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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
23 Jun 24. Britain urged to order more submarines. In a recent report, experts discuss the necessity for the Royal Navy to expand and modernise its submarine fleet to maintain its strategic edge.
The report, ‘A More Lethal Royal Navy: Sharpening Britain’s Naval Power‘ by William Freer and Dr. Emma Salisbury, outlines the current state of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and provides key recommendations to enhance its capabilities.
Nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) are designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and carrying cruise missiles to attack land targets. Modern SSNs are known for their stealth, running quietly and remaining submerged for extended periods without surfacing.
The report highlights the strategic importance of regular submarine patrols: “Regular submarine patrols contribute considerably to deterrence, as an adversary fleet cannot be sure of its ability to operate unchallenged within a patrolled area.” This was exemplified during the Falklands War when the entire Argentine fleet returned to port following the sinking of the light cruiser General Belgrano by HMS Conqueror, an SSN.
The Royal Navy’s SSN fleet currently consists of five Astute class submarines, with two more expected, and one Trafalgar class submarine, which has been upgraded to extend its service life through to 2025.
Both classes are equipped with Tomahawk Block IV land-attack cruise missiles and Spearfish heavy torpedoes. The report notes, “The Tomahawks will be upgraded to the Block V version over the next couple of years to extend their striking range and provide more dynamic targeting capabilities.”
The Astute class will be replaced by a new class of SSNs under the AUKUS programme, a collaborative effort with Australia and the United States. The exact number of SSN-AUKUS submarines for the Royal Navy has not been finalised, with suggestions ranging from seven to twelve.
Recommendations
Additional Dreadnought Class Submarine
The report recommends procuring at least one additional Dreadnought class submarine to mitigate potential delays in the AUKUS programme. “This fifth vessel can be operated as a conventionally armed nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSGN) designed to carry a large payload of strike missiles,” the report states. This would enhance the Royal Navy’s conventionally armed submarine force and provide a backup for the SSBN fleet.
Increase SSN-AUKUS Fleet
The report urges the Royal Navy to order twelve SSN-AUKUS submarines. “Order 12 SSN-AUKUS boats and ensure their design has significant land-attack and anti-ship missile capability, including vertical launching systems (VLS),” it recommends. The integration of VLS would amplify the firepower of British submarines, enabling them to launch a greater number of strikes and potentially serve as a platform for future Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs).
Ensuring Capability Continuity
The report stresses the importance of avoiding a capability gap between the retirement of the Astute class and the introduction of the SSN-AUKUS class. “Care should be taken to ensure that there is no capability gap between the retirement of the Astute class and the entry into service of the AUKUS class,” it advises.
Collaboration and Workforce Maintenance
To support the submarine industry and maintain a skilled workforce, the report highlights the need to keep the industry active. “This would keep the submarine industry’s workforce active, abating the risk of delays to the AUKUS programme from the need to rebuild the workforce,” it explains.
(Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
22 Jun 24. Additional Type 26 and Type 32 frigates ‘needed.’ In a recent report, experts discuss the necessity for the Royal Navy to bolster its frigate force to address current and future maritime challenges.
The report, ‘A More Lethal Royal Navy: Sharpening Britain’s Naval Power‘ by William Freer and Dr. Emma Salisbury, outlines the current state of the Royal Navy’s frigate fleet and offers key recommendations to enhance its capabilities.
The Royal Navy’s frigate force has dwindled to precariously low levels but is expected to see a modest resurgence by the early 2030s. The Type 23 frigate, serving as the workhorse of the Royal Navy for three decades, is aging and heavily overworked. The report states, “While one of the best general-purpose frigate designs of their time, they are ageing – and have been heavily overworked.”
The current plan involves a mixed fleet of high-end and lower-end warships. This will include eight advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Type 26 frigates, five less capable but still potent Type 31 frigates, and possibly five Type 32 frigates. The Type 32 design is yet to be finalised but is expected to be a more autonomous version of the Type 31. This strategy aims to provide a total frigate force of 18 warships.
These new frigates will offer a balance between hull numbers, lethality, and survivability. The report notes, “The Type 26 class will carry 48 VLS cells for Sea Ceptor and 24 cells of Mk41, for a total of 72 cells.” The Type 31 class, initially planned to carry only eight Sea Ceptor cells, will now be equipped with 32 Mk41 cells, significantly enhancing its capabilities.
The Type 32, described as a “Type 31 Batch 2,” may also feature 32 Mk41 cells. The Royal Navy’s approach to rebuilding the frigate force is commendable and by the mid-2030s will see a larger and more capable fleet.
Recommendations
Additional Type 26 Frigates
The report recommends procuring two additional Type 26 class frigates, increasing the total order to ten vessels. “Russia and the PRC are both placing heavy emphasis on their submarine fleets and ASW frigates will be in higher demand in the coming years,” the report explains.
Integration of ASROC
To amplify the ASW capabilities of the Type 26 class, the report suggests integrating the Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) system. The report states, “ASROC is Mk41 VLS compatible and will amplify the Type 26 class’ already potent ASW capabilities.” This integration would ensure that the Type 26 can engage submarines at a range of around 10 miles, even if its helicopter is inoperable.
“The Type 26 is already set to become the world’s leading submarine hunting warship – integrating ASROC will turn it into an even more lethal submarine killer.”
It’s important to note that after the report was published, thinking went down this route.
Maintaining Type 31 Capabilities in Type 32 Design
The report emphasises that the Type 32 class design should not see a reduction in the capabilities of the Type 31 design. It asserts, “Ensure that Type 32 class frigate design – as a ‘Type 31 Batch 2’ – does not see a reduction in the capabilities of the Type 31 design.”
Additional Type 32 Frigates
To enhance operational flexibility and coverage, the report recommends procuring an additional four Type 32 frigates, bringing the total to nine. The report states, “Procure an additional four Type 32 frigates, taking the total order to 9 vessels. Warships can only be in one place at any given time and a larger number of warships will amplify and extend the Royal Navy’s ability to protect British interests.”
Enhancing Offensive Firepower
The report suggests fitting both the Type 31 and Type 32 class frigates with eight canisters for surface-to-surface missiles to boost their offensive capabilities. It advises, “Fit the Type 31 and Type 32 class frigates – designed ‘for but not with’ – with eight canisters for surface-to-surface missiles to amplify their offensive firepower.”
Options include transferring Naval Strike Missiles from the retiring Type 23 class or procuring new canisters for the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) or other weapons such as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Weapon (LRASM).
Improved ASW Detection
Finally, the report recommends amplifying systems for submarine detection. It suggests, “Bolstering the effort could come through ensuring investment into the Merlin helicopter life-extension programme and exploring how long-range drones, able to operate across multiple platforms, can contribute to ASW.” (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
EUROPE
27 Jun 24. Turkish defense industry offers promise for export potential but challenges remain, says GlobalData.
Türkiye’s growing domestic defense industry is seeking to expand into a growing export market. However, the country’s economic and political issues threaten to undermine this potential, as poor fiscal policy, authoritarian politics, and erosion of an independent central banking system have limited Western investment, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Turkey Defense Market 2024-2029”, reveals that Türkiye’s defense budget is set to increase significantly to $73.2bn in 2029, up from $44.5bn in 2024. The acquisition budget, which is $8.3bn in 2024, will rise to $12.5bn by 2029. The personnel spend will increase from $24.1bn in 2024 to $40.3bn by the end of the forecast period.
Wilson Jones, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Türkiye is struggling with rising corruption and authoritarianism, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule is increasingly criticized as dictatorial. The targeting of opposition figures, independent judges, and rising corruption all contributed to the EU’s 2023 decision to halt Türkiye’s EU accession due to worsening human rights.
“Economically, Türkiye has been in a major crisis since 2018, with the lira dropping from 6-1 to 35-1 against the US dollar. Inflation is rising at an alarming rate, caused in part by a large government deficit and large amounts of foreign-currency denominated debt (largely held in stronger Euros and the US dollar). These factors disincentivize foreign investment in Turkey, as other markets are perceived to offer strong returns without these risks and challenges to doing business.”
Jones continues: “One program that highlights the Turkish defense industry’s promises and challenges is the Altay Main Battle Tank (MBT). The Altay MBT is based on the South Korean K2 Panther and heavily relies on Korean technology. The Turkish firm BMC received technological assistance from Hyundai with the development and production of initial models, with the first prototype being delivered in 2016.”
Compared to the K2, the Altay features a modified CN08 120mm cannon with improved gun stabilizers, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)- resistant armor, and a braking system that allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration to avoid anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). The T1 and T2 are extremely similar.
The T1 was originally supposed to feature a Turkish-manufactured engine and transmission, but due to supply chain issues, it had to use a variety of German, Korean, and Ukrainian imports for these components. The T2 is the serial production that features these Turkish elements. A future T3 model will have an unmanned turret, and it is possible these earlier T1’s and T2’s could receive such upgrades. All variants are compatible with exterior reactive armor additions.
Jones concludes: “Türkiye’s acquisition plans of several hundred Altay’s indicate it seeks to replace foreign systems in this domain. There has also been significant foreign interest in the Altay reported from Columbia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Qatar has already purchased 400 units, and Oman is currently negotiating a deal with Türkiye.
“While the Altay is a powerful platform with strong export potential, its development history also indicates that Türkiye’s defense industry remains heavily reliant on international trade and assistance. This poses challenges to the government’s plans for full defense industry autarky.”
23 Jun 24. EU seeks defence industry partnerships with Japan, South Korea, says Nikkei. The European Union is seeking security and defence industry partnerships with Japan and South Korea aimed at joint development of military equipment, the Nikkei reported on Sunday, citing a senior EU commission official.
These would mark the EU’s first such security and defence-related collaboration with Asian nations, the Japanese business newspaper said in a report from Brussels that did not identify the official.
The bloc hopes to reach a ministerial-level agreement with Japan by year end, which could help the EU fund joint projects managed by Japanese and European companies, the Nikkei said.
Representatives of Japan’s foreign ministry and the South Korean and EU delegations in Tokyo were not immediately available for comment on the report on Sunday.
Japan, despite a constitution that renounces war, says it faces “the most severe and complex security environment since World War Two”. In recent years it has boosted its defence industry in its largest postwar military expansion, expressing concern about threats from Asia neighbours China and North Korea.
Tokyo signed a treaty last year to establish a programme to develop an advanced fighter jet with Britain and Italy.
This month Japan started talks with the United States on forging deeper defence industry collaboration under the U.S.-Japan Forum on Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition and Sustainment, established in April by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden.
Japan-U.S. discussions have so far focussed on naval repairs in Japan that could help free up U.S. yards to build more warships, but cooperation could be extended to aircraft repairs, missile production and military supply-chain resilience.
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Tokyo seeks to counter China’s increasing maritime assertiveness and has expressed concerns over any potential instability in the Taiwan strait.
It has sought deeper defence cooperation with the United States and the Philippines, and last week conducted a maritime exercise with the U.S., Canada and the Philippines in the South China Sea, where China’s expansive claims conflict with those of several other Asian nations.
(Source: Reuters)
USA
18 Jun 24. CENTCOM seeks industry capabilities to provide sensors to detect kamikaze drones. The Tradewinds US Department of Defense artificial intelligence contracting office reports that the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is seeking demonstrations for sensors enabling increased and enhanced detection of one-way unmanned aerial systems (OWUAS) that threaten US and partner forces.
The demonstrations are part of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Desert Guardian (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS) programme.
“Sensors will augment existing sensor coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for further analysis and correlation with other sensor data,” says the tender. “All sensor types are welcome (including, but not limited to, EO/IR, acoustic, radar), low-cost/attritable solutions preferred but not required. Desired solutions will adhere to the following parameters:
“RANGE – Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7 km or further than 25 km to force location (<7 km, >25 km).
“ALTITUDE – Sensors must specifically aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying at low altitudes close to force location (<300 m altitude within 25 km range). Sensors should aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying at all altitudes further from force location (greater than 25 km range).
“UAS SIZE – Sensors must enhance and/or improve visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size (21-1,320 lbs).
“UAS SPEED – Sensors must focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts) at a minimum, ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged.
“INTEGRATION – Sensors must have and demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.
“THIRD PARTY INTERFACE: Sensors will need to be integrated into a command and control framework using a remote procedure call (RPC) standard provided by the third party interface. This framework is programming language-agnostic and derived from open source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by third party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third party interface. Sensor participants will be expected to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration, example code for sensor integration will be provided if vendor is selected for Round 2.
“The goal for this effort is to enable DoD warfighters to better detect, identify, and defeat hostile UAS within their vicinity by leveraging heterogenous sensors integrated into a common interface. If successful, this process will complement existing sensors and improve force protection by providing early warning for personnel shelter and expanding the window available for kinetic and non-kinetic defeat.
“In this context, “innovative” is defined as any commercial product, technology, service, and/or any application of an existing commercial product, technology or service that have the potential to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements for the Department of Defense. This may include any novel process, practice, methodology, or application of the preceding items to a new mission domain.”
“Responses to this CSO will be accepted by the Government beginning Jun 15, 2024 through Jul 15, 2024 at 1700 Eastern Time. This general solicitation will be reviewed, updated, and amended, at a minimum, on an annual basis.”
For more information: CENTCOM Desert Guardian (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS) | Opportunities | Tradewinds (tradewindai.com)
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Jun 24. US Air Mobility Command seeks industry support to enable airborne counter-UAS capabilities. The US Air Force Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) is seeking information on concepts and technologies related to an on‑aircraft Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) capability. AMC is conducting an analysis to evaluate potential Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) solutions for integration onboard AMC fixed-wing airborne platforms to enhance aircrew situational awareness of other s-UAS operating in the proximity of the aircraft.
According to the request for information
“AMC is interested in information on concepts and technologies that:
- Represent full or partial on-aircraft C-sUAS capability solutions. Partial capability solutions could include those that only satisfy a sub-set of the desired C-sUAS functions (e.g., only detect, track, and identify sUAS; no defeat); or are otherwise limited (e.g., operable only in-flight or during certain environmental conditions).
- Have been demonstrated on an airborne platform or have been used on other mobile platforms (e.g., ground vehicle), with the potential for future integration onboard an airborne platform with additional development.
Deadline for responses is 28 August, 2024.
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/5bb523767a4345c6b5c111de8e3fb836/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Jun 24. DOD’s digital and AI office seeks UAS detection sensors. The United States Department of Defense’s (DOD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is seeking demonstrations for sensors enabling increased and enhanced detection of one-way uncrewed aerial systems (OWUAS) that threaten US and partner forces.
CDAO is responsible for accelerating DOD’s adoption of data, analytics, and AI. The goal for this effort is to enable DOD warfighters to better detect, identify, and defeat hostile UAS within their vicinity by using heterogenous sensors integrated into a common interface. If successful, this process will complement existing sensors and improve force protection by providing early warning for personnel shelter and expanding the window available for kinetic and non-kinetic defeat.
Sensors will be required to augment existing sensor coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for further analysis and correlation with other sensor data. All sensor types are welcome (including, but not limited to, EO/IR, acoustic, radar), low-cost/attritable solutions preferred but not required.
Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7km or further than 25km to force location. They should enhance and/or improve visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size, and focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts) at a minimum, while the ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged. The sensors must have and demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.
CDAO requires sensors that can be integrated into a command and control framework using a remote procedure call (RPC) standard provided by the third party interface. This framework is programming language-agnostic and derived from open source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by a third party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third party interface. Sensor participants will need to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration. An example code for sensor integration will be provided if the vendor is selected for Round 2. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jun 24. USN seeks kinetic C-UAS capability against group 3+ drone threats. The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has released a tender for kinetic defeat counter-UAS systems to protect US Navy assets.
According to the DIU:
“The growing threat of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses significant risks to U.S., allied and partner forces, naval vessels, and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes across the globe. Within the last eight months, these adversarial UAS actions threat have directly resulted in the death of three innocent seafarers, the complete loss of one commercial vessel, significant damage to more than a dozen vessels, a 900% increase in war-risk shipping insurance premiums and a 50% reduction in year-over-year trade volume for one of these key waterways, which have all resulted in a 9% reduction in effective global shipping capacity and a significant increase in global shipping costs. The U.S. is committed to protecting commercial maritime trade and, more importantly, service members conducting maritime operations in contested environments.
“To support this goal, the U.S. Department of the Navy seeks a kinetic defeat solution for group 3+ UAS. The proposed solution must demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat on adversarial group 3+ UAS and be more cost effective than the current traditional air defense solutions being used against UAS and available to Naval operational commanders.” Deadline for responses is 28 June 2024.
“The U.S. Navy intends to rapidly prototype and conduct a phased operational test and evaluation plan to validate the performance of one or more proposed shipborne kinetic defeat Counter UAS solutions. It is expected that solutions will be capable of expeditious worldwide deployment, integrated with a variety of naval platforms and must display the ability to be easily integrated into the existing sensors onboard a naval vessel.
“Solution briefs will only be accepted for complete Counter UxS (Uncrewed Systems) solutions that include a kinetic defeat effector and launcher that is focused on group 3+ UAS. Solutions may assume they will receive a track from the naval vessel’s combat systems to facilitate find and fix. The solution must be able to integrate with the naval vessel’s existing combat systems, but may also utilize an adjunct passive system (e.g., Electro-Optical / Infrared) that does not interfere with the ship’s organic sensors.”
For more information: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00535 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
REST OF THE WORLD
28 Jun 24. BDA, LMA partner to deliver AIR 6500 communications system.
Boeing Defence Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia have signed a contract for the delivery of communication elements as part of the AIR 6500 Joint Air Battle Management System.
Under the contract, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) will deliver hardware and software for voice and data services for the Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) command and control system.
The technology will be drawn from capabilities developed for Boeing’s Currawong Battlespace Communications System, currently in service with the Australian Defence Force.
According to a release from the BDA, the company’s distributed network system is already in-service with the Australian Defence Force, including several transmission options such as Wideband Global Satellite to fibre to public networks, as well as management and networking software.
BDA has already embedded a team within Lockheed Martin Australia to support preliminary works on this critical program.
“This subcontract further cements our position as an industry-leading developer of deployable communications systems and demonstrates the value that defence industry partnerships bring to solving the ADF’s complex problems,” Murray Brabrook, BDA joint systems director, said.
“Working collaboratively across industry ensures we achieve what matters most – connecting and protecting the warfighter and doing this more quickly than one organisation could do in isolation.”
Kendall Kuczma, international business development director at Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, added that the partnership will deliver next-generation communications technology into AIR 6500 to support Australian interests.
“We are delighted to join forces with BDA to integrate cutting-edge communication technologies into AIR 6500,” Kuczma said.
“I commend BDA’s engineers who, from day one, hit the ground running on AIR 6500. The team has embraced the agile architecture of AIR 6500 by leveraging the backbone of the Currawong Battlespace Communications technology and advancing it to provide an efficient and accelerated path to capability for the ADF.
“As we progress, Lockheed Martin Australia is committed to leveraging the full might of Australian industry to build a transformational capability, underpinned by best-of-breed sovereign technologies, that can be trusted to defend Australia and its national interests now and in the future.” (Source: Defence Connect)
25 Jun 24. New warship launch to bolster Philippines’ naval capabilities amid South China Sea tensions, says GlobalData.
The Philippines continues to accelerate its naval modernization to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The recent launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the first of two corvettes ordered from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in 2021, marks a significant step in this process. The second corvette is due to launch by year-end, with both vessels joining the fleet within the next few years. These corvettes, along with Jose Rizal-class frigates received earlier in 2016 and the upcoming Wonhae-class offshore patrol vehicles (OPVs), will bolster the Philippines’ naval capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market Forecast 2024-2034” reveals that Philippine investment in procuring various types of naval vessels is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during 2024-34. The need to update its naval fleet as part of the country’s naval modernization program is primarily responsible for such growth.
Venkatesh Kandlikar, Aerospace & Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “China’s recent assertiveness in the South China Sea has driven the Philippines to strengthen its territorial defense, a primary objective highlighted in the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act passed in December 2012. The escalating presence of Chinese coast guard patrols and the establishment of military installations in nearby islands have further led to frequent clashes with Philippine vessels in the contested waters.”
The modernization efforts of the Philippines are part of a broader regional trend in response to these escalating challenges, with countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei also bolstering their maritime defenses to counter China’s assertions.
Kandlikar adds: “While this collective effort has the potential to restore stability in the South China Sea, there are also concerns about the risk of wider military escalation in the region. Given the strategic importance of the South China Sea, characterized by overlapping territorial claims and crucial trade routes, there is apprehension about potential entanglements with major global powers, including the US and its allies.”
Amidst these escalating tensions, collaboration among the Philippines Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) becomes critically important. Through coordinated efforts and pooling of resources, these agencies can effectively enforce maritime laws and patrol the Exclusive Economic Zone. Such collaborative endeavors not only strengthen maritime security but also enable the Navy to focus on joint maritime drills with friendly countries, thereby strengthening overall maritime defense capabilities.
Kandlikar concludes: “Over the period 2024-34, a substantial portion of the Philippine Navy’s inventory is expected to largely feature cost-effective naval platforms built by South Korea. HHI’s scheduled delivery of corvettes, OPVs, and maintenance services for the in-service naval fleet plays a pivotal role in the country’s naval modernization efforts. Through strategic partnerships, such as with South Korea, and collaboration with various maritime agencies, the Philippines is looking to tackle a stronger opponent, China.”
(Source: GlobalData)
25 Jun 24. KF-21 fighter engine plans matches South Korea’s aim for 40 aircraft by 2028. Hanwha Aerospace will build a first batch of at least 40 F414 engines at its Changwon Plant 1, under license from US aerospace prime GE Aerospace.
South Korea’s aspirations to have a first batch of 40 KF-21 Boromae fighters delivered by 2028 has been backed up by an announced contract between Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Hanwha Aerospace for the build of at least 40 F414 engines between 2024-2027.
In a 25 June release, Hanwha Aerospace said that the contract for “over 40 F414 engines and spare modules for the KF-21”, valued at around $401m. The contract period runs from June 2024 to December 2027, during which Hanwha Aerospace will also provide engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical support.
The supplied engines will be installed in the first batch of KF-21, as Hanwha Aerospace is obliged to supplying engines until the end of the KF-21 production run as the country’s sole aircraft engine manufacturer.
Since 1979, Hanwha Aerospace has supplied engines for Korean military aircraft, including the F-4, KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50, through overseas license production. The F414 engine for the KF-21 will be produced at the company’s Changwon Plant 1, utilising a license from GE Aerospace.
Hanwha Aerospace stated that the contract “serves as a stepping-stone” for the company’s plans to develop “next-generation engine technologies”, specifically those for sixth-generation platforms.
In focus: South Korea’s KF-21
The KF-21 fighter is a potential 4.5+/5th generation fighter under development by Korea Aerospace Industries, with work on the programme beginning in 2021. The Republic of Korea Air Force is expected to have up to 120 KF-21 Boromae fighters delivered by 2032, with the first 40 arriving by 2028.
In February 2023, DAPA announced the completion of the maiden flight test of the fourth prototype KF-21 Boramae fighter, followed by the maiden flight of the sixth prototype in November the same year.
As part of the development of the platform, South Korea has sought to partner with European industry in order to provide enhanced air combat capabilities, signing deals with Diehl Defence and MBDA for integration of the IRIS-T and Meteor missiles, respectively.
Test firings of the IRIS-T were reportedly carried out by KF-21 aircraft in 2023 and confirmed to have taken place in May 2024.
In November 2023 European missile manufacturer MBDA stated that the company was working with KAI to integrate its Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the KF-21 fighter, as part of a wider deal to deepen industrial cooperation.
Examples of areas of cooperation being explored under the new agreement included the integration of MBDA munitions such as SPEAR, ASRAAM, and Brimstone onto KAI platforms such as KF-21 and FA-50, and the export of the above platforms and missiles, stated MBDA.
The fighter will also feature AESA radar to aid in situational awareness and air combat, with its twin-tail design and fuselage reminiscent of the US-led F-35 stealth fighter, a true fifth-generation platform.
The likely 120-strong fleet will be delivered in two distinct blocks, with Block 1 being an air superiority fighter and Block 2 adding multirole combat capabilities. This roadmap follows programmes such as the European Eurofighter, which saw initial tranches specifically
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
23 Jun 24. Israel’s defense sales top $13bn as 2023 becomes another record year. The outbreak of the conflict in Gaza towards the end of the year didn’t seem to slow Jerusalem’s booming defense export business.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that the country exported $13 bn in defense products in 2023, the third year in a row of record sales for the defense industry here, and an increase of $500 m over 2022 despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, and the Director of the Israel Ministry of Defense’s International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas announced the record $13.073 in exports on June 17, noting that “Israeli defense exports have doubled within five years.”
“Israel continues succeeding in its international cooperation and industrial defense exports even during a year marked by war. This is a reflection of the capabilities and creativity of our industries and our people,” Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said. “While our industries are primarily focused on providing the defense establishment with the capabilities to support our troops and defend our citizens, they are also continuing to pursue areas of cooperation and exports to international partners.”
Missile, rocket, and air defense systems accounted for slightly over a third of sales at 36 percent. One big chunk is due to Israel’s conclusion of a $3.6bn deal for the Arrow air defense system with Germany in 2023. The system is made by Israel Aerospace Industries and Arrow was jointly developed with the United States. Finland also acquired David’s Sling, an air defense system also jointly developed with the US and made by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. That deal was worth $345m.
In 2022 the top export were Israeli UAV and drone systems accounting for 25 percent of sales, whereas in 2023 this dropped to 4 percent [LF: double checking: it dropped BY 4% or TO 4%?]. By contrast missiles, rockets and air defense was a strong sector in 2022 as well, with 19 percent of exports in this group.
Radar and electronic warfare remained relatively the same in 2023 with 11 percent of sales compared to 13 percent in 2022. Vehicles and APCs were the same, only 5 percent, the last two years. Israel also exports weapon stations and launchers (11 percent in 2023), manned aircraft and avionics (9 percent), ammunition and armaments (8 percent), observation and optronics (5 percent), intelligence, information and cyber systems (4 percent), C4I and communication systems (4 percent), satellites and space systems (2 percent), and maritime systems and platforms (1 percent).
In terms of geographic areas of exports, Asia and the Pacific remained the largest sector for Israel, at 48 percent. Europe was second at 35 percent and North America third with 9 percent. Latin America accounted for only 4 percent and Africa for 1 percent.
Israel segments out the Abraham Accords countries, which include the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco. These accounted for only 3 percent of exports in 2023, but they were a whopping 24 percent in 2022. It was not clear what the major change in these numbers reflected. An article at The New Arab noted that the decrease coincided with the Gaza war that began with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. However, the war only took place during the fourth quarter of sales, which would not be seen in such a steep change.
More likely, the change reflected a natural ebb tide following several large sales in 2022. Israel only made peace with the Abraham Accords states in 2020, and these countries have only been segmented out since 2021. In 2021 the Abraham Accords countries accounted for 7 percent of exports. This shows the number is volatile for the last several years and there is no clear trend.
In 2022 Israel’s ministry said that the exports come from around 120 Israeli defense companies, and though the ministry did not disclose it this week, Israel likely has a similar number today. The industry in Israel is dominated by three giant defense companies: Elbit Systems, IAI and Rafael. In March 2023, Rafael said orders had surged 85 percent in 2023 compared to 2022 with $8.2 bn in sales. It wasn’t clear how much of this was for export. Elbit Systems said sales in 2023 amounted to $5.97 bn, of which $1.1 bn was in Israel and, therefore, $4.8 bn was for export. IAI said that sales for 2023 were $5.32 bn of which it said $3.79 bn were for export.
The Ministry of Defense said in this week’s statement that it has focused on defense exports as a priority. “The Ministry of Defense led a national effort to strengthen security-strategic relations worldwide, expand defense exports to new markets, remove bureaucratic barriers, and reduce regulation, following Defense Export Control Agency (DECA) regulations and international conventions.” As in the past years, agreements over $100m make up a large portion of the overall agreements.
“The remarkable achievements of the Israeli defense industries have doubled defense exports within five years. Nations worldwide are recognizing the success of Israeli defense systems, especially in air defense, appreciating their crucial role in safeguarding citizens,” said Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir. He also noted that in the wake of the October war Israel has invested “billions of dollars” in domestic procurement. This has included items such as munitions. “This strategic approach is expected to further boost our global defense export,” he said.
It remains to be seen how much the conflict in Gaza will affect Israel’s defense exports, both as the nation focuses more on supplying its own military and it begins to feel the affect of international pressure related to the conduct of the war. This year defense firms from Israel were controversially banned from a portion of the Eurosatory defense exhibition — one of the largest arms shows in Europe and a chance to show off their wares to customers.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
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