Asian Defence News1

BRP Antonio Luna Undergoes Second Week Of Sea Acceptance Test

The Philippine Navy’s second Jose Rizal-class frigate, future BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) has undergone second week of Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) in South Korea. This was noted in FF150’s social networking page.

“She is expected to sail home by first quarter of next year,” it added.

Earlier this week, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the future BRP Antonio Luna completed first week of SAT from November 30 to December 4.“The first week of sea acceptance trial completed with satisfactory results. The test conducted are the vessel performance, propulsion control, navigation systems, and auxiliary machinery,” Lieutenant Commander Roxas said.

Jose Rizal-class frigates are capable of conducting anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) operations.

Royal Australian Navy's AWD Exercise Together for the First Time

The Royal Australian Navy’s three Hobart Class Destroyers have exercised together for the first time, demonstrating their cooperative capabilities to increase maritime security and stability in our region.

HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney conducted joint tests, trials and exercises off the east coast of Australia, further developing their air and surface warfare capabilities.Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the exercise demonstrates Navy’s preparedness to respond to a more complex and contested maritime domain.

“The Hobart Class are the most capable and lethal warships Australia has ever built, increasing our interoperability with the United States and allowing us to work even closer with our allies and partners,” Minister Reynolds said.“Through this Government’s record up to $183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program we are growing our Navy to support the need for increased maritime security and stability in our region.

“The Hobart Class Destroyers have demonstrated that they can be integrated effectively to support the mutual endeavours and commitments of the ADF and our partner nations.“Today’s exercise showcases the capabilities these warships have when using the Cooperative Engagement Capability.“This significant step not only demonstrates the strong interoperability we have with the United States, but the Royal Australian Navy is the first Navy outside of the US Navy to conduct Cooperative Engagements Capability missiles firings here in Australia.

“This cutting-edge technology combines radar and fire control data into a common picture, allowing naval and air platform to engage an adversary based on another platform’s data.“By creating a single, real time operation picture, we will significantly improve our capability for maritime air and missile defence, and maritime strike.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price witnessed the joint exercise from on board HMAS Hobart.

Minister Price said the cooperative engagement capability allowed shared information and data to be integrated into the ship’s Aegis combat management system.“Australian workers from both Raytheon Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia should be proud of their significant contribution to this remarkable capability,” Minister Price said.“Today was a powerful visual milestone for Australian Defence industry after a decade of work across 2700 suppliers who have contributed to the Air Warfare Destroyer Program.

“I am proud to see the successes of Australia’s expansion of ship building, as well as these complex systems integration skills operating at sea, demonstrating an advanced and coordinated warfare capability.”The trails included Royal Australian Air Force participation, further enhancing the Destroyers combat reach and effectiveness and opening new opportunities for the joint integrated air missile defence program.

Airbus Offers A400M to Thai Air Force

Airbus offers the A400M to the Royal Thai Air Force, considering the C-130H replacement carrier plan, believes it is the best and most cost effective option.

Ioannis Papachristofilou Airbus Defense's European and Canadian Sales Head told us about the A400M that 2020 was a challenging year from COVID-19, but proud to see its customers use the company's products to deliver patients and medical devices. During this time For the development of the A400M, Airbus is currently conducting a low-flight test flight, which will allow the A400M to fly only 500 feet off the ground with Autopilot, which previously only fighter aircraft could do. And it is expected to be certified for use in 2022, including a large number of side door paratroopers.

Of the 174 orders from the 8 Air Force, Airbus has delivered 94 aircraft.As of October this year, the A400M fleet worldwide has flown a total of 85,000 flying hours, with four in Asia being used by the Malaysian Air Force which has been fully delivered.

For the Thai Army, the C295 is already in use and the Royal Thai Army is quite satisfied with its performance. Therefore, if the A400M and C295 can be combined to perform missions, it is a very practical example. We have already presented the A400M to Thailand and continue to look forward to the opportunity to present to the Royal Thai Air Force as an option for the Royal Thai Air Force.

Vietnam Upgraded Petya II-class Light Frigate

Petya II-class light frigate underwent upgrade at Song Thu shipyard (photo : VietDefense)

Notice something different about this Project 159/Petya II-class light frigate currently being overhauled at the state-owned Sông Thu Corporation's shipyard in Da Nang?

The first photo has been circulating across the Vietnamese defense community for a a few days now and VietDefense was able to obtain our own private copy from community members directly in the area. The ship's original Soviet-designed bridge design has notably been replaced with a sleeker structure.Although its still too early to tell what the finished product will look like or what further upgrades will be done, we're hoping the Petya is transformed into a modern ASW vessel.

A pair of triple torpedo launcher on board Vietnam's Petya II-class light frigate (photo : QPVN)It was reported nearly 5 years ago that Indian companies Larsen & Toubro along with Bharat Electronics Limited were bidding to upgrade the Vietnamese Petyas there hasn't been any further word since.