South East Asia Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

timepass

Brigadier
Thailand shows interest to purchase Ukrainian BTR-4MV1 8x8 armored...

44389141_1739601236150764_2510291660185796608_n.jpg


The Naval forces of Thailand have showed interest to acquire the Ukrainian-made BTR-MV1, a new generation of 8x8 armored vehicle designed in accordance to NATO standards based on the BTR-4 Ukrainian-made 8x8 armored.

44387247_1739601346150753_1763447248852615168_n.jpg


The new BTR-4MV1 is based on the BTR-4, Ukrainian-made 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier but with many new improvements in terms of protection and internal layout.

The BTR-4MV1 is developed and designed by the Ukrainian Defense Company “Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau”, the vehicle was introduced for the first time in Ukraine during the international exhibition Arms and Security, in October 2017.

One of the most important new features of the BTR-4MV1 is the use of modular multilayer armor that can be adapted according to combat mission’s requirements.

The front of the hull has been completely redesigned compared to the original version of the BTR-4 to enhance the armor protection. The rear of the hull is equipped with a hydraulic ramp used by the infantrymen to leave and enter in the vehicle. The upgraded armor would offer a 12-15 percent improvement in term of protection for the crew and infantrymen over the original BTR-4 armored vehicle.

The BTR-4MV1 showed during Arms and Security defense exhibition was fitted with a the BM-7 Parus weapon station which is armed one 30mm automatic cannon, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and tow anti-tank guided missile launchers mounted on the right side of the turret.

The BTR-4MV1 is motorized with a 450hp Deutz engine coupled to Allison transmission. It can run at a maximum road speed of 110 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. It has a crew of three including driver, commander and gunner and the rear part of the hull can accommodate 7 infantrymen.

Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
 
Feb 15, 2018
Today at 5:22 PM
now I'm guessing this is a confirmation:
Kontrak Pengadaan Diteken, Sukhoi Su-35 Tiba di Indonesia Oktober
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
while now
Indo Defence 2018: Indonesia’s Su-35 procurement faces CAATSA hurdle
Indonesia's programme to procure Sukhoi Su-35 'Flanker-E' multirole combat aircraft from Russia is at risk of termination because of the possible consequences of US legislation that seeks to penalise procurers of Russian military systems.

Air Commodore Novyan Samyoga, the chief of information in the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU), told Jane's at the Indo Defence show in Jakarta on 7 November that if the US places overbearing restrictions on Indonesia through the legislation the service will be forced to procure a "Western fighter aircraft".

If that happens, Jane's understands that Lockheed Martin's F-16 Viper fighter is likely to be selected by the TNI-AU instead of the Su-35.

Indonesia signed a contract to procure 11 Su-35s in February this year, just a few months after the US enacted the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which proposes sanctions on Russia's defence customers in response to Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election and the annexation of Crimea.

Air Cdre Samyoga said that even though the contract has been signed Indonesia will have no option other to terminate the deal if the US government introduces harsh sanctions on the Southeast Asian country.

The US government imposed sanctions on Indonesia through much of the 1990s until 2005 as a result of perceived Indonesian military human rights abuses in East Timor. The ban had a significantly detrimental effect on the TNI-AU, which was unable to procure parts for its fleets of US-made aircraft such as F-16s and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

"We need to operate a combination of east- and west-made fighters," said Air Cdre Samyoga. "Politics is uncertain, and we need balance because if we have problems with the west we can use aircraft made in the east. We have had sanctions imposed on us before, so we know we need that balance."

...
... and the rest is behind paywall at Jane's
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


(by the way noticed as it's like News Of The Hour at gazeta.ru right now:
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)
 
didn't know
Filipino rebel commanders become officials under peace deal
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

Some of the fiercest Muslim rebel commanders in the southern Philippines were sworn in Friday as administrators of a new Muslim autonomous region in a delicate milestone to settle one of Asia’s longest-raging rebellions.

President
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
led a ceremony to name
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
leader Murad Ebrahim and some of his top commanders as among 80 administrators of a transition government for the five-province region called Bangsamoro.

About 12,000 combatants with thousands of firearms are to be demobilized starting this year under the peace deal. Thousands of other guerrillas would disarm if agreements under the deal would be followed, including providing the insurgents with livelihood to help them return to normal life.

"We would like to see an end of the violence," Duterte said. "After all, we go to war and shoot each other counting our victories not by the progress or development of the place but by the dead bodies that were strewn around during the violent years."

About 150,000 people have died in the conflict over several decades and stunted development in the resource-rich region that is the country's poorest. Duterte promised adequate resources, a daunting problem in the past.

The Philippine and Western governments and the guerrillas see an effective Muslim autonomy as an antidote to nearly half a century of Muslim secessionist violence, which the Islamic State group could exploit to gain a foothold.

"The dream that we have fought for is now happening and there's no more reason for us to carry our guns and continue the war," rebel forces spokesman Von Al Haq told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of the ceremony.

Several commanders long wanted for deadly attacks were given safety passes to be able to travel to Manila and join the ceremony, including Abdullah Macapaar, who uses the nom de guerre Commander Bravo, Al Haq said. Known for his fiery rhetoric while wearing his camouflage uniform and brandishing his assault rifle and grenades, Macapaar will be one of the 41 regional administrators from the Muslim rebel front.

Duterte would pick his representatives to fill the rest of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which will also act as a regional parliament with Murad as the chief minister until regular officials are elected in 2022.

Members of another Muslim rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a 1996 autonomy deal that has largely been seen as a failure, would also be given seats in the autonomous government.

Disgruntled fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front broke off and formed new armed groups, including the notorious
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
which turned to terrorism and banditry after losing its commanders early in battle.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted by the United States as a terrorist organization and has been suspected of staging a suspected
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
l on southern Jolo island.

"We have already seen the pitfalls," Al Haq said, acknowledging that the violence would not stop overnight because of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups, some linked to the Islamic State group.

“It’s a very difficult and challenging process.”

Sidney Jones, a Jakarta-based analyst for the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, said three of the biggest challenges will be finding a meaningful role for ex-combatants, avoiding a sense of entitlement that leads to corruption and "staying united in a way that can finally break the power clan politics in Muslim Mindanao," referring to the southern region that is the homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation.

Under the peace deal brokered by Malaysia, the rebels gave up their goal of a separate state in exchange for broader autonomy. The 40,000 fighters and at least 7,000 firearms that Murad’s group has declared would be demobilized in three phases depending on progress in the agreement’s enforcement.

Bangsamoro replaces an existing poverty-wracked autonomous region with a larger, better-funded and more powerful entity. An annual grant, which could reach more than $1 billion, is to be set aside to bolster development in a region deeply scarred by decades of fighting.

Centuries of conquest — first by Spanish and American colonial forces that had ruled the Philippine archipelago followed by Filipino Christian settlers — have gradually turned Muslims into a minority group in Mindanao region, triggering conflict over land, resources and sharing of political power.

Uprisings seeking self-rule have been brutally suppressed by government forces, feeding more resentment.

Security has been a major issue due to the proliferation of firearms and armed groups that have resorted to ransom kidnappings and extortion such as the Abu Sayyaf.
 

Lethe

Captain
Feb 15, 2018
while now
Indo Defence 2018: Indonesia’s Su-35 procurement faces CAATSA hurdle
... and the rest is behind paywall at Jane's
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!


(by the way noticed as it's like News Of The Hour at gazeta.ru right now:
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
)

The prior experience with, and ongoing spectre of, US sanctions is precisely why Indonesia needs Russian (or at least non-American) hardware. The US is attempting to bind Indonesia into a vassal-like relationship, the question is whether Indonesia has the pride and will to resist and assert its independence.
 
Last edited:

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
The prior experience with, and ongoing spectre of, US sanctions is precisely why Indonesia needs Russian (or at least non-American) hardware. The US is attempting to bind Indonesia into a vassal-like relationship, the question is whether Indonesia has the pride and will to resist and assert its independence.

Correct. The news that they will buy F-16s smells like bullshit to me. Several years back Indonesia had to cancel a western fighter purchase because of US sanctions. Because of that they purchased the Su-30MK2. So I do not think they will abandon the Su-35 purchase because of US pressure. Especially after they got the barter deal which is not something which the USA can easily block.
 
thought it'd be too much to link the CGTN story in the F-35 Thread LOL so
Is Singapore's purchase of F-35s targeted at China?
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!

Trade and commercial disputes have consistently caused disruptions in China-U.S. relations in recent years, but geopolitical rivalry in the South China Sea is another bone of contention between the two big powers that's never far from the surface.

On March 1, the issue came to the fore after Singapore's defense minister Dr Ng Eng Hen announced in Parliament that the country plans to buy up to 12 F-35 stealth jets from the U.S.

Speculation soon followed that such a move is "indicative of growing concerns within Asia regarding China's regional ambitions," with an article on CNN hinting at Singapore's fear of China's "aggressiveness" in the South China Sea. The article also suggested that a deal would further deepen the divide between Beijing and Washington.

However, such a claim is simply a reflection of a common tendency by some to overplay China's security threat and to try to link every change in Southeast Asia security situation with China-U.S. rivalry. Regarding the Singapore purchase, Chinese experts dispute the claim that it is targeted at China or is associated with the South China Sea issue.

They point out that Singapore is not one of the disputing parties in the territorial disputes regarding the South China Sea, which mainly involve Brunei, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. According to Cheng Hanping, senior researcher at the Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, it is a far-fetched idea that this major weapon procurement is a reaction to China's handling of the issue.

Instead, the decision should be examined in the broader context of the country's defense policy, experts advised. As a city-state that has a territory of only 721.5 km² and a population of 5 million people, Singapore actively seeks to build a robust national defense with "its policy placing 'self-defense' at the core," or "deterrence and diplomacy" in the official wording, according to Tang Qifang, an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

Its turbulent relations with its neighbors in the past, most notably Malaysia with which Singapore has frequently squabbled over maritime and airspace disputes since its separation from the former in 1965, also weighs heavily in its defense strategy. Therefore, "If anything, this move is more likely to be seen as a deterrence to Malaysia, rather than defiance of China," said Cheng.

Moreover, Singapore's close relationship with the U.S. is nothing new. Traditionally it has been in a strong military alliance with America and hosts one of its overseas navy facilities, even though it has been careful enough not to openly label the relationship as one of allies. Given its lack of land to train troops, Singapore has had to resort to acquiring high-end military weapons, with the U.S as the main supplier. Experts believe that buying F-35s is consistent with the strategy and there is no need to read too much into the decision.

Zhou Chenming, a military commentator at Phoenix TV, also said that even though Singapore's real intention behind acquiring such weapons that can initiate offensive attacks have not been crystal clear "as the country has not faced the kind of threat that would make such purchases necessary in recent years," it is better not to jump to conclusions too quickly and "we need more time to find out."

Nevertheless, the experts are wary of some of the possible repercussions of a combat aircraft deal.

According to Zhou, the U.S. wants to beef up its military presence in the South China Sea, and Singapore's purchase may give it opportunities to do so, given the close military cooperation between the two countries.

He added, however, that chances of big clashes between China and the U.S. in the region are slim and the status quo in the region should be maintained in the coming years.

There is also room for potential disruptive effects to the regional security balance. "It will certainly raise some eyebrows among regional countries," Cheng said.

The reason is simple. With its vast economic wealth, the Southeast Asian powerhouse has been able to achieve a military prowess that far outweighs what its size would suggest. For example, Zhou said that Singapore already possesses the best air force and navy in the region and the purchase of F-35 fighter jets which have "advanced situational awareness and mission systems," would be the icing on the cake.

That will cause concern for other regional powers especially Malaysia and Indonesia. "Regional countries may follow suit, potentially exacerbating underlying tensions in the region and triggering an arms race," he said.
 

Hendrik_2000

Lieutenant General
The analysis is correct Singapore does not have any territorial issue with China. Singapore has an active and independent defense policy resulting from traumatic separation with Malaysia and the myriad on going dispute
ranging from water agreement to petra branca islet
And Singapore still nurture traumatic experience with Indonesian konfrontasi of 1960's
If anything Singapore robust defense policy is ward off any potential problem with the not so friendly neighbor.
Singapore see themselves as Island of reason and progress in the mid of rising Islamic fundamentalis in the neighboring countries

So the western spin is all wrong She maintain close defense relation with US simply because the historical context as she was weak in 60's and need the US protection against the possible conflict with neighbors
 

advill

Junior Member
Good comments Hendrik_2000. As for the 1960s, Malaysia had problems with Indonesia when hostilities were declared against the formation of the Malaysian Federation in Sept 1963, and Singapore was part of Malaysia at that time. The British had a defence treaty with the former Malaya (1957 - I think). This was continued when Malaysia was formed; and the British & Commonwealth Forces (Australia & NZ) defended Malaysia (including State of Singapore) during this "Konfrontasi" period. No US forces/troops were involved in the hostilities, as the Americans were busy with their Vietnam War. We are now at Peace with Indonesia & Malaysia, and where our northern neighbour is concerned, there are/will be occasional squabbles like "quarrelling between 2 ASEAN brothers". The Singapore Defence Minister announced the purchase of F35 from the US. The SAF also purchased weapons/armaments from various countries including reportedly Submarines from Sweden recently. I believe they will continue to purchase weapon systems from selected countries like France etc., as well as manufacture their own equipment & littoral warships. BTW, all these info are readily available in the internet & other overt sources. As a Consultant I firmly believe that we should continue to have friends in China, US and in ASEAN & globally for trade & investments. Singapore however being a small country have to be prepared for potential bullies, & importantly now with the serious ISIS threats that can "flow" thru' neighbouring countries. I believe we have good cooperation with Malaysia, Indonesia & Philippines regarding the extremist ISIS threats.
 

timepass

Brigadier
Please, Log in or Register to view URLs content!
issued RFI ( Request For information) to five manufacturers:


Malaysian air force had sought information to procure 18 fighter jets with an option for 18 more and issued RFI ( Request For information) to five manufacturers including;

1. Russian Yak-130
2. PAC/CAC JF-17
3. KAI T-50
4. Aermacchi MB-339
5. Tejas
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
Meh. You can scratch the Tejas out of that list. I also doubt the KAI T-50 will happen unless they replace the Israeli electronics in it.

The choice between the other fighters in the list depends on a lot of things. Politics, mission profile, etc. The JF-17 is simply more combat capable than the others which are souped up trainers. But the others are twin-engine. In a nation like Malaysia with large coasts and jungle to patrol that may prove significant.
This is a country which purchased the twin-engine F/A-18 Hornet instead of the single-engine F-16 for example. I mean just look at their air force. Not a single engine on sight.

Different from Pakistani requirements which are about overland defense against a more numerous opponent. In this case a cheap and effective single engine fighter is paramount.

I am surprised they did not ask for a quote on the L-15 tough. Issues with purchases from the Chinese?
 
Last edited:
Top