[JLRC]

Japan: China Apologizes for Submarine Incursion
 
 
(Source: Voice of America; issued Nov. 16, 2004)
 
 
 Japan says China has apologized for one of its submarines sailing into Japanese waters last week. China has refused to confirm the apology, saying only that a "diplomatic" resolution has been reached.  
 
Japan says China on Tuesday admitted the mystery submarine was one of its own, and expressed regrets.  
 
Japan's Foreign Ministry says the message was conveyed by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei to Japanese Ambassador Koreshige Anami in Beijing.  
 
Tokyo says Beijing told it the submarine was on a training mission, and for "technical reasons," it ventured into Japanese waters.  
 
Foreign Ministry Assistant Press Secretary Akira Chiba says China's official response also contained an apology.  
 
"We take it as an official apology since the word 'sorry' was used. On the other hand, we have asked them to prevent such incidents from happening again and for that we have haven't gotten any response yet," he said.  
 
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday was more circumspect about the matter. At a regular briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue would only say that China had passed on information to Tokyo.  
 
Ms. Zhang says China has already informed Japan on the relevant matter through diplomatic channels, and the issue has been properly addressed.  
 
When pressed by reporters for more details, Ms. Zhang merely repeated the same formula over and over.  
 
The submarine, believed to be a Han-class nuclear powered vessel, spent two hours submerged in Japanese waters, near Taiwan, last Wednesday.  
 
The incursion prompted Japan's maritime forces to go on alert for only the second time since the end of World War II.  
 
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[JLRC]

SAF Landing Ship Tank Deployment to Aid in the Reconstruction of Iraq
 
 
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Nov. 27, 2004)
 
 
 Singapore made its latest contribution to the multinational effort in support of the reconstruction of Iraq, with the deployment of a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Resolution. The LST and its crew of 180 personnel departed Singapore for the Gulf this morning, after a send-off ceremony officiated by Chief of Navy, RADM Ronnie Tay.  
 
During its three-month long deployment, RSS Resolution will undertake tasks such as protecting the waters around key oil terminals, providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters, as well as conducting patrols, querying, and boarding operations. Lieutenant-Colonel Bernard Miranda, Commanding Officer of 191 Squadron, will lead the Republic of Singapore Navy contingent.  
 
The SAF had earlier deployed an LST, a C-130 transport aircraft and a KC-135 tanker aircraft to the Gulf to aid Iraq's reconstruction efforts.  
 
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[JLRC]

German Navy Assumes Command of Task Force 150
 
 
v(Source: US Navy; issued Dec. 6, 2004)
 
 
 MANAMA, Bahrain --- German Rear Adm. Henning Hoops assumed command of multinational Task Force (TF) 150 from British Royal Navy Commodore Tom Cunningham Dec. 6, during a ceremony at the U.S. Navy Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.  
 
Task Force (CTF) 150 currently consists of eight ships from six coalition nations, operating under U.S. 5th Fleet in and around the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, covering more than 2.4 million miles of ocean and 6,000 miles of coastline bordering 12 countries.  
 
Coalition maritime forces continue operations in the region to counter the illegal movement of weaponry, people and other materials in international waters that support terrorists and other extremists.  
 
“I appreciate the German navy, the German military and the German government for volunteering to do this mission,” said Commander, U.S. Navy Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Vice Adm. David Nichols. “Task Force 150 makes a difference, and I am very happy to have Rear Adm. Hoops as the new commander.”  
 
Coalition forces supporting TF 150 work to deny international terrorist organizations the opportunity to plan and execute terrorist attacks against key maritime infrastructure in the region, including oil and shipping industries.  
 
Under the leadership of Cunningham, both technical and rescue assistance has been provided to vessels in the Persian Gulf, including the provision of fuel, tows and helicopter assistance. The French ship Surcouf assisted 16 members of a ship grounded off the Yemeni coast, safely handing the crew over to Yemeni Coast Guard authorities. The U.S. ship USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), also provided assistance by towing a dhow that had been adrift in the North Arabian Sea for 17 days. French ship FS Cdt. Ducuing assisted a French yacht that was grounded off the coast of Eritrea. The yacht was eventually able to continue transit to Djibouti.  
 
CTF 150 ships have also conducted exercises with many regional nations, including Yemen, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Comoros Islands have also been hosted aboard CTF 150 ships, contributing to wider regional engagement.  
 
“It has been a tremendous experience commanding CTF 150,” said Cunningham, who assumed command from French Rear Adm. Jean Pierre Tuele Sept. 19. “The coalition nature of this task force is exciting and adds significantly to our capability. It signifies international intent to defeat terrorism. It also allows us to use the bilateral contacts within the coalition force to develop our relationships across the region and to support the regional nations in establishing the rule of law in the maritime arena.”  
 
“We have a very important role in this anti-terrorism campaign,” said Hoops. “My staff and I are very prepared to carry on the good work of our predecessors from the U.K. staff.”  
 
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[Lynx]

Fonte: JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY

Russia lays down new landing ship
Richard Scott JDW Naval Editor
London

The lead ship of a new class of amphibious landing vessel for the Russian Federation Navy has been laid down at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.

Designed by the Nevskoye Planning and Design Bureau, the Project 11711 design is expected to displace around 6,000 tons. The as-yet unnamed lead ship is the first of a planned class of five vessels to be built at a total cost of Rb5 billion ($1.8 billion).

Provisional details of Project 11711 released in a 2003 Russian arms catalogue indicate that the design will be able to transport up to 13 main battle tanks or 60 armoured personnel carriers. Accommodation aboard will provide for an embarked military force of 300 troops, with a deck area amidships allowing for the transportation of ISO-standard containers.

Construction of the first-of-class, formally laid down on 23 December 2004, is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The Project 11711 programme marks the resumption of amphibious ship construction for the Russian Federation Navy after a 15-year hiatus.

[JLRC]

United Defense's Swedish Subsidiary Receives Contract from Finland for Additional 57-mm Naval Guns
 
 
(Source: United Defense Industries; issued Feb. 7, 2005)
 
 
 KARLSKOGA, Sweden --- The United Defense Industries, Inc. wholly owned subsidiary, Bofors Defence AB, has received a contract valued at EUR 11 million ($14 million) from Finland for two 57-mm Mk 3 Naval Guns.  
 
The contract provides for the production and installation of the two 57-mm guns for Finland's patrol ships of the Squadron 2000 class. Bofors Defence is completing an earlier contract for the production of the first two 57-mm guns for the same ship class.  
 
The new contract provides for the production of the gun systems, training services, spares, and the associated 57-mm 3P ammunition with delivery of first gun in 2005 and the second in 2006.  
 
"This second contract for our 57-mm naval guns clearly demonstrates the success of the Mk 3 in satisfying Finland's requirements for its latest naval gun system," said Magnus Ingesson, President of Bofors Defence AB. "Furthermore, the Mk 3 gun is supported by our exceptional 3P ammunition, making this gun and ammunition combination the most accurate and lethal weapon in its class."  
 
The 57-mm Mk 3 Naval Gun System is in service with the navies of Sweden, Finland, Mexico, and the United States. In the United States, the 57-mm gun system has been selected for service aboard the U.S. Navy's DD(X) Destroyer class, the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship class, and the U. S. Coast Guard's Maritime Security Cutter - Large (Deepwater Program).  
 
Bofors Defence, A.B., a leading provider of intelligent systems and munitions, is a Swedish defense company wholly owned by United Defense Industries, Inc. Bofors Defence is recognized globally for its end-to-end competencies in the design, development, and production of intelligent munitions, artillery systems, naval gun mounts, and combat vehicle weapon stations.  
 
United Defense designs, develops and produces combat vehicles, artillery, naval guns, missile launchers and precision munitions used by the U.S. Department of Defense and allies worldwide, and provides non nuclear ship repair, modernization and conversion to the U.S. Navy and other U.S. Government agencies.  
 
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[JLRC]

Royal Thai Navy Super Lynx 300 Enters Service
 
 
(Source: Agusta Westland; dated Feb. 7, issued Feb. 9, 2005)
 
 
 SATTAHIP NAVAL BASE, Thailand --- At a ceremony aboard HTMS Taksin, Admiral Sampop Amraparn, Commander in Chief, formally accepted the Super Lynx into operational service with the Royal Thai Navy.  
 
The Royal Thai Navy Super Lynx 300 aircraft are operated by 203 Squadron based at U-Tapao and will be used for a wide range of naval roles including maritime patrol, search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. The aircraft will primarily operate from the Narasuan Class frigates, but are also capable of operating from all other Royal Thai Navy ships with aviation facilities.  
 
Speaking at the ceremony Ron Jones, Business Group Director, AgustaWestland, said "It is a great pleasure to commemorate today the entry into operational service of the Super Lynx 300 with the Royal Thai Navy. AgustaWestland, justifiably, calls the Super Lynx the world's best small ship helicopter and now the Royal Thai Navy can fully utilise its multi-role capabilities, providing it with a new capability in maritime operations. We are proud that the Royal Thai Navy is the latest member of the growing family of Super Lynx operators and we now look forward to supporting the aircraft and working with the Royal Thai Navy for many years to come."  
 
The Super Lynx 300 is powered by two CTS800 engines produced by LHTEC, a Rolls-Royce and Honeywell joint venture, providing the aircraft with excellent performance even when operating in very hot climates. The engines also feature a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, low maintenance, high reliability and excellent economy, thanks to its modern high technology design.  
 
The aircraft is fitted with a comprehensive navigation and communications package as well as a BAE Systems Seaspray surveillance radar, which provides a surface search capability in the anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles as well as for SAR and maritime patrol duties. The advanced radar is the aircraft’s primary mission sensor and allows the crew to detect and track large and small surface contacts at long range, greatly increasing the effectiveness of its parent ship.  
 
The new generation “glass” cockpit has a fully integrated flight and mission display system that comprises four LCD Integrated Display Units (IDUs), two Electronic Power System Instrument (EPSI) displays and dual control and display units, reducing aircrew workload and increasing mission effectiveness.  
 
Thailand has today become the ninth Super Lynx operator and the third operator of the new generation Super Lynx 300. Super Lynx are in service with the armed forces of Denmark, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Oman and the United Kingdom. Additionally South Africa has ordered four Super Lynx 300s for its shipborne helicopter requirements.  
 
 
BACKGROUND NOTES:  
 
In late 2001 the Royal Thai Navy placed an order for Super Lynx 300 helicopters, which were handed over in a ceremony at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil plant in the UK in mid-2004. Since then both aircrew and maintainers have undergone training in preparation for the aircraft entering operational service today. This training took place in the UK at AgustaWestland’s Customer Training Centre utilising the latest computer based training and part task trainers prior to the students transitioning to the aircraft.  
 
As well as performing maritime roles Super Lynx can carry up to nine troops or survivors in the cabin and can lift 1,360 kg of cargo on its cargo hook.  
 
The Super Lynx was designed from the outset as a maritime helicopter and is the best selling and most capable in its class.  
 
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivaled range of helicopters to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, United Kingdom and the United States of America.  
 
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[JLRC]

Yemen Navy Flotilla Departs Australia in Record Shipment
 
 
(Source: Austal; issued Feb. 11, 2005)
 
 
 The unusual sight of ten navy patrol vessels being loaded onboard the heavy lift ship “Maria” in the first week of February contrasted the normal exports leaving the Western Australian port of Fremantle.  
 
The shipment is a truly international logistics exercise involving leading aluminium shipbuilder Austal; Singapore-based project and heavy lift shipping specialist Coli Shipping (S); SAL, the German owners of “Maria”; and the Yemen Ministry of Defence which ordered the boats in June 2003. Loading of the 37.5 metre boats, each weighing in at 90 tonnes, was managed by local heavy lift and logistics specialists, Global Hire.  
 
The delivery of these vessels heralds an important step in Austal’s progress as an internationally recognised supplier of navy and patrol vessels. It follows last month’s naming ceremony for the first of twelve 57 metre patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, and reflects Austal’s status as one of Australia’s most successful and advanced manufacturing companies.  
 
Austal Chairman, Mr John Rothwell said, “Thanks first must go to our skilled designers and technical staff who were able to provide the winning design ahead of some 24 competing shipyards worldwide. Following this, the skill of our tradespeople has delivered a product that has certainly impressed the customer, and which is likely to be of interest to other nations seeking to boost their coastal security.”  
 
The patrol boats have been designed to meet a variety of operational requirements including general police missions in coastal waters, customs control and anti-terrorist operations at sea, offshore protection and tracking, surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone, defence and protection of national sea areas and operations within integrated task forces.  
 
The heavy lift ship left the Australian Marine Complex on Wednesday 9 February and will offload the Middle East nation’s new maritime force in the port of Hodeida in approximately two weeks time. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new patrol boats are the 60 members of the Yemen defence force who each spent several weeks in Perth last year receiving instruction on vessel operation and maintenance techniques.  
 
Austal employs approximately 1200 people at its shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia and currently has 19 vessels on order, ranging in size from 38 metres to 127 metres in length. These existing contracts provide work through to mid-2007.  
 
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[JLRC]

New Contract Awarded To Eurotorp By Uae Armed Forces For A244/S Torpedoes
 
 
(Source: Eurotorp; dated February, issued March 29, 2005)
 
 
 NEW CONTRACT AWARDED TO EUROTORP BY UAE ARMED FORCES FOR  
A244/S TORPEDOES  
 
On the occasion of the 7th International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), held from  
12-17 February 2005 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibitions Centre in the UAE, it was  
officially announced that EUROTORP has been awarded of a contract for A244/s Torpedoes by  
UAE Armed Forces for a total value of Euro 12M thus significantly increasing the already existing  
A244/s stock.  
 
The A244/s provides significant defence capabilities against intruding submarines. Fully  
compliant with the modern littoral warfare requirements, the A244/s incorporates an advanced  
acoustic seeker granting outstanding shallow water performances and high rejection to anti-  
torpedo countermeasures.  
 
EUROTORP is a French-Italian consortium established in 1993 and nowadays world's leader in  
the field of Light Weight Torpedoes (LWT) thanks to the merging of the complementary skills and  
capabilities of three major European industrial groups:  
 
- WHITEHEAD ALENIA Sistemi Subacquei S.p.A. (a FINMECCANICA company)  
- DCN International  
- THALES  
 
The A244/s and MU90 LWT are the flagship products of the company. These torpedoes are  
dedicated to Anti-Submarine Warfare and can be installed on any ASW platforms whether  
surface ships, helicopters or Maritime Patrol Aircraft.  
 
EUROTORP Torpedoes are in service with more than 23 Navies worldwide.  
 
 
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[JLRC]

Submarine Christened at Nordseewerke GmbH in Emden  
 
 
(Source: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems; issued May 9, 2005)
 
 
 HAMBURG / EMDEN, Germany --- In the presence of the deputy South African Minister of Defence Mluleki Editor George, Mittah Seperepere christened on May 4 the submarine that was built in Emden at Nordseewerke GmbH, a company of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, in the name of S102.  
 
The submarine of the class 209/1400 mod is scheduled for the South African Navy and will be delivered in 2006.  
 
S102 belongs to a series of three submarines that is part of an extensive programme for modernising the South African Navy. The submarines are the state-of-the-art version of the diesel-electric class 209/1400 mod, which has been successfully exported for many years by the German supply consortium HDW in Kiel, Nordseewerke in Emden and Ferrostaal in Essen. Over 60 of these submarines are currently in action, or being constructed, throughout the world in twelve countries.  
 
In addition to the building and delivery of the submarines, the scope of supply also includes the training of the future crew, logistic support and simulation technology.  
 
The 62-metre long submarine has a displacement of 1,450 tons and is controlled by a regular crew of 30. The submarine is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology, an integrated weapons deployment and guidance system and is particularly optimised for future reconnaissance and surveillance assignments.  
 
The consortium will ensure extensive investments and industrial aid schemes in South Africa within the scope of the order. The contract package is therefore also of strategic importance for the growth and development of the South African national economy.  
 
Godmother Mittah Seperepere has fought all her life for the rights of black women. She has been a member of the African National Congress (ANC) since 1958. From 1966 until her return in 1990 she was active for the ANC in exile in Botswana and Tanzania. In-between, from 1983 to 1988, she worked in the GDR as a representative of the ANC Woman's Section. She returned to South Africa in 1990 and was elected in 1994 into parliament (National Assembly), to which she belonged until 1999. Nowadays she is active in local politics and runs a small guesthouse.  
 
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems – a company of ThyssenKrupp Technologies – is the managing division of the new shipyard alliance formed by the merger of ThyssenKrupp Werften and HDW. With its major shareholdings Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Kiel, Nobiskrug, Rendsburg, Nordseewerke, Emden, Blohm + Voss, Hamburg, Blohm + Voss Repair, Hamburg, Kockums, Sweden and Hellenic Shipyards, Greece, the new shipyard alliance is represented in seven locations throughout Europe.  
 
The know-how and the competence of all the companies of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has been summarised into three organisation units. The product sectors naval surface ships, mega yachts and merchant vessels are conducted by the Surface Vessel Division. The Submarine Division comprises the activities of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in the sector of submarines. All repair services will be conducted and coordinated by the Repair Group Hamburg.  
 
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[JLRC]

Pakistani Frigate Safeguards Gulf of Oman as Part of Coalition Task Force
 
 
(Source: US Navy; issued May 11, 2005)
 
 
 ABOARD PNS TARIQ, Gulf of Oman (NNS) -- Pakistani naval ship (PNS) Tariq (DDG 181) conducted a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill in the Gulf of Oman May 9.  
 
Tariq’s VBSS missions support maritime security operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Oman under the direction of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 150. CTF 150, led by British Commodore Tony Rix, operates as part of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. CTF 150 has included forces from the United States, France, Germany, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. These coalition vessels conduct MSO in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden to set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment.  
 
MSO complements the 5th Fleet region’s counter-terrorism and security efforts by denying international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.  
 
“When monitoring this area, it is important for us to check all of the merchant vessels, because you never know what terrorists will use to transport their goods,” said Tariq Commanding Officer Capt. Muhammad Amjad. “We want to intercept terrorists as well as their materials. Their basic financing is through the smuggling of drugs and weapons, so we want to disrupt that, as well.”  
 
Since deploying April 16, Amjad said his ship has ensured no vessel that comes through his area of responsibility goes unchecked.  
 
“We have queried all the merchant vessels, visited all the dhows and continually update [Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command] on all of our findings,” Amjad said. “There is a lot of illegal activity in this area, and the Pakistani ships have contributed a lot. We have been helpful in apprehending suspects of interest and have even helped take some suspicious boats back to Pakistan for further investigation.”  
 
VBSS team captain Lt. Uzair Khalid said he and his team usually board at least two vessels every day.  
 
When lookout personnel spot a vessel in the water, Tariq’s bridge team notifies the captain. The ship then closes in to initiate contact with the vessel either with the ship’s communications system or, if necessary, by loudspeaker. Khalid and his VBSS team board a vessel if the ship cannot establish communications or if there is reason to be suspicious of the vessel.  
 
“We have two eight-man teams,” said Khalid. “The first is the security team. They go initially to secure the area. When everything is safe, we bring on our second team, called the sweep team, to ask questions and conduct inspections.”  
 
The vessel queried May 9 as part of the drill was not suspicious and provided the boarding team with all necessary documentation to prove their legitimacy. Even so, every boarding is critical to maintaining safety and security of the sea, Khalid said.  
 
“Our mission is to safeguard these waters, and we ensure, at all costs, that the mission is accomplished.”  
 
In addition to daily VBSS missions, the multimission anti-submarine, anti-surface ship Tariq also takes measures against piracy, responds to distress calls by merchant vessels and provides search and rescue capability through its embarked helicopter squadron, commanded by Cmdr. Mohammed Masud Akram.  
 
“We augment the mission of the ship, whatever it is,” said Akram. “Most often, we are engaged in search and rescue missions, but because we are part of a ship that operates with coalition forces, we can also assist in searches of suspect vessels. If the ship is too far away from a suspected dhow, or the sea state is very bad, we can conduct a query by helo and report back to the ship.”  
 
The squadron contains one helicopter and 12 men who are integrated into Tariq’s 250-man crew.  
 
This is Tariq’s second deployment to the Gulf of Oman. The ship was also part of CTF 150 from June to August of 2004. Tariq is one of six Pakistan navy ships that have been deployed since April, 2004. Combined, the Pakistan navy has queried more than 3,200 vessels in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.  
 
Pakistani Radar Technician Sailor Azad Bukhari, who has been in the Navy for less than five years, has been aboard Tariq for both deployments and is proud of the mission he and his ship are doing.  
 
“We are saving the world,” said Bukhari. “We work together with America and other navies because this job is not for one nation. It’s for the entire world.”  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Republic of Singapore Navy Hosts IMDEX Asia 05 Ship Display
 
 
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued May 16, 2005)
 
 
 The RSN hosted a display today by 18 warships and two Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) at Changi Naval Base (CNB) as part of the programme for the International Maritime Defence Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia) 2005.  
 
The warships were from Australia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States. Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean visited some of the foreign warships. He also observed a demonstration of the Spartan USV.  
 
The RSN and the US Navy are collaborating in the development of the Spartan USV, which can be configured for a variety of roles such as Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Mine Countermeasure. The use of unmanned technology is an important component of the SAF’s transformation efforts. The RSN already operates the Protector USV, which was employed for force protection when the RSN deployed an LST to the Arabian Gulf for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Both the Spartan and Protector USVs are being showcased at IMDEX Asia for the first time.  
 
The RSN is also hosting the 10th Naval Platform Technology Seminar (NPTS) 2005 in conjunction with IMDEX Asia 2005. The theme of this two-day biennial seminar was "Transformational Technologies for the Future Navy". More than 800 technologists, academics and naval officers attended the seminar, which is a forum to encourage international research and sharing on the potential of future naval platform technologies.  
 
The RSN will also be hosting three Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) events involving ships and personnel representing 19 WPNS navies. The participants this year include ships from Australia, Canada, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand, with personnel from navies of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea and the United States. Besides the 3rd WPNS Multilateral Tactical Training Centre Exercise (MTTCEX), the RSN will also host the inaugural WPNS Multilateral Sea Exercise (WMSX) and the first WPNS Maritime Security Information Exchange Seminar. These WPNS events are useful avenues for building professional capacities, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening interoperability among WPNS navies.  
 
 
 
Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)  
 
Unmanned systems technology is a key enabler in the transformation to the 3rd Generation SAF, and the RSN is exploring the capabilities of unmanned surface vessels (USV). USVs are controlled remotely from the mother ship and can perform a range of functions, including force protection, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare, depending on their configuration.  
 
--PROTECTOR  
 
The RSN has acquired a small number of Protector USVs, a commercial off-the-shelf system. The Protector was fielded to meet an operational requirement when the RSN deployed in the Arabian Gulf for Operation Iraqi Freedom recently. The Protector, being remotely controlled, offers enhanced surveillance, identification and interception capabilities while reducing risks to personnel in an operational environment.  
 
Type: Unmanned Surface Vessel  
Displacement : 4 tons  
Dimensions : L 9.5m, W 3.5m, H 4.5m  
Mini Typhoon Stabilised Gun  
Toplite electro-optical pod  
Water jet propulsion  
 
 
--SPARTAN SCOUT  
 
The RSN is also participating in a collaboration programme with the US Navy to develop the Spartan Scout USV and concepts for its operation. The Spartan Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) programme started in 2002. The Spartan USV is modular and can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Mine Countermeasure, Anti-surface Warfare, and Anti-Submarine Warfare roles. The RSN will commence testing the Spartan in local waters this year  
 
Type: Unmanned Surface Vessel  
Displacement : 2 tons  
Dimensions : L 7.0m, W 3.0m, H 4.5m  
Modular; can be configured for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Mine Countermeasure or Anti-submarine Warfare  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Singapore and Indonesian Navies Launch Sea Surveillance System
 
 
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued May 26, 2005)
 
 
 The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) officially launched Project SURPIC in Batam today.  
 
This is a sea surveillance system which allows the RSN and TNI-AL to share a common real-time sea situation picture of the Singapore Strait. It will enable the two navies to better monitor this busy waterway, so that they can exchange information, and deploy their patrol vessels in the area more effectively.  
 
Project SURPIC is a significant step forward in enhancing security and the safety of shipping in the Singapore Strait. It strengthens the already close working relationship between the RSN and TNI-AL under the ambit of the Indo-Sin Co-ordinated Patrols (ISCP), and enhances the interoperability of the two navies to combat piracy and sea robberies.  
 
Chief of Navy RADM Ronnie Tay and his Indonesian counterpart ADM Slamet Soebijanto officiated at the ceremony. They also witnessed the signing of the Project SURPIC Cooperation Arrangement between RSN’s Coastal Command and TNI-AL’s Western Fleet Sea Security Group. This was followed by a joint demonstration of Project SURPIC’s capabilities against a simulated sea robbery.  
 
The demonstration involved the RSN, TNI-AL, the Singapore Police Coast Guard and the Indonesian Police.  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Pentagon Contract Announcement  
 
 
(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Jun 9, 2005)
 
 
 United States Marine, Inc., New Orleans, La., is being awarded an $18,826,099 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of three 27 meter Fast Patrol Boats (FPB), with technical data, training, and spare parts for the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  
 
The FPB will be constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic and conform to American Bureau of Shipping high-speed naval craft requirements. The primary mission of the FPB is to perform ROPCG operations within waters to include law enforcement, and local patrol operations.  
 
Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by May 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured.  
 
The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-05-C-2210).  
 
-ends-

[JLRC]

Two Kidd-Class Destroyers Expected to Join Navy by Year's End
 
 
(Source: Taiwan Government News; issued Aug. 16, 2005)
 
 
 TAIPEI --- Two of four Kidd-class destroyers purchased from the United States are expected to be delivered to Taiwan by the end of the year, an official of Navy General Headquarters said Tuesday.  
 
Rear Adm. Lee Hao, deputy chief of staff for Combat Readiness and Training, made the remarks at a press conference held at the Ministry of National Defense to explain the progress of the four destroyers purchased at a cost of NT$24 billion in June 2003.  
 
Lee said that military officers and seed instructors, as well as repair and maintenance technicians are receiving training in the United States to prepare for the delivery of the two de-mothballed destroyers, which are undergoing sea trials and weaponry system tests.  
 
The ships are entering the final tactical test and evaluation stage and are scheduled to undergo SM-2 fire tests in October and depart from the U.S. in early November. The other two destroyers are expected by March 2007.  
 
Lee said the navy hopes that after the commissioning of the four destroyers, they will form the outer peripheral of the fleet, while the navy's Perry-class, Knox-class and Lafayette-class frigates will play an inner circle role.  
 
The Kidd-class destroyers will target enemy planes that have fired missiles, leaving other vessels to deal with the incoming missiles.  
 
The Taiwan authorities submitted a shopping list in 2001 that included top-of-the-line U.S. destroyers of the Arleigh Burke class equipped with the Aegis radar system, but the Bush administration later approved the sale of only the much older Kidd-class destroyers.  
 
The purchase was embroiled in a fierce debate. Opponents of the purchase included members of the legislature's powerful defense committee, which made several attempts to block the sale. Critics cited ships' age -- they were built in the late 1970s -- and their high cost, and suggested that Taiwan should push the U.S. to release the Aegis system sooner.  
 
-ends-

[emarques]

Atlantic Canada Bureau; Toronto Star
HALIFAX—A transformer aboard the Canadian Navy's last working submarine caught fire this week, just 13 months after a fire aboard her sister ship killed one sailor, injured eight and sparked a national controversy.

Crew aboard HMCS Windsor smelled burning plastic while the ship was submerged during a training exercise Sunday morning. According to a terse four-paragraph statement issued by navy officials, white smoke drifted into a forward engine compartment and crews were called to emergency stations.

The electrical blaze was isolated to a part of the air-conditioning system and snuffed out quickly. There were no injuries, and the ship has not been called back to port.

Aspects of the fire and the navy's response to it were eerily similar to the tragedy that killed Lieut. Chris Saunders, 32, in October 2004, aboard the maiden voyage of HMCS Chicoutimi.

Both blazes were caused by electrical problems. In the case of HMCS Chicoutimi, water flooded in from an open hatch and sloshed over power cables. That created an explosion that blew holes in the deck of the captain's cabin, sending smoke throughout the ship. The cause of Sunday's electrical fire that melted a transformer in the cooling system of HMCS Windsor is under investigation.

The navy was sharply criticized for its management of the Chicoutimi crisis, particularly because it told the public everything was fine when in fact Chicoutimi was drifting without power in the Irish Sea with a critically injured sailor on board.

This week, the navy waited more than 24 hours to notify the public of the blaze aboard HMCS Windsor, and could not be reached to comment on questions such as where Windsor was when the crisis occurred, or how it has affected ship operations.

The Chicoutimi crisis focused public attention on a controversial submarine program that has drawn fierce criticism since the start. Canada bought four used diesel submarines from Britain for $891 million. It took years to refit the submarines, and millions more than military officials had expected.

The submarines, which had been mothballed by the British, repeatedly broke down, and some sailors said they were afraid to sail them.

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