Asian Military Review - March/April 2011 issue

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VOLUME 19/ISSUE 2 MARCH/APRIL 2011 US$15

MULTI-ROLETRANSPORT AIRCRAFT

CBRN READINESS

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

INFANTRYANTI-ARMOUR

REGIONAL NCW

MARITIMESURVEILLANCE

REGIONAL NCW

MULTI-ROLETRANSPORT AIRCRAFT

CBRN READINESS

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE

INFANTRYANTI-ARMOUR

REGIONAL NCW

MARITIMESURVEILLANCE

HLS TECHNOLOGIES

MARCH/APRIL 2011VOLUME 19 / ISSUE 2

Contents

Front Cover Photo:The US DoD is moving to anall-digital, spectrally efficient fleetof Aerovironment’s RQ-11BRaven Small UAVs, comprising1,318 of the aircraft to equip theArmy and a further 246 airframesfor the Marines. A Digital datalink alllows four times the num-ber of the analogue Ravens inthe same area without affectingdatalink quality © Aerovironment

Contents

01

Anti-armour &infantry direct-firesupport weaponsDoug RichardsonLight, shoulder-fired weaponsoriginally designed to defeatenemy armour are also serving ashighly-mobile firepower for duringfighting in built-up areas, equallyat home in breaching a wall asthey are in their antitank role

Homeland Security:Emerging TechnologiesGordon ArthurTerrorists and fanatics can easilyturn homelands into frontlines withasymmetric threats such asweapons of mass destruction andpiracy. Narcotics, arms and peoplesmuggling are other areas of con-cern where new technologies aresought

MaritimeSurveillance &ReconnaissanceAdam BaddeleyMaritime surveillance is notjust about the ability to detectand cue supersonic anti-shipmissile, the vast majority ofsurveillance tasks focusinstead on economic exclusionzone surveillance, constabularytasks and counter-terror

ADF: Army FocusJohn MullberryThe Australian government istransforming the AustralianDefence Force into a hardenedand networked fighting forceimplementing a long-termplan for the modernisation andenhancement of the nation’sdefence capabilities

Protect andDetect: EnhancingCBRN ReadinessAndy OppenheimerEven a small-scale chemical orradiological attack would not onlybe costly in terms of lives lost andbut would necessitate expensivecleanup operations and result inincreased public fear – the mainaim of all terrorists – as well asloss of economic viability

Advanced NetworkCentric Solutions forthe Asia-PacificAdam BaddeleyThe promise of network centricwarfare or network centricoperations is considerable andseeks to deliver a decisivebattlefield advantage from theexploitation of informationtechnology across the battlespace

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John MulberryThe addition of multi-role transport aircraft to an armedforce’s aerial assets has a true force multiplier effect;transporting troops and equipment, disaster relief andmedevac and often with an air-to-air refueling capabilitygiving strategic reach even to tactical aircraft

48Multi-Role Transport Aircraft

l MARCH/APRIL 2011 l

Editorialn 2007, ASEAN listed 15 purposes for theorganisation in Article 1 of its Charter. For thefirst of the fifteen it chose that it was to, “main-tain and enhance, peace, security and stabilityand further strengthen values in the region.”Every member signed up. But what has been

achieved when the Charter has been put to the test?

The ongoing military exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia overPreah Vihear, an eleventh century Khmer Temple which left several soldiersand civilians dead in February have shown that despite these words theonly real aim of its members is to ensure non-interference. Both countrieshave breached the Charter but ASEAN has been able to do little.

The military aspect dispute is not new, beginning in 2008 although theambiguity of a 1962 World Court ruling that confirmed that Preah Vihearwas Cambodian but left the issue of the surrounding land open.

Perhaps the bar is set too high? NATO bars intervention in internal mattersbut even at the height of the Cold War its members openly criticised bothTurkey and Greece and instituted military and political sanctions.

ASEAN can’t stop irresponsible politicians in both countries using events fortheir own political gain and seeking to further exacerbate tension by organ-ising demonstrations condemning their respective governments’ ability toprotect their territory. Thailand’s gung-ho People’s Alliance for Democracyfor example, called for the country to threaten to invade Cambodia, a cal-culated inflammatory act.

There is still progress. Marty Natlegawa, the foreign minister for Indonesiawho holds the rotating chair of ASEAN, conducted shuttle diplomacybetween the two capitals and the fact that he was welcomed at all is forsome great progress. Others note that this intervention was still seen as an‘Indonesian’ rather than an ‘ASEAN’ act and therefore prompted distrust ofperceived meddling by another country rather than being accepting of anysupra-national authority on ASEAN’s behalf.

ASEAN has been effective at helping to mitigate conflict, preventing con-flicts from simmering over. What it is not good at it resolving those conflictsonce they begin and thus stopping further escalation. Ultimately the abili-ty to stop and resolve military conflicts is the toughest test for an organi-sation and once again ASEAN has been found wanting and is likely to be ashortcoming that is unlikely to change anytime soon. In the meantime,there are more pressing issues for co-operation; working out the details ofa Joint World Cup bid for 2030 for instance. Priorities are important.

Adam Baddeley, Editor

Editor: Adam BaddeleyE-mail: [email protected]

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02 l ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW l

NNEETTWWOORRKKC E N T R E W A R F A R E

The promise of network centric warfare or network centric operationsis considerable and seeks to deliver a decisive battlefield advantagefrom the exploitation of information technology across the battle-space. Several characteristics are important to delivering this successbut the very term network-centric sets out unequivocally what is themost important. The concept relies on secure robust communicationsto enable situational awareness and the sharing of that common andtrusted operational picture enables the faster tempo of operations.

bbyy Adam Baddeley

l ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW l04

Advanced Network Centric

Asia-Pacificfor theSolutions

ASERIES OF programmesacross the world includingthroughout the Asia Pacificregion are bringing theadvanced technology neces-

sary to achieve net centricity into their mili-taries, both from outside the region butincreasingly there is a distinct trend domesti-cally or regionally designed and produced.

Tactical internetExtending the capabilities hitherto found onlyin headquarters to dismounted section andplatoon leaders as well as AFV commanders,requires a tactical internet that is secure, reli-able and provides data in sufficient volumesto support the high bandwidth applicationsin the numbers now required. Such networksrely on a new generation of communicationsthat combine modest size weight and power,with the flexibility to host a variety of wave-forms to support interoperability.In June, Harris announced a $99m award to

an Asian country for radio including the RF-7800W High-Capacity Line-of-Sight InternetProtocol (IP) data radio which operates theAdvanced Networking. Wideband Waveform(ANW2). Harris radio systems will serve asthe secure communications backbone for theAustralian Defence Forces (ADF) Land 75,Land 125 and Joint Project 2072 communica-tions modernization programs. The order con-sists primarily of Harris Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) multi-band handheld radios, but alsoincludes Harris Falcon III AN/PRC-117Gwideband, AN/PRC-117F multi-band andAN/PRC-150(C) high-frequency (HF) man-pack radios to equip an operational, net-worked Australian brigade in 2013.The FlexNet radio system has been devel-

oped jointly by Rockwell Collins and Thales.There are currently two customers for theserial production of the radio. In June, Thalesand Rockwell Collins introduced a new 1.5Mb service class for the wideband FlexNet-Waveform that offers a greater range of serv-ices including imaging, video streaming, filetransfer, web-based applications and mes-saging. The FlexNet family also operates thePR4G voice and data waveformMalaysia operates the Thales F@stnet

VHF CNR, produced locally by Sapura forthe past three years. The 3kg IP radio oper-

ates from 30-88MHz and is capable of fre-quency hopping at speeds greater than 300hops per second and supports simultaneousvoice and data, the latter using a 64Kbpswaveform. Harris’ Falcon III RF-7800V pro-vides high-speed data connectivity up to 192Kbps, making it the fastest VHF combat netradio available. The RF-7800V provides con-tinuous coverage in the 30 to 108 MHZ fre-quency band at up to 50 watts of power invehicle mounted implementations.Aselsan’s PRC/VRC-9661 2-30 MHz

Transceiver operates across the 30-512 MHzrange covering the HF and V/UHF bands.Software configurable architecture enablesthe support of various tactical radio wave-forms and EPM techniques. The hand heldcounterpart in the PRC-9651. It is also report-ed that Pakistan has acquired the radio in$254 million deal signed in 2010.The next generation of SDRs are also

being incorporated as an integral part offuture networks that support. SamsungThales solution for South Korea’s TacticalInformation Communications Network(TICN) has multiple layers of capability.Beginning at the lowest tactical level is theTactical SDR a local development of theFlexNet 1 radio, operating at up to 2.6Mhzand supporting ad hoc routing. At higher

05l MARCH/APRIL 2011 l

The IDF’s DAP programme is being eyed bya number of militaries in the Asia Pacific© Elbit Systems

The US WGS programme has provided a modelof access to milstacom that has been adoptedby Australia and offered to others © Boeing

C E N T R E W A R F A R ENNEETTWWOORRKK

levels is the High Capacity TransmissionRadio support long range transmission atgreater than 30km and high data rate trans-mission at ate of up to 45Mbps, the systemsTactical Mobile Access Point uses WiBrolinks at rages of up to 10km. TICN consists ofa range of additional nodes and switchesincluding a linked PDA device, the TacticalMulti-Function Terminal with ranges ofgreater than 3Km.Rafael is using its TacMAX 4th generation

wireless broadband system in a DRDO pro-gramme linked to India’s TacticalCommunications System programme with ademonstration expected in 2011. Rafael areworking with a number of cellular manufac-turers including Motorola Israel to extendtactical links down to small hand held termi-nals for individual users using a develop-ment TacMAX which uses. The current sys-tem is designed to support rates of up to45Mbps and range of 12 km. One of the nextstages for the programme will be to developthe systems to include NATO STANAGS viaa partner.Work on the current contract for the Israel

Defence Force Digital Army Programme(DAP), led by Elbit Systems concludes broad-ly with the introduction into service of Torch600 with work expected to conclude later thisyear. The Torc2H system of systems isdesigned is be network agnostics and already

includes VHF/UHF soldier radio and CNRsincluding SDR, GRC-408E HCLOS andMaXess and Bro@dnet wireless broadbandsystems. The DAP’s operations centresincludes both Voice and Radio over IP. TheIDF is still mulling what additional NCWcapabilities will be included in the next ver-sion of the systems.

Cloudy solutionsCloud computing operates by aggregatingand sharing disparate computing resources,from networks to servers to storage eachpotentially. Starting to be widely used com-mercially, the benefits of a distributed infor-

mation architecture are also starting tobe used military networks.In October, Raytheon launched its

Cloud computing initiative known asGreen Thunder which uses cloud com-puting for the rapid collection and dis-semination of real-time data basedaround the existing DistributedCommon Ground system (DCGS) enter-prise and optimised for low-bandwidthenvironments at brigade and below.Another initiative to adapt cloud

computing to the militaries needs isIBM’s work at NATO Headquarters ofthe Supreme Allied CommanderTransformation headquarters on a col-laborative project designed reduce

ramp-up time for enhanced technology capa-bilities, while improving important opera-tional functions, such as increasing situation-al awareness and faster decision-makingusing IBMS work on cloud computing fromthe commercial sector while meeting militaryrequirement for secure, scalable and robustnetworks.Due to its genesis in the commercial sector,

the standard software that enables cloud com-puting are being largely developed in that sec-tor. To fully exploit those efforts, defenceorganisations such as the USDoD have lookedto commercial organisations such as theTeleManagement Forum to support the devel-


Orbit satcom solutions have been linked to IndianNavy network centric programmes© Orbit

Cobham is workign with the US Defense AdvancedResearch Projects Agency (DARPA) for the WirelessNetwork after Next programme © AJB


opment and adoption of standards.

SatcomA myriad of Beyond Line of Sight Solutions(BLOS) are now on offer providing theatre aswell as world wide coverage with individual,high capacity and on the move capabilities.ITT has received interest for its on the

move Ku band Global Network On the Move– Active Distribution (G-NOMAD) satcomsolution from several countries includingIndia, although it is expected to be used bylaunch customer the US shortly. ITT has actedas the systems integrator, using componentsubsystems from several off the shelf suppli-ers including Raysat, easing much of the USexport constraint. The system extends to thefront line any TCP/IP Network andclient/server applications. General Dynamicshas two Iridium based satcom solutions ondisplay at AUSA: Blue Tick and Blue Dog, theformer using the DoD’s EMSS gateway, thelatter using standard Iridium networks.Australia’s decision to join the Wideband

Global Satellite programme in 2007 has

resulted in the funding of a sixth US satellite.A number of other countries have beenapproached to join in a similar manner toexpand and deepen this world wide net-work, offering addition.With demand for bandwidth regularly

overtaking availability, making the most of

available bandwidth is increasingly impor-tant. In recent trails SELEX CommunicationsIntelligent Information Dissemination prod-uct demonstrated a 90 saving in terms of sat-com bandwidth efficiency.Orbit has been reported to be supplying a

45 inch multi-band naval satcom system forthe Indian Navy in a joint programme withthe ISRO. The system is designed to provide

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Harris radio systemswill serve as the securecommunicationsbackbone for the AustralianDefence Forces

Satcom On The Move solutionsenable secure high cacpacitylinks to be maintained withcommand vehicles whilemoving across country at speed© SWE-DISH


08 ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

both military and welfare usage via a securehigh capacity netcentric intranet.Independently of this Orbit is launching

two new maritime satcom solutions the AL-7107 and AL-7110 Maritime C-band systems.The two systems are noteworthy for theircompactness the AL-7107 fore example fits a2.2m aperture terminal dish in a 2.7 radome.A typical solution today would see a 2.4msolution in a 3.6m radome. Orbit has donethis while still remaining compliant with allsatcom regulations.

Soldier ModernisationThe advent of the personal radio in militaryusage from the late 1990s with basic shortrange voice communications onwards hasprompted a range of ongoing developmentsin communications technology providing adhoc networking and long range links thatalso extend to supporting data and video.A number of soldier systems are advanc-

ing in the region. Japan's Advanced CombatInfantry Equipment System has recentlybeen given the go head with prime contractorHitachi, Australia’s initial capability for itsLand 125 capability is already fielding withElbit selected for the Dismounted BattleManagement element of the programmewhile Singapore’s Advanced Combat ManSystem has recently fielded a complete sys-tem with operational formations.Harris announced in September a $69m

award to an undisclosed Asian country witha key dismounted component. This is basedaround the Falcon Fighter, an integrated

body-worn system including the RF-7800SSecure Personal Radio full-duplex voice anddata communications linked to Falcon TrackSituational Awareness Software. One of thelaunch customers for the RF-7800S wasBrunei in 2008 with Malaysian Pasakau spe-cial forces also operating the radio in theregion with demonstrations of the radio to anumber of countries including India.The Kongsberg SR600 Broadband Soldier

Radio operates between 225-400MHz., pro-viding IP broadband coverage in an estab-lished military frequency range. Raytheon’sDH500 offers a lower power, hand heldrather than won solution for the Microlightfamily while remaining greater exportabilityprofile. ITT’s SpearNet radio was selected forSpain’s Cassidian-led soldier modernisationprogramme and other front line applicationsby the country’s military.

Encryption and informationmanagementBy extending data down to the lowest eche-lon to achieve network centric solutions, theinformation assurance challenge has expandsexponentially. Voice communicationsrequire the information to be listened to inreal time and at the very lowest tactical lev-els, making it difficult to extract usable intel-ligence such as location and intent. By insert-ing data into the equation, situational aware-ness information can now be sent providingexact position location information to gener-ate the blue force picture, a vital force multi-plier and deductive IFF tool. Conversely,extracting that information from an enemy

network would provide the enemy with anexact Red Force picture and consequently theinformation can be a double edged sword if itis not adequately protected.The trend to greater security in communi-

cations can be seen in the procurement ofSelex Communications radios in the region.Australia acquired the original Personal RoleRadio (PRR) in its original form, operating invoice only mode and without encryptioninstead relying on spread spectrum technolo-gy and limited range for protection. In con-trast, Singapore relying the company’s SPRas bearer for ACMS uses AES in addition tospread spectrum technology. In dismounted

Dismounted Battle Management Systemsextend network centricity to the lowest tacticalecheolons © Elbit Systems

Ad Hoc networks, in this case the US TTNTallow platforms and users to rapidly move in anout of local networks at will while maintainingconnectivity © Rockwell Collins

Samsung Thales’ solutionfor South Korea’s TacticalInformation CommunicationsNetwork has multiplelayers of capability


configuration in Australia’s Land 125 pro-gramme, the AN/PRC-152(C) will connectsoldiers to the ADF's central BattleManagement System being developed byElbit and serve as a hub for other soldier-car-

ried C4 devices using US type 1 encryption.The Harris solution also provides built-inAES encryption provides security for alltransmissions using a 256-bit key.

Rockwell Collins won a contract in

November from the U.S. Army'sCommunications-Electronics Research,Development and Engineering Center tosupport its Tactical Army Cross DomainInformation Solution programme. The com-pany is producing a soldier-worn solutionusing its MicroTurnstile solution. The sys-tem uses a Multiple Independent Levels ofSecurity Advanced ArchitectureMicroProcessor Version 7 security processorto manage information sharing at the lowesttactical echelons and is capable of address-ing all security classifications, from topsecret to unclassified addressing the needs ofsoldiers who are not cleared for access toclassified information, without the risk ofcompromising classified data.

To manage information huge data vol-umes. PLATH’s is developing a software sys-tem for automatic data analysis, developingalgorithms for tactical and strategic communi-cation intelligence to highly linked data pat-tern recognition and artificial intelligence pro-viding the users with hypotheses instead ofdealing with huge masses of raw data.

Network centric operationsare truly joint © EADS



MMAARRIITTIIMMEES E C U R I T Y

Developments

As on land and the air, command andcontrol capabilities are via data fusion,enhancing the effectiveness of hithertounconnected sensors © DCNS

Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance:

&Capabilities


S E C U R I T YMMAARRIITTIIMMEE

Infiltration by terrorists fromthe sea is a very real threatput into perspective by the2008 Mumbai attacks © AJB

Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Maritime surveillance is not just about the ability to detect and cuesupersonic anti-ship missiles in a large scale blue water engagement.Actually, for the vast majority of countries on the planet it is justthe opposite, focusing instead on economic exclusion zone (EEZ)surveillance,constabulary tasks and counter-terror using systems in thecategory of maritime safety and security systems, Vessel TrafficService (VTS) systems and Coastal Surveillance Systems. The threatsaddressed by maritime safety and security have changed quantitativelyand qualitatively from the challenges posed by illegal fishing, smugglingand privacy to providing the first line of defence against terrorismand similar threats. The scale of the challenge is considerable,in 2008, 60,000 ships carried 70 percent of all intercontinentalcargo traffic and the figure is growing.

bbyy Adam Baddeley

WHILE Maritime PatrolAircraft (MPA) receivethe lion’s share of theattention in maritime sur-veillance, it is land based

sensors that do the lions share of the workincreasingly coupled with command and con-trol (C2) systems to achieve their effect.

Turnkey solutionsCountries are avidly seeking turnkey solu-tions that bring together new and existingsensors and fuse their feeds within a com-mand and control networks. France’sSpationav project, developed by EADSSofrelog is the country’s premier maritimesurveillance system integrating sensor feedsfrom AIS, airborne and land based sensorsallowing the Gendarmerie and other bodiesto see that information and plan and reactaccordingly.

Spationav is undergoing regularimprovements. Obzerv Technologies Inc.recently won a contract from EADS-Sofrelogfor two ARGC-2400 cameras for use in theSpationav programme. At 6km, the ARGC-2400 can detect whether the crew of a fastmoving craft are carrying rifles or not,allowing a rapid response.

EADS Sofrelog’s maritime security pack-age are in use in a number of harbours in theregion including Pelabuhan TanjungPelepas, Malaysia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Goa,India and Dalian, China, In other areas theyprovide security management systems fornaval facilities at Brest and Toulon andother classified locations as well as coastalmonitoring capabilities for the Danish mili-tary and a 700km stretch of coastline for theFinland Maritime Authority.

Sofrelog systems are part of the maritimesurveillance component to the 2007 €240mQatari National Security Shield and theSaudi border surveillance contract coveringthe complex environment of the Red Seaand part of the Arabian Gulf. In June 2010,EADS Sofrelog and Atlas Maritime Securityannounced their intention to form a joint

venture in this area.France is continuing to work to improve

solutions on its Mediterranean coast with 30percent of the world’s maritime traffic goingthrough its waters. In September, the DGAsigned a contract with DCNS to begin the€7m SISMARIS programme which providesa compete information systems and sensorsco-operative and non co-operative trackingof vessels at day and night and in all weath-er conditions at distances of three to fourdays out from ports such as Marseille,roughly from the Straits of Gibraltar toWestern Libya. Information generated willbe shared with partner organisation includ-ing the Centre de Coordination pour laLutte Anti-Drogue en Méditerranée,Gendarmerie Maritime and CROSS MED(Affaires Maritimes). The SISMARIS pro-gramme includes the installation of a com-plete sensor and detection platform withbasic and innovative sensors, high frequen-cy radar and for long range detection andintegrates of airborne platform. DCNS leads13 partners in the programme.

Indra Sistemas has recently been award-ed a contract by Portugal for its SistemaIntegrado de Vigilância de Comando eControlo (SIVICC) programme in a €25


France is continuing towork to improve solutionson its Mediterraneancoast with 30 percent ofthe world’s maritime trafficgoing through its waters

Combinations of sensors arebeing used in fixed and mobileimplementations in the coastalwatch role © AJB


award which will replace the Elbit sourcedLAOS system and will be integrated withSpain’s Sistema Integrado de VigilânciaExterior (SIVE). Indra was also selected toprovide Romania’s maritime surveillancesystems cover radar, electro–optic sensorslinking via a bespoke communications net-work to the C2 hub based on Constanza.

The Transas Baltic company in late 2010has recently signed a contract withLithuania to provide a sea surveillanceinformation system (SSIS) for traffic track-ing and logging and fisheries surveillanceusing sensors along Lithuania coast, whichwill use the Transas Navi-Harbor maritimesurveillance and information service.

Selex Sistemi Integrati are currently

upgrading Italy’s DispositivoInterministeriale di Sorveglianza Marittima(DISM). In a roughly two year deal toimprove coastal radar coverage, SSI willsupply seven sites with its remotely operat-ed Radar di Avvistamento per la Scoperta diSuperficie-Costiero IASR (RASSCI). TheRASSCI is an over the horizon radar, build-ing on the capabilities of the Selex GalileoGabbiano T2000C radar.

Countries in the region are benefiting foroutside funding for maritime security. Itwas recently announced that the US is

donating 16 coastal and 11 shipboard radarsystems and C2 posts to Indonesia to coverthe Straits of Malacca. The two country planto extend the network into the Sulawesi Seaand covering roughly 2500km with the over-all system centre will be on the island ofBatam. Japan has also provided radar to thesupport maritime security in the same proj-ect. The work is funded under US DoDSection 1206 funding to support the interna-tional counter-terrorism work. Malaysia hasreceived similar capabilities under the sameprogramme also using US donated radar. In2008, FLIR Systems announced an orderfrom Malaysia for 12 ThermoVision 2000(THV2000) long-range thermal imaging sen-sor systems with a range of up to 20 km forcoastal surveillance.

In July 2008, Vietnam’s Marine Policeordered Swedish Space Corp’s MSS 6000maritime surveillance system which willequip CASA C212-400 aircraft for deliveryin 2011. The aircraft will be equipped withSide-looking airborne radar, still and videocameras and other on board sensors in allweather and day and night and airborneAIS automatic identification system forships linked back to base, using broadbandsatcom.

In 2008, Indra were awarded work underSpain’s Sea Horse network system, a securesatcom based system linking Spain,Portugal, Mauritania, Senegal and CapeVerde, focused on information exchangebetween the parties on illegal immigrationand drug trafficking.

Raytheon’s HFSWR (High-FrequencySurface Wave Radar) is designed to detectand track ships and low-flying aircraft atbeyond 200 nautical mile and has been usedby DoD’s CTDPO (Counterdrug TechnologyDevelopment Program Office) to deliverlow-cost, all-weather detection capabilitiesusing polarized HF (High-Frequency) elec-tromagnetic signals which propagate alongthe sea’s surface rather than stopping at thehorizon.

Controp’s Thermal Imaging solutionshave been used in a number of coastal sur-veillance solutions. In late 2010, Contropwere awarded a contract to supply their Fox720 Thermal cameras as a coastal surveil-lance subcontract to local prime contractorin support of India’s Coast Guard. Completesystems built around Fox variants have alsobeen supplied for similar programmes withDANIS systems covering Sydney harboursince 2010. In Italy, five of Controp’s

ELTA's EL/M-2107 is a high resolution advancedminiature radar for security applicationsincluding harbour security © AJB



CEDAR systems cover the 9km long GioiaTauro harbour in a port security system ledby IBM Italia, with two systems covering themaritime perimeter, the remainder coveringthe land facing external fence. The CEDARsystem was also used during the AthensOlympics for coastal protection. All thefirm’s cameras use Controp’s pioneeringcontinuous optical zoom technology, allow-ing seamless close in investigation of anobject without the operator losing situation-al awareness by being able to zoom in andout without losing focus.A key feature of Controp’s surveillance

systems such as CEDAR, DANIS and othersincluding the SPIDER family is the inclusionof advanced intruder detection softwarematched to a panoramic scanning capabili-ty. Once set up, the camera only needs threecomplete sweeps taking less than a minutefor long range system over 180 degrees. In acoastal environment, the software is able to

distinguish between the normal movementof waves or sea birds and pick out swim-mers or rigid inflatables and automaticallyalert operators to their appearance.Controp’s latest camera is the Fox 1400,

which equips the SIPDER LR. In recent testsby Spain’s Guardia Civil, the system wasable to identify a rigid inflatable test subjectat 20km in poor weather at night. The Fox1400 has a 1.4m focal plane array but this is‘folded’ using a proprietary method toreduce the actual length of each camera tojust 40cm.IAI Elta’s work on coastal surveillance

was prompted by terrorist attacks from thesea against Israel in the 1970s. In responsethe company developed ELM-2112 family ofmulti-mission multi-function radarsdesigned to detect objects with the range

resolution of approximately 1m and is capa-ble of ground and sea surveillance and sup-ports simultaneous processing and in serv-ice with 15 customers including on Israel’scoast. The latest version is the V15 whichcan detect moving targets at up to 30km.

Co-operation and organisationOrganisational efficiency as much as tech-nology is responsible for ensuring effective-ness in maritime security. Indonesia and SriLanka have both recently activated nationalcoast guards. International co-operation isgrowing too. In July, the South KoreanNational Marine Police Agency and theRussian Federal Border Service conductedan anti-piracy exercise in the Sea of Japan.Jakarta is reported to be considering coordi-nated border patrols with Vietnam alongtheir common maritime borders in the SouthChina Sea. Indonesia has also undertakenjoint patrols with the Philippine Navy alongtheir common maritime borders. The India-Indonesia Co-ordinated Patrol known asIndido Corpet began on March 5 2010, cov-ering the seas around the Andaman-Nicobar

Radar solutions such as Cassidian’s TRGS candetect, small fleeting targets at range on landsea and air © Cassidian

IAI Elta’s work on coastalsurveillance was promptedby terrorist attacksfrom the sea against Israelin the 1970s

S E C U R I T YMMAARRIITTIIMMEE


archipelago, India and Weh Island,Indonesia. The Indonesians also continue topatrol with Thailand, Singapore andMalaysia in the Malacca Straits Sea Patrol.India and the Maldives also recently signedan agreement with to establish a network ofcoastal surveillance radars linking themwith the Indian Coastal Command andallowing Indian naval and coast guard ves-sels to patrol Maldivian waters.

The porous nature of India’s maritimeborders was brought home in the Mumbaiattacks in November 2008. In response, rec-tifying deficiencies have been brought aboutby fast tracking existing but delayed plansand the introduction of new systems andplatforms. In October 2009, India’s Defence

Minister A.K. Antony announced plans for asignificant increase in the size of the CoastGuard with the establishment of nine newstations and 46 coastal radars. In term ofplatforms, Antony announced the acquisi-tion of seven offshore patrol vessels, 20 fastpatrol boats and 41 interceptor craft as wellas additional aircraft. As well as convention-al platform India is also acquiring furtherhovercraft signing a deal GriffonHoverwork in late 2010, adding 12 8000TDmedium hovercraft, allowing the systems tomarshy, swampy regions on the western

and eastern coastlines of India. India’s CoastGuard has also been designated the leadnational agency in co-ordinating the intro-duction of an AIS systems with state gov-ernments.

HarboursHarbours provide a location of vulnerabilityand necessity for maritime surveillance,their location providing perhaps the primelocation for terrorist attack. Norwegian firmKongsberg in 2008 received a $22.75 millionfrom Aselsan to prove underwater detectionsystems or the Turkish Navy’s Aksaz andFoça naval bases. Finland’s Navy hasacquired systems for assessment from Patriaand its Sura lightweight surveillance systemand from TietoSaab Systems in the sametimeframe. Kongsberg Meseotech’s DDS9000 acoustic diver detection system pro-vides an automated means to detect diversusing network of ten sonar nodes.



In July, the South KoreanNational Marine PoliceAgency and the RussianFederal Border Serviceconducted an anti-piracyexercise in the Sea of Japan

The high volumes of cargo required forinternational trade require large tracts of theoceans to be placed under persistentsurveillance © AJB

RREEGGIIOONNAALL M I L I T A R Y

AustralianDefence Force:

The Australian government has made no secret of its desire to turnthe Australian Defence Force (ADF) into a hardened and networkedfighting force. The threats faced by Australia, both within the shiftingand rebalancing Asia-Pacific region, and as part of ongoing operationswithin the Middle East, are rapidly changing, and the ability to meetthese threats has required a long-term plan for the modernisationand enhancement of the nation’s defence capabilities.

bbyy John Mullberry

ArmyFocus


THE PAST decade has seen a signifi-cant push toward this goal, to ensurethat the ADF is of sufficient size andhas the correct equipment to meetthe challenges of increasingly

demanding strategic conditions, increasing thesize and firepower of the land force, improveprotection provided to troops and allow them tocommunicate better on the battlefield. TheAustralian Defence Force (ADF) is in the processof carrying out a number of programmes tomeet these goals for its land forces, and the samecan be said for the Royal Australian Navy(RAN) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).Throughout the last decade the battlefield hasbecome more complex and the face of warfareitself has changed dramatically. Troopsdeployed in the Middle East are facing anincreasingly flexible enemy in some of the mostextreme conditions and environments everexperienced. As a result, the technology andknowledge required to face these threats areforcing a significant rethink of both the equip-ment and technology required for success.

Fully networkedOne of the most central aspects of the processcurrently being undertaken by the ADF toupgrade and modernise the Australian armedforces is to become fully networked. In anincreasingly digitized battlespace, the ability tonot just gather data but to turn that data intoactionable information and disseminate itaround the battlefield is vital component of mis-sion success. In order to drive through the goalof becoming a fully networked armed force, the

19

M I L I T A R YRREEGGIIOONNAALL

l MARCH/APRIL 2011 l

In June 2010 approval wasgranted for the upgrade of theASLAV vehicles as part of Land112 Phase 4 © Australian DoD

government began a process of careful selec-tion of land, sea and aerial platforms to mod-ernise the ADF, and enhance its capabilitiesto that of a modern military.

In 2004, the Minister for Defenceannounced that the M1A1 Abrams IntegratedManagement (AIM) Main Battle Tank (MBT)had been selected as a replacement for thearmy’s former in-service tank, the LeopardAS1 MBT. The vehicles were purchasedunder a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agree-ment with the US Government, with the firstdelivery of 18 M1A1 tanks along with fourM88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery CombatUtility Lift and Evacuation System (HER-CULES) armoured recovery tanks, whichwere delivered to the Army in September2006. The remaining 41 tanks ordered weredelivered in-country in March 2007 alongwith two armoured recovery vehicles.

The initial operating capability of a 41tank squadron, as well as supporting equip-ment, training, support and ammunitionentered service in July 2007 with the 1st

Armoured Regiment. The M1A1 providedthe basis for a strong, modernised and for-ward-looking army, bringing high levels ofprotection, mobility, improved fire controlsystem components and – importantly -excellent interoperability in the network cen-tric battlefield.

With a crew of four personnel and a cruis-ing range of 440 – 480 km, the M1A1 is armedwith a 120mm smooth bore smoothbore gunand 50 cal and 7.62mm machine guns. TheM88A2 HERCULES support vehicles, sevenof which were ordered in total, are fullytracked heavy armoured vehicles armed witha 50 cal machine gun that performs hoisting,winching and towing as required duringrecovery operations and evacuation of heavytanks and other combat vehicles.

Two other vehicle acquisition pro-grammes have significantly enhanced theAustralian land force’s networked defencecapabilities. In 1990, the government began adecade-long programme to procure andupgrade 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicles

known as the Australian Light ArmouredVehicle (ASLAV) programme. The pro-gramme was begun in order to source a vehi-cle that was able to conduct reconnaissanceand surveillance activities over long dis-tances with minimal logistics support, andwas conducted in four phases. Initially 15Light Armoured Vehicles were procuredfrom the US Marine Corps (USMC) for a con-cept evaluated of wheeled reconnaissance;this was followed by a contract for 113 vehi-cles issued by the DMO, with delivery run-ning through to 1997, and in 2000 a further144 ASLAVs were ordered and the phase twovehicles were upgraded to Phase 3 standardwith enhanced simulation, surveillance andremote weapon stations.

In June 2010 approval was granted for theupgrade of the ASLAV vehicles as part ofLand 112 Phase 4, which will see the vehiclesenhanced as part of a AU$302.8 million proj-ect that will improve armament, provide


One of the most centralaspects of the processcurrently being undertakenby the ADF to upgrade andmodernise the Australianarmed forces is to becomefully networked

The ADF is set to replace itsexisting Scan Eagle UAV withthe Textron-AAI Shadow 200© Australian DoD

The ADF’s heavy armourcapability is provided bythe M1A1 main battletank © Australian DoD

RREEGGIIOONNAALLM I L I T A R Y

greater protection for troops and help caterfor difficult and dangerous environmentssuch as those in Afghanistan, bringing thehighest combat protection and capability inthe future to the ASLAV. The work will alsoincrease protection against ImprovisedExplosive Devices (IEDs), ballistic fragmenta-tion and blast protection, as well as improve-ments to the vehicle’s suspension, drivelineand engine, ensuring the vehicle is able to ful-fil its role for the remainder of its service life.

The Army has also deployed theBushmaster armoured vehicle in six variants:troop transport, ambulance, direct fire, mor-tar, engineer and command. The initial deliv-ery of Bushmaster vehicles took place in 2004and over 680 vehicles are now in place withthe ADF. The Bushmaster is a highly mobilevehicle with very high ballistic, mine andIED blast resistance, providing solutions for awide variety of mission roles and applica-tions including logistical support. In 2006 itwas announced that the vehicles would befitted with Raven R-400 remote weapon sta-tions (RWS) from Recon Optical and Electro


Optic Systems for added troop protection.Thales Australia also released a new capabil-ity known as intelligence, surveillance, targetacquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR)Osprey to enhance the situational awarenessof deployed ADF troops within various oper-ational theatres. The system includes Kylmaroptronics, Thales UK rangefinders and theThales Sophie MF multi-functional thermalimaging device that have been integratedinto a four metre Will-Burt Stiletto mast. Byremoving a single seat from the vehicle andcarrying out minor modifications to the rearhatch the complete sensor package can residein the vehicle. It works to reduce the ISTARphysical signature of the vehicle, enabling itto carry out increased surveillance and recon-naissance missions with greater secrecy andless risk of detection.

Critical battlefield intelligenceOne of the most important aspects of improv-

ADF Chinook helicopter fromthe Townsville based 5thAviation Regiment deployson exercise © DoD

The ADF’s Tiger attackhelicopters are now inservice © Australian DoD



ing the ADF’s networked capabilities hasbeen the ongoing programme to expandunmanned aerial vehicle (UAS) technologies.The RAAF operates the Heron UAS inAfghanistan, and last year entered into anagreement with the US government for theprovision of the AAI-Textron RQ-7B Shadow200 UAS as part of the JP129 tactical UASprocurement programme. The RQ-7BShadow is a latest-generation combat provensystem used by the US Army and MarineCorps for reconnaissance, surveillance, tar-geting and assessment, allowing brigadecommanders to gain an advanced awarenessof their surrounding in uncertain environ-ments. The operating environment inAfghanistan has proved to be a particularlydifficult one and the use of UAVs has quick-ly become one of the safest and most effectiveway to detect threats within the battlespaceat no risk to human life. The ability fordeployed troops to obtain a clear picture of

the battlefield in built-up urban areas ormountainous terrain, and the ability forUAVs to build up a picture of the operatingtheatre to search for suspicious objects andinsurgents has enabled missions to be carriedout more safely.

The Shadow 200 can see targets up to 125km away from the brigade tactical operationscentre, and recognise tactical vehicles up to8,000 feet above the ground at more than 3.5km slant range, in all light conditions. Thesystem transmits imagery and data directlyto the Joint Surveillance and Target AttackRadar System, All Sources Analysis System,and Advanced Field Artillery Tactical DataSystem in near real time, and provides target-ing data for precision weapons.The ADF has also deployed the Kestrel

Land Moving Target Indicator (Land MTI)technology aboard its Heron UAS inAfghanistan. The software automaticallydetects targets in electro-optical and infraredaerial full motion video captured by UAVs,

In June 2010 approval wasgranted for the upgrade ofthe ASLAV vehicles aspart of Land 112 Phase 4,which will see the vehiclesenhanced as part ofa AU$302.8 million project



such as vehicles and dismounts in urban andmountainous terrain that are too small for thehuman eye to detect reliably. Technologysuch as this that uses artificial intelligence toperform routine and repetitive tasks takes theresponsibility off the UAV operator, who willeasily become fatigued while watching largequantities of raw data. The system will flagthe targets and alert the operator, allowingwider areas to be covered by the UAV itself.

RotorcraftThe Australian Army’s rotary assets haveundergone a period of significant transfor-mation over the past decade, with a numberof acquisition and upgrade programmesbeing undertaken to enhance and upgradeairborne defences. One of the more problem-atic programmes has been the MRH-90 heli-copter programme which has suffered delaysof 12 months for the Navy’s aircraft and 18months for the Army’s aircraft. The aircraftwere originally ordered as part of a rational-isation programme to replace the Navy’s Sea

King and the Army’s Black Hawk fleets, butdelays, caused by a series of issues includingengine failure, transmission oil cooler fanfailures and poor availability of spares, hasresulted in a review being called by theMinister of Defence earlier this month. Thereview will be a full diagnostic review sup-ported by external specialists to provide rec-ommendations to the government on theactions necessary to fully implement theimportant project – only 13 of the 46 MRH-90helicopters have been delivered to date,which currently being used for testing andinitial crew training.

Project AIR87 is also seeking to deliver anew Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter(ARH) capability to the Army by the end of2011 by way of the Eurocopter TigerHelicopters, 22 of which have been orderedto replace the Bell 206B-1 Kiowa and UH1-HIroquois gunship helicopters. The aircraftwill be fitted with the M299 launcher forHellfire II missiles and will also be armedwith 70 mm Hydra rockets, the Nexter 30

ADF forces patrolin Afghanistan ©Australian DoD

Australia has been one of themain supporters of coalitionoperations in Afghanistan© Australian DoD


mm cannon and four Stinger air-to-air mis-siles. A full operational capability is expectedto be reached in December this year.

Although Australia has considered a pos-sible deployment to Afghanistan for theTiger ARH when the aircraft reach opera-tional status, it is more likely that the ADF’smain rotary contribution will remain withthe Boeing CH-47D Chinook aircraft current-ly deployed there in support of coalitionoperations. Early in 2010 the Minister forDefence announced that second passapproval had been granted to a major projectto acquire seven CH-47F Chinook helicoptersfor the ADF at a cost of around $755 millionunder Project AIR 9000 Phase 5C.

The aircraft will eventually replace the

existing CH-47D Chinooks which havebecome increasingly difficult to support sincebeing replaced by the newer F version. Thenew aircraft will act as the central componentof the ADF’s medium-lift helicopter capabili-ty, and are capable of performing a widerange of roles including troop transport,frontline MedEvac and disaster relief andhumanitarian roles. The strengthened air-frame, improved deployability and digitalsystems supporting safer flying of the Fmodel will being supportability and opera-tional benefits to the ADF. The fleet arescheduled for entry into service during 2014and will be based at Townsville, and operat-ed by ‘C-Squadron’ of Army’s 5th.

All of these procurement plans have theobjective of strengthening the capabilities ofthe ADF to deploy on current operations. Asa result the focus is very much on the require-ments of the Army. There are also a numberof recapitalisation efforts underway for theRAAF and RAN but the outcomes of these,such as the new air warfare frigates and newfighter fleet are further out.

The ADF has also deployedthe Kestrel Land MovingTarget Indicator technologyaboard its Heron UASin Afghanistan


MANY OF these nations stillhave substantial stocks ofrecoilless guns. Indeed forfive of these countries;Bangladesh, Indonesia,

Myanmar, Philippines, and Sri Lanka –recoilless guns are their sole antitank anddirect-fire weapon.

In a traditional rifled or smoothbore gun,all of the hot gas created by the propellant isused to drive the projectile out of the barrel. Ina recoilless gun (often referred to as a recoil-less rifle, even in cases where the barrel is

smoothbore), a large portion of the gas isallowed to escape to the rear, creating amomentum that will approximately balancethe recoil created by the firing of the projectile.As a result, the weapon does not need a recoil-damping mechanism or a heavy gun carriage.

While weapons of this sort are relativelyinexpensive compared to anti-tank missiles,they have the tactical drawback of havingsignificant noise and flash, while the hotgases expelled rearwards can create a highlyvisible cloud of dust and debris. While theycan be fired from a light mount such as a tri-

pod or from the infantryman’s shoulder, thelarger-calibre weapons are usually mountedon a jeep or similar small vehicle so that theycan change location quickly after firing.

The most common recoilless gun used inthe region is the US-developed 105 mm M40recoilless rifle. This is used by Bangladesh,Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, SouthKorea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan,

AANNTTII--AARRMMOOUURRS U P P O R T W E A P O N S


Anti-armourinfantry direct-

support weapons&

Although 18 nations in the region have equipped their armed forceswith anti-tank and direct-fire weapons, the anti-tank guided missile isused by only ten of these; India, Japan, North Korea, South Korea,Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

bbyy Doug Richardson

Despite its age, the 105 mm M40 recoilless rifleis still in service with 15 nations in the region© Bukvoed / Creative Commons

infantry direct-fire

direct-S U P P O R T W E A P O N SAANNTTII--AARRMMOOUURR

Rafael’s Spike LR introducedSingapore to the era of thefire-and-forget anti-tankmissile © Rafael AdvancedDefense Systems

infantry direct-fire


Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,and Thailand.

The M40 entered service in the mid-1950sand is still fielded in substantial numbersaround the world. It was the first recoillessweapon to incorporate a spotting rifle for thegunner - a gas-operated magazine-fed semi-

automatic, whose bullet flew a trajectory thatmatched that of the full-calibre round.

Available rounds include the M344 andM344A1 high-explosive anti-tank andM346A1 high-explosive plastic with tracer(HEP-T). These have a maximum range of3,000 m. A shorter-range M581 anti-person-

nel tracer round that dispensed flechettes isprobably no longer in use.

There is little point in cataloguing the fullrange of recoilless guns used throughout theregion. However, some recoilless weaponsare worthy of note.

The long-established Carl Gustaf recoil-less rifle has five users in the region – India,Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.First introduced by what was then Bofors(now part of Saab Dynamics) in 1946, it is stillin production, having been graduallyimproved over more than half a century, aprocess that shows no signs of stopping.

The current M3 version uses a barrel con-sisting of a rifled steel liner, around which iswound a laminate of carbon fibre and epoxy.The rear-mounted gas venturi is also made ofsteel, but the remainder of the weapon ismade from aluminium or plastic. Thesemeasures reduced the length from the 1.13 mof the earlier M2 to 1.07 m, and trimmed theweight from 14.2 kg to only 10 kg.

Recently Saab Dynamics announced that itis developing an even lighter M4 variantexpected to be available from 2015 onwards.This will be less than 1 m long and willweight less than 7 kg. It will use a fire-controlsystem based on a thermal imager, an image

intensifier, a low-light charge-coupled device,an eyesafe laser rangefinder, a ballistic com-puter, and a means of transferring data suchas ammunition type, propellant temperature,range setting and firing mode between thefire-control unit and the ammunition.

New high-explosive, multipurpose,infrared smoke, illumination and anti-per-sonnel rounds are planned, along with a 4.5kg guided round. A drawing of the lattershows three pop-out canard control surfaces,three pop-out tail surfaces, and some form ofnose-mounted sensor.

Cambodia and Singapore have adoptedthe 67 mm Armbrust, a weapon designed toovercome the main limitations of the recoil-less gun – the conspicuous launch signaturethat results from muzzle flash and back blast.The venting of hot gases to the rear of arecoilless weapon not only creates an imme-


Pakistan makes its ownvariant of the RPG-7, and hasdeveloped and fieldedits own custom-designedprojectiles


Since first entering servicein 1970, Raytheon’s BGM-71 TOW heavy wire-guidedmissile has evolved into afamily of ever more lethaldesigns © Raytheon

Pakistan has developed anairbursting anti-personnelround for the RPG-7 ©Pakistan Ordnance Factories

diately-recognisable back blast, but can bedangerous in confined spaces.Armbrust uses a propellant charge located

between two pistons. When the weapon isfired, the front piston propels the projectile for-wards and out of the tube, while the otherdrives a countermass of shredded plastic outof the rear of the tube. Both pistons are trappedat their respective ends of the launch tube, pre-venting the release of hot propellant gases.Ambrust was developed by

Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm , who latersold the manufacturing rights to CharteredIndustries of Singapore (now ST Kinetics).Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand all use

the M72 LAW 66 mm anti-tank rocket. In USservice this has been replaced by theSwedish-developed AT4 84 mm recoillessweapon, which has also been adopted byTaiwan.The well-proven RPG-7 grenade launcher

and its Chinese Type 69 equivalent still havetheir adherents, being used by Cambodia,North Korea, Laos, Pakistan, Seychelles, andprobably Vietnam. North Korea even hasstocks of the older RPG-2.Pakistan makes its own variant of the

RPG-7, and has developed and fielded itsown custom-designed projectiles. Theseinclude the RPG-7AP, which closely resem-bles the Chinese air-burst anti-personnelgrenade for the Type 69-1. On impact, theRPG-7AP projectile is propelled upwards bya jump mechanism, and the warhead is deto-nated at a height of about 2 m, scattering itspayload of 850 steel balls.Recoilless guns have not vanished from

the inventory of nations that have adoptedguided anti-tank missiles. Being essentiallyshoulder-fired light artillery, the more mod-ern types still serve a source of highly-mobilefirepower during fighting in built-up area(FIBUA) operations. For example, they can beused for wall-breaching, creating a way intoa building not predictable by the defenders.Although it seems safe to predict that

some of the countries that current operateonly recoilless guns may procure guidedmissiles in the future, sales of modern recoil-less weapons such as the Carl Gustaf are like-ly to continue, particularly if the Swedishweapon’s guided round completes develop-ment and closes the gap between guided andunguided systems.Pakistan makes its own variant of the

RPG-7, and has developed and fielded itsown custom-designed projectiles. In itsground-based form, it is used by South

Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan,and Thailand. In the helicopter-mountedrole, TOW is used by South Korea (AH-1,MD500), Japan (AH-1), Pakistan (AH-1),Philippines (MD500), Taiwan (AH-1), andThailand (AH-1).First fielded by the US in 1970, TOW

shows no sign of ending its production run ofmore than 40 years. A series of successivemodels has introduced improved perform-ance and more lethal warheads, includingpayloads designed for ‘bunker-busting’.The National Development Complex of

Pakistan is known to have developed a tan-demwarhead for installation on that country’sTOWmissiles, but no details are available.For decades, TOW used a traditional trail-

ing-wire command link, but in 2001Raytheon made the first test firings of a wire-less version. Elimination of the wire allowedthe range to be increased from the wire-limit-ed 3,750 m to 4,500 m. All current productionrounds are wireless, and some patterns ofolder wire-guided missile can be convertedto the wireless configuration.Although content to rely on the TOW as

its helicopter-launched missile, Japan largelyequips its Self-Defense Forces with anti-tankmissiles of local origin. The most modern ofthese is the Type 87 Chu-MAT semi-activelaser guided missile. Fired from a contain-er/launcher tube mounted on a low tripod,this has a range described as ‘medium’.The Type 99 Jyu-MAT is an older weapon

S U P P O R T W E A P O N SAANNTTII--AARRMMOOUURR

This 84 mm diameter guided missile is proposed as a future ‘smart’ roundfor the Saab Dynamics Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle © Saab Dynamics


that has been in service since 1984. Deployedin ground and vehicle-based forms, it usessemi-automatic command to line of sight(SACLOS) guidance via a trailing wire. Somereserve units may still operate the Type 64MAT wire-guided missile, a 1950s designalso known as the KAM-3.

Japan is reported to be working on a newXATM-4 heavy anti-tank missile and a newXATM-5 lighter missile similar in concept tothe US Javelin. However, like the earlierJapanese designs, these are unlikely to beoffered for export.

MBDA’s Milan is built under licence inIndia since 1973, and also serves withIndonesia, Pakistan, and Singapore. ThisSACLOS system has been in service since thefirst deployment of the original Milan 1 in

1972, and the latest version is the MILAN ER,which started trials in 2006. Firing posts forthis new digitised version first entered serv-ice with South Africa, which ordered MilanER firing posts for its existing missiles. NoMILAN ER missiles were included in theorder, but MBDA hopes that the new missilewill enter production in 2011. The identity ofthe second MILAN ER customer has not yetbeen announced.

The Kolomna KBM 9K11 Malyutka (AT-3'Sagger') wire-guided missile first enteredservice with what was then the Sovietarmed forces in 1963. Export customersincluded India, North Korea, and Vietnam.Taiwan’s Kuen Wu 1 closely resembles theMalyutka but has a larger and differentlyshaped warhead. This Malyutka clone was

developed during the 1970s by the Sun Yat-sen Scientific Research Institute, and isprobably still in service.

Like all first-generation weapons,Malyutka requires a high degree of operatortraining. The Tula KBP 9K111 Fagot (AT-4a/4b 'Spigot') is similar in concept toMILAN and uses SACLOS guidance. Itentered service in the early 1970s and India isamong the known export users.

India faces the problem that it needs to dis-pose of up to 12,000 Soviet-era Malyukta andFagot anti-tank missiles that have been in serv-ice for up to 20 years, almost twice theirdesigned life of 10 years. The 9P135 series offiring posts of the Fagot system will probablyhave a longer career with India than theRussian missiles they were originally designedto fire. Bharat Dynamics has developed theFlame-V and Flame-G adaptor kits that allowsthese to fire the MBDA MILAN 2 missile.

The KBP Instrument Design Bureau9K115Metis (AT-7 ‘Saxhorn’) SACLOS sys-tem is much smaller than the Fagot, but at theprice of reduced range. The original versioncould engage targets out to 1,000 m, but thiswas increased to 1,500 m in the Metis-M (AT-13) variant. The latter uses the improved9M131 missile in place of the earlier 9M115.

South Korea obtained its Metis-M systemsin partial repayment of outstanding debt dat-ing back to the Soviet era. In 2004, it received

a second batch reported to have includeddozens of 9P151 launch units fitted with1PN86V1 Mulat-115 8-13 µm thermal imag-ing sights and several thousand 9M131 mis-siles. The latter can carry a thermobaric war-head optimised for attacking bunkers andsimilar targets, but these were not suppliedto South Korea.

In 2001 Malaysia ordered an undisclosedquantity of Metis-M systems, but is it notknown whether that country adopted boththe tandem HEAT and thermobaric war-heads, or the system’s optional thermal sight.

Malaysia is the only regional operator ofthe MBDA Eryx short-range anti-tank missilesystem. This 136 mm diameter wire-guidedmissile is fired from a compact firing unitthat tracks an infra-red beacon on the missile

The only regional exportsuccess for China’sRed Arrow series ofanti-tank missiles seems tohave been Pakistan


MBDA sees its digitisedMILAN ER as evolutionaryroute for existing usersof the MILAN system© Doug Richardson

India’s Flame upgrade allows 9P135 series firingposts originally used with the Russian Fagor missileto fire the MBDA MILAN 2 © Doug Richardson

VBCI

VBCI

NexterSystems

and generates guidance commands. Theprinciple is no different to that of longer-range SACLOS weapons, but the maximumrange is only 600 m.

The latest version of Eryx has a tandemwarhead. It can penetrate 900 mm of rolledhomogenous armour (RHA) or 2.5 m of rein-forced concrete.

A Mirabel thermal imager can be mountedon the launcher to allow firings at night or inpoor visibility, but SagemDéfence Sécurité hasteamed with MBDA to develop a new thermalnight sight based on an uncooled sensor.

The only regional export success forChina’s Red Arrow series of anti-tank mis-siles seems to have been Pakistan, whichbuilds the Red Arrow 8 under licence as theBaktar Shikan. Like the Chinese original, thisis a SACLOS weapon using a trailing-wireguidance link. It is in service with Pakistanand Malaysia.

The National Development Complex ofPakistan has developed tandem high-explo-sive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads intended toallow the missile to attack targets protected by

S U P P O R T W E A P O N SAANNTTII--AARRMMOOUURR

China’s Red Arrow family of anti-tank missiles has scored few salessuccesses in the region, but Pakistan manufactures the Red Arrow 8version under the designation Baktar Shikan © Norinco


Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). The modi-fied missile is reported to be able to penetrate800 mm of conventional steel armour or morethan 460 mm of armour protected by ERA.

In 1999, it was announced that the RafaelSpike-LR fibre-optic guided missile had beenselected by Singapore. The system is locallymanufactured by Singapore TechnologiesDynamics, while Smart Systems Pte Ltd hasbeen established by Chartered AmmunitionIndustries and Rafael to act as the prime con-tractor for Singapore’s systems.

Spike LR can be launched in either a fire-and-forget mode or in a fire-observe-and-update mode. Its trailing fibre-optic linkallows the gunner to observe seeker imagerywhile the missile is in flight, allowing him tocorrect the aim, switch to another target, orabort the attack.

The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin

anti-tank missile has enjoyed major sales suc-cesses round the world, but to date its onlysale in this region has been to Taiwan. Javelinis a fire-and-forget missile whose staringimaging infra-red seeker is locked onto thetarget prior to launch. Once the missile hasbeen fired, the gunner is free to take cover orto reload. The missile flies a high trajectory,and attacks a tank from above.

Although designed and fielded as an anti-tank weapon, Javelin proved a usefulbunker-attack weapon during military oper-ations in Iraq, and is now being used by USand UK forces operating in Afghanistan as adirect-fire weapon against enemy positions.

India faces the problem that its Milan 2and 2T anti-tank missiles have a maximumrange of 2,000 m, well below the 3,000 mreported for Pakistan’s Baktar Shikan sys-tems. In August 2010 Defence Minister A K

Antony told the Indian parliament that thecountry intended to buy what he termed a“third-generation anti-tank guided missile”,and that the Indian Ministry of Defenceplanned to send a letter of request to the USGovernment covering a proposed ForeignMilitary Sales contract.

Since the published procurement planmentions only the United States, this sug-gests that the Indian Army could be planning

to adopt either the Javelin or one of the latestversions of TOW. In its standard form,Javelin has a maximum range of only 2,500m, well below that of Pakistan’s BaktarShikan. An extended-range variant has beenunder study for almost a decade, but has yetto be funded.

By the end of last year, the only Indianrequest for anti-tank missiles that had beennotified to Congress was for AGM-114L-3Hellfire Longbow and 542 AGM-114R-3Hellfire II missiles, part of a larger requestfor 22 AH-64D Block III Apache helicoptersbeing offered as a candidate in India’splanned procurement of a new anti-tankhelicopter.


This Metis M system used by South Korea has the improved9M131 missile and a fire unit fitted with the Mulat 115 thermalimager © Doug Richardson

MBDA’s Eryx was displayed at Eurosatory 2010 complete with a new uncooled Sagemnight sight © Doug Richardson

The Lockheed Martin Javelin has alreadybeen adopted by Taiwan © Lockheed Martin

India faces the problem thatits Milan 2 and 2T anti-tankmissiles have a maximumrange of 2,000 m, wellbelow the 3,000 m reportedfor Pakistan’s BaktarShikan systems

The year 2010 witnessed a steadychain of bombings and terrorist attacks incountries like Afghanistan, India, Iraq,Israel and Pakistan. However, twoincidents that received the most Westernmedia attention were an attempted carbombing in New York’s Times Square on1 May, and the seizure of two bombstimed to detonate aboard aircraft on 29October. The former plot by FaisalShahzad was foiled by observant civilians andemergency services, with US authorities believingthis attack was perpetrated by the PakistaniTaliban. In the latter incident, for which Al-Qaeda inthe Arabian Peninsular claimed responsibility,300-400g of explosives was concealed in tonercartridges aboard aircraft en route from Yemen to theUS. These two incidents underscore the need forconstant levels of homeland security (HLS) alertness.

bbyy Gordon Arthur

HomelandSecurity:

EmergingTechnologies

HHOOMMEELLAANNDDS E C U R I T Y


S E C U R I T YHHOOMMEELLAANNDD

A US Army RG-31 Mk5A 4x4MRAP in Afghanistan. Notethe SPARK mine-roller, aswell as the Warlock DukeCounter-Remote Control IEDElectronic Warfare system ©Gordon Arthur/Carl Schulze


TERRORISTS AND fanatics can eas-ily turn homelands into frontlineswith asymmetric threats such asweapons of mass destruction(WMD). Piracy, cyber-terrorism,

narcotics, arms and people smuggling areother areas of international concern. Thisarticle examines some emerging and matur-ing HLS technologies that military and secu-rity forces have at their disposal to countersuch threats.

Surveillanceand communicationsAn up-to-date picture of the enemy hasalways been a vital tool for military com-manders, and in this modern age much effortis invested in obtaining high-resolutionimagery that can be instantly shared via dig-ital networks. Such assets range from US AirForce (USAF) U-2S spy planes monitoringNorth Korea to systems like the vehicle-mounted Long-Range Advance ScoutSurveillance System (LRAS3) used in

Afghanistan and Iraq.The lighter-than-air aerostat is an interest-

ing surveillance development, this asset mim-icking WWI binocular-equipped artilleryspotters in balloons. Aerostats filled with heli-um are tethered balloons that look downupon facilities such as forward operatingbases (FOB). This technology is being adopt-ed by the USA, with 31 Persistent GroundSurveillance Systems (PGSS) to be deployedin Afghanistan. Equipped with wide-areasensors, these SkyKite aerostats from NeanyIncorporated are connected to TerraSightGround Stations to warn troops on theground of threats. Similarly, Thailand boughta $9.7 million airship from Aria Internationalfor use in its restive south. Thailand’smanned aerostat contains advanced surveil-lance and communication systems.India’s state-run Defence Research and

Development Organisation (DRDO) hasdeveloped a medium-sized aerostatequipped with a day/night electro-opticaland communication intelligence (COMINT)

payload for surveillance. Trials concluded on25 December 2010, and electronic intelligence(ELINT) and radar payloads are alsoplanned. DRDO envisions an application inall three military branches. India is alsoinvesting in Pakistani border surveillancewhere infiltration attempts regularly occur.In September 2009, Raytheon successfullydemonstrated its Battlefield SurveillanceSystem (BSS) to the Indian military.Porous borders like those in India,

Indonesia and the Philippines are an endem-ic problem. The Philippines is addressing thisissue by establishing Coast Watch South inthe Mindanao archipelago. This is a chain of17 radar-equipped coastal stations backed bypatrol boats and helicopters. The USA andAustralia are assisting Manila with technolo-gy and funding in this concerted effort tointercept cross-border criminals, pirates andterrorists. The US also maintains the 650-manJoint Special Operations Task Force –Philippines (JSOTF-P) in Mindanao, a restiveregion permeated by Abu Sayyaf Group(ASG) and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members.JSOTF-P acts in an advisory role to thePhilippine military and police, and it oper-ates high-tech surveillance and intelligence-gathering equipment. An example is the C-Champion Maritime Support Vessel. This220-foot ship arrived in Zamboanga inFebruary 2008 to act as a mobile base. Indeed,a Philippine Navy rear admiral used MSV C-Champion as his command post duringOperation Tuparin on Basilan in August2009. The US also operates intelligence, sur-veillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets likeRaven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) andunmarked surveillance aircraft in Mindanao.The US is pioneering the use of persistent

wide-area airborne surveillance systems thatemploy high-resolution cameras and high-

volume data-transmitting capacities. Theyare basically security cameras mounted inaircraft, and at present two services fieldsuch assets - the US Army’s Constant Hawkand US Marine Corps’ (USMC) Angel Fireplatforms. Constant Hawk, which incorpo-rates a pattern analysis system, is mounted inC-23 Sherpa aircraft in Iraq, and in C-12Huron aircraft in Afghanistan. BAE Systemsprovided the first Airborne Wide-AreaPersistent Surveillance System (AWAPSS) tothe US Army in September 2009. A fruit ofthe Pentagon’s Joint IED Defeat Organization(JIEDDO), AWAPSS gives 24-hour situation-al awareness exceeding that of ConstantHawk aircraft. Seven such systems are des-tined for use in Iraq and Afghanistan.AWAPPS simultaneously collects 100-megapixel images in the visible and infrared

wavebands. By loitering over a named areaof interest, the system builds up a database ofthe location and associated human activity.Communication systems can revolu-

tionise the efficiency of military and securityforces. In July 2010 the Marine CorpsWarfighting Laboratory conducted an exper-iment during the biennial RIMPAC exercisein Hawaii. The aim was to enhance the effec-tiveness of a USMC company performingcounterinsurgency missions by integratingnew technology. Golf Company of 2-3Marines was equipped with TrellisWare TW-220 tactical handheld radios that created amobile, self-forming multi-channel commu-nication network. As well as voice communi-cation, the TW-220 automatically providedleaders with position location information

(PLI) so they could digitally track eachMarine in real-time. TrellisWare radios dove-tailed with the Distributed TacticalCommunications System (DCTS), an over-the-horizon iridium network that providedheadquarters with users’ grid locations.These communication systems gave com-



The US is pioneering the useof persistent wide-areaairborne surveillance systemsthat employ high-resolutioncameras and high-volumedata-transmitting capacities

The compact but stillexperimental ChineseASN-211 Flapping WingAircraft mimics a bird’sor insect’s motion inflight © Gordon Arthur

With an armed MAARS robot aboard, GUSS performs a mission for 2-3 Marines during the RIMPACwar-fighting experiment in Hawaii © Gordon Arthur


manders superior situational awarenessbecause they knew exactly where their menwere at all times. Vince Goolding, Director ofthe Warfighting Lab’s ExperimentalDivision, enthused: “We think this new com-munication equipment’s a game-changer.”

Unmanned platformsNo mention of HLS technology would becomplete without mention of unmannedplatforms. Even cash-strapped Indonesiarecognises the utility of UAVs. At the recentIndo Defence show in Jakarta, BPPT dis-played the 8.5kg BPPT-04C Sriti with 40kmrange. This UAV will soon be inducted formaritime patrol duties. The USA regularlyemploys unmanned combat air vehicles(UCAV) in places like Yemen andAfghanistan. CIA Special Activities DivisionMQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers armedwith Hellfire missiles regularly track andexterminate targets, with 709 people killed innorthwest Pakistan in 2009 alone. China, too,is getting on the UAV bandwagon. China’slargest UAV producer is ASN TechnologyGroup, and at Airshow China in November2010 it displayed the ASN-211 FlappingWing Aircraft. With an 800mm wingspanand weighing just 220g, its compact sizelends itself to frontline reconnaissance. Thecompany also showed a scale model of the800kg missile-carrying ASN-229AReconnaissance and Precise Attack UAVcapable of travelling at 180km/h and stayingaloft for 20 hours. China Aerospace Scienceand Industry Corporation (CASIC) portrayedthe jet-powered WJ-600 UCAV locating a USaircraft carrier and transmitting its coordi-

nates to an anti-ship missile battery.Technology is allowing UAVs to become

smaller. Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) are cheapand pose less of an airspace collision hazard.AeroVironment Incorporated produces theWasp MAV, essentially a flying wing incor-porating GPS and a miniature day/nightelectro-optical video camera. The 430g WaspBlock III serves with the USAF in the battle-field air-targeting role.India, facing both national and internal

security threats, is pursuing UAV pro-grammes. Thus far DRDO has producedfour Nishant UAV systems with 160kmrange for the Indian Army. Launched from atruck and recovered via a parachute andairbag-assisted landing, the 365kg Nishantcan operate from unprepared areas. Its gim-balled payload includes a daylight TV cam-era, laser rangefinder and forward-lookinginfrared (FLIR) system. Border surveillanceis one of its primary duties. DRDO is alsodeveloping the 1,800kg medium-altitudelong-endurance (MALE) Rustom. With 20mwingspan, Rustom is likely to be convertedinto a UCAV in the future. The Indian Armyis also preparing to induct the Netra MAVfrom ideaForge. Weighing just 1.5kg andwith a 1.5km range, the rotary-wingedNetra is ideal for counterinsurgency (COIN)

and counterterrorism missions.Unmanned platforms are not all airborne

either. At Defexpo 2010, India displayedDRDO-designed ground vehicles like theGMR Gun-Mounted Remotely OperatedVehicle (ROV) and Daksh ROV. In 2009, theIndian Army ordered 20 Daksh bomb dispos-al robots for defusing improvised explosivedevices (IED), with DRDO currently creatinga more compact Mk.2 version. The six-wheeled GMR carries a 7.62mmmachine gunand 30mm grenade launcher. It is touted foruse in situations like those encountered in the2008 Mumbai attack. The remote-controlledGMR offers a force-escalation option, withoperators protected during the apprehensionof terrorists, for instance.During RIMPAC, the Marine Corps

Warfighting Laboratory also trialled aremote-controlled 6x6 all-terrain vehicle(ATV) called Ground Unmanned SupportSurrogate (GUSS). Soldiers are required tocarry enormous amounts of equipment, andautonomous vehicles can help alleviate theirburden. GUSS has an 800kg payload and itcan operate via a handheld controller or a‘follow-me’ mode. This Virginia Tech prod-uct can also medevac patients, a task thatwould normally tie up four soldiers. TheUSMC also trialled the Modular AdvancedArmed Robotic System (MAARS) fromQinetiQ. Like the GMR, this remote-con-trolled tracked robot can engage targets witha mounted M240B machine gun.Singapore takes seriously the threat of

attack in its port or in the busy Malacca Straitthrough which 60,000 cargo vessels ply annu-ally. Singapore has one of the most advancedHLS regimes in the world, and the Republic ofSingapore Navy (RSN) already operatesunmanned surface vehicles (USV) like Rafael’sProtector. ST Electronics, a Singaporean com-pany, is developing the 9m-long Venus USVwith 40-knot top speed. The modular USV canbe configured for mine countermeasure, forceprotection, anti-submarine warfare, electronicwarfare, maritime surveillance or precision-fire missions. As navies seek smaller and fastercraft for coastal and port protection, USVs rep-resent a cost-effective solution.

Detection and protectionAircraft have always been a magnet for ter-rorists, necessitating ever-more sensitivescanners, metal and explosive detectors.While the 25 December 2009 “UndieBomber” incident was a catalyst for moreintrusive X-ray scanners to be installed in

Singapore takes seriouslythe threat of attack in itsport or in the busy MalaccaStrait through which 60,000cargo vessels ply annually


India’s six-wheeled GMR carriesautomatic weapons for remote-controlled firing. This asset wouldhave been useful in the 2008Mumbai attack © Gordon Arthur

many airports, scientists are working onother technologies too. The US Departmentof Homeland Security (DHS) is working onFuture Attribute Screening Technologies(FAST) to identify potential bombers throughtheir involuntary physiological behaviour.Using non-invasive cameras and heart-ratedetectors, it will monitor factors like heart-beat, respiration, skin temperature, pupildilation and blinking. This experimentalFAST technology has obvious airport andborder security applications.Technology as simple as armoured vehicles

also goes a long way to protecting personnelduring counterinsurgencies. The USA hasinvested heavily in a fleet of 16,000+ Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehiclesfor service in Iraq and Afghanistan. MRAPsare often fittedwith special counter-IED equip-ment to disrupt electronic signals. In like man-ner, to deal with internal security woes, Indiancompanies have developed various armour-protected troop carriers. BAE Systems, in tan-dem with Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, isoffering the 6x6 Mine Protected Vehicle India(MPVI). Ashok Leyland has a 4x4 MineProtected Vehicle (MPV) that offers STANAG4+ mine-blast protection, while there is also anup-armouring kit available for the IndianArmy’s Stallion truck fleet.

Cyber-securityCyberspace has become the latest warfaredomain. In May 2010,President Obama establishedCyber Command (CYBER-

COM) as a fully fledged command structure.Part of CYBERCOM’s remit is to “conductfull-spectrum military cyberspace opera-tions…and ensure US/Allied freedom ofaction in cyberspace and deny the same toour adversaries.” Despite this move, theGovernment Accountability Office (GAO)warned in October 2010 that America’scyber-infrastructure is “unnecessarily” atrisk because agencies like the Department of

Defense (DoD) and DHS are “moving slow-ly” to implement cyber-strategy. Attacks likethose of Stuxnet demonstrate the vulnerabili-ty of HLS and computer networks. Cyber-warfare does not require expensive militaryhardware or hordes of troops, so it appeals toterrorist as well as national entities.

The weak link?The case of British ATSC ADE 651 handheldbomb detectors underscores the dangers ofover-reliance on technology. Widely fieldedin Iraq, the equipment’s detection capabilitywas found to be non-existent. Security andmilitary forces may have all the technologyin the world, but they need to be well-organ-ised and well-trained to take advantage of it.In May 2002 the Australian Army organisedthe Incident Response Regiment (IRR) com-posed of 300 military and civilian expertsready to respond to WMD incidents. TheNew Zealand Army also stood up theCounter-Terrorism Tactical Assault Group(CTTAG) (since renamed 2nd CommandoRegiment) specifically for counterterrorismduties. A tragic example of ill-preparedsecurity forces unfolded in Manila inAugust 2010 after a rogue policeman seizeda tour bus carrying 22 Hong Kong tourists.During the ensuing police assault, eighttourists died. The Manila SWAT team thatbotched the hostage rescue demonstratedgross ineptitude. Countries may field thebest technology in the world, but HLS stan-dards will only be as good as the operatorsbehind it.

S E C U R I T YHHOOMMEELLAANNDD


ST Electronics of Singapore is developing the VenusUSV, a modular design that can be configuredaccording to different missions © Gordon Arthur

Ashok Leyland’s 4x4 MPV accommodateseleven occupants, and the Indian armour-protected vehicle has a gross weight of 13tonnes © Gordon Arthur

Protect and Detect:Enhancing CBRNReadiness

CCBBRRNNS Y S T E M S


Current research efforts areaimed at making suits morewearable in extremely hotconditions while stilloffering full CB protection –an ongoing challenge © UKMinistry of Defence

While IEDs(improvisedexplosive devices)continue to be theweapons of choice byinsurgents and terroristsin military and civilian arenas,the use of a CBRN component inan IED or other means of toxic attack isa growing threat. In military operations, CBR contamination hampersprogress, and in any scenario even a small-scale chemical or radiologicalattack would not only be costly in terms of lives lost and long-termhealth effects, but would necessitate expensive cleanup operationsand result in increased public fear – the main aim of all terrorists – aswell as loss of economic viability.

bbyy Andy Oppenheimer

S Y S T E M SCCBBRRNN


THE ESCALATING crisis inDecember 2010 between the Northand South Korean governments,following the North’s shelling ofYeonpyeong island on 23

November has been punctuated byPyongyang’s increasing bellicosity andbrinkmanship with warnings of ‘nuclearretaliation’, bringing the two countries clos-est to war since 1953. Despite a recent climbdown of the North Koreans to let inspectorsfrom the UN's International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) to re-inspect its Yongbyonnuclear facility, the fear persists that theDPRK could test-fire long-range missiles orconduct new underground nuclear tests.

Sporadic threatsOther CBRN attempts are sporadic and oftennot reported. Insurgent attempts to poisonfood and water supplies to troops in theatrein Afghanistan along with IEDs laced withorganophosphate, a nerve agent precursorchemical, are causing in serving troops andcivilians classic symptoms produced by non-conventional components. Soldiers in mili-tary operations around the world also haveto face endemic infections, toxic industrialmaterials (TIM) and toxic industrial chemi-cals (TICs), such as the chlorine tankerattacks in Iraq in 2006.

Civilian readiness - equipping, trainingand readying first-responder services –against CBR incidents requires the two mainplanks of defence – protection (suits, bootsand masks) and detection (both stand-off forearly-warning and hand-held scanners) arefully tested, cost-effective, easily trainable,and deemed suitable for multiple response.

Detection – steady progressSophisticated systems are expected to pro-

vide accurate and precise information toresponders so that they may take appropriateaction both before an incident occurs andafter CBR release. Detectors must be readilyportable, and speed and efficiency of detec-tion guaranteed in order to minimise injuryand cost to the mission. Companies andresearch departments are striving to improvefunctionality — improved sensitivity, selec-tivity, and performance. Equipment must beeasily portable, compact, lightweight andflexible.While chemical and radiological detection

is still the most advanced, the latter showsgaps in capabilitiy to detect specific alphaemitters such as plutonium and polonium, ashighlighted by the poisoning of AlexanderLitvinenko by polonium-210 in London,where during the operation to scan premisesfor alpha radiation only type of detector fitthe bill. ORTEC produces high-purity ger-manium and high-resolution radiationdetectors. These have required expensiveand unwieldy cooling systems, but inMarch 2010 Ortec introduced smaller, all-

in-one alpha spectrometers for use in mobileenvironmental laboratories and countingroom applications.

Biowatch systemsBiological sentinel or ‘bio-watch’ systems,including stand-off biological perimetermonitoring systems, have been installed inmany high-profile premises in urban centresand work in varying degrees of effectiveness,but shortfalls still exist in precision and speci-ficity. Pathogens – both military BW and nat-urally occurring - must be gathered, concen-trated and analysed rapidly to prevent sick-ness and fatalities as well as the spread ofinfection. Aerosol sampling can collect parti-cles from the air of between 1 and 10 microns,the particle size that will lodge in the lungs.A white-powder hoax attack on a facility

such as a postal sorting office will result inshutdown while the material is sampled, thepremises decontaminated (for reassurance,even if the material is found to be benign) andcostly downtime for staff and services beforethey can reoccupy their workplace. Sentinelsystems are increasingly deployed wheremany vulnerable targets exist, such as majorsporting and state events. Smiths’ SmartBio™Sensor is a portable bio-threat detectorlaunched in May 2010 to protect indoor and


Remploy MkIV protective suits have been themainstay of UK Ministry of Defenceprocurement for personal protection for nearly20 years ©Remploy

Concept permeable systems for the civilresponder ©Cosalt

The Ametek Ortec Micro-Detectiveis a state-of-the-art radiationmonitor which can detect alpha-emitting radioisotopes such asplutonium and polonium ©Ametek


outdoor public venues through perimetermonitoring. It continuously samples the air,trapping bio-aerosol particles on a sensor sur-face. An onboard computer detects and classi-fies the organisms, which are retained forconfirmatory analysis and archiving.

Since viral diseases can spread rapidly,researchers are looking for easier and fasterways to directly detectviruses, using tech-nologies that usedirected beams oflight to seek specif-ic contaminants con-tinuously, in realtime and across a

broad spectrum of threat agents. A team atthe University of Twente, The Netherlandshas developed an ultra-sensitive sensorwhich can detect various viruses and meas-ure their concentration almost in real time.The sensor can be incorporated into a hand-held device to screen people quickly in hos-pitals and emergency clinics in order to con-trol outbreaks of diseases such as SARS andavian influenza.

Combination detectorsThe envisaged ‘Holy Grail’ is a broader

detection range, a more rapidmonitoring speed, a real-timecapability, and reduced false-alarm rates – often in one

piece of equipment. Many products cover alarge range of toxins and radioisotopes.Research proceeds apace into the variousdetection technologies: mass spectrometry,ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS), infrared(IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy (alsoviewed as promising to detect liquid explo-sives), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), dose

Detectors must be readilyportable, and speedand efficiency of detectionguaranteed in order tominimise injury and costto the mission


Mark IV RemployProtection Suit inservice with the UKMoD is state-of-the-arttailored PPE for CBRNmissions © Remploy



meters, traditional Geiger-Müller detectors,and scintillation detectors. Additionaladvances include semiconductor integratedcircuit (IC), telecommunications and infor-mation systems. Lasers are also beingapplied to stand-off detection of trace materi-als which are often hard to pick up.

Also with funds at a premium thedemand to provide long-term detection onlow power in portable, real-time detectors isdriving government and private researchefforts. Smiths Detection’s combinationdevice, the HGVI, is a hand-held multi-sen-sor gas and vapour identifier which detectsTICs and CWAs, as well as gammaradiation (but not alpha).

PPE – combining protectionwith comfortBoth civilian and military personalprotective equipment (PPE) mustbe not only fully protective butalso as light and comfort-able as possible. Civilianfirst response involvesnot only terrorist inci-dents, but also raids onpremises which maycontain toxic materi-als. First respondersmust be able to donPPE and respiratorsas quickly as possibleand move around indifficult, cramped con-ditions of heat stresswhich is less well tolerat-ed during search and res-cue of civilians.

When conditions areunknown, tactical teams donPPE at “Level A” for skin, res-piratory, and eye protection.Operatives must be reassuredthat a tactical vest, web gear,and duty belt worn on top ofthe PPE will not compromisethe PPE suit’s integrity, andtactical teams require regu-lar medical checks. The fitof PPE must be exact and

as well as heat stress, limited dexterity, visionand communication must be factored intotraining and acquisition of PPE equipment.

The Remploy CR1 (Civil Responder One)ensemble, deployed with UK police and fireservices, combines activated carbon technol-ogy with a breathable barrier membrane forprotection against TICs, CWAs and BWAsand can be worn for 48 hours. Its new SwiftResponder (SR3) single-garment fully inte-grated carbon suit promises high protectionlevels and can be donned in less than fiveminutes. Remploy PPE is now deployed withservices in Australia, Indonesia, Japan,Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand.

There is a trend towards combiningpermeable materials – which allowgreater comfort in long periods – withfull protection, by adding an extra layerto the PPE suit. Permeable textiles arelaminated to a film or membrane that

brings additional protectionproperties to the structureor they are combined,either by lamination or ina free standing state, toan activated carbonsub-system. Both sys-tems of protection areused in combination.With advancedmembranes, a wideenvelope of CBRNprotection can beachieved in a sin-gle-skin system –which represents asignificant advancein materials science,as well as reducingthe body burden.

Achieving the right bal-ance between comfort andprotection remains theprime challenge for compa-nies, especially where theIED mission is combinedwith the need for CBRNprotection – adding to thealready cumbersome bombsuit burden.

Along with aiming forfull CBRN detection withinone single system, provid-ing multi-hazard protec-tion against all NBC, IED

and ballistic threats,as well as against

infrared radiation and heat requires novelfabrics and filters. Demron, a fabric made byRadiation Shield Technologies is anadvanced radiopaque, nano-polymeric com-pound fused between layers of fabric, andhas attained National Fire ProtectionAssociation (NFPA) Class 2 Certification forthe 1994-2007 Standard on ProtectiveEnsembles for First Responders to CBRNTerrorism Incidents.

Demron is incorporated into bomb suits,radiation torso vests and crew protectionradiation blankets, including person-protec-tion armour. It was adopted in April 2010 bythe New York City Fire Department as partof a chemical PPE upgrade and is in servicewith first responders in South Korea, Chinaand Australia.

The original PPE – gas masksRespirators have advanced significantly inthe post-Cold War era. They may incorporateSCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)and must comply with standards set by theUS National Institute for Occupational Safety

Demron-W is a full-body,radiation-protection fabricfor military and firstresponders, government,healthcare and industrialworkers ©Radiation ShieldTechnologies


and Health (NIOSH)-CBRN, CE and NATO.Avon Protection Systems developed the

C50 CBRN mask for military and policedeployment. It boasts outstanding field ofvision and sighting position for shoulder-mounted weapons. Two filters (mountableon the right or left side) promise superior air-flow and reduced user breathing resistance.Donning time — which must be swift - withpre-adjusted buckles on the C50 is less thannine seconds.Respirator fit is all-important for its effec-

tiveness and requires testing. The Germanycompany TSI GmbH makes a Respirator FitTester, PORTACOUNT®, which tests the fitquantitatively and computes the fit factorusing microscopic particles in ambient air.Escape Hoods and disposable respirators,

somemanufactured and distributed by SouthKorean firms, offer immediate and dispos-able protection during rapid response. They

differ from traditional air purifying respira-tors as they are small and light enough to becarried at all times. However, they do not lastfor the longer periods of protection or the all-round CBRN protection provided by a fullrespirator. The single-use EH20 CBRNEscape Hood from Avon Protectiondeployed by the UK’s police, fire and rescueservices can be donned in 30 seconds andprotects the face from splashes of toxic agent– TICS, CWAs, bacteria and viruses - as wellas airborne threats. Of importance is theunobtrusiveness of these protective masks,which in emergencies can alleviate publicfear and panic.

South Korean readinessWith training and help from their main ally -the United States - in CBRN equipment and

training, South Korea has developed a well-advanced CBRN defence and resilience pro-gramme. Lying in the shadow of a belligerentand CBRN-enhanced enemy neighbour hasgalvanized readiness against not only tradi-tional warfare agents believed to compriseNorth Korean stocks but also against TICs andchemical precursors. CBRN defence is alsomoving into civilian arenas, including hazmattraining and pandemic flu response planning.As well as an increasing number of large-

scale air raid drills in 2010 – the most exten-sive since 1975 - the South Koreans are ready-ing their population against North KoreanCBRN threats. A CBRN rescue drill held inDecember 2010 in Paju, South Koreainvolved the movement of hundreds of resi-dents simulating chemical contamination byrescue workers in CBRN PPE to nearbyunderground car parks and then ferried tolocal hospitals. Air raid drills always involve


Monitoring of radiologically contaminated item.With the growing threat of CBRN IEDs, responsein the field and in civilian arenas willincreasingly require PPE and accurate, speedydetection © British Nuclear Group

UK police officers in CBRN/Public Order PPE atthe Metropolitan Police Specialist TrainingCentre in 2008 © Metropolitan Police

The envisaged ‘Holy Grail’is a broader detection range,a more rapid monitoringspeed, a real-time capability,and reduced false-alarmrates – often in one pieceof equipment



the donning of respira-tors but many haveaccess only to cotton masks.

Singapore Civil DefenceForce (SCDF)Singapore has attained a high level of nation-al security through close and lasting allianceswith Australia, the UK, and the US. TheSingaporean government has set a GoldStandard in countering terrorism. Within theHome Affairs Ministry responsible for disas-ter response contingencies and civil defence,the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) hasdirect responsibility for co-ordinating firstresponse and disaster relief. Most relevant toCBRN defence is the SCDF Operations CivilEmergency Plan, for response to a domestic

disaster by all relevant agencies.Within the Singapore Armed

Forces, the 39th Battalion of theChemical Biological RadiologicalExplosive (CBRE) Defence Groupcollaborates with overseas CBRNforces to develop effective training

on how to respond toincidents involvingCBRE weapons, asin 2007 when theCBRE group andSingapore Armed

Forces together withits Australian counter-

parts conducted a two-day simulation ofbiological and other attacks.

SCDF first responders are equipped withdetectors to identify suspect materials andsubstances, as well as individually issuedradiological dosimeters for personal moni-toring. A customised vehicle is fitted withintegrated detectors and software for wide-area monitoring. Radiological or chemicalagents, particularly widely available TICs,are screened during inspection of sealed con-tainers to identify liquid and bulk solid con-tents, including chemical warfare agents andindustrial reagents. The SCDF’s biodetection and verification

equipment utilises state-of-the-art technolo-gies including DNA fluorescence, immunoas-say and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) toenable quick field sampling and identificationat site. The main regular threat comes from“white powder” incidents, which require fielddetection and identification at incident sites.

Increasing crossover between IED andCBRN defence will produce equipment

which will need to be designed for missionsto deal with CBRB improvised devices andnon-explosive distribution of toxic materials.These requirements will in the coming yearsprovide a formidable challenge for compa-nies working to produce the best protectionand detection for our troops in the field andcivilian first responders facing a growingrange of dangers.

SCDF first responders areequipped with detectorsto identify suspect materialsand substances, as wellas individually issuedradiological dosimeters forpersonal monitoring

The Avon AA1000 SCBA has an integratedclamshell backframe containing the pneumaticand electronic components to provideemergency response personnel with acomfortable, easy to use package. It alsofeatures an electronic, integrated personal alertsafety system © Avon

Many biohazards are hoaxes, known as ‘white powder’ attacks. Here members of the US MountainHome Air Force Base (AFB) Bioenvironmental Response Team approach a car covered in whitepowder, later identified as fire extinguisher residue ©DoD

The Portsmouth CBRN AirUnit provides sentinelprotection against bio-threats outside or insidebuildings. High pressurefans pull air through thefilter bank and overpressurise the CPZ toprevent ingress of CBRNagents © PortsmouthAviation Ltd


The addition of multi-roletransport aircraft to an armedforce’s aerial assets has a true forcemultiplier effect. As well as beingmulti-role in and of itself, with theability to transport troops andequipment, carry out humanitariandisaster relief and medevac, theaircraft expands and enhances therole of other aerial platformswith air-to-air refueling capabilitygiving strategic reach evento tactical aircraft.By enablingfighter jetsand othertransport aircraft to exceed theirotherwise limited range, the multi-roletransport aircraft plays a central and vitalrole within an aerial fleet, effectivelyincreasing the force’s capabilities.

bbyy John Mulberry

TT AA CC TT II CC AA LL AND STRATEGIC AIRLIFT


Multi-RoleTransport Aircraft


Alenia Aeronautica islooking to sell its C-27Jinto the Asia-Pacificmarket, (L-3)

AND STRATEGIC AIRLIFTTT AA CC TT II CC AA LL


THE NATIONS of the Asia-Pacificare particularly reliant on suchcapabilities. With many countrieswithin the region occupying vastground and maritime areas, the

movement of troops, equipment, and the con-duct of disaster relief missions often requiresstrategic transport abilities even withinnational boundaries. Add to this the strongreliance many poorer nations have on theirricher neighbours to assist in humanitarianmissions beyond their own extensive borders,and it is clear why the multi-role transport air-craft market is strong and flourishing withinthis region.

Airbus MilitaryOne of the most advanced multi-role tankeraircraft available to the world’s air forces atpresent is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-RoleRanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The aircraftis the only certified new-generation multi-roleaircraft available, having received its militarycertification from the Spanish military certifi-cation authority Instituto Nacional deTecnología Aerospacial in October 2010. Theaircraft has achieved a number of importantmilestones in quick succession, having carriedout successful wet and dry contacts in differ-ent weapons configurations in a major exer-cise with the Portuguese Air Force duringNovember 2010; and the Future StrategicTransport Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK´s RoyalAir Force successfully completing dry contactswith an F-18 fighter using the FSTA’s FuselageRefueling Unit in December.

Airbus Military is already deep into thedelivery process for the Royal AustralianAir Force (RAAF), with Airbus Militarycommenting last month that ‘finalhand-over will take place once thelengthy review of all related docu-mentation and activities are com-plete’. Australia will be the firstoperator of the A330 MRTT, hav-ing ordered five aircraft in total

to replace the RAAF’s Boeing 707tanker transporters.

The A330 MRTT has a number of air trans-port options. It features a wide-body fuselagewith an optimised Airbus 5.64m cross-section,and is able to transport up to 300 troops or apayload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lbs of stan-dard commercial containers, pallets, or mili-tary vehicles in cargo formation, or up to 130stretchers in Medical Evacuation formation.



The main deck can be optionally configuredfor cargo transport with the installation of alarge door to allow the carriage of bulkyequipment, or alternately a total of 34 463-Lmilitary pallets. No additional fuel tanks areneeded on the aircraft, so the lower deck for-ward, aft and bulk cargo hold payload capac-ity are unaffected by the aerial refuellingequipment.

The A330 MRTT features a number of air-to-air refuelling (AAR) systems, and has a111 tonne / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity.Options include the Fuselage Refuelling Unit(FRU), a hose and drogue system that trailsfrom the rear fuselage of the aircraft provid-ing a higher fuel transfer rate and can be usedwith large receiver military aircraft such asthe A400M that prefer centreline refuelling; aCobham 905E under-wing hose-and-droguepod system that is able to refuel two probe-equipped receivers such asthe Eurofighter aircraft; and

the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling BoomSystem (ARBS), which is the only new gener-ation boom to allow the fastest fuel transferrate of 4600 litres/min. Also available is theUniversal Aerial Refuelling ReceptacleSlipway Installation (UARRSI) used toreceive fuel from another tanker.

The RAAF aircraft, known as the KC-30A,are being delivered with the ARBS and digi-tal under-wing refueling pods. The aircraftare configured with a Link 16 real-time datalink for airborne connectivity, along with adirectional infrared countermeasures(DIRCM) system, among other defensive sys-tems. The maiden flight of the third mission-equipped RAAF aircraft was carried out inOctober, during which the aircraft reachedan altitude of 41,000 feet and performed aseries of pre-planned trials of test equipment,

handling qualities, performance and systemsin a full range of mission situations. Betweenthem, the first two aircraft have carried outmore than 1,300 aerial refuelling contacts andtransferred more than one million pounds offuel. The third aircraft was converted to itstanker/transport configuration by QantasEngineering in Brisbane, Australia; and thescope for in-country production and outfit-ting is likely an attractive feature to manypotential customers, including the US AirForce, to whom the A330 MRTT is currentlybeing offered as the KC-45.

The other emerging Airbus Military inter-est in the Asia-Pacific is the A400M which isyet to be ordered by any nation other thanMalaysia due to its severe and lengthy pro-gramme delays; while its C-295 is being con-sidered by the RAAF to replace their fleet ofDHC-4 Caribou, and the CN235 is in use withthe air forces of Indonesia and Malaysia.

BoeingIndia’s bid to find a newmulti-role tanker forits Air Force saw the Indian Defence Ministryorder six of the A330 MRTT aircraft in 2009,beating out Russia’s United Aircraft (UAC)who offered an advanced version of theirIlyushin Il-78 Midas tanker. Following alengthy stop-start process, the order was can-celled in early 2010 due to the predictedexpense of the induction of a new type of air-craft into the Indian Air Force (IAF), and afurther request for proposal to fill therequirement was re-launched.

India is seeking a total of six aircraft for itsmulti-role tanker requirement. The IAF


A400M is now preparing to enter servicefollowing teething problems © Airbus Military

The C27J comes into land atthe Paris Airshow © AJB


already operates a large number of Russianaircraft in its inventory, including the Il-78which lost out to the A330 MRRT for the orig-inal contract. Boeing has been named as one ofthree potential contenders, but has as yet failedto confirm whether it will make a serious offeron the contract, with the US KC-X programmecurrently forming the focus of its work in thismarket at this time, and the outcome of thiscompetition is likely to affect Boeing’s produc-tion capabilities for the aircraft.

Boeing’s other focus within the Asia-Pacific market is the KC- 767 aerial refuelingtanker being supplied to the Japan Air SelfDefence Force (JASDF). Known as the KC-767International Tanker by Boeing, the aircraftwas designed as a fuel-efficient, long-rangeaircraft specifically sized for diverse air-to-airrefueling, cargo, troop and passenger trans-port, and aeromedical evacuation missions.

Japan is one of only two customers world-wide for the aircraft along with the Italian AirForce, and the JASDF version is known as theKC-767J. Initially rolled-out in 2005, the air-craft made its maiden aerial refueling transferflight in December 2008. Japan ordered theaircraft in 2003, with the first two delivered in2008, the third in 2009, and the final trans-

ferred in the first quarter of 2010. All four air-craft have achieved full operational capabilitywith Boeing announcing in 2010 that the fleethas completed Operations Evaluation (OPE-VAL) andwere ready to begin aerial refuelingand transport missions for the JASDF.

The aircraft is a military derivative of theBoeing 767-200ER commercial aircraft, andhas a number of interior configurations. Itcan be configured as convertible freighter fortransporting solely passenger or freightloads; convertible combination for eitherfreight, passenger or both simultaneously; ordedicated freight or passenger; all whilemaintaining its tanker capability for refu-elling. Japan’s aircraft are convertibletanker/freight configurations.

The aerial refueling system on the KC-767Jis an advanced aerial refueling boom withadvanced remote aerial refueling operator

system. According to Boeing the aircraft is‘right-sized’ for optimum fuel offload andrange, and the high-tech boom operator sta-tion and advanced boom is enabled by cam-era systems. New wing air refueling podsand centreline hose drum unit, as well asintegrated avionics and communication sys-tems, ensures that the aircraft offers maxi-mum operational flexibility with full NATOand EU interoperability.

Japan is also assessing the Boeing C-17Globemaster III aircraft to fulfil a military air-lift requirement, with the aircraft’s populari-

ty within the Asia-Pacific region growing asarmed forces look seek a large strategic air-lifter with significant versatility. InNovember 2010 it was announced that Indiahas reached a preliminary agreement withthe US to acquire 10 C-17 aircraft, and SouthKorea was also known to be considering theaircraft for its large transport requirement in2008. Australia also acquired the aircraft asits new heavy multi-role transport and strate-gic airlift in 2008 as part of its Air 8000 phase3 project.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the largest tac-

One of the most advancedmulti-role tanker aircraftavailable to the world’sair forces at present is theAirbus Military A330Multi-Role Ranker Transport


The first C-130J to enter serviceproudly displayed at Aero India 2011in February. Six have been orderedand six more are expected to be addedto meet India’s requirements © AJB


tical airlift aircraft in production, able tocarry huge loads of up to 160,000 lbs (threetimes that of the C-130, including a cargo ofheavy-tracked vehicles such as the US ArmyMain Battle Tank in two side-by-side rows orthree Bradley infantry fighting vehicles) dis-tances of up to 2,400 nautical miles – a rangeextended by the aircraft’s ability to refuel inflight. The aircraft’s suitability for transportinto emerging theatres is assisted by its abili-ty to take off from a 7,600 ft airfield, and landon small, unpaved airfields in all light andweather conditions in 3,000 ft or less. The air-craft is also very well suited for humanitari-an and peacekeeping missions, being able todrop a single 60,000 lb payload followed by

sequential drops of 110,000 lbs, even inunpredictable conditions. Most recently theC-17 was widely deployed by the air forces ofthe US, the UK, Australia and Qatar to pro-vide humanitarian relief to Pakistan whereMonsoon floods killed more than 1,600 peo-ple and left another 2 million homeless in

2010. The aircraft also delivered aid to Chilein March 2010 from the UK and Qatar, andtransported a US Air Forces ExpeditionaryMedical Support (EMEDS) team into thecountry; as well delivering more than 10,005tons of disaster relief into Haiti following theJanuary 2010 earthquake.

Lockheed MartinOne of the most widely deployed multi-roletransport aircraft in the world is theLockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and C-130JSuper Hercules. The aircraft is operated by alarge number of operators within the Asia-Pacific, and its mission flexibility and reliabil-ity has been highlighted recently by theRAAF’s current deployment of the C-130 air-

craft to provide food and medical supplies toareas of the country devastated by the worstflooding in decades.As well as disaster relief and humanitari-

an missions, the C-130J, now the only versionin production with Lockheed Martin, is capa-ble of combat delivery, special operations,and air-to-air refuelling. In the C-130J,Lockheed Martin has focused on deliveringtrue multi-role performance, and has deliv-ered an aircraft capable of meeting almostany airlift mission requirement in even theharshest environmental conditions. Poweredby Rolls Royce AE2100D3 engines and withDowty R391 six-bladed composite pro-pellers, the aircraft is able to handle short,high-elevation airstrips with maximum pay-

One of the most widelydeployed multi-role transportaircraft in the world is theLockheed Martin C-130Hercules and C-130JSuper Hercules


The C-17 can land on smallaustere airfields © AJB

While capable of operating fromaustere airfields the Herculescan precisely drop cargo whenrequired © Australian DoD


load, while carrying 33 per cent more pay-load than the original C-130.Recent contracts won within the Asia-

Pacific region for Lockheed Martin includethe Republic of Korea, which has ordered thestretched-fuselage version of the C-130J tomeet its heavy lift requirements; and India,who has selected the C-130J under a Foreign

Military Sale (FMS) with the US; whileSingapore is currently updating its C-130Hfleet with Rockwell Collins CNS/ATM tech-nology to extend the fleet’s service life.In its aerial and ground refueling variant,

the aircraft is known as the KC-130J SuperTanker. Both Singapore and Indonesia oper-ate versions of the aircraft, which is capable

of refueling helicopters, vehicles and fuelcaches at 4,018 lbs per minute on the ground.

In the air, it is capable of delivering a27,000 lb fuel offload capacity to fixedand rotary wing aircraft via its exter-nal tanks and standard probe anddrogue system, or an additional24,392 lb fuel offload via a speciallyconfigured internal fuselage tank. Theexternal fuselage tank is optional andoperates independently to the stan-dard tank allowing greater mission

flexibility; without it cargo can be carried onthe same mission.The importance for any armed force of

fielding a flexible and capable multi-roletransport aircraft fleet cannot be underval-ued. The need for an air force to be able todeliver troops, cargo and humanitarian reliefinto emerging and unpredictable theatres ona quick-deploy basis, as well as providing theability to refuel aerial platforms in flight andland assets on the ground, gives an air forcea resourcefulness and versatility that is trulyforce multiplying.

‘The first flight of the Indian AirForce’s first C-130J transport’© Lockheed Martin


AUSTRALIAFirst Pass Approval given for ADFprogrammesThe Australian Minister for Defence hasgiven the green light to three upcomingdefence capability programmes, grantingFirst Pass Approval to plans to provide theAustralian Defence Force (ADF) with a newdeployable air traffic management and con-trol systems, and to modernise the communi-cations capability of the Royal AustralianNavy’s (RAN’s) Anzac class frigates. Theconsolidation of the F/A-18A/B Hornetstructural refurbishment programme hasalso been approved.

As part of Project AIR 5431 Phase 1 theADF will be given a new capability to safelymanage airspace in deployed locations bothat home and internationally with the newdeployable air traffic management and con-trol systems. The government has capped thecost at between AU$100 million and AU$150million and final approval will be granted inthe 2012-13 to 2014-15 period.

During the same period the governmentwill decide on the AU$300 million to AU$500million project to acquire new Anzac Frigatecommunications equipment as part of theRAN’s comprehensive communicationsmodernisation project known as Project SEA1442 Phase 4. A total of eight frigates will beupgraded to enable faster transfer of infor-

mation between the RAN’s ships.The Royal Australian Air Force’s

(RAAF’s) F/A18A/B Hornets will be refur-bished under a consolidated combined pro-gramme, at a saving of more than AU$500million than the previously planned pro-grammes. The programme will deliver thesame enhanced capability, ensuring theHornets remain as a key element of theRAAF’s air combat capability for the remain-der of their service life at the end of thedecade when the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)will be introduced into service; while alsoincreasing the overall operational availabilityof the fleet during this time.

Thales to supportAustralia’s Maritime TacticalWide Area NetworkThales Australia has been awarded a fiveyear contract to support the AustralianDepartment of Defence’s Maritime TacticalWide Area Network. Under the agreement,Thales Australia will provide a range of engi-neering, maintenance, supply and help desksupport for the system.

The in-service support contract is part ofProject SEA 1442 Phase 3 for the programme,which has introduced an Internet Protocol(IP) based Maritime Tactical Wide AreaNetwork (MTWAN) into the RoyalAustralian Navy. This will provide the foun-

dation for future maritime communicationsystems integration and implementation, andis a major milestone in the AustralianDefence Force’s (ADF’s) plans for a NetworkCentric Warfare concept.

According to the company, ThalesAustralia’s work on the programme willdeliver cost-effective support and ensurehigh levels of performance. It will also bringthe potential for future system upgrades asnew technologies become available.

The SEA 1442 project evolved from a sim-ple radio replacement project to providing aLocal Area Network/Wide Area Network(LAN/WAN) at sea and finally, to includethe entire Maritime Tactical CommunicationsSystem. Phase 3 is providing an enhancedADF maritime communications capabilitywith the introduction of the MTWAN to anumber of Major Fleet Units, while the nextphase is intended to enhance the MTWAN,with expansion into Fleet units not equippedduring earlier phases; the integration of capa-bilities being delivered to maritime platformsby other approved communications projects;and the possible replacement of radios,antennae and other systems to enhance mar-itime communications.


The Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A18A/BHornets will be refurbished under a consolidat-ed combined programme, at a saving of morethan AU$500 million © DoD

Asia Pacific Procurement Update

RREEGGIIOONNAALL NNEEWWSSA N D D E V E L O P M E N T S


INDIAIndia’s P-81 aircraft underwayBoeing has begun construction of India’sfirst long-range maritime reconnaissanceand anti-submarine warfare aircraft at theSpirit AeroSystems facilities in Wichita,Kansas in the US, taking the programme outof the design phase and into the build phase.Boeing is supplying the IndianNavy (IN)

with eight P-81 aircraft as part of the firstinternational contract for the aircraft, whichis based on the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing isdeveloping for the US Navy. The schedulefor delivery of the aircraft will see the initialaircraft in-country within 28 months of theJanuary 2009 contract signing, and theremaining seven aircraft delivered by 2015.The P-81 is a long-range anti-submarine

warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance aircraftcapable of broad-area, maritime and littoraloperations. It is a military derivative of theNext-Generation 737-800 combines superi-or performance and reliability with anadvanced mission system that ensuresmaximum interoperability in the futurebattle space.The aircraft will provide India with the

ability to meet maritime reconnaissance andanti-submarine warfare requirements nowand into the future. The open systems archi-tecture, advanced sensor and display tech-nologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers,

parts and support equipment, will give theaircraft room to grow into future require-ments, while providing speed, reliability andpersistence to meet current requirements.In mid-2011, the aircraft fuselage will be

sent from the Spirit AeroSystems facility toBoeing Commercial Airplanes facility inRenton, Washington, for final assemblywhere all aircraft structural features uniqueto the P-8 will be incorporated in sequenceduring fabrication and assembly, ahead ofinstallation of mission systems and com-plete testing at Boeing Field in Seattle, anddelivery to the IN.

India purchases Mi 17-V5helicoptersIndian Defence Minister Shri AK Antonyhas confirmed that it has entered into acontract with Russian helicopter group,M/s Rosoboronexport for the supply of 80Mi 17-V5 helicopters over two years ago.The agreement between the Indian

Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/sRosoboronexport was signed on 5thDecember 2008, with the delivery sched-uled due to commence in March 2011. Thecontract is worth US $1.345 million and alsoincludes associated spares and equipment.The Mi-17 medium multi-purpose heli-

copter is a modernised version of the Mi-8rotorcraft. The Mi-17-V5 is a transport ver-sion. It is intended for cargo transportation

inside the cabin and by the external sling.Among other things it can be used for thetransportation of 36 passengers, cargo ofweight up to 4,000 kg, up to 36 troops withfull kit, 12 casualties in MedEvac formation.The external sling allows transporting

cargo of up to 4.5 tons and with overalldimensions from 5 to 65m at a distance upto 500 km and at a speed up to 150 km/h.The sling can be up to 100 m long. It can beused for the transportation of large cargo,water carrying and the building of high-rise construction.The Indian armed forces will use the hel-

icopters for Special Heliborne Operations,air-maintenance, transportation of troopsand equipment, search and rescue, casualtyevacuation and in armed helicopter roles.

First C-130J delivered to IndianAir ForceThe first C-130J built for the Indian AirForce (IAF) has been delivered byLockheed Martin in a ceremony attendedby Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin's vicepresident for C-130 Programs.The aircraft is the first of six C-130Js

ordered under a Foreign Military Sale(FMS) with the US government in 2008,and will be the first time LockheedMartin’s C-130J has been operated by theIndian Armed Forces.As part of the package Lockheed Martin

will provide six aircraft, three years of ini-tial support, training of aircrew and main-tenance technicians, spares, ground sup-port and test equipment, servicing carts,forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets,and a team of technical specialists who willbe based in India during the three year ini-tial support period. Operational equipmentdesigned to increase Special Operationcapabilities will also be provided in accor-dance with the IAF’s requirements.India has ordered the stretch-fuselage

version of the C-130J, and the aircraft will beequipped with an Infrared Detection Set(IDS), to enable the aircraft to perform preci-sion low-level flying, airdrops, and landingin blackout conditions. Self protection sys-tems and other features are also included to


The first of six C-130Js ordered under aForeign Military Sale with the US governmentin 2008, have been delivered to the Indian AirForce © AJB


SOUTH KOREABoeing begins ROK F-15K SlamEagle deliveriesThe republic of Korea (ROK) has takendelivery of three F-15K Slam Eagles at theDaegu Air Base on November 8 as part ofthe contract between the ROK Air Force(ROKAF) Next Fighter II and Boeing.Under the contract Boeing is delivering

twenty-one F-15Ks, and the remaining 15aircraft will be delivered to the ROKAF bythe end of March 2012. The contract followsthe delivery of 40 Next Fighter I F-15K air-craft that was completed in October 2008.The F-15K is an advanced variant of the

combat-proven F-15E Strike Eagle, thenext-generation multi-role strike fighterthat forms the backbone of the US Air Force(USAF). As the newest variant of the F-15E,the F-15K is equipped with the latest tech-nological upgrades, and is more lethal, sur-vivable and maintainable than its predeces-sor. The aircraft will bring a superior aircombat capability to the ROKAF. The pro-curement programme is part of an exten-sive project to modernise the ROK’s mili-tary equipment.The only US-produced fighter capable

of long-range precision strike missionswithout escort in all light and weather con-

ditions, the aircraft possess a Honeywelladvanced display core processor (ADCP),even-colour liquid-crystal displays, twoupfront control panels (flat-panel), jointhelmet-mounted cueing system (JHMCS),and wide-field-of-view head-up display;BAE Systems ALR-56C(v)1 early warningreceiver and Northrop Grumman ALQ-135M jammer; and the Raytheon AN/APG-63(v)1 radar with air-to-air and air-to-ground modes of APG-70 radar with addi-tional sea-surface searching/tracking,ground-moving target tracking, andenhanced high-resolution ground mappingfor long-distance target identification.Six of the new F-15K Slam Eagles will

take place in an advanced aerial combattraining exercise at Nellis Air Force Base,Nevada in the US in late 2011.

ROK orders ARTHUR weaponlocating systemThe Republic of Korea’s (ROK’s) primecontractor for Defence AcquisitionProgramme Administration, LIG Nex1, hassubmitted an order to Saab for theARTHUR weapon locating system thatprovides the accurate location of artilleryweapons within a 60 km range, enablingtimely and accurate counter-battery fire.The ROKordered theARTHUR system in

2007, making this the second unit for theROK armed forces. The main production forthe programme will be carried out at LIGNex1 under a localisation agreementbetween Saab and LIG. LIG Nex1is anadvanced precision electronic systems devel-oper and producer, whose products includemissile, underwaterweapon systems, radars,electronic warfare, avionics, tactical commu-nication systems, fire control systems, navalcombat systems, and electro-optics.The ARTHUR system is a standalone C-

band medium-range weapon-locating sys-tem that detects and locates enemy fire. Itutilises a passive phased-array antenna tech-nology for optimised battlefield perform-ance, and features comprehensive built-intest and high degree of automation, and aman-machine interface developed withextensive user co-operation and feedback.Applications include counter-battery opera-tions, fire control, peace-enforcement mis-sions and force protection by suppressingenemy rockets, artillery andmortars (RAM).For training purposes at full-size exer-

cises, Arthur has a built-in simulator thatcreates realistic scenarios. At base, trainingcan be done with a Classroom Trainer(CLT) able to create large scenarios, in thecurrent area of operation, involving threeor more radars.


ensure aircraft survivability in hostile airdefence environments. The aircraft has alsobeen equipped with an air-to-air receiverrefuelling capability for extended rangeoperations as requested by India.The first two aircraft will be flown into

India in early 2011, with the remaining air-craft scheduled for delivery by the end ofthe year. The fleet will be based at HindonAir Force Station, and will greatly enhancethe IAF’s heavy lift and tactical transportcapabilities.

Meggitt to provide subsystemsfor Indian Hawk Jet TrainerPrime contractor BAE Systems has award-ed two contracts to aerospace, defence andenergy company Meggitt to provide sub-systems for India’s Hawk Advanced JetTrainer programme.Under the agreements, worth an approx-

imate £5 million, Meggitt will supply arange of cockpit display equipment andelectro-mechanical instruments, includingpressure gauges, pressure transducers,accelerometers, cabin altimeters, hydraulicpressure indicators and altitude pressureswitches. The work will be carried out inthe UK between early 2012 and mid 2014.The nose, main wheels, brakes and brake

control systems of the Hawk Advanced JetTrainer will also be provided by MeggittAircraft Braking Systems Corporation(MABS) in separate agreement worth over£8 million. They will also provide associat-ed spares for the aircraft, and Meggitt isalso in the process of transferring technolo-gy for equipment support into India.India awarded BAE Systems the con-

tract for 57 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer air-craft in July 2010, 40 of which will be usedby the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 17 of

which will be used by the Indian Navy(IN). The aircraft are to be built byHindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in-country under licence.The Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer is the

latest version of the world’s most success-ful advanced jet training aircraft, and wasdeveloped to provide training for futurepilots of 4th and 5th Generation aircraftsuch as Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II andF18. The aircraft is equipped with the latestcockpit displays and sensors and is able todemonstrate air-to-air and air-to-groundcombat and tactical formation flying andperform extended missions through theuse of an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) probeand external wing tanks.Over 70 Indian Air Force pilots have

undergone interim pilot training at RoyalAir Force (RAF) Valley, a programmedelivered in partnership with the RAF.


SINGAPORESingapore armed forcesmove towards 3rd generationfighting forceThe transformation of the SingaporeArmed Forces (SAF) into a 3rd generationfighting forces has taken a significant stepforwards with the inauguration of sixSikorsky S-70B naval helicopters into 123Squadron.

The S-70B naval helicopter will serve asthe country’s first naval helicopter, andwill enable 123 Squadron to provide cross-service interoperability between theRepublic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Incooperation with the RSN’s frigates, the

new helicopter fleet will provide the capa-bility to perform anti-surface and anti-sub-marine missions at increased ranges as partof a wide array of networked SAF assets.

The S-70B helicopter is an internationalderivative of the US Navy SH-60BSeahawk. The S-70B model is a blend offield proven technology and state-of-the-art airframe, avionics and mission equip-ment. It features an advanced, highly reli-able Rockwell Collins glass cockpit. Thissystem is integrated with a RockwellCollins flight management system includ-ing a superior navigation and communica-tion suite; and the weapons managementsystem has a flexible open architecturecapable of integrating indigenousweapons and mission equipment.

The aircrafts’ flexible mission packageincludes dipping sonar, electronic surveil-lance measures, FLIR, multi-mode radar,aircraft survivability equipment, and theability to fire Penguin and Hellfire missiles.Multi-mission capable, the S-70B can alsoperform search and rescue, medical evacu-ation, surveillance, vertical replenishmentand utility missions.

Personnel from the 123 Squadron havealready undertaken an intensive trainingperiod with the US Navy from March toNovember 2010 as part of the Peace Tritondetachment stationed in San Diego.


JAPAN Japan selects UH-60J searchand rescue helicoptersThe Japan Ministry of Defence has selectedthe UH-60J search and rescue helicoptersto fulfil the Japan Air Self-Defence Force’s(JASDF’s) requirement for a new fleet ofadvanced helicopters, ushering in a newphase of major weapon system procure-ment processes.

The UH-60Js will replace 40 MitsubishiHeavy Industries (MHI) that have been inoperation with the JASDF since 1991. Theaircraft will be supplied by MHI, and pro-duced under a licence from SikorskyAircraft Corp, a subsidiary of UnitedTechnologies Corp.

The contract is worth an estimated $2.3billion to MHI, who will deliver the aircraft

for gradual introduction of service over thenext 20 years. MHI will also provide logis-tics support for the programme over thesame time period.

The contract is the first to be conductedby new evaluation bid selection process topromote transparency and fairness duringmajor weapon systems procurementprocesses by the Japanese MinistryofDefence.

The new aircraft fleet will bring theJASDF enhanced capabilities for carryingout humanitarian relief and search andrescue missions. The UH-60J platformwill be upgraded with a removable aerialrefuelling probe, enabling airborne refu-elling for the fleet for longer missiontimes. The aircraft will also receive satel-lite communications and a collisionavoidance system.

THAILAND Sweden begins Saab aerialdefence package deliveryto ThailandThe Royal Thai Air Force has takendelivery of the first elements of theSaab integrated air defence systemthat Thailand ordered from theSwedish FMV under direct govern-ment-to-government contract signedin 2008.

A Saab 340 Erieye Airborne EarlyWarning (AEW) and a Saab 340 fortransport and training was delivered,as part of the total package that willinclude six Gripen aircraft (4 JAS 39Dand 2 JAS 39C) with associated equip-ment and services, a Saab 340 aircraftwith airborne radar surveillance sys-tem, a Saab 340 for transport and edu-cation and an integrated Commandand Control system with data links.

Extensive logistical support willalso be provided under the agree-ment and Sweden will assistThailand during the Gripen andErieye system introduction to theRoyal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The contract will give Thailand anadvanced network-based defencesystem that will make Thailand’s aer-ial defence capabilities among themost advanced in the Asia-Pacificregion.

The AESA technology Erieyeradar is a multi-role radar that detectsand automatically tracks air and sur-face targets over a huge area, extend-ing over 900 km. It is designed totrack the smallest of objects, such ascruise missiles and jet-skis, evenamong heavy clutter and in jammingenvironments. Flying at high altitude,Erieye covers a much wider area thana conventional ground based sensorsystem can. The effective surveillancearea is more than 500,000 sq km hori-zontally and 20 km vertically, and thesystem detects air targets at a range ofup to 450 km.

The Thailand government signeda further agreement with the SwedishFMV in late 2010 for a further sixGripen fighters of the latest C ver-sion, along with an additional Saab340 with Erieye radar and theSwedish missile RB 15F. Delivery ofall components is expected to be com-plete by the end of 2013.

Singapore inauguration of six Sikorsky S-70Bnaval helicopters into 123 Squadron, a deriv-ative of the SH-60B Seahawk, shown here inUSN service © DoD

Documents

Asian Military Review - March/April 2011 issue