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Malaysian military to acquire patrol aircraft, howitzers after budget increase

By: Mike Yeo
Defense News

October 30, 2017

MELBOURNE, Australia — Malaysia’s military has been given the go-ahead with the acquisition of maritime patrol aircraft and self-propelled howitzers, as the country increases its defense spending slightly following drastic reductions.

Speaking to media on October 28, the day after the release of the country’s fiscal 2018 budget, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein confirmed that the Royal Malaysian Air Force has been given government approval to acquire four maritime patrol aircraft, along with an unspecified number of 155mm self-propelled howitzers for the Army.

The amount of funding allocated for both programs has not been disclosed in the budget documents or the minister’s remarks.

Under the recently-released budget, Malaysia’s defense spending will increase by 5.3 percent from $3.6 billion to $3.75 billion. However, it has declined marginally as a percentage of gross domestic product at about 1.1 percent, with almost $670 million of that figure set aside for procurement. Despite this, the defense budget allocation is still 7 percent less than that in 2015 following a large cut in 2016.

Defense News had earlier reported that Malaysia requested from Japan its Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions that are being progressively retired by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with Japan’s recently-revised Self-Defense Forces Law clearing the way for such a donation to happen.

However, several companies have also been marketing their maritime patrol aircraft to Malaysia in recent years, with the Leonardo ATR 72MP, the Airbus C295 Persuader, and the Indonesian Aerospace CN-235 seeing Malaysia as a prospective customer for their respective products.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force currently operates three Beechcraft B200Ts fitted with the Thales Airborne Maritime Situation and Control System in the maritime patrol role.

Malaysia had also previously signed a letter of intent to acquire 29 155mm self-propelled M109A5 Paladin howitzers and support vehicles among other equipment under the United States’ Excess Defense Articles program. However, there remains a possibility that a new system could be sourced from elsewhere.

As of August 2016, the website of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency showed the signed letter as implemented and the offer accepted. Under the EDA program, the howitzers will be provided to Malaysia either as a grant or at a reduced price, with the receiving nation to pay for any handling, transportation, and refurbishment costs.

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VIRIN: 171022-N-CL765-309

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS — (Oct. 22, 2017) — Sailor steady an AGM-65F Maverick while it is being hoisted during a loading evolution with a P-3C Orion from the “Fighting Marlins” of VP-40, which is deployed to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jakoeb Vandahlen/Released)

A larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:

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VIRIN: 171022-N-CL765-293

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS — (Oct. 22, 2017) — Sailors steady an AGM-65F Maverick while it is being hoisted during a loading evolution with a P-3C Orion from the “Fighting Marlins” of VP-40, which is deployed to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jakoeb Vandahlen/Released)

A larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:

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Maritime patrol fallen are not forgotten

News Article / October 25, 2017

By Sara Keddy

Maritime patrol is “not for the faint of heart,” Major Alex Gignac, VP International president said on October 1, 2017 as members of VPI gathered at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia for the association’s annual memorial service. “Our work carries added risks, unique in aviation. We share a special bond the world over.”

Twenty-three nations are represented in VPI, which is headquartered in Greenwood: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. The organization’s goal is “promoting understanding and recognition of maritime and long-range patrol organizations and their impact on military aviation”. “VP” is the Canada/U.S. designator for military fixed-wing, maritime patrol aircraft employed in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-surface, and anti-subsurface operations.

Thirteen of these — Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States — pay respects to 1,860 aviators who have lost their lives in service to their country since 1947. VPI’s Book of Remembrance, which is held at the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum, records those individuals’ names and contributions and is rededicated each year at the memorial service. No new names were added in 2017.

“There are over 5,000 members of VPI around the world,” said 14 Wing Greenwood commander Colonel Mike Adamson, VPI patron. “Today, we stand with them in solidarity to remember all those who have gone before. And, at this moment, VP crews around the world continue to do the work that protects: at 14 Wing, we are flying missions in support of Operation Impact and other day-to-day missions. We do not forget.”

Colonel Adamson charged VPI with continuing to maintain and honour the Book of Remembrance, a task accepted by Major Gignac.

Fourteen wreaths were laid at the memorial, located at the main gate of 14 Wing Greenwood, including two by visiting American Navy and Navy Reserves designates. A reception followed at the VPI Centre nearby.

(Sara Keddy is the managing editor of the Aurora newspaper at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia.)

===============

VP International

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Canada and North Atlantic Defense: The Modernization of the CP-140

Article, photos, maps, and videos:

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VIRIN: 171005-N-CR843-075

OAK HARBOR, Wash. — (Oct. 5, 2017) — A P-3C Orion from the “Grey Knights” of VP-46 taxis at NAS Whidbey Island’s Ault Field during the squadron’s welcome home ceremony. VP-46 recently returned to its home station at NASWI following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility during which they provided support to Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan S. Sua/Released)

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CAF’s Aurora aircraft gathers aerial imagery in the Caribbean to support hurricane relief

By: Captain Dallas Bregg
Pilot
407 Long Range Patrol Squadron

On September 15, 2017, a CP-140 Aurora patrol aircraft arrived in Barbados as part of Operation RENAISSANCE IRMA MARIA — the Canadian Armed Forces mission to support hurricane relief in the Caribbean.

The Aurora, which came from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, had the task of capturing aerial imagery to support partner nations in their relief efforts.

“This valuable imagery helps our partners better assess and respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Irma,” explained First Officer Captain Tai Feng.

The CC-140 Aurora’s multi-spectrum Block III sensor suite lends itself well the overland watch of the devastation in the region. Specifically, its full-motion video capabilities have given British and Canadian commanders on the ground in Barbados a sense of the devastation caused by the hurricane. This information is crucial for assessment and planning purposes.

Due to the complex and constantly changing situation in the Caribbean region, the 18-member crew of the Aurora were given 12-hour notice to move. This flexibility allowed the Aurora to be on the ground in Barbados immediately after being tasked. Once on the ground, the two-member crew of the CAF Deployable Mission Support Centre quickly configured their equipment so it could process the imagery it would collect.

“The aircraft, crew, and DMSC were mission-capable within 24 hours of landing,” said Captain Feng. “Our team’s flexibility was again tested when were tasked to fly our first mission and then land before the next hurricane hit.”

Working alongside their British counterparts, the CP-140 detachment collected imagery of five of the hardest hit islands: Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla.

“My heart goes out to the people of the Caribbean,” said Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator, Corporal Kyle Keigan, while describing his experience filming the devastated islands.

While deployed in the Caribbean, the Aurora flew more than 37 hours, collecting valuable imagery that enabled partner nations to help people in need. The Aurora and its crew departed Barbados to return to Canada on September 24, 2017 once its mission was complete.

Through Operation RENAISSANCE IRMA MARIA, the Canadian Armed Forces is delivering a rapid response that is flexible enough to make an immediate positive impact at the scene of the disaster and to continue helping people as the situation develops.

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Argentine Navy eyes U.S. surplus P-3Cs

Jose Higuera
IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

26 September 2017

A technical delegation from the Argentine Navy visited the United States at the end of September to inspect and select two Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft soon to be become surplus to the U.S. Navy for potential procurement, military sources in Buenos Aires have told 闯补苍别’蝉.

The delegation visited NAS Whidbey Island, the USN’s main West Coast MPA base. The aircraft being inspected are P-3Cs that are still operational, but soon to be replaced by new Boeing P-8 Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. According to the sources, Argentina is seeking a “warm transfer” of the MPAs that might be selected (i.e. a relatively direct transfer from the U.S. to Argentine service).

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415 Squadron crew wins Arctic Maritime Patrol Challenge

News Article / August 23, 2017

From 415 (Long Range Patrol Force Development) Squadron

A 415 (Long Range Patrol Force Development) Squadron crew from 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia deployed to Andoya, Norway from June 19 to 25 to participate in a Maritime Patrol Aircraft Symposium hosted by 333 Squadron, Royal Norwegian Air Force, as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.

The symposium brought together crews from 21F Squadron, French Air Force; VP-16, United States Navy, 333 Squadron; and 415 Squadron to discuss issues relevant to the Maritime Patrol Aircraft community, with each nation providing an update on fleet capabilities and current operations.

The symposium’s overarching theme was search and rescue and each nation also included in its presentation details of a SAR incident, plus the lessons identified as a consequence. The 415 Squadron brief covered the Royal Western Yacht Club Trans-Atlantic Race SAR incident and 14 Wing’s involvement following the receipt of multiple distress calls through June 9 and 10.

The symposium also involved a flying competition aimed at challenging crews’ skills in the areas of search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare. The best crew would be crowned Arctic MPA Champions and awarded a trophy.

The crews were evaluated in five areas, including the ability to make the briefed take-off time and reach the area entry point via an en-route waypoint on time. They were tested on the total time taken from the entry point to locate an Expendable Mobile Acoustic Training Target given a Datum position, such that it transmitted between a pair of buoys 2,000 yards [1,829 metres] apart, before proceeding to the area exit point – within 30 minutes, with just ten sonobuoys.

Crews had to locate a group of “survivors” with an emphasis on the accuracy of the positional data passed for their location and number of survivors. Finally, the challenge was to come in as the crew with the shortest overall flight time.

The 415 Squadron crew were successfully airborne within 12 seconds of their allotted time: unfortunately, an equipment malfunction as their aircraft lined up for take-off prevented them from achieving the exact time. Once airborne, the crew hit the required area entry point time to the second and an efficient descent into the area permitted immediate deployment of sonobuoys once in the datum.

Acoustic contact was gained on the very first sonobuoy deployed and additional tracking sonobuoys were dropped. Once the crew was certain the target would transit through the buoy pattern and because there was no requirement to conduct an attack, the crew members expedited their departure, climbing so sonobuoys could still be monitored in transit. They were the only crew to consider doing this.

The whole evolution took only 13 minutes. Once through the exit point, the crew saw the target transit through their buoy pattern, meeting the test’s objectives, before descending again to start the SAR scenario.

From the brief, survivors were assessed to have made it to the shoreline between Andoya and Nordmela. A visual and electro-optic search was commenced and the 415 Squadron crew spotted the survivors on the first pass; only two of the four competing crews achieved this. The crew orbited to confirm the exact survivor location, their number, and condition before departing for Andoya and landing after 58 minutes.

Once all crews had returned, a nail-biting wait began: the United States Navy P-8 also landed with a total time of 58 minutes and the Norwegian P-3 in 57 minutes. The French Atlantique 2 landed after 1 hour 10 minutes due to a delay in finding the survivors. The 415 Squadron crew’s fears were unfounded, as subsequent results put them in top spot in three of the five areas and second-fastest overall.

Consequently, 415 Squadron was the winner by a clear margin and was crowned the 2017 Arctic Maritime Patrol Aircraft Champions.

This event was a lead-in for 415 Squadron’s participation in Exercise Dynamic Mongoose in Keflavik, Iceland, which ran from June 25 to July 8, 2017.

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RG2017-0001-06

The ground crew prepares a CP-140M Aurora for its daily mission on Operation DRIFTNET in Hakodate, Japan on July 12, 2017. (Photo: Sergeant Shilo Adamson, CFB Borden)

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Lockheed CP-140M Aurora
s/n 140105
c/n 285B-5697

Operation Driftnet

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Contracts for Aug. 1, 2017

No. CR-147-17
FOR RELEASE AT 5 p.m. ET Aug. 1, 2017

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Global Inc., Owego, New York, is being awarded $158,500,000 for modification P00006 to a previously-awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68335-16-C-0110). This modification for Phase 2 mission system refresh efforts includes upgrades to the mission computers, acoustic equipment, armament/ordnance systems, and displays and controls on eight P-3C aircraft for the government of Germany under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. It will provide for new mission and acoustic system avionics with a number of German-specific components to satisfy current and future North Atlantic Treaty Organization operational requirements. Work will be performed in Manching, Germany (80 percent) and Owego, New York (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in May 2022. FMS funds in the amount of $158,500,000 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

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Chinese J-10s intercept U.S. Navy EP-3 in “unsafe” maneuver

By: Tara Copp
Military Times

July 24, 2017

WASHINGTON — A U.S. EP-3 surveillance plane was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision with two Chinese fighter jets Sunday, defense officials said.

The electronic surveillance aircraft was flying in international waters in the East China Sea, 80 nautical miles south of Qingdao, China, when two Chinese J-10s approached from behind, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said.

One of the fighters flew under the surveillance plane then popped up in front of it, which “triggered the plane to take evasive maneuvers,” said a second U.S. defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

On Monday the officials called the maneuver unsafe and warned it could have led to miscalculation and escalation between the U.S. and Chinese aircraft.

“They were armed,” the official said of the J-10s, whereas the unescorted EP-3 was not.

In addition, “there was not communication” between the Chinese and U.S. aircraft which made the maneuver more dangerous, the official said.

News of the intercept comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has decided to increase the number of planned freedom-of-navigation patrols in the South China Sea where China has built and militarized a chain of man-made islands, the official said.

The plan calls for a freedom-of-navigation sail in the region about once a month, the official confirmed, although the timing of those operations may vary.

The U.S. has conducted a handful of freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea, sending destroyers within the 12-nautical mile zone extending from the man-made islands.

China has repeatedly claimed ownership of the waters within that zone, a claim the U.S. contests.

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Australia to help Philippines tackle militants

AAP

June 23, 2017

Australia’s advanced intelligence-gathering P-3 Orion aircraft are heading to the Philippines to help in the fight against Islamic State-affiliated terrorist groups.

Defence Minister Marise Payne on Friday confirmed two RAAF P-3 Orion aircraft will provide surveillance support to local forces.

The planes will operate in the Mindanao region where four Islamist groups, including Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group, are fighting.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the Mindanao region under martial law.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Senator Payne have promised Australia stands ready to assist the Philippines if needed.

“The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests. Australia will continue to work with our partners in South East Asia to counter it,” the senator said in a statement.

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CK02-2016-0510-107

An RCAF CP-140 Aurora takes off during Exercise Maple Flag 49 at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta on June 7, 2016. (PHOTO: Corporal Ian Thompson)

Lockheed CP-140M Aurora
s/n 140118
c/n 285B-5725

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(Google translation)

RMAF Chief Denies Allegation Will Accept Offer P-3C Orion aircraft from Japan

PETALING JAYA, May 9 (Bernama) — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has denied reports claiming that the Japanese government will submit a maritime patrol aircraft P-3C Orion aircraft to Malaysia for free.

RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Affendi Buang said the local and foreign media portal on the subject of the recent spill is not true.

“It’s probably just a rumour. We did not receive any offer or decision officially so far,” he told reporters after presenting the Innovation Award at RMAF Subang here today.

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Japan seeks to give patrol planes to Malaysia
Retired Self-Defense Force aircraft would watch over South China Sea

Nikkei Asian Review

May 5, 2017
TOKYO — Japan is looking to donate retired military patrol aircraft to Malaysia, letting that Southeast Asian country keep closer watch over the South China Sea to rein in China’s maritime expansion.

Parliament is currently weighing revisions to the foundational law of the Ministry of Defense that would allow equipment to be given to other nations at no cost. Currently, some form of compensation is legally required for any national asset. Malaysia will likely be the first beneficiary once that change is made, receiving P-3C patrol aircraft previously used by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

P-3Cs, developed by Lockheed Martin of the U.S., are equipped with radar and other capabilities letting them detect and monitor suspicious ships and submarines. Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactured the aircraft under a license agreement for a time, though that production has since ended. The Maritime Self-Defense Force has 60 or so of the aircraft in operation and plans to retire those that have logged around 15,000 hours in flight.

Malaysia approached Japan about adding P-3Cs to its fleet, according to an official at the Defense Ministry’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency. Japan will hand the retired aircraft over after making renovations. The plan is to remove technologies such as high-performance radar used to detect submarines, which could qualify as defense secrets.

Tokyo aims to reach an agreement with Kuala Lumpur on the transfer of defense equipment and technology in short order to clear the way for a hand-off. The deal must accord with Japan’s key principles regarding such transfers, which aim to ensure transparency, security, and compliance with international law.

Japan will also conduct a review of the plan to ensure that neither defense equipment nor the technology involved will fall into China’s hands and plans to obtain permission for the transfer under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations due to the P-3C’s American origins.

Japan is deepening defense cooperation with various members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations grappling with China’s expansion in the South China Sea. Tokyo has concluded an equipment transfer agreement with the Philippines and is negotiating a similar pact with Indonesia. Nations such as Myanmar and Cambodia receive military rescue assistance in times of emergency and help building infrastructure, among other aid designed to boost defense capacity.

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VIRIN: 071116-N-5387K-043

PHILIPPINE SEA — (Nov. 16, 2007) — A JMSDF P-3C Orion flies above USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during ANNUALEX 19G, the maritime component of the U.S.-Japan Exercise Keen Sword ’08. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Antoine King/Released)

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s/n 5065

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VIRIN: 030213-N-9760B-001

Misawa, Japan — (Feb. 13, 2003) — A P-3C Orion from the “Golden Eagles” of VP-9, which is forward-deployed to Misawa AB, circles Mt. Fuji. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 2nd Class Elizabeth L. Burke/Released)

A larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:

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New Zealand – P-8A Aircraft and Associated Support

Defense Security Cooperation Agency News Release

Transmittal No: 17-13

WASHINGTON, Apr. 28, 2017 — The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to New Zealand for P-8A aircraft and associated support. The estimated cost is $1.46 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.

New Zealand has requested the potential sale of up to four (4) P-8A Patrol Aircraft. Each includes: commercial engines, Tactical Open Mission Software (TOMS), Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) MX-20HD, AN/AAQ-2(V)1 Acoustic System, AN/APY-10 Radar, ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures. Also included are eight (8) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS); five (5) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; five (5) System Processors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N; thirty (30) AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning Sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; ten (10) LN-251 with Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGIs); support equipment; operation support systems; maintenance trainer/classrooms; publications; software, engineering, and logistics technical assistance; foreign Liaison officer support, contractor engineering technical services; repair and return; transportation; aircraft ferry; and other associated training, support equipment, and services. The total estimated cost is $1.46 billion.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security of the United States by strengthening the security of a Major Non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability within the region. New Zealand is a close ally in the region and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues.

The Government of New Zealand intends to use these defense articles and services to continue its Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) capability, following retirement of its P-3K maritime patrol aircraft.

The sale will strengthen collective defense and enhance New Zealand’s regional and global allied contributions.

New Zealand has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 MSA for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations. New Zealand has maintained a close MSA acquisition and sustainment relationship with the U.S. Navy over this period. The proposed sale will allow New Zealand to recapitalize, modernize, and sustain its MSA capability for the next 30 years. As a long-time P-3 operator, New Zealand will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to the P-8A and absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA. Additional contractors include:

Air Cruisers Co LLC
Arnprior Aerospace, Canada
AVOX Zodiac Aerospace
BAE
Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)/EMS
Compass David Clark
DLS/NiaSat, Carlsbad, CA
DRS
Exelis, McLean VA
GC Micro, Petaluma, CA
General Electric, UK
Harris
Joint Electronics
Marin Baker
Northrop Grumman Corp, Falls Church, VA
Pole Zero, Cincinnati, OH
Raytheon, Waltham, MA
Raytheon, UK
Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, IA
Spirit Aero, Wichita, KS
Symmetries Telephonics, Farmingdale, NY
Terma, Arlington, VA
Viking
WESCAM

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately five (5) contractor representatives to support the program in New Zealand.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

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NASA ID: ARC-2006-ACD06-0213-047

Navy Lockheed P-3A Orion long-range antisubmarine patrol aircraft seen on display at NASA’s Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California on 29 November 2006. (Photographer: Dominic Hart)

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Lockheed P-3A-25-LO Orion
BuNo 150509
PM-91
c/n 185-5035

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NASA ID: ARC-2008-ACD08-0137-035

ARCTAS Mission – NASA P-3 aircraft N426NA takes off from NASA’s Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California on 24 June 2008. (Photographer: John Schultz)

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NASA ID: ARC-2008-ACD08-0137-025

ARCTAS Mission – NASA P-3 aircraft N426NA on tarmac at NASA’s Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California on 24 June 2008. (Photographer: John Schultz)

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Lockheed P-3B-70-LO Orion
N426NA
BuNo 152735
c/n 185-5175

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More info:

Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS)

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VIRIN: 170414-N-OK605-015

MISAWA, Japan — (April 14, 2017) — Members of the Navy, Air Force, and civilian sectors came together to trial run a P-3C Orion through a recently-installed “bird wash” at Misawa AB, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Weldin/Released)

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