Due to the heated argument on the basis why we opted for 2 scorpene class subs and not 6 Kilo class subs like what the Vietnamese did....here are a full length explanation from a lay man point of view on the said issue...
Before we go further....lets have a look at both the Kilo class and the Scorpene class submarine...
the Project 636 SSK (NATO reporting name Kilo class)..shown here are the Indian Navy example
the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman a.k.a Sorpene class SSK...clearly the Scorpene had a much sleek and fine hull than the Kilo...
sakilo...dua kilo..tiga kilo...
The Project 877 (Nato reporting name Kilo) is a Russian made diesel electric submarine with the purpose of surface and sub surface warfare...protection of naval bases and coastal installations plus general recon and patrol duties.
There are three variants of the Kilo class...the original Project 877 which came into service with Russian Navy in the 80s...the improved fire control system 877K and the wire guided torpedo variant of 877M....while the export variant would be the 877EKM....which is being operated by Indian Navy along with Russian and Iranian counterparts...
Further development of the 877EKM lead to the interim design of Project 636...an Improved Kilo class which also being exported internationally, including China.
The 10 Indian 877EKM is equipped with Novator 3M-54E1 anti ship missile and was retrofitted to fire Novator 3M14 land attack cruise missile.
Meanwhile the Vietnamese had received 2 Project 636 Kilo class submarine from Russia and awaiting for remaining 4 subs to complete construction. It is noted that the VPN is said to have the Kilo fitted with weapon system that could launch anti ship missile from sub surface depth but this is yet unconfirmed and there are still no evidence of missile firing had been conducted during exercise....
One should also take note that apart from VPN the PLAN also operated the 636 Kilo in a larger number....
The Kilo is said to be the quietest sub ever built by Russian...and it provides a capability to third world and developing nation a cheap and cost effective approach in having an undersea fighting capabilities...a capabilities that once were only cherished by the global military superpowers...
However...Kilo class submarine...whether the Project 877EKM or the Project 636 does not have the ability to have an extended dive endurance due to lack of AIP systems....
this means that although Kilo is quiet...it still had to rely on its battery...and still have to surface to recharge her batteries....compared to subs fitted with AIP or AIP capable subs that will not require resurfacing to recharge its battery...
To achieve this goal in these submarines shall be established:modern development of cruise missiles, which considerably extend the range of target destruction;new inertial navigation system with a long-term storage of navigation parameters without correction, the issue of providing the necessary information to the missile complex underwater;new automated information management system that includes management subsystem missiles and providing a solution commander tasks, issue and management of data targeting missile and torpedo weapons and torpedo tubes.http://www.ckb-rubin.ru/proekty/voennaja_tekhnika/neatomnye_podvodnye_lodki/proekty_877eh_i_877ehkm/unquote
a lot of improvement has been made and this is evident after the introduction of EKM and the project 636...which really improves the acoustic stealth of the sub...making it quieter...but it still lack the dive endurance later generation subs have....as suggested by the CKB-RUBIN design bureau page statesquote:
Retaining all the advantages of Project 877 EKM submarine, the submarine project 636 surpasses it in terms of: power diesel generators; Full submerged speed;
cruising range in the operation of diesel engines under the water and the level of acoustic stealth.
Combat effectiveness of the submarine of project 636 is significantly increased at the expense of upgrading its equipment missile complex "Club-S" in conjunction with the installation of new advanced electronic weapons systems, ensuring its use.
Reduction of underwater noise compared with the submarine 877EKM provides a guaranteed opportunity to proactively detect and attack enemy ships with greater distance with anti-ship cruise missiles, and provides a timely opportunity to evade enemy ships.
http://www.ckb-rubin.ru/proekty/voennaja_tekhnika/neatomnye_podvodnye_lodki/proekt_636/
unquote
Since the production of 877EKM had ceased with final delivery of the said subs was completed and delivered to India....the project 636 took the over the lineage of Kilo class submarine....2.WHY KILO FOR VIETNAM..?
CLOSE ALLIES AND POLICIES
Most Kilo operators are either ex Soviet states/satellite states..or Russian close allies that wield Russian made arsenal in their war inventories. This is evident to India...where their shipbuilding capabilities were developed with Russia via transfer of technology starting from the building of the Indian Navy frigates which is based on the Russian made frigate but with indigenous modifications and weapons fixations to the development of the indigenous nuclear submarine and aircraft carrier...most Indian Navy assets in service...at least have some Russian DNA in its design...
The same are also occurs for the Indian Navy submarine programme where IN had been developing and building their subs cooperatively with Russian shipbuilding firm in Russia and at home...and apart from shipbuilding...India rely mostly on technology transfer from Russia for almost every aspect of defence technology...from missiles to aircraft to weapon systems to tanks and assault rifles....
Vietnam are also a major Russian made weapon users and had been operating them since the Vietnam war and most of their Cold War assets still can be seen today....
torpedo bay inside the Kilo class...
Reliance to close allies is one major reason why VPN and IN opted for Kilo.....
in terms of VPN....their navy not only procure the Kilo submarine but also seek assistance from Russia to modernize VPN bases and to help in building a submarine base for the Kilos...which is not included in the 2 billion USD deal of the sub programme...apart from construction of ship repair facilities that will in future cater the Russian Naval Forces...
This clearly shows that the purchase of Kilo and other deals related to the modernisation of VPN are tied to Vietnam current foreign policy and state of suspicion towards People Republic of China and its overlapping claims of island chain in the South China Sea with the Maoist communist neighbour apart from countering the ever greater threats from the PLA Navy...thus the need for Vietnam to have a strong military ally that could at least put China in thinking mode in trying to assert disputes via military force.
refer links for information with regards to VPN request to Russian Navy in providing assistance to develop submarin base...upgrade current naval bases and ship repair facilites...
http://www.armybase.us/2010/03/russia-to-help-vietnam-build-submarine-base/http://www.armybase.us/2010/10/russian-navy-eyes-military-base-in-vietnam/http://www.armybase.us/2010/11/vietnam-seeks-russian-help-to-modernize-naval-base/http://en.rian.ru/world/20120727/174804220.htmlRussia is in dire need for foreign bases to support its naval operation outside Russia....and there has been talks about making Vietnam as stop over point for Russian Naval Forces...
Having a naval base to cater one of the largest naval forces on the planet sure will give Vietnam an upper hand in the South China Sea dispute...especially with China...who also have ties with Russian in terms of military industry.....
so Vietnam are playing the cards that would put China in a little bit of dilemma....
Cegah Rintang at its best eh...
Vietnam were not only buying subs for their naval forces but also strengthening their ties with its former Communist master and military suppliers Russia as a part of of their plans to thwarts any military intervention from China...2 billion for subs...another 3 billions for modernization of naval bases and construction of ship repair facilities for Russian Navy...and also a submarine base....that all cost 15 billion USD at least...and there is no information with regards to any deals that related to maintenance and logistic supports for the subs...
We can see how this policy being implemented by Vietnam is also being carried out by the Philippines...where Subic Bay is now receiving more and more USN warships...and there is a possibilities that the base will be reactivated as per Philippines government request....
One cannot deny that the procurement of submarine as deterrence and strategic war machine were based on the rising military and naval strength of China and its policy in asserting claims on South China Sea that had seen an overlapping and series of clashes especially with the Vietnamese...
The Kilo is not a game changer but it could put into balance while facing against China rising threat in maritime domain....
refer to link on articles with regards to Vietnam procurement of Kilo and its effect to regional military...
http://www.eurasiareview.com/04092012-vietnams-new-kilo-class-submarines-game-changer-in-regional-naval-balance-analysis/Knowing that Vietnam is facing an imminent threat from the PLAN....that have a massive number of warship and submarine....the selection of Kilo by the Vietnamese gave a capabilities that they dont have before....possible sub launch long range anti ship and land attack capabilities thru the Klub S missile complex that could reach the enemy at greater range....and this proves to be discomforting for the PLAN that now operates large surface combattant in South China Sea...
Klub S anti ship missile being loaded into the 877EKM
However...at the time of this writing were made...there is no clear indication whether the VPN Kilo class submarine does have the sub launch long range missile and land attack missile capabilities similar to the Indian Navy 877EKM Kilo class submarine currently serving them...since it is stated that the cruise missile and long range anti ship missile systems of the Klub S complex can be fitted on the Project 636 Kilo class submarine...as stated below
quote
The vessels can be fitted with the Novator Club-S (SS-N-27) cruise missile system which fires the 3M-54E1 anti-ship missile. Range is 220km with 450kg high-explosive warhead.http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kilo/unquote
further read on the Novator Klub S missile complex can be access here
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/club.htmVietnam also employs their subs as the asymmetrical under sea warfare capabilities....by means of hit and run tactics...that could give a bloody nose to the Chinese...
So far it is known that Vietnamese Kilo class submarine could fire torpedoes and engage in minelaying operation...there is no clear indication whether their subs have the sub surface launch capabilities similar to the Indian Navy Kilo...although there are possibilities that their subs have this capabilities...
One should also understand that the strategic and tactical needs..defence requirement and also .in relation to government policies of a country differs from one another..
SCORPENE AND WHY...
SUBTICS intergrated combat system for Scorpene...
The Scorpene is the next generation diesel attack submarine with multi role capabilities...co produce by DCNS and Navantia which derives from the proven Rubis class nuclear attack submarine...now in service with the French Marine Nationale...
Build in modular configuration and applying latest technology in acoustic signature reduction and fitted with intergrated command and control system..as stated
quote: (read between the lines)
The submarine incorporates a high level of system redundancy to achieve an average 240 days at sea a year for each submarine. The maximum diving depth is 300m, giving the commander more tactical freedom than previously available on conventional submarines. There is no limit to the duration of dives at a maximum depth, other than the power systems and crew limitations.The structure of the submarine uses high-yield stress-specific steel which allows for as many dives to maximum depth as necessary.Scorpene itself have more endurance at sea compared to other conventional subs...with its only limitation are the power generation and crew endurance....
The use of high-tensile steels has reduced the weight of the pressure hull, allowing a larger load of fuel and ammunition. The reduced complement minimises training costs and increase combat efficiency by making more space, while a larger payload enhances the ship's autonomy.Steel construction itself give the Scorpene the ability to carry more weapons and fuel..thus increasing its endurance at sea...
When dived the Scorpene has low radiated noise which permits improved detection ranges of its own sensors and reduced risk of detection by hostile sensors. The low radiated noise is achieved through the use of advanced hydrodynamics with an albacore bow shape, with fewer appendages and an optimised propeller.apart from providing lower acoustic signature that gave Scorpene the ability to avoid detection and at the same time improves its detection range...
Between the suspended decks, the equipment is mounted on elastic mountings wherever possible, and the noisiest systems have a double-elastic mounting to reduce the risk of their noise profiles being radiated outside the submarine. The shock-resistant systems have been developed from systems incorporated in advanced nuclear-powered submarine designs.The low acoustic signature and hydrodynamic shock resistance give the Scorpene class the capability to carry out anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare operations in closed or open sea conditions, as well as the capability of working with special forces in coastal waters.
This also allows Scorpene to operates in both open and constricted waters....thus taking into consideration of the amount of noise being made (due to civillian shipping and the presence of shallow water that could easily bounce back sonar or create false echo..) in sea lanes like the Malacca Straits....making Scorpene much much harder to detect by surface warships or enemy submarine...
The planning and design of the Scorpene was directed towards achieving an extremely quiet vessel with a great detection capability and offensive power.
The forms of the hull, the sail and the appendages have been specifically designed to produce minimum hydrodynamic noise. The various items of equipment are mounted on elastic supports, which are in turn mounted on uncoupled blocks and suspended platforms. The isolation also provides better shock protection to the equipment.The Scorpene is a balanced design that integrate both stealth and massive offensive capabilities...
unquote
Although the Rubis-Amethyste (
AMÉlioration Tactique HYdrodynamique Silence Transmission Ecoute) class has been around since 1980, it was solely a nuclear subs and her diesel counter parts were only introduced in the late century as export product.
Amethyste S605 nuclear attack submarine....Scorpene design were made based on this sub but with the exception of the nuclear propulsion...
Scorpene were divided into three sub class...the CM-2000 which is the diesel electric variant without Air Independent Propulsion systems....the AM-2000 which is fitted with the MESMA AIP...slightly longer due to the AIP kit but still have the same weapon systems but extended dive capabilities...and the CA-2000...a smaller and downsize variant of CM-2000 with diesel electric propulsion...
Another sub class is the Brazillian S-BR with a much larger crew complement and a longer hull construction. 4 subs plus 1 option for a nuclear fast attack boat has been ordered for which costing at 7 billion Euro...
The S-BR is a basically a CM-2000 but with specific requirements for Brazillian Navy...which for sure will differ from our own Tunku class and the O`Higgins class Scorpene submarine...
refer link for further reading on Brazil Scorpene programme...
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/brazil-france-in-deal-for-ssks-ssn-05217/It is not too much to say that the Scorpene is the latest generation of submarine in its class that features similar quality as its nuclear counterpart the Amethyst, which meets the requirement of our naval forces doctrine and strategic requirement as stated :
quote
"maximize stealth and feature very low acoustic, magnetic, electromagnetic and infrared signatures. To achieve this goal all machines and equipments are resiliently mounted on flexible couplings with double elastic mountings. Further noise-reducing focus includes the use of flexible cables and flexible through bulkhead couplings for joining pipes, and special low-noise emission components for rotating machinery"
unquote
refer links for further readings :
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=427http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/scorpene/another capabilities that makes the Scorpene...the preferred RMN subs..is the ability to deliver special operation unit underwater...a capabilities which is not available on the Kilo....apart from the absence of the AIP
RMN have take into consideration the ability to conduct insertion of special operation units by means of sub surface platform....taking into consideration the maritime realm of Malaysia which is dotted with oil rigs and oil production facilities out in the open ocean with the risk of hijacking this facilities is imminent...the Scorpene is the best assets we have to conduct covert operation without risking detection....
The Scorpene provides extended special operation capabilities in terms of unit insertion and extraction....covert ops could be carried out on areas which is out of reach of aircraft or too dangerous for warship to come close....which gives RMN the ability to conduct covert operation behind enemy lines....apart from its core duties of surface and sub surface warfare and intelligence gathering..making Scorpene a true multirole submarine...
KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tunku Abdul Razak were build as CM-2000 variants which only runs on diesel electric...but there is an option to upgrade both subs with Air Independent System...which will maka our subs longer in length and quadruple the subs current dive endurance...as stated by DCNS themselves on MESMA AIP :
quote
MESMA® simultaneously supplies the ship and the propulsive system with electricity and recharges the batteries without surfacing.
MESMA® consists of a combustion module supplied with liquid oxygen and fuel, and a steam production loop. The heat of the combustion gases is used to produce steam which supplies a turbo-generator.
MESMA® extends the underwater endurance of a conventional submarine to more than 3 weeks. This significantly increases its range of action and improves its stealth in operationhttp://en.dcnsgroup.com/naval/products/mesma-aip/unquote
the option of having the AIP will make Scorpene much quieter and stealthier than any of its counterparts....extending its endurance underwater than any other conventional subs..
Apart from AIP....the Scorpene is equipped with sub launched Exocet SM39....making RMN the only sub operator with such capabilities in this region...and this is confirmed during OSTEX and SUBFIT exercise two years ago at South China Sea...as shown below in succession...
SM39 fired from KD Tunku Abdul Rahman at the depths of 55m
homing towards its intended target
imminent missile impact
KABOOMM...!!!
All the stated features of Scorpene proves that the subs had the upper hand when going against enemy subs and surface warship....plus an added capability of insertion/extraction of special operation units for covert operation really full fill RMN requirement for a strategic deterrence that covers all area of operation...from surface/sub-surface warfare to mine warfare to special operation warfare and intelligence gathering (by fitting the EDO Reconnaissance Systems AR-900 electronic support measures/direction-finding (ESM/DF) system) ...all in one platform...
The available option to upgrade the Scorpene with AIP system gives the subs another leap in terms of endurance and stealthiness....
In simplified point...the Scorpene is capable of conducting missions as follows...
anti-surface warfare
anti-submarine warfare
special operations
intelligence gathering
offensive minelaying
area surveillance and blockade
land strikes against land-based objectives
The Scorpene combat system (SUBTICS) ensures data gathering and synthesis from the different onboard sensors (SONAR, electronic warfare, air-surface detection, navigation systems, communications) as well as embarked underwater weapons management and launching which provide multi mission capabilities, high performances among submarines combat systems and fully-integrated system for effectiveness in action.
WHY SCORPENE AND NOT KILO FOR MALAYSIA...?
the most popular question would be why we opted for 2 six billion subs instead of 6 subs costing 1 billion each...?
the answer would be that our requirements are focused on value added capabilities....because we need subs that not only capable of patrolling our waters and killing enemy warship and submarine...but also capable of conducting other operations that supports our fleet or our military task force...thus the intelligence/reconnaisance/electronic surveillance and covert operation involving special operation units...
both subs had similar characteristics....both Kilo and Scorpene utilizes advance engineering and technology to achieve stealthiness and quietness no doubt....
but what makes the Scorpene is preferable is the ability to make it even quieter and stealthier plus giving the sub greater endurance at sea is by means of fitting the MESMA AIP...
our subs did not have the AIP system but have the option to fit them in future (provided that funding is available)....a feature the Kilo class did not have...
this means while Kilo is quiet now....Scorpene can be much quieter in future (it can be now)....leaving Kilo behind...and making it prone to detection by us....(depending on both subs crew competency and experience in detecting acoustic signature)
the difference of doctrine and strategy....and RMN operational requirement also puts Scorpene in favour...
even though the Kilo can be fitted with similar weaponry as the Exocet SM39 Block II....with advantage of longer range and land attack capabilities..the problem of logistics and similarities in the fleet arsenal will arise since almost all RMN surface combatant employs the Exocet SSM...(except for the Laksamana class which operates Ottomat SSM)....
having the same missile as all the other surface fleet will close the commonality problem for RMN in terms of maintenance and training...
this is not a problem for Vietnam who operates...since they won the Vietnam war...all Russian or Eastern Bloc weapon systems...employing Soviet tactics and strategies...and using Russian made warships equipped with Russian made missiles...but the same problem will arise if they instead opted for the Scorpene or other western bloc subs....
All submarine have its traits...and all subs are build with similar objective in mind...to kill enemy warships and to hunt and kill enemy subs....but each subs differs from one to another....some subs will fullfill certain naval forces requirement...while others might not...
Funding is also a key player in the procurement where Malaysia is very tight in terms of defence spending....
people are saying that our subs is expensive...but actually it is not....as shown below...where our sub price per unit is 250 million USD...(bear in mind that is only the cost of one sub....not including other expenses and funding for training of all sub crew and their daily allowance while staying in France for 6 years..accommodation...transportation...logistic supports...and so on)
(thanks to
http://gemabersuara.blogspot.com/2012/06/fakta-sebenar-scorpene-malaysia.html for providing this comparative table)
MALAYSIA CHILE INDIA BRAZIL
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Builders | DCN, Cherbourg and Navantia Cartagena | DCN, Cherbourg and Izar, Cartagena | Mazagon Dock Ltd Mumbai | Itaguai Construcoes Navais, Sepetooba |
Strength | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
Displacement (tonnes) | 1586 surfaced, 1755 dived | 1602 surfaced, 1738 dived | 1732, dived | 1709 Surfaced, 1870 dived |
Laid Down | Dec 2003 | Nov 2000 | 2010 | 2011 |
Launched | 2007 | 2004 | 2013 | 2015 |
Commisioned | Jan 2009 | Jul 2006 | - | - |
Dimension (metres) | 67.5 x 6.2 x 5.4 | 66.4 x 6.0 x 5.8 | 66.4 x 6.0 x 5.8 | 71.62 x 6.2 x 5.8 |
Main Machinery | Diesel electric, 2 SEMT-Pielstick | Diesel Electric, 4 MTU 16V | Diesel Electric, 4 MTU 16V | Diesel Electric, 4 MTU 16V |
Speed (knot) | 20.5 dived, 12 surfaced | 20 Dived, 11 Surfaced | 20 Dived, 11 Surfaced | 20 Dived, 11 Surfaced |
Complement | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Countermeasure | ESM, Thales DR 3000, intercept | ESM, Thales AR 900 | ESM | ESM |
Weapon control | UDS International SUBTICS | UDS International SUBTICS | UDS International SUBTICS | UDS International SUBTICS |
Radars | Navigation I-Band | Navigation I-Band | Navigation I-Band | Navigation I-Band |
Sonar | Hull Mounted, passive/active sonar | Hull Mounted, passive/active sonar | Hull Mounted, passive/active sonar | Thales S-Cube Sonar |
Missiles | SSM, Aerospatiale SM 39 Exocet | SSM, SM 39 Block 2 | SSM, MBDA Exocet SM 39 | SSM, MBDA Exocet SM-39 |
Torpedoes | 18 WASS Black Shark Torpedos | 18 WASS Black Shark Torpedos | 6-21 inches (533mm) tubes | 18 WASS Black Shark Torpedos |
Price | USD 221 Million per unit | USD 250 Million per unit | USD 135 Million per unit | USD 220 Million per unit |
Jane`s Fighting Ship
Bear in mind that although Kilo and Scorpene are both submarine....they have different traits and capabilities..and both subs builders gave different package and services of one another..thus the price is different....just like a Proton Saga BLM and Proton Saga FLX....both are Proton but both are a world apart....
The Kilo main trump card is its cost effectivemess which gave developing nation a chance to procure strategic under sea capabilities with a fraction of a price but in greater quantity and this is important to nation like Vietnam who are regularly had to keep an eye on her neighbour..
...however quantity does not always triumphant on quality...apart from its long range strike capabilities.....but in the case of Vietnam...they need them to at least gave the PLA Navy a second thought on getting into a conflict militarily...
Meanwhile..our subs are tailored to meet ever changing threat scenario...not only the assertion of claim via military force by PRC in South China Sea but also other threats...from piracy to terrorism to encroachment of territorial waters..protection Malaysia oil and gas fields and keeping an eye on merchant shipping....which fit the Scorpene capabilities well...
As i mentioned earlier...Vietnam procurement of the Kilo class submarine doesnt end on the delivery of the subs...but it gave way to Russia to brought her influence back in the region..and at the same time providing much needed foreign investment into Vietnam...
At the same time...the presence of Russian Naval Forces in Vietnam gave a clear indication to PRC that Vietnam is a close ally and any move which lead to military engagement had to be calculated again....just like how the Philippines brought back United State in to this region....
Malaysia..?
as long as we make friends with others...then there should be no problem...the subs are meant for deterrence in times when negotiation through diplomatic channel by top leaders will all leads to a dead end....
s-adinia
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