In this new fortnightly online column, ADM journalist Corey Bell covers defence news across Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Low P-1 availability rates prompting an MoD rethink on testing and procurement
A report by Japan’s Board of Audit has identified procurement problems as an underlying factor behind the low mission capable rates of Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.
The development comes several months after claims that availability rates for JMSDF’s Lockheed C130R Hercules transport aircraft were “extremely low,” as well as public criticisms targeting the JMSDF’s procurement procedures.
According to the report, chronic corrosion issues impacting the performance and reliability of the P-1’s F7-10 engine were identified in early testing. However, rather than addressing the issue, the test parameters were subsequently altered, resulting in a pass grade.
The report also claimed that operational testing had not been taken out on a key payload item, and that consistent delays in airframe parts procurement led to maintenance crews cannibalising components from other aircraft.
The Board’s demands for the “creation of appropriate testing categories” and “more efficient and efficacious procurement procedures” were accepted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which pledged “maximum efforts to maintain continuous operability.”
Japan boosting naval missile capacity, readiness
Japan’s MoD is increasing its investments in naval missile capabilities and readiness.
On June 24 US defence giant RTX announced that it had sealed a US$250 million (AUD$380 million) contract with Mitsubishi Electric allowing the latter to produce RTX’s Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) anti-ship missiles.
The following day Japan’s Ground Self Defence Force (JSDF) revealed it had undertaken its first live fire training exercise using Mitsubishi Heavy Industry’s (MHI) Type 88 surface-to-ship missile in Hokkaido. Plans have also been announced to undertake exercises in Japan’s remote Minamitori Island.
The developments come as ATLA announced announced a spate of new tenders for missiles, including performance testing on a new island-defence anti ship missile, as well as durability tests on MHI’s ASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missile.
New Vice Minister of National Defence pledges focus on AI, defence industry and US alliance
South Korea’s newly appointed Vice Minister of Defence Lee Doo-hee has announced policy positions that are largely consistent with those of the former administration, according to South Korean press reports.
During his inauguration speech on June 27 the minister pledged to “strengthen the capabilities of the K-defence industry” and “build military supremacy through exploiting cutting edge AI.”
He also reaffirmed the deterrence value of the Korea-US alliance, whilst emphasising “practical defence cooperation that can contribute to the realisation of national interests.”
Lee, who previously served a senior post in the ROK/US Combined Forces Command, is serving as acting minister until the assumption to office of defence minister nominee Ahn Gyu-back, who will be the first civilian to occupy the post since 1961.
ROKAF’s AEW&C acquisition faces further delays
South Korean press has described plans to procure four new airborne early warning and control (aew&c) as in “limbo” after conflicting reasons were given for a third retendering.
According to a source in South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), while each of the bidders passed their evaluation in the last tender, none met the program’s budget, estimated at around 3 trillion won (AUD$3.4 billion).
However, industry sources indicated separate issues, including performance concerns surrounding one platform’s key component, and another bidder refusing to agree to DAPA’s payment schedule.
Sources also claimed that DAPA is stuck in a conundrum - while the current budget may be insufficient to secure a purchase, raising the budget would require an additional feasibility study, potentially delaying the introduction of the assets to 2033 or later.
Three bids are publicly known to be participating in the fourth tender: Boeing’s E-7, SAAB’s GlobalEye, and L3Harris.