News Story: Arms exhibition held in Japan triggers domestic criticism

TOKYO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A three-day arms exhibition that served the role of helping to bolster Japan's military role and its arms export to Southeast Asian nations ended Wednesday in Japans' Chiba Prefecture, drawing criticism from the public.

Japanese civil groups held rallies during the event to protest against the government's attempt of expanding the country's arms export.

According to the organizer, the Maritime Air Systems and Technologies Asia (MAST) exhibition, sponsored by the Japanese defense, foreign, and industry ministries to lure Southeast Asian buyers, gathered over 160 firms from 33 countries including Japanese firms Hitachi, Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Japanese defense ministry also held a meeting with some Southeast Asian nations to discuss matters related to arms export after the exhibition closed, local media reported Wednesday.

Dozens of people from Japan's civil groups held demonstrations everyday near the exhibition site with banners that read "Stop Arms Export" and "Stop Manufacturing War Tools".

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Rody - No gun goes to state enemies

By Edith Regalado

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte is set to issue an order that would tighten regulations on ownership and purchase of guns and ensuring they do not fall into the wrong hands.

Duterte said he is waiting for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año to assume his post as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) before issuing the guidance on checking out the sale and purchase of firearms. 

Duterte wants Año to retire early and assume the DILG post in June.

“The new DILG secretary will be Año. From there, I would provide him the guidance on how to check it out that no firearms would ever, ever land in the hands of an enemy of the state,” Duterte told the participants of a gun show hosted by the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines Inc. at the SMX Convention Center here.

The President stressed the government should improve the regulations regarding ownership of high-powered firearms and put in place measures to prevent these weapons from ending up in the hands of criminals and rebels.

The President said he is planning to create an agency with the sole purpose of regulating the sale and ownership of firearms.

Read the full story at PhilStar

USA: Coronado Sailors strengthen relations at LIMA 2017

By MC3 Amy M. Ressler, USS Coronado Public Affairs

USS Coronado (LCS 4) pulls alongside the pier arriving in Langkawi, Malaysia, March 25. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Amy M. Ressler) >>

LANGKAWI, Malaysia - Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) participated in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017, March 25-26.

LIMA is the premier aerospace and maritime exhibition in Southeast Asia, and in 2017 the exhibition included 38 countries showcasing technology in sea and air systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced throughout the region.

While pierside in Langkawi, more than 900 visitors, including media from local and international news outlets, Malaysian officials, military members and members of the general public, were welcomed aboard by the Coronado crew to tour the ship.

"As a new platform, LCS prompts a significant amount of interest and curiosity amongst our maritime partners," said Cmdr. Scott Larson, commanding officer, USS Coronado. "The opportunity to build a greater sense of mutual familiarity, while also showcasing the revolutionary attributes that our ship adds to the mix, supports theater strategic objectives and lays the foundation for continued partnership and coordination in the future."

News Story: Malaysia signs 35 defense deals at LIMA 2017

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia’s Defense Ministry has signed a total of 35 agreements valued at 3.8 billion RM (860 million USD) at the 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition 2017.

They include 12 Memoranda of Understanding, seven Letters of Agreement, five Letters of Intent, and 11 contracts.

Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the value of the agreements increased by 81 percent from 2.04 billion RM in 2015 to 3.8 billion RM.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Report: Demand for Russian Weapons Grows as Langkawi Exhibition 2017 Kicks Off

Russian Su-35 Flanker Fighter

The 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition 2017 has attracted over 555 participants from 36 countries. A total of 101 aircraft, 61 ships and boats will be on aerial and static displays.

Reports coming in from LIMA suggest that new contracts are being signed for supplies of Russian arms to countries of Southeast Asia. The regional market is one of the most important for Russia despite its geographical distance.

According to expert from the Center for Strategic Research Anton Tsvetov, the growing demand for Russian weapons speaks not only of the quality of Russian equipment but also of regional tensions.

The terms of contract for the supply of 12-18 multi-purpose SU-35 fighters of the 4+ generation are being discussed with Indonesia. The same fighters are being supplied to China. Other potential buyers include Venezuela and Vietnam.

USA: 7th Fleet commander, USS Coronado highlight US participation at LIMA Exhibition

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

In this file photo, an MQ-8B Fire Scout approaches USS Coronado (LCS 4) during operations in the Pacific. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Michaela Garrison) >>

LANGKAWI, Malaysia - Assets from the U.S. Navy and Air Force are on display at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017, March 21-25.

Founded in 1991, LIMA is a biennial event which has become a premier destination for aerospace and maritime manufacturers. The U.S. last participated in LIMA in 2015.

"LIMA is a tremendous opportunity for the United States military to engage with counterparts in southeast Asia and to showcase our capabilities and assets," said U.S Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdir. "It is also an opportunity for U.S. companies to expand their markets in southeast Asia. The strong U.S. presence at LIMA this year demonstrates our increased engagement with Malaysia and our commitment to the region."

U.S. Navy assets featured at LIMA include littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and embarked MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter and two MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopters.

Additionally, two F/A 18F Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, and one P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 will be on display throughout the exhibition.

News Story: Major aerospace, maritime exhibition kicks off in Malaysia's Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Malaysia, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) kicked off on Tuesday, as major defense companies are striving to take a bigger share of the increasing Asian defense market.

Malaysia's Ministry of Defense said 555 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions took part in the five-day exhibition, covering an area of 119,209 square meters, the biggest scale so far. The ministry hopes to attract 40,000 trade visitors and more than 140,000 public visitors.

In total, 101 aircrafts will take part in static display and aerial display, in which aerobatic teams from Russia and South Korea will also put on fabulous airshows. Sixty-one maritime assets, including guided-missile frigates and submarines, also joined the exhibition.

Major defense companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin from the United States, Saab from Sweden and Dassault from France, came to the show with the intention of taking the first mover advantage if Malaysia replaces the MiG-29 fighter jets in its air force with a new model, a plan announced two years ago but is yet to be materialized.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Vietnam attends int'l maritime, aerospace showcase

Hanoi (VNA) – The frigate HQ-011 Dinh Tien Hoang left Vietnam on March 15 to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Showcase 2017 (LIMA 2017) in Malaysia for the first time.

The ship will participate in LIMA 2017 from March 21-25 with 140 officers and crew members on board, the Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People’s Army Newspaper) reported. The participation is to show the determination and consistent viewpoint of the Party, State, and army to international integration and cooperation. 

It also aims to enhance relations between the Vietnam People’s Navy with its counterparts from the host Malaysia and other Asian nations and help ensure regional maritime safety and security.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Australian Helicopter Needs Discussed at Avalon Show

Australian Tiger ARH

by Mike Yeo

Australia’s search for a new armed reconnaissance helicopter to replace the Army’s troubled Airbus Helicopters Tiger fleet was a major topic at the Avalon Airshow, held near Melbourne from February 28 to March 5. The show also featured—as expected—the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and Boeing EA-18G Growler. The RAAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and Leonardo C-27J battlefield airlifter also made their Avalon debuts.

The country’s 2016 Defence White Paper stated that the 22 Tigers should be replaced starting around 2025. Boeing brought a factory-fresh AH-64E Apache to the show, while Bell Helicopters had an AH-1Z Viper cockpit simulator at its stand in the exhibition hall. The Apache conducted demonstration flights throughout the week, and Boeing emphasized that AH-64 production will run until 2026 based on current orders. Bell disclosed that it had made an unsolicited offer of the AH-1Z as a Tiger replacement.

Bell’s is also offering the UH-1Y Venom for Australia’s Special Forces light helicopter program, which is expected to kick off in 2018 and cost A$2-3 billion (U.S.$1.5-2.3 billion). This machine is required to “insert, extract and provide fire support for small teams of Special Forces undertaking tasks ranging from tactical observation through to counter-terrorism missions, or hostage recovery.” It must be rapidly deployable by the RAAF’s C-17 airlifters three or four at a time. This could be a problem for Bell as it acknowledges only two Venoms can be carried in a single C-17. Other possible contenders for the program include the Boeing AH-6i Little Bird and the Airbus H145M.

Read the full story at AINonline

AUS: Navy's Avalon eyes in the skies

Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100

LCDR Helen Ward (author)

Not all aircraft at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon actually have pilots – just ask the team at the Navy Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit.

The Unit is tasked with trialling and testing two different unmanned aircraft types – the ScanEagle (fixed wing) and the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 (rotary wing) for the Royal Australian Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Matt Hyam is the Engineering Manager in charge of the maintenance and engineering of both unmanned aircraft systems.

Most of the staff at the unit are aviation technicians, specialising in avionics or airframes.

“We only have a very small team here at Avalon this year because a lot of our technicians are currently undergoing world-class training with Schiebel in Vienna, Austria, for two months,” Lieutenant Commander Hyam said.

News Story: Controversial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter makes Australian debut

CANBERRA, Feb 28. (Xinhua) -- The controversial Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) arrived in Australia for the first time overnight, in preparation for its public debut at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria later this week.

The F-35 has been widely criticized by military experts and politicians over the last few years, as the program has been plagued by delays and cost blowouts since it was first announced in 2001.

The F-35s arrived at the Amberley Air Force Base just outside of Brisbane late on Monday, and are expected to fly down to Geelong in Victoria where the Avalon Air Show is set to take place from Friday.

Read the full story at Xinhua

AUS: Air Force’s New Growlers Roar into Avalon

RAAF's 1st E/A-18G Growler at it's unveiling at Boeing (2016)

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today welcomed the first EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force.

Flying into the Australian International Airshow at Avalon from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in the United States, the Growlers are a potent and technologically advanced new capability for the Australian Defence Force.

Minister Payne said the Growler was a true force-multiplier.

“The Growler can disrupt military electronic systems, such as radars, to protect personnel and improve situational awareness,” Minister Payne said.

“Australia is the only country outside the United States flying the EA-18G Growler and its arrival is a significant leap forward in Australia’s joint electronic warfare capability and introduces a dedicated electronic attack option,” Minister Payne said.

News Story: General Atomics to launch ‘Team Reaper Australia’ at Avalon

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is set to officially launch an industry team for the AIR 7003 Phase 1 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System project at the Australian International Airshow.

Representatives of Cobham, CAE Australia, Raytheon Australia and Flight Data Systems are scheduled to attend the event on February 28.

Read the full story at Australian Defence Business Review

News Story: UAE and Russia To Jointly Develop a New Fighter

Saab GlobalEye swing-role surveillance system

by David Donald

The biggest talking point at this week’s IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi was the announcement by Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov that the United Arab Emirates and Russia would jointly develop a fifth-generation light fighter. It will apparently be based on an advanced version of the Russian MiG-29. Chemezov also claimed that the UAE has been in separate discussions regarding the purchase of Sukhoi Su-35s.

The news came during the visit of a high-level Russian delegation led by trade and industry minister Denis Manturov. The minister and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, witnessed the signing of an agreement between Russia and the UAE covering cooperation in the defense industries. Manturov commented, “One of the fields of this cooperation is the creation, development and supply of the fifth-generation fighter jet.” Another deal was struck in which Middle East investors aim to acquire a minority stake in Russian Helicopters.

There were few firm aviation-related orders announced at the show. The most notable was one worth approximately $236 million from the UAE Air Force for a third Saab GlobalEye swing-role surveillance system from the Swedish manufacturer. At the Dubai Air Show in November 2015, the UAE announced an order for two of these aircraft, based on the Global 6000 business jet. At that same time, the UAE also ordered an update of the Erieye radar on its two Saab 340AEW aircraft to incorporate Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.  

Read the full story at AINonline

News Story: China displays trimaran frigate design

By: Christopher P. Cavas

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Navies have flirted with exotic hull forms for decades, and the US Navy is producing Independence-class littoral combat ships with a wave-piercing trimaran hull form. Now the Chinese Navy seems to be preparing a trimaran design that could enter production as a frigate for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and for export. 

“We are in the development and design phase of the project,” said You Yue, China Shipbuilding Trading Company’s deputy director for business development for Western Asia and Africa. “The plan form is fixed but many details remain,” he said. 

The plan form – the trimaran hull – allows the frigate to have a far greater beam than the more conventional monohull configuration. You also noted the ship will feature hull and superstructure shaping to reduce its radar signature. 

A model displayed this week at the IDEX show here in Abu Dhabi combined, You said, many features which could be included in the PLAN’s version or in an export variant and did not necessarily depict a ship now under construction. Final decisions on the power plant, armament, sensor and combat system have yet to be made, he cautioned. 

Data displayed with the model gave a displacement of about 2,450 tons; dimensions of 142 meters in length, 32 meters in beam and a draft of 6.2 meters. The power plant was given as a “marine electric propulsion system” with a speed of 25 knots and endurance of 5,000 nautical miles at 16 knots and 30 days. 

Those figures could change for a production ship, You said, with a speed probably somewhere above 30 knots. He said an all-MTU diesel propulsion plant was being considered, driving three waterjets. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Story: Low-key Aero India 2017 witnessed limited agreements

By: Vivek Raghuvanshi

BANGALORE, India — The aerospace and defense exhibition Aero India 2017 was low-key in terms of business activities, with no major deals signed or Ministry of Defence announcements on the Strategic Partners policy, which has the potential to boost business for the domestic private sector. 

Friday was the expo's final business day, but it remains open Feb. 18 for the general public.

More than 72 fighter aircraft participated at the event in the wake of the runup for a production tender for single-engine fighters for the Indian Air Force; however, the MoD did not announce introduce a road map for the tender. 

Mostly only joint venture agreements and memorandums of understanding were announced between overseas defense companies and Indian entities. Foreign companies partner with domestic businesses to stay connected to the Indian market, which will see all future big-ticket tenders awarded to domestic companies under a much-awaited MoD policy. 

A top MoD official said Aero India 2017 was productive, as it provided a platform to foreign original equipment manufacturers to forge partnerships with domestic defense companies to move forward Make in India defense initiatives. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews

News Report: Indian Border Guards Show Interest in Russian Radar System – Almaz Antey

The Indian border guards have expressed interest in radar station Sova showcased by the Russian Almaz-Antey concern, company’s Deputy Director General Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said on Thursday.

BENGALURU (Sputnik) – The Indian border guards as well as the country's Ministry of Home Affairs have expressed interest in radar station Sova (Owl) showcased by the Russian Almaz-Antey concern at the Aero India 2017 exhibition, company’s Deputy Director General Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said on Thursday.

"We presented here complexes for security systems – that is a multipurpose radar station … Particularly, our Indian partners — the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Border Security Force – have shown interest in the Sova station," Dzirkaln told reporters.

The 11th edition of the Aero India exhibition kicked off on Tuesday and will be held through Saturday.

The expo organized by the India’s Defense Ministry and taking place at Air Force Base Yelahanka is attended by over 750 companies from India and around the world.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Report: Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs to Get Su-35 Engines After Modernization

Su-30MKI (Image: Wiki Commons)

United Engine Corporation CEO Alexander Artyuhov said that Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force after modernization will get the AL-41F turbofan engines designed for 4++ generation aircraft currently being installed on the Su-35 fighters.

BENGALURU (Sputnik) – Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force after modernization will get the AL-41F turbofan engines designed for 4++ generation aircraft currently being installed on the Su-35 fighters, United Engine Corporation CEO Alexander Artyuhov said Wednesday.

"Speaking of the modernization of the Su-30MKI aircraft in terms of the engine, we have developed the engine AL-41F1C, it is being installed on the Su-35. This engine is exhibited at our stand and can be used for the Su-30MKI," Artyuhov said during press conference at Aero India 2017.

He added that the engine was significantly superior than its predecessors.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI super-maneuverable fighter jet is a version of the Su-30MK developed for India by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. The Indian Air Force has a fleet of over 200 Russia-designed aircraft built under license by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The 11th edition of the Aero India exhibition will be held until 18 February. The expo is attended by over 750 companies from India and around the world.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Report: India Aims to Export Its Home Grown Multi-Role Helicopter to 40 Countries

Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) Mock-Up

Government owned firm HAL has unveiled its twin engine 12 ton class multi-role helicopter at Aero India 2017 where more than 900 delegates including 25 foreign delegates from seven countries are participating.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – India’s Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has unveiled the full scale model of Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) at 11th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru. India’s government owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited aims to indigenously develop 12-ton class IMRH with service ceiling of around 20,000 feet, 3,500 kg payload and a seating capacity of 24. Company has also planned to develop dedicated naval version of the helicopter. Indian firm claims that IMRH will be powered by yet to be identified twin engines and will have state of the art mission systems to meet the Utility and Armed Roles of Indian Armed Forces.

“Besides the domestic defense orders, HAL will target export orders, aiming to replace the ageing fleet of similar class of helicopters that are operational in more than 40 Air Forces around the world,” says official of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd on Tuesday. HAL hopes to have the first flight of IMRH in six to seven years. However, design and development of IMRH will only commence once armed forces put up their demand.

India needs more than 400 multi-role helicopters having different versions. HAL claims that IMRH will have high strategic roles in Tactical Troop Transport, Casualty evacuation, Under Slung Load, Combat Search & Rescue, Anti Surface Operations, Off-shore Operations, VIP/VVIP Transport and Air Ambulance. “The Army/IAF version will have a significant hovering and payload capability especially at high altitude,” reads a statement released by HAL.

Sources say that IMRH can be good substitute for the Russian built Mi-17 and also fit the Navy’s requirement for medium-lift helicopters.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

AUS: Joint Strike Fighter to make Australian debut at the Australian International Airshow

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced that Australia’s two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters will make their first appearance in Australia at the Australian International Airshow.

Minister Payne said it was fitting the aircraft would make its first visit down under in time for the airshow, which comes one year after the Turnbull Government released the 2016 Defence White Paper that sets out a plan to create a more capable, agile and potent Australian Defence Force.

“The Joint Strike Fighter will be joined at the Airshow by Australia’s first EA-18G Growler,” Minister Payne said.