Asian front. Part of 3
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Asian front
Asian front. Part of 2
Military exercises in the APR are increasingly becoming provocative in nature and speak of dividing the powers of the vast region of the planet into hostile blocs. So, in the end of June, the USA and the Republic of Korea held the largest stories military exercises with live firing. The maneuvers were timed to coincide with the 62 anniversary this year, the beginning of the Korean War 1950-1953. (it started on june jnumx). 25 thsd. Military personnel, airplanes, helicopters and armored vehicles took part in the exercises. During the South Korean exercise, there was a moment when the military shot at the flag of the DPRK. Pyongyang on this occasion expressed its protest, calling this action a threatening and provocative act.
In addition, on July 11, there was news that the US Congress was going to get President Barack Obama to deploy tactical nuclear forces in South Korea weapons. According to conservative Republicans, the United States is forcing this behavior by North Korea, which has conducted several nuclear tests in the past few years and is about to create an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Congressional Armed Forces Committee has already approved amendments that will increase US military spending on military programs to contain North Korea. In particular, it is proposed to return to the Korean Peninsula tactical nuclear weapons, which were withdrawn from South Korea in 1991, when Pyongyang and Seoul signed an agreement on nuclear disarmament. Currently, Washington is holding a military contingent of 28,5 in thousand of bayonets in South Korea and guarantees the security of this country. It must be said that among the South Koreans there are supporters of such a step. South Korean conservatives believe that the emergence of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea will be an additional factor that will ensure the safety of the South and stop the provocations of the North. For example, an influential leader of the ruling party of South Korea "Senuri" Chon Mon-jung, in a conversation with foreign journalists, made it clear that it would be expedient to "consider the return of tactical nuclear weapons to the United States." It is clear that Barack Obama, at least until the results of the presidential elections, will not aggravate the situation in the APR, since the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea will irritate Russia and China. However, the trend is obvious - a part of the American elite is “swinging” the Korean Peninsula.
July 10 Chinese Navy began conducting exercises in the East China Sea. It is noted that large-scale maneuvers with live firing are carried out against the background of the aggravation of Beijing’s territorial disputes with Tokyo over the ownership of the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku). On July 7, the head of the Japanese government, Yoshihiko Noda, announced that the authorities were negotiating with a “private owner” about the “nationalization” of a part of the Diaoyudao archipelago (the de facto islands belong to Japan). On the same day, the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Liu Weimin, stated that the sacred territory of the People's Republic of China is absolutely not subject to "sale and purchase" by any persons. The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stressed the country's determination to take all necessary measures to protect territorial sovereignty over the islands.
On July 11, a Chinese ambassador was summoned to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, where he was formally protesting that three Chinese ships entered territorial waters, which Tokyo considers to be his own. Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae’s First Deputy Minister emphasized that the invasion of Japanese territorial waters is “very serious. And such incidents are unacceptable for our side. ” He urged Beijing to continue to refrain from such actions. In turn, the Chinese ambassador said that the islands are Chinese territory and, therefore, ships flying the flag of the People's Republic of China are free to sail in the surrounding waters. Later in China, they stated that three patrol vessels approached Diaoyu Islands to monitor the implementation of the ban on fishing in a number of areas of the East China Sea, which was introduced by the Chinese authorities on June 1.
On July 15, there was news that the Japanese ambassador to China, Wichiro Niva, was recalled to Tokyo to consult on the incident around the disputed islands in the East China Sea. In principle, especially in the event of further crisis phenomena that have engulfed modern humanity, it is clear that China and Japan have an excellent reason for war. In existence there is a disputed territory around which conflicts regularly occur. If necessary, you can easily provoke an armed incident.
It should be noted that part of the Chinese elite believes that it is time for Beijing to more firmly defend its position in disputes with neighboring countries. In early July, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army generals and foreign policy advisers recommended that the government make more explicit claims to the disputed lands. According to Cui Lear, head of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, Beijing pays too much attention to finding compromise solutions with its neighbors, instead of directly discussing the claims.
TaiwanAt the beginning of June, combat training was held in Taiwan. They simulated the reflection of the Taiwanese army full-scale invasion of Chinese troops on the island of Taiwan. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said that his country is not seeking war with the mainland of China, but that it is not afraid of it. The exercises were held at one of the largest polygons in the south of the country. About 1 th. Military personnel, as well as warships and armored vehicles became their participants. According to the scenario of the exercise, Chinese units landed on the west coast of Taiwan and captured the nearby mountains. The Taiwanese army repulsed these positions from the invaders, dropping the Chinese into the sea, using fighter jets, combat helicopters and anti-tank missile systems.
It must be said that the buildup of the military and naval power of the PRC seriously worries the political elite of Taiwan. Since the crisis of 1996, the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait has shifted in favor of China. The Chinese fleet has achieved significant superiority over the Taiwanese Navy, even without taking into account the potential of the Air Force, the ground and rocket forces, and the development prospects of the PRC sea forces.
Taiwan, unlike Japan, South Korea and China, does not build a fleet to gain supremacy in the oceans. Tasks are less ambitious: the Armed Forces must protect the island from a possible strike from China. At present, the very possibility of the survival of the armed forces of Taiwan in the event of a war with China and with Washington not interfering seems unlikely (even taking into account the possible high losses of the Chinese troops). Thus, the air defense and missile defense capabilities of the Taiwanese Navy are insufficient even to protect the coast. Taipei is trying to create a highly effective military and allocates significant funds for this. Only the fleet up to $ 16 billion has been allocated, which they plan to use in 20 years. The problem is that many countries, including the United States, do not want to aggravate relations with Beijing and refuse to sell modern weapons to Taipei. For example, Taiwan cannot solve the problem of updating the submarine fleet - by 2020 they plan to buy (or build on their own) 9 new submarines.
Given the increasing US attention to the APR, apparently Washington will still help Taipei to keep its forces at a high level. Thus, in the United States, two oarschmen of the Osprey type, withdrawn from the US fleet, are being modernized and repaired. They will be given this year by the Taiwan Navy. In May, the US Congress approved 2012 for the sale of Taipei at least 66 new F-16C / D fighters. According to the US-Taiwan Business Council, the sale of new-built fighter jets will give the US economy an economic gain of $ 17 billion. It should be noted that Taipei has been seeking from Washington the supply of new fighters for several years. The United States regularly denied Taiwan the supply of fighter aircraft, fearing a deterioration in relations with China, which sharply responds to the strengthening of the defensive potential of the Taiwanese army. True, the American president can block this deal. In addition, as early as September 2011, US President Barack Obama approved the sale of equipment to Taipei, which is necessary for the modernization of the 146 F-16, which are already in service with the state. The contract value was 4,2 billion. The Americans also agreed to hand over the modernization kits for the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, as well as the F-5E Tiger II and F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighter jets to Taiwan. The United States helped Taiwan improve its E-2K Hawkeye long-range radar detection aircraft.
Taipei pays great attention to building up missile forces. In May 2011, the new supersonic cruise anti-ship missile was put into service. Hsiung Feng III. The Ministry of Defense of Taiwan calls the new missiles "aircraft carrier killers" (a hint of the PRC program for the construction of aircraft carriers). In total, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry intends to spend more than 400 million dollars on the purchase of Xsiung Feng III 120 missiles for the Navy. The rocket can reach speeds of up to two Mach numbers (2,3 thousand km per hour) and hit targets at a distance of up to 150 km. Missiles armed frigates such as "Oliver Hazard Perry" and patrol ships. In addition, the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan announced the development of high-precision long-range missiles, which can hit military targets on the Chinese south-east coast in the event of a war with China.
In May 2012, the Taiwan Naval Forces ordered the construction of the 12 new 500-ton catamaran ships, in which low-profile technologies will be widely used. Delivery of the first ship is expected in 2014 year. They will be armed with 8 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles Hsiung Genf III and the same amount of Hsiung Feng II. Taiwan plans to replace the Knox-type frigates with the construction of 8 ships of the Kuang Hua VII project (2 thousand tons).
Vietnam
The Vietnamese authorities are very concerned about the growth of China’s power, so in recent years they have been searching for allies and increasing the strength of the armed forces, paying great attention to the development of the Navy. Of particular interest are the contacts of Hanoi with Delhi and Washington. Currently, the United States is a key trading partner of Vietnam, the former enemies are stepping up cooperation in the military sphere. So, in April, 2012, a week-long period of cooperation between the US Navy and the Vietnamese Navy passed. Joint exercises have been going on for several years. In June, US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta made an official visit to Vietnam. The Vietnamese side during this visit asked the Americans to lift the arms embargo. Hanoi is ready to buy American weapons and attract Americans to repair and modernize equipment.
Vietnam is one of the key countries in the region. For the national security and economic prosperity of this 90 million of a country, mastering the wealth of the South China Sea and developing naval capabilities are of paramount importance. Vietnam is becoming an important factor in the Big Game of China, the USA and India.
Traditionally, Vietnam was a weak maritime power. This allowed the United States during the Vietnam War to freely transfer forces by sea and inflict meek blows to the coast of the country. In 1974, the Chinese took control of the controversial Paracel Islands. In 1988, the Vietnamese Navy could not prevent the Chinese from establishing control over part of the Spratly Islands. The collapse of the USSR forced Vietnam to pay attention to the development of coastal infrastructure and naval forces. In 1999, a ten-year program for the development of port infrastructure was proclaimed (it was only partially implemented). India became a strategic ally for this period for Vietnam. Thus, in the fall of 2011, the Vietnamese PetroVietnam and the Indian oil and gas corporation Videsh signed a three-year partnership agreement on the development of hydrocarbon deposits in the South China Sea. This deal caused irritation in China.
In 2011, issues related to the South China Sea, the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Archipelago became “hot” in Hanoi, not only because they are closely related to the economic development of the country, but also because they affect the sovereignty of Vietnam. The state has in the South China Sea 4200 sq.m. the inner sea water area, territorial waters, special economic zone and continental shelf, with more than 4 thousand large and small islands and reefs. Overall, Hanoi owns about 1 million square meters. km marine area, therefore, the economic development of marine areas is one of the main objectives of the state. At the 4 Plenum of the Central Committee of the CPV of the 10-th convocation, they approved the decision on the marine strategy of Vietnam to 2020. In accordance with this strategy, the maritime economy should bring 53-55% in the country's GDP (now up to 48%), and 55- 60% contribution to the export turnover of the state. Thus, over the decade, Vietnamese fisheries increased 3 times the export of products from 2 billion in 2002 to 6 billion US dollars in 2011 (the sale of seafood for export is continuously growing at 15-20% annually). The country has become one of the four leading powers in the export of seafood in the world. In addition, the Vietnamese shelf has large reserves of oil and gas. According to experts, the marine areas of the Paracel Islands and the Spratly archipelago also contain gas resources. It should also be noted that five out of ten of the world's most common sea routes are connected to the South China Sea and are considered to be the international transport routes, the second largest on the planet.
In Hanoi, they understand that Vietnam is not capable of a full-fledged arms race with China. However, the experience of previous conflicts shows that the country needs an efficient and modern coastal fleet. The main partners in the modernization of the Navy has become Russia and partly India. In addition, the Vietnamese Navy must counter other threats: piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking, terrorism, etc.
In 2005, Hanoi ordered and then received several Russian Bastion coastal missile systems. In 2011, the message of Vietnam’s negotiations with Russia on the purchase of additional DBKs appeared. In 2009, Vietnam ordered eight Su-30MK2 fighters (planes delivered) in the Russian Federation, later a second contract was signed for the delivery of another 12 Su-30MK2 aircraft. In May, 2010 Vietnam ordered six amphibious DHC-6 Twin Otter 400 series aircraft from Canada. The Vietnamese Marine Police (Coast Guard, which is part of the Navy) bought three light C-212-400 transport aircraft from the Airbus Military concern. In February, 2012, the news came that Vietnam, with the help of Russia, would launch the production of Uran-type anti-ship missile systems.
The largest project that implements Vietnam in the field of naval armaments is the purchase from Russia of six diesel-electric submarines of the Kilo class (636 Ave.). The contract was signed in 2009 year, the first submarine was laid on the "Admiralty Shipyards" in St. Petersburg in 2010 year. The first submarine must enter the Vietnamese Navy in the 2015-2016 years. Russia will also provide a base for submarines in Vietnam. Getting the Vietnamese Navy 6 NNS will, if necessary, to ensure the constant presence of several submarines in the sea in the area of disputed territories. India agreed to assist in the operation of Russian submarines and in the training of crews.
In 2011, Vietnam received two patrol ships of the 11661 Ave. “Cheetah 3.9”. The contract was concluded in 2006 year. After receiving two "Cheetahs", Vietnam ordered an additional batch of 2 patrol units in the anti-submarine version. Autumn 2011 of the year, it was reported that Vietnam is considering the possibility of buying 4 Dutch corvettes such as Sigma.
In the 1990 and the beginning of the 2000, the Vietnamese Navy bought in Russia six 1241РЭ missile boats (of the “Lightning” type), each carrying four P-20 anti-ship missiles. Low cost, ease of operation and high firepower of Russian boats led to the conclusion in 2005 of the year the contract for the supply of more 12 similar boats (project 12418). The first two ships were built in Russia and transferred to Vietnam in 2007 – 2008. Since 2010, the Vietnamese shipbuilders have begun construction under license from the 10 series of ships of the 12418 project. The strike power of this project has grown significantly compared with the boats of the 1241RE project: the ships are armed with 16 RCC X-35. In 2004 – 2008 Tactical Missile Weapons has delivered 120 X-35E anti-ship missiles to the Vietnamese (they are able to effectively destroy ships with a displacement of up to 5 ths. tons and auxiliary ships with a displacement of up to 10 ths. tons).
In 2011, the Russian Federation handed over to Vietnam the last two patrol boats of the 10412 project (export version of the 10410 “Firefly” project). The contract for the purchase of 4-s guard was concluded in 2009 year. The boats are armed with an X-NUMX-mm AK-30 artillery, a 630-mm AK-76,2-M, 176 Xyla-16-M rocket launchers and two 1-mm machine guns. At the beginning of 14,5, the Vietnamese shipbuilders handed the Navy the lead artillery boat (HQ-2012) of the TT272TP type. The ship has a displacement in 400 t and is armed with 400-mm and 76-mm artillery installations.
Thus, the Vietnamese Naval Forces are in a state of active modernization and transition from an outdated fleet unable to protect even the coast to a small, but fairly modern and strong regional fleet. Hanoi is trying to create a fleet that will force Beijing to abandon attempts to establish control over the South China Sea by force.
Republic of the Philippines
The Philippines has a significant population - more than 100 million people, but the country's economy is weak, so Manila can not allocate significant funds for the modernization of the armed forces. At the same time, in the area of the Spratly Islands, Filipinos have regular conflicts with the Chinese.
So, on July 13, a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held regarding the invasion of a Chinese ship into Philippine territorial waters. No final decision was made. The PLA Navy warship of China was discovered in 200 km from the Philippine coast, in waters that Manila considers its exclusive economic zone. A Chinese frigate stranded while patrolling a disputed territory near the Spratly archipelago. Earlier, the Chinese Navy ship participated in an operation to disperse Philippine fishing vessels on disputed waters near the archipelago.
Manila is trying to get help from the United States. In May 2012, the Philippines asked the United States for the supply of ships, patrol airplanes and radars to protect the disputed territories from the encroachments of the PRC. Washington promised in 2012 three times to increase military aid to the Philippines. According to the US embassy in Manila, since 2002, the Republic of the Philippines has received almost 500 million dollars from the United States as military aid. Moreover, this amount does not include the transfer of 20 reconstructed helicopters and patrol ships of the Cyclone and Hamilton class. In addition, negotiations are underway to deploy significant US troops in the Philippine territory. In the Philippines, the United States already has several hundred military experts who are training local forces to fight insurgents.
Indonesia
In 2009, Jakarta launched an ambitious plan to modernize the armed forces and develop the national military industry. In the next few years, the defense department will receive $ 17 billion. 30 ordered in Germany tanks in the Leopard 2A6 variant. Indonesia is also participating in South Korea's program to develop a new generation of combat aircraft, which are due to be commissioned around 2024. In December 2011, a contract was signed with South Korea for the construction of three type 209 submarines for the Indonesian Navy. Indonesia should receive the first NPL in 2015.
In 2012, the formation of a new 3 Marine Division (Pasmar-3) in Sorong (Papua) in addition to the 1 (Pasmar-1) in Surabaya and 2-th divisions (Pasmar-2) in Jakarta began in Indonesia . At the start of 2012, the Indonesian Navy ordered four low-profile missile triangles X3KB from Lundin Industry Invest. The Navy must receive ships by 2014 year. In early June, 2012, the Indonesian Defense Ministry and the Dutch signed a contract for the design and construction of the SIGMA 10514 rocket frigate (PKR - Perusak Kawal Rudal). The frigate will be built in 2016 year. The ship can become the head in a series of 20 frigates. In 2007-2009 Indonesia has already received four Sigma 90-meter corvettes (built in the Netherlands).
On July 12, the Indonesian Air Force ordered a second batch of ATS X-TUMAN A-29 Super Tucano aircraft (can act as light attack aircraft). The contract for the supply of the first batch of aircraft (of eight units) was concluded in 2010 year.
Australia
The Australian Defense Ministry announced the allocation of 155,5 billion US dollars for the purchase of weapons in the next four years. According to the plan for 2013-2016, the Australian Department of Defense plans to allocate funds for 111 projects. Among these projects:
- Re-equipment of half of the X / NUMX F / A-24F Super Hornet fighters to the level of EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare aircraft). The planes were purchased in 18 and the last batch was received in 2007.
- Purchase of eight Boeing P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, seven high-altitude reconnaissance drones. In addition, in 2012 the Australian Air Force received the last of six Boeing 2000 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft ordered in 737.
- A transport upgrade program is underway aviation Australian Air Force. At the end of 2011, Australia ordered the United States 10 MTC C-27J Spartan. The United States will also supply additional engines, communications and security systems.
- Purchase from Lockheed Martin to 100 fifth-generation fighter F-35 Lightning II.
- Update fleet of artillery guns. Upgrade 59 tanks M1A1 Abrams and purchase air defense weapons.
- Since 2004, Australia has been upgrading eight Anzac frigates. On the frigates replaced part of the weapons, the completion of the improvement of ships is expected to 2019-2020. In 2007, the Australian Navy signed a contract with Navantia for the construction of two amphibious docking ships (Canberra-type helicopter carriers). These will be the largest ships in the history of the Australian Navy with a displacement of 27,8 thousand tons. The first ship will be handed over to Australia in 2012, the second - in 2014. In 2011, Australia bought the landing craft dock Largs Bay from the UK (renamed HMAS "Lemon Scented"). The displacement ship in 16 thousand tons was laid in the 2001 year and became part of the British Royal Navy in December 2006.
More than 40 billion dollars are allocated for the design and construction of 12 new naval submarines (the project "Submarines of the Future"). The first submarine plan to adopt in 2025-2027. The Australian Navy is armed with 6 NNS built 1996-2003. They are currently going through a modernization program.
Also, as part of the development of their naval forces, it is planned to build three missile defense destroyers (with a displacement of 7 ths. Tons) equipped with the Idzhis CMS, about eight PLO FFX frigates (7 ths. Tons), which will also be able to solve anti-missile defense tasks. At the same time, they are going to lay and build up to 20 coastal patrol ships (with a displacement of up to 2 thousand tons).
- Australia is expanding the air communication networks of the Armed Forces and upgrading communication systems and military equipment of special forces.
The arms race that Asian countries are leading to increases the threat to international security and the destabilization of the APR. In addition, we see how, before our eyes, new political and military blocs are forming and cooperation is developing. The positions of the USA and China have a key role in the region, and the influence of India and Russia is growing more and more. At the same time, there are powers that have significant military-economic, political potential, such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, etc. The future of the region depends on how balanced and reasonable will be the foreign policies of the powers located here. Currently, there is a tendency to exacerbate old and new problems and conflicts.
Acquired by Australia from the UK for half the price of a helicopter landing ship dock HMS "Largs Bay"
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