3-in-1 Benefits of Buying Project 22160 Warship

02 Juli 2021

Project 22160 could be equipped with Shtil-1 air defence systems (photo : Topwar)

An official of a Russian shipbuilding enterprise recently talked about an ASEAN country want to buy a Russian project 22160 patrol boat.

On June 25, Russian media reported that the General Director of Shipbuilding Corporation "Ak Bars" (located in the Republic of Tatarstan, whose members are the famous Zelenodolsk Shipyard and Zelenodolsk Design Institute) is Mr. Renat Mistakhov told Russian media that a Southeast Asian country has expressed interest in purchasing the Project 22160 (Project 22160) patrol boat.

According to him, the agreement can be signed according to the "Plan 2 + 2", which means that two will be built in Russia and the other two will be built by this Southeast Asian country under the license of technology transfer of the country, but some equipment and weapons will have to be purchased directly from Russia.

“One of the Southeast Asian countries was interested in the project. They said they wanted us to build two ships and two ships would be built by them in the country," Mistakhov said at the International Maritime Defense Exhibition.

Project 22160 could be equipped with Kalibr ant-ship and land attack missile systems (photo : Bastion Karpenko)

However, this official refused to reveal the name of this country and only said that foreign customers want "Ak Bars" to control the production organization and train their workers.

According to Mr. Mistakhov, the subject here is talking about patrol ships of the project 22160. The corporation “Ak Bars” together with the Northern Design Bureau have developed a project to install on these ships attack missile systems Club (export version of Kalibr) and the Pantsir-ME air defense system (which some experts claim is the Shtil-1 air defense system).

It is known that "Plan 2 + 2" in the field of shipbuilding was previously applied by Russia and its Indian partner in the bidding package to buy 4 Project 11356 battleships. Of which, 2 are being built in Russia and will be built in Russia. Delivered to customers in 2022-2023, two more will be built at Goa Shipyard Limited (India) under Russian license.

If any country can purchase small quantities and reach an agreement to transfer the technology of Project 22160 shipbuilding (as well as some new Russian medium-sized warships, such as the Steregushchiy-class Project 20380 corvettes; Project 20385 Gremyashchy class - 2200 tons) has achieved many very important goals:

Pantsir ME (photo : SputnikNews)

The first is: Owning a medium-sized battleship with a lower displacement than the Gepard 3.9, but with a stronger weapon system, more advanced equipment and equipment before transferring to larger battleships about 4-5000 tons.

The second is: Raising the level of mastery of design techniques, framing the hull of a modern, mid-range battleship with a displacement of nearly 2000 tons; complete the process of automating some important stages and items in the hull building process (for example, titanium welding technology - one of the most difficult stages).

The third is: Start approaching with the method of building advanced ships in modular form (each factory can take on 1 stage, then assemble the total); raise the technical-technological level for military shipbuilding enterprises.

(DatViet)

Australia to Arm PNG Patrol Boats

02 Juli 2021

Two Guardian-class patrol boats for PNG are under construction in Austal, all four Guardian-class-will replace four old type Pacific-class currently in service (photo : The National)

Australia Delivers Maritime Defence Capability Boost for Papua New Guinea

Australia continues to invest in Papua New Guinea’s maritime security capability. At the request of Papua New Guinea, Defence has agreed to arm the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s four new Guardian-class Patrol Boats, delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

This will ensure a continuity of Papua New Guinea’s sovereign capabilities, with its Pacific-class Patrol Boats previously armed.

The equipment will better enable Papua New Guinea to respond to our shared maritime challenges, from illegal fishing to transnational crime.

Australia will provide a comprehensive support and training package. Both countries are committed to signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which will ensure compliance with relevant domestic and international obligations.

Australia has a long-standing security partnership with Papua New Guinea through our Defence Cooperation Program and the Pacific Maritime Security Program. We have a history of working together to protect our shared maritime security interests.

This investment in Papua New Guinea’s sovereign defence capabilities will boost Pacific regional maritime security and contribute to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The first Guardian-class Patrol Boat provided to Papua New Guinea, HMPNGS Ted Diro, was handed over in 2018. The second, HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap, was delivered to Papua New Guinea in 2021. A further two patrol boats are under construction. The 39.5 metre steel patrol boats are designed and built by Austal in Western Australia.

(Aus DoD)

Datagate Wins for the Supply of 5 MANPADS 4x4 Mobile Short-Range Anti-Aircraft Missiles for the Thai Navy

02 Juli 2021

Gibka-S Mobile Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system based on Tigr-M 4x4 vehicle with Igla-S or Verba Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS) (photo : Said Aminov)

Royal Thai Navy Central Procurement and Price Information Center Announcing the winners of the project to supply 5 mobile short-range anti-aircraft missiles for the Aircraft Combat Command and Coast Guard, Royal Thai Navy by the Naval Ordnance Department, Royal Thai Navy is Datagate Co., Ltd. Thailand, with the amount of 245,89 million baht ($7,682,982.06) according to the results published on the website in June 2021.

Datagate Thai Company was the winner over another competitor, China Vanguard Industry Corp (CVIC), China, a distributor of anti-aircraft missile systems that have been slams the Vanguard family, such as the QW-18 surface-to-air missile that already been in use.

Datagate is known to be a distributor of Russian Igla-S surface-to-air missiles and the UK-based Starstreak surface-to-air missile launcher used by the Royal Thai Army.

According to the Draft Scope of Work (TOR), there has a need for a Man Portable Air Defense Missile Systems (MANPADS) type of mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system. 

In the first form, the firing set will consist of 1 launch pad has a ballistic missile launcher Fire-and-Forget 4 shots, equipped with at least 2 shots on a specialized vehicle, an armored four-door 4x4.

The computer graphic images of Thailand company's Panus Assembly Co.,Ltd new concept for Phantom-S 4x4 wheeled armoured vehicle in configuration of air defence variant (image : Panus Assembly)

Datagate is likely to offer Russia's newest version of the Igla-S, or Verba surface-to-air missile. Along with the Dzhigit launch pad that supports the installation of anti-aircraft missiles mounted on the shoulder like this.

Or maybe a more modern Gibka-S launcher system? It combines a fire control system that can fire weapons from within the vehicle's shield and integrates an air surveillance radar system. For example, mounted on a Russian armored vehicle Tigr 4x4.

In the midst of the announcement of the procurement results, Panus Assembly Co Ltd. Thailand has published a conceptual 3D rendering of the Phantom-S wheeled armored vehicle, its new 4x4 which is equipped with an air defense system.

Both armored vehicles launching weapons launch ground-to-air missiles. And and armored vehicles with radar makes it possible that Panus Thai Company may offer its armored vehicle to be used as a specialized vehicle of a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system for the Royal Thai Navy.

A note from the 3D images is that the Phantom-S 4x4 appears to be a scaled-down version of the Phantom 380-X1 4x4 wheeled vehicle that the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) has already deployed to the southern border. 

Meanwhile, an air defense system equipped with a Saab RBS 70 NG surface-to-air missile and a Swedish Giraffe 1X radar may be offered in the Air Force's procurement project for a short-range air defense system (RTAF).

(AAG)

Austal USA Awarded Contract Design New Steel Towing Salvage and Rescue Ship US Navy

01 Juli 2021

The Navajo-class (T-ATS) Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship for the US Navy (image: US Navy)

Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal USA has been awarded a US$3.6 million functional design contract to prepare for construction of the new Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) for the United States Navy.

Austal USA will prepare a functional design for the T-ATS, an 80 metre steel monohull vessel with multi-mission capability to support a variety of towing, salvage, search and rescue, oil spill response, humanitarian assistance and surveillance activities. The T-ATS can also embark containerised systems including cyber, electronic warfare, and decoy and surveillance packages.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the T-ATS functional design contract is Austal USA’s first contract for the development of steel ships for the United States Navy, and marks another major milestone in the continuing evolution of the Mobile, Alabama shipyard.

“In June 2020, Austal announced our intention to invest approximately US$100 million in steel shipbuilding capability at Mobile, Alabama, co-funded by the United States Government. In March 2021, the Austal USA team broke ground on new steel shipbuilding facilities and now, we have received the first contract to design the steel-hulled Navajo-class T-ATS ships for the United States Navy,” said Mr Gregg.

“Austal USA is now well on the path to delivering steel ships for the United States Navy and we couldn’t be prouder of the hardworking team in Mobile, Alabama; now the 5th largest shipyard in the United States.” As part of the design contract, Austal USA will define detailed requirements to construct, test, and deliver T-ATS ships in accordance with United States Government ship specifications.

Austal USA is currently delivering the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (T-EPF) programs for the United States Navy. Thirteen LCS and twelve EPF vessels have been delivered from the Austal’s Mobile Alabama shipyard since 2009.

(Austal)

Gripen for the Philippines at PAF Symposium Virtual Exhibit

01 Juli 2021

Gripen for Philippines by SAAB (all images : SAAB)

Gripen for the Philippines March 2021 Brochure

One of the nice Brochures with a Philippine Theme at the 2021 Philippine Air Force (PAF) Symposium Virtual Exhibit was the latest “Gripen for the Philippines” Brochure dated March 2021 made by the Swedish Defense Manufacturer Saab AB. 

You can also download the Brochure here. Saab is offering the JAS-39C/D Gripen for the PAF’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Program, and highlighted the Gripen’s strengths, like its Short Field Take-Off performance, low Operating Cost, fast delivery time of only 2 Years, etc. 

The Brochure also gave some details of Saab’s Philippine Office.

 

Meteor Missile

The Brochure also mentioned the very long range Meteor Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile. As was reported in the News just a couple of Days ago, the United States (US) had only approved the AIM-120-C7/8 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) for sale to the Philippines. 

The AIM-120C has a much lower range than the AIM-120D, which is the latest version but has not yet been approved for the Philippines. The Meteor has a much longer theorized range than both the AIM-120C or D Missiles. 

Lockheed Martin

I just noticed also that Lockheed Martin, the Manufacturer of the F-16C Block 70/72 Aircraft being also offered for the PAF's MRF Program, does not seem to be at the PAF's 2021 Symposium Virtual Exhibit. 

(Rhk111) 

Honeywell Supplies TALIN Inertial Land Navigation Technology for ADF

01 Juli 2021

Raytheon Australia will use Honeywell’s TALIN technology to provide highly accurate, non-GPS-dependent navigation solutions (photo : Honeywell)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – As part of the Australian Department of Defence’s Land 19 Phase 7B programme, Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has been selected by Raytheon Australia to provide its Tactical Advanced Land Inertial Navigator (TALIN) for the enhanced configuration of the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (eNASAMS). The TALIN technology will help enhance the eNASAMS performance by providing precise and accurate positioning, pointing, and targeting, even where GPS satellite guidance is not available.

Suitable for GPS-denied environments, Honeywell TALIN navigation is a high-accuracy ring laser-gyro-based system that enhances situational awareness and is suitable in both military and commercial applications.

Raytheon Australia is working with Raytheon Technologies and KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace to deliver a new Short-Range Ground-Based Air Defence capability that will enter service with the Australian Army in 2023. The eNASAMS system includes a passive electro-optical and infrared sensor and upgraded missile canister launchers and provides high-mobility launchers (HMLs) for increased performance and lifetime extension. 

eNASAMS of the ADF (image : Raytheon)

The enhanced configuration of eNASAMS will replace the existing capability used by the Australian Defence Force and will provide the Australian Army with an integrated ground-based surface-to-air defence system. This capability will enable the Australian Army to engage multiple threat types with the TALIN technology providing highly accurate precision-pointing capabilities in GPS-denied environments.

“We have been at the forefront of inertial navigation system technologies for more than three decades,” said Tim Van Luven, vice president, Defense Aftermarket Sales, Honeywell Aerospace Asia Pacific. “Our advanced inertial navigation system for land applications will provide the Australian Army with a lightweight and highly accurate laser guidance navigation system that enables precision navigation for mission success even in difficult terrains.”

Honeywell’s TALIN family of land navigation and pointing systems has proven performance with more than 18,000 systems deployed in more than 20 countries for use on over 60 land-based platforms, including M1A1 Abrams Tank, Polish Fighting Vehicle and Akash Army Launcher. Featuring three-axis inertial sensors and weighing less than 6 kilograms, it is easily installed and can be mounted in several ways. It is smaller and lighter than other available navigation solutions and offers more reliable performance.

(Honeywell)

Singapore Army Inducted New Mortar Carrier and Weapon Locating Radar

01 Juli 2021

The Belrex 120mm mortar variant and the AN/TPQ-53 weapon locating radar (photo : Sing Mindef)

HQ Sense & Strike a Step Forward in SAF's Next-Generation Transformation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited Headquarters 6th Singapore Division/ Headquarters Sense and Strike (HQ 6 Div/HQ SS) at Mandai Hill Camp on 28 June 2021. During the visit, he was briefed on the progress made by the Singapore Army in its Next-Generation transformation and viewed a static display of some of the newly commissioned platforms of HQ SS.

As part of his visit, Dr Ng commissioned the Army's latest suite of sense and strike capabilities, namely the TPQ-53 Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) and the BELREX Protected Combat Service Vehicle with the Advanced Mortar System. In addition, he also unveiled the V15 mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (mUAV).

The new HQ SS was formed to deepen the Army's sense and strike expertise and competencies, through the reorganisation of Headquarters Army Intelligence and Headquarters Singapore Artillery under 6th Singapore Division.

In this Next-Generation transformation journey, the Army had worked closely with the Defence Technology Community to leverage emerging technologies to develop the capabilities required to effectively guard against the growing spectrum of multi-domain threats.

Commenting that it is important for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) not to lose focus even during COVID-19, Dr Ng said, "Even as we deal with COVID-19, we want to make sure that the SAF continues to develop … In March this year, the Army fully operationalised the third generation Combined Arms Division. I have just seen the commissioning of some of the assets of HQ SS – the TPQ-53 WLR, as well as the BELREX Advanced Mortar System and the unveiling of the V15 mini-UAV. Overall we are going to use more artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics."

Dr Ng was accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Army Major-General Goh Si Hou, Chief Defence Scientist Tan Peng Yam, Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Mr Mervyn Tan, Chief Executive Officer of DSO National Laboratories Mr Cheong Chee Hoo, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Army and DSTA.

(Sing Mindef)