I thought that it might be a good idea to start a thread about militaries that aren't covered under other discussion areas, feel free to post any news about other countries militaries here.

April 30, 2005: The Mexican Navy is by far the best motivated and directed service in the Mexican Armed Forces. It has spent the past four years developing a new doctrine to protect Mexican waters and resources from external and internal threats. At the cornerstone of this modernization process is expanding the capabilities of the force in sea, air and land.

The surface force is grouped into two naval fleets: Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. It has phased out most of its heavier surface combatants, some built as far back as 1943, and replaced them with ex-US Knox-class frigates. A total of 47 surface combatants have been retired and replaced with new Ocean Patrol Vessels, the majority of which have been built at local shipyards. Up to 80 new vessels are to join the fleets by 2006, bringing the total number of available patrol and combat ships to 122. This will include 8 Frigates, 2 Missile Boats, 30 OPV’s, 26 Coastal Patrol Vessels, 56 Interceptor-Patrol Craft. The fleets will have an additional 35 auxiliary ships distributed among them and operate out of 11 major naval bases. Total strength will rise to about 56,000 personnel.

The Naval Aviation element has been completely re-organized, retiring 27 older aircraft. It has acquired a new AEW and surveillance capability by putting into service 3 retired Israeli E-2C Hawkeyes airborne radar aircraft, and upgrading 8 of its C-212 Aviocar transports with the Spanish FITS maritime surveillance system. Coastal surveillance capabilities have also been expended with a new generation of light aircraft and helicopters being built at Naval installations. The navy is also shopping for eight light fighter jets.

Its helicopter fleet has also expanded, with the Mi-8MTV-1’s receiving FLIR (night vision) and GPS, the Bo-105’s were upgraded to the “Super Five” variant with enhanced detection capabilities and has acquired scores of Panther and MD-900 “pursuit” choppers for dealing with drug loaded fast-boats.

The 12,000 strong Naval Infantry has also been re-organized, with a new 5,000-strong “Amphibious Reaction Force” becoming the main intervention force, backed up a by a new Special Forces Command that focuses on anti-terrorist and anti-narcotics operations. The rest of the force has been grouped into Naval Infantry battalions assigned to the different naval zones and 4 new “Strategic Defense” groups that protect oil installations in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These last groups are now equipped with surface to air missiles to provide air defense to offshore drilling platforms.

April 17, 2005: The Malaysian military is a force that is rapidly gaining combat capability. This country, while smaller than Indonesia, spends $1.69 billion a year on a military that is very high quality compared to its larger neighbor. This spending is roughly twice the spending as a portion of GDP when compared to Indonesia’s $1 billion budget. What has it bought? The answer is that Malaysia has a pretty capable force.

The Royal Malaysian Army has 80,000 personnel, organized into four combat divisions. Equipment includes 48 PT-91 tanks, a Polish variant of the T-72, with smoke grenades and a laser-warning system, plus 14 support versions (recovery vehicles and vehicle-launched bridges). Malaysia also has about 180 SIMBA vehicles with 90mm guns, 25 Scorpion light tanks, 400 German Condor APCs, 100 Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and about 200 Adnan IFVs (a version of the Turkish Infantry Fighting Vehicle). Malaysia’s artillery includes a number of modern systems (18 ASTROS rocket launchers, 28 G5 howitzers from South Africa, and 15 FH 70 howitzers) and over 200 105mm lightweight howitzers. This force has often taken part in UN peacekeeping missions, and also took part in the 1993 firefight in Mogadishu (one Malaysian soldier was killed). The Malaysian military has also conducted exercises with the U.S. Army. This is a reasonably well-trained force, capable of holding its own in a fight. It is particularly effective in jungle warfare.

The Royal Malaysian Navy is small, but very modern. The backbone of this force are five frigates, two Lekiu-class frigates (with Seawolf surface-to-air missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles), two Kasturi-class frigates (with Exocet anti-ship missiles), and the old frigate Rahmat. Malaysia is adding a number of more modern vessels. It acquired four missile boats from Italy (originally built for Iraq) equipped with Otomat anti-ship missiles and Aspide surface-to-air missiles to go with eight smaller missile boats equipped with Exocet. It also is assembling two MEKO A-100 patrol ships and building at least four more (some reports indicate the class could be as large as 27 ships total) to go with the two Musytari-class patrol ships. Malaysia is also in the process of acquiring two French Scorpene-class submarines. Malaysia is also looking into the purchase of additional frigates. This is a very potent force, one that outclasses Indonesia’s, and is getting better.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force is rapidly modernizing. Malaysia has purchased 18 Su-30MK fighters, 14 MiG-29Ns, 8 F/A-18D Hornets, and 18 Hawk 208s. These modern aircraft far outclass Indonesia’s, and have relegated Malaysia’s 13 F-5E/F Tigers and 30 A-4PTM Skyhawks to reserve. Malaysia’s force is about the same size as Indonesia’s, but it is much more modern. This gives Malaysia an edge over its larger neighbor, and places it on par with Singapore’s Air Force (which has a large number of F-16C/D Falcons).

Malaysia’s military is turning into one of the more technologically advanced forces in Southeast Asia. This force is also very professional, and while it has turned to conscription, it is one of the better forces in Southeast Asia. It has often carried out peacekeeping missions, including East Timor and Kosovo. This force is trending upwards and will be a tough one to defeat in battle. – Harold C. Hutchison (hchutch@ix.netcom.com)

May 6, 2005: What are the ten best fighters out there, and which of these planes are better than the others at the top of the heap? Fighters have one primary mission: Seize control of the air, and enable their side’s attack planes to get through while also preventing the opposing side from attacking friendly forces and bases. Many of these fighters have also proven themselves to be adept at other roles (ground attack, anti-ship) as well, but their primary purpose is to control the air.

10. The JAS.39 Gripen. This is a small single-seat fighter using the American F404 turbofan engine. This aircraft is capable of numerous missions (point-defense interceptor, ground attack fighter, and even anti-shipping). It is highly maneuverable, and is a worthy successor to the Draken and Viggen interceptors that Sweden has built. This is what the 1980s F-20 Tigershark (an early competitor of the F-16 and F-18) could have been, had it not been stillborn.

9. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. This is the ultimate Hornet, without the range limitations of the F/A-18A/B/C/D, and with two extra weapons pylons. This fighter is based on a proven design, and has even been used as a tanker with the premature retirement of the S-3 Viking. Sheer versatility – and improvement from the original make the Super Hornet’s place on this list a secure one.

8. F-15C Eagle. This is perhaps one of the last of the single-purpose aircraft. This plane has done one thing for 30 years (air-to-air combat), and done it well (over 100 kills to no losses). However, what is remarkable is the almost-untapped potential the airframe has as a ground-attack platform. The F-15E Strike Eagle has become a superb multi-role fighter. However, the F-15 has gotten long in the tooth for air superiority.

7. F-16C Fighting Falcon. This is a bird that has become a classic. Widely exported, and it has amassed a solid record. Still being built to special order for export customers, it not only has scored air-to-air kills in service with the United States, Israel, and Pakistan, but it is also one of the most numerous modern fighters in service today.

6. Su-27 Flanker. This was built to counter the F-15, and it has become one of the more feared aircraft out of Russia. Highly maneuverable, it is equipped and designed for a dogfight, it has been exported. The wide export market for this plane and its variants (the Su-30 in particular) is the primary reason for the F-22.

5. F-14D Tomcat. This is a plane that had aged like fine wine. Originally designed to face the Tu-22M3 Backfire bomber in protection of American carriers, it has become a carrier-launched version of the F-15E. Capable of long-range attacks using the AIM-54 Phoenix, the F-14 proved it was capable of dogfighting in two incidents with Libya (the U.S. Navy fighters scored four kills for no losses). This is a plane retiring before its time.

4. Eurofighter Typhoon. A low-observable multi-role fighter. It is fast, maneuverable, and carries a lot of air-to-air missiles. It also can be used for attack missions as well. This is a fighter that will be the backbone of at least four air forces (the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy).

3. Dassault Rafale. Another European multi-role fighter with some stealth built in, this aircraft not only carries out the air-to-air and attack missions, it also comes in a naval version. Its first export order was recently signed – to Saudi Arabia. Equipped with French air-to-air missiles, it edges out the Eurofighter since its naval version could interest other countries who have carriers (Brazil and India come to mind).

2. F-35. This plane will be the new F-16 in ten years. Not only is this replacing the F-16, the A-10, the AV-8B, and some F/A-18s in U.S. service, but it will replace aircraft in other countries as well. Like the F-16, it will be produced in numbers. When it enters service, it will outclass many aircraft.

1. F/A-22 Raptor. This is the F-15C’s replacement. Entering service this year, it renders every other air-superiority aircraft obsolete. This is a plane that can not only outfly any other plane in the world, outrun any other plane in the world, and it can do so while remaining virtually unseen. The F-22 is a true heir to the F-15, and could do so in another fashion if Lockheed’s FB-22 proposal takes off. – Harold C. Hutchison (hchutch@ix.netcom.com)

May 7, 2005: The future of the Russian Air Force lies in three planes: the Su-34 tactical bomber, the Yak-130 advanced combat trainer, and the new PAK FA multi-functional fighter.

The Su-34 bomber was developed out of the proven Su-27. Moreover, its avionics are comparable to that of other fifth generation aircraft. The primary role of the Su-34 will be to destroy targets on the ground. However, the aircraft is also effective in the air-to-air combat. The new bomber can carry a full range of precision guided or unguided bombs and rockets. Furthermore, the aircraft is armed with a 30mm GSh-301 cannon. The Su-34, which weights 44 tons, can achieve a speed of 1900 kilometers an hour (Mach 1.6) with a maximum range of 4,000 kilometers. In the next two years, the Russian Air Force will buy five of the new bombers for $35 million each.

The Yak-130 advanced combat trainer and light attack jet is a plane with a great future. Its maneuvering is almost identical to the most of current operational and future aircraft; such as the MiG-29, Mirage, F-15, F-16, Eurofigther, of F-22, which makes it the ideal aircraft for basic and advanced combat training. The Yak-130 can carry a variety of weapon systems including various types of laser-guided, infrared-guided, or unguided bombs and missiles. The aircraft is armed with a 30mm GSh-301 cannon as well. The advanced combat trainer has a maximum take-off weight of 9 tons and can achieve a speed of 1,060 kilometers an hour with a maximum range of 2,000 kilometers. The Russian Air Force recently bought 300 Yak-130's for $13 million each. First aircraft will enter service in 2006.

The PAK FA represents the fifth generation aircraft, which has been in development since late 90's. Its primary role will be air-to-air engagement with secondary ground attack capability. The PAK FA fighter will feature a long combat radius of 1,200 kilometers, and the ability to do short takeoffs and landings. In addition, the aircraft will have Stealth technology and will be armed with the most modern weapon systems available. The Russian Air Force expects 1,000 of these new fighters in service by 2020 with an estimated cost of $35 million each. First new aircraft are expected to will enter service by 2010.

Here's some more info on the PAK FA, it's being manufactured by Sukhoi.

PAK FA [Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi]
In early 2002 Sukhoi was chosen as prime contractor for the planned Russian fifth-generation fighter is called the PAK FA [ Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi - Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces]. This intermediate class twin-engined fighter will be larger than a MiG-29 and smaller than a Su-27. The new fighter is intended to be about the same size as the US F-35 JSF, with a primary air superiority mission and ground attack and reconnaissance being secondary missions.

The aircraft will feature a long combat radius, supersonic cruise speed, low radar cross section, supermaneuverability, and the ability to make short takeoffs and landings. In accordance with the technical requirements, the PAK FA will have a normal takeoff weight of 20 tons, which is close to the average normal takeoff weight of the two American airplanes, the F-35 JSF (17.2 tons) and the F-22 (24 tons). The new fighter (a medium version) will have a traditional wing form, though the experience gathered as a result of Berkut's test flights will be taken in consideration when designing the fighter. It is supposed that it will be created using the Stealth technology, and equipped with two AL-41F engines by the Saturn scientific and industrial enterprise, a radar system with an active phased array (to all appearances, it will be produced by the Fazatron-NIIR corporation), and high-precision weapons.

The government commission decided on 26 April 2002 to choose the Sukhoi holding company as the head company to develop and produce the fighter of the fifth generation. The prototype of the PAK FA would take-off in 2006 and that in 2010 the aircraft would be ready for series production. The first deliveries, both for Russian armed forces and for export, would be possible in 2011-12.

The new airplane is being proposed to be brought from the concept design to a prototype series in less than 9 years. Historically, fourth and fifth generation fighters have not been created in less than 15 years. The Russian government has promised to allocate 1.5 billion dollars for the PAK FA through 2010. But the Russian Air Force is receiving less than 200 million dollars a year during this period, and will spend it primarily on other needs.

The prices and sources of funding will determine the destiny of the whole program. To date officials agree that the program will cost $1.5 billion. However, $1.5 billion is the sum needed for creating a new generation of avionics for the fighter (considering the fact that pre-production models of the phased array have already been produced, and will soon be tested). Completion of the AL-41F engine (present readiness is 30 percent) will require, in the opinion of the boss of Rosaviakosmos, 600 - 800 million dollars. Saturn said that launching of production of the AL-41F engine would take $150 million. An improved version of the AL-31F will be used on the aircraft originally (though it is not clear how these heavy motors are reconciled with the concept of a 20-ton fighter). The upgrade of these engines will require expenditures of 1.2-1.5 billion dollars. And finally, designers will have to spend several hundred millions of dollars on creating a new airframe.

State financing will cover not more than 20-22 percent of the cost of the development of the PAK FA. It will thus be necessary to draw extrabudgetary sources of funding, lending the development program a principle of openness for international cooperation. In the opinion of experts, export income, if it is taken from the plants, can provide not more than 1 billion dollars. It is maintained that the insufficient amounts can be received from foreign partners.

The plane's development will be conducted with a view of achieving a reasonable compromise between its cost and combat efficiency, and take into account the market demand. exports sales of the new warplane must reach 500 to 600 fighters at a price of $35 to $40 million each to make production of the new aircraft profitable.

According to some reports, India and Russia have agreed to jointly develop this fifth-generation fighter, under a scheduled with entery into service in 2009. This would be the first such joint development venture between the two countries.

There is little chance that Russia will have fifth-generation pursuit planes of its own. Development and construction of a fifth-generation fighter would require about $20 billion dollars, and as of early 2004 it was unlikely that the government will appropriate financing of this scale. "The problem is that economic and military authorities in this country live in parallel spaces and have no common approach to problems," according to Deputy Director of the analytical department of the Political and Military Analysis Institute Alexander Khramchikhin.

http://globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/pak-fa.htm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: cubsrock,

Here's some more info on the Yak-130 trainer/light-attack plane.

Yak-130
Yak-130 is a new generation advanced military aircraft trainer. Aermacchi in collaboration with the Yakovlev Design Bureau and the SOKOL Aircraft Building Plant of the Russian Federation were developing a Western derivative called the YAK/Aem-130.

The Yak-130 is a two seat tandem intermediate and advanced jet trainer designed to fulfil the Russian Air Force UTS portion of the UTK system (the Yak-56, a modernised Yak-54 will probably handle basic training). The Yak-130 was designed to fulfill a Soviet/Russian requirement for a new generation trainer supplanting the widely used L-29 and L-39 Albatros. Yak-130 was part of a competion to develop the next generation Trainers in the 1980's. It competitors were Mig-AT, Sukhoi S-54 and Myasishchev M-200. It was selected together with the MiG-AT for prototype development. After working with Aermacchi for most of the 90s, Yakovlev is now on its own again, as the Italian company concentrates on its M-346 design, which retains the aerodynamic formula of the Yak-130, but is an all-new, fully westernised aircraft.

As the Yak-130 has to perform maneuvers typical of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, we chose a moderately swept wing which made it possible to fly at angles of attack up to 35 deg. To improve takeoff and landing characteristics, the aircraft has been equipped with leading-edge slats and three-position Fowler flaps. All-moving tailplane and wing high-lift devices permit flight at large angles of attack. Perfect aerodynamic configuration is combined with a full-authority three- channel four-time redundant fly-by-wire system with a hazardous mode restriction facility.

The Yak-130 is powered by two RD-35 turbofans each 2,200 kgf which provide better takeoff/landing characteristics on soil airfields compared to those of similar aircraft, and feature good fuel efficiency. In addition, high thrust-to-weight ratio provides for maneuvers at large angles of attack with speeds never lower than a minimum permissible level. The engine is being developed under an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Slovakia.

The Yak-130 next generation jet trainer developed by Yakovlev design bureau has won approval of the Russian air force' leading flight test institute. The aircraft has demonstrated its high flight performance, proving that it fully complies to the specification. In particular, the aircraft has demonstrated stable and controllable flight at high alpha (up to 42 degrees), a unique future for airplanes of its class.

In early 2002 the Russian air force gave the Yak-130 the victory in the competition to equipment military aviation with new airplanes that can play the role of training and light combat aircraft. Its competitor, the MiG-AT, although it also would be supported by the air force, now can count on only foreign orders.

The Yak-130 is able to provide quality training for trainee pilots, enabling them to master in a short time flying on any forth- or fifth-generation fighter, including the Su-30 and MiG-29, Mirage, Harrier, F-15, F-16, Eurofighter, F-22, JSF etc. It is the only trainer available anywhere whose aerodynamic layout is similar to that of modern agile fighters. The effective wing with high-lift devices, extensive root extensions and all-moveable stabilizer allow aerobatics in a wide angle-of-attack spectrum. The fly-by-wire flight control system with redundancy factor of four allows, for training purposes, changes in stability and controllability parameters of the airplane accoring to these of a simulated aircraft type ("re-programming"), while also serving as an active flight safety system.

Combat training on the Yak-130 includes simulated and real firing with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bomb dropping, gun firing, mastering use of the airplane's on-board self-protection systems. The instructor can set and control "target behavior" from its seat in the aircraft. The automated on-board diagnostics and control system makes the aircraft easy to operate and maintain. The airframe has a design lifetime of 10,000 flight hours and 20,000 flight cycles during a calendar lifetime of 30 years. The airplane can operate from unpaved airfields.

Other versions proposed are Yak-131 fighter, Yak-133 and Yak-135. These might be recon, single seat fighter, side by side trainer, 4 seat VIP transport. Aircraft carrier trainers and 4 seat COD/VIP transports have been proposed. The Yak-130's basic design can be used to develop a whole range of versions, primarily combat aircraft beginning from a simple combat trainer all the way through a dedicated light attack aircraft, as well as deck trainers and aircraft for the training of civil and military transport aviation pilots. Combat versions of the aircraft are superior in performance to other airplanes in the same category. For example, the Yak-130's combat radius is twice that of the Hawk in the same conditions. The Yak-130 performs especially good in the pair with the Su-30, the two aircraft featuring similar information field of the pilot cockpit. Using Yak-130s for combat exercises allows save resources of the major fighter aircraft, be it the Su-30MKI or MiG-29K.

Employing the Yak-130 is reasonable for the Russian air force and air forces of such nations as India, China and Viet Nam. Yakovlev design bureau is ready to mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign customers and partners.

The M-346 is a new generation, modern technology advanced / pre-operational trainer designed to be superior to all existing products in its class. The aircraft is a fully Western derivative of the YAK/Aem-130, whose development was undertaken in collaboration with the YAKOVLEV Design Bureau and the SOKOL Aircraft Building Plant of the Russian Federation. Under such collaboration extremely useful results have been generated, including a demonstrator prototype extensively tested and demonstrated, and has led to a low risk development of the M-346. Such development has been solely undertaken by Aermacchi, due to different funding time scales in Russia and in Italy.

The M-346 is the most important program for Aermacchi, particulary in the framework of its future European alliances and in view of the future joint re-equipment of European training schools. The M-346 has been designed to provide the best possible balance between high training effectiveness and low life-cycle cost. Thrust-to-weight ratio near to 1, advanced aerodynamics, re-programmable full authority fly-by-wire control system, allow the M-346 aircraft to mimic the behaviour of modern fighters in the transonic flight envelope and up to very high angles of attack (over 40°), at a small fraction of their cost.

Italy, which has already tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for production of 100-seater ATR-42 aircraft for civilian use, has offered a maritime version of the same aircraft for Indian Navy, besides offering its MB 339-FD trainer aircraft for India's Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov announced in early March 2005, that the Russian Armed Forces woudl begin to purchase the Yak-130 aircraft in 2005, though it was unclear how many aircraft would be purchased.

http://globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/yak-130.htm

I enjoyed reading it... but in general I must say I already knew many of the facts above! Maybe we should go into detai .. e.g. by comparing battle tanks, drones, portable AT Launchers ...

May 9, 2005: What is Japan’s potential military might? Can it be a superpower again? This is one question that rarely is asked when one looks at the Asian landscape, mostly because India and China have caught most of the headlines.

Japan arguably has the second-best navy in the Pacific, centered around four helicopter-carrying destroyers, nine guided-missile destroyers, 34 destroyers, and 18 diesel-electric submarines. A large number of these ships (two of the guided-missile destroyers, 13 of the destroyers, and nine of the submarines) have entered service were since 1995, making this a very modern force. The rate of ship construction has held its own with China (which has added eight destroyers, 12 frigates, and 10 submarines in that timeframe), and this is with Japan arguably holding back.

Japan’s air force is similarly modern, and is built around the F-15J (a variant of the F-15C) and the F-2 (a stealthier version of the F-16 with four additional hardpoints). The total quantity of the F-15J force is about 200 aircraft (counting the combat-capable F-15DJ two-seater). Currently, 130 F-2s are authorized (49 are presently in service), but the figure could likely go higher as the 92 F-4EJ Kai Phantoms are retired as well. This is smaller than the 380 Su-27/Su-30MKKs in the Chinese air force, but Japan has a huge advantage, in airborne early warning aircraft, over China, having operated E-2s since the 1980s, and is now acquiring the E-767, four of which are currently in service. China might have four A-50 Mainstay aircraft in service as of 2005, but this is a huge if, and they are trailing Japan by 15 years in learning how to use them.

Japan’s economy is half that of China ($3.4 trillion to $6.7 trillion), but Japan gets its GDP from a population that is about 10 percent of China’s. Japan also holds a significant lead in technology (for instance, the Civic and Prius hybrids that are on the road today were designed in Japan), and its shipbuilding program continues (two diesel-electric submarines, two helicopter-carrying destroyers, two new Aegis guided-missiles destroyers, and four more Takanami-class destroyers are planned to join the fleet by 2010). Japan is also keeping its military strength at this level by spending one percent of its GDP on defense. China spends about 1.7 percent of its GDP. As one can see, Japan has the potential to be a superpower. But what is holding it back?

The major military obstacle is the fact that Japan does not have power projection capabilities. This could be changing. One of the proposals for new warships includes 13,500-ton helicopter-carrying destroyers that look like a small aircraft carrier. These "destroyers" are actually in the same weight class of the European “Harrier carriers” (the British Invincibles, the Italian Garibaldi, the Spanish Principe de Asturias, and the Thai Chakri Narubet-classes). While this ship is currently planned to carry helicopters only, European experience (particularly from the British) has shown that this can be an effective platform for fixed-wing aircraft. Japan also was reportedly considering purchasing Tomahawk cruise missiles in 2003. Capable of being launched from ships with a vertical-launch systems and from submarines, this could be another means of providing Japan a power-projection capability.

Japan also faces a major political/legal obstacle . Since the surrender to the United States in 1945, Japan has taken a low key approach to military matters, choosing a strictly defensive posture. In fact, Japan’s efforts in the 1980s to build a carrier were scrapped after political protests. Japan also has a very strict “no nuclear weapons” policy. That said, Japan reprocesses plutonium for its many nuclear power plants, which gives it the ability to make nuclear weapons if it needs to, and it does have a strong space-launch capability (many ICBMs have become the means to launch satellites and other vehicles into space). Japan could have a working nuclear weapons capability in one year should they decide to.

The underlying truth is that at this time, Japan is arguably the strongest power in East Asia – and it is at this point with one hand tied behind its back. Should Japan be pushed to the point where it feels it needs to use all the military power it is capable of generating, it could readily become a superpower in military terms. Its tradition is of a highly-trained, professional force that can be a fierce adversary (as it demonstrated during World War II) would be there, and this has long worried Japans neighbors. The only reason Japan is not a superpower is because it has chosen not to pursue that course. – Harold C. Hutchison (hchutch@ix.netcom.com)

May 6, 2005: The Afghan army is taking delivery of $10 million worth of second hand American M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs). Ten have arrived, out of 79 (including 16 M577 command vehicle versions, which are taller). A years worth of spare parts are included, as well as training for operators, and mechanics who will repair the vehicles. The M113 is the most widely used APC in the world, and is popular because of its ease of use, and maintainability.


May 3, 2005: In the last year, Pakistan has received over 70 UH-1 transport helicopters from the United States, as well over a hundred of night vision goggles (NVGs). Pakistan has always had a dozen or so UH-1s, and is thus familiar with the helicopters. The UH-1's the United States has sent are used, but in good condition. The U.S. Army is phasing out the UH-1, so the ones that are in the best shape are being shipped to Pakistan. Along with the helicopters and NVGs (Night Vision Goggles), has come training on how to perform air assault operations, both day and night. This is a capability the Pakistanis want to use against tribesmen along the Afghan border. The tribal gunmen do not usually operate at night, and can be more easily defeated with air mobile operations. Normally, when one group of tribesmen are attacked, they quickly radio for reinforcements, which arrive soon in pickup trucks and other vehicles. Often the tribal gunmen will start moving the minute they see army trucks traveling through the area. Going after a compound or village full of tribesmen via a helicopter assault defeats the tribal reinforcement system. If you can go in at night, you are likely to encounter less resistance, and be out of there with your prisoners before more armed tribesmen arrive, or even know you were there. This capability gives the army a psychological edge over the tribesmen as well, which is important in a region where much of the conflict is bluff and bluster. The American trainers were needed mainly to provide useful tips on large scale helicopters movements, and the use of the NVGs by the helicopter pilots. Night navigation in a helicopter can be tricky, even with the NVGs, but the Pakistani crews got up to speed quickly.

Russian Military Meltdown

by Steve Cole

The Russian Army has dropped from two million men in more than 200 formations a decade ago, to only 300,000 troops in 24 active formations today. The Interior Ministry has almost that many security troops, who can operate as light infantry if need be. Defense Minister Marshal Sergeyev has dissolved the main headquarters of the Ground Forces, replacing it with a main directorate. Colonel General Bukreyev was head of this directorate but was forced to retire and was replaced by his deputy, Lieutenant General Gennadiy Kotenko.

The First Chechen War marked the low point for the Russian Army, and things have begun a slow improvement. In 1997, the Russian Army eliminated divisions and brigades that were effectively undeployable and created "permanently ready formations". The 24 active formations include three divisions and four brigades that are fully ready, with all equipment and at least 80% of their manpower (more often 90%). Another 12 formations are at lower strength and would need 30 days to deploy, but at least five of these are divisions which keep one brigade at the top level of readiness. Another five divisions are the third "strategic reserve" tier which would need 90 days to enter combat.

The success of these reforms has been seen in the Second Chechen War (which, technically, is not yet over). The Defense Ministry deployed 60,000 troops which functioned effectively, although they suffered 1,600 dead and 4,500 wounded in the first six months of operations.

The Russian military has been spending enough money to replace only 2% (or less) of its equipment each year; it should spend enough to replace 5% per year to keep everything in operational condition. The most recent weapons (T80U, BTR80, 2S19) have been found to be no more than adequate, and the older BTR60s and BTR70s have been found grossly underpowered for the mountains of Chechnya.

The tactics used in the Second Chechen War involved expending huge amounts of ammunition to protect moving units, and this has reduced the stockpiles of ammunition to dangerous levels. What money is available is going to refill the ammunition bunkers instead of replacing obsolete equipment.

The Russians, who have only recently discovered the concepts of logistics and keeping divisions in combat instead of burning them out and putting a fresh division into the line, have determined that they need hundreds of heavier armored recovery vehicles (but there is no money for them). Reforms are now moving forward. The Russians used their battalions as semi-independent tactical groups in the Second Chechen War, a radical departure for them. The battalions are now grouping their various independent weapons platoons (machinegun, air defense, and grenade launcher) into fire support companies. Thermobaric weapons are being introduced at company level.

The fully professional force that Yeltsin decreed in 1997 remains only a goal. There are not enough contract troops to fill units, which continue to rely on conscripts. But 80% of each year group gets some kind of deferment (often by buying it from corrupt officials) and 25% of the remainder simply fail to show up. Even worse, time spent in Chechnya counts double against the 24-month conscript term, and conscripts are being discharged faster than they can be drafted. Serious shortages of company-level officers continue, and calling up reserve lieutenants and captains who received commissions as part of university educations has not helped. Pay and conditions remain bad and new tax laws will make it even harder to keep officers in uniform. The Russians plan to add 80,000 more troops, most of them in the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is unclear where the extra men will come from.

The Russian Air Force has fallen on hard times. Despite the 1998 merger of the Air Force and Air Defense Force, total manpower has dropped to only 185,000 (a drop of 40,000 in two years). The hundreds of air regiments in Cold War times had fallen to 100 in 1998 and only 70 today. There are 37 air defense regiments. The Order of Battle includes:

37th Air Army (220 long range bombers)
61st Air Army (290 transport aircraft)
Moscow Air District (250 tactical aircraft and 35 support aircraft)
4th Air Army (Rostov on Don, 250 tactical aircraft and 35 support aircraft)
6th Air Army (St Petersburg, 250 tactical aircraft and 35 support aircraft)
11th Air Army (Khabarovsk, 250 tactical aircraft and 35 support aircraft)
23rd Air Army (Chita, 250 tactical aircraft and 35 support aircraft)
Independent Air Corps (Samara, 125 tactical aircraft and 20 support aircraft)
Independent Air Corps (Yekaterinburg, 125 tactical aircraft and 20 support aircraft))
Training levels are low, morale is horrible, discipline is slack, maintenance is delayed, most of the aircraft are at the end of their operational lives, and spare parts stockpiles are nearly empty. Combat pilots flew about 10 hours each last year; transport pilots 44 hours. Those pilots involved in the Chechen War flew about 100 hours last year. Overall average is only 20 hours. The romantic allure of the Air Force is gone; more than 40,000 personnel do not have their own apartments. An officer career remains popular in the rural areas as it pays better than other available jobs; city dwellers can find better jobs in the civilian economy.

Shortly after the 1998 merger of the several Soviet era air forces, the Russian Air Force reached something of a high point, with 100% of anti-aircraft, 84% of tactical, and 52% of transport units declared operationally ready. This resulted from eliminating many units, older aircraft, and airfields and combining the mechanics, tools, and spare parts into fewer units. Readiness has steadily declined from this point as only 10% of needed repair work is funded. Since 1994, the Russian Air Force has received only nine new combat aircraft (five Su-30s, three Su-35s, and one Tu-160, plus eleven old bombers bought from Ukraine).

The government plans to start buying more aircraft in 2005 when block obsolescence hits entire classes of aircraft. In the meantime, modernization programs are underway for the MiG-29, Su-25, Tu-95MS, and S-300 air defense missile. The Air Force is trying to sell off some of its aircraft to raise cash.

The Russian Navy is struggling to find funding and maintain combat readiness, but its greatest battle will be to prove to the government that Russia actually needs a Navy (beyond a coastal defense force). The Navy has no real role to play in the various conflicts that threaten the cohesion of the Russian state (e.g., Chechnya) and there is no significant threat of invasion of Russian beaches.

Russia has no real overseas interests or facilities that it needs a Navy to protect or supply. Most of the money goes for the submarine force, but even this continues to dwindle. The Russian missile submarine force now includes two Typhoons, two Delta-Is (to be discarded next year), seven Delta-IIIs, and seven Delta-IVs. Morale among submarines has plummeted as training standards have slipped. The first new missile submarine in years, the Borey, will enter service in 2008. The SSN28 missile intended for Borey was canceled, and it will go to sea with older SSN23s. The attack submarine force is down to 29 boats, including eight Akula-Is, two Akula-IIs, eight Oscar-IIs (one of which was lost in late August), one Sierra-I, two Sierra-IIs, seven Victor-IIIs, and one Yankee-Notch. The next new submarine will be the first of the Yasen-class in 2005. This will carry SSN27s in vertical tubes and SSN15 Starfish missiles fired from its torpedo tubes. Another Oscar-II is under construction and could be finished within a year, but there are doubts that the Russians will actually complete it. There are also eighteen diesel submarines.

The surface fleet is in pitiful shape. There are 80 major and 160 minor combatants, plus 24 amphibious ships and 70 minesweepers on the rolls, but very few (perhaps 10%) are combat ready.

Naval pilots average 40 flight hours per year, a figure inflated somewhat by the long over water patrol flights.

Islamabad, May 9, IRNA
Pakistan-Fighter
Pakistan will begin production of JF-17 fighter aircraft this year, senior military officials said on Monday.

The light weight, all weather and multi-role aircraft is jointly being developed by Pakistan and China.

"The small batch production of JF-17 would begin in the second half of this year," Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Air Marshal Aurangzeb and Chief Project Director of JF-17 Air Vice Marshal Shahid Latif told newsmen at Kamra.

The first consignment of four aircraft would be delivered to PAC Kamra in December next year. Another batch of four aircraft would be ready by March 2007.

They said initially Pakistan has committed 150 and China 250 aircraft and production capacity of PAC Kamra would be over 20 aircraft per annum.

The officials said fifty percent of the airframe would initially be manufactured in Pakistan and it would progressively be enhanced to hundred percent. Similarly, cooperation with original equipment manufacturers would be expanded over a period of time for
co-production of avionics systems.

Twenty-two avionics systems would be co-produced at PAC including radar, self-protection jammer, high tech flight control and mission computers.

The JF-17 is planned to be a replacement of the aging fleet of PAF. The aircraft would be capable of carrying short range, beyond visual range, anti-ship as well as anti radiation missiles. There would also be provision of carrying high and low drag bombs, laser guided, runway penetration and cluster bombs.

It would be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics package to provide an all weather navigation and attack capability. The state of the art on-board multimode radar would have the capability to track multiple targets and its advanced electronic warfare suite will have self protection and jamming capabilities.

The chairman PAC said the JF-17 project would ensure availability of a contemporary, affordable and sustainable weapon system for the PAF capable of meeting its operation requirements.

"There is also possibility of payback of the financial investment and profitability through aircraft sales to foreign countries as already a number of countries are showing keen interest in the aircraft," he added.

Replying to a question, he said the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory of the PAC is developing a high speed long range drone known as Comet.

It will have a speed of 300 kilometer per hour and a range of 60 kilometer with take off weight of 85 kilograms.

He also revealed that the PAC would soon start manufacturing aviation parts for Boeing 747, 767 and 777 aircraft under an arrangement with the Boeing company. "The know-how thus gained would also help in establishing JF-17 production line.

"The PAC has also recently completed avionics upgrade of Mirage aircraft in collaboration with French company Sagem. This modification substantially increased the air to air and air to ground precision weapons release capability of the aircraft," the official added.

"Similarly, F-16 engines are also upgraded to increase their operating life and performance characteristics saving 30 million dollars."
To a question Air Marshal Aurangzeb said eight more Mushak aircraft are ready for delivery to Saudi Arabia by the end of this month.

"Another five would be delivered in September this year, completing the deal of twenty Mushak," he said.

TK/TSH/2322/1432
::IRNA No.060 09/05/2005 18:14 --End

http://globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/pakistan/2005/pakistan-050509-irna03.htm

Islamabad, May 9, IRNA
Pakistan-US-Planes
The first test flight of C-130 transport plane made by Lockheed Martin Corporation has been conducted in the United States and the latest version of Hercules fleet delivery to Pakistan will begin next month, said a local press report.

The News reported in its Monday issue that Islamabad and Washington entered into 75-million-dollar deal in August 2003, which it said was the largest military sales since 20 years.

According to the report, the plane is configured for different missions and is the latest addition to the transport plane fleet.

"The inclusion of the latest C-130 planes would not only improve the defense capability, but also enhance its ability to conduct humanitarian relief missions," the daily added.

MHA/TSH/2325/1432
::IRNA No.014 09/05/2005 11:51 --End

http://globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/pakistan/2005/pakistan-050509-irna02.htm

Islamabad, May 9, IRNA
Pakistan-US-Missile
The United States has confirmed the sale of some of the missiles from a package of 1.3 billion US dollars of ordered military equipment to Pakistan.

The Dawn newspaper reported in its Monday's issue that the order placed by Pakistan included eight P3-C Orion aircraft, six Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and at least 60 Harpoon missiles.

It said the US Defense Secretary Cooperation Agency confirmed that the US had approved the sale of two sets of advanced missiles to Pakistan valued at a total of 226 million dollars.

The body notified the Congress of two potential foreign military sales to Pakistan 180 million dollars in Harpoon Block-II missiles and 46 million dollars in AIM-9M-1/2 Sidewinder missiles, according to the report.

"The sale would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be a key ally in the global war on terrorism," The Nation daily wrote on Sunday.

The Harpoon missiles, it added, will be used to upgrade Pakistan's Navy and reduce the risk of hitting non-combat targets.

On March 25, the US President George W Bush okayed the sale of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan in a reversal of 15 years of US policy aimed at curbing Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.

Pakistan exploded nuclear devices in response. India had earlier detonated nuclear devices in 1974.

MHA/TSH/2325/1432
::IRNA No.021 09/05/2005 12:33 --End

http://globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/pakistan/2005/pakistan-050509-irna01.htm