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02 Dec 23. North Korea says interference in its satellites would be declaration of war. North Korea said on Saturday it would consider any interference with its satellite operations a declaration of war and would mobilise its war deterrence if any attack against its strategic assets were imminent.
Pyongyang would respond to any U.S. interference in space by eliminating the viability of U.S. spy satellites, state media KCNA reported, citing a statement from North Korea’s defence ministry spokesperson.
“In case the U.S. tries to violate the legitimate territory of a sovereign state by weaponizing the latest technologies illegally and unjustly, the DPRK will consider taking responsive action measures for self-defence to undermine or destroy the viability of the U.S. spy satellites,” the statement said.
DPRK are the initials of the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
North Korea says it successfully launched its first military spy satellite on Nov. 21, transmitting photos of military installations in the U.S. mainland, Japan and the U.S. territory of Guam.
A U.S. Space Command spokesman, asked if Washington had the capability to interrupt the North Korean satellite’s reconnaissance operations, said the U.S. could deny an adversary’s space capabilities using a variety of means, according to U.S. broadcaster RFA.
In a statement issued later on Saturday, North Korea’s foreign ministry said it will take countermeasures against individuals and organisations of the U.S. and “its vassal forces” that impose and enforce sanctions against North Korea, adding that U.S. sanctions violate international law.
The United States on Thursday targeted North Korea with fresh sanctions after the launch, designating foreign-based agents it accused of facilitating sanctions evasion to gather revenue and technology for its weapons of mass destruction programme.
South Korea on Friday blacklisted 11 North Koreans for involvement in the country’s satellite and ballistic missile development, banning them from financial transactions.
North Korean state media issued a commentary by a North Korean international relations analyst, who argued “the United States, the world’s biggest satellite possessor,” should face the United Nations Security Council if sending satellites is considered a crime.
“In case an unexpected clash happens in the Northeast Asian region around the Korean peninsula, the U.S., which has continuously put pressure on the security space of the DPRK by escalating military threat and blackmail, will be held wholly accountable for the catastrophic situation,” the commentary said. It also blamed the United States for joint military exercises with Japan and South Korea, as well as for displaying its nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
(Source: Reuters)
01 Dec 23. India clears $26.8bn defence deal with 98% domestic production.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the Area of Necessity on $26.8bn of defence expenditure across land sea and air domains.
The Indian defence sector is set to feel a major benefit from a Rs2.23trn ($26.8bn) investment into defence acquisitions across land, air and sea domains, as the Defence Acquisition Council of India announced on 30 November its approval of the Area of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals to that amount, with 98% of the spending to be sourced domestically.
As well as announcing the procurement of new platforms and an increase and upgrade to existing assets, the DAC also approved major amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure that will now require all categories of procurement to contain at least 50% indigenous content.
In an effort to streamline participation by start-ups and MSMEs in the defence ecosystem, it was also decided that for all procurement cases with an AoN cost of up to $36m, registered MSMEs and recognised start-ups will be considered for the issue of a Request for Proposal (RFP) without any financial parameters stipulation, which can be further relaxed with approval of the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) for AoN costs up to $60m on a case-by-case basis.
India has an ambitious indigenisation programme – ‘Make in India’ that began in 2015 – across all sectors of its economy, with a particular record of implementation within the defence sector. The Government of India aimed to achieve a turnover of $25bn within the Indian Defence export sector by 2025 including export of $5bn in Aerospace and Defence goods and services.
India acquisition plans
The DAC has granted the AoN for the acquisition of two kinds of anti-tank munition, namely Area Denial Munition (ADM) kinds 2 and 3, capable of neutralising tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and enemy personnel.
To replace the Indian Field Gun (IFG), which has reached the end of its service life, an AoN for the purchase of a cutting-edge Towed Gun System (TGS) has been awarded, which will become the backbone of the Indian Army’s artillery units.
The AoN for acquisition and integration of Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) and Digital Basaltic Computer (DBC) for T-90 Tanks has also been granted, which would aid in preserving T-90 tanks’ combative advantage over opposing platforms.
The AoN was also granted for a 155 mm Nubless projectile for use in 155 mm artillery weapons, which will improve the projectiles’ lethality and safety.
The AoN for the acquisition of Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM) for Indian Navy surface platforms has also been granted. The MRAShM is envisioned as a lightweight Surface-to-Surface Missile that will serve as the principal offensive armament for Indian Naval Ships.
The DAC granted AoNs to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army, as well as Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A for the IAF.
The DAC has also granted AoNs for the indigenous upgrade of Su-30 MKI aircraft from HAL.
All of the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce equipment will be purchased under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. (Source: Google/army-technology.com)
01 Dec 23. Nigeria Boosts Military Spending, but Analysts Doubt it will Improve Security. Nigerian authorities say national defense, internal security and economic stability are the top priorities in the 2024 budget that President Bola Tinubu delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday.
Improving security is a major challenge for Tinubu’s government as it desperately seeks to attract foreign investments to grow the country’s struggling economy.
Under the new $35bn budget, authorities allocated about $4 billion or 12% of the total budget to defense and security — the largest single allocation to any sector.
In his first budget speech since taking office, Tinubu told lawmakers that security is important to safeguard lives, property and investments across the country.
Tinubu said he will overhaul Nigeria’s internal security architecture to boost performance operations and achieve better results. But experts say Nigerian authorities have consistently increased military spending in recent years without making Nigerians safer or more secure.
Kabiru Adamu, an analyst for consulting firm Beacon Security in Abuja, cites the previous budget as an example. “In the 2023 budget, security enjoyed the largest allocation and in this current budget that is submitted to the National Assembly there’s almost about 30% to 40% increase in the provision but unfortunately we haven’t seen remarkable improvements to equate this attention the government is giving,” he said. “So, what’s the challenge? I think it has to do with accountability and monitoring the performance of the security sector.”
Africa’s largest economy faces many security problems, including a 14-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast, separatist violence in the south, often deadly clashes between pastoralists and farmers, and proliferation of kidnap-for-ransom gangs in the Northwest and central regions.
Tinubu, who embarked on bold economic reforms including the scrapping of fuel subsidies and removal of foreign exchange restrictions, promised to fix security problems if elected.
But this week, local residents in northwest Zamfara state, said they’re still reeling after armed gangs last Friday attacked their villages and kidnapped more than 100 residents.
The gangs are demanding about $236,000 for the captives’ freedom.
Security analyst Senator Iroegbu says corruption is the reason the increased military spending is not yielding results.
“Do they have the capacity to actually maximize this budget?” he asked. “Then the issue of corruption, how’s this money expended? Is it rightly used for what’s it’s supposed to be used for? Then there’s the issue of political will and interest of conflict merchants.”
In October, Tinubu signed a what he called a performance bond with cabinet members. The agreement allows authorities to review the performance of serving officials and hold those underperforming accountable.
But Adamu says he’s worried about one thing.
“What we’re hoping is that that [the] performance bond would be implemented in a manner that we will see an improvement in security,” he said. “Security personnel do not willingly submit themselves to civilian administration. I worry a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities predict the economy will grow by 3.76% next year — well above the global average.
In recent weeks, the president has been meeting with foreign officials and business leaders with the aim of attracting more investments to Nigeria. In one notable deal, Saudi Arabia agreed to rehabilitate Nigeria’s non-functioning oil refineries. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Voice of America News)
01 Dec 23. PCDMV calls for urgency on new SANDF strategic direction. The budgetary review and recommendations report (BRRR) of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) has nine recommendations for improving the well-being of Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise’s SA National Defence Force (SANDF).
Additionally, the PCDMV report has six recommendations for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as government’s holder of the purse strings.
The PCDMV, one of two Parliamentary oversight committees tasked with defence, opens its recommendations positively – with a rider.
“The Committee notes with anticipation the current development of the future strategic direction (FSD) that will determine a new level of defence ambition that the country can afford and maintain,” the report notes adding, “the Minister must prioritise this policy development and ensure that it meets the deadline set for the end of the 2023/24 financial year”.
Also on the FSD, the PCDMV wants “engagement” in the first quarter of 2024 between itself, Modise’s Ministry and the Defence Secretariat, headed by Thobekile Gamede since the departure of Gladys Kudjoe last December. On the agenda will be progress on the FSD and PCDMV input for use when drafting the FSD.
Project Thusano is one of a number of instances where irregular expenditure has taken place and the BRRR wants Modise to provide feedback on an earlier indication she “wished to undertaken a feasibility study” on the Cuban project. “The Minister should provide feedback to the committee on the status of this study and what steps will be taken to prevent further irregular expenditure prior to the project coming to a close in December 2024”. Written response should be in Parliament by 31 January 2024, according to the BRRR.
On implementation of maintenance contracts for various SA Air Force (SAAF) types, the PCDMV recommends the airborne service up its flying hour allocation for the 2023/24 financial year to 15 000. This is three thousand more than planned for in the current financial year and comes with an injunction to utilise financial discipline in ensuring “all available funds are pushed into achieving this target”.
Aircrew availability, currency and vacancies are another area the PCDMV wants updated information on. This includes the percentage of pilots maintaining current status as well as “mitigation strategies” to ensure flight currency is maintained.
The SA Navy (SAN) should, via the Department of Defence (DoD), “drastically improve” on the number of sea hours set for 2023/24. This is in the wake of the maritime service logging 2 770 sea hours against a target of eight thousand for the previous reporting period. The PCDMV accepts it takes time to make ships seaworthy and urges Vice Admiral Monde Lobese and his naval command to “prioritise sea hours in the remainder of 2023/24 and in 2024/25 and direct funding towards this priority”.
Bearing in mind the importance of maritime patrolling, the PCDMV wants the DoD to “ensure” it achieves its maritime patrol target and “where the SAN is not able, the SAAF should patrol coastal waters”.
Additionally, the PCDMV wants Minister Modise to “constitute” the Reserve Force Council (RFC).
On National Treasury (NT) and its miserly treatment of the SANDF, the PCDMV BRRR “wishes to impress” Minister Godongwana of the need to continue funding, among others, “border safeguarding technology and border patrol vehicles, the midlife upgrades of the SAN frigates and submarines and the upgrading of the SAAF airlift capability”. These funding upgrades should, the PCDMV notes, go further than the medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) period so as not to “undo” progress made through current allocations and ensure operational stability of prime mission equipment (PME). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
01 Dec 23. MONUSCO withdrawal starts January in South Kivu. 1 January is commencement day of withdrawal for the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where South Africa is the fifth largest troop contributing country (TCC).
The withdrawal was made public in what MONUSCO (UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in DRC) and the country’s government termed “a disengagement plan” late last month. In the absence of firm dates, a defenceWeb request was told the first day of the new year will see the withdrawal process begin.
This publication was informed the first phase of disengagement is at “an advanced stage” and will lead to complete withdrawal of MONUSCO military and police personnel from South Kivu by 30 April 2024. The withdrawal will see 14 MONUSCO bases handed to the DRC government.
Phase two is withdrawal from North Kivu during the second half of next year. This will follow “a full evaluation” of the first phase and will see “sequential withdrawal of forces from the central sector to ensure MONUSCO protection tasks can be carried out in Goma while the disengagement process is underway”.
The Kivu withdrawal will see a further 22 MONUSCO bases handed to DRC government authorities.
The third phase, according to the mission, will start post phase two evaluation and see MONUSCO exit the Ituri province.
The South African commitment to MONUSCO comprises a battalion component of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), a quick reaction force (QRF), an intelligence unit and the combined helicopter unit (CHU) manned with Oryx and Rooivalk as well as a level two SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) facility in Goma.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) presence in the DRC in the long term remains unclear, with the SANDF indicating it will stay put for now.
The MONUSCO exit was first put on the table at the UN Security Council in September 2022 when President Félix Tshisekedi and his Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Francophony, Christophe Lutundula, “reiterated their country’s desire to accelerate withdrawal” starting in December 2023.
“We want this withdrawal to be a model that will give us greater international respectability and help us improve our country’s image. This document contains a plan for the disengagement of the MONUSCO force and a plan for transferring tasks and responsibilities from MONUSCO to the government of the DRC. We foresee a quarterly evaluation mechanism to enable regular stocktaking of the situation and minimise any sudden disruptions that could lead to a security vacuum,” Lutundula is reported as saying.
MONUSCO Head Bintou Keita said the mission worked with Congolese authorities toward “accelerated” withdrawal in “a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect”.
MONUSCO came into being on 1 July 2010 in the wake of the closure of MONUC (UN Organisation Mission in DRC) and became the first authorised to use “all necessary means”, including force, to carry out its mandate. This authorisation saw the establishment of the FIB, staffed by three Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries – Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa. All three number in the top 10 TCCs with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Morocco and Uruguay.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
01 Dec 23. North Korea’s Kim calls for military readiness against any ‘provocation.’ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for his military to be ready to respond to any “provocation” by the enemy, state media said on Friday, after Pyongyang vowed to deploy stronger armed forces and new weapons along its border with the South.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula have increased since the North last month launched a spy satellite, prompting Seoul to suspend a key clause in a 2018 inter-Korean military accord and Pyongyang in turn to declare it was no longer bound by the pact.
Visiting North Korea’s air force command on Thursday to the branch’s airmen day, Kim rolled out guidelines to improve the military’s combat posture and increase “its capabilities to fight a war to the full,” news agency KCNA reported.
“He set forth operational and tactical policies … so as to counter any military provocation and threat of the enemy immediately and powerfully,” KCNA said.
That stop was followed by a visit to a fighter wing, where pilots staged a demonstration flight, it said.
Photographs released by state media showed Kim and his daughter, both dressed in long leather jackets, watching the show.
Kim praised the air force for being “fully prepared to perfectly carry out their air combat missions under any unfavourable situation,” KCNA said.
The United States and its allies have strongly condemned the North’s first spy satellite launch as a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. But Pyongyang has said it would launch more satellites, calling it an exercise of a right to self-defence. (Source: Reuters)
30 Nov 23. China Slams India’s Plan to Build Second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. India’s New Aircraft Carrier Plan Against China Exposes its ‘Tunnel Vision.’ India is reportedly set to acquire its second indigenous aircraft carrier to counter China, with analysts saying on Wednesday that being able to build one’s own carriers is a great accomplishment, but building them only to “counter China” shows its tunnel vision.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that India’s Defense Acquisition Council is expected to approve on Friday the acquisition of the country’s second indigenous aircraft carrier, worth around $4.8bn.
India now operates its first homemade carrier, the INS Vikrant, which joined the fleet last year, and a Russia-made carrier, the INS Vikramaditya.
A three-carrier battle group “will be a show of strength for the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean at a time when the [Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy] is increasingly marking its presence in the region,” Bloomberg quoted its sources as saying.
India is carrying out more warship patrols than ever before “amid growing concerns over China’s rising naval prowess,” the report said.
“Not many countries in the world can independently build aircraft carriers, so in that sense, India has made a great accomplishment. India can rightfully develop its navy, but if its strategy is aimed at China, then it has tunnel vision,” a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday.
China pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and so as long as India does not provoke China, China is no enemy to India, the expert said.
The PLA Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean is not targeted at India, but for peaceful purposes and providing international public security goods including escort duties, safeguarding commercial sea lanes and delivering humanitarian aid, from which India also benefits, the expert said.
China regularly sends naval escort task forces on routine escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. Each task force usually consists of a destroyer, a frigate and a replenishment ship, and a Chinese aircraft carrier has yet to sail in the Indian Ocean.
India’s new carrier is expected to hold at least 28 fighter jets and helicopters, including French Rafale fighter jets, and displaces 45,000 tons of water, Bloomberg reported.
By comparison, the Fujian, China’s second domestically developed aircraft carrier and the third overall, already launched in June 2022.
It displaces over 80,000 tons and is equipped with electromagnetic catapults that can launch heavier warplanes faster than ski-jump ramps, making it a much superior carrier than the one India is planning, analysts said.
India’s first indigenous carrier, the INS Vikrant, is also no match for China’s first domestically built carrier, the Shandong. The INS Vikrant has yet to reach creditable operational capability today although its construction started far earlier than the Shandong, while the Shandong has demonstrated its combat capabilities in several far sea exercises in the West Pacific this year, observers said, questioning the efficiency of India’s shipbuilding industry and its navy. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Global Times)
29 Nov 23. Philippines: New peace talks boost prospects of sustainable resolution to communist insurgency. On 28 November, the Philippines government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) announced they had signed a joint communique in Oslo (Norway) last week to work towards a ‘peaceful resolution to the armed conflict’. The NDFP is the diplomatic wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The CPP’s militant wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), has been engaged in a decades-long insurgency with the state. The communique and the 24 November announcement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granting amnesty to former NPA members for certain crimes indicate a genuine attempt to resolve the conflict in the long term. However, the government stressed military operations against the group will continue in the immediate term, with the NPA’s capacity falling dramatically from its peak and its activity increasingly restricted to more rural areas. (Source: Sibylline)
30 Nov 23. Madagascar: Persistent military support for Rajoelina will likely mitigate government stability threats, On 29 November, the army warned against any attempt to destabilise the country. The announcement comes a day after an Antananarivo court charged two officers with inciting a mutiny during the 16 November presidential election. The defendants will remain in custody until their hearing on 16 January. Political tensions remain elevated following incumbent president Andry Rajoelina’s re-election. The opposition has rejected the results and filed an appeal with the High Constitutional Court. While heightened tensions are likely to sustain unrest risks, with an unfavourable court verdict to the opposition’s appeal likely to act as a flashpoint for protests, the crackdown by security forces will likely mitigate opposition-driven threats to government stability. Additionally, while the arrest of army officers indicates some dissent within the military, limited engagement with the alleged mutiny underlines relatively stable support for Rajoelina within the armed forces. This will reduce the threat of a coup as the military attempts to contain public unrest. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. Putin approves big military spending hikes for Russia’s budget. Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his official approval to a significant increase in military spending that will see around 30% of fiscal expenditure directed towards the armed forces in 2024 as he signed draft budget plans into law on Monday. Moscow is diverting ever more resources towards prosecuting its war in Ukraine. Spending on defence and security combined is set to reach around 40% of all budget expenditure next year. Spending on defence is set to increase by almost 70% in 2024 from 2023. Russia has an ambitious 2024 revenue target of 35.1trn roubles ($391.2bn) next year, a 22.3% planned increase year-on-year, based on assumptions of high oil prices. Analysts say the government may be forced to hike business taxes if those assumptions should prove optimistic. The budget plans had already been approved by lawmakers in both houses of parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council. ($1 = 89.7230 roubles) (Source: Reuters)
27 Nov 23. The UK urges the DPRK to cease missile launches and take steps towards peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council. Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing and I welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at this meeting.
As we’ve heard, we meet because on the 21st November the DPRK made a third attempt at launching a military reconnaissance satellite. It triggered Japan’s local alert system in Okinawa forcing civilians to take shelter. That was followed by a ballistic missile launch on the 22nd November.
These are clear threats to global peace and security which is the core responsibility of this Council and they violate multiple Security Council resolutions. Moreover, these launches follow increased engagement between Russia and the DPRK, including Kim Jong Un’s visit to Vostochny Cosmodrome in September, where he met President Putin.
When asked by a reporter whether Russia would help North Korea launch its own satellites and rockets, President Putin responded “that’s exactly why we came here.” The leader of North Korea shows great interest in space. We have in addition credible reports of Russia sourcing weapons from the DPRK.
All this, as ASG Khiari said, has humanitarian consequences. The North Korean people suffer the most as resources are diverted. So what should this Council do? Some argue that this Council should remain silent and avoid escalating the situation, but the DPRK shows no sign of restraint in response. In fact, the DPRK has stated its intention to launch more satellites. This follows 29 launches of ballistic missiles so far this year, including four intercontinental ballistic missiles. The DPRK has written its nuclear aspirations into its constitution.
So what should we do? First, I welcome the participation of the DPRK in today’s debate. Above all, I hope you will report to Pyongyang our concern for the people of DPRK, and in this respect, I encourage the DPRK to reopen its borders and re-engage with UN agencies.
Second, this Council should reiterate the depth of our resolve to combating proliferation. We urge the DPRK to cease its arms supply and abide by its public commitment not to sell arms to Russia.
Third, we urge the DPRK to cease these launches, return to dialogue, and take credible steps towards denuclearisation and peace on the Korean Peninsula. President, I urge this Council to demonstrate our commitment to ensure that our resolutions are enforced and to send a united message to the DPRK. I thank you. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
27 Nov 23. Madagascar: Rajoelina’s electoral victory will elevate unrest risks in Antananarivo over coming days. On 25 November, the electoral body (CENI) announced that incumbent leader Andry Rajoelina won the 16 November presidential election, securing 58.9% of votes. CENI reported a record-low voting turnout of 46.4% after 10 out of 12 opposition candidates withdrew from the election and called on voters to boycott the polls. On 24 November, the opposition announced they would reject the electoral results, citing electoral fraud and manipulation, as well as intimidation at polling stations, by the ruling party. While the opposition has not yet called for protests, unrest risks will remain significantly elevated over the coming days. The confirmation of results by the High Constitutional Court (HCC) by 4 December, will likely act as a flashpoint for protests. Protests are most likely in the capital Antananarivo and the opposition strongholds of Antsirabe and Mahajanga, during which there is an elevated risk of violent clashes with security forces. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. China’s Rhetoric Turns Shriller As Western Navies Increase Presence in SCS.
PLA “Vigilant” Against “Continuous Provocations” by US, Australian, Philippine Forces.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is at high vigilance amid continuous provocations by foreign forces from the sea, displaying its high level of readiness, capabilities and determination in safeguarding China’s national sovereignty, security and maritime rights, experts said on Sunday.
Foreign provocations include the Philippines’ enlisting of countries outside of the region to jointly patrol the South China Sea in the midst of its trouble-stirrings on Chinese islands and reefs, an Australian frigate’s provocations in the East China Sea to the Taiwan Straits then to the South China Sea, and a US destroyer’s trespass into Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea.
On Saturday, the Philippines and Australia launched their first joint sea and air patrol in the South China Sea, with the Philippine side sending two warships and five surveillance aircraft, and the Australian side sending the frigate HMAS Toowoomba and a P-8A maritime surveillance aircraft, Reuters reported on the day.
The three-day joint patrols between the Philippines and Australia came only days after the Philippines and the US held a similar operation from Tuesday to Thursday featuring three Philippine warships plus three combat aircraft and a US littoral combat ship plus a P-8A aircraft.
During the US-Philippine joint patrols, the PLA Southern Theater Command maintained a state of high alert to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and maritime interests, and firmly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesperson of the command, said in a press release on Thursday.
The PLA Southern Theater Command has yet to issue a similar press release on the Australia-Philippines joint patrols, but since the PLA holds routine patrols in the region, it is almost certain that the PLA is monitoring the situation and is ready to deal with any provocations that might occur, analysts said.
Australia’s HMAS Toowoomba frigate’s participation in the joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea means it has become a habitual offender against China over the past two weeks, analysts said.
It operated in waters near the East China Sea on November 14 and later accused a PLA Navy destroyer of “unsafe and unprofessional” interactions by using sonar pulses on Australian divers, despite the Chinese warship only taking measures including tracking, monitoring, identifying and verifying in accordance with the law and regulations.
Then on Thursday, the Australian frigate made a transit in the sensitive Taiwan Straits, a move sources said was monitored and guarded against by the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
In another event on Saturday, the US Navy’s destroyer USS Hooper illegally entered China’s territorial waters off the Xisha Islands without authorization from the Chinese government, and the PLA Southern Theater Command organized maritime and aviation forces, tracked, monitored, warned and expelled the US warship in accordance with the law and regulations, Tian said in a separate press release on the day.
Tian said that the US seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security, and its move marked another solid proof of the US’ navigation hegemony and militarization in the South China Sea, showing fully that the US is the true maker of security risks and the biggest destroyer of peace and stability in the region.
Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times that the provocations and tensions in the region are mainly instigated by the US, which sees the Philippines as a key geographic foothold in the first island chain to contain China.
From the Philippines, the US hopes to stop the PLA from entering the South Pacific from the South China Sea, Chen said, noting that the Philippines can also offer a flank for the US military when interfering in the Taiwan question.
The US’ joint patrols with the Philippines provides a bad example, and now Australia and other Western countries are joining in, with the Philippines further encouraged to provoke China, Chen said.
The PLA’s countermeasures against the recent continuous provocations by foreign military forces showed its high level of situational awareness on China’s doorstep including the South China Sea, the Taiwan Straits and the East China Sea, allowing it to react rapidly and strongly, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday.
Countries outside the region should stop coming all the way from their home to China’s doorstep to stir up troubles in an attempt to contain China, and the Philippines should stop inviting maliciously intentioned forces that do not belong to the region and could eventually hurt the Philippines as well, only to contend for islands and reefs that rightfully belong to China, the expert said. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/ Global Times)
27 Nov 23. U.S. Navy Continues Freedom of Navigation Operations in South China Sea. U.S. Navy Destroyer Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in the South China Sea. On November 25, USS Hopper (DDG 70) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law. At the conclusion of the operation, USS Hopper (DDG 70) exited the excessive claim area and continued operations in the South China Sea. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The PRC, Vietnam, and Taiwan each claim sovereignty over the Paracel Islands. All three claimants require either permission or advance notification before a military vessel or warship engages in “innocent passage” through their territorial sea, in violation of international law. Under customary international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States – including their warships – enjoy the right of innocent passage through a territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage in unlawful.
By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by the PRC, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage in not subject to such restrictions.
Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations.
The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Customary international law reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention protects certain rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea enjoyed by all nations. The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability, and prosperity.
The United States upholds freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. As long as some countries continue to claim and assert limits on rights that exceed their authority under international law, the United States will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the sea guaranteed to all. No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.
U.S. forces operate in the South China Sea on a daily basis, as they have for more than a century. They routinely operate in close coordination with like-minded allies and partners that share our commitment to uphold a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. All of our operations are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with customary international law. The operations demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows – regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/USN)
27 Nov 23. Brazil’s defence budget soars to $29.9bn by 2028 through initiatives. GlobalData’s Brazil Defense Market 2023-2028 report highlights robust growth in expenditure.
Amidst growing security concerns, Brazil is set to bolster its defence capabilities with a projected budget of $29.9bn (146.5bn reais) by 2028, driven by modernisation initiatives.
GlobalData’s Brazil Defense Market 2023-2028 report unveils investments across the Brazilian Army, Navy, and Air Force, positioning the nation as a key player in regional security.
The Brazilian government’s commitment to fortifying its borders, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and harnessing offshore oil discoveries has catalysed a surge in defence investments. According to GlobalData’s recent report, titled “Brazil Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2023-28.”
Brazil’s defence expenditure is forecasted to rise from $25.3bn in 2024 to $29.9bn by 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% between 2024 and 2028.
The Brazilian Army stands at the forefront of this modernisation drive, with plans to acquire 36 self-propelled howitzers through the VBC OAP 155mm SR program. Simultaneously, ageing armoured vehicles are set to undergo upgrades with IVECO’s VBTP-MR Guarani.
The Brazilian Air Force is enhancing its capabilities with increased orders of F-39 E/F Gripen fighter jets from Saab AB and the acquisition of KC-390s from Embraer. These developments mark strides in fortifying air capabilities and replacing ageing C-130s.
Rouble, Aerospace and Defence Analyst at GlobalData, emphasises Brazil’s focus on military and cyber capabilities. He notes, “The acquisition of advanced platforms positions Brazil to address a broad spectrum of security threats, from traditional aerial defence to emerging challenges in the cyber domain.”
Many defence platforms are domestically manufactured, supporting Brazil’s industries, generating employment, and boosting the economy.
Brazil is embarking on a modernisation plan in the naval domain, with submarines leading the way, and is expected to accumulate a value of $1.8bn over 2023-2028. The Navy’s 20-year plan includes procuring various vessels, a surveillance system, logistical support ships, and the local construction of Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine, SN Álvaro Alberto.
Rouble concludes, “As Brazil seeks to project influence beyond its borders, safeguard strategic sea lanes, and counter transnational organised crime, the comprehensive modernisation efforts across its armed forces underscore a forward-looking approach. This not only strengthens Brazil’s defence posture but also positions the country as a significant contributor to regional security and stability.” (Source: army-technology.com)
27 Nov 23. Korean Peninsular: Renewed presence at DMZ border guard posts will drive border tensions. On 27 November, North Korea re-deployed soldiers and weapons to previously vacated guard posts near its border with South Korea. This action follows South Korea’s suspension of part of the 2018 deal after North Korea’s launch of a spy satellite. In response, North Korea announced intentions to scrap the entire accord. The 2018 agreement, aimed at reducing military presence in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), was part of efforts by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in to ease relations with North Korea. Current President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been critical of this deal, resumed reconnaissance flights near the border, leading to heightened military activities on both sides, including increased North Korean coastal artillery movements. These developments will likely drive tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul in the short-to-medium term and heighten the potential for flare-ups at the border, although the risk of significant armed conflict remains low. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. Russia: International sanctions will sustain long-term operational, safety risks for aviation sector. On 25 November, Russian Minister of Transport Vitaly Savelyev said that due to international sanctions, 76 Russian Airbus and Boeing planes located abroad had been seized since the beginning of the war. Western sanctions have led Airbus, Boeing and Western aircraft manufacturers to suspend maintenance services and the provision of spare aircraft parts to Russia. On 23 November, Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko said that classified information from the Russian Ministry of Transport obtained by a Ukrainian cyber intelligence operation points to increasing operational issues within Russia’s aviation sector. Over the first nine months of 2023, authorities reported 150 cases of aircraft malfunctions. Due to increasing difficulties in maintaining planes and a shortage of specialists, Russia has reportedly outsourced aircraft maintenance to Iran, where such work is done ‘artisanally’ without appropriate certification. Growing difficulties in maintaining Western aircraft will drive long-term operational risks in Russia’s airline sector and increase the risk of aircraft malfunctions and aviation accidents. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. Argentina: High domestic unrest risks driven by president-elect’s privatisation, austerity agenda. As of 27 November, labour unions have reportedly started to mobilise following the election of Javier Milei on 19 November. Social organisations and unions across Argentina held a meeting on 23 November, planning street protests if the newly elected president goes ahead with his plans to privatise public companies and reduce the size of the state. President Milei has indicated that once he takes office on 10 December, he will privatise the energy company Enarsa, oil company YPF and the conglomerate of public media organisations. Milei has also promised an intensive austerity programme that would slash government subsidies for utility bills and federal transfers to less developed provinces. With organisations, including the State Workers’ Association, already expressing resistance to Milei’s policies, further domestic unrest and violent protest activity by labour organisations in the short-to-medium term is highly likely. Protesters are highly likely to adopt road blockades, elevating operational risks for businesses and undermining economic activity. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. Sierra Leone: Heightened security posture likely to persist through coming days following clashes. On 26 November, former and current members of Sierra Leone’s armed forces attacked the Wilberforce barracks, the Pademba Road Prison and another military facility near the Murray Town suburb, all within the capital Freetown. The attacks, during which at least one assailant was killed and three soldiers critically injured, prompted authorities to implement a nationwide curfew. Authorities now claim that the situation is under control, with most of the assailants arrested. Freetown was mostly calm at the time of writing; the curfew has been amended to between 2100-0600hrs (local time) until further notice, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and its objectives. A heightened security posture in Freetown and ports of entry will likely be maintained through the coming days, disrupting movement. Immediate threats to government stability are limited, with a political agreement with the opposition reached in October reducing some of the tensions following President Maada Bio’s contentious re-election. (Source: Sibylline)
27 Nov 23. North Korea vows more satellite launches, beefs up military on border. North Korea warned on Monday it would continue to exercise its sovereign rights, including through satellite launches, while its troops were reported to be restoring some demolished guard posts on the border with South Korea. North Korea’s foreign ministry said the launch of a reconnaissance satellite last week was prompted by the need to monitor the United States and its allies, state media KCNA reported.
“It is a legal and just way to exercise its right to defend itself and thoroughly respond to and precisely monitor the serious military action by the U.S. and its followers,” the KCNA report said.
Nuclear-armed North Korea launched the satellite on Tuesday, saying it successfully entered orbit and was transmitting photographs, but South Korean defence officials and analysts said its capabilities have not been independently verified.
The launch prompted South Korea to suspend a key clause in a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement and resume aerial surveillance near the border.
North Korea in turn declared it was no longer bound by the agreement and would deploy weapons on the border with the South.
South Korea’s defence ministry said North Korean soldiers had been observed bringing back heavy weapons into the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) border and setting up guard posts that the two countries demolished under the agreement.
South Korea estimates the North had about 160 guard posts along the DMZ and the South had 60. Each side demolished 11 of them after the military deal signed in 2018 aimed at de-escalating tension and prevent accident military clashes.
Armed North Korean soldiers had been spotted restoring damaged guard posts in several locations since Friday, South Korea’s defence ministry said, citing photographs from cameras in the DMZ.
They were also setting up what appeared to be a recoilless rifle – a portable anti-vehicle weapon or light artillery piece – at a fortification, it said, also citing a photograph.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again visited the control centre of the space agency in Pyongyang on Monday morning and viewed fresh satellite photos of the United States’ Anderson Air Force base in Guam and other places including Rome, KCNA reported.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was briefed on the latest North Korean activities and ordered military readiness, his office said.
The United States had called an unscheduled meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Monday to discuss the North’s satellite launch.
On Nov. 22, nine members of the Security Council joined the United States in a statement condemning the North’s satellite launch for using ballistic missile technology, calling it a violation of multiple Security Council resolutions.
North Korea’s foreign ministry said the statement only showed how dysfunctional the Security Council had become, with some member states blindly following the United States in issuing meaningless statements.
Two of the veto-wielding permanent members, China and Russia, have refused to join in any new Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang despite its continued testing of increasingly powerful ballistic missiles. They did not join in the most recent statement last week. (Source: Reuters)
24 Nov 23. New inquiry launched as part of Australian Defence Annual Report 2022–23. Julian Hill MP, chair of the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, has announced the subcommittee will begin a new inquiry, focusing on a number of the key aspects of the Department of Defence’s Annual Report 2022–23.
The past 12 months have been full of up and downs for the nation’s Defence portfolio, seemingly with more bad news than good news, particularly as it relates to the state of the nation’s defence capability procurement capacity, processes and outcomes.
In particular, continued revelations about high-profile projects like the contentious, troubled, multi-bn Hunter Class frigate program, the addition of the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel program to the “Projects of Concern” list, and the permanent grounding of the maligned and troubled MRH-90 Taipan fleet following a fatal crash are but a few examples of this.
There has been a few glimmers of hope, with the release of the long-awaited Defence Strategic Review and the findings which herald the major restructuring and reprioritisation of the Australian Defence Force to better respond to the deteriorating threat environment we face, and, perhaps most importantly, signal a major change in the nation’s methods of procurement to meet these challenges.
Accordingly, the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, has announced it will conduct a new inquiry with a specific focus on a number of key topics identified in the Department of Defence’s Annual Report 2022–23, including:
- Australia’s assistance to Ukraine.
- The Defence health system.
- Capability assurance mechanism.
- Artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons-related issues.
- Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory.
- Other issues as communicated to Defence.
Chair of the subcommittee, Julian Hill MP, explained the important role the committee plays in providing an important oversight capacity on behalf of the Australian taxpayer, saying, “The committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.”
Hill detailed the emphasis on the aforementioned topics, leading with Australia’s continued support and assistance to Ukraine’s resistance as part of Operation Kudu to Putin’s invasion stating, “The subcommittee is interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focused on platforms, munitions, and the contribution to Operation Kudu which is the ADF commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits in the United Kingdom.”
Shifting his focus to the ADF’s health care system, Hill said, “A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for our serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the Defence Strategic Review.
Unpacking the focus further, Hill added, “This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the subcommittee is interested in analysing Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent report by the auditor-general and current performance issues. The focus for this line of inquiry will include the general architecture of its uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers.”
In light of the mounting delays and costly project cancellations, the inquiry will also investigate the complexities surrounding Defence’s capability acquisition and sustainment procedures and practices, and the importance of test and evaluation for capabilities as they’re introduced.
Hill stated, “It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including the acceptance of new capability into service. The subcommittee is interested in reviewing Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how that impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention.”
Additionally, given the Defence Strategic Review’s emphasis on new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, along with the urgent need for Australia to develop a robust, sustainable, and competitive guided weapons and explosive ordnance industry in country, Hill explained the two focal points for the inquiry, stating: “The subcommittee is interested in examining the role of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally. This may be informed by a case study to be identified,” Hill said.
“The Defence Strategic Review references the importance that Australia possesses a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the sea, land, and air domains. The government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed Head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance. The subcommittee is interested in examining the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict,” Hill added. The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Monday, 5 February 2024, which can be submitted via: .
(Source: Defence Connect)
24 Nov 23. Kuwait’s $8.1bn surge and strategies reshape the military landscape. GlobalData’s Kuwait’s Defense Market reports reveal ambitious budget plans and advanced procurement policies.
Kuwait is setting a transformative course for its army, navy and air force, with a surge in defence spending to $8.1bn (Kd2.5bn) by 2028.
GlobalData reports delve into the nation’s strategic investments, unveiling technologies, procurement policies and a stance against regional threats.
In a move to fortify its defence capabilities, Kuwait announced an increase in its military budget to $8.1bn by 2028, as reported by GlobalData’s Kuwait’s Defense Market 2023–2028. This surge, fuelled by strategic investments, marks a significant moment for the Middle Eastern nation’s army, navy and air force, reflecting a proactive approach to regional security challenges.
The detailed breakdown of Kuwait’s defence expenditure from 2019 to 2028 indicates a turnaround. Despite a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1% during 2019–23, the nation is set to experience a surge with an anticipated CAGR of 3.8%, positioning the defence budget at $8.1bn by 2028. The acquisition of main battle tanks, military aircraft and naval ships plays a central role in this resurgence, aligning with the country’s focus on protecting infrastructure and resolving territorial disputes.
Kuwait’s military spending, among the highest per capita globally, reflects a commitment to its defence and active role in international affairs. The recent dip in 2022 and 2023 is attributed to the completion of major acquisition programmes. Kuwait is modernising military structures in response to heightened regional instability in the Gulf Area.
The defence budget’s percentage of GDP, averaging 4.8% during 2019–23, is set to increase marginally over the forecast period. This reflects Kuwait’s commitment to maintaining a defence posture, with per capita defence expenditure expected to rise from $1,414.9 in 2023 to $1,799.9 in 2028.
Key sectors driving Kuwait’s defence expansion include military fixed wing, where a $3.3bn expenditure reflects the nation’s focus on air force upgrades amid regional security concerns. Missiles and missile defence systems, with a projected spend of $2.1bn, showcases Kuwait’s determination to enhance its missile defence capabilities. The military unmanned aerial vehicles sector witnesses growth, with a cumulative spend of $628m, showcasing Kuwait’s commitment to drone technology.
Acquisitions such as the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and Bayraktar TB2 position Kuwait as a player in military technology. These acquisitions and strategic geopolitical alliances reinforce Kuwait’s role in regional security and its emergence as a player in the global defence landscape. (Source: naval-technology.com)
26 Nov 23. South Korean defence industry rides global order wave. When South Korean arms companies secured a package of deals from the Polish government last year worth almost $14bn, it heralded a new era for the country’s defence industry. Decades of preparation for war with North Korea have helped the East Asian country to emerge as one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters, with artillery producer Hanwha Aerospace, tank producer Hyundai Rotem and fighter jet producer Korea Aerospace Industries leading the charge. “We are one of the few companies in the world that can deliver conventional weapons systems quickly and efficiently,” said Hanwha Aerospace executive vice-president Kim Dae-young. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had driven demand for Korean arms not only from western countries, but also from countries in Asia looking to reduce their dependence on Russian armaments. South Korea, was the world’s ninth-largest seller of arms in 2022 up from 31st place in 2000, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. “We see ourselves as major players in the global defence industry to meet the urgent demands of key regions,” said Kim. Investor interest in international defence companies, including Hanwha Aerospace, has surged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 on expectations of higher military spending by western governments. Shares in Hanwha have more than doubled over the period. Because South Korea produces armaments at a larger scale than many of its western competitors, it can offer better value for money on assets such as tanks and howitzers and lower-end fighter jets. Korean exporters are also assisted by the government, including its willingness to step in and place orders so as to keep production lines “hot” in the absence of orders from abroad. “Since our own security situation is grave, we are always ready to produce at scale and at speed,” said Moon Seong-mook, an analyst at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. “Many of our weapons are also based on US systems, so they can be used by western countries and their partners,” he added. The export push comes as Korean exports have been hit by the downturn in the chip sector. The country’s trade surplus has been eroded. “South Korea is used to having a trade surplus, but with the recent downturn in the chip sector it has spent the last year in deficit,” said Chae Woo-seok, who heads the Korea Association of Defence Industry Studies. “From the government’s perspective, weapons exports can play a big role in filling the gap.” (Source: Google/FT.com)
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