Singapore Quietly Expanding F-15 Fleet from 24 to 40

The RSAF has being quietly augmenting the size of its F-15SG fleet. (photo : US Air Force)

Singapore appears to have quietly boosted the size of its F-15SG fleet from 24 aircraft to 40, according to Boeing financial statements, aircraft registration filings, and US congressional reports.

Singapore originally bought 12 F-15SGs - with an option for eight more - under a contract signed in December 2005. In October 2007 the city-state modified this option by buying 12 more to give it a total of 24.

These aircraft have all been confirmed as delivered and have US-type serial numbers running from 05-0001 to 05-0024. Several remain in the United States with the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) 428th Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB) in southwestern Idaho, while the remainder are active in Singapore with 149 Squadron.

Aircraft operating in Singapore use four-digit serial numbers in the 83xx sequence, starting at 8301, although these do not run consecutively.

Indonesia and US to sign Apache Memorandum of Understanding

Indonesia and the United States are expected to sign an agreement soon to facilitate the Indonesian Army's (TNI-AD's) enhanced operation of on-order Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defence said on 20 August that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will cover the handling and security of data and communications received by the Apache during TNI operations.
The MoU is currently under review by the TNI chiefs of staffs. Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said he hoped this review would be completed soon to enable ratification of the MoU so the US could deliver the Apache helicopters to Indonesia before the 69th anniversary of the TNI on 5 October.

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Japan looking to buy more stealth fighters in 2015: Nikkei

Japan plans to seek funding to buy six F-35 stealth fighter jets in next year's budget to strengthen defense of remote southwestern islands against China, which has grown increasingly assertive at sea and in the air, the Nikkei reported.

The Ministry of Defense intends to ask that 124.9 billion yen ($1.21 billion) be set aside, the Nikkei said.

Chinese Experts: Vietnam Can Buy Amphibious Assault Ship, A-10 and Apache from US

Wasp class amphibious assault ship (photo : US Navy)

Expert: US-Vietnam military relations warming Vietnam was America intentionally offensive weapons

During the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed Martin Dempsey on the 16th visit to Vietnam, the United States in the "near future" to discuss whether to cancel the ban lethal weapons to Vietnam provisions. Military expert Du Wenlong said during an interview with CCTV, said Vietnam needs offensive weapons, thereby improving sea and air forces of neighboring countries deterrent. China Research Institute of International Ruan Zongze that the warming of US-Vietnam military relations between the two countries, the United States marked the further deepening of the South China Sea issue involved.

Vietnam hopes to obtain weapons deterrent from the United States

U.S. arms embargo against Vietnam has experienced a process from tightening to relax. United States arms embargo against Vietnam South Vietnam regime collapse began in 1975, when the Viet Cong seized a large number of American arms left over to South Vietnam, the United States this has been brooding. 1984, Washington formally implemented an arms embargo against Vietnam. However, in recent years the attitude taken by the United States embargo has been softened. In 2007, the United States policy toward Vietnam weapons ban obvious change, the Bush administration revision of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, as the case may allow the sale of non-lethal weapons to Vietnam, but all deadly weapons remains limited. The United States if the "partial lifting of the ban on the sale of lethal weapons", arms exports to Vietnam will further relaxed.

A-10 attack aircraft (photo : USAF)

Du Wenlong believes that Vietnam needs to obtain two types of weapons: one is able to defend their vested interests weaponry; second is to improve the weapons of naval and air forces around the country have a deterrent, mainly offensive weaponry.

Du Wenlong noted that the Vietnamese want to get the most air and sea and amphibious equipment. Most Vietnam helicopters currently in use or during World War II and the Vietnam War from the United States seized the UH-1 helicopters, if Vietnam has A-10 attack aircraft and AH-64 "Apache" helicopter gunships, then Vietnam will be the ability to control at low altitude substantial increase in the target for reconnaissance capability will enhance the surrounding seas. In addition, the special needs of amphibious ships in Vietnam to improve amphibious capabilities, such as second-hand "Wasp" class amphibious assault landing craft or other common, with these weapons, the ability to defend and attack capabilities Vietnam vested interests will be greatly improved. Vietnam may also purchase radar, through a wide range of remote surveillance and early warning, raise the South China Sea maritime and aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

AH-64 attack helicopter (photo : GlobalAviationReport)

US-Vietnam military relations warming signs U.S. intervention in the South China Sea intensified

Ruan Zongze said, warming US-Vietnam military relations, and that the United States has begun to advance the Indochina region.

Ruan Zongze noted contradictory words and deeds of the United States, the United States on the one hand that the South China Sea issue "do not choose sides", on the other hand is sliding into the South China Sea issue has become a third party. He pointed out that the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting, the United States formally thrown "freeze the South China Sea Action" three-point initiative, the proposal stood a non-objective and fair stance by China and the countries of resistance and opposition. Vietnam is now the United States tried to seize the South China Sea issue to intervene more forcefully, "military strength and economic strength in Vietnam belong to class level in the ASEAN region, and guardian of the southeast peninsula, geopolitical location of important American approached Vietnam relations, probably marks U.S. intervention to further deepen the South China Sea issue. "Ruan Zongze said.

(ChinaNews)

The fourth "Kilo 636.1" for Vietnamese Navy Came to the Factory Sea Trials

Fourth submarine for Vietnamese Navy named HQ-185 Khanh Hoa (photo : Itar Tass)

SAINT-PETERSBURG / ITAR-TASS /. Factory test runs fourth export diesel-electric submarine project 636.1 ("Varshavyanka") for the Vietnamese Navy began on Thursday in the Baltic Sea, ITAR-TASS reported a source in the military-industrial complex.

"Today, the ship came to the factory to the Baltic sea trials (ZHI). At the third ship crew training series continues to customer country," - said the agency interlocutor. He did not specify the duration of the fourth test of the submarine.

In mid-March of this year signed an act of acceptance of the third in the series of the submarine, which until the end of the year will be immersed in the lighter (specialized vessel for the transport of goods) and shipped to the customer. The first two submarines have already joined the Navy in Vietnam. The fifth boat and built a series of lies, and the sixth will be laid this year.

Contract for six submarines was signed with Vietnam in 2009. The agreement was signed during the visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Russia. Multipurpose diesel-electric submarine project 636.1 belong to the third generation that are designed by experts CDB Marine Engineering "Rubin" / St. Petersburg /. They are considered one of the quietest in the world, have a submerged speed of 20 knots and a working depth of the dive - about 240 meters.

(Itar Tass)

Taiwan still hopes to buy F-35 fighters from US - defense official

Taiwan continues to hope for jet fighters with stealth, short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, a senior defense official said Tuesday, noting that the US-made F-35 is one option that fits the bill.

There is "a need" for higher performance combat airplanes, said Major General Chang Wen-shuo, deputy director-general of the Defense Ministry's Department of Strategic Planning, at a regular ministry press conference.

Both the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, both made by Lockheed Martin, are on the purchase list, Chang said, explaining that "necessity" is the top consideration.

Philippine Army to get 28 upgraded APC's by Q1 of 2015

The Philippine Army (PA) announced that the delivery of its 28 Israeli upgraded APCs (armored personnel carriers) is scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.

This was revealed by Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato Thursday.

“Delivery of all APCs is scheduled for the first quarter of 2015,” he added.

The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the payment for the PHP 882 million upgraded armored personnel carrier (APC), bagged by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd., will be done in three tranches.

Dr. Peter Paul Galvez, Defense spokesperson, said first payment will be pegged at P405 million, the second will be PHP 335 million and the third at PHP 142 million.

Elbit Systems Ltd., formally announced the signing of the PHP 882 million deal (roughly USD20 million) last June 22.

Taiwan set to take August delivery of more Apache helicopters

Taipei, Aug. 20 (CNA) Taiwan is set to take delivery of six more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States in late August, the Army said Wednesday, in line with a delivery schedule announced after an Apache crashed in northern Taiwan in April.

It will be the fourth shipment of a NT$59.31 billion (US$2.01 billion) order for 30 of the newest Apache model.

"The helicopters are scheduled to arrive in Kaohsiung in late August or early September," an Army official told CNA.

They will be flown to an Army Aviation Special Forces base in the neighboring city of Tainan after being unloaded and checked, the official said.

The latest shipment comes after an Apache crashed into the top of a three-story residential building in Taoyuan County's Longtan Township April 25, damaging four homes but causing no serious injuries.

On July 15, the Army said the environment and human error were found to be the main causes of the crash. Apache training operations had returned to normal before the investigation report was completed, it added.

At the time, the Army said the fourth batch of Apache helicopters would arrive in Taiwan in August, with a final batch expected to be delivered in October.

The crashed chopper was one of 18 that have been delivered to Taiwan by the U.S. since last November.

According to a previous delivery schedule for the final two batches -- said by an Army oficial before the April crash -- the fourth was set to arrive in May and the final one in July. The Army official has attributed the delay to shipping issues.

The model E is the latest in the Apache attack helicopter series. The U.S. and Taiwan are the only two countries using it so far.

Joint Venture Wins Bidding for Supply of AFP Protection Gear

Achidatex Nazareth Elite and Colorado Shipyard Corp. to supply 44,080 sets of force protection equipment for soldiers (photo : Achidatex)

MANILA, Philippines - A joint venture between Israeli firm Achidatex Nazareth Elite and local company Colorado Shipyard Corp. has won the bidding to supply 44,080 sets of force protection equipment for soldiers.

The STAR learned over the weekend that the Department of National Defense (DND) issued the notice of award to the joint venture last July 28.

The project involves the acquisition of 44,080 sets of force protection equipment for Army and Marine troops. The equipment will protect soldiers who are serving on the frontlines of security operations.

The government has allotted P1.763 billion for the project.

Sources said the DND will save around P300,000 if the deal with Achidatex and Colorado pushes through.

The joint venture, however, was not the lowest bidder for the project.

During the opening of bids held last year, South Korean firm Kolon Global Corp. submitted the lowest bid, offering to supply the equipment for P894 million. The bid price would have allowed the government to save P870,000.

The bids and awards committee, however, disqualified Kolon after the company failed to meet some requirements during the post-qualification phase.

A defense department post-qualification team said Kolon’s goods did not meet certain standards aimed at ensuring the protection of soldiers in the field. The team said all ballistic inserts of samples submitted by Kolon did not conform to dimensional requirements since they have shorter measurements.

(PhilStar)

Indonesia upgrades naval base near South China Sea

Indonesia upgrades naval base near South China Sea

The Indonesian Navy (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) has begun upgrading its naval base at Ranai in Riau Islands to support a planned increase in ship numbers in the region, a senior TNI-AL officer has said.

Speaking to IHS Jane's on 14 August in Jakarta, TNI-AL Chief of Staff for the Western Fleet (KOARMABAR) Commodore Amarulla Octavian described the upgrades as consisting primarily of logistics support facilities, including the building of fuel depots, that will enable the TNI-AL to sustain deployments in the area.

"The logistics facilities are being [upgraded] to support the TNI-AL's increasing presence in the region so that we may safeguard the country's maritime territories from any hostile forces should they pose a threat", he said, although without making specific reference to any particular country.

http://www.janes.com/article/42114/indonesia-upgrades-naval-base-near-south-china-sea

Vietnames Ka-28 were Upgraded in Crimea

Ka-28 of the Vietnamese Navy is being upgraded in Ukraine (all photos : Kienthuc)

Video reportage of NTS-TV channel showed one or two a helicopter Ka-28 painted badges Vietnam Air Force is being repaired.

Recently, NTS-TV channels have made ​​reports noted the revival of the defense industry in Crimea lands newly incorporated into the Russian Federation. Typically, helicopter repair plant in Sevastopol - the famous port city in Crimea.

In the clip, in 1.26 minutes with the emergence of an anti-submarine helicopters Ka-28 painted badges Vietnam People's Air Force . That means, Ka-28 helicopter of Vietnam has been upgraded in this contract may be signed before that.

In fact, there was news in 2010, Vietnam has decided to sign a contract with Ukraine's Sevastopol plant to repair and upgrade the entire Ka-28 have on the payroll. The Ka-28 aircraft in Vietnam was transferred to Ukraine to implement the items included: reinforcement extends shelf chassis, replace the electronic components semiconductor older generation with digital equipment and installation of LCD display, equipped with software controlled weapon firing permits the new types of modern weapons ..

Redoubtable hunter killer submarine

Ka-28 is considered one fearsome anti-submarine helicopters in the world. It has unique characteristics that do not have a helicopter of the United States and Europe have been.

What makes unique Kamov helicopters are used coaxial rotor lift. Accordingly, instead of using a helicopter main rotor tradition, Kamov Ka-28 structure using two rotors turning in opposite directions upgrade will create 2 rotation torque and in opposite directions, so they themselves cancel each other out.
The use of wing structure completely eliminates the tail rotor, which reduces noise and aircraft size width. Also, it helps to have helicopters in maneuverability and flexibility. And because there is no tail rotor should not be afraid of this kind of cross wind blowing, maybe landing in all weather conditions.

"Submarine hunter killer" features the versatile tactical skills, have the ability to find and destroy submarines with three different options with the most modern equipment currently at a depth of three times the depth of operation submarine.

Earlier, a helicopter Ka-25 submarine hunter only one detector plans detectors from APM (magnetic probe generated from submarine shell). Ka-28 also has the ability to detect submarines by hydro-acoustic buoys RGB radio (radio detection when the submarine emits radio signals over the air) and humidity VGS (sounders propellers of ships underground).

Ka-28 is equipped with surveillance radar systems add water and anti-jamming device, jammer unable to detect submarines. Its weapons bay itself leads carry torpedoes, bombs and mines sunk.

While other helicopters to equip the boat floats, life jackets for marine landing on the Ka-28 is equipped with life jackets for aircraft to float on water in emergencies. To the rear of the Ka-28 rubber boats were packed. 2 officers tasked navigation push boats, inflatable manipulated to jump into the sea when a situation to an emergency landing in the sea.

(KienThuc)

China continues building ‘fixed aircraft carrier’ in disputed water with PH territory

Amid Philippine government’s call for construction freeze within the disputed territories in South China Sea including West Philippine Sea, China openly rejected the proposal.

The Fiery Cross is under Chinese Control

“China opposed it immediately. They should study it before they reject it. If they reject it without studying it, then it looks like China does not recognize that the developments in the South China Sea are creating problems for everyone,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said after attending the regional Ministers’ Meeting over the weekend.

According to del Rosario, China is like saying “What tensions? What problem? There is no problem.” The Philippine top diplomat said problems can’t be solved if it is not recognized.

Planned airstrip at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef in West Philippine Sea. Internet Photo

Instead of listening to international community’s call to freeze construction, China is busy building its ‘fixed aircraft carrier’ inside Philippine exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Filipino fishermen operating in West Philippine Sea, China is creating concrete sea barriers in Mabini reef. They also attested that there is an increased Chinese coast guard presence in the territory.

“The artificial island at Fiery Cross Reef will be an unreplaceable military base with great strategic significance due to its location and size. Such a base will realize the value of the South China Sea for China and ensure China’s status in South East Asia,” a Chinese news provider said.

“It can threaten all our vital economic installations and this is the most awesome, our vital military installations including what would be the installations we can make available at the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement),” Former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez told ANC.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/08/14/3149-china-continues-building-fixed-aircraft-carrier-inside-ph-territory

Russia postpones Iskander missiles export

Last month, July 2014, it was announced that Russia may sell Iskander missiles systems to China. 

MOSCOW, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russia embargoed export of Iskander missile systems until 2016 due to insufficient production capacities, the weaponry producer said Wednesday.

"Production of these missiles is a bottleneck. The Votkinsk plant (in northwestern Russia's Udmurt republic) has been working to the limits of its capacity," Itar-Tass news agency quoted a deputy director of the KBM Machine-building Design Bureau as saying.

The official said that all potential clients have been informed about the delay, as he was attending an arms expo in the city of Zhukovsky outside Moscow,

The KBM cannot swiftly increase Iskander production for the Russian Armed Forces to 12 systems a year required by the Defense Ministry, he said.

The Iskander tactic missiles system is an advanced ground-to-ground first-strike complex with a range of 500 km.

China Declares Australia a Military Threat Over US Pact

China’s state-run media have declared Australia a threat to its national security, after Australia finalized a 25-year military pact with the United States.

The United States currently has 1,200 troops from the Marine Corps and Air Force training with Australian troops for humanitarian and disaster relief. The defense agreement will increase the number of U.S. troops at Darwin in northern Australia to 2,500.

The Chinese regime is none too pleased about the agreement, however.

Li Jie, rear admiral of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy, told Want China Times that Australia could pressure China’s supply lines in the Strait of Malacca in a conflict over the South China Sea.

Japan and India to continue search-and-rescue aircraft talks

Japan and India are set to continue talks early next month about the Indian Navy's proposed USD1.65 billion procurement of Japan's ShinMaywa US-2i search-and-rescue aircraft.

IHS Jane's understands that a key element of negotiations is the defence offset package, which will need to comply with India's policy that calls for at least 30% of the value of a defence contract to be returned to local industry through technology transfer or related investment.

In most cases this effectively means technology transfer leading to licensed production, activity that Japan has never been in a position to support due to the decades-long ban on military hardware exports that was lifted by Tokyo just five months ago.

More M-4 Rifles to be Acquired for the AFP

MANILA (PNA) – Citing proper and efficient bidding procedures, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon be getting additional Remington M-4 automatic rifles for its ground units.

The President made the announcement during the ceremonial distribution of new weapons to soldiers at the AFP canopy area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

”Dahil sa patas na bidding, nakuha natin ang mga bagong baril na ito sa di-hamak na mas murang halaga. Sabi po ng BAC (Bidding and Awards Committee), ang dapat sana’y Php 63,000 kada unit -— na di-hamak na ngang mas mura sa dinatnan nating presyo noong tayo’y nag-umpisang manungkulan —- nakuha na lamang natin sa Php 38,402.13, kada isa po ‘yan," the Chief Executive said.

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Indonesia Confirms Acquisition of Four Klewang-Class Stealth Patrol Ships

Klewang class 63m Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel (photo : NorthSeaBoats)

The chief of the Indonesian Navy (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) has confirmed that the Klewang-class stealth patrol ship programme has resumed and that the service will operate a class of at least four vessels.

Admiral Marsetio, chief of staff of the TNI-AL, confirmed the plans in an interview with IHS Jane's at the Indonesian Armed Forces headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on 14 August.

The stealth trimaran programme was suspended after first-of-class KRI Klewang was gutted by fire and damaged beyond repair at a naval port in Banyuwangi, East Java, weeks after its official launch on 31 August 2012. The vessel was still undergoing sea trials. There were no casualties in that incident but Indonesia's defence ministry suspended the programme indefinitely pending further investigations into the cause of the fire.

Third Vietnamese Submarine Delivered to Cam Ranh in end of 2014

Third Vietnamese submarine HQ-184 Hai Phong will be delivered in year-end (photo : Gomtin)

The third diesel-electric submarine (SSK) Project 636, built in St. Petersburg Admiralty Shipyards for Vietnamese Navy in late 2014 will be delivered at the point of bases in Cam Ranh Bay, according to Interfax-Military News Agency, citing a source in the Russian shipbuilding industry.

"Currently, the third boat export series is working out the program of ship crew practice customer. This - the second stage of the marine part of the training. The first successfully completed 1 to July 20 in the area of ​​the island of Hogland. During the first phase of the boat held submerged 57 hours, "- said the agency interlocutor.

According to him, 20 August boat will return to the factory, and then again after 10 days will be released into the sea. "In November, she will be transferred to the customer," - he said. The fourth boat series recently came to the factory sea trials.

According to the plan is the construction of the fifth and sixth corps. "Launching of the sixth boat series is scheduled for September next year," - said the agency interlocutor.

The first and second series of the Vietnamese boat HQ-182 "Hanoi" and HQ-183 "Ho Chi Minh City" in April became part of the 189th Brigade Navy submarine forces in Vietnam. Delivery to Kamran accomplished by the Dutch LASH.

Contract to supply Vietnam six diesel-electric submarines of Project 636 was signed in 2009 during the visit to Moscow by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. In addition to the construction of the submarines contract provides for the training of Vietnamese crews, as well as supply of necessary equipment and technical equipment.

Project 636 diesel-electric submarine is the third generation of submarines. These boats have a good modernization potential, allowing them to integrate new weapons, and in particular, anti-ship missile complex Club, significantly expanding the zone of destruction purposes. Due to the ultra-low noise in the West boats of this type are called "black hole".

(VPK)

Duo Powerful Self-Propelled Artillery of the Vietnamese Army

2S3 Gvosdika, 28 tonnes self propelled howitzer with maximum firing range 18.5 km (photo : BaoDatViet)

As the 'battle king' of Vietnam artillery, self-propelled guns 2S1 and 2S3 possesses great power can perform many different tasks. 

2S1 self-propelled eager Gvosdika developed by the Soviet Union in 1967 and formally incorporated into service in 1971. This is the kind of fireworks are produced in large quantities and served in dozens of countries. Gvosdika 2S1 chassis used armored troop transport MT-LB. Above that, it mounted a 122mm gun barrel twist D32 combines support system loader (rate of fire of 4-5 rounds/min). 

Because D32 artillery improvements based on D30 122mm artillery tractor so it spent most of the D30 ammunition (bullets blast fragmentation, antitank shells, cluster munitions, smoke rounds, illumination rounds). This saves easier for the supply of ammunition. The amount of ammunition stored in the vehicle for about 40 employees, including 35 rounds often explosive fragmentation (15 km range) and 5 anti-tank members. 

2S1 self-propelled artillery crews controlled by 4 people (car chief, the driver, gunner, loader). The entire hull and turret armored bulletproof often help crew size 7.62 or 12.7mm guns, artillery pieces. 

MT-LB chassis diesel engine 240 hp YaMZ-238V allows a maximum speed of 60km/h. Amphibious 2S1 can speed 4.5km/h, but if this is done to reduce the amount of ammo to 30 members. 

2S3 self-propelled artillery Akatsiya almost "twins" with 2S1 well developed when it entered service in 1971 ZIS also produce huge quantities, necklaces manufacturing operations to 1993 new terminated. 

2S1 Akatsiya, 16 tonnes self propelled howitzer with maximum firing range  15.3 km (photos : BaoDatViet)

2S3 armament D22 152mm caliber, firing rate of 3-4 rounds/min, in theory it can shoot 30 rounds/10 minutes or 75 rounds/hour. The number of reserve ammunition in the car about 40 employees, including 36 who often fragmented and fourth explosive anti-tank members. 

Similarly 2S1, Cannon D22 is an improved design from the D20 152mm artillery tractor, it shared ammo ammunition D20 as road markings, explosive fragmentation rounds, anti-tank shells, bullets lighting and even nuclear weapons. 2S3M later variants can fire high-precision self Krasnopol lead. 

Also, 2S3 also a 7.62mm machine gun sized room on the top of the turret. Gunner can shoot from the vehicle control without creep out. 

2S3 using crawler chassis of air missile systems SA-4, installed a 520-horsepower diesel engine allowing speeds of 60km/h. 

2S3 artillery accumulation may exceed 1.1m high, 2.5m wide moat and has a range of up to 300km.

(BaoDatViet)