India and Japan Ink Mutual Military Logistics Agreement

After years of negotiations, India and Japan have inked a landmark agreement that will allow their militaries to access each other’s bases for logistics support, a key development that comes in the backdrop of growing concerns over China’s military muscle flexing in the region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting in summit

The acquisition and cross-servicing pact was signed by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Japanese Ambassador Suzuki Satoshi, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. The agreement provides for creation of an enabling framework for closer cooperation and interoperability, besides allowing militaries of the two countries to use each other’s bases and facilities for repair and replenishment of supplies, the official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, who held a telephonic conversation earlier in the day, welcomed the signing of the “Agreement on Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services” between the Indian Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The two leaders concurred that the pact will further enhance the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries and contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a release from the external affairs ministry here.

Indian and Japanese administration and defence personnel signed the agreement Military Logistics

The signing of the agreement comes at a time India is locked in a bitter border row with China, and rising concerns among countries in the region over increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

A statement by Japanese foreign ministry said the agreement will promote closer cooperation between the militaries of the two countries, and enable them to actively contribute to international peace and security. “It is expected that the agreement will facilitate the smooth and prompt provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces,” it said. The defence ministry said the pact will enhance the interoperability between the armed forces, resulting in further expansion of bilateral defence engagement under the Indo-Japan special strategic and global partnership. “The agreement establishes the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the armed forces of India and Japan in reciprocal provision of supplies and services,” it said.

In June, India and Australia sealed a similar Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) while resolving to scale up their overall defence cooperation. India has already signed similar agreements with the US, France and Singapore. India has been signing MLSAs with countries primarily eyeing deeper maritime cooperation which is important considering China’s rapid military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean and South China Sea. The pacts signed with the US and France provide for accessing various crucial bases by Indian military in Djibouti, Guam and the Reunion Islands among others. India is also expanding overall strategic cooperation with Japan in the Indo-Pacific region under the framework of four nation coalition ‘Quad’. In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending “Quad” to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific which is seen by many countries as an effort to contain China’s growing clout in the region.

Japanese Navy sailors waving towards Indian Navy's counterpart

In June, the Indian Navy carried out a maritime exercise with the Japanese navy as part of efforts to bolster military cooperation. The Indian Navy has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region, deploying a plethora of warships and submarines following the border row with China in eastern Ladakh. The maritime space around the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, is very critical for China’s supply chain through sea routes.

Scramjet powered Hypersonic Missile HSTDV test completed successfully: INDIA

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) at 11:03 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha today.

India successfully test fired HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine (Source: DRDO)

Technical Feature of HSTDV

The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30,000m, where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned.

The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at Mach-6 speed i.e., nearly 02 km/second for more than 20 seconds. The critical events like fuel injection and auto ignition of scramjet demonstrated technological maturity. The scramjet engine performed in a text book manner.

The parameters of launch and cruise vehicle, including scramjet engine was monitored by multiple tracking radars, electro-optical systems and Telemetry Stations. The scramjet engine worked at high dynamic pressure and at very high temperature.

HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine APJ Abdul Kalama Island (Source:DRDO)

Mission Observation

A Ship was also deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the performance during the cruise phase of hypersonic vehicle. All the performance parameters have indicated a resounding success of the mission.

With this successful demonstration, many critical technologies such as aerodynamic configuration for hypersonic maneuvers, use of scramjet propulsion for ignition and sustained combustion at hypersonic flow, thermo-structural characterisation of high temperature materials, separation mechanism at hypersonic velocities etc. have proven.

Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them, he added.

HSTDV hypersonic missile powered with scramjet engine test fired successfully

Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated all the Scientists, Researchers and other personnel related with HSTDV mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening Nation’s defence capabilities. On this successful demonstration, the country enters into the hypersonic regime paving way for advanced hypersonic Vehicles.

China’s Ladakh move Xi JinPing attempt towards a looming food crisis

President Xi Jinping launched ‘Operation Clean Plate’ to prepare China for a potential food crisis aroused due to the diplomatic muscle flexing pursued abroad to bolster his standing at home. However, Beijing’s aggressive manoeuvres in Ladakh, the South China Sea seen to prompt by a design to divert attention from domestic troubles come as cratered relations with its neighbours and soured relations with its important food suppliers the United States, Canada and Australia.

Xi JinPing turn food crisis of China with its Save Food Campaign

China’s ultra-nationalistic wolf warrior diplomacy and aggressive military posture by PLA in Ladakh is a throwback to 1962, when it used the border skirmish with India to mask the failed Great Leap Forward movement that killed millions of Chinese of hunger. Xi Jinping’s focus on crash diet last month immediately set off speculation that he may expects its food supply to get worse.

Back in May, Premier Li Keqiang promised to draw up a food security plan amid the coronavirus pandemic, assuring that China could ensure food for its people ‘through our own efforts’, reward higher yield of grains and promote the pig production. Agriculture minister Han Changfu had added that the African swine fever that led to kill 100 million pigs was a big threat increase in price of pork, a staple food for world’s biggest consumer.

However, Official statistics indicate food prices went up by 13% in July compared with a year ago and the price of pork by about 85 per cent. The Qingyi River an upper Yangtze tributary saw its worst flood in a century. Already, according to data from the China General Administration of Customs, China’s grain imports had risen by 22.7 per cent (to 74.51 million tonnes) in between January and July as compared to the same period last year.

India China Clash in Ladakh a provoked conspiracy to divert attention of  food crisis in China

Wheat and Corn imports saw a 197% and 23% increase year-on-year with 910,000 tonnes and 880,000 tonnes. China’s state media denied any shortage of food instead claimed to have a record high of 142.8 million Ton this year “There is no need to worry”. According to news agency AFP, that China’s “food shortfall” will increase in coming years unless major agricultural reforms are undertaken.

China’s state media has linked Xi Jinping’s campaign to the global food crisis predicted by the United Nations, a warning that was repeated by the world body two months back when it asked governments to act swiftly to avoid disaster.

US to sell Missiles to United Kingdom and Japan

On Aug. 26, the U.S. State Department of Defense announced it has approved Foreign Military Sale of 395 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and Support System to  the United Kingdom and 32 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Japan. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air launched by F-35A Lightening II

The Government of Japan shown interest to 32 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 1 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance section, spare parts and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support for an estimated cost of $63 million from the prime contractor “Raytheon Missile Systems”.

AIM 120-C has the operational range of about 100km with speed of Mach 4 running with Solid-fuel Rocket motor system. AIM missile has the biggest from around the world more 35 countries forces use the AIM missile's different variants.

The Government of the United Kingdom also shown interest to buy 395 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles. Also included is technical assistance, publications, integration support, and other related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $46 million from the prime contractor “Lockheed Martin Corporation”.

AGM Hellfire Missile with Anti-Tank warhead being loaded on Apache 

Hellfire missile-AGM can carry different types of warheads like High Explosive Anti-Tank, Tandem Anti-Armour Blast Fragmentation etc. Hellfire has a range of 500m to max range of 11km.

Ammonfuel: the Future Sea Transportation fuel

According a report issued by Alfa Laval in August 2020, Alfa Laval, Hafnia, Haldor Topsoe, Vestas, and Siemens Gamesa are working on “Ammonfuel – an industrial view of ammonia as a marine fuel instead of regular fuels (carbohydrates)”.

Ammonfuel will drive the future shiping Industry without Carbon and Sulphur component

Objective

The ammonfuel report provides a comprehensive and up-to-date industrial overview of the applicability, scalability, cost and sustainability of ammonia as a marine fuel.

Concerns

The known and yet unknown environmental and climate regulations and requirements such as the MARPOL regulations and the IMO targets for greenhouse gas reductions. Ammonia has emerged as a sustainable marine fuel that can deliver compliance. However, some key concerns about ammonfuel are: 

Key concerns

• What is the future cost of green ammonia?
• Will safety be an issue?
• What is the global availability and scalability of ammonia as a marine fuel?
• What are the risks faced – or eliminated – by choosing ammonia fuel for the next investment?

Conclusions

Cost: Conventional ammonia energy cost is similar to Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) energy cost. Future green ammonia is the most economic carbon neutral fuel.

Safety: Safe ammonia handling is industrially proven. Ship design will implement safety solutions for handling ammonia on board

Availability: Availability and scalability confirmed as global infrastructure has largely in place

Risk: Design for ammonia and VLSFO dual fuel operation leaves maximum flexibility to minimize fuel costs and meet future regulations and requirements.

Release of Carbon and Sulphur component from ship engine

Highlights 

Ammonia availability and production scalability

120 ports already equipped with ammonia trading facilities worldwide. Annual ammonia production is 180 million tons. Conventional production over-capacity of 60 million tons/year ensures availability. Additional ammonia production to meet 30% marine fuel demand in 2050: 150 million tons/year

Demand for renewable energy to produce green ammonia

400 GW power needed to meet 30% of future marine fuel demand. In 2019 alone, 184 GW additional power production was installed.

Cost of energy from VLSFO or ammonia

12.5–15 $/GJ for VLSFO (primo 2020, price is volatile)

13.5 $/GJ for today’s conventional ammonia (stable since ultimo 2018)

13.5–15 $/GJ forecasted cost for green ammonia from solar and wind energy in 2040–2050

16–21.5 $/GJ for carbon neutral ammonia as dual fuel in 2025–2030

Safety and applicability

17.5 million tons ammonia safely traded and transported yearly by ship, truck, and train worldwide. Existing practices and know-how for a safe ammonia handling are established in the Marine and other industries and adaptable for ammonia as a fuel. Dual fuel ammonia engine forecasted availability from 2024

Environmental benefits

• Ammonia is a carbon and sulfur free fuel
• Green ammonia is produced entirely from renewable electricity, water, and air.
•  Unlike sustainable carbon-based fuels, the green ammonia feedstocks are unlimited
• Ammonia can burn in an internal combustion engine with no SOX, CO2, or particulate emissions.
• The installation of catalytic (SCR) technology eliminates N2O/NOX emissions to very low levels leaving an exhaust of nitrogen and water.
• Ammonia is metabolized in the environment and does not build-up

Three Chinese Sailor has killed by friendly nation North Korea

According to an article in Daily NK, the North Korean patrol boat open live rounds fire at a Chinese boat illegally fishing in North Korean waters killing multiple Chinese sailors.

“On August 11, a China-based source told Daily NK that North Korean patrol boat opened fire and killed three Chinese Fishermen and other injured in the incident. The source who requested anonymity for security reasons reveals that the Chinese boats were fishing illegally in coastal waters off the North Korean west coast, near Haeju and Ongjin County in South Hwanghae Province.

Chinese fishing shot by North Korean Patrol party during illegal fishing (Pic Source: Daily NK)

Chinese vessels usually work in groups, and on this occasion there were around 10 boats fishing together when one was followed by the North Korean patrol and fired upon. Three of the Chinese Fishermen on board were reportedly killed on the spot.

Recent Conflict Incidents 

The source believed there is a high likelihood the shooting was retaliation for an incident in July when Chinese fishing vessels rammed a North Korean patrol boat in the Yalu River delta.

The Chinese vessel that received the barrage of shots was towed away by other ships in the fleet, and Chinese authorities have reportedly been trying to ensure news of the incident does not leak.

North Korean Patrol party who shot Chinese boat and killed three sailor and other injured

Tensions between Chinese fishing boats and North Korean patrols aside, a recent incident led Chinese authorities to temporarily ban their boats from fishing in the waters off Dandong, which sits right across the river from Sinuiju, according to the source.

“In June, an empty Chinese fishing boat was discovered in waters near Dandong, with bloodstained footprints and what appeared to be a piece of human ear,” the source said. “After the Chinese government conducted an investigation, they concluded that likely been committed by the North Korean coast guard”. Without any way to act on the evidence, however, the Chinese authorities appear to have put the case aside, he added.

Chinese boat recovered by North Korean forces

A source in North Pyongan Province familiar with this incident explained that such “untoward incidents” have been happening because North Korean soldiers have less income from bribes than before following the closure of the Sino-North Korean border.

“Military units have become even more brutal since they are barred from going out to sea to earn money because of COVID- 19,” the source said, adding, “The fact that they are willing to commit piracy and even murder has left Chinese people frightened”.

Pakistan Released a long list of Defence Equipment and Ammunition buying from China

Pakistan is on a shopping spree of military equipment in China which it is feared will help arm jihadis and facilitate their intrusion in India and Afghanistan. The long list of items includes 80,000 rounds of steel bullets. According to a report, signalling a possible use by terrorists infiltrating into Kashmir from Line of Control (LoC) India and along Durand Line Afghanistan border specially Pashtun Majority.

Pakistan has made a long list of ammunition to buy from its evergreen friend China

A bulk order of these bullets is alarming as it indicated how Pakistan may equip terrorists to cause maximum damage to the Indian security forces. Pakistan’s purchases of defence equipment from China to aid terrorists attempting to infiltrate into Kashmir shows the collusion between two countries against India, intelligence reports indicate.

The big arms purchases are happening in the wake of India-China standoff in Ladakh over the last three months. Despite military and diplomatic talks, the deadlock has not ended with both sides continuing with their military build-up at the Line of Actual Control.

list of items that Pakistan is buying from China

Steel bullets are potent enough to pierce through bulletproof jackets and have been used by terror groups against security forces in the last few years along both the borders. Reports also suggest that ALIT has offered Pakistan command and control options, including direct line-of-sight and satellite communications.

Pakistan's long list of defence equipment and ammunition buying from china

Pakistan has already procured 3,000-4,000 military combat ballistic bulletproof jackets from China. Pakistan is also procuring balloon radars, these helium-filled balloon looking airborne ground surveillance systems can go up to a height of 15,000 feet.

Procurement of medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Cai Hong-4 (CH-4). It can carry a wide range of payloads. Includes surveillance platforms, winter clothing and equipment for high-altitude areas, artillery guns and combat armed drones. Military observers believe that China wants to ensure that there is action at the Line of Control.

A report says a 10-member team of the Pakistan Army led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal visited China to review the procurement process. “The Pakistan Army team went to China for factory acceptance test of items procured from Aerospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT), China.”

China to induct home made Amphibious Aircraft AG600 Kunlong

According to information published by the China Org. China has completed successfully sea-based test-flight of its AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft from the coast of Qingdao in Shandong province, flying for a total of 1 hour and 21 minutes.

China to induct its AG600 Amphibious Aircraft tested recently in sea and the delivery expected in 2022

The development of the AG600 was approved by the central government in June 2009. Researchers and engineers from hundreds of domestic institutes, enterprises, and universities took part in the AG600 program. Construction of the first prototype began in March 2014 and was completed in July 2016.

The AG600 Kunlong is a Chinese-made amphibious aircraft designed by the companies AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) and CAIGA (China Aviation Industry General Aircraft). On 24 December 2017, it made its maiden flight from Zhuhai Jinwan Airport. In May 2018, AVIC planned to have the Civil Aviation Administration of China type certification completed by 2021 and deliveries starting in 2022.

The AG600 amphibious aircraft has a single body flying boat fuselage, cantilevered high wings, four WJ-6 turboprops, and tricycle retractable landing gear. It can operate from 1,500 by 200 m stretches of water 2.5 m deep and should be able to conduct Sea State 3 operations with 2 m waves. It was developed for aerial firefighting, collecting 12 tons of water in 20 seconds and transporting up to 370 tons of water on a single tank of fuel (31 rotations), and search and rescue, retrieving up to 50 people at sea.

China's AG600 amphibious Aircraft during the sea test in Shandong

With a length of 37 meters and a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 is the world's largest amphibious aircraft. Powered by four Chinese-made WJ-6 turboprop engines, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 metric tons. It can fly at a maximum speed of 500 km/h, with a flight endurance of 12 hours

US's Northrop and Sierra working on new Radio Frequency Countermeasure Program for C-130 Cargo aircraft

Northrop Grumman to provide key electronic warfare capabilities for AC/MC-130J aircraft. Northrop Grumman has been selected to provide the prime mission equipment for the Sierra Nevada Corporation-led AC/MC-130J Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) program. 

Northrop Grumman Countermeasure System (Source: pic for representation)

Northrop Grumman’s RFCM system utilizes the latest in antenna, amplifier and electronics technology. This technology provides superior situational awareness and better enables aircraft survivability in operationally relevant environments.

“With the radio frequency threat growing, modern electromagnetic spectrum protection for AC/MC-130J operators worldwide is essential,” said Jim Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “Our product line approach to the RFCM program is mature and in use throughout our electronic warfare systems.”

Northrop Grumman Digital Radar Warning Receiver and Electronic Warfare Systems (Pic for representation)

The modular, open systems approach to the suite is designed to provide radar warning, threat identification and countermeasure capabilities today while allowing for the flexibility to adapt to future threats. The system is applicable to both U.S. and international customers and represents the latest upgrade to Northrop Grumman’s RFCM product line.

Northrop Grumman has deep expertise in electronic warfare systems for land, sea and air. Covering the full spectrum of operations from self-protection to electronic attack, the company’s systems are preparing warfighters for multi-domain operations. Among these systems are the F-16 electronic warfare suite, AN/APR-39 family of radar warning receivers and pod-based self-protection.

Scientists and Engineers started construction of world's largest Nuclear Fusion Reactor in France

"Scientist and Engineers from around the world started construction of the world’s largest nuclear fusion project in city of southern France Saint-Paul-lez-Durance that is planned to be operational late 2025", The Guardian reports.

Fusion Reactor will built under ITER Project for commercial market

"The project called ITER, is an international collaborative effort between 35 countries with enormous ambitions that prove the feasibility of fusion energy with a gigantic magnetic device called a 'tokamak',” as per the project’s official website.

“Enabling the exclusive use of clean energy will be a miracle for our planet,” ITER Director General Bernard Bigot said during virtual celebration. Fusion power works by harnessing the energy released by two lighter atomic nuclei fusing to form a heavier nucleus, and releasing high energy turning it into electricity.

If proven to be economical, the machine generates more energy than has to be put in to kickstart the process. The technology could lay the groundwork for an entirely new way of generating nearly unlimited clean energy on a commercial scale.

Fusion Reactor build under ITER Project by different countries from the world

Fusion power would be far safer than conventional fission nuclear energy, since there’s no risk of a meltdown or leftover nuclear waste. But if the last six decades of fusion research, it remains an elusive way of generating net energy. The extremely hot plasma inside the fusion reactors is notoriously difficult to predict and control.

That’ll make ITER an extremely complex build. Its final reactor will weigh 23,000 tons, including 3,000 tons of superconducting magnets connected to each other by 200 kilometers of superconducting cables, all of which have to be kept Cryo-cooled down to -269 degrees Celsius, as The Guardian reports.

Fusion Reactor built in France under ITER Project may be operational by 2025

“Constructing the machine piece-by-piece will be like assembling a three-dimensional puzzle on an intricate timeline with the precision of a Swiss watch,” Bigot added. The team behind the ITER project is optimistic about the tests they’ll be able to carry out using the massive reactor.

By producing self-heating plasma, the team is expecting to generate ten times the heat than the input amount. In other words, the team wants to generate 500 megawatts from an input of just 50 megawatts. Temperatures would reach ten times the temperature of the center of the Sun, according to ITER.

India puts sophisticated Surveillance Aircraft on LAC amid face-off China

According the article of 'The Tribune' After the Chinese build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, the Navy’s fleet of sophisticated surveillance planes, the Boeing P8I, has been regularly flying from Rajali near Chennai to scan the Himalayas and across.

The surveillance of DRDO put in LAC face-off China Bharat Drone (Source: DRDO)

The sky watch adds to the satellite and local UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery. The sweep and reach of the P-8I is wider than that of a UAV. Also, it can be flown on demand at any time of the day or night, unlike the Indian satellites that have a schedule to cover. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)-provided Data Link Communications allows the P-8I to exchange tactical data live to ground stations, the South Block and the Navy data collation centre at Gurugram State Haryana, India.

The plane, designed for a maritime role, carries high-end electro-optical equipment that picks up minute details. It was also used during the Doklam standoff (June-August 2017) with China. “The planes remain at their home base and have not been moved northwards,” a top functionary said. They have an extended range of flying some 3,500 km with additional fuel tanks, which means a plane or a pair of them can scan the Himalayas, land at any of the IAF bases in North India, refuel, and go back to Rajali.

P-8i flying of India over the Himalayan region near LAC border amid Chinese intrusion

The Navy has been using the Boeing P-8I planes since 2013 and now has a fleet of eight, another four are set to arrive anytime and six additional ones are being negotiated for. The US Navy, Australian Navy and several allies of the US use the same plane, modified from the Boeing’s commercial planes 737-800ERX. Separately, the Indian establishment is making a push to provide assistance to Island countries in the Indian Ocean where China is facing a negative opinion due to the Covid-19 pandemic. India has sent doctors, medicines, PPE kits and food provisions to these islands amid the crisis.

“To keep the Indian Ocean Region countries as cohesive as possible is the target,” said a top functionary. The presence of China in the Indian Ocean cannot be the new normal and the space created for human assistance due to the outbreak has to be filled up. Indian naval ships in the past two months have delivered aid to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros.

Singapore and Israel to jointly develop 5-generation Anti-ship Missile

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI) to set up a joint venture (JV) company for the development of 5th generation Anti-ship missile. ST Engineering and IAI shall each hold a 50% share of the JV.

The JV, named Proteus Advanced Systems Pvt. Ltd. will leverage the strength and track record of its parent companies to market and sell advanced naval missile systems, including a new 5th generation anti-ship missile system called ‘Blue Spear’. According to sources associated with the new JV, Blue Spear (5G ASM) introduces an advanced and novel approach for challenges of the modern naval arena in coming years. 

Anti-ship missile being tested on naval vessel

The Blue Spear anti-ship missile is co-developed by ST Engineering and IAI under a development agreement signed between the two countries a few years ago. Based on this work-sharing agreement ST Engineering’s role includes design, development, and production of major subsystems like the booster motor and warhead.

The South-East Asian region specifically Singapore, is considered as rapidly growing market for submarines and naval vessels. The JV addresses this potential with mature products that can be adapted to meet specific customer needs.

As Singapore and Israel both relies on US made RGM-84C Harpoon missile to arm its naval vessels. Israel has also converted some of its vessels to be equipped with advance version of Gabriel-5 missile. Israeli anti-ship missiles has also successfully finished test to be installed in Hamina-Class fast attack missile boats.

Israeli PM Mr. Netanyahu inspecting Gabriel-5 Anti-ship Missile developed by Israel aerospace limited

Gabriel-5 is designed to penetrate modern defense targets both soft- and hard-kill countermeasures. It was designed with sophisticated Electronic Counter Counter-measures (ECCM) dealing with chaff, advanced decoys, and active ECM. Gabriel-5 and Barak-8 both developed by IAI’s Missile Systems and Space Group as part of a combined, offensive, and defensive naval system for the Israeli navy and for export.

As new weapon deliveries can be expected only toward the second half of this decade ST Engineering said, "the setup of the Proteus JV is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year".

The JV announcing through a commercial agreement between Government-owned Companies rather than a Government-to-Government agreement, the change looks less dramatic but it certainly represents a strategic change in Singapore’s policy, that until now has kept its close relations with Israel under a veil of secrecy.