Arms race for world peace? | The Manila Times

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WILL war break out soon? Judging from war and peace-related news headlines, it would seem that countries are preparing for a high-tech war. Figure out the following: “China increases construction rate of amphibious assault ships with landing platform decks”... “Qatar to become first advanced medium-range air-to-air missile-extended range user”... France launched its first Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine”... “India launches combat game linked to Pakistan crisis”... “Sudan has the largest force in the Arab coalition”... “Iran credited new indigenous surface-to-air missile systems with Golden Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle shootdown”... “North Korea fires 2 more nuke missiles”... “Toughening up: Developing rugged military hardware and software”... “Nuclear war threat back”...

In our part of the world, there is an Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) resolve to take greater responsibility for our own maritime security as the South China Sea (SCS) militarization issue gains worldwide attention and concern. In Brunei Darussalam, German-made offshore patrol vessels have considerably enhanced the navy’s operational capabilities. Indonesia has a marine base in Sulawesi island and is making submarine purchases. Its guided missile frigate Raden Eddy Martadinata has been fitted to accommodate anti-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. Singapore, which has the most potent military in the region, confirmed it will field 16 m-class unmanned surface vehicles on its future multirole combat missiles. It has the region’s first submarine rescue capacity.

The Philippines is also on a procurement drive. As part of its long-awaited military modernization program, the country is continuously acquiring weapons and equipment like frigates and aircraft, including jet fighters. Medium-lift transport and surveillance aircraft, new anti-submarine helicopters, fast support vessels have also been received. As Vietnam’s economy improves so does its defense procurements. Fighter aircraft, submarines, coastal radar system, maritime patrol helicopters and fast patrol vessels for its coast guard are now in its arsenal.

To upgrade its military hardware and material, Malaysia received its first Scorpene submarines as well as its military transport aircraft while Thailand, the first in Southeast Asia to acquire an aircraft carrier, has purchased a Saab Crippen fighter aircraft. It procured diesel-electric submarines to enhance its subsurface capabilities. Myanmar, despite the Tatmadaw’s (armed forces) preoccupation with an unending ethnic conflict, pursues its military modernization drive with allies Russia, China and India.

With the acquisition of modern military arms and equipment, naval exercises between and among Asean countries significantly increased to improve professionalism, develop exchange experience and draw lessons from fellow navies. Likewise, Asean countries have also committed to defense and diplomacy forums among its confidence-building activities. One such is the Asean Plus-Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADM-Plus), the Plus being Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States. To improve interoperability capabilities, there is an Information Fusion Center at the Singapore Navy manned by a bevy of multinational naval officers.

To those military exercises should be mentioned the fact that China, with claims to most of the South China Sea, does routine sea drills in the area, one of which was described as featuring air control operations with live missiles a few years back. China installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on three outposts in the disputed SCS. Reports also say it deployed J-10 fighters to Woody Island in the Paracels claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. All moves by China pose security concerns for the entire region.

Expectedly, arms transfers and sales via military-to-military ties potentially provide a regional platform to recruit intelligence sources and collect information. On the other hand, cutting crucial military ties with neighboring and partner countries result in diminished military presence, especially at a time when China is expanding its footprint.

Military weapons and equipment magazines, and exhibition brochures summarize the latest trends in preparation for a defensive war, to wit: 1) growth in the ballistic missile defense (BMD) market; 2) growth in the counter-unmanned aircraft system; and 3) move toward weapons with multi-mission capabilities. Cited as an example is the SM-6 missile which combines anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and sea-based terminal BMD capabilities, and the ship-and-submarine launched Tomahawk cruise missile which is being enhanced to allow it to attack moving targets at sea. This exercise is clearly in pursuance of interoperability among the countries’ defense systems bolstered by awareness of missiles of missile threat and defense.

In the final analysis, the threat that one country is trying to defend against is a political decision. By understanding the global threat environment, if you want peace, prepare for war?