| THE COUNCIL'S TAKE |
| Regional Defense Budgets Growing Amid Disputes As the ASEAN region grows economically and territorial disputes remain official concerns, Jane’s Defense projects regional defense spending to grow to $40 billion by 2016. Vietnam faces the challenge of replace obsolete equipment and is forging defense cooperation with Russia, and most recently India, in an effort to procure needed equipment in order to boost its capability. With an estimated defense budget of $3.7 billion, Vietnam has entered into negotiations with India to purchase BrahMos missiles and conversion training for pilots to fly Sukhoi-30 aircrafts, a Russian designed aircraft. This is on top of previous lobbying efforts by Secretary General Trong where he acquired an offer of a $100 million line of credit to purchase four offshore patrol vessels, as well as training for 500 Vietnamese sailors in comprehensive underwater combat operations. Recently, the Philippines earmarked $479.7 million to upgrade facilities on Thitu Island, a part of the disputed Spratly archipelago. After the announcement of the ADIZ in the East China Sea, Japan and the Philippines announced closer defense cooperation, while previously stalled talked with the United States over troop rotation once again resumed. |
| IN THIS UPDATE |
| ARTICLE CLIPS |
| ASEAN Southeast Asia eyes Chinese air zone expansion CS Monitor 5th Dec 2013?Nowhere are governments keeping a closer eye on China's latest move to press its territorial claims (see related article) than in Southeast Asia. And nowhere are they more concerned. "China keeps upping the ante," says Itty Abraham, who teaches international relations at the National University of Singapore. "All the countries in Southeast Asia are worried." At the moment, China is focused on its claim to the group of East China Sea islands known here as the Diaoyu and in Japan, which controls them, as the Senkaku. But on the back burner sit other Chinese territorial claims to huge swaths of the South China Sea, and to islands and reefs that dot that ocean to which Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei also lay claim. And amid fears that Beijing's declaration of an "air defense identification zone" in the East China Sea is a new way to assert Chinese ambitions there, recent statements by officials in Beijing about future plans sound ominous to Southeast Asian ears. A South China Sea ADIZ: China’s Next Move The Diplomat 4th Dec 2013?Truthfully, I am the type of person who likes to go to casinos for the latest sporting events or concerts and would never throw my money away in a slot machine or on the blackjack table. However, I can guarantee Vegas would lose its shirt on this bet, an easy wager to make: Look for China in the next year to eighteen months to declare an ADIZ over the South China Sea — in fact, Beijing’s ambassador to the Philippines appears to have alluded to such a move. Heck, I will even take it a step further and bet the wife and dog on this one: Beijing will create such a zone in the Yellow Sea as well at some point in the near future. Why am I making such a prediction? Two recent factors come into play that in my view give China the rationale along with the ample cover they need to make such a move. First, Washington appears to have given Beijing the green light to go forward — albeit unintentionally it seems Various reports based off a Kyodo news agency article have suggested a senior official traveling with Vice President Joseph Biden to Asia explained that “Washington is also asking China not to set up an air defense zone in the South China Sea, where Beijing is locked in territorial rows with Southeast Asian nations, without first consulting countries concerned.” China threatens South China Sea air defense zone Asian Correspondent 3rd Dec 2013?China has a sovereign right to establish a maritime air defense zone over another region as it did in the East China Sea, the Chinese envoy to the Philippines said Monday. The United States and key Asian allies have not honored the East China Sea zone, which was announced on Nov. 23 and is seen primarily as a bid to bolster China’s claim over uninhabited Japanese-controlled islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. The Philippines is locked in a long territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. When asked to comment about concerns that China might set up a similar zone over the South China Sea, Ambassador Ma Keqing said in a news conference that it was within the right of the Chinese government to decide “where and when to set up the new air identification zone.” But she added she could not tell at this time if China would do so. Ma said that the East China Sea zone’s designation should not spark concerns. “I think the target is not to trigger a conflict but to prevent, to pre-empt any tension to be raised in these areas,” Ma said. “This will not hinder any normal freedom of flights within this area if they’ve notified the Chinese authorities.” The new U.S. ambassador to Manila, Philip Goldberg, described China’s move as dangerous. “We do not believe that this is a move intended to build confidence or, in any other way, improve the situation,” Goldberg told reporters. Can Indonesia Lead ASEAN? The Diplomat 5th Dec 2013?ASEAN is riding high. It recently held a successful summit. Myanmar’s ascension to the leadership mantle is a sign the country is moving in a positive direction, reflecting well on the entire Southeast Asian bloc of countries. Relative to other parts of the world, ASEAN countries are robust economic performers. Indeed, according to the OECD, ASEAN economies are tipped to grow more than five percent over the next five years, with Indonesia leading the way at more than six percent growth. The oft-discussed and much-anticipated ASEAN Economic Community is supposed to come into existence in 2015. An increasingly confident ASEAN has waded into hot-button issues like the maritime disputes in the South and East China Seas. And above all, with all of the attention ASEAN has received from China, the U.S., India and Japan, it has seen its global profile and standing rise markedly. Still, it isn’t entirely smooth sailing for ASEAN. The regional body has a number of issues it needs to address going forward. It must shrink the development gaps between the most and least economically successful countries within the bloc. It will have to respond to disasters like the deadly typhoon Haiyan, and environmental problems, such as pollution and the haze. ASEAN must find a way to improve its record on human rights. It must do a better job at acting as a troubleshooter on issues like regional maritime disputes. Probably most importantly, ASEAN has to weather the rise of China, which is problematic on a number of levels. Regional Affairs Congress Moves to Spike China's Missile Deal with Turkey Foreign Policy 9th Dec 2013?Turkey stunned U.S. officials in September when it reached a provisional deal worth up to $3.4 billion with a Chinese company blacklisted in the United States to build Turkey's first long-range air and missile defense system. Monday, Congress drew a line in the sand over it: If the 2014 U.S. defense spending bill goes through as proposed, it will ban the use of U.S. funding to integrate Chinese missile defense systems with U.S. or NATO systems, effectively making it impossible for Turkey to operate Chinese equipment with many partner nations. The provision is one of many hardball tactics in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and is clearly aimed at short-circuiting Turkey's plan. Turkey, which entered NATO in 1952, indicated it favored the Chinese company, China Precision Machinery Export-Import Corporation, in part because some components would be built in Turkey, providing a boost to the country's economy. U.S. and NATO officials strenuously objected to Turkey's plan, warning that Turkish companies involved in building components for the Chinese system could face U.S. trade sanctions. They also said the Chinese and U.S. systems wouldn't work together. China’s air zone announcement was just the beginning Reuters 9th Dec 2013?When China announced its decision to claim a wider air zone that encompassed the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Island territories, the East China Sea erupted into conflict reminiscent of the Cold War era. In response, the United States and Japan declared the zone illegitimate and flew military aircraft through it, while China deployed fighter jets to identify them. But this was not a simple instance of China overstepping and getting burned — nor was it as sudden and unexpected as headlines suggest. Rather, it was the manifestation of a longstanding Chinese regional strategy that is only just beginning. And China is likely quite pleased with how it is playing out thus far. For years, China has been looking for opportune moments to test the existing status quo of regional security, and then advance its self-interests. Ever since the summer of 2012, when Japan’s Noda-led government announced its intention to purchase more of the Senkaku Islands from a private owner, China has felt that the precarious equilibrium between the two countries had shifted. It was only a matter of time before China would try and change the status quo. Raytheon CEO sees $4 billion-$5 billion in Mideast orders in 'weeks' Reuters 6th Dec 2013?Raytheon Co (RTN.N) is hoping to finalize orders valued at $4 billion to $5 billion from countries in the Middle East in a matter of weeks, Chief Executive William Swanson told an investor conference on Tuesday. Swanson said he just returned from a visit to the region, including stops in Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, where he met with senior leaders about an array of missile defense deals and other orders. "We used to talk about months and now they are weeks (away) that we can touch them and see them," Swanson told a conference hosted by Credit Suisse. "There is probably $4 billion or $5 billion worth of business out there that I was able to touch real quick." Raytheon and other big weapons makers are looking to foreign orders to help offset a reduction in projected U.S. military spending over the next decade. Raytheon's chief financial officer, Dave Wajsgras, told the conference that more than 30 percent of Raytheon's bookings in 2013 would come from international customers, with foreign orders accounting for the "high 20 percent-range" of revenues. Rebalancing the US Army Towards Asia Asia Pacific Bulletin 5th Dec 2013?Domestic political gamesmanship recently caused President Barack Obama to cancel his participation in the APEC forum and the East Asia Summit. Consequently, many Asian and American pundits lament that Washington’s “rebalance” towards the Asia-Pacific is atrophying. In addition to diminishing of US “soft power,” Obama’s absence was seen to frustrate negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the flagship economic pillar of US regional engagement. From a hard security perspective, however, the United States is well postured to provide for regional security. Unfortunately, poor messaging has obscured understanding of how the US Army intends to achieve its security goals in Asia which are primarily to avoid major armed conflict. To shepherd a “globally responsive” yet “regionally aligned” force, however, the US Army Chief of Staff—General Raymond Odierno—has in fact pursued several strategic, operational, and tactical initiatives. Even amid sequestration, US Army leaders have channeled resources to the US Army Pacific (USARPAC). To shield this component from intra- and inter-service jockeying, USARPAC is now consigned as a four-star command on par with the Air Force and Navy. While this move indubitably resonates with US allies, partners, and potential adversaries, US Army leaders will further husband USARPAC’s reactionary capability by certifying one of the US Army’s three active Corps headquarters, I Corps, as a Joint Task Force assigned to the US Pacific Command. Don’t rush Chinese domination EAF 5th Dec 2013?Rising China seems intent on re-shaping some aspects of the regional order the Chinese have long disliked. The United States insists on continuing to play its accustomed role, but to many observers American leadership looks shaky. The other Asia Pacific states want a peaceful environment conducive to prosperity, not a US–China clash. It is easy to conclude that the current situation is not only unsustainable, it is drifting toward war. Hugh White’s response to this problem is contained in his 2012 book The China Choice. White first calls on the USA to partially withdraw from its strategic position in Asia, thereby freeing up more space for Chinese influence. Secondly, White recommends that a four-power ‘Concert of Asia’ manage regional security affairs. Unfortunately, both of these ideas have deep flaws. In White’s view, current US policy is maintaining primacy (dominance over the international system) by forcing China to ‘abandon its aspirations for a larger regional role’ (that is, ‘containment’). America won’t let China become a great power, but China will go to war if necessary to achieve this goal. White’s solution is a different kind of ‘re-balancing’ in which China would rise and the USA would fall into the same status as ordinary great powers, neither having primacy. This would avert war because China does not insist on primacy, only great power status. Samsung Launches World’s Largest Vessel The Jakarta Globe 5th Dec 2013?South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries has floated a tanker-shaped vessel tagged as the world’s largest “floating facility” with a length greater than the height of the Empire State Building. A Samsung spokeswoman said on Thursday that the floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) platform – named “Prelude” – was set in the water at its southern shipyard in Geoje on Nov. 30. The 488-meter-long vessel cannot be described as a “ship” as it is unable to move under its own steam and must be towed. But its specifications are impressive, outstripping the 443-meter-tall Empire State Building in New York. China's Selective Access-Denial Strategy National Interest 3rd Dec 2013?"Access denial" is a misnomer. Or rather, it oversimplifies, implying that either the door is wide open or a coastal state like China slams the door shut to all foreign shipping and aircraft, military and commercial. Not so. Selective access denial is a more accurate term for Chinese strategy. Beijing covets control over passage through regional sea and air routes, and it wants others to acknowledge its say-so. It has no quarrel with commercial access. It welcomes trade. Nor is military access entirely off-limits. China wishes only to curtail certain types of martial endeavors. At sea it concedes freedom of navigation for foreign merchantmen and warships. The same goes for aircraft transiting the air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) it proclaimed in the East China Sea recently. That sounds harmless at first blush. But Chinese officials are quick to insist that navigation means navigation—the right to pass through, and nothing more. Beijing, that is, accepts that others will use the sea-lanes as a thoroughfare for transportation but denies their right to conduct activities that enhance readiness for combat. Surveillance flights, underwater surveys, and aircraft-carrier flight operations are some undertakings China wants to proscribe—much as the law of the sea forbids these activities in the "territorial sea" within 12 nautical miles of a coastal state's shorelines. In effect Beijing demands that ships and aircraft transiting seas and airspace it claims obey the "innocent passage" rules governing territorial waters. Japan’s Evolving Security Architecture The Diplomat 3rd Dec 2013?Since returning as prime minister in December 2012, Shinzo Abe has pushed hard to revamp Japan’s security institutions. The revision of his country’s pacifist constitution as a prerequisite to enable participation in collective self-defense is at the core of his reform drive. In promising to “take Japan back” from the institutional constraints of the country’s postwar regime, Abe has made a constitutional amendment targeting the military-banning Article 9 his primary objective in (re)establishing a strong Japan. However, Tokyo’s new conservative establishment has shifted towards a more comprehensive strategy, introducing institutions for intelligence and security policy coordination. Essentially, Abe has laid the groundwork for a new security framework that enables Japan to take part in collective self-defense within the framework of the U.S.-Japan alliance. On November 26, the Diet’s lower house approved a state secrecy bill which aims at tightening the government’s control over information sensitive to state legislation. The bill enables Japan’s government to designate 23 types of information relating to diplomacy, counter-terrorism or defense as “special state secrets.” Government officials, such as the personnel of Japan’s Coast Guard who had released video footage of a Chinese fishing boat colliding with two Japanese patrol vessels in 2010 near the disputed Senkaku (in Chinese Diaoyu) islands, could face up to 10 years imprisonment under the new law. However, the government has not only refrained from providing a clear definition of what constitutes a state secret, the new legislation also remains ambiguous as to who is to decide what information counts as secret. While awaiting approval from the Diet’s Upper House, the bill has triggered massive public criticism, especially among Japan’s mass media, as journalists fear state intervention in media activities and in consequence an undermining of Japan’s postwar democracy. Chinese Territorial Strife Hits Archaeology WSJ 2nd Dec 2013?Underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio's team was exploring the wreckage of a 13th-century Chinese junk off the coast of the Philippines when it made an unwelcome discovery about China's maritime muscle in the 21st century. As a twin-prop plane swooped overhead, a Chinese marine-surveillance vessel approached the team's Philippines-registered ship and began broadcasting instructions in English over a loudspeaker. "They said this area belonged to the People's Republic of China, and they told us to scram," recalls one of the people on board last year. "It was pretty scary." Chinese officials confirm the incident took place but say the archaeologists' mission was illegal. With territorial disputes escalating in the waters off China, the Chinese government has begun asserting ownership of thousands of shipwrecks within a vast U-shaped area that covers almost all of the South China Sea, which it says has been part of its territorial waters for centuries. China Catching Up With X-47B Strategy Page 1st Dec 2013?The U.S. Navy’s X-47B UCAV (unmanned combat air vehicle) successfully carried out more tests aboard an aircraft carrier during November. In this case both existing X-47Bs were used. This comes after an X-47B made two out of three carrier landings for the first time on July 10th. The November tests further stressed the capabilities of the automatic landing system, especially in high speed and complex (different directions) winds. The autolanding systems passed all these tests. There will be more testing in 2014. The X-47B made its first catapult launch from an aircraft carrier on May 14th 2013. That was followed by several touch and go landings on a carrier. The first carrier landing, as expected, followed soon after. In 2011 the navy successfully tested its UCAV landing software. This test used a manned F-18 that landed on a carrier completely under software control. The first carrier launch came five months after an X-47B was catapulted from an airfield built to the same size as a carrier deck and equipped with a catapult. This first launch was to confirm that the X-47B could handle the stress of a catapult launch. Another X-47B was loaded onto the deck of a carrier to check out the ability of the UCAV to move around the deck. All this came 22 months after the first flight of the X-47B. China’s air zone stirs tensions but within rights EAF 30th Nov 2013?On 23 November China announced the creation of an air defence identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea. All aircraft flying through the zone are required to lodge their flight plan with Chinese authorities and be available for contact by Chinese authorities. Violators will elicit ‘defensive manoeuvres’ from Chinese aircraft, presumably interception. The move comes at a particularly volatile period in China’s foreign relations because most of its maritime neighbours are unnerved by recent Chinese behaviour in East Asian waters. Despite the swift and firm condemnation from the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia, it bears considering that the Chinese declaration itself is unproblematic; it merely adds China to the minority list of countries — around 20 — that enforce ADIZs beyond their national airspace. However, the zone may increase the risk of an incident over contested waters in East Asia. Chinese spokespeople were quick to offer assurances that ‘normal international flights’ were not affected, despite the language in the declaration that ‘all flights must follow these rules’. China has not clarified what constitutes a normal international flight. ADIZs are not precluded by the Chicago Convention, which established the rules for air travel, but they do not in any way reflect common international law practice. There are roughly 20 states that claim them currently, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Iceland, India, Norway, Pakistan, and the UK. Moreover, it is a cardinal principle of international maritime law that freedoms of navigation and over-flight are identical and cannot be limited by coastal states. Reflecting this US national interest, America’s ADIZ rules are not applied to military aircraft; they are intercepted in any event. Likewise, when they operate abroad, US military aircraft ignore ADIZs declared by other countries. Taiwan Upgrades Its Seagoing Missiles Strategy Page 28th Nov 2013?Taiwan is upgrading the weapons on most of its warships. The six French La Fayette class frigates will receive new anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. The new supersonic Hsiung Feng 3 anti-ship missile will replace the less capable Hsiung Feng 2. The 6.1 meter (19 foot) long Hsiung-feng 3 weighs 1.5 tons, has a 181 kg (400 pound) warhead, and a top speed of 2,300 kilometers an hour. Max range is 300 kilometers. It uses inertial and GPS guidance to get to the general vicinity of the target, then several other sensors to lock on to a specific ship and hit it. The smaller Hsiung-feng 2 has a range of 160 kilometers and less extensive electronics. The new anti-aircraft system is also locally made. This is a ship mounted version of the Sky Sword II air-to-air missile. This 203mm missile weighs 190 kg (418 pounds), has a range of 100 kilometers, and is radar guided. The air-to-air version of Sky Sword II entered service in 1999 and was developed because the United States would not supply Taiwan with AMRAAM. China’s navy breaks out to the high seas FMT 27th Nov 2013?In late October, flotillas of Chinese warships and submarines sliced through passages in the Japanese archipelago and out into the western Pacific for 15 days of war games. The drills, pitting a “red force” against a “blue force,” were the first in this area, combining ships from China’s main south, east and north fleets, according to the Chinese military. Land-based bombers and surveillance aircraft also flew missions past Japan to support the navy units. In official commentaries, senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officers boasted their navy had “dismembered” the so-called first island chain – the arc of islands enclosing China’s coastal waters, stretching from the Kuril Islands southward through the Japanese archipelago, Taiwan, the Northern Philippines and down to Borneo. Named Manoeuvre 5, these were no ordinary exercises. They were the latest in a series of increasingly complex and powerful thrusts through the first island chain into the Pacific. For the first time in centuries, China is building a navy that can break out of its confined coastal waters to protect distant sea lanes and counter regional rivals. Brunei Brunei, Poland establish bilateral defense ties Global Times 6th Dec 2013?Brunei and Poland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the development of mutual defense relations between the two countries, according to the Defense Ministry's website on Friday. Under this MoU, Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Poland are committed to developing and boosting cooperation through training, procurements, exchanges of visits and information- sharing on matters pertaining to both defense establishments. It is a significant milestone reflecting both parties' willingness to foster and broaden defense cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, the Defense Ministry said. Signing on behalf of Brunei was Colonel (Retd.) Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Azmansham bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad, permanent secretary (Defense Policy and Development) at the Ministry of Defense, while the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Poland was represented by Robert Kupiecki, the under-secretary of state for Defense Policy in Poland's Ministry of National Defense. Black Hawks New Milestone in Modernisation of Brunei Defence Forces Defense Studies 5th Dec 2013?The Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters were unveiled at the fourth Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BRIDEX) yesterday, marking another milestone in the modernisation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of RBAF, witnessed the unveiling of the new aircraft while touring the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s pavilion at the Exhibition Hall 2. Samir B Mehta, president of Sikorsky Military Systems, told The Brunei Times that the first batch of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters were delivered ahead of schedule, owing to their collaborative working relationship with the Ministry of Defence (MinDef). “Whenever you have a company like ours and a great customer like MinDef working together, you can do things like accelerate schedule. You can still make sure, however, that you have the highest quality helicopter,” he said. Cambodia Cambodian Authorities Move to Sue Pro-Opposition Newspaper Publisher RFA 2nd Dec 2013?Cambodian authorities are moving to file a lawsuit against a pro-opposition newspaper publisher after his paper stood by its article accusing Prime Minister Hun Sen of using the military to illegally gain votes in recent national polls. A government spokesman said Monday that the Ministry of Defense is pursuing a complaint against the Moneaksekar Khmer newspaper after it had refused to run a clarification requested by Hun Sen’s cabinet on the report last month. The paper’s publisher Dam Sith is a lawmaker-elect of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which has challenged official results of the July national elections and accused the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) of fraud. The paper published a story on Nov. 13 quoting CNRP Deputy President Kem Sokha as saying in an interview with a foreign media outlet that the government had used the military to “steal” votes in the July 28 election in which the CPP was declared victor. Drone explodes in sky over P Vihear temple PPP 10th Dec 2013?An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) exploded near the Preah Vihear temple yesterday morning, causing panic among troops stationed along the Thai border area, military officials said yesterday. Chhim Sovantha, a heritage police officer at Preah Vihear who was guarding the temple, said the drone exploded at around 10:45am with parts of its wings scattering in different places in the border area near the temple. “I saw a huge cloud of black smoke in the sky and heard the bang of the explosion near the temple,” he said. “One part of the drone fell near the pagoda of Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvara and some [fragments] fell into the Cambodian side and some in the Thai side [of the border].” According to Sovantha, yesterday’s incident was the third time a UAV had exploded in the temple area in recent years. In 2011, a similar incident occurred in Kulen district, while last year, a drone also exploded near the temple, he said. Major General Phat Sophen, deputy commander of the third military division and Chief of the Cambodian-Thai Border Relations Office at Preah Vihear, said he had ordered an investigation into the matter. Cambodia's Hun Sen appeals to Japan, China to show restraint Global Post 3rd Dec 2013?Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen voiced concern Tuesday over heightened tensions between Japan and China, appealing to both countries to exercise self-restraint and warning of "serious and unpredictable consequences" for the region if they act otherwise. "Cambodia is a good friend of both Japan and China. Both Japan and China are very important for Cambodia and have contributed to the promotion of peace and development here," Hun Sen told Kyodo News in an interview. "I wish to see the two countries exercise utmost restraint and to avoid any (provocative) actions and incendiary words," he said. If Tokyo and Beijing engage in risky undertakings, he warned, it "will lead to serious and unpredictable consequences." Hun Sen urged Japan and China, which are embroiled in a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, to peacefully settle their differences through negotiations, either through a bilateral mechanism or a regional one. Indonesia Indonesia Shops for Submarines Jakarta Globe 7th Dec 2013?The Defense Ministry is planning to send a special team to Russia to check on the condition of the Russian-made Kilo Class submarines before deciding to purchase them. Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Indonesia was faced with two options in strengthening its naval fleet, either by procuring used submarines from Russia, or buying new ones from South Korea. “This is a form of further cooperation between Indonesia and Russia. We will send a team from the navy to see the condition of the submarines,” Purnomo said in his office on Friday. He said his ministry was still considering the options, adding that every option had its cost consequences. “We will send a team first to check on the physical condition, to check the first option. If we decide to choose new submarines, it would certainly involve different costs,” Purnomo said. He said defense at sea was crucial for the country and that the decision to strengthen the submarine fleet was based on recommendations by the Indonesian Navy. “We have three alkis [archipelagic sea-lane passages]. In the east, the alki is divided into three branches. There are funnels to enter the Indonesian islands. In the south there are five funnels or entries,” he explained. Purnomo said the waters surrounding Indonesia’s eastern islands were deep, which suits submarine operations. He said the Defense Ministry was also prioritizing the procurement of submarines with the ability to operate ballistic missiles. Terrorist Stronghold Re-Emerges in Indonesia WSJ 2nd Dec 2013?Indonesia's terrorism force is refocusing on the southern reaches of Sulawesi island in its fight against terrorism, reflecting a year of rising activity by suspected militants in the region after more than a decade of relative quiet. For several years, the rolling hills at the center of the octopus-shaped island have given shelter to radical Islamic terrorists and their crude training camps in Indonesia, the world's most Muslim-populous country. Now, police say those militants are increasingly moving south from that area—Poso—toward Makassar, the sixth-largest city in Indonesia and historically a transit point for radicals across the region. In October, police killed one suspected terrorist and arrested two others in South Sulawesi province for alleged involvement in attacks on police and other targets. Before that, in Makassar, police arrested a suspected terrorist in June, and killed two and arrested others in January. Police say at least some of the men came to the south from the training camps. The region was also home to an early sign that Indonesian terrorists, who run limited operations involving targets on the police and crime like bank robberies, may be altering tactics. Last year, the Muslim governor of South Sulawesi became the first politician directly targeted in an attack when a man hurtled a Molotov cocktail at him during a political party celebration in Makassar. The bomb failed to explode, but the message resounded: police and foreign targets were no longer the sole targets of terrorists. RI to honor aircraft contract with Australia Antara News 30th Nov 2013?Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has said Indonesia will honor its contract to procure nine Hercules C-130 planes from Australia, despite strained relations between the two nations over spying allegations. "The contract will be honored. The House of Representatives (DPR) has approved a budget for the procurement of the nine Hercules planes," he added after a discussion here on Friday. Five of the planes will be bought, while four have been offered as grants to Indonesia, he said. "We had to repair the planes avionic systems, bodies and engines. The planes have now been repaired and belong to us. Technically, however, we need to bring the planes to Indonesia," he noted. The planes can be used for military and non-military operations, he added. Earlier, a media report quoted the head of defense facilities at the Defense Ministry, Rear Admiral Rachmad Lubis, as saying that the government had cancelled its plan to purchase six Hercules planes by Australia, as well as rejected four Hercules planes given as grants. Indonesia minister requires legal basis to secure sustainable defense development Global Times 29th Nov 2013?Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro stressed on Friday the need to provide legal basis to secure the sustainability of the country's defense development to comply with strategic plans to reach independent phase by the period of 2025-2029. "We at the ministry were anxious whether what we have been doing now can be continued by the successor of the present government. They probably have different vision and mission regarding this issue," the minister said in a session discussing the sustainability of the country's defense capability. Indonesia is scheduled to hold legislative and presidential elections next year that would end the presidency of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who has served two maximum five-year presidency periods from 2004. In the discussion Purnomo pointed out that military power is the essential component of the country's sustainable defense system, backed up by military-oriented extensive researches and development. In a bid to materialize the mightiness of national defense system, legal basis would be highly required to endorse activities aimed at addressing the aim. "The form can be government regulation, presidential instruction or even better a law," Purnomo said. The minister added that political support from the parliament was also highly required to attain the aim as the legislative body has the authority to approve budget proposed by government to finance defense projects. Malaysia Two More Radar Stations Planned For Straits Of Melaka Defense Studies 5th Dec 2013?The government plans to build two more radar stations in the Straits of Melaka to increase surveillance and enforcement along the stretch of water. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the two radar stations would be built in Pulau Jarak, Perak, and Pulau Perak, Kedah. "Currently, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has nine radars in the Straits of Melaka which carry out surveillance and relay information to the agency's vessels and patrol boats on other boats which raise suspicion. "However, there are areas in the Melaka Straits that are not covered by the nine radars," he said to a question from Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (BN-Baling) on the safety of Malaysian fishermen along the waterway. RMAF’s Special Air Service, the Country’s Lethal Weapon Defense Studies 4th Dec 2013?The sky is the limit, both figuratively and literally, for the Royal Malaysian Air Force Special Air Service (Paskau). Although it is the youngest special force among the three branches of the military, the RMAF’s commando regiment takes pride in itself by having the most technically demanding force. Being a part of the Air Force, the regiment’s duties cover everything involving air operations. “From guarding our air bases to destroying enemy assets, Paskau is the team that will handle it because of our knowledge of aircraft and aviation,” said Paskau commanding officer Kol Nazri Mohammad when met at the RMAF Regiment in Jugra, home of Paskau. Malaysia wins seat on Maritime International Organisation New Straits Times 1st Dec 2013?Malaysia won a seat on the Maritime International Organisation (IMO) in Category C, for 2014-2015 at the IMO General Assembly in London yesterday. Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysia obtained 125 out of 170 votes in the category. "Malaysia has been re elected for the fifth consecutive time, which reflected the country's prominent role on the world maritime stage. "After winning the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) seat in the Part III category for 2013-2016 recently, the win is something that the country is proud of as it is a recognition and appreciation by the international maritime community," he told reporters after attending a Parliament Sembrong circumcision and closing of 1Komuniti 1JPJ programme at Felda Kahang Barat here today. Malaysia committed to curb illegal trade of conventional weapons, says Nancy Shukri The Star 10th Dec 2013?Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the illegal trade of conventional weapons that could encourage conflicts around the world. Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Nancy Shukri said that Malaysia’s assertiveness in the issue was well received by members of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) who held their annual forum in Bogota, Colombia. She said that Malaysia has been invited to be part of the drafting committee of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Nancy said that Malaysia also shared its experience of tightening its domestic laws including the Strategic Trade Act 2010 which sought to control the flow of arms into the black market. Malaysia signed the ATT in September at the United Nations general assembly in New York. The GPA forum themed“Building a Stable and Durable Peace: The Role of Parliamentarians in Support of Peace Processes” was attended by more than 100 parliamentarians from more than 40 countries. Myanmar Philippines President Appoints Defense Attache To Myanmar National News Agency of Malaysia 5th Dec 2013?Philippines President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a resident defense attache to Myanmar to strengthen defense cooperation between both countries. Aquino made the announcement during a joint press briefing with visiting Myanmar President Thein Sein at the presidential palace on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed democratic and economic reforms in Myanmar. Aquino said the Philippines supports these reforms, which include free elections, release of political prisoners, expansion of political rights and promulgation of new economic laws such as the new Foreign Investment Law. Following their talks, Aquino and Thein Sein witnessed the signing of agreements on trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy and visa exemption for Filipino holders of ordinary passports. Philippines and Myanmar agreed to continue talks on setting up a Joint Trade Commission and to update their 1979 Air Services Agreement to promote trade and tourism linkages between the two countries. An agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce to establish a business forum was also signed on Thursday. The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1956. EU-led project seeks to promote police accountability in Burma DVB 30th Nov 2013?Officials in charge of implementing a €10 million police reform project in Burma reached out to local media in Rangoon on Friday in an attempt to explain some of the project’s aims. The 18-month-long pilot project, which got underway around two months ago, will provide some 4,000 police in Burma with training in community policing and crowd management best practices, and to promote police accountability by engaging civil society and parliament, EU Ambassador Roland Kobia said. “The main objective of this project is actually to bring the Myanmar Police Force closer to the people, to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people,” he said. The EU launched the project following a request from the President’s Office, based on recommendations made by the Latpadaung Commission Report chaired by Aung San Suu Kyi. A brutal crackdown exactly one year ago to the day on protestors at the Chinese-backed copper mine left dozens with severe burns from phosphorous bombs fired by riot police. Former military intelligence chief apologizes over online sound file Eleven Myanmar 30th Nov 2013?Khin Nyunt, former chief of military intelligence in Myanmar, has apologized to the public over some controversial statement that was recorded in old sound file which recently spread over the Internet. The sound file is a record of his lecture during the management course 3/93 for military training officers in 1993. The words he used were harsh and rude, but they were not intentional to harm those particular people. Instead, he just explained the state policies on behalf of the government, and so he requested apology from those hurt, said Khin Nyunt on November 28. The former intelligence chief— who also served as the 9th Prime Minister of Myanmar— spoke at Karaweik Hotel, Yangon during the promotion ceremony of a book which is a compilation of his interviews with Snap Shot Journal's Editor-in-chief Myat Khine. In the sound file, Khin Nyunt told the officers that the military had to be strong in the face of politiial and military assault from the Communist Party of Burma and the 1988 unrest in which people were killed and beheaded. “Therefore, the military had to intervene and control the situation,” said Khin Nyunt in the file. He said, in the file, that it was not “believable” that the National League for Democracy (NLD) won the majority votes and described the manner in which the civilians asked to rule as “dirty”. “That demand could not be granted. Both 1947 Constitution and 1974 Constitution could not be applied either. The 1947 Constitution allowed regions to separate after 10 years. so, the country would fall apart and so it needed to draw a new constitution,” he went on. Former MI chief spurns politics, calls for national intelligence agency BNI 29th Nov 2013?Myanmar should have a national intelligence agency, former prime minister and head of the purged Military Intelligence organization U Khin Nyunt said in Yangon on November 28. “I wish that Myanmar had an organization for state security,” he told the media at a book launch at the Karaweik Palace Hotel on Kandawgyi Lake, adding: “State security is in fact the people’s security.” However, the art gallery owner and former general stressed that he was not interested in being involved in any intelligence agency established by the government. In media interviews after his release from house arrest under a presidential pardon on January 13 last year, U Khin Nyunt said that if requested he was prepared to serve as a consultant on strategic issues in the interest of the nation. “If someone approaches me for a suggestion I will give if it in the interests of the nation,” he was quoted as saying in the The Wall Street Journal in November 2012. U Khin Nyunt also said at the Karaweik Palace Hotel event that he was not interested in becoming involved in politics because he was too old. “Politics is for a new generation,” he said. A sweeping purge of the Military Intelligence organization followed the arrest of the then Prime Minister and long-serving intelligence chief at Yangon airport in October 18, 2004 on his return from a visit to Mandalay. About 20 former senior MI officers remain in prison. Myanmar Army Commander-in-Chief Soe Win starts six-day visit to India Economic Times 10th Dec 2013?Embarking on his six-day visit to India, Myanmar Army's Commander-in-Chief Vice Senior General Soe Win met officers of the Eastern Command and discussed issues concerning security and enhancement of military ties between the armies. Accompanied by wife, General Win, also the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Service, visited the Eastern Command headquarters at Fort William. During his meeting with Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, Gen Win discussed. Three Myanmar Security Teams Stationed At Every SEA Games Venue In Yangon National News Agency of Malaysia 10th Dec 2013?The organiser of the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar has beefed up security by stationing three security teams in every sports venue in Yangon. Malaysian Contingent deputy chef-de-mission Md Saadon A.Shukor said he lauded the move by the Myanmar government in placing military, police and Fire Department personnel at six sports venues in Yangon to ensure the biennial event went smoothly. "Prior to this, we heard many negative stories on the security conditions in Myanmar and an explosions here. "But the situation is the other way round, residents carry on with their lives peacefully as normal and there is nothing to worry about. "The Malaysian athletes can focus on their respective events and on contributing a medal for the country," he told reporters at Inyalake Hotel here where the national hockey contingent players are staying, Tuesday. Md Saadon said he had yet to receive complaints on security problems from the national athletes and officials taking part in the Games. The six sport venues in Yangon are the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium for football, Theinphyu Hockey Field Stadium (hockey), Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium (wrestling and kempo), Theinphyu Stadium (weight lifting), North Dagon Shooting Range (shooting) and Myanmar Convention Centre (bodybuilding). Malaysian athletes here are taking part in four events, namely, hockey, shooting, weight lifting and bodybuilding. Md Saadon the national contingent targeted four gold medals in Yangon, from men's and women's hockey, shooting and bodybuilding. Policing standards workshop kicks off in Rakhine Myanmar Times 10th Dec 2013?The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Myanmar Police Force has launched a four-day seminar in Sittwe, Rakhine state, on international policing standards and the exercise of police powers. This is the first such seminar for police officers at Rakhine state level. Between December 10 and 13, the ICRC's regional police expert John-Erik Jensen will hold talks and exercises with 35 senior police officers ranging from the rank of captain to lieutenant colonel. Mr Jensen has over 30 years personal experience as a police officer, and will seek to address issues faced by law enforcement in the strife-ridden Rakhine State. "We are delighted to continue expanding our dialogue with the Myanmar Police Force," Jürg Montani, the ICRC's head of delegation in Myanmar, said in a press release. "Through its work with police forces around the world, the ICRC has gained expertise in addressing the challenges that face law-enforcement officers in various situations. We look forward to fruitful exchanges of experience this week and in the future." The workshops in Sittwe follows on from a similar event held in Naypyitaw in September, which saw regional commanders participating in the country's first ICRC-run policing seminars. NLD patron speaks out against US military support for Tatmadaw Mizzima 6th Dec 2013?Former military commander-in-chief and patron of the National League for Democracy, U Tin Oo, has criticised moves by the Obama administration for the US military to develop ties with the Tatmadaw. Senior Obama administration officials are reported to have sought backing from Congress for non-lethal support for the Tatmadaw, such as training on human rights. The move has faced strong bipartisan opposition in the Congress because of concerns over the Tatmadaw’s human rights record and its ties with North Korea, reports from Washington said. U Tin Oo said on December 5 that he was opposed to the United States providing military support to the Tatmadaw. “I oppose the military support but I welcome human rights training for the Tatmadaw and more humanitarian support to Myanmar,” he said. Opposition from the US Congress to the move has been welcomed by the joint secretary of the New Kayin State Party, Colonel Saw Lwin. “The American Congress was right,” he said. US Seeks Limited Military Ties With Burma Irrawaddy 5th Dec 2013?The Obama administration faced strong bipartisan opposition Wednesday to plans for limited US engagement with Burma’s powerful military due to concerns over human rights and its lingering ties with North Korea. Senior administration officials called for congressional support for non-lethal assistance to the military, such as training on human rights. But both Republicans and Democrats were skeptical about the military’s willingness to reform, saying abuses against ethnic and religious minorities persist in the country and the military remains involved in weapons deals with North Korea against UN sanctions. “I personally don’t believe that the Burmese military needs to be trained to stop killing and raping and stealing lands from people within their own country,” Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley of New York told a hearing of a House panel that oversees US foreign policy toward East Asia. Most military personnel will support charter change if clearly explained – Suu Kyi Eleven Myanmar 4th Dec 2013?Myanmar’s opposition leader has said she believes the majority of military personnel will support constitutional amendments if she has the chance to clearly explain to them why it is necessary to change the charter. During her visit to Australia on Sunday, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), was replying to a question from Radio Australia (Myanmar Section) on whether she could sum up the military’s stance on constitutional amendments. “It is very difficult to say about the whole military. There are many ordinary military personnel. There also officers as well as top officials. I can’t say whether they have the same stance. But if I have the chance to explain why the constitutional change is needed, I think they will support it,” said Suu Kyi, also a Lower House MP. “The military role is important. The four-way summit (I am talking about) means a meeting between the executive, the parliamentary legislators, and the military. I also heard it was not appropriate to meet with only a single political party. What I remember is that I was denied the same way in 1988 when I offered to meet with the then government of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. They said it was not appropriate to meet with one single party because there were more than 200 parties. The meeting that the largest opposition party is calling for now is something that should be done. By doing so, we understand more about the status of the military. They will also understand us.” Philippines Philippines and Muslim Rebels Move Closer to Final Peace Deal NY Times 9th Dec 2013?The Philippines has moved a step closer to a landmark peace deal with the country’s largest Muslim insurgent group, but significant obstacles to an end to violence remain. The two sides have reached agreement on sharing power in Muslim-dominated parts of the southern Philippines and hope to reach a final deal by January, according to a statement released Sunday. “We are in the homestretch,” said Amado M. Mendoza Jr., a political science professor at the University of the Philippines who is monitoring the negotiations. The deal seeks to bring peace to the southern Philippines, which has been racked by violence for more than a century. Many Muslims in the region believe that the Christian-dominated government in the north has oppressed them and taken their resources. Japan to Boost Defense Ties With Philippines Amid China Concern Bloomberg 8th Dec 2013?Japan and the Philippines pledged to boost defense ties with both nations expressing concern over China’s establishment of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea. “Both of us have affirmed that China’s unilateral action to change the status quo by force or coercive action will bring back tension in this region,” Japan’s Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters in Manila Dec. 7 after meeting with Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin. They agreed to “expand and deepen” cooperation on “defense authorities,” he said. Japan and the Philippines are also boosting ties with other nations as they seek to counter China’s increasing assertiveness in staking territorial claims. Japan and China are disputing sovereignty over a group of islands known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, while the Philippines and China both claim areas of the fish and gas-rich South China Sea. Manila’s Defense Conundrum The Diplomat 7th Dec 2013?Typhoon Haiyan revealed some glaring weaknesses in the Philippine military. Can it defend its own territory? November’s Typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda) tragically killed thousands of Filipinos and brought extreme hardship to hundreds of thousands more. It also wiped away any veneer from the country’s military, revealing the Philippines, a country of almost 100 million people, to be without any meaningful self-defense capabilities. This may not be news to the government of China, whose recent claims on the near-entirety of the South China Sea have placed it in an escalating dispute with the Philippines and its neighbors, but Beijing is undoubtedly making note of the sheer scale of the Philippines’ feebleness. Philippines Aid Cost DoD $32 Million Military.com 6th Dec 2013?The massive Defense Department relief effort in the Philippines by all the services has cost nearly $32 million in the four weeks since Super Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the islands, Pentagon officials said Thursday. The $31.7 million from DoD through Dec. 3 was part of an overall U.S. initial relief and recovery effort totaling about $61.8 million, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development. The death toll through Thursday from the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall was 5,719, with another 1,779 listed as missing and more than 26,000 injured, Filipino authorities said. The United Nations has called for pledges of $348 million from donor nations to cope with the aftermath of the storm that displaced an estimated four million people and wrecked 1.2 million homes, AID said in a fact sheet. Immediately after the storm hit on Nov. 8, U.S. troops, led by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade from Okinawa, began arriving in fixed-wing and tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey aircraft in hardest-hit Leyte province and its capital city, Tacloban. Defense Set to Acquire P700-M Howitzers, Ammunitions Defense Studies 5th Dec 2013?The Department of National Defense (DND) has announced the public bidding for the purchase of P700 million worth of howitzers and ammunitions. Assistant Defense Secretary and DND-Bids and Awards Committee chairman Efren Fernandez said the acquisition of 12 units of 155mm Towed Howitzer has an approved budget of P438.6 million. The other project, which has a budget of P303.8 million, requires the purchase of 5,990 rounds of ammunition for 25mm gun, 43,578 rounds of ammunition for 40mm gun, and 4,500 rounds of ammunition for 105mm gun and explosives. He said the acquisitions will be for the use of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army, which is at the forefront of addressing internal threats. The military is aiming to defeat the New People’s Army and the Abu Sayyaf on or before the end of the term of President Aquino in July 2016 as provided in the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. Philippines earmarks P480M for Spratlys upgrade ABS-CBN 4th Dec 2013?he Philippines has earmarked 479.75 million to upgrade airstrip and naval facilities in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the Philippine Department of National Defense said Wednesday. A security official, who requested anonymity, told reporters that the funds will be set aside to improve the infrastructure on Thitu Island. Known locally as Pag-Asa, Thitu Island is the seat of government of Kalayaan -- a town of about 95 islands, cays, shoals and reefs that the Philippines claims in the disputed Spratly archipelago. Thitu Island is the Philippine military's main outpost in the chain of islands, shoals, atolls and cays being contested by China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The Philippines has maintained a small, largely symbolic military presence on five occupied islets, two sand bars and two reefs since the 1970s. The island has a regulated population of about 300, including civilians. The Philippines has protested over China's actions to gain control of the South China Sea. Philippine Military Awards Rifle Contract to Remington Defense Defense Studies 4th Dec 2013?Remington announced today, that it has been awarded, a $47 million dollar initial contract, to supply and deliver over 40,000 R4 carbines with accessories and training by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This contract award is the result of an open bid competition conducted by the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND). "This contract is representative of Remington's strong and growing presence in international military markets. We look forward to providing the best military-grade weapon systems to the Philippine Military," said Mike Haugen, Director International Military/Law Enforcement Sales, Remington Defense. "We take great pride in knowing the AFP will use our products to defend the interests of their nation." "This award is not only an impressive reminder of Remington's leading position in the manufacturing of arms and ammunition on a global scale, but also demonstrates that American manufacturing is still the top choice for military personnel around the world," said John Day, Vice President, Remington Defense. "Our American workforce is pleased to provide AFP with the excellent craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology that has proven Remington invaluable in combat time and time again." PH, US resume bases access talks after impasse The Rappler 4th Dec 2013?After a difficult 4th round in October, the Philippines and the US are back in the negotiating table to finalize a military-to-military agreement that will allow American troops increased rotational presence and more access to military bases in the Philippines (READ: PH, US bases access talks reach 'impasse) "We're looking to have the remaining issues discussed. As we speak, there is a 5th round that's taking place in the United States. So we're hopeful that there will be a final conclusion in the signing," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario told reporters after his professional lecture in Ateneo de Manila University Tuesday night, December 3. The negotiations resume after the US military's impressive response to the Philippines' call for help after monster typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) killed thousands and flattened towns and cities in the Visayas. Its effect on the negotiations remains to be seen. DND: No Consensus Yet on P18.9-B Fighter Jets' Purchase Defense Studies 3rd Dec 2013?The Philippines and South Korean firm Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) are still hurdling issues related to the military’s plan to buy 12 lead in fighter trainer jets worth P18.9-billion. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo admitted on Monday that they have yet to reach consensus on some issues including the down payment to be given to the supplier and the period of delivery of spare parts. “The lead in fighter (project) is within the process of negotiation with the government of South Korea and there are major issues, there are several issues that we still have to hurdle,” Manalo said in a press conference. Among the issues to be threshed out is the advance payment to be given to KAI. PH-US alliance cornerstone of security in Asia Pacific – envoy The Manila Times 2nd Dec 2013?The alliance of the United States (US) and the Philippines has been the “cornerstone of security” in the Asia Pacific region, newly installed US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg said on Tuesday. In a statement shortly after he presented his credentials to President Benigno Aquino 3rd, Goldberg highlighted the strong and deep relationship between Washington and Manila, which he said was evident in the participation of American soldiers in the relief operations in Eastern Visayas. He lauded the devotion of Americans and Filipinos in rushing to help those in need after the typhoon flattened entire towns in Leyte and Samar provinces, particularly Tacloban City. “This cooperation in the selfless service of others truly represents the best of our two nations. I am confident that with strength and resilience, the people touched by this tragedy will soon rebuild their lives,” Goldberg said. “And the United States will be there to help them along the way.” Disagreements stall fighter jets purchase The Manila Times 2nd Dec 2013?Disagreements have hampered the sealing of a contract between the Philippines and South Korea for the acquisition of 12 fighter jets worth P19 billion which is seen to boost the capability of the Philippine Armed Forces. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo on Monday said that negotiators disagreed on the terms of payment and validity of the warranty of the spare parts. Manalo explained that under the terms of the contract, the warranty for spare parts is two years or 600 hours of flying time whichever comes first and within that period, the supplier firm, the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI), should deliver the replacement for defective parts in 30 to 45 days upon receipt of the notice. But the KAI wanted a longer period of 180 days because it would take the firm some time to come out with a replacement on such modern and expensive spare parts. 2 of 5 AW-109 PN Helicopters Equipped with Weapons, Electronic Warfare Systems Defense Studies 2nd Dec 2013?The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that two out the five AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters that it will be acquiring this year are classified as combat helicopters. Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic made this announcement after noting that these aircraft are fitted with weapon and electronic warfare systems. He did not give the exact specifications, citing operational security reasons. "The two helicopters which will arrive next year are classified as combat helicopters than the initial three that are classified as naval helicopters. They are more upgraded in terms of firepower and electronic warfare systems," Fabic said. Envoy says China has right to set another air zone Associated Press 2nd Dec 2013?China has a sovereign right to establish a maritime air defense zone over another region as it did in the East China Sea, the Chinese envoy to the Philippines said Monday. The United States and key Asian allies have not honored the East China Sea zone, which was announced on Nov. 23 and is seen primarily as a bid to bolster China's claim over uninhabited Japanese-controlled islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. The Philippines is locked in a long territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. When asked to comment about concerns that China might set up a similar zone over the South China Sea, Ambassador Ma Keqing said in a news conference that it was within the right of the Chinese government to decide "where and when to set up the new air identification zone." Philippines says China carrier in South China Sea raises tension Reuters 27th Nov 2013?The Philippines said on Wednesday the imminent arrival of China's sole aircraft carrier in the disputed South China Sea for the first time for a training mission would raise tension. The carrier Liaoning left port from the northern city of Qingdao accompanied by two destroyers and two frigates on Tuesday. While in the South China Sea, it will carry out tests and drills, according to China's military. China says the mission is routine. China claims almost the entire oil- and gas-rich South China Sea, rejecting the rival claims to parts of it from Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam. Philippine Foreign Affairs Department spokesman Raul Hernandez said the carrier's arrival was a worrying development that contravened agreements with China on managing tension in the South China Sea. Manila Says Typhoon Shows Need For US-Philippine Military Accord Defense News 27th Nov 2013?The swift US humanitarian response to the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan highlights the need to expand America’s military presence in the Philippines, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Monday. He said a proposed agreement to strengthen the US military presence, which was being negotiated as the storm struck on Nov. 8, would allow for the easier delivery of relief aid by US forces in the future. “I think the typhoon demonstrates the need for this framework,” del Rosario told reporters after meeting a US congressional delegation. “It accentuates one of the main purposes of this framework, which is to make humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and response one of the major aspects of this agreement.” The proposed deal would allow more US troops, aircraft and ships to pass through the Philippines at a time when Washington is refocusing its attention on Asia. Singapore Singapore defense officials to view F-35B while visiting Air Force base in Arizona Daily Journal 10th Dec 2013?Singapore defense officials visiting an Air Force Base in Arizona will get a look at a type of U.S.-built fighters that the Asian nation may purchase. Luke Air Force Base officials say at least one F-35B from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma on Tuesday will fly into Luke, a pilot-training base located in the Phoenix area. Luke officials say the Singapore officials are at Luke for a training exercise being conducted at Luke and at the Barry M. Goldwater Range in southwestern Arizona. The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing version of the F-35. It was developed for the Marine Corps and is configured differently than the F-35A version used by the Air Force. F-35As to be assigned to Luke are expected to arrive in early 2014. Singapore: Is the Lion City a den for Western spies? Asian Correspondent 10th Dec 2013?What are the regional foreign policy consequences? asks Asia Sentinel’s Murray Hunter Singapore is an anomaly in Southeast Asia. It has staunch connections with the US and Israel and a network of varied corporate interests all around the world. It is a small, primarily non-Muslim city-state surrounded by much larger, occasionally antipathetic Muslim countries. Sovereignty disputes on the South China Sea are continuing, and unpredictable events like Sulu militants invading Lahad Datu in Sabah continue to occur. Singapore’s security is of prime domestic importance. The potency and effectiveness of Singapore’s intelligence services was seen in the 1990s with the successful recruitment of Australian intelligence officers to pass on sensitive information to Singaporean intelligence at the DSD (now Australian Signals Directorate) listening station at Cabarlah, near Toowoomba, Queensland. Singapore’s Type-218SG – Forerunner of a new Submarine Class? Defense Update 5th Dec 2013?Singapore is likely to expand the missions and operational capabilities of its submarine force in the next decade, fielding large ocean going submarines with mission endurance of weeks, even months in the next decade. Sofar the island state operated much smaller subs, designed for operations in shallow waters and littorals closer to home. The Defense ministry of Singapore announced this week it has ordered two new ‘Type 218SG’ submarines from the German-based ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The 218SG is a customized design from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. TKMS did not provide much detail about the specification of the ‘Type 218’ submarine, hitherto an unknown designation, although the company mentioned the submarines would be fitted out with ‘air independent propulsion’ (AIP) from the baseline (unlike the Archers, that had to be cut apart to ‘plug in’ the AIP). The new submarine will be customized to address specific requirements of the Singapore Navy. Among those systems will be a comprehensive combat system provided by Atlas Elektronik GmbH, to be co-developed and adapted to the customer requirements by Singapore based ST Electronics. EODMU-5 Partners with Singapore Navy for Joint Training CPF 4th Dec 2013?Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 partnered with members of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) for the biannual Miata exercise that kicked off at U.S. Naval Base Guam Dec. 3. The joint training builds interoperability between the two EOD groups who have a continued working agreement. The exercise will continue through Dec. 14. "This is something we enjoy doing and it enhances our ability to develop and integrate our EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) techniques," said Lt. j.g. Joseph Lynch, EODMU-5. "They're a very reputable force with extremely well-developed capabilities. We hope to exchange our ideas and information so we can see how they operate, and hopefully integrate some of their tactics into our future operations." With the robotics training, EODMU-5 practiced using RSN's PackBot to investigate a bag with a potential threat, while RNS members used EODMU-5's Talon Mark II to maneuver around an obstacle and to pick up and transport batteries into a container. Arizona air base hosts Idaho, Singapore pilots Fox 4th Dec 2013?Luke Air Force Base is hosting Idaho's 428th Fighter Squadron and a contingent from the Republic of Singapore for nearly two weeks of flying exercises. Flying will take place at the base and the Barry M. Goldwater Range complex through Dec. 15. Base officials say the areas around Luke and the range may experience more noise than usual as a result of the increased air activity and the types of aircraft involved. The aircraft will include F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15E Strike Eagles, CH-47 Chinooks and AH-64 Apache helicopters. There will also be an increased military presence along Highway 85 south of Gila Bend. Officials say the exercises will provide the Singapore armed forces an opportunity to train their full spectrum of command, control and execution. Singapore to Acquire Two Submarines from German Firm Defense Studies 2nd Dec 2013?Singapore, which has Southeast Asia’s most modern military, said Monday it was acquiring two new submarines from German defence contractor ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. In a statement, the defence ministry said it signed a contract to acquire two “Type 218SG” submarines, which are projected to be delivered in 2020. It said the deal included a logistics package and a crew training arrangement in Germany, but did not reveal the total cost. The two new submarines, along with Archer-class submarines purchased from Sweden in 2005 will replace its Challenger-class submarines that were built in the 1960s and acquired by the city-state in the 1990s. “The replacement submarines will have significantly improved capabilities and be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion Systems,” the ministry said in the statement. Singapore Navy’s Littoral Mission Vehicle will be Powered by Tognum’s MTU Engines Defense Studies 30th Nov 2013?Tognum has been awarded by Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd to power eight Littoral Mission Vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) with MTU Series 4000 diesel engines. The Littoral Mission Vessels will be installed with state of the art, high efficiency MTU 20V 4000 M93L diesel engines, known for their low consumption and long service life, with each unit producing 4300kW (5766bhp). MTU Series 4000 diesel engines offer unrivalled power density in terms of volume-to power ratio and power-to-weight ratio. Defense Minister Urges Overhaul of IT Infrastructure Jakarta Globe 30th Nov 2013?As concern over the spying scandal grows, with Singapore and South Korea now alleged to have helped Australia snoop on the country’s influential figures, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Indonesia needs to build an independent information and communication system. “To build the defense strategy, [we] need to improve the information and communication systems,” Purnomo said after attending a meeting with House Commission I, which oversees defense and foreign affairs, in Jakarta on Thursday. Purnomo said the spying and wiretapping activities committed by foreign parties were possible because Indonesia was leasing foreign satellites. Therefore, the government must purchase the necessary equipment related to strategic defense, intelligence and security. The government and lawmakers reached a six-point agreement in Thursday’s joint meeting as part of their response to Australia’s spying activities. House Commission I hailed the government’s strong reaction against Australia’s alleged spying. TNI Chief: Bilateral Ties With Singapore at Risk Jakarta Globe 29th Nov 2013?A week after Indonesia announced the suspension of military cooperation with Australia in the wake of allegations of spying by Canberra, Jakarta said it could re-evaluate bilateral cooperation with other countries that had facilitated Australia in tapping into the mobile communications of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and senior cabinet ministers. In a report by Indonesian news portal Republika.co.id, Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Moeldoko said on Thursday that if Singapore was proven to have assisted Australia in its spying activities on Indonesian officials, the city-state had compromised trust between the two countries. He emphasized that ties between countries should be grounded on solid trust and that any violation of such trust called for the re-evaluation of the relationship and any cooperation. U.S. is first ever "Feature Country" at Singapore Airshow Mena FN 28th Nov 2013?Singapore Airshow will introduce a new key highlight known as the "Feature Country" in 2014, and the United States has been designated as the first "Feature Country" at the show, scheduled to take place from 11-16 February 2014 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. In line with the theme "Iconically American", Singapore Airshow 2014 will see the largest U.S. presence yet with more than 150 U.S. companies, including 70 of them in the U.S. pavilion, along with a larger contingent of U.S. government and private sector visitors and VIP guests. The U.S. pavilion is also the largest country pavilion at Singapore Airshow 2014, forming about a third of the total number of exhibitors. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Defense are also working closely with the U.S. business community to highlight American participation at the new U.S. Business Forum by American exhibitors. The two departments will capitalise on Singapore's standing as Asia's aviation hub to promote its aerospace and defense capabilities to generate sales leads in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S., a world leader in aviation and defense, is home to renowned companies including Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and United Technologies Corporation, who are among the top 50 aerospace and defense companies globally. According to a report by Cap Gemini, the United States is, by far, the world's largest aerospace and defense market, with revenues close to US543 billion. Meanwhile, Asia is considered to be the fastest-growing market for aerospace and defense products. Being a feature country at Singapore Airshow 2014 will provide even greater opportunities for U.S. companies to capitalize on the phenomenal aviation traffic growth in the Asia-Pacific and springboard into this thriving region. Thailand Thai Vote Looms as Yingluck Dissolves Parliament: Southeast Asia Bloomberg 9th Dec 2013?Thai voters face their third election in six years after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved parliament to help defuse anti-government protests that are now in their second month in Bangkok. Should an election proceed on Feb. 2 as mandated by Royal Decree, voters will have to choose between a party aligned with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s brother whose allies have won the past five elections, and the Democrat party, which hasn’t won a national poll in two decades and whose leader faces murder charges stemming from a 2010 military crackdown on pro-Thaksin demonstrators. The opposition could also opt to boycott the poll, as it did in 2006. China, Thailand hold antiterrorism training Global Times 8th Dec 2013?Chinese and Thai special forces will hold joint antiterrorism training from Dec. 8 to 21 in Thailand, said a statement from China's Defense Ministry on Sunday. The drill, code-named "Strike-2013", is the fourth time for armies of the two countries to hold such antiterror training since 2007. "The drill is aimed to deepen pragmatic cooperation and increase mutual trust and friendship between the two militaries," said the statement. The two armies will also explore new ways of joint implementation of antiterror action through the training, according to the statement. Singapore, Thailand conclude two-week bilateral naval exercise Global Times 7th Dec 2013?The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Thai Navy concluded a two-week bilateral exercise code named Singsiam, the city-state's defense ministry said on Friday. The exercise, the 17th in its series and hosted by the Thais this year, began on November 25 and drew to a close on December 6. The ministry said this year's exercise commenced with a shore planning phase at Changi Naval Base. A sea phase was conducted in the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. During the exercise, the Singapore side participated with a frigate, a missile corvette, and a submarine, while the Thai side participated with a missile corvette, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, an off-shore patrol vessel, two S-70B naval helicopters and one Dornier-228 maritime patrol aircraft. The city-state's defense ministry said the exercise this year has expanded in scope and complexity. "It has evolved from conventional naval warfare exercises to exercises incorporating aerial and underwater warfare scenarios," it added. The closing ceremony was co-officiated by the two sides at the 3rd Naval Area Command Headquarters, Phuket in Thailand on Friday. Vietnam Vietnam Looking to Purchase BrahMos Cruise Missiles Defense Studies 4th Dec 2013?Looking to increase defence cooperation with India, Vietnam Communist party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong also requested New Delhi for conversion training for Vietnamese pilots to fly Sukhoi-30 aircrafts. Vietnam formally requested India to supply the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missiles at a meeting in New Delhi, informed sources told RIR. The request was made when Vietnam Communist party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited the Indian capital, the sources said, adding that the Southeast Asian country was looking at enhancing security cooperation with India. Informal negotiations had been going between the countries for the joint Indo-Russian missiles that are being manufactured in India. Vietnam’s interest was renewed as a plan between Russia and the country to jointly produce a modified anti-ship missile is moving a slow pace, the sources told RIR. While Moscow and Hanoi to develop a joint missile analogous to Russia's Kh-35 Uran, using BrahMos as a model, Vietnam is looking at India to supply the missiles to meet its immediate requirement. It remains unclear whether India will be able to supply the missiles in the near future. Belarus, Vietnam confirm interest in developing military cooperation Belarusian Telegraph Agency 4th Dec 2013?Defense Minister of Belarus Yuri Zhadobin met with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Huynh Ngoc Son, the head of the Vietnamese parliamentary delegation, in Minsk on 4 December, BelTA learnt from the Defense Ministry of Belarus. The parties took note of special momentum in the Belarusian-Vietnamese military cooperation. Over the past four years alone the two countries have exchanged eight high-level military visits. The sides confirmed interest in developing bilateral cooperation and outlined concrete areas of interaction. Military personnel training as well as military and technical cooperation are among the most promising areas of cooperation today. Members of the Vietnamese delegation also visited the Military Academy of Belarus, got familiar with its structure, tasks and training system, studied the opportunities of the tactical training center, different scientific developments, including the unmanned aircraft system. How India-Vietnam Strategic Ties Are Mutually Beneficial The Diplomat 3rd Dec 2013?Last month, after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin made a high-profile visit to Hanoi that resulted in a marked step up in defense cooperation, the Secretary General of the Vietnam Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong traveled to India with the same objective. Trong’s visit signaled that Vietnam seeks to leverage India’s expertise and experience with Soviet/Russian military technology to its advantage and mitigate the risk of dependency on a sole supplier. Secretary General Trong successfully sought India’s assistance to modernize its armed forces. In response to earlier Vietnamese lobbying to purchase naval warships, India made the unprecedented offer of a US$100 million line of credit for the purchase of four Offshore Patrol Vessels. This was India’s first offer of credit for the purchase of military equipment to a country outside of South Asia. Another agreement related to the protection of defense-related information. Future of the Vietnamese Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2018 Mena FN 3rd Dec 2013?his report is the result of SDI's extensive market and company research covering the Vietnamese defense industry, and provides detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values including key growth stimulators, analysis of the leading companies in the industry, and key news. Introduction and Landscape Why was the report written? Future of the Vietnamese Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2018 offers the reader an insight into the market opportunities and entry strategies adopted by foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to gain market share in the Vietnam defense industry. What is the current market landscape and what is changing? With booming economy and maritime trade, Vietnam finds itself in the middle of an Asian arms race. A looming Chinese threat and the need to replace obsolete military equipment are expected to drive the country's defense expenditure over the forecast period. Vietnam's defense budget is valued at US3.1 billion in 2013, and is expected to grow at a faster pace over the forecast period than during the review period. Vietnam's military expenditure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.84% over the forecast period to reach US4.6 billion by 2018, compared to the registered growth rate of 6.26% during the review period. The Vietnamese government is estimated to increase its allocation for capital expenditure over the forecast period to an average of 32.5% of total defense expenditure. The country is expected to procure military equipment to boost its naval strength and maritime security in order to counter the threat from the growing Chinese naval strength in the South China Sea. In addition, Vietnam is also expected to procure military equipment such as aircraft, missiles and armored vehicles as part of its modernization program. Foreign companies may gain from the Vietnamese government's efforts to open its defense market and look beyond its traditional arms supplier, Russia. Russia and Vietnam taking it to the next level EAF 2nd Dec 2013?Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam earlier this month, his third since assuming the Russian presidency, was accompanied by references to the ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ between both countries. This wording has been adopted since last year, clearly indicating that the two countries are getting closer to each other and intend to cultivate a special bond. The intensity of high-profile diplomatic activity seems to confirm this. Since July 2012, the two countries’ presidents have met each other no less than four times, while Prime Ministers Dmitry Medvedev and Nguyen Tan Dung have also exchanged visits. Against this background, bilateral trade statistics look rather modest: according to Russian sources bilateral trade turnover, although increasing by 20 per cent in 2012, reached only US$3.6 billion — a level much lower than Vietnam’s trade with partners such as China and the United States. Even if, according to official projections (and as a result of a free trade agreement currently under negotiation between Vietnam and the countries of the customs union of Russia, Byelorussia and Kazakhstan), trade rises to US$7 billion in 2015 and US$10 billion in 2020, Russia will still be well behind Vietnam’s biggest trade partners. Taiwan-Vietnam ties remain stable, keep improving: official Focus Taiwan 7th Dec 2013?Taiwan's representative to Vietnam said Saturday that bilateral relations between Taipei and Hanoi remain stable and are expected to continue to improve. Huang Chih-peng said in an interview with the CNA that in particular, he has great expectations that Taiwan and Vietnam will increase economic exchanges and strengthen two-way trade in the future. In addition to the warming bilateral business ties, Huang said both sides will work together over the next year to fight crime, while the two countries will focus on negotiations on crime crackdown measures, in particular the possibility of signing a criminal extradition agreement. VN keeps an eye on East China Sea Vietnam News 6th Dec 2013?Viet Nam follows with deep concern developments in the East China Sea, along with the concerns of all engaged parties, the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Spokesperson, Le Hai Binh, has stated. Binh was replying to reporters' questions on Viet Nam's response to China's announcement to establish an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea, during a regular press conference in Ha Noi yesterday. "We hope all involved parties act with restraint and solve their differences through dialogues and peaceful measures, in compliance with international law, ensuring security and safety on international air routes and contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region," Binh said. On how the ADIZ might affect Viet Nam's international flights, Binh said Viet Nam's authorised agencies have reported that international flights to and from Viet Nam crossing the East China Sea are operating normally. |