside the armoured casing on the
right side at the rear of the turret, provides the commander with a full 360°
view, the ability to carry out effective AA fire and back-up the gunner. The
commander’s panoramic sight has a stabilised field of view in both planes,
a TV channel and pulse laser rangefinder. The Commander also has at his
disposal the standard 1P3-13 periscope sight.
Commander’s panoramic sight main characteristics
Field of view
LOS stabilisation accuracy in both planes
0.8° x 1.1° / 4.1° x 5.4°
0.05 - 0.1 mrad
LOS angles:
- vertical
- horizontal
Range measuring capability
Pulse repetition frequency
A look at the turret of the BMP-2 upgraded with the Berezhok package. Berezhok gives the BMP-2 full day/night fire on the move capabilities, plus the Kornet-E ATGM is installed, a new 30 mm AGL system and improved accuracy and
ammunition is provided for the 2A42 30 mm cannon. (Photo: Miroslav Gyürösi)
-15° ÷ +60°
360°
200 - 10,000 m
5 Hz
The new fire control system allows the full performance envelope of the 30 mm
2A42 cannon to be exploited, AP rounds have a range of 2,200 metres and HE
rounds have a range of 1,600 metres, both in day conditions. The ammunition natures available for the 2A42 include the BT with a muzzle velocity of
970 m/sec, the new BP (Broneboyniy Podkaliberniy) subcalibre round with a
1120 m/sec muzzle velocity and the OFZ HEI round with a 960 m/sec muzzle
velocity. The BT round can penetrate up to 18 mm of armour at 1 km and 10
mm at 2 km, while the new BP round can penetrate 28 mm of armour at 2 km
and 22 mm at 2km.
The newly installed automatic grenade launcher (AGL) is located, along with
its ammunition magazine, on the upper part of the turret rear of the upgraded
BMP-2 IFV. This 30 mm AGL has a range of 1,700 metres with VOG-17M and
VOG-30 grenades and 2,100 metres with the new GPD-30 grenades; ammunition capacity is 300 rounds
The new Kornet-E ATGM is a major advance over the Konkurs system originally installed on the BMP-2, offering both more penetration and range. Most
recently, combat operations in Lebanon have demonstrated that the Kornet-E
can successfully penetrate modern tanks. The upgraded BMP-2 has launchers
on either side of the turret, each with two missiles, for a total of four ready
to fire missiles. Additionally four reloads are carried inside the BMP-2 vehicle.
The upgraded BMP-2 can fire a salvo of two Kornet missiles, which is seen as
a way of defeating armoured targets that are equipped with active protection
systems. Kornet also has a guidance system with a much higher immunity to
jamming than earlier generation ATGM systems. The availability of 9M1131F missile with its thermobaric warhead provides an ideal means to defeat
bunkers and other protected firing positions, light armoured vehicles and even
troops in the open.
Another important advantage of the upgraded BMP-2 is that the Berezhok
system provides a full fire on the move capability for Kornet and the other
weapon systems, something that was not available on the standard BMP-2.
Equally important is that Berezhok gives the BMP-2 a full night combat capability. All of this is a significant boost to the offensive capabilities of the BMP-2.
About the author: Miroslav Gyürösi is a Contributing Editor to Defence
Review Asia. Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, he covers defence developments in Eastern Europe.
WORLD VIEW
SYSTEMS
selection of the Super Tucano finally came to
end of their operational lives with the Apiay-based
The fortunes of dedicated light attack/counterfruition in 2005.
Grupo de Combate 21.
insurgency (COIN) aircraft have declined in
The avionics suite of the Colombian aircraft
The deal with Brazil also includes a comprehenrecent years, but the changing military environincludes a head-up display, liquid-crystal activesive logistics and systems training package, with
ment has now led to a reawakening of interest
matrixes, coloured multifunction displays,
a modern flight simulator. Elbit Systems is said
in this aircraft category. Some nations are already
automatic pilot with embedded mission planning
to have a 5% share in this deal, with the Israeli
ahead of the game though. In 2005, while everycapability and forward-looking infrared
one’s eyes were focused on the Paris
system. Cockpit armouring has been
Air Show, it became apparent that
introduced to ensure full crew safety
the Brazilian company Embraer had
during operational COIN missions at
presented the only valid bid for a $235
low level. The Super Tucano armament
million contract to sell light attack/
system can accommodate 3,300 pounds
COIN aircraft to Colombia, whose
of external load, distributed among five
legal government has been waging a
underwing and fuselage hard points
long and endless war for years against
without jeopardizing its sound perforelusive revolutionary forces (the FARC)
mance.
entrenched in the country’s Andes
The Brazilian-made aircraft is capable
and other immense tropical forest
of receiving and transmitting data
hideouts.
through its state-of-the-art tactical data
This purchase which went ahead
link system. Sensor images, including
quite smoothly for Embraer, contrary
target data, are received and/or relayed to
to what has been written elsewhere,
command and control stations both on
was finalised around a $235 million
the ground or airborne, via data link, and
contract with the Government of
to other combat aircraft in the operationColombia for the sale of 25 A-29 Super
al theatre. The Colombian Super Tucanos
Tucano light attack/COIN aircraft.
will also be the first of their kind to be
The first five aircraft of this order were
equipped with a FLIR System (the USofficially delivered on 12 December
designed BRITE Star multi-sensor laser
2006 to the Fuerza Aérea Colombidesignator/ rangefinder system mounted
ana (FAC) during a formal hand over
in a turret under the nose of the aircraft)
ceremony at Embraer’s new Gavião
thus permitting night attack missions. A
Peixoto factory in the state of São
different self-protection system (able to
Paulo, Brazil. Although the AT-27 EMB
cope with FARC MANPADS) and other
312 Tucano is in service today with
changes have been added; the aircraft
some 16 air forces around the world
also has the capability of launching a pair
(a seventeenth, Iraq, is no more), this
of Rafael Python III air-to-air missiles.
marks the first sale of the upgraded
The aircraft will also be able to deliver
Super Tucano/ALX variant beyond
the IAI 125 kg Griffin laser-guided bombs
Brazil’s Força Aérea Brasileira’s 99recently purchased from Israel.
plane order now in full production.
The first five A-29 Super Tucanos for the Colombian Air Force
pictured before delivery in December 2006, complete with menacing
The prospects for more Super Tucano
The Colombian Air Force (FAC)
shark mouth markings. The Colombian version of the A-29 is a potent
sales for Brazil are good. A new market
currently operates fourteen Tucano
COIN platform capable of performing all-weather and night attack
for COIN aircraft is emerging today,
basic training aircraft with Escuádron
missions. (Photo Embraer)
as older US-supplied aircraft like the
212 at BAM No.3, which were
OV-10 Bronco and A-37 Dragonfly are
purchased in the early 1990s. The new
becoming hard to maintain. So far,
Super Tucanos will be operated by the
Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are in the
firm providing radios, avionics and a support
FAC from Base Aérea Militar No.3 in Villavicenprocess of finalising Super Tucano contracts with
package for the aircraft. To secure this valuable
cio-Apiay in Central Colombia, mainly for internal
Embraer. Bolivia and Sri Lanka for their part have
sale to the FAC, it must be recalled that in 2004
security and border patrol missions. They are
both expressed interest in the new aircraft while
Embraer despatched two brand new production
scheduled to replace at a later date the US Air
Angola could also add the A-29 to its existing fleet
A-29s complete with a technical support team
Force-supplied North American OV-10A Broncos
of T-27 Tucanos in the near future.
to Colombia, where after a sound evaluation the
(retrofitted by Marsh Aviation) now nearing the
NEW INTEREST IN COUNTERINSURGENCY AIRCRAFT
By Jean-Michel Guhl
THE EDITOR’S BOOKSHELF
The ‘Editor’s Bookshelf ’ will be a regular feature in Defence Review Asia, and
is designed to provide brief reviews of books that we have found both interesting and useful. The books that we are discussing will generally, but not always,
cover military subjects, history and politics. Our aim is to cover books that are
hopefully fascinating, but occasionally there will be those books that are so bad
that our aim will be to deliver a necessary ‘health warning’!
SHOPPING FOR BOMBS – NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION, GLOBAL INSECURITY AND THE RISE
AND FALL OF THE A.Q. KHAN NETWORK.
Gordon Corera (Hurst, London, 2006).
Gordon Corera is a Security Correspondent for BBC
News. Do not let the BBC link put you off, this a very
important book that exposes the role of A.Q. Khan
in the spread of nuclear weapons technology beyond
Pakistan to Libya and Iran and his links with North
Korea. Essential for understanding how nuclear
weapons proliferation happened while the international community failed to act.
THE WHITE MAN’S BURDEN – WHY
THE WEST’S EFFORTS TO AID THE REST
HAVE DONE SO MUCH ILL AND SO
LITTLE GOOD. William Easterly (The
Penguin Press, New York, 2006).
Easterly is the professor of economics at New
York University and a senior fellow at the Center
for Global Development. Previously he was a
senior research economist at the World Bank for
over sixteen years. In an era where ‘Failed States’
are constantly in the news and when calls for
international aid are never ending, this book is an
essential passport to reality. Well worth reading,
it catalogues the many failures of international
aid and develops alternative strategies that
actually could work, lift people out of poverty and
contribute to nation building.
ISONZO – THE FORGOTTEN
SACRIFICE OF THE GREAT WAR.
John R. Schindler (Praeger, Westport, 2001).
This book is an absolutely fascinating guide to
one of the most neglected campaigns of the
First World War where, between 1915 and 1918,
Italian and Allied, as well as Austro-Hungarian
casualties were in excess of 1.75 million. Reading
this book again after a couple of years confirms
how important it is as a guide to military incompetence of an unbelievable degree and at the
same time the courage and sacrifice of ordinary
soldiers of many different nationalities.
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Jan 2007 - Defence Review Asia

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