AMR AIR FORCE DIRECTORY 2012

THE REGIONAL

Prepared by Adam Baddeley

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

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A I R F O R C E

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MRs Regional Air Force Directory of the various air forces, naval air arms and army aviation assets across the Asia-Pacific Region returns in our first issue of 2012. Over the past year, the region has proved itself as the global crucible for the design, development, procurement and fielding of combat aircraft outside of the notable and enduring exception of the United States. As well as maintaining its ongoing focus on multi-role combat aircraft with programmes such as Indias MMRCA, Malaysias new MRCA, Japans F-X and Koreas FX-III competitions, new developments as seen with the Korean KF-X, Japans ATD-X Shinshin, Indias nascent Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and more established PAK-FA collaboration and Chinas J-20 curio, are exploring indigenous fifth generation technologies hitherto limited to North America and Europe. This pursuit must also be seen in parallel to other efforts, not just prestige projects, focused on providing balanced capabilities for fixed and rotary wing tactical transport and close air support and special mission aircraft that truly enhance air superiority capabilities. As before, the Directory has been compiled from a range of open sources from around the world, AMRs correspondents and discussions with industry and military personnel throughout the year. AMR would like to thank those who have scratched their heads and provided answers to our questions. We would therefore like to encourage readers over the next twelve months who can add information to either contact us in person at the years shows and exhibitions or by e-mail.

Afghan National Army Air Force 13+7 Ordered G222/C-27A, 20 ac planned by 2012 20 Ordered A-29 Super Tucano, $350m, delivery mid 2013 deal uses same engines as C-208B 6 C 182 Turbos

AFGHANISTAN

The first of the RAAFs KC-30A aircraft was accepted in June with 33 Squadron AJB

An Afghan Air Force (AAF) Mi-17 transport in the Kunar Valley. This year Czech firm LOM have been contracted to provide support and maintenance on the AAFs Mi-8 and Mi-17 fleets which are growing larger with successive US funded acquisitions DoD

C-208B, advanced training and transport role, first ac arrived in Oct could increase by a further 20 ac 46+35 Ordered Mi-8 MTV-1/Mi17DV/V5, $370m recent order for 21 Mi-17 helicopters, delivery by 2013 9 Mi-35, 377th Rotary Wing Squ began operations in August 2010 9 UH-1H 6 MD530F, advanced training role with up to 54 could be acquired for $186 million

3+3 Ordered

NOTES: Last remaining An-26 and five An32B supported by US NAVAIR Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft Program Office retired as C-27 delivery completing. Mi-8 and Mi-17 maintenance being supported by US, funded through Czech firm LOM. Royal Australian Air Force 55/16 F/A-18A/B, IOC for AGM-158 JASSM expected soon 24 F/A-18F, deliveries completed in Oct 14 Ordered F-35A, requirement for a further 86 ac est. at $17bil. IOC in 2018 33 Hawk 127, Phase 1A of A$100-300m Air 5438 upgrade recently gained First Pass approval

AUSTRALIA

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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A I R F O R C E

9 4+2 Ordered

63

1 2 3 9

18

12 5+1 Ordered

10 Planned

4+1 Ordered

24

Australian Army Aviation Corps 14 OH-58 6+2 Ordered CH-47D, two used ac to be delivered in Jan to enter service in 2012, fleet grounded temporarily in Sept 7 Ordered CH-47F, to be introduced in 2016 22 Ordered Tiger ARH, last Project 87 ac delivered to 1st Aviation Reg. in Dec

Royal Australian Navy 9 S-70B-2 Seahawk, withdrawal in 2018, no interim upgrade 24 Ordered MH-60R, first export of Romeo, deliveries in $3.1b deal begin in 2014, complete by 2018 5 MRH90, based at HMAS Albatross with new 808 Squadron 13 AS350BA, Lead In Helicopter Training 3 AW109E

PC-9/9A, one ac crashed in May King Air 200/350 737 Wedgetail AEW&C, participated in Bersama Lima in November, final acceptance due in March 2012 AP-3C, due to retire in 2018-19 AP-3C EW 737-700BBJ Challenger CL 604 VIP C-130H, four ac to be donated to Indonesia in 2012 C-130J-30 C-17, sixth ac for RAAF 36 Squ ordered in Nov worth $300m, fifth ac delivered in Sept Air 8000 Phase 2 DHC-4 replacement, C-27J is preferred versus C-295 in $900m-$1b deal KC-30A, first ac formally accepted in June with 33 Squ

34 S-70A-9 Blackhawk 1 AS350BA 10+28 Ordered MRH90, programme added to the Projects of Concern list, fifteenth helo delivered in Dec

The first of six C-130J aircraft was delivered to the Indian Air Force in time for Aero Indian 2011 at Bangalore. Another six have been ordered bringing the eventual tally to twelve AJB

NOTES: RAN is to lease three Bell 429 via Raytheon for training in a $26m deal beginning in 2012. Australia has voiced concerned about F-35 schedules with the suggestion that further Super Hornets would be acquired as an alternative. Australia has committed to a buy of 14 F-35, rising to 100. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2014-15 with all 14 by 2017. Five Sea King 50s are being sold. Bangladesh Air Force 8 A-5C 23+16 Ordered F-7M/BG, 16 F-7BGIs due to be delivered in 2012 8 MiG-29SE/UB 8 L-39ZA 3 An-32 4 C-130B 19 Mi-17/171 16 UH-1N/Bell 212 4 Bell 206L 6 FT-6 11 T-37B Bangladesh Army 2 Bell 206L4 4 Cessna 152 1 Grand Caravan

BANGLADESH

NOTES: Order for the S-70i expected to be delivered from 2014.

deal worth $240m PC-7Mk II

NOTES: Bangladesh is planning the procurement a further 20-32 fighter aircraft by 2027. Royal Brunei Air Force 1 CN-235-110M 2 Bell 206B, training role 11 Bell 212/214ST, replaced by S-70i Black Hawk 4 BO105CB, replaced by S-70i Black Hawk 4 +12 Ordered S-70A/L/i, 12 ordered in

Bangladesh Navy 2 Ordered AW109 2 Ordered Do 228NG, delivery in 2013

BRUNEI

Royal Cambodian Air Force 1 AN-24 3 Mi-8 3 Mi-17 1 AS355 1 UH-1H 5 L-39C 2 Y-12-II, operated by Air Cambodia 3 An-24RV, operated by Air Cambodia

CAMBODIA

Notes: Reports of a $195m deal for Z-9 helos from China.

CHINA

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Peoples Liberation Army Air Force 120 H-6, inc. 10 H-6U Tankers,

REGIONAL
A I R

F O R C E

began upgrades in 2006 350 J-7 70 JH-7, crash at airshow in Shaanxi in Oct. 180 J-8II 200 J-10, includes new J-10B 140+70 Ordered J-11A/B 76 Su 30MKK/MK2 76 Su-27SK/UBK 4 JF-17 130 Q-5A 8 Ordered IL-78 5 A-50I, KJ-2000 radar/mission system based near Taiwan 4 Y-8 AEW, prototypes with different radar configurations 2 737 80/4 Y-7/MA60 45 Y-8 3 AN-12 10+30 Ordered IL-76MD 4 Tu-154 ELINT 3 Mi-6

NOTES: China increased its defence budget by 12.7 percent in 2011. New Y-8 based MPA seen, dubbed Y-8X. PLANAF expected to field J15 (Su33 clone) from 2014 but experiencing testing problems with the three prototypes. CAIC WZ-10 attack helicopter still stalled in final development with eight helos reported to be at Nanjing. JZ-8F reconnaissance aircraft deployed with Air Force and Navy. PLAN Y-8GX8 ELINT platform due to enter service in 2012. Flight tests underway on the Shaanxi Y-9, the replacement for the Y-8. Y-20 heavy transport platform still in development PLANAF trialing Y-7 based AEW&C ac for carrier operations.

People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force 16 H-6D 6 Y-8 MPA 2 Y-8 ELINT 30 J-7D/E 35 JH-7A 48 J-8 20 J-10, 10AS and J-10SH 24 J-11 30 Q-5 16 JJ-6 23 Su-30MKK2/33 50 Ordered JF-15, 3 SA365N 12+6 Ordered Ka-28/31 8 Mi-8 3 SH-5 26 Z-8, some Z-8s modified for AEW role 20 Z-9C 14 JJ-6 12 JL-8 (K-8) 12 JL-9

330 40 210 60 28+130 Ordered 16 130 40 180

Mi-8/17/171/172 Z-8 Z-9 Z-11 HC-120 S-70 JJ6 JJ7 JL-8/K-8

57

137+94 Ordered

126 Planned 153

151+10 Ordered 14

88 3 Ordered

3+2 Planned

2 1 6 6 Planned 105 10 6+6 Ordered

INDIA

Indian Air Force 69 MiG-29S/UB/UPG, fatal crash in Himachal Pradesh state in Oct, first modernised UPG ac

28+12 Ordered 55

17 25+54 Ordered 65 Ordered

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

received in 2011 Mirage-2000H/TH, ordered 450 MICA AAM in late 2011, $2.4b upgrade of 51 Vajras to Mirage 2000-9 standard approved Jan Su-30MK/MKI, crash took place in Dec near Pune, eventual plans for 13 squadrons MMRCA, bid opened in Nov, press reports of costs doubling to $20b MiG-21Bison/bis/M, ac crashed in Oct in Rajasthan state, fourth in 2011, all bis variants to be retired by 2017, others before this Jaguar IM/IS/T, fatal crash in Uttar Pradesh in August MiG-23UM, all to be retired by 2017 MiG-27UPG EMB-145 AEW, first ac to be delivered in 2012 due to enter service in 2014 in $208m 2008 deal IL-76TD/A-50EI AEW, est. cost of new orders is $800m with IAI, for 50 Squ Gulfstream III EW 1125 G100 Recce IL-78 MKI MARS MRTT, est. $2b, trials of A330 MRTT and Il-78 in Nov An-32, five upgraded AM32RE ac arrived from Ukraine in Sept C-17, $4.1b deal concluded in June, delivery in 2013-14 C-130J, first ac delivered in Feb Do-228-201 HS 748, some in ELINT role Il-76 Dhruv LCH, deliveries from 2013-14, in service around 2016

25

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A I R F O R C E 138+113 Ordered Mi-8/17, first Mil-17-V5 helos delivered in Nov, conclude in 2014. Part of a $1.35b deal in 2008, possibly a further 35 required 3 Mi-26, to be replaced by either 15 CH-47F or Mi-26T2 20 Mi-35 22 Ordered AH-64D, $1.4b deal, options could increase numbers to 44 65 Ordered LCH, expected to be inducted from 2013 11 SA315 Cheetah, to be replaced by LUH 72 SA316 Cheetak, to be replaced by LUH 64 Planned LUH, competition between AS 550 Fennec and Kamov Ka-226 35+70 Ordered Hawk 132, latest order for 20 for Surya Kiran aerobatics team worth $72 million HJT-16 HJT-36 Sitara PC-7 II, replaces grounded HPT-32 Deepaks in a $976 million deal. 75 aircraft from Pilatus with 106 built locally by HAL Saras, training role, first three ac delivered in 2014, potential order for a further 75 together with Navy Tejas Mk1, service entry expected in 2014 Tejas LCA, to be fitted with Derby AAM, IAF plans to acquire 100 Tejas Mk II which is due to fly in 2014

161 16 Ordered 181 Ordered

15 Ordered

1+39 Ordered 100 Planned

80 133 Planned

Indian Army 55 Dhruv ALH 25+10 Ordered SA315

SA316 LUH, original decision on AS 550C3 cancelled in 2007 Indian Naval Air Arm 16+29 Ordered MiG-29K/KuB, INS Vikramaditya due to enter service in late 2012, $1.5 billion contract for 29 jets made in 2010

REGIONAL
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F O R C E

The Indian government signed off the upgrade of 51 Vajras to the Mirage 2000-9 standard in January Dassault

22/4 6 Planned 5 12 6 15 16 9+4 Ordered 36 27 3 17 Ordered 20

8/3 6 Ordered 8

12 Ordered

Sea Harrier FRS51/T4/60 Tejas LCA Tu-142ME, first ac upgraded to MSD standard delivered in Dec and due to complete by 2020 P-8I MPA, first flight 28th Sept, entering service from 2013, number could increase to 24

NOTES: IAF combat squadrons number 33, well below government authorised levels. In

Do-228 MPA/Transport, work closely with the Coast Guard Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, in competition IL-38 MPA BN-2 Dhruv ALH Ka-25 Ka-28, upgrade planned Ka-31, upgrade planned SA316B/319 Sea King 42 UH-3 Hawk 132 HJT-16

addition to PAK-FA of which India plans to acquire around 200 twin-seaters, the Aeronautical Development Agency is also planning to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft for 2025. The US has indicated openness to offering the F-35 to India. India reported to have requirement for seven EMB-145/MA-1 SIGINT/ELINT aircraft. Indian Navy issued RFI in May 2010 for carrier based AEW&C. First test fire of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI planned for 2012. Weapons package on INs MiG-29K purchase criticised by comptroller and auditor general. Modernisation of Air Field Infrastructure India project preparing IAF bases for new advanced aircraft.

INDONESIA

Indonesian Air Force 7/3+24 Ordered F-16A/B, 24 new ac at Block 52 standard in $750m deal 25 Hawk 209 13 Hawk 53/109, to be

REGIONAL
A I R F O R C E replaced by T-50 Su-27SK/SKM Su-30MK/MK2 KF-X F-5E/F EMB-314 Super Tucano, deal finalised in May, delivery in 2012 OV-10 737 MPA CN-235 MPA KC-130B 737 C-130B/H/H-30/L-100 C-212 CN-295, worth $325m entering service by mid 2014 CN-235 110/220M F27-400M, to be replaced by new CN-295 F-28 1000/3000 PC-6 NAS332J AW101 EC725 EC120B KT-1B SF-260M/W T-34C T-50, $400 million deal deliveries to be completed by 2013 AS/SA-202 G120TP, won competition for new basic training aircraft in 2011,

5 5 50 Planned 6/3 8 Ordered 2 3 1+2 Ordered 1 1 15 10 9 Ordered 5 6

5 2 11 12 Ordered 2 Ordered 11 11 18 16 16 Ordered 28 18 Ordered

Damage from the recent tsunami at Matsushima Air Base saw 12 damaged F-2s being repaired in a $1b deal with six aircraft being scrapped DoD

Indonesian Army 1 BN-2A 3 C-212 2 DHC-5 1 Turbo Commander 11 Bell 205A-1 18 Ordered Bell 210 31 Bell 412, ac crashed in May

delivery begins in 2012

20 12+6 Ordered 8 2

The RAAF is retiring its fleet of C-130H in favour of the new C-130J-30. Four of the legacy aircraft have been offered to Indonesia DoD

28

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Indonesian Navy 3 NC-212-200 MPA 13 NC-212-200 3 Ordered NCN-235-220 3 Nomad 22 MPA 17 Nomad 22/24, transport 1 Ordered NB 412SP 4 NAS332 4 NBO-105 3 EC-120B 2 Mi-2 NOTES: Defence budget from FY2012 up by 53 percent. Indonesia is to contribute 20 percent of the costs of the KF-X programme with approx 50 aircraft required from 2018. Indonesia will also receive from US four F16 Block 25 jets and two Block 15 aircraft for spare parts. Initial agreement to acquire six Su-30MK2 fighters in place with an est $500m cost. Dirgantara has signed a teaming agreement with Airbus Military for production of the C-295. Press reports of seeking surplus AH-64 Apaches from European operators. Kaman reported to have offered

NBO-105 Mi-17-V5, latest six delivered to No. 21 Squ in August Mi-35M EC-120B

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A I R NOTES: Japan is funding Mitsubishis ATDX Shinshin to the tune of $500m with a first flight expected by 2016. Mitsubishi XP-1 experienced rips and tears during ground testing. The Air Force is scrapping 12 F-2 fighters at Matsushima Air Base damaged in the Tsunami, six other F-2s will be repaired. Lao Peoples Liberation Army Air Force 25 MiG-21PFM/U 1 An-26 10 An-2 6 Ka-32 1 An-74K-100 7 Mi-8 9 Mi-17 4 UH-1H 4 Z-9

F O R C E

LAOS

NOTES: Declining serviceability across the board.

the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters for an ASW requirement. Japan Air Self Defence Force 63/17 F-2A/B 82 F-4EJ/EF-4EJ/RF-4EJ 153/45 F-15J/DJ, fleet grounded for short time in July after crash near Okinawa 42 Ordered F-35A, winner of F-X in late Dec to replace F-4J, four scheduled for delivery in 2016 at $127m each 4 E-767, based at Hamamatsu, recently received RSIP upgrade 1 EC-1 13 E-2C, Hawkeye 2000s based at Misawa Air Base 10 YS-11P/FC/NT/EA/EB, transports to be retired 2012-14 4 KC-767 30 U-125/A 26 C-1A/FTB 20 Ordered C-2 16 C-130H/KC-130H, US surplus to replace YS-11 transport 5 Gulfstream IV

JAPAN

19 40+40 Ordered 13 204 48

Japan Maritime Self Defence Force 105 EP-3C/UP-3D/UP-3C, to be replaced by 65 P-1s 10 Ordered P-1 MPA 8 US-1/-2 10 YS-11T-A/M/M-A 4 Learjet 36 7+6 Ordered MCH/CH101 10 MH-53E 145 SH/UH-60J/K 29 King Air 90 9 OH-6D/J 43 T-5 4+10 Ordered EC135T2i

Japanese Ground Self Defence Force 5 King Air 350/LR-2 7 MU-2 75 AH-1S 10+2 Ordered AH-64DJP 57 CH-47J/JA 27 OH-1 139 OH-6D/J 174 UH-1H/J 30 UH-60JA

CH-47J UH-60J Beechcraft T-400 T/XT-4 T-7

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Royal Malaysian Air Force 10 F/RF-5E/F-5F 8 F/A-18D, $17.3m upgrade announced in November, complete by 2015 18 Planned MRCA, Gripen, Rafale, Super Hornet & Typhoon, due to enter service in 2015-16, decision by 2013 14/6 Hawk 208/108 10+2 Ordered MiG-29N/UB 18 Su-30MKM 4 Ordered A400M 14 C-130H/H-30/T 6 CN-235-220M 1 Falcon 900B 1 F28-1000 10 Cessna 402 1 Global Express BD700 4 King Air 200 MPA 4 Mi-171Sh 12 Ordered EC-725, begin deliveries in 2012 26 S-61A-4 2 AS61N-1 21 SA316 8 MB339CM 31 PC-7, will be thirty years old by 2013 17 PC-7 Mk II 1 B737 1 A319 2 S-70 VIP

MALAYSIA

29

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NOTES: Malaysia yet to issue formal RFP for MRCA. Air chiefs committed to diverse frontline fleet. AEW aircraft planned for 2015-16, LM UK to offer new helo-based Vigilance system. SU-30s understood to have performed poorly in air to ground role in Exercise Bersama Lima. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a potential sale of 20 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II all-up-round missiles, associated equipment and parts to Malaysia in November worth $52m. Myanmar Air Force 21 A-5C 1 F-6 24 F-7M 4 G4 15+17 Ordered MiG-29B/SE/UB, 20 ac ordered in $550m deal in 2009 6 F27 2 Ordered AN-148 6 Cessna 180 2 BN2 MPA 5 PC-6A/B 14 Bell 205

Malaysia Army Air Corps 11 AW109H Royal Malaysian Navy 6 AS.555SN 6 Super Lynx 300 6 Planned ASW Helos, planned to begin in 2012, postponed to 2013-14

15 5 1 Ordered 11 9 6 6 12 16 10 12+48 Ordered

Mi-2 Mi-35 Dhruv Mi-17V SA316B W-3/UT FT-7 K-8 PC-7 PC-9 K-8, deal announced in 2009 NOTES: Low levels of serviceability and funding undermine fleet capabilities. Just over $2b allocated for defence in 2011-12.

NOTES: Issued an RFI in October for modernised pilot training including a new aircraft for advanced flying training. Defence budget hit by recent earthquakes. Aermacchi MB-339CB air trainer/light attack aircraft up for sale with the A-4Ks now taken off the market and broken up for spares. Korean People's Air Force 100 F-5 98 F-6 180 F-7 80 H-5 30 MiG-21 50 MiG-23 40 MiG-29/UB 30 Su-7/22 34 Su-25 70 MD500D 70 Mi-2 30 Mi-8/17 15 Mi-24 30 FT-2 135 FT-5

NORTH KOREA

MYANMAR

Royal New Zealand Air Force 6 P-3K MPA, first K2 upgraded ac accepted in June, remaining five ac completed by mid 2013 2 757-200 5 C-130H, LEP announced in Defence Capability Plan 5 King Air B200, advanced training 2+7 Ordered NH-90, first two helos delivered in December, testing begins in Jan 13 UH-1H 3+2 Ordered AW109 Royal New Zealand Navy 5 SH-2G(NZ), upgrade planned under new Defence Capability Plan

NEW ZEALAND

NOTES: Dire levels of serviceability due to a variety of reasons, suggest serviceability rates of less than 50 percent for most types.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan Air Force 143 F-7P/PG 54 F/16A/B/C/D, Block 52+ ac operational with 5 Squ in March, upgrade of Block 15 ac due to
Malaysias MiG-29s remain in frontline service until replaced by the forthcoming MRCA winner for 18 new aircraft AJB

30

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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42+8 Ordered 99

82

4 1+3 Ordered

1 4

16 3 3 1 3 2

1 5 4 4 10 25 9 7 38 10

complete in 2012 JF-17, two squ.s now operational, fatal crash in Nov, up to 250 ac required Mirage IIIEL/EP/OF/ RP/BE/BL/D/DP, Mirage 5EF/F/PA/DPA, fatal crash in Baluchistan in Oct Saab 2000 AEW ZDK-03, first ac based on Y-8/KJ-200 deliveries conclude in 2014 from $728m 2008 deal Saab 2000 Il-78MK, last aircraft delivered in Spring C-130B/E/L-100 707 Transport/VIP CN-235-220 Transport/VIP F27 Embraer Phenom Falcon 20/DA-20, ELINT/ ECM role King Air 200 AB205 IAR316 Mi-171 Mi-35 FT-5 FT-6 FT-7 K-8 SA316/319

18 Pakistan Army 35 3 Ordered 9 24+42 Ordered 15 93 15 31 3 Ordered 20 2 2 2 Pakistan Navy 1 8+2 Ordered

AH-1F/S AW139 Bell 206B Bell 412 UH-1/AB-205 Mi-8/17/172 SA316 SA330 AS350 AS550 Fennec Citation Bravo/V Turbo Commander 840 Y-12 ATL-1 Atlantique P-3C Orion, two ac to replace those lost in terrorist attack on base at Karachi in May F27 MPA F27 SA319B Sea King Mk.45 Z-9EC

T-37B/C

now equipping F-16s.

Philippines Air Force 12 OV-10A/C, crash in Nov temporarily grounded fleet 6 Planned Advanced Jet Trainers, to replace retired F-5s by 2017 est. cost of $150-200m 1 F27 MPA 2 F27-200 1 F28-3000 1 Turbo Commander 1 C-130H, additional two ac to enter service in Spring 2012 12 Nomad 22B/C 8 Bell 205A-1 2 Bell 212/214 25 MD-520MG 10 S-76 40 UH-1H/V, fatal crash in Oct 6 AS-211 21 SF260TP/MP/WP 2+6 Ordered W3 Swidnik 2 S-70A-5 VIP Philippines Army 1 UH-60A

PHILIPPINES

NOTES: Remaining A-5s decommissioned in the Spring with the F-7s, Mirage IIIs and 5s being next as JF-17 deliveries continue. Reports that Pakistan is interested in acquiring 36 J10/FC-20 aircraft from China. Early model F-16s in MLU to get ITT AN/ALQ211(V)9 EW equipment. DB-100 recon pods

6 1 5 6 4+2 Ordered

After a $588m MLU covering 71 aircraft with the first examples having been delivered in June, the F-CK-1A/B will continue in service until after 2030 Gordon Arthur

NO TE S: In December, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines was seeking to obtain 12 excess US F-16s. In Sept. the Air Force said over three-quarters of its aircraft were unfit to fly. In August, the government announced the purchase of three helicopters for the Navy and a new air force air base. In Jan. 2011 outlined its five year plan in which the Air Force wants four combat helicopters, four surface attack and lead-in fighter trainer aircraft, six close air support aircraft and a long-range patrol aircraft.

Philippine Navy 6 BN-2 MPA 2 BO105

SINGAPORE

32

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

Republic of Singapore Air Force 18+6 Ordered F-15SG 60 F-16C/D Block 52 26/9 F-5S/T 5 F50ME2 MPA, one ac deployed to Djibouti in

REGIONAL
A I R F O R C E

Ten of KAI's T-50B are operated by the Republic of Korea Air Forces Black Eagles aerobatics team

4 3+1 Ordered 4 5 4 5 19 31 16 10 22 12 Ordered

NOTE S: Recent acquisitions are bearing fruit, with 123 Squ. stood up in Jan with the new S-70B Seahawks, which will operate from Formidable class frigates.

Republic of Singapore Navy 6 SH-60B

19 5

April in support of CTF-151s anti-piracy role F50 UTL G550 AEW, EL/W-2085 system, assigned to No. 111 Squ E-2C KC-130B/H KC-135R C-130H AH-64D AS332M/532 CH-47D/SD AS.550A2/C2 A-4SUTA-4SU M346, June announcement of $241m deal for 20 year in-service support with Alenia Aermacchi and ST Aerospace PC-21 EC-120

118/51

85 194 52+8 Ordered

22 Ordered 20 Ordered

SOUTH KOREA

Republic of Korea Air Force

F-4D/E/RF-4C F-5E/F F-15K, winner of FX-I and FX-II K/F-16C/D, upgrade competition underway to add AESA TA-50, $600m deal with deliveries beginning in 2013-14 FA-50, Jan announcement of $600 for two seat light attack variant and

-- Planned

4 Planned

60 1+3 Ordered

8 1 12 4 Ordered 18 2 6 12 8 43

requirement for 60-150 to replace F-5s KF-X, seven year $5-15b development programme to replace F-4 and possibly F-5, due to begin in 2013, enter service in 2021 Tankers, funds allocated for 2013 budget with decision by 2013, first aircraft deployed in 2017, KC-767 vs. A330 MRTT expected F-X III, competition to replace F-4 to begin in 2014, numbers may rise 737 AEW, 1st ac accepted of Sept 21st, delivery of aircraft after modification by KAI in 2012 BAe125 737 C-130H/H-30 C-130J-30 CN-235-100/-220 AS332 CH-47D BO105 Ka-32T S-70A/V/HH-60P

34

With three delivered and one more aircraft or order, the RSAF's No. 111 Squadrons G550 AEW fleet gives it AEW&C dominance in the region AJB

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

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A I R

F O R C E

NO TE S: Pursuing competition for F-16 AESA radar on 134 KF-16 for fielding from 2017 with North Grumman SABR and Raytheon RACR competing. In July, Korea shortlisted the F-15 Silent Eagle, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon and PAK-AF for the FX-III programme. Deal worth $71 million, for 150 GBU-28 Paveway III laser-guided bombs signed in November for F-15Ks. About to acquire 177 low-observable, longrange precision-guided standoff missiles for F-15K and F-16K fighters, the Lockheed Martin JASSM is competing against LFK/Saab Taurus missile. Korea has a requirement for 245 Surions. Sri Lankan Air Force 9 F-7/GS/BS 9 Kfir C2/7/(T)C2 1 MiG-23UB 7 MiG-27D 1 King Air 1300 5 An-32 2 C-130K C.1 1 Ce421 1 MA60 1 King Air 200T MPA 4 Bell 206A/B 9 Y-12 14 Bell 212/412EP, 2 412 VIP transferred in Dec. 9+4 Ordered Mi-17/171/V-5 14 Mi-24V/P/N/-35P 5+52 Ordered K-8 1 FT-7

competing, contract award by end of 2012.

Mirage 2000-5EI/5DI, sustainment remains an issue 2 Beech 1900C 6 E-2T/K, first ac transferred to US for upgrade to E-2C Hawkeye standard 20 C-130H 3 F.50 VIP 13+45 Ordered S-70C-1/1A/S-70C-6 3 EC225 Mk 2 Super Puma, SAR role ordered in 2010, could increase to 20 51 AT-3A/B, to be replaced by new aircraft along with F-5F from 2016 38 T-34C
Republic of China Army 61 AH-1W 30 Ordered AH-64D Block III, deal finalised in May 2010 8 CH-47SD 38 OH-58D 84 UH-1B/H 60 Pending UH-60M Republic of China Navy 21 S-2T ASW 8 MD500MD/ASW 16 S-70CM1/CM2 1+11 Ordered P-3C/T

47/10

SRI LANKA

15 106 15 3

Republic of Korea Army 77 AH-1JF/J, decision to replace with 36 AH-X helos expected in 2012 36 Planned AH-X, 36 ac RFP in Jan, decision after May, interim solution to KAH delays, est. value $800m 39 CH-47D/DLR 281 MD500E/MD, replaced by AH-X/KAH 92 UH-1H/N 94 UH-60P

Hawk 67, fatal crash in December, type due to be retired in 2013 KT/KO-1 T-38A S-92 VIP

NOTES: The 2012 budget has risen from $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion.

Republic of Korea Navy 8 P-3C 1+7 P-3CK 5 F406 23 Lynx Mk.99/A/SL100 7 SA319B 8 UH-1H 7+8 Ordered UH-60P/MH-60S 8 Planned Shipborne Helo, RFP expected in 1Q2012, may rise to 40a c, MH-60R, AW159 and KAIs KNH/Surion potentially

Republic of China Air Force 29 F-5E/F, single-seat F-5F and two-seat RF-5E aircraft crashed in Sept 117/28 F-16A/B Block 20, $530m upgrade at rate of 24 ac per annum 101/25 F-CK-1A/B 70, first six examples of $588m MLU covering an initial 71 ac delivered in June, will remain operational until after 2030

TAIWAN

NOTES: Taipei has been requesting new F16C/D since 2006. AIDC upgrade to F-CK-1 covers improvement to GD-53(AN/APG-67) radar and doubling Sky Sword missiles carried. AIDC proposing a variant of the F-CK1 to replace the AT-3 and F-5 in the role of advanced jet trainer. Taiwan has yet to formalize its requirement for a new advanced jet trainer for 50 ac worth $2.6b. Taiwan said to be also mulling F-35B rather than 66 new F-16C/D Block 50/52 fighters. Taiwan moving to produce Wan Chien air launched stand-off anti-runway missile from 2014.

THAILAND

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Royal Thai Air Force 28 F-5A/E/B/F/T, 15 F-5Ts to be retained while E/Fs phased out 53 F-16A/B, Block 15 OCU, modernizing 18 aircraft to Block 50/52 standard with AESA and AIM-9X in

35

REGIONAL
A I R F O R C E

6+6 Ordered

1+1 Ordered

1 Ordered 2 7 10 6 Ordered 3 2 2 1 1 4 1 1 10 1 14 12 14 3

19 32

36

$700m deal, two ac crashed in Feb Gripen C/D, first six ac with 701 Squ. at Surat Thani declared operational in July, remainder due in 2013 Saab 340 AEW&C, 1st ac handed over in 2010, air defence system inc six Gripen declared operational in July 2011 Saab 340 Arava 201 BT-67/C-47TP C-130H/H-30, six ac being upgraded by Rockwell Collins CN-235 HS748-208 737 747-8I-BBJ, VIP role ordered June 2011, delivery in 2014-15 A310 A319 ATR72-500, VIP transport King Air 90 Learjet 35A EW DA42, four in recce role Merlin IV Nomad 22B Bell 212ST/412HP/SP/EP H-1H S-92A Superhawk VIP, delivered in April Alpha Jet, based at Udon Thani L-39ZA/ART

22 PC-9M 17 AU-23A Royal Thai Army 3 AH-1F 2 Bell 206/B-3 20 Bell 212, fleet temporarily grounded in July after two crashes 5+3 Ordered Mi-17 6+2 Ordered S-70A/UH-60L 16 Ordered EN480 90 UH-1H/V 6 CH-47D 10 U-17B 40 TH-300C 1+1 Ordered ERJ135R 1 C-212 VIP 2 Beechcraft 1900C 2 King Air 200 6+10 Ordered F480B, deliveries conclude by 2012 Royal Thai Navy 1 F27-200ME MPA 2 F27-200/400M 8 Planned AS500 Fennec 2 CL-215 1 ERJ135LR 2 P-3T 3 Nomad 24 7 Do 228-212 10 Bell 212/214ST 6/2 S-70-B7/MH-60S, two helos delivered in August 4 S-76B 2+2 Ordered Super Lynx 110/300

well overdue. Thailand lost ten dead in three helo crashes in July near the Myanmar border. Plans to acquire 36 new helos to replace Armys Bell 212 and UH-1 fleets. Thai Navy linked to Z-9EC ASW variant from China.
Vietnamese Peoples Air Force 144 MiG-21L/N/UM 38 Su-22J/K 12+15 Ordered Su-30MK2V, four of 12 new ac delivered in May under $1bil deal signed in 2011 11 Su-27SK/UBK 4 Be-12 20 An-26 1+6 Ordered PZL M-28 3 C-212 1-400 MPA, MSS 6000 system under Police control, first ac delivered in August 5 Ka-25 7 Ka-28 2 Ka-32S 8 W-3S/RM 50 Mi-8/17Sh/172 30 Mi-24A/D 26 L-39C Vietnam Peoples Navy 6 Ordered DH-6, half ac dedicated MPA

The first six Gripens were declared operational with the Royal Thai Air Forces 701 Squadron at Surat Thani in July AJB

VIETNAM

NOTES: 2012 budget experienced a drop. Donated OV-10 Broncos to the Philippines in January. Requirement for new CSAR helos

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

NOTES: Planned 2012 defence budget up by 35 percent.