Far East

until at least 1992, with most MCM money going to the new ocean going minesweepers. The first pair will com­mission in March 1993. Two NP-3E Orion aircraft have also been ordered for research-and-development work. The JMSDF continues to purchase Harpoon missiles and launch systems (with a re­ported inventory of 330 missiles and 130 launch systems) but work continues on the new Japanese conceived SSM-1B. The first craft to carry this missile should he the new missile hydrofoil, which will he built to a modified Italian Sparviero design, itself a derivative of the Boeing Tucumcari.

China: Much of the technical assis­tance—particularly from the United States—that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was relying upon to last-track the navy’s much-needed mod­ernization program remains cut off, in the Wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

The Chinese are no doubt confident that the technology transfer will resume, but

The first wholly Japanese-built SH-60J helicopter entered service in October 1990; although a total force of US is envisioned for antisubma­rine warfare and search-and-rescue duties, only 7 have been ordered for fiscal year 1991.

they are exploring other avenues for as­sistance, in particular a cash-strapped Soviet Union. If modern Soviet naval systems did enter PLAN service, it would be a quite an irony.

China’s nuclear-powered submarine arm remains a top priority. Despite this, progress has been slow, with only one Xia-class nuclear-powered ballistic mis­sile submarine in service. The prospect of China being able to keep one SSBN on

1. SH-60J ASW helicopter 2. aft Mk 41 VLS (61 missiles) 3. 20-mm Mk 15 CIWS 4. Mk 99 illuminators 5. ASW TT 6. Harpoon SSM (IV x 2)

7. SPY-ID Aegis radar 8. OPS-28C radar 9. FCS-2-21 GFCS 10. forward Mk 41 VLS (29 missiles) 11. 127-mm OTO Melara DP.

continuous patrol this century is remote. The situation in the conventional subma­rine force is even worse. The Ming class, which was to be the successor to the Romeo class is technologically obsoles­cent and another attempt to provide a re­placement design has not materialized. Despite attempts to upgrade some Romeos, the force is still obsolete and the Chinese are being left behind by the sub­stantial advances in conventional subma­rine technology that have taken place in the last decade.

In contrast, the surface fleet has gained some modest improvements in capability. Some Lur/a-class destroyers are being fit­ted with two Z-9 Dauphin helicopters and a Rice Screen 3-D radar, which will con­siderably improve their surveillance ca­pability. The Jianghu-class frigates con­tinue to be produced in various forms, both for the PLAN and for export.

The fiscal strain that the PLAN is oper­ating under is reflected in the reported conversion of the third Fuqing-class re­plenishment tanker to merchant service. This hinders the PLAN’S objective of creating forces capable of extended de­ployments. The PLAN’S current objec­tives of improving combined-arms opera­tions and creating a sophisticated amphibious capability and associated marine corps are presently marked more by scale than sophistication. The PLAN has no real command ships, no dock landing ships, and no large helicopter transport capability.

Taiwan: In contrast to the PLAN, the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) is un­dertaking an ambitious modernization program for the submarine and surface fleet. The most important part is the con­struction of eight modified FFG-7-class ships. Known as the Kwang Flua project, it originally involved building six vessels to FFG-61 standards and the final two conforming to an enlarged design with a vertical launch system (VLS). Taiwan was also gaining experience in progres­sively upgrading the Gearing class to the impressive Wu Chin III standard, but this project has been cancelled because of mounting baseline expenses. All eight Kwang Hua units will be built to the basic FFG-7 design—if all are built.

On a less positive note, the ROCN’s latest attempt to build replacement light frigates failed when the French refused to proceed with the sale of the La Fayette design in 1989. An option on four to six West German Type 209 submarines is under negotiation, and, should it be con- sumated, should satisfy the navy’s re­quirements for submarines. The 209s will augment the two modem Dutch-built Zwaardvis.  ■

Mines pose one of the most dangerous threats to Taiwan. Although four German-designed minehunters have been ordered, the ROCN still has an immedi­ate need to supplement and improve its elderly MCM force. Considering the wealth of available fishing vessels, the craft-of-opportunity (COOP) option must be attractive.

South Korea: The Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) inaugural participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RimPac)-90 exercise off Hawaii was a quantum leap both tactically and in weapon practices for the Koreans. It would seem that the U.S. Navy views the ROKN as an impor­tant force in maintaining open sea lines of communication.

Korean shipyards are busy with frigate production. The latest design is a 3,500- ton standard-displacement design (the HDF 3500) with Harpoon, a point- defense missile system, a five-inch gun, and helicopter. This CODOG design has been postulated as the replacement for the seven remaining Gearing-class destroy­ers. The leap in capability over the much smaller Ulsan class is notable. The intro­duction of a point-defense missile system is an important development. There has been a considerable rejuvenation of the fleet in recent years, but, none of the new-construction warships have adequate antiair defenses against anything of greater lethality than the SS-N-2. An an­tiair-warfare (AAW)-enhancement pro­gram would be most desirable, once the comer is turned on the block obsoles­cence problem.

The ambitious Type-209 submarine project is being pursued aggressively. The first of three German-built boats were intended to enter service this year. With between six and nine more units to be built in South Korea, the ROKN may find it difficult to train enough specialists to man all the submarines, some of which may be equipped with German-developed air-independent propulsion systems.

In December, South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced that it would order eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Lockheed, with deliveries to begin in 1995, in a move to strengthen further the nation’s antisubmarine capabilities.

North Korea: Few reported develop­ments have taken place in the Democratic Republic’s Navy. This in mainly a result of the state of the North Korean economy and the improved relationship between South Korea and the two communist su­perpowers. Certainly, neither China nor the Soviet Union has any real interest in supporting naval development for the foreseeable future. North Korea contin­ues to build Taechong- and Sinpo-class patrol and attack craft and will continue to operate as a predominantly coastal force. One cannot help but wonder if this navy will share the fate of the defunct East German service.

Cambodia: Divided by civil war, Cambodia is decreasingly able to sustain any kind of sophisticated naval forces. The units engaged on both sides of the struggle are river gunboats in their sim­plest form. International patience is wearing thin with all factions in Cambo­dia, the navy is unlikely to develop until a final political settlement is reached.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese Navy con­tinues to receive a low priority in the na­tional reconstruction effort. The substan­tial—if far from complete—Soviet withdrawal from Cam Ranh Bay will have a serious effect on the Vietnamese Navy, in both operational efficiency and technical support. As long as tensions continue over its possessions in the South China Sea, Vietnam’s emphasis must be on patrol and internal security. New major units, even of moderate size, are unlikely to be acquired before the end of the decade.

Thailand: Thailand is one of the coun­tries that has shifted toward a more mari­time-based defense policy. The leader­ship of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has been quick to see the changes—both in the strategic situation in the Western Pa­cific and the important future role the navy should have in protecting Thai­land’s economic interests. On this basis, the RTN last year received approval to acquire a 7,800-ton offshore patrol heli­copter carrier to provide the necessary surveillance capability for the EEZ, as well as to assist in the aftermath of the natural disasters that plague the southern part of the nation. This major acquisition from the Bremer Vulcan yard in Germany is one of several important developments. The government has also approved in principle the acquisition of three ex-U.S. Navy P-3B long-range patrol aircraft, a smaller aircraft type for coastal work, and up to 14 helicopters.

The RTN also has responsibility for the protection of the eastern seaboard and therefore coastal defenses, including shore-based missiles, will be put in place.

A problem for the RTN has been the block obsolescence of a major part of its frigate force. The Thai approach has been both novel and sensible. With limited funds, the RTN is acquiring two training frigates, two patrol frigates, and two ca­pable general-purpose frigates from China. The first four, known as the Chaopaya class, will cost only half as much as Western-built ships—albeit with a less-advanced weapon and sensor fit.

The other two will have predominantly Western weapons and sensors (fitted in Thailand) and will be very capable ships. Only systems already in service in the region will be selected, thus improving both interoperability and logistics sup­port.

These projects undoubtedly will place demands on RTN resources. Manpower efficiencies may be required to ensure that funds will be available.

Malaysia: The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) 55th Anniversary Interna­tional Royal Fleet Review held at Penang was one of the naval highlights in the Far East last year. This successful and well- organized event involved 61 ships from 18 nations. The review symbolized the coming-of-age of the RMN.

Enhancing Malaysia’s security in­volves the RMN in a range of demanding tasks: surveillance, fisheries and resource protection, and anti-infiltration opera­tions. To meet these commitments, the RMN has four tiers of combatants. Tier one is a four-frigate force that is suitable for a range of warfare and surveillance duties, both in the confined waters off the West coast and the more open waters of the South China Sea. Tier two ships are two Musytari-class offshore patrol ves­sels, which are able to conduct surveil­lance operations off the coast of Sarawak oven in the monsoon months. The eight guided-missile patrol boats form a third tier that is ideally suited to the Straits of Malacca. The RMN has considerable expertise in antisurface warfare. The final tier is composed of 36 patrol boats oper­ating off both peninsular coasts, as well as off Sarawak. The 20 older Sabah-dass boats are nearing the end of their lives, and a construction program on the order °f 20 units should be put into place by the mid-1990s.

the RMN. The Malaysians have been at­tempting to establish a submarine arm, but this would place a considerable finan­cial and administrative burden on the RMN, far beyond the initial cost of the submarines. Nonetheless, the chief of the naval staff announced on 28 November 1990 an ambitious program to acquire two used and two newly built British die­sel submarines by 2000. The RMN’s naval air station at Lumut was commis­sioned at the time of the Fleet Review. Although some of the dozen planned Wasp helicopters are still to enter Malay­sian service, 499 Squadron is pressing ahead with operations and training.

Plans have been announced to privatize the dockyard component of Lumut naval base, with the idea of using this highly capable facility more efficiently.

Singapore: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has the well-defined task of protecting the approaches to the Straits of Singapore, as well as supporting the army. This young and highly motivated

The Musytari (160)-class corvettes form the second tier in a four tier combatant system used to ensure Malaysia’s security.

force, from a nation that celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, has been steadily developing its infrastructure and improving its operational capability. During this decade, the RSN will develop additional bases on the western and northern ends of Singapore Island.

During the past year, half of the six Victory-class missile corvettes entered service and the other three have been launched. The RSN is currently operating these ships and training personnel to man them. The Victorys are third-generation guided-missile boats, which also give the Sinaporeans an ASW capability. These complex craft are already proving suc­cessful in service but have still to be equipped with their planned point- defense missile systems.

Although the RSN works closely with the Air Force E-2C Hawkeyes, there are no organic helicopters, which must in­hibit any possible over-the-horizon tar­geting options for the eight Harpoon mis­siles each corvette is equipped to carry. Such aircraft, even if shore-based, would be a logical next step for the RSN, espe­cially if the aircraft combined OTH tar­geting with an ASW weapon carrying capability. Early in 1990, bids were called for up to four coastal minehunters. These vessels, which will replace the old

pair of Bluebird-class ships that proved such useful training platforms, are ex­pected to be ordered next month.

Brunei: The most important issue fac­ing the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Flo­tilla (RBAFF) is the acquisition of three corvettes. The selection process was thrown open again last year when the se­lected Vosper Thomycroft design was not accepted by the Sultan. Once they enter service, the corvettes will provide a capa­bility of operating year-round in the Brunei EEZ. The delay will allow the fledgling maritime force to increase its manpower base, easing the transition from a coastal strike force.

Philippines: Ambitious plans have been announced for a 12-unit program of gun and missile boats, starting in this fis­cal year. It remains to be seen whether this scheme will go the way of other re­construction projects for the Republic of Philippines Navy (RPN), but there are some encouraging themes, despite strained relations with the United States

The first of five 78-foot fast patrol boats from the United States was delivered to the Philippines in Sep­tember 1990.

over basing issues and continuing politi­cal instability. Some older and essentially useless ships and craft have been cleared from the fleet strength, and the RPN is addressing both the need for new landing ships (orders for LSTs should be placed this year) and MCM units, even if the lat­ter have been deferred until late in the decade. The first of five 78-foot fast- patrol craft from the United States was delivered in September 1990, and the long-delayed indigenously built patrol boat, General Amilio Aguiraldo, was commissioned on 21 November, along with the completely refurbished corvette Iloilo, landing ship Zamboauna del Sur, and cargo ship Cape Bojeador. With 30 more 78-footers planned for the Philip­pines, a realistic operational capability will begin to emerge. At the same time, the RPN continues to conduct exercises with regional navies and to explore addi­tional opportunities for training.

Indonesia: The sixth and last of the Dutch Van Speijk-c\ass frigates entered service with the Indonesian Navy (TNI- AL) at the end of 1990. There were at­tempts to interest Indonesia in ex-British Ikara Leander frigates, with proposals to re-gun them, but these probably foun­dered early because of the difficulty of the task and the expense of refurbishing ships approaching 30 years of age. It is possible now that the Dutch will make available the four earliest of the modem and far more capable Kortenaer-class frigates when they are decommissioned prematurely in 1993-94.

The TNI-AL conducted a successful deployment of its new PB-57-class patrol and search-and-rescue craft during 1990 around Southeast Asia. The Exercise Sa­fari ships visited Malaysia (for the Fleet Review), Singapore, and Brunei. Al­though the journey was a sales-oriented affair on behalf of the shipbuilder, PTI- PAL, successful bilateral exercises were conducted with both Singapore and Brunei, with the four new Indonesian ships drawing favorable comment.

The TNI-AL plans further Harpoon fits for its surface units, with Indonesia being included in a recent U.S. Navy ship­board-launch-system buy under the pro­gram. In addition, McDonnell Douglas is looking at the possibility of integrating the missile with the Indonesian-built CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. Indonesia is working hard to market these aircraft (Brunei has already bought one), and the combination would be an economical means of acquiring a land-based maritime patrol and strike capability in one pack­age.

Papua New Guinea: Operations against the insurgent movement on the island of Bougainville dominated the ac­tivities of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) last year. The small force of four Pacific-dass patrol boats and two landing craft has been heavily involved in maintaining a blockade of Bougainville and supporting land forces in the province. The PNGDF has in re­cent years been stretched with operational commitments in a very tight funding en­vironment. This has resulted in dissatis­faction on pay and conditions and diffi­culties in logistic support. The maritime force, for its part, cannot afford to main­tain continuous operations against the insurgents when there are so many other patrol and surveillance requirements. The PNG ships did not participate in neigh­boring Vanuatu’s independence celebra­tions or the joint exercise that followed, symptomatic of the strain.

Australia: RAN units were deployed in September 1990 to the Gulf of Oman, to join international forces in the block­ade of Iraq. The first group included two FFGs, the Darwin and Adelaide, with the replenishment ship Success. The second group, deploying in November 1990, included the FFG Sydney (just back from a highly successful round-the-world de­ployment) and the DDG Brisbane, now mounting two Phalanx close-in weapons systems, with the tanker Westralia sailing later to relieve the Success.

The past year also strained the RAN’s budget, which forced the decommission­ing of the oceanographic ship Cook and the sale of the escort maintenance ship Stalwart, which had been decommis­sioned late in 1989. The frigate Stuart was also scheduled to retire in 1990, but her life has been extended into 1991. In addition, the option for the seventh and eighth Collins-class submarines lapsed, and the total program will almost- certainly remain at six. Work on these boats is now well in hand, with the first scheduled to be completed around 1995. The second is being laid down this month.

Despite cutbacks, there were some acquisitions, including a trials-and-safety vessel, Protector and two medium mine­sweeping tugs, Wallaroo and Bandicoot. Work proceeds fitting out the FFG Mel­bourne, and FFG Newcastle, which is planned for launch this year. Preparations continue for the construction of eight ANZAC-class (MEKO 200) frigates.

New Zealand: In late 1990, an elec­tion brought a Conservative government to power. While still in its early days, the new government appears to be trying to improve relations with the United States. This does not mean, however, that the restriction on nuclear-armed or -powered

warships entering New Zealand waters will be lifted. The ship ban retains con­siderable support among New Zealanders.

The other defense issue that figured in the recent election campaign was whether New Zealand would proceed with a com­mitment to buy two ANZAC-class frigates from Australia. The Labour government suggested the possibility of canceling the deal, despite the fiscal penalties. If this option had been taken up, it would have effectively spelled the end of the RNZN’s blue water capability. While the issue was being debated, a note of humor was sounded with a Soviet offer to exchange Warships for wool and meat: the Soviets are in debt to New Zealand for previous purchases of these commodities. Follow­ing the election, the new government pledged a commitment to the ANZAC deal, although the delivery times for the ships may be rescheduled.

Progressive updates of the existing frigate force continue, with Wellington and Canterbury receiving a new air- search radar and a Nautis combat data system. The older Southland and Waikato should receive no further modernization beyond that required to keep them in ser­vice until the late 1990s when the transi­tion to the ANZACs will begin, and, in­deed, it was reported late in 1989 that one °f the pair (almost certainly the elderly and unmodemized Southland) would have to be decommissioned for lack of operating funds—a fate that had already befallen the four Lake-class patrol boats, which have been placed up for sale. Dis­cussions continue about a logistic-support ship, but the budget, reduced once again m 1990, does not seem to accommodate this. A particular problem for the RNZN must be the future of the ten old Wasp helicopters. These can only last a few years more. The RNZN needs an aircraft |° fit on both a Leander and the ANZACs: ^l-e., a smaller helicopter than a Seahawk, ^Such as a Super Lynx or Dauphin.

South Pacific: The Australian Pacific Patrol-boat program is nearly completed. These 103-foot vessels have now joined the navies of Papua New Guinea (four), Tonga (three), the Solomons (one, with a second due in late 1991), Vanuatu, West­ern Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Micro­nesia. Several of these island countries have made progress in creating surveil­lance programs to monitor their EEZs, using both their own units and Australian and New Zealand ships and Australian P-3 Orions deployed for this purpose. In July 1990, a five-nation exercise was conducted by Vanuatu, which included patrol boats from the Solomons and Tonga, as well as Vanuatu’s own Tukoro. In October and November, Tonga ran a similar exercise, although this was ex­tended to involve the land elements of the Tongan Defense Services. With continu­ing technical support and funding from Australia, the patrol-boat project prom­ises to contribute a great deal to regional surveillance and security efforts. Al­though Fiji, in the wake of the military coups, is no longer involved in the

The small force of four Pacific-class patrol boats, left, the Basilisk (P-04), was busy maintaining a blockade of Bougainville in anti-insurgent opera­tions for Papua New Guinea. While debate continues over whether New Zealand will purchase the new ANZAC-class frigate, the current frigate force continues with progres­sive updates such as a new air-search radar and Nautis combat data system installed in the HMNZS Wellington (F-69), below.

scheme, there are reports of Fijian inter­est in acquiring up to four patrol boats to replace the trio of discarded ex-U.S. Navy Redwing-class converted mine­sweepers. They must soon be replaced if Fiji is to have any credible means of watching its own enormous EEZ.

Myanmar (Burma): Increasingly iso­lated from its traditional arms suppliers by the repressive actions of its govern­ment and a lax attitude toward the pro­duction of drugs, Myanmar is likely to turn to China for replacements for its an­tiquated fleet of seagoing naval units.

The Naval Engineering Department in Rangoon delivered four simple 60-foot river patrol boats on 11 April 1990.

Commander Goldrick is commanding officer-desig­nate of HMAS Cessnock, a Fremantle-class patrol boat, and Commander Jones is in charge of the Royal Australian Navy’s Tactical Development Cell. Both have contributed to Proceedings; Commander Goldrick is the author of The Kings Ships Were at Sea, published by the Naval Institute Press in 1984.