LCS Is Outgunned, Outclassed

Bring on the Frigate: LCS Is Outgunned, Outclassed

By William A. Price

Unlike the LCS program, our allies are building frigates or fast patrol boats, not a hybrid. Many NATO frigate classes currently in service and under construction boast better armament, size, and survivability. Our allies are building patrol boats with stealth and long range anti-ship missiles that surpass LCS. Many of these ships are much less expensive than the LCS. Even those ships with similar unit cost have much higher survivability and capability than LCS.

Denmark. In January, Defense News heralded Denmark as the “clear leader” in constructing highly flexible frigates at an affordable price, “developing two classes of highly innovative ships designed to [carry] out coalition operations while equipped to swing from high-end to low-end missions.”

Those ships are the Iver Huitfeldt class frigate and Absalon flexible support ship. The two ship classes share a common, large, highly efficient hull. While the Navy now believes it will take weeks to change LCS modules, the Danish ships can accept new modules in a matter of hours. The ships are about double the size of LCS, but also have over twice the range – an impressive 9,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

T.X. Hammes at the National Defense University has detailed the significant advantages of the Huitfeldt over LCS.

It is vastly more lethal. It carries two 76mm guns, one of which can be replaced with a 127mm gun with longer range. It also has several additional guns for close-in defense. The Huitfeldt carriers 16 Harpoon II anti-ship missiles with a range of 75-80 miles.

The Huitfeldt boasts impressive anti-air warfare capabilities, including 32 SM-2 Block IIIA missiles, 24 Evolved Sea Sparrow RIM 162B anti-air missiles, and four Stinger missiles. As Hammes notes, the Huitfeldt’s maximum anti-air engagement range is over 20 times that of the LCS.

The Huitfeldt has all the anti-submarine capability of the LCS with one major difference – that capability is organic, and does not require a separate mission module.

The Absalon is remarkable for its flexibility. It can carry up to 200 troops, 7 main battle tanks, fast missiles boats, or an entire hospital. Like the Huitfeldt, it too has larger main guns and longer-range anti-ship missiles than the LCS.

So how much are these ships with all their added capabilities? The Huitfeldt costs $332 million per ship, exclusive of weapons. Depending on the estimate, the Absalon runs at about $225-270 million each. And this in a highly advanced economy with unionized shipyards.

United Kingdom. The mainstay of the Royal Navy’s frigate fleet for the last 25 years has been the Type 23 frigate. Originally designed as an anti-submarine vessel, the Type 23 has proven highly versatile. It is equipped with a bigger main gun, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, greater anti-air defenses, and significant built-in ASW capabilities. It is also highly survivable as a result of design changes during the Falklands War. Each of these ships costs about $216 million.

The Type 23’s successor, the Global Combat Ship is planned to enter service in 2021. Its costs will be much closer to the LCS, but it will have more advanced capabilities.

Norway. Norway has purchased frigates and fast stealth boats with greater capability than LCS. The Nansen class frigate is more like a small destroyer with capabilities similar to an American Arleigh Burke, including Aegis radar systems. Even with its heavier armaments and more advanced sensor and surveillance capabilities, Norway’s five Nansen class frigates cost$480 million per ship.

Norway’s Skjold  class coastal corvettes carry a 76 mm main gun and anti-ship missiles with a range of over 115 miles. With extremely shallow draft, these stealthy ships provide even greater access to littoral waters than LCS, and tops out at 60 knots. Stealthy, speedy, and comparably armed, the Skjold costs just $125 million per ship, one-fourth to one-sixth the cost of an LCS.

Sweden. The Swedish Navy has built five of the stealthed Visby class fast patrol corvettes. It carries the same 57mm gun as LCS, but also carries built-in anti-submarine capabilities including torpedoes and depth charges. The Visby is armed with RBS-15 anti-ship missiles with a range over 150 miles. It’s extremely stealthy with a radar-deflecting hull, and is available in larger anti-mine and anti-submarine variants. The Visby has the same top speed as the LCS, but is only one-fifth its size. And , of course, it’s much cheaper than the LCS at just $180-250 million per ship.

Germany, France, Italy. While a number of U.S. allies are producing more capable ships for cheaper, Germany, France, and Italy are producing similarly priced ships with considerably more capabilities.

Germany’s F125 frigate has been designed with crisis management and stabilization missions in mind. The ship can transport up to 50 special forces troops and their equipment, which can be deployed on two helicopters or four speed boats. The F125 costs approximately the same as LCS, but it’s significantly more lethal than the LCS, with a 127mm main gun, eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and a special capability for tactical fire support against land targets.

France and Italy are building a common frigate design, the European multipurpose frigate (FREMM). The FREMM is slightly pricier than the LCS, but has much capabilities including a larger main, longer-range anti-ship missiles, land attack cruise missiles, anti-air missiles, and built-in anti-submarine torpedoes. Each FREMM cost approximately $700-750 million.

Stop, Reset, Redesign: We Need Frigates

As the Navy confronts a dangerous maritime environment and a strained shipbuilding budget, the LCS is not the ship America needs. It is outgunned by our enemies and outclassed by our allies. And as Secretary Hagel makes the case for capability over capacity, it’s strange that the main argument from LCS proponents is that the ship stabilizes the Navy’s fleet around 300 ships. “Presence is the purpose,” says Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. Unfortunately when it comes to the LCS, presence seems like a euphemism for a capacity over capability. 

Capability containers and missile modules are fine, but the example of our allies demonstrates that a more lethal combatant with more organic capabilities is possible at an affordable price. We should accept nothing less.

In 2008, Senator John McCain said of the LCS, “We need to fix it, or find something else. Quickly.” His conclusion still stands. 

Malaysia lacking immediate procurement projects

Although the growth of Southeast Asian economies offer great opportunities to defence companies, no new major procurement programmes are expected for Malaysia in the short-term.

A number of programmes are expected to be postponed until the 11th Malaysia Plan covering government spending for 2016-2020 as the government addresses an increasing public deficit, said John Siddhart, senior aerospace and defence analyst of MarketsandMarkets.

According to government statistics, the defence budget for 2014 is set at RRM16.1 billion ($5 billion) representing a RM900 million increase from the previous year.

‘The key procurement during the 2014 budget includes six Second Generation Patrol Vessel-Littoral Combat Ships, four cargo aircraft and support equipment and armoured vehicles at a cost of about RM2.4 billion,’ said Siddhart.

He added that the government is expected to procure Multi-Purpose Support Ships beyond 2016, for which the Royal Malaysian Navy has had a requirement since 2008. He added that the existing AV8 8X8 AFV programme is anticipated to generate an order of 500 vehicles under the new government spending plan.

In addition, four AWAC systems, trainer aircraft and MANPADS are expected to be procured after 2015.
‘The other priority list includes utility and attack helicopters wherein attack helicopters top the list,’ said Siddhart.

To date, no RfP has been released regarding the urgent attack helicopter requirement, for which Boeing, Airbus Helicopters and Bell have been promoting the AH-64D, Tiger and AH-1Z, respectively.

With regard to the wider Southeast Asian region, the outlook looks promising with nations building up their military capabilities with enhanced maritime security being on the list of priorities.

While total defence spending is growing in the region, scale and pace varies significantly across nations. According to a McKinsey report, released in February 2014, Indonesia has more than doubled its spending in the past five years whereas the budgets of Cambodia and Laos are growing more slowly.

Although the defence markets of Southeast Asian nations are small compared to markets such as China and India, collectively they are in the top of defence importers globally.

Following SIPRI figures, Southeast Asia made up the second largest military import market worldwide between 2007 and 2013 with Singapore accounting for 38% of the total. Malaysia encompassed 19% of the regional market followed by Vietnam and Indonesia at 13% and 12% respectively.

The ASEAN market appears to be highly competitive as its procurement patterns demonstrate with countries sourcing equipment from all over the globe.

‘Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have balanced their supplies across multiple sources including the US, Europe, Russia and South Korea. Vietnam, by contrast, has traditionally had a strong defence procurement relationship with Russia, while the Philippines has tended to import largely from the US,’ the McKinsey report said.

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11th April 2014 - 8:13by Joyce de Thouars in London 

Malaysia Eyes Submarine Base Expansion Near South China Sea

Malaysian defense minister Hishammuddin Hussein announced that Malaysia would look to equip its naval base close to the South China Sea with an air defense system.

Hishammuddin made the announcement during a visit to the base, known as the RMN Kota Kinabalu, as part of a three-day working trip to the country’s east to examine its military preparedness. He said that the base required an advanced air defense system to ensure its protection.

The need to enhance the base’s defenses is understandable. The RMN Kota Kinabalu is the only base with the facilities to host the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN’s) two prized Scorpene-class submarines. Malaysia’s naval capabilities have also been increasingly stretched. The country, which is surrounded by strategic sea lanes and is heavily dependent on seaborne trade, faces a range of challenges to secure its interests, as Hishammuddin himself pointed out, including the South China Sea disputes, the Islamic State and the security situation in Sabah.

While he was predictably silent on the specifics of those challenges, close observers know what they are. The 2013 invasion of Sabah by Filipino militants – known as the Lahad Datu incident – followed by a series of 2014 kidnappings involving Chinese nationals there, have revealed Malaysia’s vulnerability in the east. Meanwhile, rising incursions from China into Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea have exposed the country’s naval limitations. The threat of the Islamic state also looms large. Having any of these threats disrupt Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship year would be a disaster, particularly as it prepares to usher in the ASEAN Community with great fanfare.

While the move is clearly part of a broader effort to harden the country’s defenses against these threats, Hishammuddin was coy on specifics. He said more – including which systems might be used – would be forthcoming later. But when exactly is still not clear. That matters because it would determine where it fits within Malaysia’s spending plans over the next few years. Other issues also remain unresolved, including how much of a priority this is relative to other much-needed military upgrades which have previously been put off for various reasons.

More broadly, a key lingering question for Malaysia when such announcements are made – as it often is these days – will be whether it is able to actually follow through on it in the current political and economic environment. Hishammuddin himself said the kind of equipment to be purchased would be subject to the economy and political situation. Both of those are factors have made military modernization a challenge in Malaysia in recent years under Prime Minister Najib Razak.

At present, neither of those looks particularly good. Politically, growing dissatisfaction with the government, combined with a deep suspicion about corruption in military purchases, often makes justifying new equipment challenging. The two Scorpene submarines the base holds were themselves previously the subject of a scandal harking back to when Najib was defense minister. Economically, falling oil prices, a weakening currency, and devastating floods made Najib announce a much trimmer, revised budget earlier this month than the one he unveiled last October. Penny-pinching times may make new defense plans less palatable.

Of course, the government may be able to find ways (and room) to get systems that it truly needs. The little of Najib’s initial 2015 budget that was devoted to defense last year, for instance, still included plans to secure Malaysia’s east, including additional army battalions, upgrading runways, and sea basing. Hishammuddin announced more specifics on some of these measures during his trip as well. At the RMN Kota Kinabalu base, he also inspected the ongoing construction of three workshops for the maintenance of submarine equipment and storage, judging it to be 12 percent complete and according to schedule. Perhaps he will be back unveiling an actual advanced air defense system further down the line.

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Asia Defence

By Prashanth Parameswaran

January 28, 2015

Malaysia defence Budget 2016-2020

In October 2014, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that Malaysia’s defense budget would be increased to $5.4 billion in 2015, a hike of ten percent.  At the same time, the defense procurement and research budgets were increased by six percent to over $1 billion. This increase in defense funding, however, did not include the replacement of aging major weapons platforms such as MiG-29 jet fighters.

Malaysia’s increased defense spending was designed to meet two concerns: security threats from the southern Philippines and Chinese assertiveness in the seas around James Shoal. For example, defense funds will be used to relocate 19 light combat fighter planes to Labuan island. The airstrip at Labuan will also see the basing of the US Navy’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft on a case-by-case basis.

It is significant within this context that the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Aziz Jaafar, revealed in his New Year address on January 7, the navy had requested $2.86 billion in funding under the 11th Malaysia Plan, 2016-2020.

These funds, if approved, would be used primarily for the procurement of eight guided missile corvettes and six anti-submarine helicopters as well as for the acquisition of small craft and the replacement of obsolescent torpedo and missile systems on navy ships.

Malaysia Struggles to Update Military

by Dzirhan Mahadzir

 - February 7, 2014, 11:20 PM

The current political climate and government austerity measures in Malaysia mean that a number of programs for the Malaysian armed forces look likely to be postponed until the time frame of the 11th Malaysia Plan, which covers government spending for the period of 2016-2020. A combination of public dissatisfaction over the cutting of government subsidies and the government’s need to balance an increasing deficit has made spending on military procurement politically unviable at the moment.

One of the key programs already on hold indefinitely is the Royal Malaysian Air Force MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft) requirement to replace its MiG-29s, though all four contenders for the program–Boeing, Dassault, BAE Systems and Saab–have, in the light of the current situation, made proposals such as long-term repayments and lease options to Malaysia in an attempt to persuade the country to make a decision soon to go ahead with the program.

However, it appears that even this will not be enough for Malaysia to proceed in the near future, even though the timetable has already fallen behind the RMAF’s projected target date of 2015 for phasing out the MiG-29s. The RMAF currently has restricted the MiG-29 fleet (which number around eight aircraft) to operational duties and missions only in an effort to preserve their operational lifespan. Previously, the MiG-29 also carried out public event duties such as fly-pasts and airshow displays.

Delay for Lead-in Fighters

The delay on the MRCA program has also impacted the RMAF’s plans for additional lead-in fighter trainers to add to the eight MB-339CMs it currently operates, as the RMAF has held off ordering additional MB-339CMs due to a combination of budget constraints and wanting to see which type of aircraft would be chosen for the MRCAprogram. It could then decide whether additional MB-339CMs or a more compatible lead-in fighter trainer for the new MRCAs would be required.

At the moment, the RMAF faces a shortfall in lead-in fighter trainer aircraft for its current training requirements, though the planned deactivation in 2015 of No. 12 Squadron, which currently operates two RF-5Es and four F-5E/Fs, would free up fighter pilots for duties in other squadrons. For basic pilot training the RMAF is expected to sign a contract in April this year for additional PC-7 Mk IIs to add to its current fleet during the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

AEWC on Hold

Another program on hold indefinitely is the airborne early warning and control (AEWC) requirement; the RMAFhas had a long-term requirement for at least four aircraft but the government has balked at the potential cost of purchasing and operating such aircraft. RMAF chief general Tan Sri Rodzali Daud has tried to persuade the government to purchase AEWC aircraft on the basis that such an aircraft would also be of use in other roles, such as surveillance and monitoring of Malaysian waters and airspace, and also provide surveillance support for Malaysian civilian enforcement agencies in addition to the traditional military missions of such platforms. However, there still seems to be little government interest in providing funding for such a platform.

Two RMAF programs are expected to commence soon, namely the upgrade of the RMAF’s Lockheed C-130 fleet and the service life extension of 15 of the RMAF’s 28 operational Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters. TheRMAF C-130 fleet, numbering around 14 aircraft, are to be upgraded with avionics and navigation systems that would bring them up to compliance to international aviation requirements along with a glass cockpit.

The upgrade for the C-130s would be done in batches–an initial number of four to eight aircraft is currently funded, with Malaysian company Airod to do the work along with an assigned foreign partner selected by theRMAF. Esterline CMC, Astronautics, Marshall Aerospace and Rockwell Collins are said to be on the RMAF’s down-select list for this program and an announcement is expected to be made at DSA in April.

The S-61 upgrades will also be done by Airod. The lack of funding to purchase additional EC725s to add to the 12 in service has forced the RMAF to prolong the life of 15 S-61s as the Malaysian Armed Forces has laid down the requirement that the RMAF must have a minimum of 27 medium-lift helicopters in service.

Attack Helicopter on Hiatus

While last year’s incursion by Sulu militants into eastern Malaysia initially provided impetus for the acquisition of an attack helicopter capability for the Army Air Corps, again the financial crunch has placed the program in a hiatus. Boeing and Airbus Helicopters have been marketing the AH-64 and Tiger, respectively, for this requirement though recently the Bell AH-1Z Cobra has been promoted as a cheaper alternative to both. The army is also seeking to arm its 11 A109 helicopters, which are currently operating in the light-observation helicopter role for the Army Air Corps. As a stop-gap contingency measure, three of the RMAF’s S-61 Nuri helicopters in eastern Malaysia have been outfitted with .50 caliber door guns to provide gunship support.

Since 2011 the Royal Malaysian Navy has been proposing the acquisition of at least six antisubmarine warfare helicopters to add to its current fleet of six Super Lynx and six Eurocopter AS555 Fennecs. However, the chief of the RMN, Adm. Tan Sri Aziz Jaafar, told AIN that the likelihood of funding for the ASW helicopters also may come about only in the timeframe of the 11th Malaysia Plan.

The U.S. has already been heavily promoting the MH-60R Seahawk for this requirement with exercises and port calls by U.S. Navy ships to Malaysia, emphasizing the helicopter’s role and capabilities along with familiarization flights for Malaysian navy personnel and defense ministry officials. However, there has also been talk of a navalized Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) EC725, which would ensure some compatibility of logistics and maintenance with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s EC-725 fleet. However the RMN is said to be leaning towards the MH-60R.

Currently, ground-based air defense capabilities for Malaysia is limited to some 15 Jernas SAM systems, 28 Oerlikon Skyguard Systems (operated by the Army Air Defence Artillery Group–known as GAPU in the local acronym), along with an assortment of MANPADS. including the IGLA (operated by GAPU and RMAF), Anza Mk 2 (used by the Army’s parachute battalions) and the FN-6 (operated by GAPU). The Starburst MANPADs have all been phased out of service. GAPU has been tasked with formulating the ground-based SAM system requirement for all three services and a report was tabled by them late last year, although again funding for any procurement in the near term appears to be unlikely.

Malaysia's military expenditure is expected to increase to US$7.2 billion by 2020

Bloomberg

Over the historic period, Malaysia's defense expenditure registered a growth rate of 3.66%, increasing from US$4.7 billion in 2011 to US$5.4 billion in 2015

Malaysia's military expenditure, valued at US$5.4 billion in 2015, is expected to increase to US$7.2 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 5.89% over the forecast period.

 Malaysian military expenditure will be driven by the modernization of defense systems, international peacekeeping operations, and territorial disputes with neighboring countries

The Defense Ministry is expected to procure corvettes, multi-role aircraft, armored personnel carrier, and jet fighter.

Malaysia Expected To Order Fighters In 2016-20

Mar 23, 2015Bradley Perrett | Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

Malaysia’s long-running requirement for a MiG-29 replacement is expected to turn into an order in the country’s 2016-20 planning period, with the Saab Gripen looking like a prospect because of the drop in oil prices that has created additional budgetary pressure on the oil-producing country.

Malaysia issued a brief request for proposals for fighters in 2011. With the two main parts of its territory separated by the South China Sea, it wanted a fighter with two engines, eliminating the Gripen.

But the price of crude oil, a key factor supporting the national finances, has halved since then.

“I don’t think the requirement for two engines is set in stone,” says Kaj Rosander, head of major programs for Saab.
The other contenders for the order are larger, have two engines and should be somewhat more expensive: the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and possibly the Sukhoi Su-30. Lockheed Martin appears not to be offering the F-35.

Malaysia needs fighters to replace MiG-29s under the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program. It introduced 18 MiG-29s in the early 1990s; about 10 remain in service. The industry has been expecting Malaysia to order about 18 replacement fighters, but that figure is probably not firm. Malaysia adopts the common practice of five-year government planning periods, so the industry expects the order to appear in the next one, covering 2016-20.

Apart from two engines, the 2011 request for proposals, which was a preliminary document more like a request for information, specified a radar with an active electronically scanned array. Contracts for Malaysian manufacturing and exports to offset some of the value of importing the fighters are likely.

Saab expects Malaysia to adopt the increasingly common practice of specifying a required capability, measured as annual available flight time, rather than a certain number of aircraft. The Swedish firm thinks 16 Gripen C/Ds could provide the flight time that will probably be required.

The timing of the program is not ideal for Boeing. No decision is likely within a year, but Boeing’s Super Hornet program manager, Dan Gillan, said this month the company would have to decide in the middle of the year whether to support continued production of the type. To remain a candidate for Malaysia, the Super Hornet will need further orders from elsewhere.

Howard Berry, vice president for Super Hornet sales, emphasizes the payload-range capability of the Super Hornet, which has twice the empty weight of the Gripen C/D. It also has the advantage that the Royal Malaysian Air Force operates the F/A-18D Hornet, of which the Super Hornet is an enlarged derivative.

Rosander and Berry spoke to Aviation Week at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia last week, where Andy Lavin of BAE Systems also detailed the offer of the Eurofighter Typhoon. Officials from Dassault and Sukhoi representative Rosoboronexport were not available.

The clear advantage of the Gripen C/D is that it presents a relatively low challenge to the Malaysian budget. Malaysia wants all of the candidates to reduce the fiscal challenge by offering a lease deal, something that the Swedish company has experience in doing. The Czech Republic and Hungary lease their Gripens.

Saab must offer Gripens of the C/D version, because the enlarged Gripen E/F, which will replace the C/D in production, must first be built for Sweden and Brazil. But because the C/D is leaving production, an order would be needed within a year, which is unlikely. If Malaysia moves too late, then C/Ds could be supplied otherwise, Rosander says. He declines to be more specific, but the obvious source would be secondhand aircraft, perhaps supplied as interim equipment pending later deliveries of E/Fs.

Government Will Help Modernise RMN - Najib

LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government would continue assisting the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) develop as a credible force which the country could be proud of.

He said the government needed to provide equipment which could modernise the RMN to achieve a high level of preparedness and be battle-ready.

"Whatever we do for the welfare of RMN staff and to build its capabilities are definitely appropriate and worthy," he said after performing Isya' and tarawih prayers at the An-Nur Mosque at the RMN base here last night.

The prime minister also congratulated the RMN team for its success in recapturing the tanker, MT Orkim Harmony, which was hijacked by pirates recently.

Najib said he understood the responsibilities and duties borne by RMN personnel to ensure the nation's security and peace.

"I am also aware that your responsibilities are very heavy, regardless of the day and time. Perhaps other people can be with their families during Ramadan and Hari Raya, but some of you will definitely be at the frontline performing your duties.

"I fully understand the feelings of your beloved wife and children who cannot celebrate with their husband and father because they have to be on duty so that the people can live in peace and sleep well.

"This is what is meant by the price of peace, and we have to pay this price and you are willing to pay this price for the sake of 28 million Malaysians," he said.

The prime minister also announced an allocation of RM8.5 million to redevelop the An-Nur Mosque at the Lumut naval base.

"In appreciation of your contributions to the country and people, tonight and in this holy month, I feel it is most appropriate for me to announce the approval (of the allocation) to redevelop the RMN mosque to have a larger capacity to accommodate more people, from 3,000 to 5,000, as well as to beautify the mosque so that you can pray in greater comfort," he said.

RMN deputy chief, Vice-Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin in his speech said on behalf of the security force, he thanked the government for the special aid of RM500 given to civil servants in conjunction with the coming Hari Raya festival.

"We will hold strong to the oath of loyalty to the country and government elected by the people, and this oath is not a political oath but an oath to protect the rights of the people through the system of parliamentary democracy.

"As a force which has been entrusted to protect the peace and sovereignty of the country, we will continue carrying this responsibility till the last drop of our blood," he said.

Bernama