Malaysia Plans to Induct Su-57 Fighter Jets by 2035

 

Despite mixed reviews of the Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jet, there is noticeable international interest in its purchase. According to local media outlet Twentytwo13, Malaysia is considering adding the Su-57 to the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) fleet by 2035. Unnamed sources report that Malaysia could receive its first Su-57 Felon towards the end of its 14th Plan, which involves procuring one squadron initially with an option for a second.

The sources also mention that Malaysia intends to acquire another type of fighter jet, likely the American-made F/A-18C/D Hornets from Kuwait. Additionally, Malaysia plans to upgrade its current fleet of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM jets to the Super Flanker standard.

Malaysia's interest in the Su-57 and the South Korean KF-21 Boramae is due to their modern, operational status. Initially, Malaysia considered several options, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, French Dassault Rafale, Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen, and American Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, these aircraft are classified as 4.5 generation and have been in service for about two decades. The Super Hornet, for instance, is nearing its 25th year in operation, with Boeing planning to end production by 2025. Experts believe this generation of aircraft has nearly reached its developmental potential.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to equip its fighter squadrons with the Su-57 Felon in a cautious low-rate initial production phase.

The Su-57 Felon, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi company, is designed for air combat and strike missions. It features stealth, supermaneuverability, and the latest avionics, and is set to replace older aircraft like the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force. The Su-57 is 66 feet long, 46 feet wide, and 15 feet tall, enabling it to carry a variety of weapons and sensors while remaining hard to detect on radar. It uses two Saturn AL-41F1 engines that help it reach speeds of up to Mach 2 and fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, conserving fuel.

The unique wing design combines trapezoidal and swept wings with two widely spaced engines, improving lift, reducing drag, and enhancing stability and control. The Su-57's movable horizontal and vertical stabilizers enhance agility, stability, and control during various flight phases. The aircraft is built with alloys, including 40.5-44.5% aluminum and 18.6% titanium, and composites, which make up 22-26% of its weight and about 70% of its outer surface.

The Su-57 features the N036 Byelka radar system, which uses AESA technology to electronically steer its beam, allowing quicker target spotting and tracking. This radar enhances the Su-57’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness. It can detect and follow multiple targets simultaneously and has advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including jamming enemy radars and communications and gathering intelligence from enemy signals. The radar’s low probability of intercept (LPI) capability makes its signals hard for enemies to detect, reducing the chance of the Su-57 being tracked or targeted.

The Su-57 is armed with the R-77 missile (AA-12 Adder), R-73 missile (AA-11 Archer), and R-37M missile (AA-13 Arrow) for long-range engagements. It also carries air-to-ground weapons like the Kh-38 missile and Kh-59MK2 cruise missile, which is designed for high-value targets with low radar visibility and precision. The Su-57 can deploy guided bombs such as the KAB-250 and KAB-500, making it effective for close air support and strategic bombing. Additionally, it has a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon for close-range air combat and ground target strafing, adding to its versatility and lethality.

Japan Unveils Footage of Hypersonic Missile Test for Island Defense

 

Japan has taken a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities by successfully testing the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP). This hypersonic missile test was conducted by the Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) of Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) on March 23, 2024, in the United States. The test, which was publicly announced last week, showcased the HVGP as a “High-Speed Gliding Missile for Island Defense,” categorizing it within the boost-glide vehicle class.

The HVGP is part of Japan’s strategic effort to counter the growing hypersonic threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound and maneuvering during flight, pose a significant challenge to current missile defense systems. Japan’s HVGP is scheduled for deployment by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in the fiscal year 2026.

Development of the HVGP began in 2018, aiming for completion by 2025. However, due to escalating regional threats, mass production started early in 2023. The missile will be developed in phases, with the initial “Early Deployment Version (Block 1)” tested recently. Future versions, “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2A)” and “Enhanced Capability Version (Block 2B),” are planned to extend the missile’s range to 2,000 km and 3,000 km, respectively, by the fiscal years 2027 and 2030.

The HVGP’s design allows it to be launched from a truck-mounted booster, with the warhead separating mid-flight to glide towards its target. This design enhances its agility and makes it difficult to intercept. The primary guidance system is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), with an inertial navigation system as a backup. Future enhancements may include radio-frequency imaging and infrared homing for engaging moving targets.

Japan has been proactively working on hypersonic standoff systems, including the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) and the HVGP, to strengthen its defense posture. Japan's defense minister, Yasukazu Hamada, has emphasized the importance of these developments in response to increasing military threats from neighboring countries. The HVGP is expected to serve as a crucial component in defending Japan’s isolated islands and maintaining regional stability.

The recent test aimed to evaluate the HVGP’s fundamental propulsion, materials, and electronic systems. Further tests are necessary to confirm the system’s full operational capabilities. The HVGP could potentially be adapted for anti-ship roles, providing a versatile defense tool against various threats. Japan's proactive steps in hypersonic missile development reflect its commitment to enhancing national security and maintaining a technological edge in the region.

Could Israel Acquire F-22 Raptors as the US Air Force Retires Them?

 

The US Air Force (USAF) plans to retire its older F-22 Raptors in 2024, deeming upgrades too costly. However, Israel, a key ally, might find value in acquiring these fifth-generation fighter jets despite upgrade expenses surpassing $2 billion. 

Unlike the widely exported F-35, the F-22 has only been operated by the US due to a 1990s Congressional ban aimed at preventing its advanced stealth technology from reaching adversaries like Russia and China.

Former President Donald Trump once considered selling the F-22 to Israel to maintain its military edge, especially after agreeing to sell F-35s to the UAE. With the USAF seeking to redirect funds from retiring Block 20 F-22s to new projects like hypersonic missile development and the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, 32 out of 185 F-22s are set for storage. Despite operational costs of $485 million annually, experts argue that transferring these aircraft to Israel would bolster US allies against threats from Iran, Russia, and China.

National security analyst Brandon J. Weichert suggests that selling F-22s to Israel could help reopen production lines, reduce costs, and sustain the jet's long-term viability. The F-22, although not designed for export, offers unparalleled capabilities, as demonstrated in exercises like Northern Edge 2006, where it achieved a 108-to-zero kill ratio against top fighter jets.

Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter with superior air-to-air and ground attack capabilities. Despite its high cost and certain limitations, such as a relatively short range and small weapons magazine, the F-22 remains a formidable asset. The USAF originally planned to procure 750 units but scaled down to 187 by 2009, with the last delivery in 2012.

As the USAF considers the future of its F-22 fleet, transferring some of these aircraft to Israel could ensure the US remains strategically prepared with well-armed allies, particularly amid growing global tensions.

Pentagon Recommits to Sentinel Nuclear Missile Amid Rising Costs and Program Overhaul

 

The Pentagon remains dedicated to developing the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile despite escalating costs, instructing the U.S. Air Force to restructure the program to manage expenses. The Sentinel, made by Northrop Grumman, is now projected to cost $140.9 billion, an 81% increase from the initial $77.7 billion estimate. Without modifications, costs could reach $160 billion. This restructuring will delay the program by several years. 

William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, emphasized the necessity of modernizing nuclear forces despite the costs. The Sentinel is set to replace the aging Minuteman III missile. In January, the Air Force reported severe cost overruns, prompting a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach review. LaPlante decided to continue with the Sentinel, citing its essential role in national security and the lack of cheaper alternatives.

Significant changes are expected, including rescinding the program's Milestone B approval and ordering a complete restructure to address cost overruns and management issues. The per-unit cost, initially $118 million in 2020, has risen to about $214 million, including additional components.

 Andrew Hunter, the Air Force’s assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics, supported LaPlante's decision and pledged to devise a restructuring plan over the next few months. This plan will likely take 18 to 24 months for the Pentagon's approval.

Most cost overruns are linked to Sentinel’s command and launch segment, including missile silos and launch control centers. The Air Force aims to scale back these facilities to reduce costs and transition timelines from the Minuteman III system to the new Sentinel facilities. Northrop Grumman continues to make progress on the Sentinel, achieving key milestones in design, development, and testing.

 The Pentagon now has better information on Sentinel's complexities, leading to more accurate cost estimates. The Air Force has established oversight committees and executive officers to manage its nuclear enterprise, ensuring the Minuteman III’s sustainability during the interim period.

Gen. Jim Slife, the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, noted that the most challenging decisions regarding program cuts would be made after establishing the new baseline costs, which are expected to emerge in the next few years.

Turkey's KAAN Fighter Jet: Ambitious Plans for Global Sales and Advanced Capabilities

 In a recent interview with Gdh TV, Mehmet Demiroğlu, the executive director of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), detailed the ambitious plans for the KAAN fighter jet, which is touted as Turkey's fifth-generation fighter. Preliminary data suggests that the Turkish Air Force will acquire over 100 KAAN aircraft. Additionally, TAI aims to secure international orders, potentially boosting total sales to between 250 and 300 units. Friendly and allied nations are expected to receive around 150 of these jets. 

The KAAN recently completed its second flight, with former TAI executive Temel Kotil claiming the aircraft would surpass the American F-35 in performance. TAI is actively promoting the KAAN internationally to avoid a significant price hike, as the cost of each jet could exceed $100 million without external orders. 

Potential partners include Azerbaijan, with whom Turkey signed a cooperation agreement last summer, and Pakistan. Ukraine has also shown interest, with their ambassador to Turkey indicating plans to both purchase and utilize the KAAN fighters. By 2028, the Turkish Air Force plans to receive 20 KAAN fighters, with production expected to ramp up significantly by 2030.

The KAAN fighter, also known as the TF-X, is designed to perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. It is being developed by TAI in collaboration with various national and international partners. The aircraft's dimensions include a length of approximately 19 meters, a wingspan of around 12 meters, and a height of about 6 meters. Its twin-engine setup will enable high-speed maneuvers and sustained supersonic flight, though the exact engine model is not yet confirmed. 

The KAAN boasts advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise ability, and highly agile aerodynamics, reducing its radar cross-section. Its avionics suite features advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and an integrated sensor fusion system for comprehensive situational awareness and multi-target engagement. 

The aircraft will carry various weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided bombs, and a built-in cannon, with multiple hardpoints for external weapons and fuel tanks. Its operational range is projected to be around 1,200 nautical miles without refueling, extendable with external fuel tanks or aerial refueling.

Promoting the KAAN in the international market is crucial for Turkey to manage costs and enhance its defense capabilities. The aircraft’s advanced features and ambitious production plans reflect Turkey’s commitment to establishing a robust and competitive aerospace industry. The KAAN project, led by TAI with both national and international collaborations, represents a significant step forward in Turkey’s defense technology and its aspirations for a stronger presence in the global defense market.

China's 'Monster' Coast Guard Vessel Anchors in Philippine Waters, Escalating South China Sea Tensions

 In a move considered "intimidation" by Philippine officials, China has anchored its enormous coast guard vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), heightening tensions in the South China Sea. On July 3, the China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901 anchored near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, about 130 kilometers northwest of the Philippine island of Palawan. This vessel remained in place as of July 6.

The Philippine Coast Guard quickly warned the Chinese vessel and questioned its intentions. Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, emphasized that the Philippines would not back down from its territorial claims in the South China Sea. “It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard,” Tarriela stated. “We’re not going to pull out, and we’re not going to be intimidated.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a regular press briefing, denied the Philippines' claim that the area was within its EEZ. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “China’s military and police ships patrolling and enforcing the law in the waters near Xianbin Jiao comply with China’s domestic law and international law,” using the Chinese name for the Sabina Shoal.

China asserts "indisputable sovereignty" over almost the entire South China Sea, leading to overlapping claims with several countries, including the Philippines. Despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal in The Hague favoring the Philippines and rejecting China's broad claims, Beijing continues to enforce its territorial ambitions through its coast guard and militia boats.

Over the past year, China Coast Guard ships, often supported by militia boats, have been involved in numerous incidents, resulting in damage to Philippine vessels and injuries to Filipino sailors. The CCG-5901, with its significant size and firepower, frequently leads China's efforts to assert control. Last year, this vessel was deployed near Vanguard Bank, a contentious area between Vietnam and China, highlighting its role in regional power dynamics.

China's coast guard vessels, dubbed "The Monster," are the largest of their kind globally. At 541 feet in length and displacing 12,000 tons, these vessels dwarf most other coast guard ships, including those of the United States. Their impressive size and capabilities make them pivotal in China's strategy of intimidation and control over disputed waters.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua, the largest and most advanced vessel in the Philippine Coast Guard, has been stationed at Sabina Shoal since April to counter the presence of Chinese maritime militias. Measuring 97 meters, it is considerably smaller than the Chinese CCG-5901 but remains a crucial asset for the Philippines. Despite its size, the Teresa Magbanua will continue to patrol and ensure the security of Philippine waters.

Philippine Coast Guard officials have stated that while the Teresa Magbanua is vital to their operations, it is not meant to be a permanent outpost but rather a patrol vessel safeguarding Philippine sovereignty. This stance reflects the broader regional tensions and the ongoing struggle for control and influence in the South China Sea.

India to Test US-Made Stryker AFVs for Enhanced Border Defense Against China

India is set to evaluate the US-made Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) to boost its defense capabilities against potential threats along its northern and western borders. The Stryker AFV has seen extensive use in global conflicts, most recently in Ukraine. Indian media reports indicate that the Indian Army will soon test these vehicles in desert terrains and the high-altitude region of Ladakh. Defense establishment sources reveal that the Indian Army aims to acquire around 530 armored fighting vehicles.

Following the 2+2 ministerial consultations in November 2023 between India and the US, a senior US defense official announced plans for the US and India to collaborate on producing Stryker AFVs for India. Although no official agreement has been signed, sources suggest that negotiations are at an advanced stage. Last month, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan discussed the AFVs.

India is expected to make a limited off-the-shelf purchase of Strykers through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. Subsequently, joint production of the vehicles is likely to take place in India under the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). The Stryker is under consideration because Indian vendors have not met the required qualitative standards (QR).

However, the Stryker has some technical limitations that are being assessed. Concerns have been raised about the 350-horsepower Caterpillar C7 engine's performance at high altitudes due to thin air. To address this, the US has offered to replace it with a 750-horsepower Cummins Advanced Combat Engine, providing a significant upgrade.

With an eye on China’s People's Liberation Army near the disputed border, India needs an advanced, battle-tested armored vehicle for high-altitude terrains like Eastern Ladakh. The Indian Army, seeking to modernize its Russian-origin BMP-II amphibious infantry fighting vehicles, plans to replace them with wheeled and tracked Infantry Combat Vehicles. The Strykers are likely to be deployed in high-altitude areas along the border with China, such as Eastern Ladakh and Sikkim. Since the 2020 conflict, India has emphasized the need for light tanks and more armored combat vehicles to navigate the challenging high-altitude terrain.

Opinions about the Stryker in India are divided. Some military experts believe the vehicle will strengthen India’s arsenal against the PLA, while others argue that India already has the indigenous capability with the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP). Although the WhAP has demonstrated its capabilities with multiple turrets, a sight system, and a fire control system, some defense sources argue that it lacks comprehensive sight systems, fire control systems, and weaponry.

If approved, the Stryker’s capabilities will need modifications to suit high-altitude regions like Eastern Ladakh. Proponents emphasize the Stryker's versatility, mobility, and flexibility as suitable for India’s needs. They also note similarities between the US Stryker and the Chinese armored vehicle VN22, highlighting the strategic importance of acquiring such technology.

Combatant Commanders require a brigade that can be quickly and strategically deployed, and Indian officials believe the Stryker meets this need. It is lighter and easier to move compared to larger tanks like the T-72 and T-90 in the Indian arsenal. The Stryker, while not as strong as tanks, can operate in various terrains like snow, mud, and sand.

The Stryker has been combat-tested in Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently in Ukraine against Russian forces, proving its reliability and effectiveness in various combat situations.