Kuala Lumpur: One week after returning home from Langkawi, I finally sat down to post this story. I apologised for the delay, perhaps Malaysian Defence is already way behind the rest but I hope you bear with me.
My excuse for my tardiness in updating the Lima story is the fact that I had to please three masters while in Langkawi (myself and,,,,) and the fact that I had to flew to the island a day after arriving home from another trip (more on that later).
Most of you are already aware that deals worth around RM4.7 billion were signed during Lima, most of it real contracts unlike the past. The contracts however were the usual suspects: the supplies of parts and such which include the Kasturi class corvettes SLEP, which was a gimmick only as the deal was signed several months ago. As for the rest of the procurement plans, we will have to wait for DSA next year or even later than that for the actual contract signings.
Anyways, Datuk Seri Najib (I can no longer used the term Dear PM because you know who!) said the three main projects for defence are, in no particular order are the Army 8X8; Navy’s NGPV second batch and the Cougar procurement.
Although he did not specify which was the most important project, the NGPV project which has some 2,000 local vendors is most probably the most politically safe project especially with the next general elections coming up within the next two years. For that reason, I am assuming that the project will be given the go-ahead by the middle of next year or in early 2011. The cost of the new ships remained a big headache for everyone including to the Finance Ministry but I guess if they can set aside RM1 billion per year, the project will given the green light.
That means the Cougar project will be in the budget by 2011 and the Army 8X8 by the middle of RMK10. All of this will also depend on the result of the next GE of course but not in terms of substance but timing and the suppliers involved as the armed forces still needs those items.
In any case, Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd will have to work with a foreign partner, most likely DCNS, to validate its version of the new NGPV, which it called Second Generation Patrol Vessel. The new design will be some 8-metres longer than the Kedah class; it will have a new smoke stack to replace the current stealth version as it spews smoke into the whole ship and a new VLS for the SAM system
Boustead engineers is proposing the MK41 VLS which can accommodate the Standard SM-2 (50 km range) and the ESSM. The main gun will remain the same but the problematic 30-mm OtoBreda will be replaced with a CIWS proposed by the navy. The ship will have a hull mounted sonar and a VDS or towed array sonar again depending on what the Navy wants.
The same goes for the main radar and combat management system. It will be easier for Boustead to work with the same system employed in the Kedah-class but it appears the Navy is not particularly fond of the EADS TRS-16 and is hoping to get a new radar, the Thales SMART perhaps?
Boustead is also proposing that the VLS/Standard/ESSM combo to be retro-fitted to the current Kedah-class since these vessels have not been fitted with their SAM system. It could be done of course although they will have to find a place for the rear fire control radar though.
The Russians meanwhile is proposing that instead of installing a SAM system, they could install a Russian-made VLS system which could accommodate four missiles of the Brahmos type as mentioned by one of regular readers. As I mentioned before, I would prefer we buy the truck-based mobile launchers of the Brahmos, if we really go down this route.
Anyhow, apart from Boustead which displayed the model of the SGPV, ThyssenKrupp, the new owner of Blohm and Voss, the original designer of the Kedah-class had also displayed posters and brochures of their version of the Second Batch.
The proposed vessel also has a smoke stack like the Boustead SGPV, and also has the same weapons/sensors fit although the German design is two metres shorter than the Malaysian proposal. The VLS mounting behind the main gun is also flushed to the deck unlike the raised platform on the Kedah-class.
–Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (27)
For the 2nd batch of the NGPVs, both the proposed Germany-designed and the locally-designed NGPVs are good enough for the navy. Both have their own characteristic. But like wat Marhalim said, it's politically safe if 'they' choose the locally made NGPVs which has some 2000 local vendors for the project.
But, it's not the matter of which proposed NGPVs designed they'll selected but WHEN will the 2nd batch of the project will be signed.
From what I heard, the 2nd batch will consist of 4 ships. Can anyone confirm this?
As for the Nuri, I would suggest that they just need to undergoes for SLEP, no need for the all-new COugar at this moment with the tight budget.
Priority for the Air Force should be given to the successor of the MIG-29N which are planned to be retired by the end-of the next year.
With the retirement of the MIGs, our air force will has their combat capability significantly reduced! This is not a small matter but a really big matter.
As for the successor, the NG variants of the Gripen should suits the Air Force needs. But, personally, I do think that the air force is in favors of the Super Hornet and there's no hope for the Gripen.
But with the really tight budget and insanely-not-logic development budget per annum, there'll be no major procurement in the next five year. Sadly to say, with the less then 0.8% of the country GDP to fund our armed forces, we shouldn't expected anything great from the armed forces assets procurement.
Many country are raising their defense funds despite the recent economic downturns (only some like Malaysia reduce their defense funds), so I do think that the ultimate goal in the Vision2020 that are inspired by our 4th PM, Tun Dr Mahathir would be just a dream. 6 Squadron of fighter aircraft, 27 NGPVs, 2 fully-operational frigates fleets and so on will just be a day-dream for the defense enthusiast.
Marhalim, I read with interest to your article here:
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showpost.php?p=4617960&postcount=8221
Can you tell more of the suppose incident?
Marhalim: It is not suppose, it nearly happened....
Though the TRS-3D is not a bad radar, according to the Danish Navy, a major problem is that it has 10 modes. The SMART, which the Danish have received, has 2 modes, making it more practical.
It's really suprising,finding out from your Malay Mail article that following feedback from the RMN, the Germans have now included a stack.
Surprising where the money will come, coz if my calculation is right all three will worth around RM8 billion with the 2nd NGP be around RM5 billion, 8X8 will be around RM1-RM1.5 b and he cougar about RM1.64 b
Marhalim: Yes, your calculation is about right. Perhaps they will buy the BTR-4 or its clones so they could save some money on that count but then the NGPV and the Cougars will still cost us around RM7 billion.
Even if they decide to save some money and ditch the Cougar for RMK11 and go the Nuri upgrade instead they will still need around RM300 million (for 30 helicopters) for a modest upgrade and tripled that amount for a more comprehensive upgrade (new rotors and such).
And theres the M4 procurement which easily cost them around another RM700 ++ million plus if they were to buy another 126,000 rifles (minus the 14,000 bought already!)
Marhalim, you mentioned unhappiness with the Mauser on the Kadah class. Do you know if it's integration related or with the gun itself?
It seems the RMAF displayed its AMRAAMs for the first time at LIMA [saw the photos elewhere].
Did you see it at LIMA?
Do you know what will replace the the Creusot Loire 100mm and the 2 twin Emerlec mounts on the Kasturi class? Prior to being transfered to the MMEA, years ago the 2 Marikh OPV class had their Creusot Loire's replaced with a Bofors Mk 1. I've always wondered where the Bofors Mk 1's came from?
Marhalim: On the Otobredas, I was told that it wasnt working as advertised. Yes, the Amraam was displayed for the first time at Lima but it was the training missiles. I will post the picture in the next posting...
On the Kasturi, the last time I was told about it it was supposed to be the 76mm Oto Melara but I dont not know what will replaced the Emerlec. I will get more info on that...
Someone here[I forgot who],mentioned a while ago that the FH-70s are no longer in use with 21 RAD because the barrels have worn out. The current Perajurit mentions that 21 RAD has now received all the G-5s from 22 RAD, which has been reorganised as 52 RAD to operate the 2nd batch of ASTROS. At least the army only operates a single 155mm calibre now.
Marhalim, what is your personal opinion about the new fighter requirement, do you believe that the Gripen is a leading contender or that additional MKMs will be ordered to raise another squadron? I don't really see what choice is there because the Super Hornet seems to be a dead duck now and Rafale and Typhoon can be ruled out because of their price tags.
Marhalim: I believe it was Simon who said the FH-70s barrels have worn. I am not sure if its true or not. On the new MRCA, I believe its just a feel-good story meant for LIMA only as even the RMAF have not finalised their specifications for the new MRCA squadron. For the moment, if and when we sell of the Fulcrums it will be for us to trade them for at least six Flankers. And the MRCA it will probably be in the wishlist for the RMK11. But by the time, we should forget about buying SH, Gripen, Rafale et all. We should instead just buy a dozen or so F-35s. Yes it may cost us around Rm3 billion but .....
Hi ,
I would like to diagree Firadus about the Nuri replacement for the air force . We just recently get Su30Mk while the Nuri has been in inventory for some of them more than 30 years already . The air force will need to replace the helicopters as it will be more benefical for the country overall to get the helicopters first now compare to get another bunch of MRCA . Seriosuly none of us would like to see another bunch of helicopter crash or what in the news in the next few years and the media and the opposition blasted the government for the failure of replacing the helicopter . That will be a major problem for the country eitehr defensively or politically . Well at the end of the day this is just my opinion .
About the navy ships , did we get any deal for the replacement for KD Sri Inderapura anyway? Cause I haven heard or see any news about the replacement vessel so far . Anyone got any information about it ?
It may be out of topic, but realising that the malaysian government pays nearly RM18 billion in fuel subsidies last year, would any of us consider foregoing the subsidies, pay higher fue cost and other goods for the following:-
1) More grants to states such as Kelantan, sabah, sarawak etc
2) Cheaper public transport
3) Better health care
4) Good defence spending
say the breakdown of theose are 40%, 20%, 20% and 10%
Correct me if i am wrong, but the current order for f35 is around 3,600 rite with the first fewpartners will get it as early as 2014. So for us who had yet to join the wishlist, what chance are we suppose to get it before say 2020?
Marhalim: Yes around 2020, it will be the same time period when we are supposed to get the MRCA if we order them in 2015, which is realistically the time we can afford to buy new fighters based on current budgetary projections...
I read with interest what u said about replacing the Mig's with 6 more MKM's. I was on the perception that the gov is not intrested in getting anymore MKM's. Also if the gov is ought to be looking at the F 35's come 2015, what is to be done with the 8 hornets? Personally I think the Rmaf should stick to just 2 types on planes, and since the MKM's are a very capable, and the most recent platform, the RMAF should make a proper " end of all" choice on its final MRCA to fill in the role that will replace the mig's/Hornets/and take up the MRCA role. Not just choose a plane type that fits the hour, or budget at the moment of time so that it is not again sucked into operating many types of planes due to indesicions of the gov.