DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon For Turrets Related To Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon For Turrets Related To  Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle Anti-Tank 

Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-009-16 January 14, 2016
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 14, 2016: Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded a $13,366,719 modification (P00041) to contract W56HZV-12-C-0046 for nine turrets for the Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle anti-tank variant.  

Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2018.  Fiscal 2016 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $13,366,719 were obligated at the time of the award.  

Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

SUMMARY
The TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles can be fired from all TOW launchers – including the Improved Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS), Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle (modified ITAS) and Bradley Fighting Vehicles (Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem).

With its extended range performance, the TOW Weapon System is the long-range precision, heavy anti-tank and assault weapon system of choice for the U.S. Army Stryker, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, ITAS High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and Light Armored Vehicle-Anti-tank platforms. The TOW weapon system will be in service with the U.S. military beyond 2050.


The weapon system is deployed with more than 40 international armed forces and integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms. TOW is also the preferred heavy assault anti-armor weapon system for NATO, coalition, United Nations and peacekeeping operations worldwide.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-009-16 January 14, 2016 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US-Based Defence Major Lockheed Martin Looks At Increasing Investment In India

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US-Based Defence Major Lockheed Martin Looks At Increasing Investment In India 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources ET
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - VISAKHAPATNAM January 11, 2016: US-based defence major Lockheed Martin today said it is encouraged about the recent liberalisation of India's FDI policy in the sector and is looking at increasing investments in the country. 

Phil Shaw, chief executive, Lockheed Martin India, said the 'Make in India' initiative of the government would help in boosting manufacturing in the country. 

"I think the opening of FDI in defence is encouraging and I think we will be able to do a lot more... We started in Hyderabad, we are looking at other parts of the country as well to invest," Shaw said at the CII Partnership Summit. 

During his visit to the US in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met top Chief Executives including, Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO Marillyn Hewson. 

The company already has manufacturing facilities near Hyderabad. 

Shaw said that the company would be working with local partners as "we move forward here in India". 

"We are an defence and aerospace company based out of the US... We are in India for a number of years now and for the last few years we begun manufacturing here," he said. 

Talking about 'Make in India', he said the programme focuses on what more foreign companies can do in India. 

Talking about 'Make in India', he said the programme focuses on what more foreign companies can do in India. 

He said that although the company has manufacturing facility in India "but that is kind of scratching the surface of what we could do here". 

Headquartered in US, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 1.26 lakh people worldwide. 

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources ET
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DTN News: North Korea Top Stories / Headlines News Dated January 9, 2016

DTN News: North Korea Top Stories / Headlines News Dated January 9, 2016

 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 9, 2016: Comprehensive daily news related to North Korea for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related to North Korea Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY.

	New York Times With Nuclear Test, North Korea's Leader Asserts Role of Instigator New York Times SEOUL, South Korea — The young leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has often been dismissed as inexperienced, erratic and even clueless. North Korea warns of war over South's propaganda broadcasts - U.S. News & World Report Full Coverage Flag as irrelevant
	Idiots Praise North Korea For H-Bomb Test (VIDEO) RedState I think everybody with even a semblance of coherent thought would understand thatNorth Korea testing a hydrogen bomb is not a good thing. With a ... Flag as irrelevant
	North Korea Tests Nuke? Send in the Sniffer! Defense Tech The U.S. is doing what it usually does after North Korea tests a nuclear bomb -- it's sending in the sniffer. As my colleague Richard Sisk reported, the ... Flag as irrelevant
	South Korea blasts K-pop at North to piss off Kim Jong Un Boing Boing North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) uses a pair of binoculars to look towards the South, near the border with South Korea, southwest of Pyongyang ... Flag as irrelevant
	WEB
	Is North Korea using nuke claims to push for more aid? Fox News White House: No evidence to support hydrogen bomb claim. Flag as irrelevant
	North Korea reports a hydrogen bomb test, but many doubt it Newsela North Korea wants to create a nuclear warhead to place on a missile that can reach the United States mainland. Wednesday's test likely pushed it ... Flag as irrelevant
	Kasich: We must make sure we quarantine North Korea Fox News Kasich: We must make sure we quarantine North Korea. Jan. 07, 2016 - 6:16 - Ohio governor and 2016 candidate explains how on 'America's ... Flag as irrelevant
	Executive Action On Gun Control, Oregon Occupation, North Korea's Bomb On Point Officers from the Korea Meteorological Administration point at the epicenter of seismic waves in North Korea, at the National Earthquake and Volcano ... *Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth  *Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News  *Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated *This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com  ©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air China Finalize Order for Six 777-300ERs

DTN News - AIRLINES NEWS: Boeing, Air China Finalize Order for Six 777-300ERs
*Boeing and Air China today announced an order for six additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 8, 2016: Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Air China today announced an order for six additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners. The order is valued at more than $2 billion at current list prices and bolsters Air China’s long-haul widebody fleet as it looks to expand its international network.

“The 777-300ER has consistently proved its value as a long-haul flagship for our customers around the world, making it the preferred choice for Air China’s international expansion,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This order reflects the strength of our decades-long relationship with Air China and we look forward to partnering with Air China on additional opportunities in the future.”

China’s flag carrier continues to modernize its long-haul fleet to replace aging aircraft and plans to expand its growing network internationally. Air China currently operates a fleet 174 Boeing airplanes, including nearly all current Boeing production models, including the Next-Generation 737, 747-8 Intercontinental as well as 777-300ERs.

With this new order, Air China will increase its unfilled airplane orders with Boeing to 90 units, which include orders for new 787-9 Dreamliners.

The 777-300ER is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service. The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by another two percent.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - BOEING NEWS: NASA Astronauts Get Advance Look at CST-100 Starliner Trainers

DTN News - BOEING NEWS: NASA Astronauts Get Advance Look at CST-100 Starliner Trainers

*Systems will prepare crews for Boeing’s first-ever commercial spaceflights to International Space Station

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources B0eing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 7, 2016: Two of the four NASA astronauts training to fly Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] CST-100 Starliner spacecraft recently tried some of the systems that will prepare them for flights to the International Space Station.

During a visit to Boeing, astronauts Eric Boe and Bob Behnken focused on systems used for learning to manipulate switches and display panels. Flight controllers were also able to experience devices they will use to train for flight tests and missions.

“We have been learning about the spacecraft displays through slideshows. It’s great to finally see what we are actually going to train on,” Boe said. ”The trainers look great, and this visit gives us an opportunity to meet with the Boeing engineers. We appreciate them allowing us to give input on these trainers so the devices are ready when they arrive at Johnson Space Center.”

Behnken added that the training equipment is comprehensive.

“Historically, some trainers were just a simple component that might have a very specific task,” he said. “This one has a lot of capability with multiple tasks coming together so it can execute more complicated training scenarios.”

Two of the trainers are to be delivered to NASA in the autumn of 2016. Boeing is also building an immersive, high-fidelity training system that’s to be delivered in early 2017 to Houston’s Johnson Space Center.

The CST-100 Starliner’s first crew flight test to the space station is expected in 2017 and will be Boeing’s first commercial flight transporting humans to that destination. More information about the CST-100 can be found at www.Boeing.com/cst100.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with about 50,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

# # #

Contact:

Justin Gibson
Global Services & Support
Office: +1 314-777-7863
Mobile: +1 314-708-6293
justin.l.gibson@boeing.com


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Receives Sensor Sustainment Contract for the Apache Attack Helicopter

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin Receives Sensor Sustainment Contract for the Apache Attack Helicopter

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - ORLANDO, Fla., January 6, 2016: The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $31.8 million contract in December 2015 to sustain the AH-64D/E Apache’s targeting and pilotage system, the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS).

This Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) contract enables M-TADS/PNVS mission readiness, drives reliability and maintainability improvements, and reduces operation and support costs. A total of $31.8 million was obligated to Lockheed Martin through this one-year base contract award with a total value not to exceed $85.5 million. The period of performance is through December 2016, with four additional one-year options that would extend support through December 2020. The total five-year contract value potential is $424 million.

“We work hard to ensure that our PBL customers have the highest availability rates possible, and we back that up with a team of field representatives who stay ready around the clock, around the world,” said Mike Taylor, director of M-TADS/PNVS international and sustainment programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

The U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin Apache PBL team was honored with 2013 and 2011 Secretary of Defense PBL Awards recognizing outstanding achievements in providing soldiers with exceptional operational support.

Fielded in 2005, M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for safe flight during day, night and adverse weather missions. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,350 M-TADS/PNVS systems and spares to the U.S. Army and international customers.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/mtads.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Media Contact

Melissa Hilliard
+1 407-356-5351
melissa.hilliard@lmco.com

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman to Produce First Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Northrop Grumman to Produce First Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Northrop Grumman
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada (REDONDO BEACH, Calif.,) - January 6, 2016:-- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received a U.S. Navy contract modification for non-recurring engineering and recurring support to configure the first Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

The E-2D is an all-weather, airborne early warning (AEW), command and control aircraft that will meet the Japanese Defense Ministry's requirements for a future airborne early warning platform, according to a statement it released in November 2014. The aircraft will be produced at the company's Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida.

Under the $285,975,244 contract modification, Northrop Grumman will configure the Japanese E-2D aircraft utilizing the same E-2D multiyear production line used for U.S. aircraft to allow for a more efficient and affordable delivery schedule. The E-2D is the world's only in-production AEW aircraft.

In November 2014, the Japan Ministry of Defense competitively selected the E-2D to fulfill an emerging next-generation AEW requirement.

"The E-2D will provide a critical capability that will serve as a force multiplier for the Japanese government," said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound programs, Northrop Grumman. "First responders will be able to receive and act on information more quickly than before with greater airborne early warning capability and a networked communications system."        

The Japanese Air Self Defense Force has operated the E-2C Hawkeye since the late 1980s. The E-2C is also currently in use by Taiwan, France and Egypt.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

CONTACT: Bryce McDevitt
         703-280-4362 (office)
         571-286-0754 (mobile)
         bryce.mcdevitt@ngc.com

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Northrop Grumman
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Veyance Technologies, For Track Shoe Assemblies of Abrams Vehicles

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Veyance Technologies, For Track Shoe Assemblies of Abrams Vehicles

Source: DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-001-16 January 4, 2016
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 5, 2016: Veyance Technologies, Fairlawn, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $31,799,186 firm-fixed-price contract for track shoe assemblies for Abrams vehicles. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. 

This is a one-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Ohio, with a Jan. 3, 2017, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 through fiscal 2017 Army working capital funds. 

The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-16-C-0035).

Brief Highlights on Abrams Vehicles;
The M1 Abrams is an American third-generation main battle tank produced by the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of U.S. military forces in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful multifuel turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.

The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank. It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iraq.

Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements and other upgrades to in-service tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. In addition, development for the improved M1A3 version has been known since 2009

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-001-16 January 4, 2016
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Tanks For Everything

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Tanks For Everything

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Asian Military Review
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 10, 2014:  Almost every country in the Asia-Pacific has embarked on military modernisation programmes which include overhauling their Main Battle Tank (MBT) fleets. This article will examine MBT procurement and upgrade programmes ongoing around the region.

by John Ross

Military analysts at IHS Jane’s note the increased defence spending of Asia-Pacific countries which has risen from 13.5 percent in 2012, to $24.5 billion in 2014, with that figure projected to rise to $40 billion by 2016. In Indonesia military spending increased by 82 percent from 2002 to 2012. Singapore, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), has become the fifth largest arms importer in the world allocating over 20 percent of its national budget to defence. Thailand’s defence expenditure is being driven by modernisation initiatives in addition to border disputes and security threats. The country aims to increase defence expenditure as a percentage of its gross domestic product from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 1.8 percent in 2016. A large amount of this increased spending throughout the Asia-Pacific will go towards enhancing MBT fleets.

India

The Indian Army plans to procure a total of 1657 Uralvagonzavod T-90 MBTs by 2020, which will include 1000 tanks produced indigenously under a full technology transfer agreement with Russia, with all parts made in India. A total of 59 armoured regiments are to be equipped with around 1600 tanks. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which oversees procurement in India has cleared manufacture of 235 T-90 tanks at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located at Avadi in south-east India. For those T-90s already in operation with the Indian Army, the force will upgrade more than 600 of these MBTs with new optronics, navigation systems and fire control for a total of $250 million. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) formally approved the army’s three-year-old proposal for the T-90 upgrade in February 2014. In keeping with the country’s overriding desire to move towards domestic defence provision self sufficiency, an Indian MoD source said that the tender for the upgrade will be sent only to domestic defence companies.

In addition to the T-90s, the Indian Army’s fleet of some 1900 Uralvagonzavod T-72M MBTs is being upgraded with new optronics and navigation equipment, the latter of which will outfit those T-72Ms configured to provide command and control. Upgraded T-72M tanks are entering service and the upgrade has afforded a life extension that will allow them to remain operational beyond 2025. As far as India’s domestic Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Arjun Mk.I MBTs are concerned, all 124 tanks have been delivered to the Indian Army. The force’s 43rd and 75th Armoured Regiments are fully operational with 45 tanks each. Trials of the Arjun Mk.I’s sibling, the Arjun Mk.II began in 2012. Series production is expected to begin in 2016. It offers improved protection, firepower and mobility over its predecessor, and it should eventually replace the Indian Army’s ageing Cold War-era T-55 and T-72M tanks in service with the Indian Army.

Compared to the Arjun Mk.I, the hull and turret of the Arjun Mk.II has been redesigned. It has improved protection and locally-developed explosive reactive armour modules have been added. Armour modules counter APFSDS (Armour-Piercing, Fin-Stabilised, Discarding Sabot) and HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds, as well as Rocket Propelled Grenades. Ammunition is stored in the turret bustle which is equipped with blowout panels. The Arjun Mk.II is also fitted with advanced laser warning and countermeasures systems which confuse enemy sensors. Furthermore, this new MBT is armed with a fully-stabilised 120mm rifled gun which is loaded manually. A rifled gun of such calibre is only used on the British BAE Systems Challenger-2 MBT. This gun is more accurate at long range compared to smoothbore guns. India claims that during trials this new Indian tank outgunned both the T-72M and T-90 (see above). The Arjun Mk.II is also compatible with Israel Aerospace Industries’ LAHAT (Laser-Homing Anti-Tank) surface-to-surface missiles. These missiles are launched in the same manner as ordinary projectiles, and the tank can accommodate a total of 39 rounds, including the LAHAT missiles. The Arjun Mk.II is fitted with advanced optronics and has improved communication and navigation systems. Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted remote-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s two main tanks are the Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid MBTs, both of which are manufactured by the Government-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) organisation. Although The Al-Khalid initially entered service in 2001, around 300 are in service but this is expected to rise to 600 with an improved version which will include a more powerful diesel engine, more ammunition storage and a better Fire Control System (FCS) together with new optronics (see Alex Calvo’s ‘Deterrence and Doctrine’ article in this issue). The Al-Khalid is a license-built version of the Kharkiv Morozov T-54 MBT. An Al-Khalid Mk.II is in development which will feature a new turret, modular armour and a new power pack. Recently HIT signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Norinco for ongoing technology transfer, help with exports and profit sharing. HIT sees possible markets existing in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and possibly the Middle East.

Bangladesh and Indonesia

Bangladesh has ordered 44 Norinco MBT-2000 tanks and three recovery vehicles with deliveries having commenced in 2014. Indonesia, meanwhile, has committed to buying 93 Rheinmetall Leopard 2A4 MBTs and ten engineering and support vehicles. At least 61 of the Leopard 2A4 MBTs which Indonesia has purchased will receive elements of the Rheinmetall ‘Revolution’ modular upgrade package. These upgraded MBTs have been re-designated as the Leopard RI, to denote ‘Republic of Indonesia’. In 2012 the German government gave Rheinmetall the green light in 2012 to export 104 Leopard 2A6 tanks, 50 Marder 1A2 infantry fighting vehicles and ten other platforms, including armoured recovery vehicles, mobile bridges and military engineering vehicles to Indonesia. According to Indonesian officials, the initial agreement for 130 tanks was valued at $280 million, while Rheinmentall’s press release placed the figure at $293.7 million. The deal includes training, logistical support and an initial supply of practice and service ammunition. The deliveries are due to be concluded by 2016.

Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia purchased 48 Polish Bumar Labedy PT91 Twardy MBTs in the early 2000s. These MBTs are in turn developed from the T-72M (see above). There appear to be no plans to replace these in the foreseeable future as Malaysia has other defence priorities. Like Indonesia (see above) Singapore purchased 66 ex-Heer (German Army) Leopard-2A4 MBTs plus 30 spare tanks, together with ten Bergepanzer-3 Buffel armoured recovery vehicles in 2007-2008. Most of the tanks were recently upgraded to the Leopard-2SG standard with advanced modular armour protection from IBD Deisenroth Engineering of Germany and Singapore’s ST Kinetics. They are fitted with IBD’s Evolution suite that boasts fourth-generation Advanced Modular Armour Protection (AMAP), which employs steel alloy, aluminium-titanium alloy, nano-metric steel, ceramic inserts and nano-ceramics. Steel slat armour is installed on the hull and turret rear and flanks while the hull bottom is reinforced against mines. The Evolution suite increases the tank’s weight from 55 tonnes to 60 tonnes.

Thailand

Thailand’s government signed a $240 million contract for the purchase of 49 Malyshev Factory T-84 Oplot MBTs from Ukraine in March 2011, the T-84 being chosen ahead of the Republic of Korea’s (RoK) Hyundai K1A1. Thai-Ukraine cooperation is at an all-time high following the earlier purchase of Kharkiv Morozov BTR-3E1 eight-wheel drive armoured personnel carriers. Thailand could possibly acquire up to 200 T-84s to allow retirement of its elderly Cadillac/General Motors M41A3 light tanks. It is anticipated that Thailand will eventually purchase up to 200 tanks with the first 50 being delivered in 2015.

Vietnam

Amongst all ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) armies, Vietnam has the largest MBT fleet and has been a long time user of Soviet-era T-54/55 series and Norinco Type 59 MBTs, with several units actually being Vietnam War veterans. Sources say that 600 to 850 T-54/55 tanks remain in Vietnamese service, with around 310 modernised using Israeli technology to take them to T-54/55M3 standards which involved the replacement of the original Soviet 100mm gun with a 105mm M68/L7 gun, along with the installation of explosive reactive armour, smoke grenade launchers, a new engine, a 60mm mortar and upgraded sensors. There were previous reports that Vietnam planned to purchase 150 T-72 main battle tanks from Poland, but the order did not materialise and the budget was instead used to purchase naval assets as the threat to its offshore interests from China are considered more strategically pressing.

China

China is a major producer of innovative tanks, the newest of which is the Norinco ZTZ-99. The ZTZ-99 (Type 99), 500 of which are in service with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), features significant advances in technology and protection. It is equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), a laser warning system and a 125mm ZPT-98 main gun. The newest variant is the ZTZ-99A2 with improved ERA, a modified rear hull and turret, a new panoramic commander’s sight, a millimetre-wave radar, an upgraded FCS and a digital Battle Management System (BMS).

Another project is the Type 99KM which is equipped with a modular Active Protection System (APS), an active laser defence system and a larger-calibre gun able to fire next-generation kinetic ammunition. Norinco is developing and marketing the third-generation MBT-3000. This is an upgrade of the MBT-2000 (see above) and it could deploy with the PLA by the end of 2014. The MBT-3000 has a 125mm gun capable of firing missiles, and is powered by a turbo-diesel engine.

The mainstay of the RoK

Republic of Korea’s MBT fleet is around 1500 Hyundai K1 and K1A1 vehicles. General Dynamics has assisted Hyundai to upgrade the KIAI with the addition of a Battle Management System (BMS), global positioning system-based navigation, an identification friend or foe system and new optronics for the driver. The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) has been testing this modernised K1A1.

Hyundai is also developing the 55-tonne K2 Black Panther for the RoKA. The service intends to order 397 K2s. It will feature a 120mm main gun coupled to an autoloader, a missile approach warning system, BMS and an indigenously-designed soft-kill APS. It also fires the innovative high-trajectory, fire-and-forget KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition) anti-tank round. The K2’s introduction was delayed until March 2014 because of mechanical problems with the locally developed Doosan DST engine and S&T Dynamics automatic transmission. As a result the first 100 production vehicles will use MTU-890 engines and RENK transmissions both imported from Germany.

The K2 Product Improvement programme (PIP) expected to commence in the future will have add features such as non-explosive reactive armour, an upgraded suspension and a hard-kill APS. An electrothermal-chemical gun may also replace the existing 120mm armament. Designers are attempting to integrate an unmanned ground vehicle into the K2’s architecture to give the MBT a remote scouting capability. The RoK intends to offer the K2 for export but this may prove difficult given the number of cheaper refurbished tanks available.

Japan

Japan is planning to downsize its fleet of MBTs, which consists mainly of Mitsubishi Type 90s to 400 examples. It is intended to replace the bulk of these, which are considered too heavy and unsuitable for Japan’s highly urbanised environment with the new Mitsubishi Type 10 MBTs. The high-tech Type 10 is lighter than its predecessor and builds on lessons learned from counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in Iraq. It has a remote-controlled machine gun atop the turret, while the modular armour package can be adjusted to suit threat levels. In the turret is a 120mm smoothbore cannon that fires a new APFSDS round with greater penetration. Its engine is connected to an innovative continuously variable transmission that allows the vehicle to drive equally fast either forwards or backwards. Furthermore, a BMS connects tanks to each other and to higher echelons of command. Both the Japanese and the RoK MBTs discussed above feature hydropneumatic suspension, as the ability to kneel is extremely useful in rugged terrain since it gives the gun more elevation and depression. It is expected that 68 Type 10s will be in service with the Japan Ground Self Defence Force by 2015.

Taiwan

Taiwan has a need to replace its sizeable fleet of M41 and M48 MBTs and is negotiating with the US to purchase refurbished General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams MBTs which are becoming available as the US army downsizes its fleet. Sources within Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence recently said that Taiwan needs up to 200 new MBTs. Although no order has yet been made it is expected that Taipei will give governmental approval for the acquisition in the near future.

Summary


Many commentators forecasted the death of the MBT following the end of the Cold War and the experience of counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in the Middle East and Central Asia since the turn of the century. However, throughout the Asia-Pacific region this is far from the case as the expansion of tank fleets continues apace fuelled by the availability of materiel as Western nations downsize their legacy Cold War tank fleets, along with continuing geopolitical rivalries in south Asia and Chinese expansion.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Asian Military Review
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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