AFP Eyeing Anti-Ship Missiles

19 Februari 2013

PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (photo : ed sy)

MANILA, Philippines --- A Department of National Defense (DND) official revealed that a committee is now studying the possibility of arming the Philippine Navy’s (PN) two Hamilton-class cutters with anti-ship missiles.

However, the official refused to disclose the type of anti-ship missiles currently being evaluated by the committee, but he said that once installed, this will give the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and soon to arrive BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) more capability in protecting the country's maritime domain.

He added, having the anti-missiles will also give BRP Del Pilar and BRP Alcaraz more firepower in engaging would-be poachers and intruders.

Earlier, defense officials identified the Harpoon as the ideal missile system for the PN's Hamilton-class cutters noting that the weapon was already deployed aboard the USCGC Mellon, the sister ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, in January 1990.

While the ship's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite and Harpoon capability were removed in the latter part of the 1990s, this served as a proof of capability for all USCG cutters.

The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security).

The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing, and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and lethality. The missile's launch platforms include: Fixed-wing aircraft (the AGM-84, without the solid-fuel rocket booster);  Surface ships (the RGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches when expended, to allow the missile's main turbojet to maintain flight); Submarines (the UGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster and encapsulated in a container to enable submerged launch through a torpedo tube); and Coastal defense batteries, from which it would be fired with a solid-fuel rocket booster.

In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977. The missile system has also been further developed into a land-strike weapon, the standoff land attack missile.

The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing, and a low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and lethality. The missile’s launch platforms include:

* Fixed-wing aircraft (the AGM-84, without the solid-fuel rocket booster).

* Surface ships (the RGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster that detaches when expended, to allow the missile's main turbojet to maintain flight).

* Submarines (the UGM-84, fitted with a solid-fuel rocket booster and encapsulated in a container to enable submerged launch through a torpedo tube).

* Coastal defense batteries, from which it would be fired with a solid-fuel rocket booster. 

(Manila Bulletin)

Japanese Media Now Openly Talking about Japan-Australia Soryu Deal

18 Februari 2013

The Soryu class submarine has an overall length of 84m, beam of 9.1m and depth of 10.3m.  It has a surfaced displacement of 2,950t and submerged displacement of 4,200t. The Soryu class submarines are armed with six 533-mm torpedo tubes for the Type 89 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon missiles. The UGM-84 Harpoon has a range of over 124km and speed of 864km/h. The submarine is equipped with Stirling engines for increased propulsion performance and underwater endurance. (photo : Military Today)

Today the Nikkei featured an article (日) that raised once again the possibility of Japan transferring the technology underpinning the prized Soryu submarine to Australia. The article did not offer much additional detail about how the process from here is likely to unfold, although it did frame the technology transfer as part of a supposedly mutual desire to balance against Chinese naval activities. It nevertheless suggests that defense officials are still considering the plan and that the chances are good that something will come out of the process notwithstanding any domestic or international backlash. The main issue for the Japanese side likely revolves what level of information and access to provide to the Royal Australian Navy.

As for the back story, the process appeared to be initiated in May 2012 when a senior Australian official inspected the Soryu at the MSDF’s Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. Then in June 2012 the issue was further discussed during a visit to Australia by Admiral Masahiko Sugimoto. Soon after that in July 2012 Rear-Admiral Rowan Moffitt, head of the Future Submarine Program, and Dr Alexander Zelinsky, the Chief Defense Scientist, traveled to Japan to further inspect the Soryu. Then in September 2012 Defense Minister Stephen Smith confirmed that Australia was indeed considering at least the submarine’s propulsion systems as part of a technology deal.

All things being equal it would seem like this deal is likely to be done as it offers strategic benefits for both sides. However, both sides may still need to be somewhat flexible as the two sides have bottom lines that may stand in the way of deep collaboration. First, the Australian side will demand that the subs be built in Australia to enhance Australia’s shipbuilding industry centred on Adelaide, as well as to keep Australian tax dollars and jobs onshore. While Japan in December 2011 relaxed its arms export restrictions, which has allowed this deal to be considered in the first place, these restrictions were however ostensibly relaxed to allow Japanese defense manufacturers to engage in the joint development of sophisticated weapons systems with other partners. A simple one-way transfer of technology was not necessarily envisaged, and in any respect, the technology that gave birth to the Soryu has been nurtured over the last 30 to 40 years in Japan and the Japanese government, MHI, and Kawasaki are not likely to let go of the full suite of technologies and design specifications without considerable benefits being extracted in return. If Japan was unable to extract any offsets from the transfer of the technology then it might get cold feet at the last minute and back out of the deal. More likely is that the two sides might only come to an agreement on a partial transfer, perhaps of AIP system technologies only. This would still be a big deal nevertheless, especially coming on the back of similar hardware-related collaborative developments in the UK-Japan defense relationship, and with something similar with India surely not being too far away.

See ful article (Japan Security Watch)

Last Two Sokol Helicopters have been Delivered to PAF

16 Februari 2013

The Sokol helicopters were transported on board An-124 Ruslan (photo : PZL Swidnik)

PZL-Świdnik completes the delivery of Sokol helicopters to the Philippine Air Force from Lublin Airport

PZL-Świdnik, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce that the last two of eight Sokol helicopters have been delivered to the Philippine Air Force. The Sokols were transported from Lublin Airport to Clark Air Base near Manila on board an An-124 Ruslan large cargo airplane. 

The two Sokol helicopters follow the six aircraft delivered to the customer last year. This is the result of a contract signed in 2010, which included eight Sokols.

“It gives me a great pleasure to complete the handover of the Sokol helicopters produced in Świdnik to the customer. The delivery from Lublin Airport is an important milestone and for sure in the future we’ll cooperate further with Lublin Airport in connection with PZL-Świdnik operations”, said Nicola Bianco, Managing Director, PZL-Świdnik S.A.

Sokol helicopters, which have been in service with the Philippine Air Force for several months, have proven to be highly effective and reliable helicopters capable of operating in the most demanding conditions. The helicopters are being flown by pilots trained at the PZL-Świdnik factory.

The last two of eight Sokol helicopter for PAF (photo : pdff)

“I’m pleased that the excellent operational capabilities of the Sokols are greatly appreciated by the Philippine Air Force. I look forward to expanding our close partnership with the customer in the future providing technical support and ongoing operational support for the Sokols”, added Mieczysław Majewski, President of PZL-Świdnik’s Management Board.

The Philippine Air Force’s Sokols are equipped with the latest navigation and avionics systems including 4-axis autopilot, EFIS system and Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit, allowing to operate day and night in all weather conditions. This 6-tonne class helicopter can transport up to 11 troops in the cabin or can lift up to 2,100 kg (4,630 lb) using its external cargo hook. 
Powered by two engines, each with the take-off power of 662 kW (888 shp), the Sokols reach the maximum speed of 260 km/h (140 knots), can fly 734 km (402 nm) or stay airborne for over 4 hours using its standard fuel tanks.

With over 60 years of experience and having produced over 7400 helicopters, PZL-Świdnik is the only Polish OEM with the capabilities to undertake helicopter design, research & development, system integration, manufacturing, support, training and upgrades. PZL-Świdnik has been an AgustaWestland company since 2010.

(PZL Swidnik)

$4 Million Defence Contract Awarded to Lovitt Technologies Australia

16 Februari 2013

Lovitt Technologies to supply machined parts for F/A-18 Super Hornet, V-22 Osprey, CH-47 Chinook and P-8 Poseidon (photo : Boeing)

Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly today congratulated Victorian-based company Lovitt Technologies Australia on the recent award of contracts with Boeing valued at around $4 million for machined parts for the global F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet.

The contract, awarded through the Global Supply Chain Program, is one of a series of successes for Lovitt Technologies.

The company was previously awarded a Super Hornet contract in 2012, along with other contracts to supply machined parts for the V-22 Osprey, CH-47 Chinook and P-8 Poseidon.

“I congratulate Lovitt Technologies on its recent success in this challenging and exacting field and thank Boeing’s Office of Australian Industry Capability for its professional commitment to Australia’s defence industry through the Global Supply Chain Program,” Dr Kelly said.

Lovitt has been involved with the Global Supply Chain Program since its establishment in 2009 and is among a growing number of Australian companies that have been successful in penetrating the export market.

 “The GSC program continues to provide an avenue for competitive Australian companies seeking to win work with international defence primes,” Dr Kelly said.

“Their success enables them to be more competitive at home and is a key component in maintaining a viable local industry in support of the Australian Defence Force.”

Seven multi-national companies now have active Global Supply Chain Deeds with Defence and over 200 contracts have been awarded to 58 companies. Around 90 per cent of the contracts have been awarded to small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

(Aus DoD)

MMEA Plans to Have 12 More Bases to Cut Response Time

15 Februari 2013

MMEA plans to shorten response time from 2 hours to 1 hour (photo : Militaryphotos)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) plans to beef up its firepower capacities by having at least 12 more bases nationwide to shorten response time from two hours to one hour.

Its deputy director-general (operations), Maritime Admiral Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said the MMEA aspired to have 30 bases throughout the country from 18 at present.

“We would like to have a base or a post at every 60 nautical miles along the coastline to enable us to swing into action quickly upon receiving information,” he told Bernama recently.

Ahmad Fuzi said the additional bases, which were earmarked for islands off the mainland like Pulau Jarak, Perak, would be equipped with a 24-hour operations room, to receive information on crimes at sea

The MMEA also has 12 radars equipped with cameras, nine of them along the west coast of the peninsula and three more in the east coast of Sabah, to track the movement of vessels involved in criminal activities, especially smuggling in Malaysian waters, he added.

“For example, we detected suspected criminals attempting to board a ship from a boat at Tanjung Piai, Johor at 1:50am last year via a radar equipped with cameras,” he said.

Ahmad Fuzi said the MMEA also capitalised on two mobile radars in hotspot areas that did not have radars with cameras like the coastline of Penang and Perak.

The mobile radars track down speeding boats through a sound detection system without the use of visual recording.

(The Borneo Post)

Landing Helicopter Dock ship officially named

15 Februari 2013

HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock (photo : Militaryphotos)

The first of two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships was officially named Canberra in a traditional Navy ceremony at Williamstown, Victoria today.  

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith attended the naming ceremony. 

They were joined by the Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, and the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Ray Griggs, for this special occasion.  

The Spanish Minister for Defence, Mr Pedro Morenés Eulate, was also in attendance.  

The new LHD was named by Mrs Vickie Coates, wife of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, who served a distinguished career in the Navy and sadly passed away in June 2010.  

Today’s ceremony reinforces the importance of the naming tradition and the pride that is entrenched in a ship’s name. 

The naming of a ship is an important and very special occasion. The Canberra name carries with it decades of spirit, courage and distinguished service inherited from all personnel who served in Canberra’s (I) and (2) and the USS Canberra. 

This is the third Australian Navy ship to bear the proud name Canberra. Canberra (I) was a County Class heavy cruiser which served with distinction until she was heavily damaged and sunk during the Battle of Savo Island in August 1942.  

In 1943 the United States Navy (USN) named a Baltimore class heavy cruiser the USS Canberra in recognition of the valour displayed by the HMAS Canberra during the Battle of Savo Island, the United States President Franklin Roosevelt wished to commemorate the Australian ship’s loss by naming a US ship in her honour. 

The USS Canberra is the only USN warship named for a foreign warship or a foreign capital city. 

Canberra (II) was a Guided Missile Frigate and participated in numerous operations, the most recent being Operation Slipper as part of the international coalition against terrorism. Canberra (II) was decommissioned in 2009.  

Nu Ship Canberra has been proudly assigned the “02” pennant number, the same as Canberra (II). 

The naming of Canberra marked an important milestone in bringing the LHDs one step closer to service. 

LHDs will deliver the most sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious capability in the world and will greatly strengthen the Australian Navy’s delivery of sea power. 

These new platforms will be able to land a force of more than 2000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores – this capability is a quantum leap for Navy and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

The Canberra class LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and will be more than 230 metres long, 27.5 metres high and weigh around 27,500 tonnes. 

The hull of the new Canberra Class LHDs was designed by Spanish company Navantia. BAE Systems is completing the build with the superstructure, combat and communications systems currently being consolidated. 

Nu Ship Canberra is due to be accepted into Navy service in the first quarter of 2014. The second LHD is due to be named this time next year for accepting into Navy service in 2016.

(Aus DoD)

US Firm Offering 21 Hueys for P1.2B to Philippines

14 Februari 2013

The 21 UH-1 Huey helicopters will be delivered by March 31 (photo : pdff)

MANILA, Philippines - A California-based firm is offering the government 21 UH-1 or Huey helicopters for P1.2646 billion for use in the May elections.

The Air Force made the request for additional Hueys in 2011.

The offer was accepted because the amount is lower than the allotted P1.2649 billion.

Rice Aircraft Services Inc. was the sole bidder for the helicopters.

It was declared an eligible bidder after submitting all the necessary documentary requirements to the Bids and Awards Committee.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR the helicopters will be delivered by March 31, weeks before the elections.

The helicopters will enable the Air Force to meet the airlift requirements during the May polls, he added.

Originally, two firms submitted bids for the delivery of the helicopters. However, the other bidder – Israel-based Radom Aviation Systems Ltd. – backed out.

Radom reportedly wrote to the defense department about its decision to withdraw its bid.

Defense officials said the company did not say why it was backing out.

Rice cannot yet be declared the winning bidder as it has to pass the post-qualification requirements that the defense department had set.

The post-qualification stage seeks to determine whether the bid is responsive to the technical and financial requirements of the project.

Rice can only be named the winning bidder after it receives a notice of award from the government.

The UH-1 is the primary helicopter of the Air Force.

(PhilStar)