#HADR capabilities

[westvalleyfaultph]

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness: Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division Takes Part in Nationwide Earthquake Drill

In a proactive move towards disaster preparedness, the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army actively engaged in the fourth-quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). The exercise took place at General Macario B. Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz, on November 9, showcasing the division’s commitment to enhancing its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR)…

[jiangsuriverexcavator]

The Benefits of Amphibious Carrier [Infographic]

Amphibious carriers, also known as amphibious assault ships or helicopter carriers, are versatile naval vessels designed to support amphibious operations.

These ships have several benefits that make them valuable assets to a navy:

1. Amphibious Assault Capability:

Troop Deployment: Amphibious carriers can deploy and transport a large number of troops, typically including Marines and their equipment, to conduct amphibious assaults on shorelines.

Versatility: These ships can support a variety of amphibious operations, ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale military invasions.

2. Aircraft Operations:

Helicopter Operations: Amphibious carriers are equipped with helicopter decks and hangar facilities, enabling them to support helicopter-borne operations for troop transport, reconnaissance, and other missions.

STOVL Aircraft: Some amphibious carriers are designed to accommodate Short Takeoff Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft like the Harrier, F-35B, or other VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, providing additional air support capabilities.

3. Command and Control Center:

Amphibious Ready Group (ARG): These carriers often serve as the flagship for an Amphibious Ready Group, providing command and control capabilities for the entire group of ships involved in an amphibious operation.

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I): Amphibious carriers are equipped with advanced communication and intelligence systems, enhancing situational awareness and coordination during operations.

4. Medical Facilities:

Hospital Facilities: Some amphibious carriers are equipped with medical facilities, enabling them to serve as floating hospitals during humanitarian missions or in the aftermath of natural disasters.

5. Logistical Support:

Transport of Vehicles and Equipment: Amphibious carriers have well-equipped vehicle decks for transporting tanks, armored vehicles, and other heavy equipment, supporting the logistics of amphibious operations.

Replenishment at Sea: These ships can participate in replenishment at sea, ensuring a sustained presence and operational capability for extended periods.

6. Flexible Response:

Rapid Deployment: Amphibious carriers provide the ability to rapidly respond to crises or conflicts, projecting power across coastlines and supporting a range of military and humanitarian missions.

7. Deterrence:

Strategic Presence: The presence of amphibious carriers in certain regions can serve as a deterrent, influencing the strategic calculus of potential adversaries.

8. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):

Versatile Deployment: Amphibious carriers are capable of supporting HADR missions, delivering aid and relief supplies quickly to disaster-stricken areas.

While amphibious carriers offer numerous advantages, it's important to note that their effectiveness depends on factors such as technology, maintenance, and the overall strategy and doctrine of the navy utilizing them.

Related:

What is Beyond Borders: Amphibious Carriers and the Future of Naval Warfare?

[werindialive]

India has sent relief material to Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes

India on Tuesday dispatched the first batch of earthquake relief material to Turkey after a series of earthquakes shook the middle-eastern nation on Monday. India has also sent two teams of expert National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue personnel with highly-skilled dog squad on an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. This first consignment of relief material includes medical supplies, advanced drilling equipment, and other crucial tools that are needed to offer aid to the distressed people.

Deputy commandant NDRF, Deepak Talwar is the leader of the team from India to Turkey. "This team consists of 47 NDRF personnel and three senior officers to perform recovery and response work as per the United Nations guidelines. The team is going as per the composition prescribed by NDRF and accordingly, we are moving. Medical components are also there and so is paramedic staff," he said.

India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in action. The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkey, along with NDRF search and rescue teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment” Arindam Bagchi, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson tweeted.

The PMO earlier said, "Medical teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Turkish government and the Indian embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul," the PMO said.

As of now, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has crossed 4000 and more than 15000 people have been reported injured after the earthquakes.

For more international news in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter.

[usafphantom2]

USAF wants to replicate the Heavy Airlift Wing model in Africa using C-130 Hercules aircraft

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/23/2022 - 17:42in Military

To help with humanitarian missions, the USAF plans to convene a collection of African nations to raise funds to buy a small number of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft to compose a new shared fleet.

The idea will be a main point of discussion at a meeting of the African Air Forces Association (AAAF) in Senegal in October, says General James Hecker, commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said Aviation Week. The group recently met at a lower level to talk about the idea before the heads of the air forces meet.

The C-130s will initially have to focus on the shared humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions of a central location on the continent. The aircraft can eventually help in counter-extremism operations, although the focus is on HADR, Hecker told Aviation Week in an interview. The AAAF includes 28 nations, which formally signed an agreement in 2015 for air capacity networks on the continent. Ten African nations already operate the aircraft, according to Aviation Week data.

The model is based on the Heavy Airlift Wing of Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC's HAW). The SAC is the first multinational initiative in the world that aims to maximize the strategic military air transport capacity through resource sharing and capacity grouping.

It is a conglomerate of twelve partner nations (Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the United States), independent of international organizations and command structures.

HAW was officially activated on July 27, 2009 as part of the SAC program, which purchased and operates three C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft that fly under the national brands of Hungary.

The HAW is supervised by the SAC Steering Board, which manages its activities with the support of the NATO Airlift Management Program Office (NAM PO). The SAC defines the requirements and the NAM PO performs these requirements by providing most of the technical, logistical and training support for the U.S. C-17 fleet and its military and foreign military sales (FMS) programs, including maintenance of the C-17 that are contracted with Boeing.

Tags: AfricaMilitary AviationC-130J Super HerculesUSAF - United States Air Force / US Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. It has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[annadaisy06]

Goa Shipyard Limited's Contribution to Maritime Security: The Evolution of Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy

Introduction:

In the realm of maritime security, the role of patrol vessels cannot be overstated. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a cornerstone of India's maritime industry, has been instrumental in the design and construction of advanced patrol vessels tailored to the specific needs of the Indian Navy. This article delves into GSL's contributions to enhancing maritime security through the development of patrol vessels equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and communication systems.

The Evolution of Patrol Vessels:

Patrol vessels have undergone significant evolution over the years, adapting to emerging threats and technological advancements. From humble beginnings as coastal patrol craft to sophisticated multi-role platforms, these vessels have become indispensable assets for safeguarding maritime interests. GSL has been at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging its expertise in shipbuilding and naval engineering to deliver cutting-edge patrol vessels equipped with advanced capabilities.

GSL's Expertise and Infrastructure:

GSL's journey from a modest ship repair facility to a leading shipbuilder is a testament to India's maritime aspirations. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a skilled workforce, GSL possesses the capability to design, construct, and commission a diverse range of naval vessels. Its strategic location in Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea, provides an ideal environment for testing and sea trials, ensuring the reliability and seaworthiness of its vessels.

Integration of Advanced Sensors and Communication Systems:

The effectiveness of patrol vessels hinges on their ability to gather timely and accurate information, detect potential threats, and communicate seamlessly with command centers and allied forces. GSL's patrol vessels are equipped with advanced sensors, including radar, sonar, and electro-optical systems, which enable comprehensive situational awareness in all maritime environments. These sensors are complemented by robust communication systems, facilitating secure data exchange and real-time decision-making.

Collaboration with the Indian Navy:

GSL's partnership with the Indian Navy is built on a shared commitment to maritime security and national defense. Through close collaboration and dialogue, GSL works in tandem with the Indian Navy to understand its operational requirements and translate them into tangible vessel designs. This collaborative approach ensures that GSL's patrol vessels are optimized for Indian Navy's missions, whether it be coastal patrolling, anti-piracy operations, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.

Customization and Flexibility in Design:

One of GSL's key strengths lies in its ability to customize patrol vessels to meet the specific needs of its customers. Each vessel is meticulously designed and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the Indian Navy, taking into account factors such as operational environment, mission profile, and budgetary constraints. This flexibility in design allows GSL to deliver bespoke solutions that align with the Indian Navy's strategic objectives and operational doctrine.

Technological Innovations Driving GSL's Patrol Vessels:

GSL continually invests in research and development to integrate the latest technological innovations into its patrol vessels. From advanced propulsion systems to enhanced stealth features, every aspect of vessel design is subject to rigorous scrutiny and refinement. Emerging technologies such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are also being explored to augment the capabilities of GSL's patrol vessels, paving the way for unmanned and autonomous operations in the future.

Operational Effectiveness and Mission Success:

The deployment of GSL's patrol vessels has significantly enhanced the Indian Navy's operational effectiveness and mission success rate. These vessels serve as force multipliers, extending the reach of the Indian Navy and enabling it to maintain constant vigilance over vast maritime domains. Whether conducting routine patrols, intercepting suspicious vessels, or responding to maritime emergencies, GSL's patrol vessels play a pivotal role in safeguarding India's maritime interests and upholding maritime security in the region.

In conclusion, Goa Shipyard Limited stands as a beacon of excellence in the domain of naval shipbuilding, particularly in the construction of advanced patrol vessels for the Indian Navy. By integrating advanced sensors and communication systems, customizing designs to meet specific requirements, and fostering close collaboration with the Indian Navy, GSL has emerged as a trusted partner in enhancing maritime security and defense capabilities. As the maritime landscape continues to evolve, GSL remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

[militaryleak]

Royal Brunei Air Force’s First Two C295MW Medium Tactical Transport Aircraft Enter Into Service

Brunei Darussalam’s frst two Airbus C295MW medium tactical transport aircraft enter into service. The Royal Brunei Air Force is to become the 39th operator of the C-295 aircraft worldwide and the eighth in the Asia-Pacific region. This is part of a four-aircraft acquisition announced in December 2022 and to be operated by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). Designated as C295MW, the addition will strengthen the country’s air capabilities and can be deployed on a wide range of missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, medical evacuations, noncombatant evacuation, as well as search and rescue operations. In an event at Rimba Air Force Base, Brunei, the Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah oversaw the arrival of two C295MW aircraft for the RBAirF. The grand ceremony, attended by top officials and Airbus representatives, was there to oversee Brunei bolstering its air capabilities for diverse missions. The ceremonial “Water Salute” and a ‘Sujud Syukur’ expressed gratitude for the safe journey from Seville, Spain. After a briefing and video presentation, Brunei’s Royal Highness engaged in a familiarisation tour of the advanced C295MW aircraft. The Air Transport project was materialised through a contract with Airbus Defence and Space.

Brunei Darussalam’s frst two Airbus C295MW medium tactical transport aircraft enter into service. The Royal Brunei Air Force is to become the 39th operator of the C-295 aircraft worldwide and the eighth in the Asia-Pacific region. This is part of a four-aircraft acquisition announced in December 2022 and to be operated by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). Designated as C295MW, the addition…

[thxnews]

US, Philippines Launch Disaster Response Training

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

Inaugural Training in Cagayan From January 23 to 25, a pivotal collaboration unfolded in the municipality of Amulung, Cagayan, marking the first-ever “Cagayan Disaster Response Training-Paghahanda 1.24 Workshop”. This initiative, spearheaded by the United States government alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the provincial government of Cagayan, aimed to bolster the capabilities and teamwork of civilian and military first responders in the disaster-prone province.   Training for Enhanced Collaboration The workshop gathered over 70 local disaster response officials, military personnel, and humanitarian workers. Its core objective was to deepen the understanding of the roles each entity plays in implementing effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) principles.  

Multifaceted Approach to Disaster Management

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) played a pivotal role by providing course material and sharing best practices on multistakeholder coordination in HADR. Furthermore, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance briefed participants on the procedures for requesting U.S. government assistance in disaster scenarios.   Tabletop Exercise: Applying HADR Principles The workshop culminated in a tabletop exercise simulating a major disaster in Northern Luzon, near two Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement locations. This exercise allowed participants to apply HADR principles practically and effectively.  

Voices from the Workshop

Steve Castonguay, CFE-DM Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of the Philippine government-led disaster response training in fostering ongoing collaboration between the Philippines and the United States. He highlighted the critical role of resilience, preparedness, and understanding each other’s roles and procedures in natural disaster management.   Integrated Approach for Sustainable Assistance Office of Civil Defense Region 2 Director Leon DG Rafael Jr. underscored the necessity of an integrated approach, where all parties work together to provide immediate and sustainable assistance. The comprehensive workshop aims to enhance the capacity and knowledge of participants, equipping them with the skills to effectively respond and coordinate humanitarian actions.  

Broader Implications

CFE-DM’s partnership with various government and non-government entities worldwide is crucial in fortifying collaborative capabilities in HADR among civilians, military responders, and humanitarian organizations. The U.S. government's commitment to supporting the AFP’s Disaster Response Program is a testament to the importance of strengthening civil-military coordination to alleviate human suffering during humanitarian crises.   Conclusion The inaugural Cagayan Disaster Response Training represents a significant milestone in US-Philippine collaboration, enhancing crisis preparedness and response capabilities in the region. This groundbreaking initiative not only fortifies the readiness of local and military first responders but also fosters a unified approach toward effective crisis management. Through such collaborative efforts, the Philippines is better equipped to handle the challenges posed by natural disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for its communities.   Sources: THX News & US Embassy in the Philippines. Read the full article

[thetruthparticle]

The TRUTH about CERN Run 3!!!

There's a lot of folks telling you to do your research about the largest particle smasher in the world.

But how do you do that? Is CERN really so secretive?

Let's start on their website.

On the front page, there's a selection of recent news articles, including the latest celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Higgs.

If you go a little further, there's even some freshly published results about their research! These articles are typically written to be more digestible to the public. For most folks, this is more than enough.

If you're a particularly discerning reader that wants more - if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the article, curious readers, you'll find a pair of links to papers about this research published in the renowned scientific journal Nature. I've put the ATLAS one for completeness but there's one for CMS too.

These experiments have been ongoing for decades and hundreds of papers have been published. However, if you really want to know the details of how these physicists came to their conclusions, it's all out in the open. It's quite dense to read, but if you open up the papers and look in their cited sources you can find every piece of previous science they've built their ideas on.

For papers about how the experiments are built and how they work, you will want to look for Technical Proposals. For what they are looking for, you will want things that talk about the "Physics reach" or "capabilities" of an experiment.

These are often full of jargon that typically only people trained in the field can get through with any kind of ease, but with enough effort, they are comprehensible. By necessity, all aspects of experiments are meticulously documented to ensure the best possible understanding of their results.

You can vibrate at will - there are no demons today.

[bisokubira1995]

India, Singapore to further step-up defence ties, ink submarine rescue pact

NEW DELHI: India and Singapore on Wednesday decided to further boost interaction between their armed forces as well as cooperation in military technologies and industries. The two countries have also inked an implementing agreement on submarine rescue support between their navies."India is fortunate to have a defence partner like Singapore. The interaction will benefit both countries on many bilateral issues that are being pursued to further strengthen our special relationship," said Rajnath Singh, after holding the fifth defence ministerial dialogue with his counterpart Ng Eng Hen through video-conferencing.The submarine rescue cooperation pact will involve India helping Singapore if one of its submarines gets disabled underwater. Apart from other capabilities, the Indian Navy in 2018 had inducted two deep submergence rescue vessels (DSRVs), which are capable of rescuing trapped sailors from a disabled submarine up to a depth of 650 meters.The two ministers, while expressing satisfaction at the progress of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation despite limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, discussed new areas of potential cooperation and articulated their vision in this direction, said officials.Under bilateral pacts inked over a decade ago, Singapore already uses Indian military facilities for training of its mechanized forces at Babina, artillery at the Deolali ranges and F-16 fighter jets at the Kalaikunda airbase on a regular basis. Singapore may also use the integrated test range for firing of missiles at Chandipur in Odisha in the future.Apart from regular naval exercises, India has also inked a naval pact with Singapore to access each other's bases and reciprocal logistics support for warships, as part of the overall policy to steadily build military ties with Asean countries with an eye firmly on China.India has often joined the other countries in the region to reiterate the need for all to respect freedom of navigation and trade in international waters in the backdrop of China's aggressive and expansionist behavior in the Asia Pacific region.A joint statement issued on Wednesday said, "Both ministers were committed to further enhance bilateral defence ties between India and Singapore, and supported multilateral initiatives to promote lasting peace and stability in the region."Singh, on his part, reaffirmed "Asean centrality" in the regional security architecture and pledged India's support to all endeavours of the Asean defence ministers' meeting ADMM-Plus.Ng, in turn, expressed support for India's upcoming co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus experts' working group on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

[usafphantom2]

Japan will send F-15J fighters for exercises with the Philippine Air Force

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 11/30/2022 - 15:00 in Military

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will send two Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle fighters and 60 people for exercises with the Philippine Air Force (PAF), from November 27 to December 11.

The exchange will be carried out mainly at Clark Air Base, Pampanga and in the surrounding airspace. Previously, JASDF and PAF also held bilateral exercises on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in July 2021 and June 2022. These exercises aimed to improve the HADR capabilities of JASDF and PAF, particularly in the delivery of relief items to affected people in situations of serious emergencies.

The Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ Eagle is a twin-engine aircraft fighter of air superiority for any weather in use by the Japan Self-Defense Air Force (JASDF), based on the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, being produced under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The subsequent F-15DJ and F-15J Kai variants were also produced.

Japan is the largest F-15 Eagle customer outside the United States. The F-15J Kai is a modernized version of the F-15J. The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed on February 4, 2022 that 68 of these F-15J jets will be updated through the Japan Super Interceptor (JSI) program at a cost of $5.6 billion.

Tags: Military AviationJASDF - Japan Air Self-Defense Force/Japan Self-Defense Air ForceMitsubishi F-15JPAF - Philippine Air Force/Philippine Air Force

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. It has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[phgq]

PH Navy upgrades make waves amid pandemic

#PHnews: PH Navy upgrades make waves amid pandemic

MANILA – Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic bringing almost everything to a standstill this year, efforts to modernize the Philippine Navy (PN) remain on track as exemplified by the delivery and commissioning of its first-ever guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) early this year.

"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic greatly affecting the implementation of the AFP’s Modernization Program this year, the PN has remained in high spirits in terms of developing its capabilities. For one, the Navy has seen the arrival of its first modern frigate, BRP Jose Rizal in May of this year," Navy chief Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a recent interview.

The ship arrived in Subic Bay, Zambales last May 23 after leaving Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea last May 18.

The BRP Jose Rizal is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations and was officially commissioned last July 10.

A few weeks after its commissioning, the ship and its crew were deployed to the biennial "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) exercises off Hawaii which took place from Aug. 17 to 31.

The ship left Subic Bay on July 29 and arrived in Hawaii on Aug. 15.

Bacordo said this deployment is considered the "maiden deployment" of the brand-new missile frigate and called the participation of the ship and its contingent to the RIMPAC as a "sterling one".

Also, no defects were reported aboard BRP Jose Rizal during the two-week maneuvers.

"No reported safety and security incidents. No weapons, communications, electronic(s) and information (system) hull, machinery, and electrical sys(tem) derangements (were) reported," Bacordo earlier said.

He added that BRP Jose Rizal’s participation in RIMPAC 2020 highlights the competence and capability of the ship and its crew to undertake various maritime operational scenarios, may it be multinational operations with other partner nations, maritime security of commercial shipping, or operating on its own or with its onboard helicopter against surface and sub-surface adversaries.

"FF-150 took advantage of RIMPAC 2020 to train as a team, put the ship at pace with possible real-world scenarios, and the crew to gel during this time," he said.

Bacordo said the ship's participation was also recognized by its US counterparts, specifically US Navy Third Fleet commander Vice Admiral Scott D. Conn, who earlier said they are happy to have the Philippines participating in RIMPAC with BRP Jose Rizal.

PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the ship's crew would use the two-week RIMPAC maneuvers as a "shakedown cruise" to test the performance and seaworthiness of the brand-new missile frigate.

A "shakedown cruise" allows the crew to familiarize themselves with a new vessel and ensure that all of the ship's systems are functional.

"Other than that, it is a chance for the officers and crew to work as a team since most of the time they are conducting individual training. Through this exercise, they will be able to conduct and function as a whole team of FF-150," she said.

The RIMPAC, being a multi-dimensional training exercise, gave a chance for the BRP Jose Rizal "to level up its engagement in this four-dimension warfare," Roxas added.

BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019. Its sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), was launched in the same facility on November 8 last year.

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion and an additional PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

Aside from the arrival and commissioning of the PN's first guided-missile frigate, another highlight for the Navy this year is the partial delivery of the 10 high-speed and fast boats contracted for the Naval Special Operations Command (Navsocom).

"In addition, in August of this year, the Navsocom also saw the partial delivery of seven out of 10 high-speed and fast boats acquired under the modernization program and meant to boost special operations capability. These are currently undergoing sea trial and technical inspection procedures," Bacordo said.

ScanEagle drones

Also of great importance for the PN was the acquisition of the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system with the assistance of the United States,

"Further, the PN has received through (Foreign Military Sales) FMS the donation of ScanEagle unmanned aerial system (UAS), composing of eight air vehicles, four ground-control stations, and other components that can greatly contribute to the ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) operations and RDANA (rapid damage assessment), (support to humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR)," Bacordo said.

Also included in this package are training for the operators and maintainers (10 pilot and six maintainers, four image and video data processors) to ensure optimized utilization," he added.

During the formal turnover of the ScanEagle UAS last Nov. 25 at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite, Bacordo said the arrival of this platform will allow the PN to greatly expand the coverage of its internal security, territorial defense, HADR, and maritime law enforcement missions.

This is the first fixed UAS to be operated by the PN. The ScanEagle and its associated equipment, worth USD14.79 million, were acquired through the Maritime Security Initiative Program of the United States.

It was requested by the PN in 2017 and was formalized in February 2019 after a series of dialogues with the Philippines’ Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG-Phil).

"Another milestone was achieved just recently which includes the successful negotiations for the Lot 1 (Platforms) & Lot 2 (Combat Systems and Missiles) of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project. This resulted in the provisions for an additional one unit with one set of remote combat weapon systems (on top of the programmed eight units FAIC-M) for the PN and an upgrade of the Naval Ship Yard -- without additional cost to the government. Hence, the PN expects to obtain a total of nine missile-equipped FAICs in the coming years," Bacordo said.

The FAIC-Ms, Bacordo said, are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft, with deliveries expected to start in 2022.

The project, approved for inclusion in the Horizon 2 project list of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, has a budget of PHP10 billion and is for multi-year contracting.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

With the FAIC-Ms, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu, and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.

While operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

2nd missile frigate soon

Another important event for the PN in 2020 is the successful conclusion of the five-day sea acceptance trials (SAT) of BRP Antonio Luna, the second missile frigate ordered by the Navy from HHI.

The SAT started on Dec. 14 and ended on Dec. 18.

"As the second installment of the Frigate Acquisition Project, the FF-151 or BRP Antonio Luna concluded its five-day Sea Acceptance Trials recently on 18 December 2020 in South Korea. As a result, the PN is expecting to welcome this modern vessel in February 2021 and project delivery remains to be right on schedule," Bacordo said.

In a media statement on Dec. 18, Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos, head of the PN's Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC), declared that FF-151 is compliant with the agreed technical specifications after personally witnessing the warship's performance during the sea trials.

"FF-151 is 95 percent complete at this time. All machinery and combat systems were subjected to test procedures as stipulated in the contract and were observed to be working properly. More importantly, I'm happy to announce that FF-151 passed the prescribed standards and procedures," he said.

Carlos said upon completion of the SAT, BRP Antonio Luna's completion rating is almost 100 percent. This, he added, will pave way for the frigate re-docking and final outfitting before delivery early next year.

Also, Bacordo said parallel with equipment acquisition is the command’s effort on base support and sustainment development that would address the facility requirements for the upcoming deliverables of the PN modernization program like the missile storage facilities and repair of piers and other major infrastructure, among others.

"Moreover, the non-material aspects that are crucial to the overall effort of the PN modernization are considered through the Capability Synchronization Matrix. As a crucial management tool, the matrix is seen to identify, program, integrate, implement, and monitor the overall capability development of the PN," he added.

This also includes alignment of materiel and non-materiel capabilities covering training activities that would enhance personnel competency for our personnel, doctrines development, force restructuring and organizational development, and human resource development.

Also, the PN chief is pleased to announce that the Navy is continuing its efforts in supporting the local defense industry research and development under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture program.

"In 2020, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, we have seen the active implementation and near completion of 'Project Buhawi' or (building a universal mount for heavy-barrel automated weapon integration for naval vessels)," Bacordo said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "PH Navy upgrades make waves amid pandemic." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125433 (accessed December 28, 2020 at 08:00PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "PH Navy upgrades make waves amid pandemic." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125433 (archived).

[bigyack-com]

Analysis| India and the US must take bolder steps on China - analysis

The recent decision of China to raise the issue of Kashmir in the United Nations Security Council has triggered a debate over India’s China policy. The Indian diplomats have even hesitated to call out China for repeatedly raising the Kashmir issue to embarrass India on the international stage. China has received special treatment in this regard. For instance, India has decided to cut palm oil imports from Malaysia for the latter’s criticism of India’s Kashmir policy. Similarly, there are plans to curb imports from Turkey as its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in criticizing India on Kashmir.Indeed, there are good reasons for India’s caution when it comes to China. China is a neighbour with which India shares one of the world’s largest land boundaries. The demarcation of the border between the two countries is also subject to dispute, which contributed to a war in 1962. China is a much stronger power than India — in fact, now it is emerging as the challenger to the United States (US), the world’s sole superpower. The annual trade between India and China is close to $100 billion. The former depends on the latter for a range of cheap consumer goods. These factors make the crafting of foreign policy very difficult for the Indian diplomatic establishment. China does not hesitate from taking positions adversarial to India. Beijing knows well that Kashmir is defined as a core issue of national interest by New Delhi and yet it does not think twice before raising it in the Security Council. With its five times larger economy and three-and-a half times bigger defence budget, China believes that it can get away with needling India even on its core issues. India clearly lacks any leverage over China.In light of these constraints, India’s China policy has been what can be characterised as part balancing and part appeasement. No doubt, India is much more prepared with military deployments on the China border. However, the war that India is most prepared for is the war it lost back in 1962. Following the shock defeat in 1962, India undertook a huge overhaul of its defence readiness. It undertook a massive arms build-up and doubled the size of the army within a decade. Today India’s preparation, therefore, depends on two assumptions: the fight will be the old style contest of numerical advantage; and China will find it difficult to switch its resources deployed on other fronts to confront India if required. With shortage of weapons, equipment and a poor technology base, India may be found wanting if China decides to escalate a conflict beyond a simple man-to-man fight on the mountainous border. Moreover, it won’t be difficult to move some assets meant for contingencies in the Taiwan Strait for operations on the India border. According to a RAND study covering the years 1996-2017, China has achieved parity with the US on air superiority in the Taiwan Strait. If even some of these assets are diverted to the south, it could spell trouble for the Indian defence forces. China’s ability to precisely target Indian army and air force bases can further cripple New Delhi’s plans. Of course, India’s nuclear weapons do provide the ultimate security blanket.In any case, it is clear that India needs to undertake a number of defence reforms to tackle the China threat. This forms part of the internal balancing of China. At a little over 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), India’s defence budget is scraping the bottom of the barrel. A case can definitely be made for increasing the defence budget. However, India being a lower middle income country, there are multiple demands on its scarce capital. There are hard limits to how much the defence budget can increase. Therefore, defence reforms must be about reducing the size of the army so that the expenditure of salaries and pensions can be redirected to weapon purchases. An economic growth rate of 7% and more is a must for keeping some sort of pace with China. These efforts need to be supported with external balancing. The only power capable of partnering with India to balance China is the US. India should indeed partner other powers like Japan, Australia and France, but only the US provides the decisive power capabilities to swing the military balance. Besides, as China is threatening the US hegemony, Washington has the requisite motivation to halt China’s ascent. India’s partnership with the US is already progressing but both New Delhi and Washington must now pursue bolder steps. The emphasis should be on developing greater military interoperability. India should not hesitate in exploring joint command and control in military exercises and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) operations. They should develop a joint understanding of contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region and develop joint crisis management plans. The Quad engagement (between India, the US, Japan and Australia) must be elevated to include military exercises.These steps do indeed appear bold and out of character given India’s past practices. However, the gulf between the capabilities of India and China has never been wider. These times, therefore, call for bolder measures. The old style non-alignment or hedging strategies did not work when India’s threat environment was much more benign as neither the US nor the erstwhile Soviet Union was a real adversary. With a much bigger, clearer threat at the doorstep, India’s options are limited. Kunal Singh is a PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyThe views expressed are personal Read the full article

[dailyanjal]

Republic Day 2020: Chinook and Apache Helicopters Make Debut on R-Day Flypast

Republic Day 2020: Chinook and Apache Helicopters Make Debut on R-Day Flypast

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The Chinooks can airlift diverse loads in remote locations. It is a heavy lift, twin rotor helicopter which has enhanced IAF’s lift capability across a range of military and HADR missions.

PTI

Updated:January 26, 2020, 12:45 PM IST

Newly inducted Indian Air Force’s (IAF) CH-47 Chinook fly during rehearsals for the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations, at Hindon Airbase,…

[news4me]

Republic Day 2020: Chinook and Apache Helicopters Make Debut on R-Day Flypast

Republic Day 2020: Chinook and Apache Helicopters Make Debut on R-Day Flypast

[ad_1]

The Chinooks can airlift diverse loads in remote locations. It is a heavy lift, twin rotor helicopter which has enhanced IAF’s lift capability across a range of military and HADR missions. PTI

Updated:January 26, 2020, 12:45 PM IST

Newly inducted Indian Air Force’s (IAF) CH-47 Chinook fly during rehearsals for the 87th Indian Air Force Day celebrations, at Hindon Airbase,…

[iaf-in-ia]

KnowYourNavy Indian Naval Air Squadron 342 was commissioned into the #IndianNavy on 06 January 2006 as the first UAV Squadron. The Squadron operates Heron and Searcher Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in a maritime environment for undertaking surveillance, maritime reconnaissance and damage assessment and for providing assistance in rescue operations. The RPA’s are fitted with maritime patrol radar, ESM and COMINT for carrying out prolonged maritime reconnaissance operations over sea. The RPA’s with their high endurance and highly capable sensors are employed on a variety of missions such as Sea Lines of Communication monitoring, fleet support, coastal surveillance and HADR. ‘INAS 342’ has been numbered as per sequential serial number of the Air Squadrons of the IN. The crest depicts a Sea Eagle and silhouette of a UAV in the background over the White and Blue sea waves. It symbolises long endurance and sharp vision capable of locating its pray over vast areas of the sea, a function that is very similar to that performed by an UAV. The red eyes of the eagle signify non-optical surveillance devices available onboard for detection beyond visual ranges and in low visibility condition. Alternate Blue and White waves signify the maritime environment of operations.. Repost with @indianairforce . . . Tags :- . #hmsqueenelizabeth #tbt #apachehelicopter #russianairforce #photooftheday #pictureoftheday #jaihind #drdo #hindustan #fighterjet #attackaircraft #combataircraft #aviation #mig29 #aviationgeek #instagramaviation #instaaviation #iaf_in_ia #iaf #india #indianarmy #indianflag #indianairforce #indiannavy #bhartiyanausena #bhartiyavayusena #militaryaircraft #militarypower #militaryaviation @indianairforce @indianarmy.adgpi @indiannavy @usairforce @royalairforceuk @instagram @narendramodi @marvel @lockheedmartin @airtattoo (at India) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7NvrmyBHa6/?igshid=kf1qahpsh1na