South China sea theater, This time Japan confronts China

South China sea theater, This time Japan confronts China

A Maritime Self-Defense Force flotilla of three ships arrived in the Philippines early Sunday on a goodwill visit — the first to include a Japanese submarine in 15 years — amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

The training submarine Oyashio, accompanied by the destroyers Ariake and Setogiri, made a port call at Subic Bay, home of a former U.S. naval base, ahead of planned open sea drills. Some 500 Japanese personnel, including 55 officer candidates, are taking part in the confidence-building exercise.

Philippine Navy public affairs officer Capt. Lued Lincuna said the three MSDF vessels would be staying in Subic Bay until Wednesday.

The two destroyers are then scheduled to continue on to Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay for a similar visit. The trip to Cam Ranh Bay will take the two vessels through the South China Sea, where the Philippines, Vietnam and three other nations are involved in simmering territorial disputes with China.

The visit to the Philippines comes ahead of a much-anticipated arbitration case concerning the legality of China’s “nine-dash line” claim over the South China Sea. Manila expects the court to hand down a ruling before May.

But despite the growing ties between Tokyo and Manila, Lincuna said the visit was “not directed at any other countries.”

“It has nothing to do with China,” Lincuna said.

Beijing lays claim to most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in global trade passes each year. It has recently constructed artificial islands in the waters — some home to military-grade airfields, radar systems and weapons — riling neighboring claimants.

For its part, the United States has conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” exercises in recent months, sailing ships near disputed islands to underscore the right to freely navigate the seas. Reuters cited an unidentified U.S. official Saturday as saying that a third such exercise was set for early this month.

While not a claimant in the South China Sea, Tokyo has been embroiled in a fight with Beijing over the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands, which China calls Diaoyu, in the East China Sea.

The Japanese decision to send the three vessels to the Philippines, one of the most vocal critics of China’s massive land-reclamation projects in the region, has drawn fire from Beijing. Top Chinese officials have slammed Japan’s push to shore up smaller regional claimants to the waters, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei saying last month that Beijing was keeping a watchful eye on Tokyo’s moves in the area.

“Japan once illegally occupied China’s islands in the South China Sea during WWII,” Hong said. “We are on high alert against Japan’s attempt to return to the South China Sea through military means.”

The visit to Vietnam is also likely to spur an angry reaction from China.

The arrival of the Japanese vessels coincides with the Balikatan joint exercises between the U.S. and Philippine militaries, which are set to kick off Monday. MSDF personnel will also be in attendance as observers.

Amy Searight, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, said last week that Japan is in talks with the Philippines about participating in the joint drills on a regular basis.

“Japan is talking to the Philippines about a status of forces agreement, so that Japan can regularly participate in those kinds of exercises,” Searight told a think tank event in Washington, according to Kyodo News.

The envisioned agreement would govern the operations of the Self-Defense Forces in the Philippines.

“Japan is participating (in the Balikatan drill) as an observer. Japan very much wants to participate more,” she said.

Tokyo has ramped up its cooperation with both Manila and Hanoi, leasing patrol aircraft to the Philippines and building stronger defense ties with Vietnam.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani plans to visit Manila on April 23 and 24 for talks on further deepening security ties, including the possible expansion of joint exercises between the MSDF and the Philippine Navy, reports have said. In late February, Tokyo and Manila signed a defense equipment transfer agreement. This made the Philippines the first Southeast Asian country to have such an agreement with Japan. The agreement promotes the joint production and development of defense equipment and technology, and establishes a legal framework to do so.

According to media reports, the first transfer under the new agreement may be at least five retired MSDF TC-90 aircraft the Japanese government plans to lease to the Philippine Navy. The aircraft could be used for visual monitoring over the Spratly Islands. Discussions on such a lease may take place during Nakatani’s visit slated for later this month.

- Japan Times

Japan Unveils New 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jet

Japan Unveils New 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jet

      This Thursday, Japan’s new Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency revealed the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Advanced Technology Demonstrator – Experimental (ATD-X) fifth-generation fighter technology demonstrator, now dubbed X-2 and unofficially named ‘ShinShin,’ to the media at a heavily guarded hangar at a regional airport near the city of Komaki, in Aichi Prefecture. It has previously been showcased once already in May 2014.

    The X-2 is the country’s first domestically produced full-scale test model—a technology demonstrator—of a new indigenous stealth fighter jet design, which has been under development at a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plant in Toyoyama since 2009, with total program costs estimated at 39.4 billion yen (around $331 million).

   The aircraft—an “advanced technology demonstration unit,” according to the Defense Technical Research and Development Institute –unveiled to the press will not be armed and is slated to be retired in three years, after having undergone extensive tests of advanced fifth-generation fighter technologies, for which Japan’s Defense Ministry has allocated 2.3 billion yen ($19.3 million) in the next fiscal year alone. 

    It will be a testbed platform for multiple technologies including next generation electronically scanned array radar systems, multi-dimensional 3D thrust vectoring concepts, and fine-tune the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. (The X-2 features a special carbon-fiber composite material that absorbs radar waves.)

   The X-2 program’s goal is to eventually produce Japan’s first indigenously-designed fifth-generation air superiority fighter, designated F-3, with serial production slated to begin in 2027, although various delays in the development of the X-2 prototype including issues with the engine control software –scheduled to be fully developed by 2018– make a later date more likely.

    The X-2 with a length of 14.2 meters and a wingspan of 9.1meters is scheduled to make its maiden flight in February 2016. I explained in my earlier piece:

    Prior to its first test-flight, the aircraft will undergo extensive taxiing and ground trials at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries testing center located in Aichi Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. From there the fighter prototype is expected to fly to Gifu Air Field, an airbase of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, situated in the neighboring prefecture of Gifu sometime in February.

   Lockheed-Martin is purported involved in the development of the X-2 prototype. The American aircraft maker was prohibited from selling its F-22 Raptor stealth air superiority fighter to Japan in the 2000s, causing Tokyo’s defense industry to kick-start development of the X-2.

The aircraft unveiled this Thursday is the only X-2 prototype constructed so far.

Article first published in The Diplomat

Show off in Bay of Bengal, Indian Navy Spearheads US and Japanese Navy

Show off in Bay of Bengal, Indian Navy Spearheads US and Japanese Navy

CVN 71, A 57 and DD 118

    The Indian Navy's Guided missile Destroyer INS Ranvijay leads this years Malabar Exercise, as expected the Japanese Navy also deploying it's  AEGIS class destroyer Fuyuzuki. The US Navy leads the participation by fielding two nuclear powered ships. This years Trilateral exercise involves eight surface ships, two submarines and two anti submarine aircraft. The Malabar exercise initially a bilateral exercise involving US Navy and Indian Navy, some editions include guest Navy's like Japan, Australia and Singapore, rival nation against China.

    After series of discussion in US and India, both nations agreed to permanently add Japanese navy into the exercise making the bilateral exercise into trilateral. In 2007 Indian Navy irked the Chinese by conducting the Exercise Malabar with multiple nations with the participation of 26 Ships, one of the biggest Naval showdown in Bay of Bengal close to China. China strongly protested the Indian moves and concerned about foreign Navy's activities close to Chinese Lands. And this time too India planned a week long exercise in Bay of Bengal, with ten ships and two air planes.

    INS Vikramaditya, Navy's lone operational Aircraft Carrier, expected to join with the US Navy's Theodore Roosevelt Carrier, however Indian Navy not fielding the Carrier, since it's still in the docks for an minor refit, The INS Vikramaditya's retrofitted Barak 1 SAM batteries yet to fire missiles which is the main reason why Indian Navy not fielded it's Carrier on this exercise.

    The US navy brings it's Missile Cruiser USS Normandy, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, which is a Flag ship of many US Task Groups operating all over the world. Indian Navy brings the Rajput class Destroyer INS Ranvijay. However the latest guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata yet to get the Barak 8 missiles, and it will not operational until she gets the defensive missiles. The Japanese brings the Akizuki class destroyer JMSDF Fuyuzuki, one of the modern leading AEGIS class destroyer in the Japanese Navy.

    The Three Missile Destroyers leads the way, The flotilla having multiple cruse missiles and anti missile defense systems. The Ranvijay having Brahmos and Styx missiles, Normandy comes with Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles and the Fuyuzuki comes with Type 90 anti shipping cruise missiles. All the participating destroyers also equipped with  modern anti submarine warfare system which include Torpedo launching capabilities. In performance wise the USS Normandy leads the Task group.

A 57 INS Sakthi Replenishing CVN 71

  
    The US Navy brings the Los Angeles Class nuclear attack submarine USS City of Corpus Cristi, The submarine leads the flotilla and stimulate as a hostile submarine during an anti submarine exercise event. The 6000 tons submarine can maneuver underwater posing as threat to entire battle group. The Submarine is a multi role SSN, can capable to launch Tomahawk missiles and Harpoon missiles. The Indian Navy fields the Sindhughosh class submarine a modified Kilo class variant INS Sindhudhwaj. Which having the unique capability of launching Klub cruise missiles, and can launch QR SAM when it surfaced. One of the good reason adding the QR SAM to counter high flying anti submarine planes like P 8I and P 3 Orion.

     Both US and India deploying support ships like Littoral class Combat ship USS Fort Worth and the Modern Shivalik class Frigate INS Shivalik, both  of them perform fast attack maneuvers against submarines and fighter aircraft's. those multi role ships perform escort missions to the large surface action group. In the ongoing exercise both US and Japanese Naval officials witnessed how the Shivalik will counter inbound threat. During the Exercise an F 18 E fighter aircraft launched from the CVN 71 posed as a incoming bogie. The Shivalik's Task is to shoot down the Enemy plane, and INS Shivalik successfully stimulates the missile launch and interception. 

    The  flotilla's heart is the Nimitz class nuclear powered aircraft Carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt. She was there in Persian Gulf, pounded ISIS positions very hard, and one of the Key player of Battle of Tikrit. Having multiple type of attack aircraft's and support planes, The CVN can carry more than sixty F/A 18 E/F Super hornet fighters include electronic attack aircraft's like EA 18 G growler and E 2D Hawk eye airborne Radar planes. If India deploys the INS Vikramaditya, then it's a good showdown between Indian MiG 29K and US F 18 planes.

USS Fort Worth

    The Fleet supported by INS Sakthi  Replenishment oiler ship, INS Sakthi support all the ships who needs Fuel and fresh waters and also assist Mechanical supports too, INS Skathi also victim of Submarine's stimulated attack.

     The Chinese in Red face due to the Flotilla of Ships in Bay of Bengal. as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying reacted sharply when asked about the exercise on Monday: “You mentioned India is having naval exercises with U.S. and Japan and you ask whether China is concerned. I think you are thinking too much…Everyday a lot of activities take place around the world. We cannot connect every activity with China.” “We are not that fragile and we are having sound relationship with both India and the U.S. We hope that relevant activities will contribute to the regional stability they will contribute more positive energy for that,”  

Navy plans Mega Naval drill in Bay of Bengal with US and Japan

Navy plans Mega Naval drill in Bay of Bengal with US and Japan

     The Indian Navy officials confirms this years Malabar Exercise hosted in Bay of Bengal with the Participation of US and Japanese Naval Ships and Aircrafts, it's earlier reported that Indian Government slowly losing the Japanese partnership after some failed negotiations both from Indian and Japanese side, also reported this years Malabar Exercise also limited with American warships, but discussion with US and Japanese officials in Hawaii last week, all three agreed to hold a Bigger version of Malabar Exercise off the Bay of Bengal Coast,

    This is the second time Navy planning a Huge Drill in Bay of Bengal earlier in 2007, The Indian Navy along with US, Japan, Singapore and Australia, more than 25 ships participated in the Naval drill along with huge number of Aircrafts, the US Navy fielded 13 Warships include two aircrafts,  and Indian Navy fielded eight warship including the Aircraft Carrier Viraat, Japan and Australia comes with two ships each and Singapore comes with a Single Ship,

     Such a Huge Number of Warship in bay of Bengal irked the Chinese so much, where China in talks with the Bangladesh and Myanmar to get accesses to Bay of Bengal, The US warships almost explored almost entire Bay of Bengal with the Assistance of Indian Navy makes the Chinese not happy, because of the US presence in their weak side.

    And this is the Second time the US, Japan Hands with the Navy to deploy their ships along with Indian Navy in Bay of Bengal, it's also mentioned that Both foreigners will come with a huge numbers of Warship and extend the Drill days from 10 days to 15 or so, which is still not confirmed, The Countries also requested Australia to join the Drill, but they didn't get positive news from it.

   Earlier PM Modi and Obama agreed to boost the Exercise Malabar with more participant and more number of Warships.

    The meeting in Hawai mainly to discuss the co operation between the US along with Japan India, to exchange the views on a broad range of regional and Global issues of mutual interest. which is super headed by the US official. they not only discussed the exercise but it addressed a variety of variety of issues, including multilateral institutions in the Asia-Pacific, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

     The Japan Navy already participated several times in back in the years, but all the time only limited warships.with the increase of relationship between India and rival against China, It's expected Japan will field more Number of Warships.

    The Meeting doesn't stated the exact date of the Drill and number of warships, which will be discussed later with the Representing Navy's.

Soryu SSK

Soryu SSK

     The Soryu Class Diesel Electric Submarines which is currently Operated by the JMSDF Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces. Japan currently operating Five such Advanced Soryu class SSK while two others kept in Reserve. the soryu is the currently most advanced Diesel electric submarine compared to all other SSK. while SSK Designates the Hull powered by a Diesel Electric and It's primary function is the Attack role. compared to other latest generation SSK the Japanese Design gets more Marks due it's payload censor systems and endurance and Specially it's fuel systems.

       The Soryu is the improved version of existing Oashio class submarines. The soryu's hull made up of special high tensile steel and coated with anechoic which is used to escpae from enemy sonar detection. thus gives the submarine hard to identity to his enemies. The total sub is controlled by automatic system components which used for easy to operate and requires less crew to maintain such a long ship. the main Propulsion engine is the two Kawasaki Diesel submarine which is used to propel the one mega shaft fitted in the submarine. another set of four Kawasaki kokums Stirling engines gives secondary supply to the on-board systems and used for emergency propulsion. 

      The sub also have snorkel equipments which can be used for emergency exit at any water level and deep submerged conditions. the sub can track sea surface and Air targets using it's ZPS 6F radar which is good for Searching surface levels and low level air search. The Sub's front hull house the main sonar system and another four sonar's also fitted in the sub's side. the sub also having a towed array radar which can tow a sonar who can track the targets without using the sub's main sonar and prevent the sub can be identified to enemies while in search for targets.

       The ship's main defence weapon is launching decoys. the Soryu comes with three dedicated tubes for launching decoy units which creates big bubbles and acoustic signature can confuse the incoming torpedo. The sub's primary attack tubes are six 533 mm torpedo tubes the unique tubes can launch both torpedo's and  anti shipping cruise missiles also known as tube launched cruise missiles. the same can be used for deploying mines around the sea. the entire weapon packages are 30 set of both torpedo's missiles and mines.the 533mm Type 89 is a wire-guided torpedo with active and passive homing modes. It has a maximum speed of 130km/h and can engage targets within the range of 50km. The torpedo can carry a warhead of 267kg

      The soryu's  is some 84 meters long and about some 3000 tons when surfaced and it's weight can be increased by 4000 tons if it submerged. the ship need some 65 crew members include ship officers and Commanders. the ship can achieve speed upto some 13knots while it can reach some 20knots when submerged. the maximum range of the submarine quoted around some 6000 nautical miles. once it can left the harbor it can travel some 6000 miles with submerged and surfaced mode and it can hold under the water contentiously some 70 days without coming surface. thanks to it's AIP

Know how the AIP in soryu works . this good information provided by Arnab Mitra

1. Hydrogen is used as fuel in Hydrogen fuel cells

2. Hydrogen fuel cells are used to generate electricity

3. The electricity is used to run the propulsion motor

4. The electricity is also used to do electrolysis of sea water

5.  Electrolysis of sea water produces Hydrogen

6.  Back to step 1

   As of now Japan is the sole operator of this soryu by some 5 active subs and participating the Australian Collins class replacement Program 

     But recently India just asked the Japanese to provide information about soryu and Requsted to participate in the Indian Navy Project 75 I. which means the sub can be made in India under the Make in India Program where nearly some 12 of these submarines can be procured. Just checkout the Current Indian Diesel Electric submarine Fleet and It's comparison.