It looks like the Armed Forces of the Philippines is moving on with their plans for the acquisition of Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50.
It is expected that this order will consist of 12 Fighters, but it is widely expected that the Philippine Air Force will follow up with additional orders in the future.
The P18 million acquisition of the fighters will pave the way for much needed Fighter capabilities for the Philippines national Defence.
Monday, 10 June 2013
Thursday, 14 March 2013
The F-35 Lightning Program and Singapore
In February of 2003, Singapore joined the F-35's System Design and Development Phase, as a Security Co-operation Participant.
Recently, during Parliamentary discussions in Singapore, the Minister for Defence, Mr Ng Eng Hen, revealed that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is in the Final Stages in its evaluation of the F-35 Lightning II.
The F-35 program has seen numerous setbacks due to operational hiccups, budget overruns and mostly the ballooning requirements for the aircraft. Primary customers outside of the United States are increasingly growing impatient with the projected delivery of the fighter and are looking to other sources to update their respective fleets. The cost overruns have also caused some countries to revise the projected procurement numbers downwards.
The result of Singapore's evaluation of the craft will be watched closely by many military procurement analysts around the world, as Singapore Armed Forces is widely known as a very prudent buyer of military technologies. Singapore's evaluation will therefore be held in high-regard.
How Singapore moves forward with this may have a significant impact on the general outlook of the F-35 program and could potentially make or break the market outside that of the existing Joint Strike Fighter program partners.
Minister Ng also mentioned that, "The F-35 will be the vanguard of next-generation fighter aircraft in operation."
This statement is interesting, to say the least, as it means that the RSAF will either retain existing fighters or procure other fighters to make up the RSAF's new fighter ORBAT. The vanguard is usually a portion of the military formation that leads the attack and softens the enemy for the rest of the forces to come in more easily.
"[Singapore's MINDEF] will have to be satisfies that this state-of-the-art multi-role fighter meets our long-term needs, is on track to be operationally capable and, most importantly, is a cost-effective platform. I've given many necessary caveats before we make a final decision, but we are evaluating the platform."
The RSAF has always used a mixture of platforms in its inventory, but this might mean that Singapore might only procure enough to meet this need and use non-fifth gen. aircraft to make up the rest of the fleet. Possibly significantly smaller than the earlier estimate of 100 F-35 that Singapore might procure.
Alternatives to the F-35 that Singapore could consider or to partially make up its new fighter fleet, could be the F-15SG of which the RSAF operates 24, or the F-15 Silent Eagle, a variant of the F-15 with better stealth features.
Edit : As of May 13 2013, although there has been quite a bit of speculation as to the decision the Singapore Armed Forces has made with regards to the Procurement of the F-35, there has been no official announcement nor any news credible enough to indicate the decision that has been made, if any.
Recently, during Parliamentary discussions in Singapore, the Minister for Defence, Mr Ng Eng Hen, revealed that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is in the Final Stages in its evaluation of the F-35 Lightning II.
The F-35 program has seen numerous setbacks due to operational hiccups, budget overruns and mostly the ballooning requirements for the aircraft. Primary customers outside of the United States are increasingly growing impatient with the projected delivery of the fighter and are looking to other sources to update their respective fleets. The cost overruns have also caused some countries to revise the projected procurement numbers downwards.
The result of Singapore's evaluation of the craft will be watched closely by many military procurement analysts around the world, as Singapore Armed Forces is widely known as a very prudent buyer of military technologies. Singapore's evaluation will therefore be held in high-regard.
How Singapore moves forward with this may have a significant impact on the general outlook of the F-35 program and could potentially make or break the market outside that of the existing Joint Strike Fighter program partners.
Minister Ng also mentioned that, "The F-35 will be the vanguard of next-generation fighter aircraft in operation."
This statement is interesting, to say the least, as it means that the RSAF will either retain existing fighters or procure other fighters to make up the RSAF's new fighter ORBAT. The vanguard is usually a portion of the military formation that leads the attack and softens the enemy for the rest of the forces to come in more easily.
"[Singapore's MINDEF] will have to be satisfies that this state-of-the-art multi-role fighter meets our long-term needs, is on track to be operationally capable and, most importantly, is a cost-effective platform. I've given many necessary caveats before we make a final decision, but we are evaluating the platform."
The RSAF has always used a mixture of platforms in its inventory, but this might mean that Singapore might only procure enough to meet this need and use non-fifth gen. aircraft to make up the rest of the fleet. Possibly significantly smaller than the earlier estimate of 100 F-35 that Singapore might procure.
Alternatives to the F-35 that Singapore could consider or to partially make up its new fighter fleet, could be the F-15SG of which the RSAF operates 24, or the F-15 Silent Eagle, a variant of the F-15 with better stealth features.
Edit : As of May 13 2013, although there has been quite a bit of speculation as to the decision the Singapore Armed Forces has made with regards to the Procurement of the F-35, there has been no official announcement nor any news credible enough to indicate the decision that has been made, if any.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Importance of Developing the Local Defence Industry
Capability development is seen to be the most urgent goal for the regional players involved in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Faced with a strong and growing China and the PLA, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam are scrambling to fill the gaps in the capabilities of their respective defence forces which were previously neglected. The most urgent gaps are those in the Naval and Air defence capability as well as those in surveillance.
Even those not directly involved in the dispute feel pressured to update their hardware (and software) to avoid tilting the balance of military capabilities well outside their comfort zone.
Much of the development in capability of the respective armed forces has come from acquisition, mostly from the west, which has a much more advanced and mature arms market.China is the exception where almost most of their armaments are put together locally thanks largely to their strong economic ability.
However, to develop a more sustainable development, ASEAN nations would do well to pay to the development of their respective local defence industries. They simply have to look to nearby Singapore which has had much success in this.
Singapore's defence sector - comprising of the state's Defence Science Organisation, the Defence Science and Technology Agency, and Singapore Technologies as well as other smaller players - is the envy of the region. Relatively mature, Singapore's defence sector, produces it own indigenous platforms, collaborates with other defence contractors and it undertakes the modification and customisation of existing platforms and armaments that the SAF already possesses.
Much of their technological know-how can be attributed to the emphasis in technology transfers during the procurement process with other countries with a more mature defence sector. In addition to simply negotiating a transfer of knowledge, Singapore also negotiates measures which allows for the involvement of their local defence contractors.
An example, is the development and procurement of the Formidable-class frigates. The French company, DCNS, was awarded the contract for 6 frigates, where the first would be built in France while the remaining 5 would be built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine. Subsequent retro-fits and maintenance would be done locally as well.
Formidanle-class Frigate
The benefit of involving local defence contractors is that it allows for the native capability to grow by the development of the physical infrastructure as well as the human talent to handle such projects.
This is notwithstanding the fact that monetary resources are reinvested locally instead of simply being spent overseas.
A-4SU Super Skyhawk
The expertise gained from growing its own indigenous arms industry has even allowed Singapore to improve and adapt existing platforms to better suit its needs. In 1985, the declining performance of the A-4S-1 Skyhawk's Wright J-65 engine led the RSAF to contract the ST Aerospace (then known as SAI) to upgrade the Skyhawks. What resulted was the replacement of the engine to the General Electric's F404-GE-100D engines. Extensive changes to the airframe was made to accommodate the engine. The success of this programme led the rest of the RSAF's Skyhawk fleet to be refitted, as well as taking the opportunity to completely modernise the avionics package including the navigation systems, radar warning receivers, flare countermeasures etc.
Singapore has moved on from simply producing under license to developing and collaborative projects to developing truly indigenous weapons platforms, as can be seen in the Ultimax 1000, the Fearless-class patrol vessels, and the Terrex Infantry Carrying Vehicle to name a few.
In a 1986 paper by Arms Production in the Third World, Michael Brzoska and Thomas Ohlson, observed that "Singapore's arms inductry is the most diversified and capable in ASEAN."
DTI-1
In conclusion, the development of the native defence industry allows countries to break away from their reliance on external powers for solutions for their military needs. By achieving the maturity of the local defence industrial sector, platforms more suited to the unique requirements of the local defence force can be developed and also allows for better sustainability of defence procurement as investing locally saves on foreign exchange.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Philippine Air Force Modernization
It's no secret that the Philippine Air Force needs Combat Attack Aircraft, and they need it fast.
In the 1980s, the PAF was one of the best equipped Air Forces in South East Asia. At that time, they operated the F-5A/B, F-86, F-8 and a range of trainers, transport aircrafts and the like.
The PAF currently operates the OV-10 Broncos. However they also have some trainers, the 6 SIAI Marchetti S211 which is configured to be able to conduct air to ground missions and Aermacchi SF260 of which half the fleet are configured for Light attack.
Beyond that the PAF operates a single C-130H, two F-27, and one Turbo Commander for transport missions.
The decline of PAF's fighter fleet was largely due to budget constraints and a focus for the military to channel resources to attend to domestic threats. Hence, aircrafts like the Bronco were retained as they enabled the military to attend to militants internally. The fighter fleet declined until they were all grounded for safety reasons by 2002.
Even though currently diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines still needs a credible Air Force to defend its claims.
The PAF suddenly find themselves in a position of having to slap together a Fighter fleet on a budget and in as small a time-frame as possible if it wants to be able to transition from internal security to territorial defence.
In mid 2012, a DND spokesperson announced that the Philippines is looking outside the US to meet this needs. Currently the PAF is rumored to be in the market for as many as two squadrons of fighters. France, the UK, Italy and South Korea are among the candidates in consideration.
The leading candidate is the Korean Aerospace Industries' FA-50. Initially it was rumoured that the Philippines might procure the T-50 (the trainer variant of the FA-50), but later announcements revealed that the Philippine government is hoping to hoping to commence final negotiations in Feb 2013. Negotiations are expected to last 6 months and the PAF can expect to receive the FA-50 from 2015.
.JPG)
The Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) might be able to expedite delivery forward to 2013-2014 but they are occupied delivering 20 of these to the South Korean Government in a $600m deal.
The FA-50 is considered an advanced fighter and can be equipped with the Link 16 tactical link, Elta Systems EL/M-2032 pulse Doppler radar, radar warning systems and a night vision imagery system. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon previously selected the FA-50 as a prime candidate for being outfitted with the same version of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar slated for use in a United States Air Force F-16 upgrade.
The FA-50 is built to carry a weapon’s payload of 9,920 pounds that includes Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Textron’s CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapon. In addition, the FA-50 is also fitted with a 20mm cannon and is configured to carry air-to-air missiles.
A delivery in 2015 might not be optimal for the PAF's needs, and unless they can come in some sort of agreement with the South Korean Government to bump them up in the queue, the PAF might need to consider alternatives to to their fighter needs.
In the 1980s, the PAF was one of the best equipped Air Forces in South East Asia. At that time, they operated the F-5A/B, F-86, F-8 and a range of trainers, transport aircrafts and the like.
The PAF currently operates the OV-10 Broncos. However they also have some trainers, the 6 SIAI Marchetti S211 which is configured to be able to conduct air to ground missions and Aermacchi SF260 of which half the fleet are configured for Light attack.
Beyond that the PAF operates a single C-130H, two F-27, and one Turbo Commander for transport missions.
The decline of PAF's fighter fleet was largely due to budget constraints and a focus for the military to channel resources to attend to domestic threats. Hence, aircrafts like the Bronco were retained as they enabled the military to attend to militants internally. The fighter fleet declined until they were all grounded for safety reasons by 2002.
Even though currently diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines still needs a credible Air Force to defend its claims.
The PAF suddenly find themselves in a position of having to slap together a Fighter fleet on a budget and in as small a time-frame as possible if it wants to be able to transition from internal security to territorial defence.
In mid 2012, a DND spokesperson announced that the Philippines is looking outside the US to meet this needs. Currently the PAF is rumored to be in the market for as many as two squadrons of fighters. France, the UK, Italy and South Korea are among the candidates in consideration.
The leading candidate is the Korean Aerospace Industries' FA-50. Initially it was rumoured that the Philippines might procure the T-50 (the trainer variant of the FA-50), but later announcements revealed that the Philippine government is hoping to hoping to commence final negotiations in Feb 2013. Negotiations are expected to last 6 months and the PAF can expect to receive the FA-50 from 2015.
KAI's FA-50
The Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) might be able to expedite delivery forward to 2013-2014 but they are occupied delivering 20 of these to the South Korean Government in a $600m deal.
The FA-50 is considered an advanced fighter and can be equipped with the Link 16 tactical link, Elta Systems EL/M-2032 pulse Doppler radar, radar warning systems and a night vision imagery system. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon previously selected the FA-50 as a prime candidate for being outfitted with the same version of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar slated for use in a United States Air Force F-16 upgrade.
The FA-50 is built to carry a weapon’s payload of 9,920 pounds that includes Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Textron’s CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapon. In addition, the FA-50 is also fitted with a 20mm cannon and is configured to carry air-to-air missiles.
A delivery in 2015 might not be optimal for the PAF's needs, and unless they can come in some sort of agreement with the South Korean Government to bump them up in the queue, the PAF might need to consider alternatives to to their fighter needs.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Anti-Submarine Helicopters for Philippines
The Department of National Defence (DND) of the Philippines is looking to further develop its Anti-submarine capabilities by acquiring submarine detection capabilities.
In Dec 2012, the Philippines signed a PHP 1.34b deal for 3 Augusta Westland AW109 which will be delivered in 2014. At least two of which is to be outfitted with Dipping Sonar and Magnetic Anomaly Detection. The AW109 will only be capable of detection and will not have any capabilities to engage submarines; this role will be fulfilled by the two Maestrale class frigates that the helicopters will operate from.
In September 2012, the Philippine congress approved a budget that includes the funding for the two frigates. The Maestrale class is designed primarily to be an anti-submarine platform but with capabilities for anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. The frigates are currently undertaking refurbishment and is expected to be delivered within 2013.
The ASW procurement is being expedited; most probably due to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
The Chinese are known to operate at least 60 submarines, about 50 of which are conventional attack submarines; the rest are ballistic-missile subs (a mix of conventional and nuclear). Therefore it is imperative and timely for the Philippines to develop further ASW capabilities so as to achieve some semblance of balance in capabilities.
Vietnam has ordered six Kilo-class submarines from Russia, of which at least two has been delivered with the rest to arrive from 2013 through 2016. The Kilo-class was designed to primarily conduct anti-submarine and ant-shipping operations.
The Malaysians are in possession of two scorpene class submarines, but those are not fully operational as of yet.
The capability to detect and engage submerged targets are imperative for The Philippines as it is a glaring tactical gap that they need to fill to better defend their territories.
In Dec 2012, the Philippines signed a PHP 1.34b deal for 3 Augusta Westland AW109 which will be delivered in 2014. At least two of which is to be outfitted with Dipping Sonar and Magnetic Anomaly Detection. The AW109 will only be capable of detection and will not have any capabilities to engage submarines; this role will be fulfilled by the two Maestrale class frigates that the helicopters will operate from.
Maestrale class Frigate
In September 2012, the Philippine congress approved a budget that includes the funding for the two frigates. The Maestrale class is designed primarily to be an anti-submarine platform but with capabilities for anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. The frigates are currently undertaking refurbishment and is expected to be delivered within 2013.
The ASW procurement is being expedited; most probably due to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
The Chinese are known to operate at least 60 submarines, about 50 of which are conventional attack submarines; the rest are ballistic-missile subs (a mix of conventional and nuclear). Therefore it is imperative and timely for the Philippines to develop further ASW capabilities so as to achieve some semblance of balance in capabilities.
Vietnam has ordered six Kilo-class submarines from Russia, of which at least two has been delivered with the rest to arrive from 2013 through 2016. The Kilo-class was designed to primarily conduct anti-submarine and ant-shipping operations.
The Malaysians are in possession of two scorpene class submarines, but those are not fully operational as of yet.
The capability to detect and engage submerged targets are imperative for The Philippines as it is a glaring tactical gap that they need to fill to better defend their territories.
Monday, 11 February 2013
The Mess in the South China Sea
Since this blog is going to delve into the complex issue that is ongoing in the South China Sea, I think I'd better set some precedence to whatever that I will state later.
The islands in dispute are the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, and Paratas Islands. There are also the Scarborough Shoal and the Macclesfield Bank which is in dispute. There is also dispute in claim for the maritime territories.
Currently the various territories in the South China Sea are being claimed by certain groups in the region;
China (People's Republic of China)
In essence is claiming the entirety of the South China Sea, which include the Paracel Islands, and the Spratly Islands as well. For further clarification, you might want to look into the "Nine dotted line". The "nine-dotted line" boundary, is of course being disputed by the Phillipines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Personally, I feel that China is over-reaching with its claim. The basis for the claim is history; which is shaky at best and at worst, works against them since many academics have put forward that historically, Vietnam has a prior claim on the Paracel Islands (allegedly) . Furthermore, China is a signatory of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and as such, the Nine Dotted Line claim is a HUGE stretch, by any means, even if the territories (Paracel and Spratlys) are conceded to China.
However, with its formidable Navy, China has the best means by which to assert and defend its claim. The Paracel Islands, for example, even though is being claimed by Vietnam (and Taiwan as well), is currently being administered (and occupied) by China. The likelihood that China would drop its claim and unoccupy the islands diplomatically is highly unlikely.
Taiwan (Republic of China)
The Republic of China were in fact the original group that put the claims as per the Nine Dotted Line while they were still based in China, as such they are also following through with those claims (on top of claiming sovereignty over mainland China as well). Beyond that, they are disputing China's claim on the Paratas Islands, the the Scarborough Shoal (also claimed by the Philippines , and the Macclesfield Bank (also claimed by Philippines and Vietnam).
The validity of their claims is the same as China's, however they are significantly less able to enforce their claims. The Scarborough shoal and Macclesfield Bank claims are especially hard to determine as they are largely underwater bodies, and they can't be claimed by possession.
The Philippines
The Philippines are claiming a portion of the Spratly Islands, the Scarborough Shoal, and the Macclesfield Bank.
The basis for Philippines' claim on the Spratlys lies in res nullis (it belongs to nobody, so they have claimed it) and Geography (the islands, are closest to their territories, and hence should belong to them). The Philippines' claim (based on res nullis) is interesting, to say the least, as it would allow them to keep whichever islands they are currently occupying however, it significantly diminishes their claim on the territories claimed by other parties, which a significant portion of it is.
To assert its claim, the Philippines have occupied and declared the claimed islands in the spratlys as a municipality in the Palawan Province. By setting up a settlements (primarily composed of fishermen) on the claimed islands and undertaking works on the island, Philippines have started precedence to cement their claim in the international arena by exercising sovereignty.
Vietnam
Vietnam is claiming the Paracel Islands and the Spratlys.
Prior to the "Nine Dotted Line" and even the "Eleven Dotted Line", the possession of the Paracel Islands have been inconsistently held between the Vietnamese and the Chinese. While Vietnam was under colonial rule, the French held and administered the islands on behalf of their colony, Vietnam.
During the second World War, the Japanese defeated the French and took over the Paracels. However, following their defeat at the end of the war, the Japanese renounced their claim on those territories. China then took control of the Amphrite group of islands in the north-east, while Vietnam took the Crescent group, in the south-west.
However in 1974, near the end of the Vietnam War, but not as part of that war, South Vietnam found that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), was in the vicinity of the Paracels and were deploying military forces on the islands. This resulted in the Battle of the Paracel Islands, which concluded in PLAN taking possession of the islands. Vietnam did not (or could not) regain possession of the island due to already being engaged on the mainland with North Vietnam and also due to the refusal of their American allies to get involved. The Chinese have held the Paracel Islands ever since.
This forms their basis for their claims on the Paracel; that they have held sovereignty on the islands until it was invaded by China.
With regards to the Spratlys, Vietnam has claimed that it has exercised sovereignty on the islands since the 17th century. After the French left, Vietnam has placed border markers on the Spratlys to indicate their possession of the islands. Currently, Vietnam occupies 31 of the islands.
Malaysia
Malaysia claims part of the Spratlys; 7 islands in the southern portion of the archipelago that they consider to be within its continental shelf (off the island of Borneo, as part of East Malaysia). The Malaysians have military presence on 3 of the islands. This claim comes from the continental shelf principle, however, the islands still needs to be res nullis.
Brunei
Brunei (similar to Malaysia) base their claim on the Continental shelf principle but also have declared an Exclusive Economic Zone encompassing one of the islets. Militarily, Brunei does not have any presence on the island.
Indonesia
Indonesia does not claim any of the islands but on maritime rights.
Conclusion
These disputes seem to the be the driving force in the recent and increasingly rapid modernization of military capabilities for Countries in the region and especially their naval capabilities. The economic situation seem to be the limiting factor in this development. This is not true for China, fueled by their growing economy and showcased by their ability to put together a Naval Task Fleet to attend to these conflicts.
Observers fear that accelerated modernization of the military capabilities will cause destabilisation in the region. However, due to the economic constraints, there are some who suggest that this could also lead to naval cooperation between the navies.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve these issues are taking place, albeit slowly, and haltingly. An agreement in 2011, between China, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam set some preliminary guidelines to resolve the issues as well as considerations in environmental protection, scientific research, safety in navigation and communication, search and rescue, and combating transnational crime.
How this issue will play out is anyone's guess.
The islands in dispute are the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, and Paratas Islands. There are also the Scarborough Shoal and the Macclesfield Bank which is in dispute. There is also dispute in claim for the maritime territories.
Currently the various territories in the South China Sea are being claimed by certain groups in the region;
China (People's Republic of China)
In essence is claiming the entirety of the South China Sea, which include the Paracel Islands, and the Spratly Islands as well. For further clarification, you might want to look into the "Nine dotted line". The "nine-dotted line" boundary, is of course being disputed by the Phillipines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Personally, I feel that China is over-reaching with its claim. The basis for the claim is history; which is shaky at best and at worst, works against them since many academics have put forward that historically, Vietnam has a prior claim on the Paracel Islands (allegedly) . Furthermore, China is a signatory of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and as such, the Nine Dotted Line claim is a HUGE stretch, by any means, even if the territories (Paracel and Spratlys) are conceded to China.
However, with its formidable Navy, China has the best means by which to assert and defend its claim. The Paracel Islands, for example, even though is being claimed by Vietnam (and Taiwan as well), is currently being administered (and occupied) by China. The likelihood that China would drop its claim and unoccupy the islands diplomatically is highly unlikely.
Taiwan (Republic of China)
The Republic of China were in fact the original group that put the claims as per the Nine Dotted Line while they were still based in China, as such they are also following through with those claims (on top of claiming sovereignty over mainland China as well). Beyond that, they are disputing China's claim on the Paratas Islands, the the Scarborough Shoal (also claimed by the Philippines , and the Macclesfield Bank (also claimed by Philippines and Vietnam).
The validity of their claims is the same as China's, however they are significantly less able to enforce their claims. The Scarborough shoal and Macclesfield Bank claims are especially hard to determine as they are largely underwater bodies, and they can't be claimed by possession.
The Philippines
The Philippines are claiming a portion of the Spratly Islands, the Scarborough Shoal, and the Macclesfield Bank.
The basis for Philippines' claim on the Spratlys lies in res nullis (it belongs to nobody, so they have claimed it) and Geography (the islands, are closest to their territories, and hence should belong to them). The Philippines' claim (based on res nullis) is interesting, to say the least, as it would allow them to keep whichever islands they are currently occupying however, it significantly diminishes their claim on the territories claimed by other parties, which a significant portion of it is.
To assert its claim, the Philippines have occupied and declared the claimed islands in the spratlys as a municipality in the Palawan Province. By setting up a settlements (primarily composed of fishermen) on the claimed islands and undertaking works on the island, Philippines have started precedence to cement their claim in the international arena by exercising sovereignty.
Vietnam
Vietnam is claiming the Paracel Islands and the Spratlys.
Prior to the "Nine Dotted Line" and even the "Eleven Dotted Line", the possession of the Paracel Islands have been inconsistently held between the Vietnamese and the Chinese. While Vietnam was under colonial rule, the French held and administered the islands on behalf of their colony, Vietnam.
During the second World War, the Japanese defeated the French and took over the Paracels. However, following their defeat at the end of the war, the Japanese renounced their claim on those territories. China then took control of the Amphrite group of islands in the north-east, while Vietnam took the Crescent group, in the south-west.
However in 1974, near the end of the Vietnam War, but not as part of that war, South Vietnam found that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), was in the vicinity of the Paracels and were deploying military forces on the islands. This resulted in the Battle of the Paracel Islands, which concluded in PLAN taking possession of the islands. Vietnam did not (or could not) regain possession of the island due to already being engaged on the mainland with North Vietnam and also due to the refusal of their American allies to get involved. The Chinese have held the Paracel Islands ever since.
This forms their basis for their claims on the Paracel; that they have held sovereignty on the islands until it was invaded by China.
With regards to the Spratlys, Vietnam has claimed that it has exercised sovereignty on the islands since the 17th century. After the French left, Vietnam has placed border markers on the Spratlys to indicate their possession of the islands. Currently, Vietnam occupies 31 of the islands.
Malaysia
Malaysia claims part of the Spratlys; 7 islands in the southern portion of the archipelago that they consider to be within its continental shelf (off the island of Borneo, as part of East Malaysia). The Malaysians have military presence on 3 of the islands. This claim comes from the continental shelf principle, however, the islands still needs to be res nullis.
Brunei
Brunei (similar to Malaysia) base their claim on the Continental shelf principle but also have declared an Exclusive Economic Zone encompassing one of the islets. Militarily, Brunei does not have any presence on the island.
Indonesia
Indonesia does not claim any of the islands but on maritime rights.
Conclusion
These disputes seem to the be the driving force in the recent and increasingly rapid modernization of military capabilities for Countries in the region and especially their naval capabilities. The economic situation seem to be the limiting factor in this development. This is not true for China, fueled by their growing economy and showcased by their ability to put together a Naval Task Fleet to attend to these conflicts.
Observers fear that accelerated modernization of the military capabilities will cause destabilisation in the region. However, due to the economic constraints, there are some who suggest that this could also lead to naval cooperation between the navies.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve these issues are taking place, albeit slowly, and haltingly. An agreement in 2011, between China, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam set some preliminary guidelines to resolve the issues as well as considerations in environmental protection, scientific research, safety in navigation and communication, search and rescue, and combating transnational crime.
How this issue will play out is anyone's guess.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Thai Air Force Modernization
In light of China's increased assertiveness and claims to disputed territories in the South China Sea, most South East Asian countries have found that they are inadequately equipped to protect their (disputed) territories. Thailand is one of these countries.
The Royal Thai Air Force has recently (relatively) undertaken a modernization of its Aircraft fleet.
In 2007, under the RTAF's 20th fighter programme, the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen came ahead of its competitors; the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKIT, F-16C/D Block 50/52and the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen to replace the F-5s.
Thailand will procure 12 JAS 39 Gripens (6 delivered as of 2011 with 6 more awaiting delivery), 2 Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C and 1 Saab 340 (for transport) and the RBS-15 missile system. Prudently the deal includes technology transfer as well.
The RTAF currently operates 6 JAS 39 Gripens, with 6 more on order and it is widely expected that they will further order 6 more (at least) to bring it fighter fleet to 18.
In a separate deal later (late 2012), the Saab Group will also provide an Electronic Communication Systems to operate between the Gripen and the Royal Thai Navy's frigates, Naresuan and Taksin.
The Royal Thai Air Force has recently (relatively) undertaken a modernization of its Aircraft fleet.
In 2007, under the RTAF's 20th fighter programme, the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen came ahead of its competitors; the Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKIT, F-16C/D Block 50/52and the Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen to replace the F-5s.
Thailand will procure 12 JAS 39 Gripens (6 delivered as of 2011 with 6 more awaiting delivery), 2 Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C and 1 Saab 340 (for transport) and the RBS-15 missile system. Prudently the deal includes technology transfer as well.
The RTAF currently operates 6 JAS 39 Gripens, with 6 more on order and it is widely expected that they will further order 6 more (at least) to bring it fighter fleet to 18.
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Saab 340 AEW&C
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Crew: 5
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Length: 20.57 m ( ft in)
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Wingspan: 21.44 m ( ft in)
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Height: 6.97 m ( ft in)
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Gross weight: 13155 kg ( lb) each
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Performance
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Cruising speed: 300 km/h ( mph)
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Endurance: 7 hours
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Service ceiling: 7,620 m ( ft)
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The two Saab 340 AEW&C and the single Saab 340 (for transport) have already been delivered
In a separate deal later (late 2012), the Saab Group will also provide an Electronic Communication Systems to operate between the Gripen and the Royal Thai Navy's frigates, Naresuan and Taksin.
Early 2013 saw RTAF, showcasing the Gripen sporting the Sidewinder AIM-9P (short-range air to air), AIM-120C AMRAAM (medium range air to air), the RB-15F (long range anti-ship) and also the IRIS-T (short range air to air).
Beyond the development of RTAF's cache of Combat Aircraft and their armament, the air force has also in the pipeline plans to update its Radar-Based Defence Systems which is to be completed by 2014.
October 2012 saw RTAF taking possession of its new TPS-77 Radar from Lockheed Martin. The TPS-77 is a transportable version of the AN/FPS-117; which is a phased array, 3-dimensional air search radar with a range of 200-250 nautical miles.
The Government of Thailand takes a cautious approach in its modernization programs seemingly trying to take the approach that many more successful defence forces, such as Singapore, have taken, taking care to obtain a transfer of technology and logistic programs where available. They also do not over-commit on their procurement activities, leaving room for the the next administration to adapt to changing circumstances in the future.
Defence Thoughts
THE BLOG
I have created this blog to share my observations on the trends and developments in Defence in the Asian region, with particular emphasis to developments in South East Asia.
News and developments from outside the Asian region will also be discussed with regards to its effects to the Asian Region.
As of the start of this blog, we will pay particular attention to the military activities linked to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
ABOUT MYSELF
I am a casual defence observer, based in Singapore, and my personal experience with the military is somewhat limited, but I will do my best to give a comprehensive view on the issues.
I have created this blog to share my observations on the trends and developments in Defence in the Asian region, with particular emphasis to developments in South East Asia.
News and developments from outside the Asian region will also be discussed with regards to its effects to the Asian Region.
As of the start of this blog, we will pay particular attention to the military activities linked to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
ABOUT MYSELF
I am a casual defence observer, based in Singapore, and my personal experience with the military is somewhat limited, but I will do my best to give a comprehensive view on the issues.
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