CPT ALFREDO G BALLERA JR PN(M)

NCSC – CL 90
1018 words

Working Paper 2
Struggling for A Solution: The RAN and the Acquisition of a
Surface to Air Missile Capability
By: Peter Jones and James Goldrick

INTRODUCTION
The setting of working paper 2 transpired more than half a century ago when
several countries in Asia and Pacific had posed its naval power. During that era,
China had improved its submarine capability while Indonesia acquired not only
submarines but also modern surface combatant ships under the umbrella of the
Soviet Union. Upon sensing the urgency to cope up with the naval warfighting
capability, the Royal Australian Navy identified the need to upgrade its surface to air
missile capability. And being part of the Western ally, Australian government
considered acquiring surface to air missile capability from the United States and the
United Kingdom.

BODY
At first sight, the Royal Australian Navy believed that their surface capability
need not required being modernizing particular on anti-air and anti-surface because
they will not see any threats. However, the situation on the latter of 1950 the Chinese
submarine capabilities become increasing under the Russians sponsorship and also
the Indonesian attitude seen to be anti-western, furthermore, the tension was rising
with the Netherlands over the possession of Dutch New Guinea, besides Indonesia
was still acquiring modern surface combatant from the Soviet Union aside from
submarines. Apart from that, the Indonesians were heading towards buying bombers
designed for maritime strike operations from the Soviet Union.

Australia had the same mindset with the Philippines holding a mutual defense
treaty with the United States and allies that would immediately aid the country from a
conflict with a foreign adversary. But, Australia’s outlook changed that time when it
considered the allies’ commitment to other countries around the world. The
Australians anticipated that if a conflict of another ally will surface at the same time in
their country, a lesser chance of full military support will be given to them.
Consequently, the United States was then involved in the Vietnam war in the 1950’s
that drained their resources and lessen support from their people. Hence, the RAN
deemed it necessary to have its own capability build-up Anti Air Warfare especially
that a bigger upscale war with the allies and the communist countries was brewing.

The Royal Australian Navy’s sense of urgency is far admirable. They have
sought to modernize in order to stand in their own feet in times of adversities and
yet, it was a half-century ago. Back then, Aussies were already worrying on how to
defend their country against adversaries with a far more modernized capability.
Thus, Royal Australian Navy was already considering long and medium-range
missiles as a measure for deterrence against the growing navies of China and
Indonesia. On the other hand, it is already 2018 and yet the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) is still prioritizing of buying equipment for the Philippine Army’s
anti-insurgency despite the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea and in
Sabah rather than strengthening the AFP’s capability to protect the sovereignty of
the country.

During the 1950’s, Royal Australian Navy’s fleet air arm which is capable of
air to air combat was growing obsolescent and was even susceptible of being
abolished that even added to the importance of getting a surface to air guided
weapon (SAGW). Royal Australian Navy by then was contemplating of having a
modern a larger aircraft carrier but due to budget constraints, the ambition was not
feasible. Moreover, the Royal Australian Navy could not even afford to refurbished its
old carrier that would cost them 25% more than the Royal Australian Navy’s entire
budget (Goldrick, 2000). Australians by then was inquiring from the United States
and United Kingdom for the capability upgrade that instigated the US to take
advantage and offer a “soft loan” for a strategic interest in Australia. The United
States back then was already pulling tricks from its sleeve and conveyed its interest
to establish a strategic very low frequency (VLF) communications base in Australia.
As usual, a trade-off will be in exchange for offering US hardware. In the end,
Aussies acquired the Tartar.

Also similar to some of the bilateral deals with the US and Philippines,
Americans have been taking advantage of the AFP’s eagerness to possess the US
made hardware. The only difference is that the Australians received brand new
capability, not some “museum worth” hardware that the Philippines usually acquires
from the US. Understandably, Australia is a first world country that cannot be strong
handed by the Americans and has the UK as another country to lean on.
Nevertheless, with the recent development of President Duterte’s inclination with
Russia and China, the United States was observed to be ingratiating the AFP with
better deals. A sort of donation contest even happened between US, China, and
Russia during the Marawi Siege. Hence, it should be a requirement for the AFP to
acquire quality and as much as possible brand new hardware. As what Admiral
Suarez stressed during a classroom discussion and what is written in his book,
second hand and obsolescence would simply not help in making an armed service
mission-capable and world-class (Suarez, 2017).

CONCLUSION
As a summary, the Royal Australian Navy had seen the need decades ago to
upgrade its capability for a credible defense against its adversaries. It had conducted
a well-researched and planned acquisition. More so, it had the better hand during the
deal with the United States as it was able to acquire brand new and reliable missile
system. Additionally, as the United States established its very low frequency (VLF)
communications base in Australia, it will even ensure the latter of being secured by
the world’s strongest armed forces in the world in order for the US to protect their
vital installation. For that reasons, the Royal Australian Navy is worth emulating by
the Philippine Navy. In more than a century of existence, the PN should have grown
professionally and had foresighted the need to modernize and upgrade. After all, it is
the Armed Forces who are mandated to protect the people and the sovereignty of
the country. And the Philippine Navy will play a critical role in safeguarding the
maritime borders and territorial integrity.