Far East

Discuss current, historical or potential future deployments, as well the defence of the UK's overseas interests.
User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

This thread is for news and discussion on the UK's presence in the Far East.

IMDEX Asia: Royal Navy Still Sees Responsibilities in Asia
The Royal Navy wants to remain an active force in Asia even though it now lacks ‘striking activity’ in the region, a senior officer from the service has said.

RAdm Tony Radakin, Commander UK Maritime Forces, said at IMDEX Asia that the UK still has responsibilities in Asia such as the Five Powers Defence Agreement (FPDA).

‘[The FPDA] is probably the biggest manifestation of; we are navy that still wants to operate here, we’re a UK that has regional responsibilities and we are willing to play to those,’ he told Shephard Media.

Defence cuts in the UK have had a profound effect on the UK’s senior service, including a significant reduction in ship numbers and, as a result, its ability to project into regions such as Asia.

[...]

Instead of focusing on the negative Radakin said there was ‘fantastic opportunity’ with the two new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the Astute-class submarines, the nuclear deterrent successor programme, the Type 26 Global Combat Ship and the MARS tankers currently being built in South Korea.

The challenge for admirals and flag officers is how you use this maritime power to good effect. ‘Focus on what you’ve got and what you can deliver with that,’ he concluded.
Read More: http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/imps- ... ties-asia/

User avatar
WhitestElephant
Member
Posts: 389
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:57
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by WhitestElephant »

The Royal Navys presence in the Far East is nowadays most certainly all about the Five Powers Defence Agreement. In the event we need any serious 'striking power', the high-end capabilities we are developing (QE, F-35, T45, Astute, T26 etc) would enable us to be the foundation upon which our regional allies build upon - enough to deter or respond to any aggression from the likes of Indonesia or resolve any instability in the region, which is why the FPDA was established in the first place.

But of course, the USA will always be there taking the lead. After all, Australia and New Zealand are closely allied with both the USA and UK (incl. Canada) through a number of multilateral agreements anyway (UKUSA Agreement, Five Eyes etc). The level of cooperation within the Anglosphere is unparalleled.

In the event of a confrontation with China, I am confident the USA would place great value in the capabilities we are developing. Again, with the Royal Navy providing the high-end capabilities that other NATO members would build upon (I.e, more frigates etc). France is the only other NATO power (bar the US) capable of performing this role.

It is important the Royal Navy remains capable of doing this, and not just another contributor of frigates, and therefore no voice in the decision making process.
Though we are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are. - Lord Tennyson (Ulysses)

User avatar
SKB
Senior Member
Posts: 7931
Joined: 30 Apr 2015, 18:35
England

Re: Far East

Post by SKB »

* deleted *

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Defence Secretary Visits UK Troops in Brunei
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has been to see the resident infantry battalion and its supporting elements at Brunei Garrison in Seria while in the region attending the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore. Mr Fallon is the first UK Defence Secretary to visit Brunei in 18 years.

The visit included a capability demonstration and a tour, during which the Defence Secretary formally opened the newest accommodation block, which contains 32 flats.

[...]

The UK has traditionally enjoyed close ties with Brunei, based on a shared history, royal connections and a strong defence relationship. The UK has had a large Loan Service contingent, serving with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces since 1962, and the Defence Secretary’s visit is the first to be made by a UK Secretary of State for Defence since 1997.

Michael Fallon, said:

We have a longstanding defence relationship with Brunei and I was pleased to see first hand the strengths and capabilities of 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles, stationed in country. The renewed Garrison arrangements will enhance our defence co-operation with Brunei, opening up new opportunities to work together in the Asia region.

There are currently a small number of personnel from the Garrison in Brunei making up the Gurkha deployment supporting UK efforts in response to the recent earthquakes in Nepal.
Read More: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defe ... -in-brunei

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

PM Wants To Rebuild Britain's Military Presence "East Of Suez"
British participation in military exercises in Southeast Asia will be stepped up as a sign of the UK's commitment to the region.

The move is the latest sign of the Government's intention to reverse the decline in engagement "east of Suez" and will see the number of troops involved in the exercises increase from 100 next year to 200 by 2021, with Typhoon aircraft also set to take part in the wargames.

The exercises take place under the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA), which involves the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Later this year, British military personnel will take part in Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia, including 30 Royal Marines who will contribute to training and capability development.

Next year the UK will send RAF Typhoons to take part In FPDA exercises alongside other "high-end capabilities", British officials said. The FPDA, which dates back to 1971, means that if Malaysia or Singapore came under attack, the other three allies would consult on what action to take in response.
Read More: http://forces.tv/92382740

~UNiOnJaCk~
Member
Posts: 780
Joined: 03 May 2015, 16:19
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by ~UNiOnJaCk~ »

With what exactly???

marktigger
Senior Member
Posts: 4640
Joined: 01 May 2015, 10:22
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by marktigger »

1. is there more funding to do this?
2.Is there assets available without having to leave comittments uncovered?

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Britain Relocates Skynet Military Satellite Over Asia-Pacific Region
The UK has moved one of its Skynet satellites over the Asia-Pacific region to give the system global coverage and assist allies.

Skynet is a family of commercially managed military communications satellites operated on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, which provide strategic communication services to the British Armed Forces and UK allies.

Defence Minister Philip Dunne previously confirmed that Airbus was to reposition one of the Skynet satellites, providing the UK with secure communications and a greater ability to support regional humanitarian and peacekeeping operations worldwide.

Satellite ‘Skynet 5A’ moved from its position over Europe, the Middle East and Africa, making Skynet services available over the eastern Asia-Pacific region, including in Australia which will also host a new ground station. The move represents significant export opportunities for the UK as any spare communication capacity will be sold.
Read More: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain ... paign=SNAP

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Defence Secretary Announces Closer Defence Ties with Japan
The Defence Secretary has announced the UK will look at taking part in a joint military exercise with Japan to tighten defence relations.

During Michael Fallon’s first foreign visit of 2016, he said that he would like to further develop the UK’s defence cooperation with Japan and will pursue the possibility of a joint exercise involving RAF Typhoon aircraft visiting Japan in 2016 following their deployment on a Five Powers Defence Arrangement Exercise. This follows a visit by an RAF A400M to Miho Airbase in Tottori Prefecture in October 2015.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

"Japan is our closest security partner in Asia and I want to significantly deepen defence cooperation between our two nations.

We will do that through joint exercises, reciprocal access to our military bases, military personnel exchanges and cooperation on equipment, including a new air-to-air missile."

[...]

It was also agreed to deepen cooperation on defence equipment and technology. Following the success of the first round of talks on the Co-operative Research Project on the Feasibility of a Joint New Air-to-Air Missile (JNAAM), the Ministers confirmed discussions would move to the second stage.
Read More: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defe ... with-japan

User avatar
shark bait
Senior Member
Posts: 6427
Joined: 05 May 2015, 21:18
Pitcairn Island

Re: Far East

Post by shark bait »

All good news. If Malaysia or Singapore would allow us to repeat the model we use in the middle east, having a small permanent detachment and deployments from bigger assets. It would be a great way to strengthen ties in the area and develop a presence, even if small at first because of the availability of assets.
@LandSharkUK

User avatar
GibMariner
Senior Member
Posts: 1351
Joined: 12 May 2015, 14:17

Re: Far East

Post by GibMariner »

shark bait wrote:All good news. If Malaysia or Singapore would allow us to repeat the model we use in the middle east, having a small permanent detachment and deployments from bigger assets. It would be a great way to strengthen ties in the area and develop a presence, even if small at first because of the availability of assets.
If I remember correctly there is still an MoD/RN presence in Singapore with the RN still running a fuel depot at Sembawang (it had a Naval Party assigned to it... 10xx? Can't recall), providing fuel for FPDA countries and US 7th Fleet elements.... unless that's been done away with now...

If so, I agree with you that it should be built upon to provide an occasional RN presence in the region... and if the rhetoric coming from the Government lately is anything to go by, that's likely in the cards once HMS Queen Elizabeth is in commission.

This is good news and a clearer signal from the government on our global ambitions and should help dispel the grumbles about the UK becoming insular and having "retreated from the world stage".

User avatar
shark bait
Senior Member
Posts: 6427
Joined: 05 May 2015, 21:18
Pitcairn Island

Re: Far East

Post by shark bait »

GibMariner wrote: and if the rhetoric coming from the Government lately is anything to go by, that's likely in the cards once HMS Queen Elizabeth is in commission
I very much hope that is true.

I didn't know of any detachment in Singapore, that is news to me. Sounds like a reasonable place to start to build a presence again, shame we're shrinking the MCM fleet, a small detachment of those, like in Bahrain, may have been a good place to start.
@LandSharkUK

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Indian Gurkhas 'Could Soon Replace British Forces in Brunei'
Britain’s last military outpost in the Far East may be at risk amid reports India has offered to send its Gurkhas to protect the Sultanate of Brunei, a role currently performed by the British Army.

[...]

On an official visit ending on Wednesday, Indian vice-president Mohammad Hamid Ansari signed a bilateral defence agreement involving joint military exercises and training, in part designed to shore up Brunei against Chinese claims on its disputed maritime territory.

Sources present at the meeting told The Indian Express that India had also offered to provide troops including retired soldiers from its own Gurkha Regiment, potentially supplanting the current role of the British Forces Brunei.

[...]

An Indian foreign ministry spokesman did not deny the reports, but said the proposal was “not a firm offer” and could be limited to provision of bodyguards rather than active military.
Read More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... runei.html

arfah
Senior Member
Posts: 2173
Joined: 30 Apr 2015, 19:02
Niue

Re: Far East

Post by arfah »

................
Admin Note: This user is banned after turning most of their old posts into spam. This is why you may see their posts containing nothing more than dots or symbols. We have decided to keep these posts in place as it shows where they once were and why other users may be replying to things no longer visible in the topic. We apologise for any inconvenience.

~UNiOnJaCk~
Member
Posts: 780
Joined: 03 May 2015, 16:19
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by ~UNiOnJaCk~ »

Nevermind...

User avatar
shark bait
Senior Member
Posts: 6427
Joined: 05 May 2015, 21:18
Pitcairn Island

Re: Far East

Post by shark bait »

not good, we should be trying to increase a presence in the region.
@LandSharkUK

arfah
Senior Member
Posts: 2173
Joined: 30 Apr 2015, 19:02
Niue

Re: Far East

Post by arfah »

-<>-<>-<>-
Admin Note: This user is banned after turning most of their old posts into spam. This is why you may see their posts containing nothing more than dots or symbols. We have decided to keep these posts in place as it shows where they once were and why other users may be replying to things no longer visible in the topic. We apologise for any inconvenience.

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Some points of interest in this article here form the Singapore Air Show (scroll down to "The Empire Strikes Back"):
http://www.aerosociety.com/News/Insight ... 16-Day-Two
  • RAF Typhoons will take part in two exercises in the Far East - one with Japan (which we've known about for a while now) and now also one with FPDA members.
  • The Singaporean Navy has shown interest in Zephyr.
  • The UK and Japan are collaborating on a AESA seeker for Meteor.

User avatar
GibMariner
Senior Member
Posts: 1351
Joined: 12 May 2015, 14:17

Re: Far East

Post by GibMariner »

Joint Exercises:Written question - 32484

Asked by Douglas Chapman
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the last three exercises were carried out under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements; and how many armed forces (a) personnel and (b) assets were used in each of those exercises.
Answered by: Penny Mordaunt
The last three exercises carried out under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements were:
Exercise Suman Warrior 15 (27 July-6 August 2015). Eight UK Armed Forces personnel deployed on this exercise. No UK military ships or aircraft were deployed.
Exercise Bersama Shield (8 May - 18 May 2015). 21 UK Armed Forces personnel and one JSATO DA20 (Joint Services Air Tasking Organisation) aircraft were deployed on this exercise.
Exercise Bersama Lima (7-21 October 2014). 163 UK Armed Forces personnel and six Typhoon aircraft were deployed on this exercise.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... -24/32484/

Navy: Far East:Written question - 32723

Asked by Sir Nicholas Soames
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what facilities are currently available to the Royal Navy in the Far East.
Answered by: Penny Mordaunt
When deploying to the Far East Royal Naval vessels would normally have access to the port facility of the nation that they visit during the deployment.
In addition, the United Kingdom operates a jetty and fuel depot at Sembawang in Singapore as part of our commitment to the Five Powers Defence Arrangements.
http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... -08/32723/

User avatar
GibMariner
Senior Member
Posts: 1351
Joined: 12 May 2015, 14:17

Re: Far East

Post by GibMariner »

Royal Navy joins partners in Asia-Pacific region
The Royal Navy has been successful in its application for Observer membership of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS).

Alongside Colombia, the UK’s application was approved unanimously by the representatives of the 25 nations attending the Symposium in Padang, Indonesia under the Chairmanship of Admiral Ade Supandi, Chief of the Indonesian Navy.

WPNS was founded in 1988 with the aims of helping the navies of the region to increase cooperation and the ability to operate together, as well as to build trust and confidence by providing a framework to discuss maritime issues, the exchange of information, the practice and demonstration of capabilities, and exchange of personnel.

By 1998 the original members had increased to 17 members and two Observers, and by 2014 to 21 members and 4 Observers.
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-la ... artnership

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

RAF Typhoons Head To Far East Amid Heightened Tensions
RAF Typhoons will take part in joint exercises with South Korea, in a move that could increase tensions with the North.

They will also be training alongside the Japanese and Malaysian air forces during a tour of the Far East.

Referring to the deployment, Wg Cdr Roger Elliott, Officer Commanding II (AC) Sqn, said:

“This is the most ambitious deployment that the Typhoon Force has ever done. I think it’s probably the most ambitious deployment that the Air Force has done to the Far East."

According to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier:

"We are trying to demonstrate the Royal Air Force's capability to exercise a global reach; to work with our partner air forces... and show that the UK is a global player with global interests."
Read More: http://www.forces.tv/62276068 (video)

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Royal Air Force Typhoons Land in Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima 16

Image

Image
Royal Air Force Typhoon Aircraft flown by 1(Fighter) Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth have landed at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Butterworth in Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima 16, the first leg of Eastern Venture.

The Typhoon aircraft arrived as two trails (4 in each), both support by RAF Voyager Tanker aircraft which provided air to air refuelling for the Typhoons. Multiple re-fuelling brackets were conducted, with the Voyager and Typhoons linking up at 300 mph.

The two trails stopped off at various countries en route, and in total each covered over 7600 miles, showing that the RAF and the Typhoons have true global reach, able to project air power worldwide.

Exercise Bersama Lima 16, is the annual Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA) Exercise, which involves the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The RAF will operate out of Royal Malaysian Air Force(RMAF) Butterworth.
More images in the Typhoon thread:
http://ukdefenceforum.net/viewtopic.php ... 375#p32375

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Image

Image
Typhoon jets are taking part in preliminary flying this week with the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force in preparation for Exercise Bersama Lima 16.
More images in the Typhoon thread:
http://ukdefenceforum.net/viewtopic.php ... 794#p32794

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Image
Typhoon Aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland are taking part in Exercise Bersama Lima 16 and with be based out of RMAF Butterworth in Malaysia during their stay.

Ex Bersama Lima 16 is an annual Five Powers Defence Arrangement(FPDA) Maritime/Air Field Training Exercise and Joint Post Exercise conducted to enhance the operability and mutual co-operation among the FPDA nations. The exercise is sponsored on a rotational basis between the Armed Forces of Malaysia and Republic of Singapore and will take place between the period of 4-21 October 2016.
Image
Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager aircraft have landed in Japan.

Four Typhoon fighter aircraft, flown by No 2 (AC) Squadron pilots from RAF Lossiemouth, arrived at Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) Misawa Air Base, in the northern part of the island of Honshū on Saturday.

An RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, crewed by No 10 and !01 Squadrons, provided air-to-air refuelling during the 3,500 mile (5,600 km) non-stop flight from Malaysia.

This marks the first bilateral exercise ever in Japan for the JASDF to host with foreign military other than the U.S. The Exercise, named “Guardian North 16”, represents an opportunity for both air forces to learn from each other and develop their skills.

User avatar
The Armchair Soldier
Site Admin
Posts: 1747
Joined: 29 Apr 2015, 08:31
Contact:
United Kingdom

Re: Far East

Post by The Armchair Soldier »

Stunning Images From Japan as RAF Typhoons Storm the Skies

Image

Image

Image
Royal Air Force fighter jets have stormed the skies of Northern Japan this week in the first military exercise of its kind with the country’s defence forces.

RAF Typhoons of 2 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, completed joint training flights over the Pacific Ocean alongside Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) aircraft from Misawa and Chitose Air Bases.

Since welcoming the powerful combat aircraft which flew half-way around the world, Misawa Air Base and its local community have seen Voyager tanker and C-17 transport aircraft delivering essential equipment for the RAF deployment. To great excitement people have also witnessed the first formations of Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2A.

RAF personnel including teams of engineers, flight operations, logistics, security and many other trades have worked closely with their JASDF counterparts to establish the Squadron’s deployed operating base.

The final week will test pilots and groundcrew in a range of scenarios designed to develop the skills, practices and understanding between these closest security partners.

Guardian North 16 continues until 4th November.
More images in the Typhoon thread:
http://ukdefenceforum.net/viewtopic.php ... 681#p33681

Post Reply