SEA countries' air force acquisiton:comparison

South East Asian(SEA) countries recently are on shopping spree,buying a wide range of military equipments,either to replace obsolete existing equipment,or to bolster their capabilites(mostly the latter).Among those who had the attention the most are the air force,with countries are fielding new equipments to match their neighbors' capabilities.Some see this as an arm race,while others view it as a healthy development towards a collectively more secure region(the author prefers the latter).To give some insight,let's have an overall view of the air force capability,currently and in the near future.

Malaysia

RMAF Su-30MKM Flanker

Malaysia already acquired 18 Russian state-of-the-art Su-30MKM multirole fighter with all aircraft already being delivered.This aircraft,which is derived from Indian Su-30MKI(without Israeli equipment,such as Litening targeting pod) is considered as one of the best fighter in the world(with exception to Boeing F-22A and Eurofighter Typhoon).Mikoyan MiG-29N is scheduled to be retired in 2010,due to high maintainance cost,thus RMAF is planning on acquiring its replacement.Rosoboronexport,a Russian military firm,supposedly is negotiating for a trade-in deal between all those Fulcrum for another batch of 6 Su-30MKM,although no further decision has been made.Other than that ,Malaysia has also long searching for another 18 multirole aircraft,to be a stablemate to the Flanker(similar to Fulcrum-Hornet acquisition more than a decade ago).Boeing F/A-18F is said to be a strong contender,although Mindef is also reviewing other aircrafts,such as Dassault Rafale,Eurofigher Typhoon and Saab JAS -39 Gripen.

AEW system,which Malaysia has long for,might be acquired in the near future.Saab Erieye is thought to be the most possible candidate,with question right now is the suitable platform to install such system.New replacement of transport helicopters are also being said to be acquired in the near future(with old helos has served for about four decades).Eurocopter EC-725 is almost being acquired,although some political bullshyt  problems forced such acquisition to be temporarily on hold,.Malaysia also has bought a number of Airbus A400M,which will bolster RMAF tactical transport capability.Attack helicopter is also on the list,although pressing budget and plenty of other acquisition make them to be on low priority list.

Singapore

RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagle

Considered as the most advanced air force in the region,RSAF(as in "Republic of Singapore Air Force") are still looking for hardware to improve their capability.Currently they are in the process of receiving their advanced F-15SG (which is derived from F-15E,the most potent aircraft in the world with legendary record).A total of 24 is acquired with more as an option.These Eagles,alongside bulk of their F-16C/D Fighting Falcon,poses a strategic might and awe to any neighboring countries.Singapore are also involved in F-35 JSF projects,which means they will field JSF in the future and thus become the first nation in SEA to field a 5th generation aircraft.

RSAF will also acquire Phalcon AEW system(which is installed on Gulfstream aircraft) and thus greatly enhancing their AEW&C capability(even before the acquisition they already have E-2C Hawkeye AEW system).RSAF has acquired S-70 helicopters for anti ship/submarine task and become the newest member to their helicopter fleet(which includes CH-47 Chinook,AH-64D Apache and Super Puma,among others).F-5 fighter,although isn't as fancy as the one mentioned earlier,should also be included,since they already upgrade and modernize it into a BVR-capable fighter.

Thailand

RTAF JAS-39 Gripen and Saab 340 AEW aircraft

Thailand also doesn't want to lag behind in modernizing its air force.Recently they already acquired six Swedish state-of-the-art JAS-39 multirole fighter aircraft.Saab 340 AEW aircraft are also being bought along with the Gripen. Another batch of 6 Gripen and one more Saab 340(with Erieye AEW system) is planned in the next decade and RTAF planned to have at least eight JAS-39C,4 JAS-39D(two-seater) and 2 Saab 340 AEW aircraft in near future).

Structural upgrade is already being commenced to bulk of RTAF F-16 fleet(which consisted of Block 15 OCU/ADF version),although full MLU upgrade,which effectively brings old F-16 to Block 50 capability,is still not being done,due to budget restraint(RTAF is focusing on buying new figher currently) and since they are studying on several MLU options.Other stuff that has being bought are ATR-72 transport aircraft and S-92 helos,although both are being used for VIP transport.

Indonesia

TNI-AU Su-30MK2 Flanker

With arms embargo being imposed by the US about a decade ago,plus 1997 financial crisis,really blew Indonesian Air Force(TNI-AU) hard,with many of their fighter were unable to fly(due to lack of spare parts).Even with the economy being gradually recovered,natural disaster(2004 tsunami) in Acheh forced the government to allocate more fund on recovering and reconstructing the region(and thus military budget is being slashed).

Currently TNI-AU have a mix aircraft of eastern and western origin.Among recent procurement are Su-30MK2 Flanker from Russia.TNI-AU has bought Flanker of different configuration(Su-27SK,Su-30MK2) and planned to acquire more to have at least one full squadron(12 to 18 aircraft).They are also planning on acquiring new F-16C/D,as well as modernizing their existing F-16A/B.They have also ordered a number of Embraer Super Tucano to replace their grounded OV-10F Bronco.TNI are also looking forward to upgrade their existing tactical transport fleet,which currently in poor condition.Previous embargo has made TNI-AU to go the same route as Malaysia,that is by diversifying equipment sources.

Vietnam

VPAF Su-30MK2V Flanker

After the reunification of Vietnam,Vietnam People Air Force(VPAF) has inherited a large war booty(I mean military equipment) from both side.However,these equipment already showed their age as time goes by and currently are considered as obsolete.While they still operate some of these old equipment,Vietnam also began to modernize its air force.With political stability,comes economic prosperity(Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economy in Asia) and thus began to spend money to bolster its military as well,especially the air force.

Vietnam already bought bulk of Russian Flanker,with the first one being operational since 1998.It is estimated that VPAF has at least 36 Flankers(Su-27SK and Su-30MK2V variants) with more being bought.They have also refurbished their UH-1H fleet(from ARVN, Armed Forces South Vietnam) with at least 17 in flyable condition.VPAF also seeking to acquire more C-130H/J as their old Hercules are already in bad shape.Few can be said about VPAF since it is hard to find information about them.

The rest of SEA countries

Other ASEAN countries are also looking forward to improve their air force capability,although lack of funds,or necessity hampered the plan.Cambodia,being completely out-classed and out-equipped by its Siamese neighbor,allegedly has allocated some money to buy Chinese JF-17 multirole fighter to match Thailand F-16(and future Gripen) fighter fleet,though no further decision has been made.Myanmar already had a relatively modern MiG-29,possibly to deal with neighboring Bangladesh,which in turn,also bought the same aircraft.Brunei,a small,rich,prosperous countries,is also looking forward to acquire a squadron of fighter aircraft to complement their mostly helicopter fleet.Among possible choice are British BAE Hawk,South Korean KAI T-50,American Lockheed F-16 and Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen.Though no orders have been placed,military pundits said that Brunei needs at least 6 to 8 aircraft to protect its interest.The Philippines,as mentioned previously,has long needs replacement for their retired F-5.However budget restraint and their current threat has put the plan on hold for uncertain future.

Armed Forces of the Philippines:review

As a sabahan,I am really interested with Filipino military,because of their claim to my beloved Fatherland,and because my mother is from the Philippines(she frequently told me about military raid in Zamboanga by Tora-Tora aircraft,which,after some research,is actually American T-28 Trojan turboprop trainer/COIN aircraft)

Overview

Armed Forces of the Philippines(Tagalog:Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas), ARF in short, is responsible to defend and maintain the sovereignty of Republic of the Philippines.It has 3 main branch,Army,Navy and Air Force,and also has other elements such as Marines,Coast Guard and Village Corps.

ARF has long played a significant,if not highly controversial,role in the country.With numerous attempted coup and bad human-right record,rooted deeply since Ferdinand Marcos era(although recently there are efforts to clean their image into a fully professional,neutral defence force).

Considered as the weakest armed forces between founding ASEAN countries,they are currently engaging in numerous conflicts and skirmishes with communist(New People Army) and secessionist(Moro National Liberation Front,Moro Islamic Liberation Front) insurgent forces

Army

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Army

Philippines Army(PA) has a rich traditions dated back to 16th century.But it's modern history only began when General Douglas MacArthur,under request of Filipino president Manuel L. Quezon, began to formally laid the foundation of modern Filipino army,These soldier have fought bravely against Japanese invasion until their defeat in 1945.

Still largely a counter-insurgency force.They have fought rebels from both sides(communist and secessionist). for decades.This would make them a battle-hardened soldier with many years of experience in COIN operation.

Currently their main strategic assets are limited to light armoured vehicles(composed of APC/IFV,and scorpion light tank) and field artillery,which is vital to provide protection and fire support to front line personnel against rebel forces.Budget restraint(and some other issues that will be discussed later) forced them to utilize old equipment dated as far back as WWII era,such as M3 Grease gun and M1 Carbine.

Navy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Navy

Philippines Navy(PN) is responsible to protect maritime territory and interest of the Philippines.Even from significant assistance from the US,PN is struggled to fulfill their task with old vessel and inadequate naval aviaton support(their ship of the line,the BKP Rajah Humabon,is actually a WWII escort destroyer.Without any modern electronic system/weaponry being retrofitted).

Their Marine Corps,however,are decently armed,mainly because frequent conflicts with rebel needed them to be adequately armed.They are one of the better armed amphibious force in this region.(with good landing craft and support ship)

Air Force

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Air_Force

Philippines Air Force(PAF) has suffered a significant reduce in capability,especially when their only true fighter,the F-5A Freedom Fighter,has been retired,which leaves them with no aerial superiority compared to their neighbor.(although it is not a priority right now,since their current main task is to provide ground attack/CAS to ground forces,and trasportation).

Currently their main assets are mainly composed of Aermacchi S-211 trainer/light attack aircraft,OV-10 ground attack aircraft.and Huey helos,lots of them Huey in service.

There have been the intention to acquire a replacement to those retired F-5,with either F-16MLU,upgraded second-hand F-5E,or a LIFT trainer(most possibly korean T-50),although no decision has been made.The plan is to acquire at least a squadron(12-18 aircraft) to protect the sky of the Philippines.

Other than tri-service branch,they also have other elements in ARF,such as the coast guard and village militias.

Current and beyond

With an exception to small arms and helicopter,ARF have been operating a large chunck of obsolete weapon system for years(from M3 Grease gun to BAR automatic gun to old USN,and then JMSDF destroyer).Current ARF capabilities have been hampered by severe budget cuts,particularly post-1997 economic crisis(which has severely hit Asia.Note that some of Asian countries have never recover from the crisis).However there are also a more appalling reason than that;widespread corruption,ineffective bureaucracy and (supposedly) communist element in Philippines politics.

There are effort to modernize their armed forces,through HORIZON programme.Under this programme,a step-by-step modernization is initiated,replacing old equipment with a better one(maybe not new,but definitely fare better that previous weapon they are replacing).However,with the pace of these upgrade,not to mention the setback mentioned earlier,a fully modernized,conventional,network centric armed force would not be realized for a decade to come.They are still a counter-insurgency force and until they are able to defeat their adversary,they would,and should remain as so.

Rant(ver. 1):Ignorance within malaysian

Everytime I spend time in local forums/blogs I can't help but noticed some bloody ignorance by our own citizen,that is ignorance about our military.Everytime I see people undermining,if not insulting our own military capabilites,like they know anything better.Whenever there's discussion regarding future military acquisition these people will cry "wasting people money LAH", "no need LAH", "we have no enemy LAH", "rasuah LAH", and other endless whine.But ironically when they were asked about their reasoning for giving such statement, they will give reference either from comic books,video game,hollywood movies,or worse, the "I know LAH".

What the hell wrong with malaysians?Does 2 decades of peace and prosperity already taken it's toll?Don't they know there are already subversive movement trying to infiltrate our country(JI,LTTE,heck maybe even some south american separatist group trying to turn Malaysia as transit to fuel their movement),not to mention our claim on Spratly and some unfinished ZEE area claim.And then there's inactive claim of Sabah from the philippines(Thank God their military isn't at the same level as us to exercise their claim significantly.Their internal conflict is a bless in disguise to us).

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1219/berita20harian2020mig29.jpg <--crappy article is crappy.To whoever who write this crap,if you read this,wikipedia is there in the internet for a reason.USE IT.

Already today I read some crappy article about unnecessary replacement of MiG-29.While the replacement can be delayed(by upgrading it to SMT variant it can stay relevant until beyond 2020),but it is written in a style well beyond any level of relevant journalism available(The author of the article even get it wrong on ID-ing the aircraft,plus many more errors which waste my time to even bother about it).

Why doesn't Malaysian have some patriotism like the Korean,Pakistani,heck even Indonesian?(Patriotism,not nationalism.both are different).Do they really happy to see our armed forces lags behind our neighbor.Don't forget that our neighbors will looking forward to see us weaken before exercising their claim to our soil.I don't care what race a malaysian are.All are responsible to defend this country by any mean,directly or indirectly. Even with our status as the "Tiger of Islamic world" today,we already caused some concern from some countries which feel uneasy to our stance,especially about Palestine and Iraq.They will find any means to weaken us and make us their as their mere puppet.What would a Malaysian do then? I recalled words from my teacher about Malaysian today,If they know the hardship of yesteryear they will learn to appreciate their life better today.

P/S:and don't give me the "all money go to kroni LAH" either.Is that reason alone enough to suspend our military modernization? How would one defending the country effectively with obsolete weapon?Think about it.

 Our brethren at arms.They bust their butts to defend ours.So show some respect to these selfless personnel.

Other stuff that need to be bought

These weapon system have been mentioned by Mindef for procurement since 4,5 years ago.But since then,nothing concrete about the procurement programme have ever surfaced,other than rumors and possibilities mentioned by top brass within MAF.Some of the system already being tested before,however until now no significant decision has been made.

Among those weapon system are:


1-self propelled howitzer(SPH)

SPH system offered much flexible role than towed howitzer of similar caliber.It's maneuverability means it is less vulnerable to enemy counter-battery fire.It can also bombard one particular area and move to another location to do similar task,faster.

among system that has been tested by Malaysian Army include:

K9 Thunder

 http://www.military-today.com/artillery/k9_thunder.htm

Samsung Techwin K9 Thunder 155mm/52caliber SPH can be considered as one of the best SPH in the world.Currently it has only 2 true counterparts(another tracked SPH with 52 caliber gun) which is:PzH-2000(Germany) and (quite)recently, PLZ05(China).K9 can shoot a target up to 60km away with RAP ammunition,and recently they already developed a new ammunition that can shoot a target up to 100km away.Turkish Army already acquired manufacturing rights from Samsung Techwin and developed SPH based on K9 system with some modification.

Caesar

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/caesar.htm

Caeser is a lightweight SPH made by French GIAT for French Army.Being lightweight,it can be transported by C-130,A400(both which is operated or will be operated by RMAF).Also of 52caliber,which means it can also shoot RAP ammunition up to 60km away.Currently,Thailand already operated it,along side M109 SPH,in their arsenal.


2-mid-range surface to air missile system

GAPU("Gerup Artilleri Pertahanan Udara",or "Air Defence Artillery Group" in english) has operated a wide mix of weapon system ranging from bofors AA gun to Rapier SHORADS(SHOrt Range Air Defence System).However one similarities about these weapons is that it is only used for short range air defence task(less than 10km away).Anything more than that and they need to depend on their air force counterpart for assistance.Problem is RMAF right now doesn't have much aircraft to spare(currently 18 Su-30MKM+8F/A-18D,MiG-29 will be retired.and then there's the ocean to patrol and stuff like that).Over-reliance to RMAF will strain their fighter wing.

These are the system that have been reviewed previously:

Buk-M1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BUK-M1

Designed as replacement of SA-6 'KUB',Buk-M1 are capable to detect and engage multiple targets simultaneously from up to 50km,depending on the missile.Optical target seeking system means that it can also being launched without using radar to avoid anti-radiation attack(from missiles such as American HARM or british ALARM) and has better resistance to ECM.The missile itself has undergo changes as well,with current missile has effective range of up to 66% than previous one.Currently it serve with various nation including India and Syria.Current version,Buk-M1-2 (NATO code name SA-17) is available for export.


KS-1A

 http://www.sinodefence.com/army/surfacetoairmissile/hongqi12.asp

KS-1 is developed to replace aging Chinese-copy of SA-2 in service in the 80s.It is the first Chinese SAM that used phased-array radar.Little is known about this missile except that it has general resemblance to MIM-23 HAWK.China has offered the system to Malaysia along with ToT.


3-attack helicopter

Attack helicopter proved useful in many conflict,from conventional war(such as in Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom) to fighting insurgency(such as in Pakistan recently).It can be used for anti-tank role,reconnaissance,close air support and fighting guerrilla.Unlike a fighter aircraft(or ground attack aircraft),attack helos can spend time loitering at one particular are for a significantly longer time,and unlike medium size transport helicopter,it is more agile and smaller size means that it is harder to be detected/locked on.

Malaysia was almost have its own attack helos in the nineties( Denel AH-2 Rooivalk from South Africa) until financial crisis forced Mindef to hold,and ultimately canceled the deal.Denel already close Rooivalk production so Malaysia have to find another options.Based on the price and the availability,the author (me) has shortlisted only 2 helos that would be a possible options for Malaysia.

AH-1Z

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AH-1Z

AH-1Z,also known as "Zulu(Z) Cobra",a continuation of the legendary Cobra series,is currently being used by USMC(US marine corps).Among upgrades compared to its predecessor includes four-blade, bearing-less, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system.Its main armament is 3-barreled 20mm gatling gun and can be equipped with 2.75 inch rocket and can carry AIM-9 air-to-air missile and up to 16 AGM-114 hellfire missile(just like AH-64D belongs to Singapore).No export have been made for this variant yet,and Bell already offered this helos to Malaysia.

Eurocopter Tiger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_Tiger

Eurocopter Tiger started its development as an advanced attack helicopter to fulfill French and Germany requirement in the eighties.It has several variants,from multipurpose combat helicopter to fire-support variant,depending on requirement.It is armed with 30mm cannon and can carry a combination of rockets,machine gun pod,and also Hellfire missile.Current operator include France,Germany,Spain,Pakistan and Australia.Like Bell,Eurocopter also offered this helo for Malaysia.

....................

All systems mentioned above have been reviewed by MAF for future acquisition.However due to decrease in funding,more pressing replacement(like new MPSS,APC and transport helicopter) and fvcking idiots(read:opposition party) in the parliament, these will not be materialized in near future.God Willing,we'll be able to acquire this after more urgent replacement is done and we'll be able to concentrate on bolstering our capabilities again(towards 3rd phase of modernization)