ARMMILITARY

China is rapidly expanding its amphibious assault capabilities by constructing a fleet of specialised landing barges, a move that has sparked concerns among military analysts and regional stakeholders. These vessels, designed for the rapid deployment of troops and heavy equipment, could play a pivotal role in any potential operation targeting Taiwan or other contested regions.

Strategic Expansion of Amphibious Assets

While the Chinese military already boasts an extensive array of landing ships, the new fleet of barges is designed for more specific purposes. Unlike traditional amphibious assault ships, these barges prioritise versatility, rapid deployment, and operational flexibility. Reports indicate that they are being constructed to accommodate heavy armour, including main battle tanks and self-propelled artillery, significantly enhancing China’s force projection capabilities across the Taiwan Strait.

Potential Implications for Taiwan and Regional Security

Military experts suggest that these barges could be used to rapidly establish beachheads in a conflict scenario. Their ability to transport large volumes of personnel and equipment makes them a key asset in any large-scale amphibious operation. Additionally, these vessels could supplement China’s existing navy by increasing its logistical and force projection capacity beyond Taiwan, potentially impacting security dynamics in the South China Sea.

Taiwan has responded by reinforcing its coastal defences , increasing anti-landing capabilities, and enhancing reconnaissance efforts to detect unusual maritime activities. The U.S. and allied nations are also closely monitoring the developments, as the proliferation of these specialised barges signals China’s increasing emphasis on preparing for a high-intensity conflict scenario.

Looking Ahead

While China maintains that its military advancements are defensive in nature, the rapid expansion of its amphibious capabilities tells a different story. Whether these barges are ultimately deployed for military operations or remain a strategic deterrent, their existence adds a new layer of complexity to cross-strait relations and the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape.

As tensions continue to rise, these developments underscore the importance of vigilance, strategic planning, and enhanced regional cooperation to maintain stability in the region.China is building at least five new special purpose barges which appear tailor made for amphibious assault. The barges may provide the PRC (People's Republic of China) with a unique way to offload large numbers of tanks directly onto Taiwanese roads.

Anyone wondering what an invasion of Taiwan might look like now has a fresh visual clue. Defence analysts watching Chinese shipyards have noticed an increase in a particular type of vessel.

A number of special and unusual barges, at least 3 but likely 5 or more, have been observed in Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China. These have unusually long road bridges extending from their bows. This configuration makes them particularly relevant to any future landing of PRC (People’s Republic of China) forces on Taiwanese islands.

The consensus is that these are most likely for amphibious landings.

Unusual Barges Similar To D-Day Mulberry Harbours

Mulberry Harbours

Each barge has a very long road span which is extended out from the front. At over 120 meters (393 ft) this can be used to reach a coastal road or hard surface beyond a beach. At the aft end is an open platform which allows other ships to dock and unload. Some of the barges have ‘jack up’ pillars which can be lowered to provide a stable platform even in poor weather. In operation the barge would act as a pier to allow the unloading of trucks and tanks from cargo ships.

The Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) on Longxue Island has been a key part in China’s naval expansion. It is particularly associated with construction of unusual vessels including a very large uncrewed surface vessel and a light aircraft carrier.

The barges are reminiscent of the Mulberry Harbours built for the allied invasion of Normandy during World War Two. Like those, these have been built extremely quickly and to novel designs. Although there appears to have been a smaller prototype as early as 2022, the batch of these barges have appeared only recently.

A Possible Indication Of Readiness To Invade?

The construction of specialist barges like this is one of the indicators defence analysts watching to provide early warning of a potential invasion. It is possible that these ships can be explained away as having a civilian role. But the construction of so many, much larger than similar civilian vessels seen before, makes this implausible. There are several distinct designs of these barges which also points away from a commercial order. These vessels are only suited to moving large amounts of heavy equipment ashore in a short period of time. They appear greatly over-spec for civilians uses.

Any invasion of Taiwan from the mainland would require a large number of ships to transport personnel and equipment across the Strait quickly, particularly land assets like armoured vehicles. These mobile piers appear particularly suited to an invasion. As preparation for an invasion, or at least to give China the option as leverage, we would expect to see a build-up of construction of ships that could accomplish this transportation.

China’s roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferries are built to carry military vehicles including heavy main battle tanks. They are exercised in this role regularly.

China is constructing a huge fleet of dual-use ships – commercial vessels that could be easily requisitioned for military use when needed. These include in particular roll-on/roll-off ships that would be perfect for transporting military vehicles – and have indeed been built with military specs in mind.

What This Means For Taiwan:

The traditional view is that there are only a small number of beaches on the main island of Taiwan which are suitable for amphibious landings. And these could be heavily defended. The PRC could seize fishing villages or a port for larger scale landings. But the view has been that any attempt to take the islands by force would mean landing in predictable places. These new barges change that.

The extreme reach of the Bailey Bridges means that the PRC could land at sites previously considered unsuitable. They can land across rocky, or soft, beaches, delivering the tanks directly to firmer ground or a coastal road. This allows China to pick new landing sites and complicate attempts to organise defences. Instead of relying on Taiwanese ports, China can now sail its own mobile port across the strait.

Increasing U.S. Support for Taiwan

In response to China's growing amphibious capabilities, the U.S. has ramped up its support for Taiwan through a combination of military aid, arms sales, joint training exercises, and intelligence-sharing initiatives. Recent defence deals have focused on enhancing Taiwan’s coastal defences, bolstering its missile capabilities, and improving its overall combat readiness. The U.S. Navy has also stepped up its presence in the region, conducting freedom of navigation operations and reinforcing deterrence measures to counterbalance China’s military expansion.

Notable U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan for the past 5 years (2020-2025):

• May 2020: Delivery of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes.

• 2023: Taiwan received its first batch of M1A2 Abrams tanks after previous delays.

• 2023: Procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to enhance long-range strike capabilities.

• July 2023: A $440 million package covering military vehicle support and additional arms sales.

• July 2023: A $345 million military aid package aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s defences.

• July 2023: An additional $75 million arms deal to further strengthen Taiwan’s security.

• 2024: A $320 million agreement for spare parts and advanced radar systems to support Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its air surveillance and defence capabilities with the procurement of 18 Ashwini Low-Level Transportable Radars (LLTRs). The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth Rs 2,906 crore to acquire these state-of-the-art radar systems, which will play a crucial role in bolstering the nation’s air defence network.

LLTRs Ashwini

Overview of Ashwini LLTR

Ashwini LLTR is an indigenous rotating active phased array multifunction 4D radar developed to provide automatic detection and tracking of aerial targets. It is capable of detecting a wide range of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft and slow-moving targets. The radar boasts an impressive instrumented range of 200 km, with the ability to detect a target with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 2 square meter at a distance of 150 km. Its altitude coverage extends from 30 meters to 15 km.

The radar operates in two modes:

• Rotation Mode: The antenna rotates at 7.5/15 rpm, providing 360-degree surveillance in azimuth and 40-degree coverage in elevation.

• Staring Mode: The antenna is fixed in a specified azimuth direction with a ±60-degree azimuthal coverage and 40-degree elevation surveillance.

Built on solid-state active aperture phased array technology, the radar employs Digital Beam Forming (DBF) for enhanced electronic scanning in both azimuth and elevation. Wide transmit beams and multiple receive beams ensure optimal target tracking and detection.

Advanced Technologies in Ashwini LLTR

The development of Ashwini LLTR has led to the establishment of several critical technologies, paving the way for future radar projects. These include:

• Rotating Active Phased Array with time synchronisation of multiple receivers

• 2D Digital Beam-Forming (DBF)

• DBF-based active array calibration

• Multi-beam processing

• Critical real-time software and firmware development

• Advanced mechanical packaging, including thermal management and structural engineering

IAF's Need for Ashwini LLTR

Ashwini LLTR addresses a crucial need of the IAF by eliminating radar blind spots caused by terrain. This highly mobile radar system can detect objects moving at 1 km/sec at an altitude of 15 km. It provides impressive detection ranges: 200 km for targets with an RCS of 2 sqm and 50 km for smaller targets with an RCS of 0.2 sqm. Moreover, it has the capability to track up to 200 targets simultaneously, making it a critical asset for air defence operations.

Target Tracking HMI display

Application Areas

The Ashwini LLTR technology is versatile and can be adapted for various military applications, including shipborne radar systems. Its advanced detection and tracking capabilities make it a vital component for naval and land-based defence installations.

Successful Field Trials

The first phase of field trials for Ashwini LLTR in an integrated mode was successfully completed in 2019, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability. The successful trials marked a significant step towards its deployment in the IAF, ensuring robust airspace surveillance and threat detection.

The procurement of Ashwini LLTRs is a significant leap in strengthening India’s air defence capabilities. With cutting-edge technology, high mobility, and advanced target tracking features, these radars will play a crucial role in securing the country’s airspace. As the system gets inducted into the IAF, it will serve as a force multiplier, enhancing situational awareness and air defence operations across diverse terrains and operational scenarios.

Poland has taken a significant step in strengthening its military by acquiring 180 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks from South Korea. This deal, valued at approximately $6.2 billion, is part of Poland’s broader efforts to modernise its armed forces and enhance national security in response to regional threats.

K2 Tank

Details of the Acquisition

In July 2022, Poland signed an agreement with Hyundai Rotem for the purchase of K2 tanks, along with training, logistics, and ammunition support. The first batch of 10 tanks was delivered on December 5, 2022, and assigned to the 20th Mechanised Brigade a few days later. As of March 2024, Poland has received 46 K2 tanks, with more scheduled to arrive through 2025. These tanks are being distributed among multiple brigades to improve Poland’s combat readiness.

Why the K2 Black Panther?

The K2 Black Panther is one of the world’s most advanced main battle tanks, offering superior mobility, firepower, and protection. It features:

• A 120mm smoothbore gun with an advanced fire control system
• Composite and modular armor for enhanced protection
• Automatic target tracking and active protection systems
• Hydropneumatic suspension, allowing for better manoeuvrability in different terrains

These capabilities make the K2 a valuable addition to Poland’s military, ensuring high operational effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

Future Expansion: The K2PL Variant

Beyond the initial 180 units, Poland plans to produce 820 K2 tanks domestically under the K2PL variant, tailored to meet the country’s specific needs. The K2PL will feature upgraded armor, improved active protection systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. Production is expected to begin in Poland in 2026, marking a crucial step toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Strategic Importance of the Deal

The purchase of the K2 tanks aligns with Poland’s commitment to modernising its armed forces, especially as tensions in Eastern Europe continue to rise. By securing these advanced battle tanks and planning future domestic production, Poland is ensuring its military remains well-equipped and capable of handling potential threats.

With an investment of $6.2 billion, this procurement significantly enhances Poland’s defense capabilities and reinforces its position as a key NATO member in regional security.

The General Electric (GE) F404 jet engine is a key component in India's HAL Tejas Light combat fighter jet, including South Korea's FA-50. Both countries rely on these engines for their respective defence programs—India for its indigenous Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants, and South Korea for the FA-50 light combat aircraft. However, recent developments suggest that the United States is prioritising engine deliveries to South Korea while India faces significant delays.

HAL Tejas

India's Engine Order Delayed While South Korea Gets Preference

In August 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a contract with GE to procure 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A. However, despite India's urgent need, the delivery schedule has been pushed back due to claimed supply chain issues. Meanwhile, South Korea has been receiving engines for its FA-50 program without similar setbacks. This has raised concerns that the U.S. is favouring its close ally South Korea while sidelining India's demand.

Strategic Interests Influencing Supply Decisions?

South Korea’s FA-50 program has gained traction due to export deals with countries such as Poland and Malaysia. With growing global interest in the FA-50, GE appears to be ensuring steady engine supplies for South Korea, possibly to strengthen U.S.-Korea defence ties. In contrast, India’s Tejas program, despite its strategic importance, seems to be receiving less priority.

FA-50

India’s Dependence on GE and Need for Indigenous Capability

Originally, India aimed to equip the Tejas with an indigenous Kaveri engine, but due to technological limitations, it had to rely on GE’s F404 engines. The current supply delays highlight India’s vulnerability in defence procurement and the urgent need to develop self-reliant engine technology.

Conclusion

The disparity in engine deliveries raises concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to India’s defence needs. While South Korea continues to receive engines on schedule, India is left waiting, affecting the operational readiness of the Tejas Mk1A. This situation reinforces the necessity for India to accelerate its indigenous engine development and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Earlier today , an IAF AN-32 transport aircraft ditched in West Bengal's Bagdora, although pilots and crew have manged to escape tragedy.

Crashed IAF's AN-32 transport aircraft

crash site location

The Indian Air Force is forced to operate aging Jaguars and AN-32s while other countries have retired them. Procurement delays—from the government to authorities—keep risking lives. How long before action replaces excuses is a big question on the part of IAF and indian government.

Decision-making delays and bureaucracy have indeed slowed progress. At the same time, HAL has made strides with Tejas, LCH, and LUH. Maybe the real issue is aligning priorities and streamlining procurement to ensure our forces get the best equipment on time.

Armenia, strategically located in the South Caucasus, has long been aware of the importance of maintaining robust defense capabilities, particularly in the face of ongoing regional tensions and security challenges. In a significant move to bolster its russian Su 30 fleet, Armenia has planned to enter into a procurement agreement with India for the acquisition of the Astra, a state-of-the-art air-to-air BVR missile system. This development underscores the strengthening of defense ties between the two countries and highlights Armenia’s commitment to modernizing its military.

The Astra Missile System: A Key Asset for Armenia’s Defense

The Astra missile is a modern, beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to target and neutralize enemy aircraft at long ranges, significantly enhancing the capabilities of fighter aircraft. Equipped with advanced guidance systems and a powerful warhead, the Astra missile is capable of engaging fast-moving targets with high precision. It can be launched from a variety of Indian-made and potentially other foreign-made fighter jets, adding flexibility to its deployment.

For Armenia, which shares borders with volatile regions, particularly Azerbaijan, the acquisition of the Astra missile system is a strategic move to enhance its aerial defense capabilities. The missile will provide the Armenian Air Force with a significant edge in air superiority, enabling them to effectively counter hostile aircraft at extended ranges and in complex combat scenarios.

Strengthening India-Armenia Defense Cooperation

The procurement of the Astra missile is not the first defense-related collaboration between Armenia and India. Over recent years, both nations have steadily expanded their defense ties, driven by mutual interests in securing regional stability. India has been an important supplier of defense equipment to Armenia, with the two countries focusing on building a long-term partnership in the defense sector.

This missile deal is part of a broader defense cooperation framework, which includes the exchange of defense technology, joint training programs, and collaborative research initiatives. For India, this arms sale to Armenia also strengthens its position as a key defense supplier in the region and showcases its growing defense export capabilities.

Armenia’s Strategic Goals and Regional Context

Armenia's decision to procure the Astra missile comes amid heightened tensions in the South Caucasus, particularly following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, where Azerbaijan’s military, supported by Turkey, decisively dominated Armenian forces. The loss underscored the need for Armenia to modernize its defense systems, particularly its air capabilities. As part of its efforts to recover and enhance its military deterrence, Armenia has been actively seeking advanced defense technologies, and the Astra missile represents a crucial component of its strategy.

In this context, the air-to-air missile will enable Armenia to better defend its airspace, deter potential adversaries, and maintain a credible threat in the event of future hostilities. Armenia’s air defense will be significantly upgraded with the addition of the Astra missile, complementing its existing fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and air defense systems.

Geopolitical Implications

Armenia’s move to procure advanced defense technology from India also has broader geopolitical implications. The deal not only enhances India’s strategic ties with Armenia but also sends a message to other regional powers, particularly Azerbaijan and Turkey, that India won't take any foreign interference in Kashmir lightly. The procurement of such advanced weaponry could have ripple effects in the South Caucasus, as it may prompt neighboring countries to enhance their own defense systems in response.

Furthermore, this development reinforces India’s growing role in global defense markets and its ambition to become a key player in the international arms trade. By providing high-tech weapons systems like the Astra missile to countries like Armenia, India is positioning itself as a reliable partner for nations seeking to enhance their defense capabilities without relying solely on Western or Russian suppliers.

Conclusion

Armenia’s acquisition of the Astra air-to-air missile from India represents a significant leap forward in its efforts to modernize its military and strengthen its defense posture. The deal reflects the growing defense relationship between India and Armenia, and it highlights the importance of advanced air defense systems in maintaining regional security. As both countries continue to deepen their defense cooperation, this procurement marks a pivotal step in Armenia’s efforts to enhance its strategic capabilities, ensuring that it is better equipped to face any emerging threats in the volatile South Caucasus region.