PAGE 1 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

US and South Korea Agree to Extend Missile Range

After years of negotiation, South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement in support of extending the reach of the South’s ballistic missiles. Under this agreement, Seoul will be allowed to deploy ballistic missiles with a range of 800 kilometers bringing all of North Korea within striking range of the South’s missile arsenal.

Under a 1979 agreement between the two allies, revised later in 2001, South Korean ballistic missiles were limited to a range not to exceed 300 kilometers and a maximum weapon’s payload of 500 kilograms. Successive American administrations had sought to restrict Seoul’s ballistic missile capabilities in keeping with limitations outlined in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a voluntary international accord designed to limit a burgeoning proliferation of advanced missile technology.

The restrictive provisions of the 2001 agreement placed South Korea in an inferior position compared to North Korean missile capabilities, a situation that has caused Seoul considerable unease as Pyongyang continued an unrelenting policy of modernizing the capabilities of the North’s military force.

North Korea’s ruling regime has successfully developed a ballistic missile arsenal capable of reaching any location in the South and all US military facilities

in Japan and Guam. In contrast, some key military sites in the North were previously out of range of South Korea’s ballistic missiles limiting the South’s ability to deliver a decisive retaliatory strike should hostilities once again erupt

between the two Korean Peninsula rivals.Pyongyang attempted a long-range rocket launch in April that proved to be a highly-publicized failure when the rocket exploded shortly after launch. This attempt was undertaken in total disregard of widespread international opposition and was quickly condemned by the United Nations’ Security Council. The United States and her Pacific allies considered this

launch to be nothing more than a thinly-disguised ballistic missile test despite Pyongyang’s claims that this endeavor was an attempt to place a satellite into Earth orbit.

The revised US-South Korean agreement authorizes Seoul to develop ballistic missiles with a range of 800 kilometers while continuing to limit warhead capacity to 500 kilograms. The South would be able to deploy missiles of 550-kilometer range with an increased payload of one ton. The new arrangement also authorizes the South to deploy unmanned drones limited to carrying a payload of 2,500 kilograms should they have a maximum range in excess of 300 kilometers. Drones with a range of 300 kilometers or less could be

IN THIS ISSUEOctober 08, 2012

Pages 5 - 8 China, India Building Naval Airpower in the Indian Ocean, South China Sea

Page 11 Pakistan, India Test Fire Nuclear Capable Missiles

Pages 3 - 5India defense Update

Pages 8-10China, taiwan, Indonesia, bangladesh, South Korea and Australia

Page 10 News Briefs

Page 11Missile Dogfight in Asia

Page 12Regional Hotspots:

Turkey Retaliates on Syrian Attacks

EXECUTIVE EDITION US$ 9.95

PAGE 2 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

deployed without regard to payload restrictions.

South Korea is also authorized to deploy cruise missiles of unlimited range they are restricted to a payload not to exceed 500 kilograms. Some media sources have previously reported that Seoul has already deployed cruise missiles capable of flying more than 1,000 kilometers, claims the Seoul government has repeatedly refused to comment on.

The more lenient attitude with cruise missiles is tacit acknowledgement that cruise missiles, in general, fly at lower altitudes and much slower speeds than ballistic missiles are capable of and are, therefore, easier to intercept and defend against. Despite their altitude and speed limitations, cruise missiles are generally considered to be more accurate than other missiles.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters accompanying President Obama on a campaign trip to California that the provisions of this agreement “are a prudent, proportional, and specific response” to the challenges and dangers posed by North Korea’s advanced military capabilities.

Pyongyang has yet to deliver a media response to the new agreement, but is expected to unleash a flood of criticism and threats. Undoubtedly, Pyongyang will characterize this agreement as proof Washington and Seoul are preparing to go to war against the North.

Technically, the North and South are still at war since the Korean Conflict of 1950-1953 ended in a ceasefire and not a peace treaty.

Extending the range of the South’s ballistic missiles will likely ignite protests from Russia and China as well and is likely to be an irritant to Japan in light of the continuing territorial dispute between Tokyo and Seoul.

It seems only prudent to equip South Korean forces with weapons at least equal to those the North possesses. If for no other reason, this agreement may give Pyongyang pause in the future when provocative activities against the South are being considered.

Richard Dudley, Defense-Update

Australia Joins P-8A, Completing an Investment of $325 in the Poseidon Program

Entering the US Navy P-8A development program as a partner, Australia is investing $73.9 million in the $5 billion program which has sofar been endorsed only by the US and Indian Navies. Australia has signed an agreement with the US Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare have signed a new agreement with the United States Navy to participate in the third P-8A development stage, contributing $73.9 million towards the project. "We will ultimately replace our Orion P-3s with the P-8 (but) that is a long-term project," said Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, adding ”the P-3 Orions have serves Australia well, the Orions are expected to remain in service until the end of this decade or the start of the 2020s. But we have committed ourselves to further work on the P-8 project in collaboration with our United States colleagues."

In 2007, the government gave initial approval to acquire the Poseidon, an aircraft based on the widely-used Boeing 737 airliner and which is set to replace Orions in US Navy service. Australia initially contributed $150 million to join the P-8A program, subsequently adding a further $100 million. Once deployed, the Poseidons are likely to be based in RAAF Edinburgh South Australia where the Orions are currently stationed.

The RAAF currently operates 19 Lockheed AP-3C Orions which entered service in the mid-1980s. They have been progressively upgraded with advanced radar and camera systems and can perform maritime and overland surveillance, search and rescue missions and also hunt for submarines.

Orions have played an important role in border protection operations and two operated in the Middle East from 2003, conducting missions over the Persian Gulf region as well as over Afghanistan.

(Defense-Update)

Australia Outlines Long-Term Defense Procurement Plans

Australian defence has published the 2012 Defence Capability Guide (DCG), providing an overview on the defense procurement programs planned until 2022. This forecast follows the Defense Capability Plan (DCP) released in July 2012. Together, the two documents provide a forecast of 10 years program for defense capability acquisition for the Australian forces. Australian Defence industry asked for this model, which the Government has now produced. The current DCP contains 111 projects, or phases of projects, worth over $150 billion. 

While the DCG provides a roadmap for future procurement plans, the announcement noted that beyond the four year DCP, there is more uncertainty, and historically projects are less well defined and have been subject to much more change, in terms of scope, cost and schedule. “Both the four-year DCP and the six-year DCG will be subject to change as strategic circumstances evolve, new technologies emerge and priorities are updated to reflect the changing needs of the ADF.” The announcement said. 

Taiwan Grounds Mirage Fleet Following Fatal French Crash

Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force (RCAF) grounded its fleet of Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets following the crash of a Mirage in France that killed the Taiwanese pilot.

Lieutenant Colonel Wang Tung-yi, an experienced pilot with more than 1,300 flying hours to his credit, died when the Mirage he was piloting crashed in the French eastern district of Froideconche on 3 October.

The RCAF grounded the Mirage fleet on 4 October in response to the crash and the order is expected to remain in effect until French authorities complete an accident investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

ASIA PACIFIC DEFENSE UPDATE OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 3 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

India to Induct new Loitering Weapons

The Indian Air Force is preparing for the induction of the first ‘suicide drone’ wing, utilizing the Harop loitering weapons obtained in 2010 from Israel. The first of 10 HAROP units is expected to become operational in 2013.

The Harop, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a ‘disposable’ unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a multi-sensor payload and 23 kg warhead offering the capability to conduct persistent surveillance and selective attack over a designated area, thus denying enemy activity over certain period of time. The HAROP measure 2.5 meters in length, wingspan is 3 meters can loiter in position for nearly six hours.

The Harop will give the Indian Air Force the capability of hitting high value targets such as air bases, missile sites, radar stations and command posts, even in heavily air-defended areas. The weapon’s persistence will also deny the enemy the opportunity of deploying certain assets – including aircraft taxying out of their shelters or ballistic missiles moving out from their shelters, into launching positions.

Indian Air Force To Buy 22 AH-64D

India’s air force has agreed to purchase 22 Apache AH-64D Block III multirole combat helicopters from Boeing in a deal worth an estimated $1.4 billion. “The financial bid for attack helicopters was opened last week, and since Russia had withdrawn its Mi-28N Night Hunter, Boeing emerged as the sole bidder,” a senior defense ministry official in Indian said.

The Apache deal includes both direct commercial sale (DCS) and foreign military sales (FMS) components. The agreement also includes offset elements and firm, fixed-cost pricing. The FMS contract includes munitions, training, aircraft certification and components including engines, electro-optical sensors and the fire control radar, which is optional. The DCS contract relates to the airframe, logistic support, spares and services. According to the request for proposals, deliveries should start within 36 months of the contract signing.

AESA Radar for LCA?India will mount a homemade active

electronically scanned array (AESA)

radar on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-2, Indian Air Force sources said. However the LCA is nearly 15 years behind schedule, and the Mark-2 prototype is not expected to fly until 2013.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing the AESA radar for the LCA-Mark-2, sources said. They did not reveal to what extent it will indigenous, but said overseas help will be sought for the radar’s completion.

IAF to Raise Four More SU-30MKI Squadrons

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to raise four more Su-30MKI fighter squadrons in the near future, as it prepares to induct the tenth unit of the aircraft in Punjab along the Pakistan border. No 220 Squadron 'Desert Tigers' is the first Su-30MKI squadron deployed in the Western Air Command (WAC) at Halwara Air Force Station in Punjab. By December 2012 the IAF plans to commission the tenth Su-30MKI unit - No 15 Squadron ‘Flying Lancers’ based in Punjab, Air Chief Marshal N A K

LOITERING WEAPONThe Harop loitering weapon will give the Indian Air Force the capability of hitting high value targets such as air bases, missile sites, radar stations and command posts, even in heavily air-defended areas. The weapon’s persistence will also deny the enemy the opportunity of deploying certain assets – including aircraft taxying out of their shelters or ballistic missiles moving out from their shelters, into launching positions.

INDIA DEFENSE UPDATE NEWS BRIEFS

PAGE 4 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

Browne said the new unit is expected to become operational in the middle of next 2013. In addition to the new squadron established in the northeast, four additional squadrons will deploy in the near future bringing the total force to 13-14 squadrons. Two new squadrons will deploy in India’s eastern sector, bringing the total count to four squadrons, two additional squadrons will deploy to the south and an additional unit will be stationed in the Punjab. Browne added.

(Read more on Defense-Update)

IAF's heavy-lift helicopter tender opened--

The Indian ministry of defense has opened bids for the sale of 15 heavy lift helicopters, submitted by the Russian consortium Rosoboronexport and the US Boeing Company, the two contestants in Indian Air Force (IAF) competition for heavy-lift helicopters. The two helicopters being considered are the Russian Mi-26 and the Boeing Chinook CH47F. Both were qualified in the technical trials and their financial bids, covering the initial acquisition cost as well as the lifecycle

costs, were opened September-end were covered in the two proposals. The winner is expected to be the lowest bidder (L-1). The Indian Air Force has recently selected the Russian Mi-17 for its medium weight assault/transport helicopters, replacing the aging Mi-8. In parallel, India selected the US Boeing AH-64 Block III Apache as its future combat helicopter, opening up for the procurement of US helicopters.

India to Upgrade Israeli Searcher Mk II, Heron I Fleet

The Indian Air Force is planning to embark on a tri-service wide upgrade of its Israeli-supplied unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as part of an unprecedented program that could cost up to one billion US$. Indian military services are already operating more than 150 UAVs, mostly Searcher Mk II and Heron I procured from Israel Aerospace Industries since the early 2000s.

India has equipped its Searchers and herons with a number of sensors, such as the MOSP EO/IR payload, EL/M-2022U maritime surveillance radar. Other payloads currently supported

include, better sensors with higher resolution for the MOSP, as well as highly capable, yet much lighter POP-3000 day/night mission-configurable payloads, which would be attractive for the Searcher. Both MOSP and POP are currently supporting short-cycle targeting capabilities utilizing integrated laser designators, which can also support on-board weapons if required. Other capabilities, including Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) are also available, as well as communications relays supporting ground and naval operations.

The Indian military currently has about 100 searcher Mk II and 50 Heron I drones. Since the initial fielding of these drones India has not attempted to equip drones with weapons, but New Delhi has clearly indicated it has the plans and is investing the resources to obtain combat UAV capabilities. Equipping the Heron for such tasks will not be simple, but is considered possible, in light of the scope and funding of the current upgrade.

Read More on Defense-Update

Heron I UAV UpgradingThe upgrading program is likely to introduce new technologies developed in the past decade, particularly in more compact, capable and reliable avionic equipment, improved propulsion (currently provided with Searcher Mk III). As for the Heron, modern configurations are currently deployed with satellite link, providing for better performance over mountainous terrain and at longer range. Part of the Indian Herons, particularly the new batch, are likely to be equipped with such capabilities and the upgrade will bring other platforms up to date, thus simplifying maintenance and support.

INDIA DEFENSE UPDATE NEWS BRIEF

PAGE 5 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

The ceremonial commissioning of the first aircraft carrier by China, and the planned commissioning of the ex-Russian aircraft carrier Vikramaditiya (planned for December but later delayed to 2013) are indicating the growing importance of naval air power in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean. While the two carriers, by themselves, are not challenging the US supremacy at sea, undoubtedly, more will be fielded over the coming decade. Russia is planning to build new aircraft carriers after 2020, China has already indicated that the new ‘Liaoning’ is only a training platform, for its navy to practice the operational and technical aspects of naval aviation operations. These lessons will be implemented in the design, construction and fielding of future Chinese built carriers. India is also planning to build two Majestic class aircraft in the next 10 years. India has been operating aircraft carriers since 1961 when the ex-Royal Navy HMS Hercules was inducted into service as INS Vikrant. She was retired in 1997, replaced by the INS Viraat (formerly HMS Hermes), which entered service with the Indian Navy in 1987.

Through the years India has built a sizable naval aviation force, extending its reach into the Indian Ocean. As part of this plan, India prepared to deploy three carrier battle groups in the Indian Ocean by the year 2015, reflecting its growing Indian interests as a regional power. However, with the commissioning of its new carrier delayed for next year, and introduction of the first indigenous carrier delayed at least to 2017, the Indian naval air power is hanging on the thread of the 60 year old Viraat, whose service is now stretched at least through 2020. To prepare for the extended service life, INS Viraat is scheduled to enter four months refit at the Cochin Shipyard, to be completed around April 2013, leaving India without any operational carrier…

Eventually, Viraat will be succeeded by the first of two indigenously built Majestic class carriers - INS Vikrant, to be commissioned not earlier than 2017. The second Majestic class carrier, INS Vishal is currently planned to enter service in 2022.

Vikramaditya Delivery Delayed to October 2013

Several issued spotted during the recent sea trials at the Barnets Sea are delaying the completion and handover of the refurbished Russian built Admiral Gorshkov, aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy. The handover of INS Vikramaditya was scheduled for December 4, 2012 but due to the mandatory repairs that follow the sea trials, the vessel will be delivered not earlier than fall 2013. Overall, the Indian Navy confirmed the vessel performed well in the tests, and approved the necessary corrections, that would prolong the carrier’s refurbishment through at least four months. However, Indian officials said delaying the delivery of the vessel until autumn is unacceptable. India has called for the Russians to step up the workforce at the Sevmash shipyard for the refit-repair of Vikramaditya. “A leeway of three to four months is provided in the contract after the December delivery date… Beyond that, penalty clauses and liquidity damages

Endless Refit?India has called for the Russians to step up the workforce at the Sevmash shipyard for the refit-repair of Vikramaditya. “A leeway of three to four months is provided in the contract after the December delivery date… Beyond that, penalty clauses and liquidity damages could kick in,” said an Indian government source. The two sides agreed the refit-repair job would be completed within 67 months.

INDIA-CHINA RACE FOR THE CARRIERS SPOTLIGHT

China, India Building Naval Airpower in the Indian Ocean, South China Sea

PAGE 6 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

could kick in,” said an Indian government source. The two sides agreed the refit-repair job would be completed within 67 months.

Among the issues uncovered were faulty boilers, which failed to perform properly. Part of the issue was the boiler insulation. According to the Russian sources, the Chinese-made insulation bricks did not meet the necessary standard, causing the boilers to dissipate heat, therefore failing to reach the maximum speed of 30 knots. Chinese officials deny China has exported such products to Russia. The Russian designers suggested to use asbestos for insulation but the Indians opted not to use this material, known to be a health hazards. The eight boilers used in the Kiev Class vessel were converted under the refurbishment to burn diesel fuel

rather than fuel oil used in the original version. The boilers are running four-shaft geared steam turbines of 180,000 SHP. The ship also operates six Wärtsilä 1.5mW diesel generators.

While the refurbished ship maintains almost the same displacement, it is longer and wider than the Kiev Class:

A major change from the Kiev design was the replacement of the bow’s missile deck with the ‘ski-jump deck. Kiev originally developed as an air-defense vessel supporting strategic submarines and other surface vessels, employed a 2/3 length angled flight deck, supporting Yak-38 Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) fighters. It also mounted a complement of surface attack and air-defense missiles. Operating as the hub for a sea-based strike force, Vikramaditya employs Short Take Off

but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) concept of operation, launching fixed wing aircraft over the bow’s 14.3-degree ski-jump. The carrier will recover the MiGs over the angled deck, fitted with three arrestor wires on the stern of the angled deck. This configuration will enable the operation of both Sea Harrier and new MiG-29Ks. The Russian navy operating the Su-33 on the Kuznetsov uses four arrestor cables to handle the heavier fighter. The MiGs will be able to take off from the ship after 160-180 mw run with full afterburner power.

The carrier will operate an air wing comprising 30-34 MiG-29Ks, along with several Kamov helicopters - K-28 anti-submarine warfare, Ka-29 search and rescue and Ka-31 radar picket helicopters. The vessel currently has no defensive weapons, however, 2-4 Kashtan

No Carrier at Sea?With the commissioning of its new carrier delayed for next year, and introduction of the first indigenous carrier delayed at least to 2017, the Indian naval air power is hanging on the thread of the 60 year old Viraat, whose service is now stretched at least through 2020. To prepare for the extended service life, INS Viraat is scheduled to enter four months refit at the Cochin Shipyard, to be completed around April 2013, leaving India without any operational carrier

INDIA-CHINA RACE FOR THE CARRIERS SPOTLIGHT

Name     Launched   Commissioned   Refurbished     OperationalKuznetsov   12/1985   12/1990     1997-­‐2003  Sevamesh  /  2006Varyag     12/1988   9/2012     2005-­‐2011  Dalian,  China  /  NAGroshkov   4/1982   9/1987     2004-­‐2011  Sevamesh  /  NA

PAGE 7 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

complications uncovered through the refurbishment process that cost has more than doubled, to $2.3 billion.

Liaoning Commissioned into Chinese Navy Service

China's first aircraft carrier "Liaoning" was commissioned to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on September 25, 2012 – fourteen years after the hull ‘Varyag’ was recovered from the naval scrapyard in the Ukraine, towed half way across the globe to be finished and refurbished at the port of Dalian, as China’s first aircraft carrier.

The vessel completed a series of ten sea trials that lasted 12 months in August 2012. Launching and recovery of fighter aircraft has yet to begin – the sea trials sofar have focused on the vessel’s performance. Liaoning is designed to operate the J-15 carrier based strike fighters, a Chinese version of the Russian Su-33 operated by the Russian Naval Aviation.

The vessel has 10 floors below the main deck, with the island superstructure towering 9 layers above deck. The vessel is designed to support catapult, Ski Jump and vertical take-supporting fixed-wing

aircraft and helicopters. Landing is supported on the diagonal deck, fitted with four arresting cables.

Liaoning is providing the China a useful ‘training platform’ to develop its carrier strategy. In the future, Beijing plans to deploy several carrier groups, as part of its growing blue-sea naval force. One of the homeports mentioned for such carrier strike force was Qingdao. “The formation of such a group is made up of the carrier itself, escort vessels,

submarines and aircraft” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun confirmed. He said the main systems of the aircraft carrier and the aircraft it will carry were developed by China. “We have independent intellectual property rights and are pushing forward with relevant procedures as scheduled” Yujun said. He dismissed reports about a second aircraft carrier prepared for launching later this year in Shanghai. “Such reports are inaccurate” Yujun said.

PLAN’s Training CarrierLiaoning is providing the China a useful ‘training platform’ to develop its carrier strategy. In the future, Beijing plans to deploy several carrier groups, as part of its growing blue-sea naval force. One of the homeports mentioned for such carrier strike force was Qingdao. “The formation of such a group is made up of the carrier itself, escort vessels, submarines and aircraft” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun confirmed. He said the main systems of the aircraft carrier and the aircraft it will carry were developed by China.

INDIA-CHINA RACE FOR THE CARRIERS SPOTLIGHT

Comparison:  Liaoning  –  Vikramaditya

        Liaoning     VikramadityaDisplacement  -­‐  Standard:     53,000-­‐55,000    Displacement  –  Full:     66,000-­‐67,500   45,400

Length:         304.50     283.5Beam:         75     59.6Draft:         10.50     10.2

Propulsion       Steam  turnbines,     Steam  turnbines8  boilers,     8  boilers,4  shafts     4  shafts

Speed         32  knots     30  knotsComplement:       1,960  crew     1,924         (727  air  group)   (763  air  group)

Armament:       3xType  1030  CIWS    4x  Kashtan  CIWS         3xFL-­‐3000N         2xASW12  launcher

PAGE 8 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

Lockheed Martin wins $1.85bn contract to upgrade Taiwan's F-16s

The US government has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $1.85 billion to upgrade the avionics of 145 Taiwanese F-16A/B combat aircraft. The retrofit will provide for yet to be selected active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, embedded global positioning, as well as upgrades to the electronic warfare and other avionics systems. The contenders for the sensor upgrade are Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar and the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar. The avionics and AESA upgrades come under separate contracts.

The contract is part of a $3.8 billion deal signed in July 2012 between the US government and Taiwan covering the modernization of Taiwan’s F-16 fleet. The structural upgrades and life extension aspects of the program will be covered under a separate contract.

Taiwan Scraps Plan to Buy U.S.-Made Long-Range Radar

Taiwan has scrapped plans to buy second Early-Warning radar from the U.S. Taiwan purchased its first long-range Surveillance Radar Program (SRP) from the U.S. in 2003, but the northern site construction at Leshan in the Hsinchu County, is still unfolding, eight years after the project start, as the completion of the construction is currently lagging three years behind schedule. Taipei planned to base the second radar in the south of the island.

Taiwan invested $1.23 billion in the program, and is expected to spend additional $136 million until the construction is completed. This phased array radar system was designed by the US based Raytheon Company to enable the Taiwan Air Force to detect and track long- and short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, air breathing targets and surface ships with absolute reliability. The radar will provide the country’s air defense forces six minutes’ warning of any Chinese missile attack.

(Defense-Update)

China’s SVU200 completes autonomous flight tests

China's Sunward Tech SVU200 unmanned helicopter has successfully completed its first autonomous flight tests. The helicopter's first full autonomous flight occurred on 4 September near the Chinese city of Changsha. During this first autonomous flight, the helicopter completed an auto take-off, hovered and flew sideways and backwards before landing exactly where it took off.

On 5 September, the SVU200 transited a 2.1nm (4km) course, navigating with waypoints and landing back at its starting position. It successfully completed a 2.7nm autonomous flight shortly after.

"The SVU200 transformed from a large helicopter flying under "human-stabilized remote-control" to a self-stabilized and self-controlled GPS-navigating autonomous flying vehicle," says Dennis Fetters, owner of Fetters Aerospace, an American rotorcraft developer who designed the SVU200 for Sunward.

One SRP was too Much?Taiwan invested $1.23 billion in the Surveillance Radar Program, (SRP) and is expected to spend additional $136 million until the construction is completed. The phased array radar system was designed by the US based Raytheon Company to enable the Taiwan Air Force to detect and track long- and short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, air breathing targets and surface ships with absolute reliability. The radar will provide the country’s air defense forces six minutes’ warning of any Chinese missile attack.

CHINA & TAIWAN DEFENSE UPDATE NEWS BRIEF

PAGE 9 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

Indonesia to Receive Armored Vehicles Shipment from Germany

Jakarta, Indonesia: Germany is expected to deliver 44 Leopard II Main Battle Tanks and refurbished Marder armored infantry fighting vehicles to Indonesia by November 2012, as part of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) effort to establish the ‘Minimum Essential Force’ (MEF). The new armored formation will comprise 103 tanks, 50 AIFVs and 10 tank support vehicles procured in Germany from German Army surplus. This force will be sufficient to establish a mechanized brigade size force, comprised of two armored and one mechanized battalions, plus enough vehicles to maintain at least two company size training formations.

Jakarta has strengthened its army in recent months with the establishment of two battalions of ASTOR multiple launch rocket systems procured in Brazil, two self-propelled artillery battalions equipped with 155mm CAESAR self propelled howitzers and an air defense battalion equipped with Mistral missiles. (Defense Update)

Air Force to get two CN295 aircraft

Following the delivery of the first CN-295 from Spain, the Indonesian Air Force is expecting the delivery of two additional aircraft from plane manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). The CN-295 will replace the Fokker-27 currently used for aerial transport and parachutist support. The Air Force plans to operate the CN295 for military purposes, logistics transportation and humanitarian missions across the archipelago.

The two CN295 planes are part of the nine aircraft ordered by the Defense Ministry. Airbus Military in Spain produced the two aircraft being delivered under joint production agreement with PTDI. According to an agreement signed earlier in 2012 Airbus has invested in the upgrading of infrastructure at PTDI, to prepare the facility to take a growing share in the aircraft manufacturing, for domestic and international customers.

(Defense Update))

China to Build Two Missile Corvettes for Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh has signed a contract with the Chinese Wuchan Shipyard, for the construction and delivery of two 64 meter corvettes, similar to, but slightly larger than the Azmat class fast missile boats supplied earlier this year to Pakistan. The first vessel will be completed in 2013. Each of the boats will have a displacement of 648 tons and a top speed of 28 knots. Based on the Houjian-class (Type 037/2) missile craft in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy, the vessel is designed to carry eight C-802A anti-ship missiles, two 25 mm guns and two 12.7 mm machine guns

Bangladesh is strengthening its military with the acquisition of helicopters, aircraft and naval vessels. As part of this growth, Bangladesh has already procured two corvettes – Bijoy and Dhoshwari, both are Castle Class Offshore Patrol Vessels sold to Bangladesh in 2010 after their retirement from the Royal Navy service in 2005 and 2008. The two Chinese boats will be added to these two. Two helicopters were also been purchased to enhance the capabilities of the Korean built missile frigate Bangabandhu. (Defense-Update)

Leopards & MardersJakarta expects to receive 44 Leopard II Main Battle Tanks and refurbished Marder armored infantry fighting by November 2012. The new armored formation will eventually comprise 103 tanks, 50 AIFVs and 10 tank support vehicles procured in Germany from German Army surplus. This force will be sufficient to establish a mechanized brigade size force, comprised of two armored and one mechanized battalions, plus enough vehicles to maintain at least two company size training formations.

ASIA PACIFIC DEFENSE UPDATE NEWS BRIEF

PAGE 10 DEFENSE-UPDATE.COM/ASIA-PACIFIC OCTOBER 8, 2012

BriefsTHAILAND: Frigates to Receive

Combat Management System Upgrade

Saab have received an order from the Royal Thai Navy for the upgrading of the Combat Systems on the frigates H.T.M.S. Naresuan and H.T.M.S Taksin. The order amounts to US$83 million. This order is part of an on-going program contracted to Saab by the Royal Thai Navy in 2011. The contract adds additional sights and communications equipment to complete the combat suite on the two frigates. The contract will run between 2012 and 2015.

MALAYSIA: leasing Gripens is an option The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is considering an offer from Sweden to lease up to 18 JAS39 Gripen fighter jets for its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program. Although the Gripen meets the Malaysian requirements for the MRCA, it is the least capable in terms of range and endurance, according to Malaysian sources. Malaysia is likely to consider three options to buy MRCA fighters – the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, would compete for the final stage of the program, while the leasing of Gripens will be considered as an alternative.

AUSTRALIA: Navy to Integrate Battle

Management Systems in its New Landing Craft

Elbit Systems will provide Battle Management Systems (BMS) for the Royal Australian Navy's landing craft. The systems will be integrated into landing craft installed on board the Canberra Class Amphibious ships (LHD) supporting the deployment of troops and equipment from ship to shore. The company has been supplying its BMS to the Australian Army under the Australian defense network-centric "Land 75/125" Program.

AUSTRALIA: Growlers Visit Three EA-18Gs from US Navy VAQ-132 have deployed to RAAF Base Amberley in Australia for Exercise Growler 2012. They will be there to train with RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets from No. 1 Squadron. The USN EA-18G Growler visit will allow Australia to learn more about how the capability works alongside our F/A-18F Super Hornets. In August, the Government announced that it had decided to acquire the Growler electronic warfare capability for the Super Hornet at a cost of around $1.5 billion.

NEW ZEALAND: Additional NH90s

Arrive

New Zealand has received two additional NH90 helicopters, strengthening the NZ Air Force disaster relief and search and rescue capabilities. The first two NH90s arrived in New Zealand in December 2011 and the remaining four will arrive within a year, by the end of 2013. These helicopters will eventually replace the UH-1 helicopters that are now being operating for four decades.

PHILIPPINES: Budget Approval On 22 September both houses of the Philippine Congress approved the Armed Forces’ modernization program budget for 2013, funding a wide-ranging list of items, including 50 new aircraft. The program is set to provide the Philippine Military ‘effective but minimal defense capability’, according to President Benigno Aquino. Among the major items to be procured are a dozen Korean built KAI T/A-50 lead-in fighter trainer/light-attack aircraft, six Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucanos, six light transport aircraft, and 40 assault, attack and special mission helicopters. In addition, the Navy will field eight helicopters, for search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare. The navy has also received funding to buy two Maestrale-class frigates from the Italian Navy and to upgrade the two ex US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters, to be converted to light frigate.

It had placed an order for three frigates under an Rs10bn ($173.6m) Project 17 in 1999, but due to delays the production eventually began in 2000. INS Sahyadri was launched in 2005 and the commissioning marks the completion of the original 12 year contract. India has plans to procure seven additional Shivalik-class warships under the follow-on Project-17A.

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Missile DogfightPakistan, India Test Fire Nuclear Capable Missiles

BABUR TEST FLIGHT

Pakistan announced it had test-fired a nuclear-capable cruise missile on Monday, September 17, 2012. The Hatf-VII Babur cruise missile developed in Pakistan was attributed by the military as having "stealth features. Babur is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile, which can strike targets both at land and sea with pinpoint accuracy. It has a range of 700km. Pakistan's last missile test, also of a Hatf-VII, came in June as part of six ballistic and cruise missile launches that came after a similar series of missile test launches by India.

The missile was launched from a "Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV)", which facilitates supporting systems to improve the Babur targeting and deployment capabilities. The missile is equipped with modern cruise missile technology of Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC), it can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

The test also evaluated the Pakistani National Command Authority’s fully automated Strategic Command and Control Support System (SCCSS), supervising the operations and deployment of the nation’s strategic weapons assets. In the case of Babur, the system also has the added capability of real time monitoring of missile in flight.

PRITVI-II, DHANUSH LAUNCHED

India has launched two short-range (350 km) Prithvi-II ballistic this week, the first was launched from the Chandipur missile test range off the Odisha coast on October 4, as part of the Indian Army strategic readiness evaluation program. A day later, a Dhanush missile (the naval version of the Prithvi II) was launched from this launch has reportedly demonstrated high precision, hitting the within 20 meters from the planned impact point. The missile can carry 500 – 1,000 kg warhead, and is defined as a ‘nuclear capable’ missile. Dhanush and Prithvi-II are both operational ballistic missiles, deployed by the Indian land and naval forces as part of the country’s strategic ‘triad’. Sharing the same launch vehicle, the two weapons were developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under the country’s Integrated Guided Missile

Development Program (IGMDP). Other missiles developed and deployed include the Agni II medium range ballistic missile.

The Agni V long-range ballistic missile. Other types include the submarine-launched Sagarika (K-15) ballistic missile (700 km, 1 ton warhead) and Nirbhay cruise missile; all three are currently in development.

Iran Introduces New Missiles, Capabilities

In recent weeks Iran has introduced new guided weapon systems claimed to be based on indigenous developments. Among these weapons are the Zelzal II medium range improved with higher precision, “the precision [of Zelzal] rockets has been increased and their margin of error has been lowered to less than 50 meters," the IRGC commander explained. General Jafari confirmed the country’s missile development is back on track, following the devastating explosion occurred during a test, on November 12, 2011. The explosion killed 17, among them General Hassan Tehrani Moqaddam, known as the father of the Islamic Republic missile technology. “Iran’s missile development has been delayed in about six months after this event” he said, adding the explosion took place at the IRGC center in the vicinity of Tehran, when scientists were conducting research on solid fuel for satellite carries. "It was just a part of our missile research program that was hit by the accident.” General Jafari said, “The accident could only delay our research for 6 months and now the program is back on." 

As part of its strategic missile program, Tehran is deploying part of its missiles on transportable launchers. While missiles propelled by solid-rocket, maintained in high readiness and are ready for launch within minutes, missiles propelled by liquid fuel require lengthy refueling and are therefore much more vulnerable to preemptive attack. These missiles are likely to be stored in underground silos – such as the Jask-2, recently unveiled by the Iranian military. Such a facility was first unveiled during the opening stage of the 2011 ‘Great Prophet 6’ exercise, where ballistic missiles were fired against, and destroyed a naval surface target.

According to senior commanders of the IRGC Aerospace Force, Iranian experts have been busy with developing the technology and infrastructures for the underground silos for the last 15 years. The pads have the capability to launch different types of missiles, including long-range Shahab class missiles.Defense Update

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Regional Hotspot:

Turkey Retaliates on Syrian Attacks

In the wake of the steady disintegration of the Assad regime, Syrian opposition activists reported that several towns, such as Amouda and Qabani in Syria’s Kurdish populated north eastern region had passed in mid-July 2012 without a fight into the hands of a local group called the Free Kurdish Army. Thus emerged for the first time in modern Kurdish history the nucleus of an exclusively Kurdish-controlled enclave bordering the predominantly Kurdish areas of Turkey. After largely sitting on the sidelines of the Syrian revolution, political groups from Syria’s Kurdish minority in the northeastern region appear to have moved decisively to claim control of the Kurdish-populated towns.

The Turks, who have been at war with the Kurdish PKK for decades, have been monitoring developments in Syria with increasing concern. As Arab borders and the integrity of Arab states look shakier than they have at any time in living memory, Turkey faces the possibility of sharing long-term borders with two semi-sovereign Kurdish entities. The specter of eventual Kurdish sovereignty and Turkish fear of this are also discernible in the air. Thus a columnist for the Turkish daily Hurriyet wrote in late July: “Only a week ago we had a 400-kilometer ‘Kurdish border.’ Now, 800 kilometers have been added to this.” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyep Erdogan has made clear that Turkey sees intervention against rebel bases in northern Syria as its “most natural right.”

Turkish fears of Syrian Kurdish areas developing into a springboard for attacks on Turkey may also present the real reason for Ankara's proposal to create a "humanitarian" bufferzone on the Turkish-Syrian border to counter Syrian

and neighboring Kurd's intentions. Indeed the Turkish government has already quite bluntly warned: “We will not allow a terrorist group to establish camps in northern Syria and threaten Turkey.” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made clear that Turkey would take any step that is necessary against a terrorist group, in his real meaning Kurdish fighter presence in northern Syria.

Turkish observers have commented that the geopolitics of the Middle East is already being reshaped, with the emergence of a “Greater Kurdistan” no longer a remote possibility. This is posing enormous challenges for all the states hosting large Kurdish populations: Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Kurdistan is a potential land bridge for many of the conflicts currently erupting in this part of the region. But its use will depend on which power dominates the tri-border area between Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. For Turkey a Kurdish ruled Kurdistan presents a strategic challenge, which has to be averted by all means, in order to maintain its national sovereignty.

It remains to be seen if Ankara will manage to persuade it's NATO allies to join in creating a so-called humanitarian Buffer Zone along the Syrian northern border, or even decide to act alone, if matters get too rough on its volatile borders, which eventually could then embrace the entire region, spreading from Turkish Hatay on the coast (formerly Alexandretta) and the tri-border zone to the east. Then sooner or later as the fighting spreads and more and more displaced refugees will flock into the safe area, the Turkish Army will have to intervene to "restore order" in the ensuing dangerous chaos. Once deployed there in force, it will require some decisive action to get them out again.

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