Mil News Asian Nations Military News

[BravoZulu]

Philippines receives final three TC-90 aircraft from Japan
The Philippine Navy (PN) officially received the final three of overall five Beechcraft TC-90 aircraft in a March 26 ceremony at Naval Air Group (NAG) headquarters in Cavite City.

The aircraft, donated to the Philippines by the Japan ministry of defense (JMOD), will boost the country’s maritime patrol capabilities.

Philippines National Defense Chief, Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana, witnessed the event as guest of honor and speaker. The ceremony was also attended by Japan defense ministry delegates and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippine Koji Haneda.

The first two TC-90 aircraft arrived in Philippines in March 2017.

TC-90 is a designation used by the JMSDF for the Beechcraft’s Model 90 King Air which started deliveries to Japan in the 1970s.

One of the first two donated aircraft was already used to patrol the Scarborough Shoal, according to media reports. The Scarborough Shoal, referred to as Huangyan Dao by China, is a contested region of the South China Sea seized by China in 2012. Chinese control of the fishing area was declared illegal in a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that said China’s territorial claims in the region had no legal grounding.

https://navaltoday.com/2018/03/26/p...nal-three-tc-90-aircraft-from-japan/?uid=5430

 

[BravoZulu]

Singapore launches sixth littoral mission vessel ‘Fortitude’

Singapore’s ST Marine launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s sixth Independence-class littoral mission vessel ‘Fortitude’ in a ceremony on Saturday, March 24.
The LMV Fortitude was launched at ST Marine’s Benoi Yard in a ceremony attended by senior officials from the defense ministry and armed forces.
Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV program which started in 2013 with the aim of replacing the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels.
The 80-meter vessels displace 1,250 tonnes and are 2.5 times larger than the Fearless-class patrol vessels they are replacing.
The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making.
"The launch of the sixth LMV Fortitude today brings us another step closer to the completion of the LMV program. The milestones to date could not have been achieved without the collaboration of the DSTA, RSN and our industry partners, and I extend my warmest appreciation to them,” said Ng Sing Chan, ST Marine president. “We are honoured to be able to contribute to RSN’s robust seaward defence of Singapore, which will be strengthened further when all eight LMVs are delivered in 2020.”
ST Marine has delivered four vessels till date, LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable was launched in 2017; the keel was laid for the seventh LMV and steel was also cut for the eighth LMV last year.
The RSN currently has three LMVs in service, the RSS Independence which was commissioned on the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy on May 5, 2017, and RSS Sovereignty and Unity which were commissioned on November 14.

https://navaltoday.com/2018/03/26/s...h-littoral-mission-vessel-fortitude/?uid=5430

 

[Bombardier]

Singapore launches sixth littoral mission vessel ‘Fortitude’

Singapore’s ST Marine launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s sixth Independence-class littoral mission vessel ‘Fortitude’ in a ceremony on Saturday, March 24.
The LMV Fortitude was launched at ST Marine’s Benoi Yard in a ceremony attended by senior officials from the defense ministry and armed forces.
Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV program which started in 2013 with the aim of replacing the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels.
The 80-meter vessels displace 1,250 tonnes and are 2.5 times larger than the Fearless-class patrol vessels they are replacing.
The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making.
"The launch of the sixth LMV Fortitude today brings us another step closer to the completion of the LMV program. The milestones to date could not have been achieved without the collaboration of the DSTA, RSN and our industry partners, and I extend my warmest appreciation to them,” said Ng Sing Chan, ST Marine president. “We are honoured to be able to contribute to RSN’s robust seaward defence of Singapore, which will be strengthened further when all eight LMVs are delivered in 2020.”
ST Marine has delivered four vessels till date, LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable was launched in 2017; the keel was laid for the seventh LMV and steel was also cut for the eighth LMV last year.
The RSN currently has three LMVs in service, the RSS Independence which was commissioned on the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy on May 5, 2017, and RSS Sovereignty and Unity which were commissioned on November 14.

https://navaltoday.com/2018/03/26/s...h-littoral-mission-vessel-fortitude/?uid=5430

Although I am not aware of Singapore having any real enemies they are a high risk of terrorist attack especially as they are not a Muslim-majority country but are surrounded by Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, these littoral ship's will come in handy to protect them against that kind of threat.

While Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are spending quite heavily on new jet fighters and weapons, the republic feels it has to follow the trend in order to face any unwanted circumstances like the ones in Sabah.

A worse scenario is the potential of Southeast Asian nations entering an 'arm race'!

http://justread-whatever.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/who-are-singapores-enemies.html

 

[BravoZulu]

I think of Singapore as the Switzerland of Asia, an invasion would ultimately succeed however, the cost in blood and treasure would make any enemy think twice

 

[AAR Galileo]

South Korea

According multiple sources in the SK Navy, French Barracuda SSN may ne the next SK Navy submarine and first nuclear propelled.

A think tank commissioned by the South Korean Navy to study possible options for a nuclear-powered attack submarine procurement has pointed to France’s 5,300 ton Barracuda-class submarine as a model candidate.

Manufactured by French industrial group DCNS (Direction des Constructions Navales), the Barracuda-class is a modern class of nuclear attack submarine, notable for its extremely low noise signature, enhancing the submarine’s survivability.

According to Defense News, a South Korean Navy spokesperson noted that they are reviewing the report, which was produced by the Korea Defense Network over five months. “After thorough review, we’ll report it to the defense minister and the presidential office subsequently for final decision.”

https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/sou...ces-barracuda-class-nuclear-attack-submarine/

 

[BravoZulu]

South Korea:
The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) has received its third Cheonwangbong (LST-2)-class tank landing ship from local shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The vessel, which will be known as ROKS Ilchulbong with pennant number 688 once commissioned, was handed over to the service 2 April, South Korea’s Defense Administration Program Agency (DAPA) announced on the same day.

Ilchulbong is the third of four planned LST-II tank landing ships for the RoKN. First-of-class Cheonwangbong (686) was commissioned in November 2014. A second ship, ROKS Cheonjabong (687) was inducted in August 2017, while the fourth vessel, Nojeokbong (689) was launched in November the same year.

The Cheonwangbong class has an overall length of 126.9 m, an overall beam of 19.4 m, and a hull draught of 5.4 m. It has a standard displacement of 4,900 tonnes, and can accommodate a crew complement of 130.

Powered by four MAN 12V28/33D engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration, The LST can attain a top speed of 23 kt, an economic cruising speed of 18 kt, and a standard range of 8,000 n miles (14,816 km) at 12 kt.

The ship can accommodate two mechanised landing craft on its foredeck that can be deployed via a 65-tonne capacity deck crane, and can embark up to 300 fully equipped soldiers, and eight amphibious assault vehicles. The platform’s flight deck can take up to two helicopters, such as the UH-60A.

http://www.janes.com/article/78964/...hird-lst-2-class-tank-landing-ship?from_rss=1

 

[BravoZulu]

Singapore:
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has revealed the first images of its newly delivered MBDA Aster 30 SAMP/T (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre, or surface-to-air medium range/land) self-propelled surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

Screengrabs from a video commemorating its 50th Anniversary, hosted on the service’s official Facebook page and accessed by Jane’s on 29 March, showed the Aster 30 SAMP/T mounted on a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles 8x8 TG-series truck at an undisclosed facility in Singapore.

The system will replace the RSAF’s heavily modified but ageing Raytheon MIM-23B Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) missile systems operated by 163 Squadron, which entered service in the early 1980s.

“The RSAF has taken delivery of the Aster 30 missile system,” a Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) spokesperson told Jane’s .

“The system is currently undergoing local testing and integration into our enhanced Island Air Defence (IAD) system,” the spokesperson added. “When operationalised, the Aster 30 will enhance the RSAF’s overall air defence capabilities to protect Singapore against a wide spectrum of air threats.”

Singapore’s interest in the Aster 30 missile system was revealed in September 2013, when Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen announced that it was selected as a medium-range air defence system to supplement the shorter-range Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Surface-to-Air PYthon and DERby (SPYDER) system, which was delivered in 2012.

MINDEF did not provide further details of its acquisition, but the Aster 30 SAMP/T system is understood to comprise a ground launcher system which includes four truck-mounted vertical launchers, with an option for up to six vertical launchers. Each mobile launcher carries a launcher module carrying eight Aster 30 missiles, and can fire all eight missiles in less than 10 seconds. The launcher can be quickly rearmed once its missiles have been expended.

http://www.janes.com/article/78965/...er-30-sam-system-confirms-delivery?from_rss=1

 

[Wallensi]

DPRK​

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks in Beijing last week that he agreed to return to six-party talks on his nation’s nuclear program and missile tests, the Nikkei newspaper said on Thursday.
Months of chill between Beijing and Pyongyang appeared to suddenly vanish during Kim’s secretive visit, with China saying that Kim had pledged his commitment to denuclearization.
Quoting multiple sources connected to China and North Korea, the Nikkei said that, according to documents issued after Kim and Xi met, Kim told Xi that he agreed to resuming the six-party talks, which were last held in 2009.
North Korea declared the on-again, off-again talks dead at the time, blaming U.S. aggression. The talks grouped the two Koreas, the United States, Russia, Japan and host China.
The sources said it was also possible that Kim could convey his willingness to resume the talks to U.S. President Donald Trump at a summit set to take place in May, but that it was far from clear if that meant the talks would actually resume.

More here=Chinese officials were not immediately able to comment.

 

[Wallensi]

DPRK

Commercial satellite imagery from March 30 indicates that North Korea may have shut down the 5 MWe (plutonium production) reactor for the time being. A major excavation project has also begun near the cooling water outfall, which, when coupled with recent efforts to dam the river below this point to create a reservoir, could indicate an attempt to provide a more steady flow of water into the facility. This would allow for the reactor to run more continuously and safely in the future.

There is also new truck activity at the reactor, the purpose of which is unclear but could include maintenance or repairs, the movement of spent fuel rods to the Radiochemical Laboratory from the spent fuel storage pond, or the offloading of fresh fuel to the reactor. Despite the apparent reactor shutdown, there was no evidence (as of March 30) of plutonium reprocessing taking place at the Radiochemical Laboratory. However, this development should be monitored closely in the future.

At the Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR), work continues on an adjacent building that may be a laboratory or for engineering support, but there are no obvious signs that the reactor is approaching operational status.
More here=https://www.38north.org/2018/04/yongbyon040418/

 

[AAR Galileo]

Taiwan :
Trump administration grants license for Taiwan submarine project: report
The news agency said Taiwan Ministry of National Defense Chen Chung-chi confirmed that the U.S. Department of State had agreed to grant the license needed to sell the technology to Taiwan that it would need to build its own submarine. The Trump administration has approved the marketing license required for American manufacturers to sell technology to Taiwan that would allow for building domestic submarines, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported on Saturday. The U.S. State Department declined to confirm the details of the news report.

A State Department official said the agency continued to review Taiwan’s defense needs and referred questions about specific procurement plans to Taiwanese authorities.

“Our longstanding policy on defense sales to Taiwan has been consistent across seven different U.S. administrations,” the official said. “This policy has contributed to the security of Taiwan and also supported the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...taiwan-submarine-project-report-idUSKBN1HE0PU

 

[rtomedic]

Japan activates first marine force since WWII

Japan has activated its first marine unit since World War II, in what has been declared as a means of "defense of our islands."

"Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate," said Japan's Vice Defense Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto during a speech on Saturday.

In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the so-called Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside in cold, windy weather.

The marine brigade is the latest component of an emerging naval force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers, and amphibious assault vehicles. The military unit conducted a 20-minute mock public drill, recapturing a remote island from mock enemy forces.

China and Japan dispute territory in the East China Sea, claiming sovereignty over a group of tiny, uninhabited islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japan accuses China of pushing to extend its military influence in the East China Sea and the western Pacific.

The activation of the 2,100-strong ARDB brings Japan a step closer to establishing a force capable of planning and executing naval military operations far from its home base.

The development comes even though Japan renounced the right to wage offensive military operation in its post-World War ...more https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/japan/2018/japan-180407-presstv01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2260.ph0ao0037n.22xj

Taiwan's domestic submarine development program uncertain: experts
Taipei, April 8 (CNA) Although the U.S. administration has approved the marketing license required for American manufacturers to sell Taiwan the technology needed to build its own submarines, such a move could prove largely symbolic if the country lacks the ability to undertake system integration, parts assembly and testing, experts said Sunday.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Saturday that the U.S. Department of State's approval of the marketing license represents a major breakthrough for Taiwan's plan to develop its own submarines, while expressing gratitude to the U.S. government for helping Taiwan upgrade its self-defense capabilities.

The Presidential Office and the MND thanked the U.S. for its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which requires the U.S. provide Taiwan with arms and services of a defensive nature.

Commenting on the news, National Chengchi University Institute of International Relations Director Arthur Ding (???) said that although the U.S. has continuously insisted upon a peaceful settlement of cross-strait differences based on the TRA, China's increasingly frequent military maneuvers near Taiwan has prompted Washington to take measures to ensuring Taipei can maintain a credible defense through either business sales or technology transfers.

...more https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/...408-cna01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2260.ph0ao0037n.22x4

 

[rtomedic]

UK sends 3rd navy ship to Asia-Pacific to monitor N Korea
The United Kingdom is deploying a third navy warship to Asia-Pacific in order to monitor North Korea amid diplomatic tensions with Pyongyang over its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.

According to a report by The Independent, HMS Albion will be sent to the area to join HMS Sutherland and together they will participate in joint training and exercises with regional allies.

They will also monitor any prohibited sea trading by North Korea, which London believes provides a major source of funding for what it describes as its illegal nuclear program.

The British Ministry of Defense has previously said that HMS Argyll would also be sent to the region later this year to take part in an exercise with Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

"Our Armed Forces are at the forefront of Global Britain, and the deployment of HMS Albion, Sutherland and Argyll demonstrates our unwavering commitment ...MORE

https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/...presstv01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2263.ph0ao0037n.230p


Inter-Korean Summit Seen as Litmus Test for Pyongyang's Commitment to Denuclearization
At the upcoming inter-Korean summit slated for late April, South Korea should seek a clear understanding of North Korea's interpretation of what the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will mean, said former U.S. officials who have dealt with North Korea extensively.
Differing interpretations

Mitchell Reiss, director of policy planning at the U.S. State Department during the George W. Bush administration, urged caution until it is better known what Kim means when he says he is willing to talk about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"What North Korea means by denuclearization is very different than what the United States and what South Korea traditionally has meant by denuclearization," said Reiss, a negotiator
As President Donald Trump appears to be optimistic about the prospects of potential talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the former U.S. officials remain skeptical Washington and Pyongyang share the same meaning of denuclearization.

U.S. officials confirmed on Sunday that North Korea directly told the White House that Kim would be interested in talks and was prepared to discuss denuclearization at a summit with Trump.

On Monday, Trump said, "I think there'll be great respect paid by both parties, and hopefully we'll be able to make a deal on the de-nuking of North Korea." Trump said he'll meet with Kim in late May or early June, but the date and place have not been confirmed. ...MORE

https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/...411-voa01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2263.ph0ao0037n.230u

 

[rtomedic]

Trump Backs Seoul Effort to End Korean War
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Seoul's efforts to try to negotiate with Pyongyang to end the Korean War.

"They do have my blessing to end the war," Trump told reporters as he sat next to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the start of their meeting. "People don't realize the Korean War has not ended. It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war."

Active combat in the war ended in 1953 with an armistice signed by the United States (which commanded U.N. forces), North Korea and China. South Korea was not a signatory, and the two Koreas have never established diplomatic relations.

Abe praised Trump for agreeing to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the move took "courage."

Trump said the summit "will be taking place probably in early June or a little before that, assuming things go well. It's possible things won't go well, and we won't have the meetings, and we'll just continue to go along this very strong path that we've taken." ...MORE

https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/...417-voa01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2268.ph0ao0037n.2364

 

[rtomedic]

Korean Leaders Can Discuss Peace, But Can't End Korean War
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Donald Trump has given his “blessing” for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States.

The reason is that South Korea wasn’t a direct signatory to the armistice that stopped the fighting but left the Korean Peninsula still technically in a state of war.

There’s widespread interest in what South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will talk about at their summit on April 27, which would be only the third such meeting between the countries’ leaders. A separate meeting between Kim and Trump is anticipated in May or June.

Trump revealed Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea had been holding direct talks at “extremely high levels” in preparation for their summit. Trump also said that North and South Korea are negotiating an end to hostilities before next week’s summit.

“They do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war,” Trump said.

A senior South Korean presidential official said Wednesday that the Koreas plan to use their summit to discuss ending military hostilities, but it wasn’t clear if they’d discuss the end of the war. MORE

https://inhomelandsecurity.com/kore...-cant-end-korean-war&utm_campaign=20180418IHS

 

[BravoZulu]

South Korea:
Discussions coming out of South Korea's Jeju Island island last week suggest that the US is trying to get South Korea to pay more for rotationally-deployed military assets sent to the peninsula.

At present, the arrangement sees Seoul cover the cost of stationing American troops in the country, however, now Washington wants them take over the tab when a US carrier strike group or flight of bombers are stationed in the country. While the exact figure of how much the US pays for these deployments is unknown, local experts predict that the cost of sending a strategic bomber to South Korea comes in at $5.6 million.

But the talks did not include who would pay for THAAD, the Terminal High Altitude Area air defense system that was deployed to South Korea last year to much local protest. Both countries agreed that the US would cover the cost of THAAD's deployment while the South would provide the land and infrastructure, but South Korea’s National Defense Minister Song Young-moo said last February that Seoul was “preparing a strategy” in case Washington tries to turn the table around and ask the country to cover deployment costs as well.

 

[rtomedic]

Trump Confirms CIA Chief Met With Kim Jong Un
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that his CIA director, Mike Pompeo, had held a secret meeting in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"He just left North Korea, had a great meeting with Kim Jong Un and got along with him really well, really great. … He is that kind of guy. He is really smart but he gets along with people," Trump told reporters Wednesday at his Florida resort.

Trump had said Tuesday that the United States and North Korea "had talks at the highest level" without giving specifics.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Trump at his Florida resort, praised the president Tuesday for agreeing to hold a summit with Kim, saying the move took "courage."

Trump said that meeting would take place "probably in early June or a little before that, assuming things go well. It's possible things won't go well, and ...MORE

https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/...418-voa01.htm?_m=3n.002a.2269.ph0ao0037n.237g

 

[AAR Galileo]

Malasya:

The Malaysian Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of 18 units of 105LG1 artillery systems for the Army Forces during one of the largest defense services exhibition in Asia, DSA&NATSEC 2018.
This 3-year contract will start by November 2019 with the first delivery of 6 light guns and the last delivery is due to take place in February 2020.
The 105 LG1 is a 105mm gun designed for intervention and rapid reaction forces. With a maximum range of 17 km, it can be towed by a light vehicle, transported by an average helicopter (PUMA or Bell 212 type) or parachuted by a tactical transport aircraft (C130-Hercules type).
This extreme mobility, thanks to its low weight (1650 kg), allows it to be deployed on any theater of operation as complex as it is (jungle, forest, mountains etc.). A crew of 5 men is enough to make it operational very quickly (a battery setup of 30 seconds) and to shoot at a rate of at least 12 rounds per minute.
Combat-proven and qualified by the French army, the gun of 105LG1 equips today six armies around the world: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Belgium, Canada and Colombia. This new acquisition of 105LG1 by the Malaysian army confirms the excellent performance, ease of use and robustness of this gun.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/ar...aysia-orders-18-nexter-105lg1-towed-guns.html

 

[rtomedic]

White House Sees Denuclearization as Ultimate Goal of N. Korea Talks
The White House on Monday declared the ultimate goal of any negotiations President Trump would have with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is denuclearization and "until we see concrete actions taken towards complete and total denuclearization" the U.S. "maximum pressure" campaign on Pyongyang will continue and sanctions on the isolated country will not be lifted.

"We're not going to take the North Koreans simply at their word," White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday in response to a question from VOA News about recent declarations by Pyongyang.

"We're not naïve in this process," added Huckabee Sanders. "We've seen some steps in the right direction, but we have a long way to go."

Kim has announced a freeze of nuclear weapons tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

Trump on Sunday appeared to infer that the North Korean leader had already agreed to give up his nuclear arsenal, despite such no such announcement from Pyongyang. ...MORE

https://www.militaryimages.net/threads/asian-nations-military-news.7273/#post-32099

 

[Wallensi]

Link failed i put a new
https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-kim-north-korea-denuclearization/4360855.html

 

[Bombardier]

Great work bringing all these Military News Articles together, I enjoy reading them and have little time between work and site duties to search and read about this stuff. Thanks to all